Governor Barr Caleb Mutfwang of Plateau state has commissioned 34 Hilux vehicles equipped with state-of-the-art security gadgets, a move aimed at enhancing the security of lives and properties in the state. The security vehicles were procured through collaborative efforts from the 17 Local Government Transition Implementation Committee Chairmen in the state.

The commissioning ceremony, held at the Old Government House in Rayfield, Jos, highlighted Governor Mutfwang’s commitment to fortifying security, particularly in rural communities across Plateau state. He emphasized the fundamental role of security as the foundation for meaningful development.

“This marks the initiation of our commitment to reshape the security architecture on the Plateau. The State Government will soon introduce additional measures to support security agencies in effectively executing their duties statewide,” stated Governor Mutfwang.

Assuring the citizens of Plateau, he emphasized the administration’s determination to fulfill its constitutional responsibility of safeguarding lives and property. “Our determination knows no bounds, and we will continue striving to ensure the effective discharge of this duty.”

Governor Mutfwang expressed gratitude to the Local Government Chairmen for pooling resources to enhance the well-being of the state’s citizens. He encouraged them to intensify their efforts in the best interest of the people.

The Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Hon. Ephraim Usman, presented the security vehicles to the Governor, stating that the gesture aims to assist security personnel in responding promptly to security challenges within their respective Local Government Areas on the Plateau.

Dr. Musa Adamu Aliyu, Chairman of the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC), has reaffirmed the commission’s dedication to integrity, accountability, and excellence in establishing a Nigeria free from corruption and governed by the rule of law. The statement was made during the Commission’s management and leadership retreat held in Kano.

The retreat brought together management staff and Resident Anti-Corruption Commissioners (RACCs) from the 21 state offices of the Commission. Dr. Aliyu highlighted the significance of the retreat, providing an opportunity for the Commission to assess past achievements, analyze current challenges, and strategize for the future.

The Chairman introduced his vision and policy thrust, encapsulated by the acronym “CARE,” representing Culture, Accountability, Responsibility, and Efficiency. These core values and principles will guide the actions and decisions of the ICPC moving forward.

During the retreat, guest speakers contributed valuable insights, and the Chairman expressed hope that the outcomes would shape the future of the Commission and have a lasting impact on the nation’s socio-economic development.

Dr. Aliyu encouraged active participation, meaningful dialogue, and the contribution of valuable insights from all participants, emphasizing the collective opportunity to shape the future of the ICPC.

The three-day retreat included presentations by the Management team and Resident Anti-Corruption Commissioners. Additionally, lectures by Prof. Attahiru Jega, Justice HAO Abiru, and Dr. Ibrahim Sule, as well as strategy and interactive sessions, were scheduled. The resolutions from the retreat are expected to contribute to the ICPC’s 2024–2028 Strategic Plan and priorities.

Kano State Governor, Alhaji Abba Kabir Yusuf, has unequivocally refuted claims of entering into any agreement with the presidency ahead of the Supreme Court verdict on the Kano Election Petition, where he emerged victorious on January 12, 2024.

In a statement released by the Governor’s spokesperson, Sanusi Bature Dawakin Tofa, a circulating document on social media alleging a four-term agreement between the Governor and the presidency was dismissed as an “imaginary piece devoid of all iota of truth.”

Dawakin Tofa emphasized in the statement that the purported agreement, including claims of Governor Yusuf switching to the ruling APC, dissolving emirates, halting demolition of illegal structures, and establishing the Kano Elders Council, should be disregarded.

Governor Yusuf, through his spokesperson, made it clear that the mandate bestowed upon him by the people of Kano, certified by the Supreme Court judgment, would not be influenced by any political opportunists. The statement asserted that political decisions in Kano would adhere to the rule of law and executive powers vested in the office of the Executive Governor.

The statement further clarified the establishment of the Kano Elders Council as a personal initiative by the Governor aimed at addressing socio-economic and political challenges, emphasizing that the Governor was not pressured to form the council.

The statement reads, “Governor Yusuf did not enter any agreement or condition with anybody before the Supreme Court Judgment. I, therefore, urge the public to dismiss the fallacy being orchestrated by enemies of progress.”

Expressing appreciation, Governor Yusuf commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for allowing a level playing ground and not interfering with the judicial process. The Governor described the President as a true democrat who upheld fairness and neutrality, contributing to the enduring atmosphere of peace and stability in Kano.

The statement concluded by affirming that Governor Yusuf had no prior agreement with the President, emphasizing that discussions during their meetings focused on the development of Kano State.

In the aftermath of the tragic explosion in Ibadan, Oyo State, Governor Seyi Makinde voiced his disappointment with former Vice President and Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) presidential candidate, Alhaji Atiku Abubakar, for not extending condolences or reaching out amidst the disaster. The governor expressed these sentiments while hosting Peter Obi, the presidential candidate of the Labour Party (LP) in the last general election.

Governor Makinde commended both President Bola Tinubu of the All Progressives Congress (APC) and Peter Obi for expressing sympathy and solidarity with the people of Oyo State. However, he pointedly remarked that Atiku Abubakar, the PDP candidate, had not offered any form of communication despite being in the same political party.

“I should use this opportunity on behalf of the good people of Oyo State to thank His Excellency, Peter Obi, former governor of Anambra state and also the presidential candidate of the Labour Party in the last election,” Makinde stated. “I thank you because politics didn’t seep into this; you came to commiserate with us over the explosion.”

While expressing gratitude for the swift response to the explosion, Governor Makinde emphasized the need to separate politics from governance, underscoring that addressing human issues transcends political affiliations.

Peter Obi, in response, conveyed condolences to Governor Makinde and the people of Oyo State, acknowledging the tragic loss caused by the explosion. He lauded Makinde for his prompt and effective response, emphasizing the importance of acknowledging and commending responsive governance.

Obi also highlighted the necessity of reducing the cost of governance, emphasizing the importance of prioritizing critical areas such as education, health, and poverty alleviation. “It’s a matter of sacrifice; elections are over, governance is the key thing,” Obi asserted, advocating for a focus on essential sectors to effectively utilize resources.

As the investigation into the explosion continues, both leaders underscored the significance of collaboration and unity in addressing the challenges faced by the community and the nation at large.

Joint troops, comprising the 82 Division of the Nigerian Army, Navy, Air Force, Nigerian Police, and Nigerian Security and Civil Defence Corps, have successfully cleared several camps belonging to the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) and its Eastern Security Network (ESN) along Umulolo-Umukele-Amousu and Agbobu in Okigwe Local Government Area of Imo State.

Lt.-Col. Jonah Unuakhalu, Acting Deputy Director, 82 Division Army Public Relations, revealed that despite encountering Improvised Explosive Devices (IEDs), the troops stormed and destroyed the hideouts of the terrorist groups. The operations also involved cordon-and-search activities in buildings used by the terrorists.

During the search, disturbing signs of the group’s activities, including occultic practices and acts of cannibalism, were discovered. The troops successfully destroyed the IED-making factory of the terrorists, recovered rank badges of two kidnapped policemen, and found various items such as Biafran currencies, fake US Dollar bills, Biafran Liberation Army T-shirts, military kit bags, cables used for IED detonation, and axes.

Unuakhalu mentioned the arrest of two suspects and the discovery of burnt policemen corpses for proper burial. In Owerri metropolis, troops on a night patrol thwarted a kidnapping attempt by suspected IPOB/ESN terrorists, engaging them in a gun duel, forcing them to abandon the victim. The troops recovered weapons and the vehicle used by the criminals.

Addressing civil-military relations, Maj.-Gen. Hassan Dada, the General Officer Commanding (GOC) 82 Division of the Nigerian Army, visited Isiuzo-Amufu community in Enugu State. He emphasized the need for community cooperation and assistance to end insecurity, herders and farmers clash, and youth restiveness in the region.

The GOC expressed commitment to collaboration with other security agencies and urged the people of the South-East to provide timely and credible information through the Emergency Line ‘193’. He assured continuous efforts to protect lives and property within the constitutional roles of the Nigerian Army.