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RIVERS ELECTIONS: NPF ACTIONS IN CONFORMITY WITH SUBSISTING COURT ORDER, REMAINS POLITICALLY NEUTRAL

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PRESS RELEASE

RIVERS ELECTIONS: NPF ACTIONS IN CONFORMITY WITH SUBSISTING COURT ORDER, REMAINS POLITICALLY NEUTRAL

The Nigeria Police Force has noted with concern the recent statements made by the Governor of Rivers State, His Excellency Siminalayi Fubara, in which several unfounded allegations were leveled against the Office of the Inspector-General of Police and the Nigeria Police Force. In light of these claims, it has become necessary to set the record straight.

Firstly, it is important to clarify that there is a subsisting Federal High Court order barring the Nigeria Police Force from participating in the Rivers State elections. This order was duly served on both the NPF and the Rivers State Government. As a law-abiding institution, the IGP instructed the Commissioner of Police in Rivers State to strictly adhere to this court order by refraining from any direct involvement in the election process.

However, in the evening of 3rd October,2024, The commissioner of police Rivers State, received reports that policemen from Rivers State Government house have been deployed to the office of Rivers State Independent Electoral Commission (RIEC) to aid the conduct of the election. This report was also relayed to the Inspector-General of Police who gave clearance to the Commissioner of Police to withdraw the policemen from the Government house and replace with policemen from the Command Operations department. The mandate of the men from the Operations Department, was to provide overnight security for the RIEC to prevent any attack on the facility.

It is also important to note that prior to this, there had been series of security breaches in the state following the spate of court orders and counter orders and reactions to them by supporters of the different political parties involved. The response of the Command to secure RIEC overnight was therefore professional and supported by the Inspector-General of Police. For emphasis sake, the policemen deployed to RIEC from the operations department of Rivers State Command on the night of 3rd October,2024 were with the sole mandate to protect the RIEC office from attack overnight. This action was proactive and responsive to intelligence at the disposal of the State Command.

It is therefore shocking to see the state governor storming the RIEC office at night, wrongly accusing the police on lawful duties, deriding the Police institution and using unprintable words to describe the Inspector-General of Police. The Nigeria Police takes exception to the unwarranted outburst of the Governor and particularly the weighty accusations which he falsely levied against the Inspector-General of Police and the entire Nigeria Police Force and advise caution and decency in the pursuit of individual political goals.

Threatening to shed blood and to burn down the State because of a Local Government election is not acceptable to us. The Nigeria Police Force is committed to protection of lives and properties and will work with other security agencies in Rivers State to ensure that there is no breakdown of law and order in the State. To this end, the Inspector-General of Police has ordered increased deployment into Rivers State to beef up security throughout the state. Citizens of Rivers state are advised to go about their lawful businesses.

ACP OLUMUYIWA ADEJOBI, mnipr, mipra, fCAI,
FORCE PUBLIC RELATIONS OFFICER,
FOR: THE INSPECTOR-GENERAL OF POLICE,
FORCE HEADQUARTERS,
ABUJA.

4TH OCTOBER, 2024.

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Fubara seized salaries, allowances of Rivers lawmakers, says Wike

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October 21, 2024

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The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Abuja, Nyesom Wike, stated that the Rivers state government has withheld the salaries and allowances of the House of Assembly, led by Speaker Martins Amaewhule, for over a year.

Speaking in Port Harcourt over the weekend, Wike noted that despite the challenges, the lawmakers have remained steadfast in their commitment to uphold the independence of the legislature.

He indicated that their salaries and allowances were withheld in an attempt to frustrate them and pressure them into begging the state governor, Siminialayi Fubara

Wike said: “You have shown the capacity and independence of the legislature. You have shown that money cannot move you. Other states should emulate you.

“They seized their salaries for one year. They seized their allowances. They said they would come and beg. Are you begging today? Will you beg tomorrow? You have shown them we are who we are.

“Tomorrow, people will look for you. Who are these guys that stood firm when it mattered most? You may have lost many things. This is the sacrifice you must make. The problem we have in the country today is leaders, who don’t want to be firm and say this is what we believe in.

“We won’t leave you behind, Rivers leaders are with you every step of the way, ensuring that the people’s interests are protected.”

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Ondo Governor Aiyedatiwa Awards N31Billion Contract To Build New High Court Complex, N1.2Billion To Renovate Govt House VIP Lodge Amid Economic Hardship

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October 21, 2024

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Ondo Governor Aiyedatiwa
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The approval was given at the State Executive Council meeting chaired by the governor, a document seen by SaharaReporters showed.

Ondo state government led by Lucky Aiyedatiwa has approved N31.1 billion for the construction of a new High Court Complex in Akure, the state capital amidst harsh economic conditions facing residents of the state.

The approval was given at the State Executive Council meeting chaired by the governor, a document seen by Ekwutosblog showed.

 

The contract was awarded to Westfield Global Construction Company at a cost of N31.111 billion and it is to be completed in 48 weeks.

In another document, the Aiyedatiwa-led government also awarded N1.2 billion for the renovation and furnishing of the VIP lodge in the Government House in Akure.

 

The contract was awarded to a company named Oakland Construction Concept and it is expected to be completed in 12 weeks.

Earlier, Ekwutosblog reported how the award of N775 million for the remodeling of main gate and perimeter fence of the Government House in Akure by the governor generated controversy within the state.

 

One of those who questioned the cost is a lawyer and activist from the state, Kayode Mogbojuri.

 

Kayode in a post on Facebook had said, “Mr. Aiyedatiwa reportedly awarded approximately N800M for the remodeling of main gate and perimeter fence of Government House grounds main gate.

 

“Aiyedatiwa is becoming financially reckless and Ondo State people need explanations on how the resources for the state is being spent.”

 

Another Facebook user, Funmilayo Moyosoore had said, “I learnt Aiyedatiwa approved Fence (Wall of Jericho) construction for #774m …….. Who will curtail Lagidigba.”

 

In April 2024, SaharaReporters exclusively reported how the governor budgeted N5 billion for the renovation of Day Care Centre/Creche.

 

Days after the report, the state government, through the Commissioner for Economic Planning and Budget, Mr Emmanuel Igbasan, said the figure listed was a typographical error.

 

Meanwhile, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Ondo State has accused the governor of spending N2.4 billion on projects it described as wasteful and irrelevant to the people of the state, especially during a time of widespread poverty.

 

In a statement by PDP spokesman, Kennedy Peretei, the party condemned Aiyedatiwa for approving N1.2 billion for renovating the state’s V.I.P Lodge, asserting that building a new lodge would have cost lesser if corruption is not involved.

 

“How many Ondo residents will benefit from a renovated V.I.P Lodge?” Peretei said.

 

“A governor who neglects the welfare of his people cannot claim they are fortunate to have him in office,” it said.

 

In response, Ondo Commissioner for Information, Wale Akinlosotu, defended the spending, stating that the approvals were aimed at enhancing the state’s infrastructure.

 

The Nigerian economy since President Bola Tinubu took over the affairs of the country in May 2023 has grappled with a series of complex challenges, with the prices of food rising almost on a daily basis.

 

Hunger and poverty have increased across the country, including in Ondo State, as a result of government policies such as fuel subsidy removal, among others.

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Army chief Lagbaja phones Tinubu, reveals health status

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October 21, 2024

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Chief of Army Staff, Lt. Gen. Taoreed Lagbaja had a phone conversation with President Bola Tinubu on Sunday, dispelling ongoing rumours about his death.

The army chief, currently abroad for medical reasons, updated the president on his health, reassuring him of his well-being.

According to sources from the Defence Headquarters, President Tinubu was pleased to hear from Lagbaja and prayed for his quick recovery.

The rumours were fueled by a social media post from Jackson Ude who claimed that the service chief died of cancer at an undisclosed hospital abroad.

But the army confirmed that Lagbaja is recuperating and remains in high spirits.

An army source told ThisDay:

“He held a clear conversation with the president and he was in high spirit. The president was very happy and prayed fervently for his quick recovery.

“I can tell you, therefore, that the rumour about his death is not correct. This information is authentic and as such, rubbishes the ungodly rumour about his death. He is recuperating and not dead.”

Additionally, the Army clarified that operations are running smoothly, with the Chief of Policy and Plans (Army) Major General Abdulsalami Bagudu Ibrahim managing duties during Lagbaja’s medical absence.

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