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The Senator representing Niger East senatorial district and chairman Senate Committee on Finance, Mohammed Sani has turned down the establishment of State Police.

Sani opined the political class would take advantage of the security outfit if established.

He insisted that what is required is adequate funding for the existing police structure adding that resources available for sub-nationals are inadequate to fund the State Police.

The legislator shared his reservation during a visit to the Kuta Internally Displaced Persons Camp to commiserate with the people over bandits’ attack.

He appealed to the service chiefs to extend the ongoing onslaught against bandits in Niger as it is doing in Zanfara State.

The senator while addressing the IDPs, said efforts are ongoing to beef up security in troubled parts of the state to enable the IPDs to return home.

He appealed to service chiefs to extend their anti-bandit operations in Niger State to those in Zamfara State.

Naija News understands that the Kuta IDP camp houses over 3000 displaced persons mostly women and children. There is a growing concern over inadequate facilities to cater for basic needs at the camp.

Esther Jonah who is the community health worker in charge of the IDP, said children die frequently due to poor health care and hygiene.

Hadiza Umaru, a mother of six, was sacked from her village four years ago after her husband was killed and the food bank was destroyed by bandits.

Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has said he proposed a single six-year tenure and the rotational presidency for Nigeria in a bid to advance democracy.

Naija News reported that Atiku, in his letter addressed to the National Assembly, appealed to the legislators to immediately commence constitutional alterations to accommodate a single six-year tenure and rotational presidency.

The former Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) presidential candidate’s letter was addressed to the Deputy President of the Senate and Chairman of the Senate Committee on Constitution Review, Senator Barau Jibrin, and dated August 30, 2024.

Explaining the reason for his proposal, the Special Adviser to Atiku on Media, Paul Ibe, said the former Vice President’s recommendations were to “advance the course of constitutional democracy in Nigeria, especially as the National Assembly continues its ongoing effort to revise the 1999 Constitution.

“These amendments seek to raise the standard of the educational qualification of political office seekers. An end to violent takeover of political parties and thereby strengthening internal structure of political parties.”

Ibe added that it would reduce the tendencies of political parties to breach the constitution and  electoral acts

“Reducing the tendencies of political parties to breach the constitution, electoral act, rules and guidelines made thereunder, and the constitution of the political party

“The implication of the above is that political parties are allowed a very wide latitude to breach the perimeter of laws on elections.

“Such indiscipline by political parties and infidelity to the electoral parameters yield chaos in the system.

“The above amendments will enthrone the discipline that is needed in a democracy,” Ibe said.

The Anti-Kidnapping Unit of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Police Command has arrested four notorious kidnappers who have been terrorizing Abuja and its environs.

Naija News reports that the Police Public Relations Officer, FCT Police Command, SP Josephine Adeh, in a statement, said the kidnappers were trailed and arrested on 1st October 2024 after the command acted on credible intelligence.

The police disclosed that the kidnappers named Yau Sani, a.k.a Baba (an ex-convict), Nuhu, a.k.a. Giwa, Kabiru Mohammed, and Yusuf Hassan are living at their criminal hideouts in Sauka, Abuja.

The suspects also confessed to being responsible for a series of kidnappings of unsuspecting residents in FCT and its environs and their intending plans to attack some government institutions and estates within the FCT.

The command reiterated its commitment to stamping out crime and criminality within the FCT, urging members of the public to report any suspicious or unusual activities to the following police emergency lines: 08032003913, 08028940883, 08061581938, and 07057337653.

The statement added, “These gang have attacked Dakwa, Dawaki, Aco estate, Dupe Village Zuma rock, Kuchiko village and some villages in Niger and Kaduna.

“They also led Police operatives to another hideout in Gauraka Forest, Suleja, Niger State, where they dug out four (4) AK-47 rifles, thirteen (13) AK-47 magazines, one hundred and sixty-two (162) rounds of 7.6 mm live ammunition.

“The suspects also confessed their intending plans to attack some government institutions and estates within the FCT, which have been proactively prevented by the Command.

“For complaints, please contact PCB at 09022222352 or CRU at 08107314192.” 

Edo State Governor-elect, Senator Monday Okpebholo, on Wednesday (today), visited the Imo State Governor, Hope Uzodimma.

Naija News reports that Okpebholo was joined in the visit to the Imo State Government House in Owerri by his deputy-elect, Honourable Dennis Idahosa; Senator Adams Oshimhole, who represents Edo North; and the All Progressives Congress (APC) Chairman for Edo State, Jarrett Tenebe.

During his address to Governor Uzodimma, Okpebholo expressed his gratitude, mentioning his divine blessings and the support from the Oba of Benin, Ewuare II.

He also extended his thanks to Uzodimma for his pivotal role in his victory in the recent September 21 governorship election.

“We are here with our leader, Adams Oshiomhole, in conjunction with my deputy and the state chairman of our party to say a big thank you to you.

“We contested election, and by his grace, we have won the election. We are here to tell you that the next step is to develop Edo State.

“We have the blessings of God and the blessings of the Oba of Benin. Today we are here to say thank you and extend his greetings to you,” Okpebholo said.

In response, Uzodimma expressed his commitment to backing Okpebholo in his efforts to provide effective governance for the citizens of Edo state.

The Imo State Governor who holds the position of Chairman for the Progressives Governors Forum, mentioned his joy in extending a warm reception to Okpebholo upon his induction into the PGF.

He directed the new governor to justify the trust placed in him during the election.

Good morning Nigeria. Welcome to the Naija News roundup of top newspaper headlines in Nigeria for today, Thursday, 3rd October, 2024

President Bola Tinubu has left Abuja, the nation’s capital, for a two-week vacation in the United Kingdom, which is part of his annual leave.

Naija News reports the President left the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport at about 2:30 p.m. on Wednesday.

The Secretary to the Government of the Federation, George Akume, along with Chief of Staff Femi Gbajabiamila, and other top government officials, were at the airport to bid farewell to the president.

Recall the President’s Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, had earlier on Wednesday, announced that Tinubu will depart Abuja for the United Kingdom to begin a two-week vacation, part of his yearly leave.

Naija News reports that he stated that Tinubu will use the two weeks as a working vacation and a retreat to reflect on his administration’s economic reforms.

According to Onanuga, the President will return to the country after the leave expires.

The House of Representatives has rejected the National Honour conferred on Speaker, Tajudeen Abbas.

The lawmakers accused President Bola Tinubu of discriminating against the lower chamber of the National Assembly after conferring a higher honour to Senate President Godswill Akpabio.

Naija News reported earlier that President Tinubu, while addressing the nation to mark Nigeria’s 64th Independence Anniversary celebration, stated that the Senate President, Akpabio and Chief Justice of the Federation, Justice Kudirat Kekere-Ekun had been conferred with honour of the Grand Commander of the Order of the Niger (GCON).

Others mentioned for awards include the Deputy Senate President and Speaker of the House of Representatives.

Abbas and Deputy Senate President Jibrin Barau were conferred with the Commander of the Order of the Federal Republic (CFR), respectively.

However, following a motion of urgent public importance moved by Philip Agbese on Wednesday, the House resolved the Reps are not inferior to Senators, and therefore, both leaders should be treated equally.

The motion, signed by 360 members of the House, called for the abolition of the “upper chamber and lower chamber nomenclature”, stating that both chambers are equal.

Senator representing Borno South, Mohammed Ali Ndume, has urged President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to temporarily hire the services of military contractors to wipe out Boko Haram terrorists in Borno State.

Naija News reports that Ndume’s comment comes after Boko Haram terrorists launched a fresh attack in Ngoshe, Gwoza Local Government Area of Borno, where they slaughtered six farmers and abducted five others, including women.

In a statement on Wednesday, Ndume, who hailed the gallant performance of the military and Civilian JTF, said they are ill-equipped to carry out the task of eliminating the remaining insurgents operating within the northern region.

The lawmaker noted that the hired military contractors can also eliminate bandits in the North West.

The Defence Headquarters (DHQ) has confirmed the dismissal of ex-Seaman Abbas Haruna of the Nigerian Navy.

The Acting Director of Defence Information, Brig.-Gen. Tukur Gusau, who confirmed the development during a press conference on Wednesday, said Haruna was dismissed after he was found guilty by a military court martial in accordance with the provisions of the Armed Forces Act.

He also dismissed reports of unlawful detention without trial for six years, as alleged by his wife, while featuring on Brekete Family, a programme on Human Rights Radio.

Gusau said the ex-Seaman, with service number N5759, last served under Exercise AYAM AKPATUMA, which was a joint operation under DHQ.

On the allegations against the dismissed seaman, Gusau disclosed that Haruna was found misbehaving during a parade at a coordinating conference of the Commanding Officer (CO), who was addressing troops preparing for the operation.

He noted that while the CO was addressing the troops, the ex-naval rating continually interrupted the address, which warranted the officer to direct him to report to the guard room.

Gusau said that the ex-seaman refused to obey the order which made the commander order his arrest, adding that Haruna resisted and expended 16 rounds of 7.62mm ammunition belonging to the Nigerian Navy to prevent other soldiers from taking him into custody.

The DHQ spokesperson said Haruna pleaded guilty during his trial before a court martial, adding that he was tried from Dec. 20, 2022, to Feb. 7, 2023.

Gusau said Abbas faced three charges bothering on disobedience to particular orders, resistance to arrest, and offenses relating to public service property and was dismissed for violating sections of the Armed Forces Act.

The Federal government has published the Deduction of Tax at Source (Withholding) Regulations, 2024, in the official gazette.

According to the Chairman of the Presidential Committee on Fiscal Policy and Tax Reforms, Taiwo Oyedele, the regulation was gazetted today, Wednesday, 2nd October 2024.

The Withholding Tax Regulations grant rates reduction and full exemption from withholding tax to many businesses, including Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) with annual turnover not exceeding ₦25 million.

He explained that there is a provision permitting the Federal Inland Revenue Service with the approval of the Minister of Finance, to permit early application of the regulation from 1st July 2024.

The Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Rivers State, Emeka Beke, has declared that former Minister of Transport, Rotimi Amaechi, remains the leader of the party in the state.

Beke added that despite Amaechi’s silence, the former minister remains a strong force and member of the APC.

He also denied rumours that Amaechi is no longer involved in politics, particularly at the state level.

Naija News reports the APC chairman stated this during the presentation of party flags to its standard bearers in 21 local government areas of the state ahead of the scheduled October 5th, LGA elections in the state.

Beke added that Amaechi was fully aware the APC is participating in the upcoming elections and that the party candidates have his support.

While reiterating that the APC would participate in the local government polls, Beke added that the party candidates have been screened by the Rivers State Independent Electoral Commission, (RSIEC), adding that they all stand qualified to contest the Saturday’s poll.

Kaduna State Governor, Uba Sani, has disclosed he has been receiving half of his salary since resuming office on May 29, 2023.

Naija News reports that Sani made this known in a video obtained by Daily Trust in Kaduna on Wednesday.

The Governor said N4.7 billion is being deducted monthly from the state government’s federal allocation to offset the debt inherited from the previous administration.

According to Sani, his commissioners’ performance bonuses and salaries, including that of the Deputy Governor, have also been reduced as part of efforts to cut governance costs and make sacrifices due to the state’s financial challenges.

He stated that his administration was doing everything possible to manage resources, given the debt inherited from the previous administration.

Sani added that he preferred not to complain about these issues, believing that governance is about continuity.

A member of the House of Representatives, Chris Nkwonta, has withdrawn his membership from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and pledged his allegiance to the All Progressive Congress (APC).

Naija News reports that Nkwonta’s defection was confirmed on the floor of the House during plenary by Speaker Tajudeen Abbas on Wednesday in Abuja.

Nkwonta is representing Ukwa East/West of Abia State.

Reacting to the defection, Deputy Minority Leader Aliyu Madaki referenced a section of the constitution and called for Nkwonta’s seat to be declared vacant.

However, Reps Speaker Tajdeen told Madaki that he was aware of a faction in PDP.

The Federal Government has set up a working group tasked with reviewing the Laws of the Federation, with the aim of updating and proposing new legislation to support the nation’s development across various sectors.

The Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Lateef Fagbemi (SAN), made the announcement during the ceremony marking the start of the 2024/2025 Legal Year.

He emphasized the importance of adapting Nigeria’s legal framework to current national and global challenges.

A former Attorney General of Ekiti State, Olawale Fapohunda (SAN), has been appointed to chair the working group.

Fapohunda is well-regarded for his contributions to justice sector reforms at both state and federal levels.

He has been a key figure in the enactment of several transformative laws, including the Judicial Remuneration Act, which increased judicial officers’ salaries by 300%, and other significant legal reforms such as the Administration of Criminal Justice Act and the Police Act.

The last comprehensive review of the country’s laws occurred in 2004.

The Governor of Rivers State, Siminalayi Fubara, has declared Thursday and Friday – October 3 and 4 as public holidays ahead of the forthcoming Local Government elections in the state.

In a statewide broadcast on Wednesday, Fubara said his government remains committed to upholding the Constitution of Nigeria and abide by the rule of law and the principles of democracy.

According to him, any failure by his administration to conduct the local government election would be a clear disobedience of the Supreme Court’s mandatory order that no State Government must administer the Local Government Councils in Nigeria with unelected officers.

While stating that the government has made the necessary provision to Rivers State Independent Electoral Commission (RSIEC) for the conduct of the election, Fubara said the two days public holiday will enable residents of the state to journey to their various communities to fully participate in the Saturday, October 5, election.

Fubara also ordered strict restrictions on vehicular movement for residents from midnight on Friday, October 4 to 5pm on Election Day.

That’s the top Nigerian newspaper headlines for today. Read more Nigerian news on Naija News. See you again tomorrow.

The Governor of Rivers State, Siminalayi Fubara, has declared Thursday and Friday – October 3 and 4 as public holidays ahead of the forthcoming Local Government elections in the state.

In a statewide broadcast on Wednesday, Fubara said his government remains committed to upholding the Constitution of Nigeria and abide by the rule of law and the principles of democracy.

According to him, any failure by his administration to conduct the local government election would be a clear disobedience of the Supreme Court’s mandatory order that no State Government must administer the Local Government Councils in Nigeria with unelected officers.

While stating that the government has made the necessary provision to Rivers State Independent Electoral Commission (RSIEC) for the conduct of the election, Fubara said the two days public holiday will enable residents of the state to journey to their various communities to fully participate in the Saturday, October 5, election.

Fubara also ordered strict restrictions on vehicular movement for residents from midnight on Friday, October 4 to 5pm on Election Day.

The full text of Fubara’s statewide broadcast reads:  “My dear people of Rivers State, following the expiration of the three-year tenure of the Chairmen and Councilors of the 23 Local Government Councils on the 17th of June 2023, I lawfully instituted Caretaker Committees to temporarily administer the 23 Local Government Areas pending when the Rivers State Independent Electoral Commission (RSIEC) would conduct the Local Government Elections in the State.

“However, to entrench sustainable democracy and good governance in the country’s local government system, the Supreme Court of Nigeria by its judgement in SC/CV/343/2024: A-G Federation v A-G Abia State and 35 Ors delivered on 11th July 2024 effectively outlawed the administration of our local government councils with unelected officers and made several orders including the immediate stoppage of statutory allocations to Local Government Councils without democratically elected local government councils.

“Following Mr President’s intervention, the period for compliance with the Supreme Court’s judgment was graciously extended by three months, which will expire on the 31st of October 2024.

“On the strength of these positive developments, I directed the Rivers State Independent Electoral Commission (RSIEC) to take definite steps to conduct local government elections for the 23 local Government Councils of Rivers State.

“Acting per this directive the RSIEC has since fixed and concluded all arrangements to conduct the Local Government Council election on Saturday 5th October 2024.

“The legal impetus of RSIEC to conduct the local government elections was further strengthened by the judgment of the Rivers State High Court in Suit No: PHC/2696/CS/2024 delivered on the 4th of September 2024, which positively directed the Governor of Rivers State, the Government of Rivers State and the RSIEC to conduct the scheduled local government elections on the 5th of October 2025 using the 2023 Independent National Electoral Commission’s Voters Register already in the custody of RSIEC.

“As of today, RVSIEC has expressed and demonstrated concrete and verifiable capacity and readiness to conduct the 2024 Rivers State Local Government Elections on the 5th of October 2024.

“As of today, 17 out of 18 registered political parties, including the All Progressives Congress, have expressly and actively demonstrated. their willingness to participate by filling candidates with RSIEC for the election.

“As of today, over 10 States in Nigeria have conducted Local Government Council Elections using the 2023 INEC Voters’ Register since the Supreme Court’s judgment and Rivers State cannot be an exception.

“As the Governor of Rivers State, I swore to uphold the Constitution of Nigeria and abide by the rule of law and the principles of democracy.

“Any failure on our part to conduct the Local Government election would be a clear disobedience of the Supreme Court’s mandatory order that no State Government must administer the Local Government Councils in Nigeria with unelected officers with the attendant consequence of the State and the people being denied the statutory allocations due to the 23 local government areas of the State.

“The Rivers State Government would also be acting in contempt of the judgment of the High Court of Rivers State in Suit No: PHC/2696/CS/2024, which restrains the Governor, the State Government, and RSIEC from scuttling the conduct of the local government elections scheduled for October 5th, 2024.

“Consequently, on the strengths of the provisions of the Constitution of Nigeria, as amended, the Supreme Court Judgment in SC/CV/343/2024, and the judgment of the High Court of Rivers State in Suit No: PHC/2696/CS/2024, I hereby reiterate that the Rivers State Government is irrevocably committed to conducting the local government elections on the 5th day of October 2024.

“Against these backgrounds, I wish to assure every resident that the election for the 23 Local Government Councils in Rivers State shall be held on Saturday 5th October 2024 throughout the State.

“The State Government has provided the necessary funds and logistics for RSIEC, which has assured me that it is fully prepared and ready to conduct and deliver a fair, free, and credible Local Government Council election as scheduled.

“Therefore, I wish to advise and request all registered voters to go to their polling units to exercise their franchise by voting for the candidates of their choice as security personnel would be there to maintain order and ensure peaceful polls as a matter of constitutional duty.

“We are leaving no stone unturned to enable all registered voters to travel to their communities to participate and peacefully exercise their civic responsibility at their polling units.

“To this end, I hereby declare Thursday and Friday, the 3rd and 4th of October 2024 as public holidays for citizens to travel to their communities and participate in the election.

“Furthermore, I hereby place a total restriction on vehicular and human movements into, within, and out of the State, and the Local Government Areas, from midnight of Friday 4th October 2024 to 5.00 p.m. on Saturday 5th October 2024, except for persons and vehicles valid identifications who are on election and other essential duties.

“The police and other security agencies have clear directives from the State’s Security Council to arrest and prosecute any person or group who attempts to violate the restriction on human and vehicular movements on election day.

“I wish to appreciate the State’s Security High Command for their cooperation and commitment to effectively secure the State and ensure peaceful trouble-free local government elections.

“As citizens, we all owe our State the commitment to support the RSIEC to succeed in delivering on its constitutional duty to conduct a free, fair, and credible Local Government Council election to usher in a new set of democratically elected leaders to administer the 23 Local Government Councils.”

With just weeks remaining until the gubernatorial election in Ondo State, Mrs. Susan Gbemisola Alabi, the deputy governorship candidate of the Social Democratic Party (SDP), has announced her resignation from the party.

Alabi made her decision public after informing the SDP’s governorship candidate, Bamidele Akingboye, of her intention to step down as his running mate.

In a letter addressed to both Akingboye and the party’s National Chairman, Shehu Musa Gabam, Alabi confirmed that her resignation is effective immediately.

While Alabi’s departure from the party has raised eyebrows, she did not provide specific reasons for her decision or disclose her future political plans.

The letter dated October 2, 2024 read, “In furtherance to the discussion you had with me and the advise you gave me on the morning of Friday 20th September, 2024, I hereby formally resign as the Social Democratic Party Deputy Governorship Candidate for Ondo State in the 2024 governorship election. The resignation takes immediate effect.

“I want to express my gratitude for the opportunity to run alongside you. Your leadership has been inspiring and I have learnt a lot on this journey. As I step away, I wish you the very best in your future endeavours. I am confident that you will continue to make a significant impact on our great state.”

In the same vein, Alabi in the letter addressed to the national chairman of SDP, said: “I am writing to formally resign from my membership in the Social Democratic Party (SDP) effective immediately.

“This decision was not made lightly as I have valued my time with the party. However, after careful consideration I believe it is in my best interest to pursue new opportunities and directions.

“Please also note that I have given notice of my resignation as the SDP Deputy Governorship Candidate in the 2024 Governorship election to Otunba Bamidele Akingboye (OBA), the SDP governorship candidate.

“I want to express my sincere gratitude for the opportunity and for your support during my time in SDP. Thank you for your support and camaraderie during my time with SDP. I wish the party continuous success in its future endeavours.”

The Edo State Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, Anthony Aziegbemi, has said there is overwhelming evidence to prove that irregularities marred the recently concluded governorship election in the state.

Naija News reports Aziegbemi made this known on Wednesday during a protest at the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC office in Benin.

The Director General of the PDP Campaign Council, Matthew Iduoriyekemwen, and the Deputy Director General (Media and Publicity), Olu Martins, alongside PDP supporters, joined the protest to register their displeasure over the election outcome.

Aziegbemi called on INEC to declare Ighodalo as the rightful winner, accusing the commission of allegedly manipulating the results of certain local governments in favour of another candidate.

He reassured supporters that the PDP would reclaim the mandate, urging them to remain patient while the judiciary reviews the case and delivers a fair judgment.

He said, “We thank everyone for joining this journey to reclaim our stolen mandate, which was subverted by both the police and INEC.

“If we had lost in a free and fair contest, we would have congratulated them, but they stole our mandate. Therefore, we cannot congratulate them.

“This is Nigeria; we will not allow our victory to be stolen. We are confident that the overwhelming evidence we will present will help recover our mandate.”