The Chairman of the Police Service Commission, Mr Solomon Arase, issued a stern warning to officials deployed for the recruitment of new Constables, cautioning them against the collection of money from applicants and their families. Arase, a retired Inspector-General of Police, emphasized the significance of the recruitment exercise and stressed the need to defend the sanctity of the commission’s mandate.

During a pre-deployment briefing for physical and credentials screening officials ahead of the exercise starting on Monday across the federation, Arase stated that the recruitment process goes beyond a routine exercise; it is a defense of the commission’s mandate and a demonstration of its competence.

Arase highlighted the importance of maintaining integrity and fairness, stating that collecting money from applicants or their families contradicts these principles. He reminded officials that they are not just fulfilling a duty but shaping the future of the Nigeria Police Force.

Addressing the challenges anticipated during the exercise, particularly with over 400,000 applicants, Arase urged officials to uphold the highest standards of professionalism and ethical conduct. He emphasized the responsibility entrusted to them, considering the recruitment’s broader impact on the nation’s aspirations for a just and secure future.

The Chairman emphasized the significance of this recruitment, being the first conducted by the Commission after the Supreme Court Judgment on July 20, 2023, that reaffirmed the commission’s primacy and exclusivity in recruiting for the Force.

Arase urged officials to set the gold standard for future recruitments, recognizing that the nation’s watchful eyes would scrutinize their every move. He implored them to exhibit unwavering dedication and commitment to the principles of fairness and justice.

In conclusion, Arase emphasized the solemn duty to ensure that the recruitment exercise establishes a gold standard for future recruitments, urging officials to uphold the highest standards of discipline, integrity, and honesty throughout the entire process.

In a significant move, the Nigeria Police Force is set to welcome 30,000 new recruits out of a staggering pool of over 400,000 applicants who applied for the police constable position during the six-week application period. The announcement was made by Solomon Arase, the Chairman of the Police Service Commission (PSC), and former Inspector General of Police, in a statement released on Sunday.

The recruitment process, slated to commence on Monday, January 8, will encompass nationwide physical and credentials screenings for the successful applicants. Arase emphasized the gravity of the task at hand during a pre-deployment briefing, stating, “this is not merely a recruitment exercise; rather, it is a saga – an epic tale where your actions will reverberate through time, each decision, each interaction becomes a paragraph in this narrative, shaping the perception of our Commission and the legacy we leave behind.”

Arase urged PSC staff to maintain the highest standards of professionalism and integrity, recognizing the unprecedented challenges they might encounter. He emphasized the pressure associated with handling the large volume of applicants, each presenting a case for joining the Nigeria Police Force.

The Chairman highlighted the historical significance of this recruitment, marking the first conducted by the Commission since the landmark Supreme Court Judgment of July 20, 2023, which reaffirmed the primacy and exclusivity of the Commission in recruiting for the Nigeria Police Force.

To ensure efficiency and transparency, the PSC is establishing a Situation Room at its Corporate Headquarters in Jabi, Abuja, for the duration of the exercise. Arase warned against any form of corruption within the process, stating that staff found soliciting or collecting money from applicants or their families would face disciplinary measures, including possible termination of employment.

The spokesperson for the PSC, Ikechukwu Ani, provided insight into the demographics of successful applicants, revealing that Kaduna State led with 31,117 applicants, followed by Adamawa, Benue, Borno, and Katsina. Meanwhile, Anambra State had the lowest number of successful applicants with 1,141, followed by Ebonyi, Lagos, and Abia.

As the recruitment process unfolds, the nation’s scrutiny remains on the Commission, with Arase reminding the staff that their actions will be closely observed by the public. The Chairman concluded by urging each staff member to exhibit the highest standards of discipline, integrity, and honesty throughout the exercise.

Abiola Adebisi, husband of Deborah Loveth, popularly known as Debbie, has expressed gratitude for the overwhelming support and donations they have received from Nigerians on social media. Debbie gained widespread attention after sharing on X that she wakes up at 4:50 a.m. daily to cook for her husband.

The tweet stirred controversy, drawing both criticism and support. However, many individuals, touched by her dedication, contributed money and other items to assist the couple. The donations include over 2 million in cash, two new Infinix smartphones, new furniture, and a PM’s voucher.

In response to the outpouring of support, Abiola took to X to bless the day he met Debbie, describing her as a blessing in his life. He also referred to her as a prayer warrior, stating, “She can pray. My god in human form.”

The couple’s story has become a testament to the power of social media in rallying support, fostering unity, and showcasing the generosity of individuals within the online community.

The Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL) has extended a gesture of appreciation to #_Debbie_OA, an X user, by offering a free Petrol Motor Spirit (PMS) voucher worth N200,000. This move follows a tweet in which Debbie shared her commitment to waking up at 4:50 a.m. daily to prepare food for her husband.

In a tweet from the official NNPCL X handle, the company expressed admiration for Debbie’s love story and announced the gift, stating that the voucher could be redeemed at any of their 900+ retail stations nationwide. The tweet emphasized that this gesture would ensure that Debbie has energy for today and tomorrow. NNPCL confirmed reaching out to Debbie via direct message.

Debbie’s story gained attention and sparked controversy on social media after she revealed waking up early to cook for her husband, who mentioned his colleague’s thoughtful act of bringing two spoons to share a meal. The tweet generated mixed reactions, with some condemning and others supporting her dedication.

In addition to the NNPCL’s reward, Infinix Nigeria offered Debbie and her husband its latest device, Infinix Hot 40. The generosity extended beyond corporate gifts, as netizens donated over N2 million to Debbie, showcasing the supportive nature of fellow Nigerians.

This series of gestures reflects the power of social media in bringing attention to individuals and stories, creating a ripple effect of goodwill and contributions.

The Accountant-General of the Federation (AGF), Dr. Oluwatoyin Madein, has refuted reports claiming that her office honored a request to pay N585 million into a private account as directed by the Minister for Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Alleviation, Dr. Betta Edu.

The AGF clarified that while her office received the minister’s request, it did not carry out the payment. The statement emphasized that the AGF’s office advised the ministry on the appropriate steps to follow, ensuring compliance with established payment procedures.

According to the AGF, payments in such situations are typically processed by the affected ministries as self-accounting entities. The AGF stressed that no bulk payment should be made to an individual’s account in the name of the Project Accountant. Instead, payments should be directed to the beneficiaries through their verified bank accounts.

Dr. Madein reiterated her commitment to upholding principles of accountability and transparency in the management of public finances. She urged Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs) to adhere to the necessary steps in conducting financial transactions.

The clarification comes in response to a document that circulated on social media, indicating a directive from the minister to disburse funds into a private account for vulnerable groups in Akwa Ibom, Cross River, Ogun, and Lagos States. The media assistant to the minister had previously stated that such payments into private accounts were legal within the civil service, specifically for project accountants.

The AGF’s statement aims to dispel any misconceptions regarding the alleged payment into a private account and reinforces the importance of transparent financial practices within government entities.

Port Harcourt, January 6, 2024 – The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, paid a visit to the National Vice Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Chief Victor Giadom, in Rivers State, raising speculations about potential political realignment. Wike, the former governor of Rivers State, expressed happiness at reconciling with Giadom during the visit.

In a video shared, Wike confidently stated that the individual in charge would soon be revealed. Addressing the crowd, he said, “Forget about these hungry noisemakers on the road. When the time comes, we will know who is in charge and who is not in charge. There is a time for everything.”

Wike emphasized that the current situation was not the time for politics, stating, “When the time comes, we will know who is who.” He urged the people not to be swayed by social media discussions and affirmed his commitment to the people.

The visit, hosted by Giadom in his hometown, Bera, Gokana Local Government Area, seemed to mark a possible realignment in Rivers State politics. Wike clarified that his visit was not for political reasons, stating, “I came here to visit my friend, Giadom. Let nobody misinterpret why I came here. That is why I came with PDP and APC leaders. It is a private visit to my friend.”

Wike stressed the importance of friendship in politics and acknowledged Giadom’s political relevance. He encouraged impactful politics that positively affect the people.

Giadom, in response, described Wike’s visit as a homecoming of a brother, friend, and leader. He pledged support for any team Wike would lead in Rivers State, highlighting the control they have over the region.

Prominent politicians present during the visit included Senators Barry Mpigi, Allwell Onyeso, Philip Adudua, Chief Dan Orbih, Ambassador Maurine Tamuno, Felix Obuah, and others.

The visit comes amid political tensions in Rivers State, with Wike expressing his support for Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s government and emphasizing the need for unity in the region.