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BREAKING: Kidnapped naval officer, sister freed in Abuja

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The kidnapped Navy Lieutenant Cynthia Akor and her sister have been released, The Nation has learnt.

Akor was released around 1:30am in the Karu area of Abuja following a joint operation by the Guards Brigade, Naval Unit Abuja, Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Police Command and the Officer of the National Security Adviser (ONSA).

The officer who is serving at the Defence Headquarters (DHQ) and her sister were kidnapped by armed men on Friday night at Mpape, a suburb of Abuja.

The criminals were said to have contacted their family and demanded N100million ransom.

But sources told The Nation that between Friday night and Saturday night, N4 million was raised and paid to the kidnappers for both sisters.

As that was going on, joint security efforts were being coordinated to ensure their safe release from custody.

The efforts paid off early on Sunday as the kidnappers who were being trailed by the security forces were said to have abandoned the victims in the Karu area of the FCT.

Sources confirmed that the security forces recovered some cash from the fleeing suspects.

They were said to have abandoned starched cash, some personal effects like clothes as well as the victims when they realized that security forces were closing in on them.

Already, The Nation gathered that some relatives of the kidnappers suspected to have important information on their whereabouts and dealings have been taken into custody by the security forces.

One of the kidnappers’ mother and sister were currently being held by the security forces while the other one’s father and wife was also in custody and assisting operatives with intelligence.

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Buccaneer Confraternity builds female cell, renovates Imo police station

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As part of its corporate social responsibility, a non-governmental organization, known as Brothers Across Nigeria International at the weekend commissioned a new female cell and renovated police station in Imo State.

The president of the Imo State chapter of Brothers Across Nigeria International, Chukwuemeka Andrain Nwokeji said the NGO built a brand new female cell and renovated the New Owerri Division Police Station.

He said, “We changed everything around the cell, the louvres, the ceilings and made it a first-class female cell.

“In the coming days, we will continue to support the police on the work they are doing in the society. This year, we decided to make the female cell of the station and we commend the commissioner of Police for the efforts he is making in ensuring security of lives and property and order in the state.

“Apart from what we have done for the police, we also support prison inmates, hospitals and schools to give them a lifeline.”

He extolled the national president of the NGO, Dr Anthony Mark for the approval of the project, explaining that the decision to construct a female cell facility and renovate parts of the office complex was a way of supporting the police and giving back to society.

He also assured that the organization would ensure the continued maintenance of the facility.

 

Nwokeji said, “We applauded the police for their dedication to protecting lives and property and combating crime. We pledged the organization’s ongoing support to the force in their efforts to maintain law and order.”

The Commissioner of Police in Imo State, Aboki Danjuma lauded the association for supporting the police in providing conducive cell for the female inmates.

Danjuma said, “We are happy with what you have done and we will ensure that we make use of it very well.

“This is the third project I am commissioning since I came to Imo. You have invested in the right place. Your resources are not wasted.”

The Divisional Police Officer, New Owerri Division Police Station, CSP Abiden Salawu commended the group for the project and noted that the officers are happy and will continue to ensure the project is protected and put into good use.

Salawu said, “Strong partnership between police and the community is a viable strategy to fighting crime. Report any suspicious movement to the police because we cannot do it alone. We need collaborative efforts in combating crime and the motivation received today will go a long way to enhance the work of the police.”

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Peter Obi Criticizes President Tinubu’s Economic Management

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Peter Obi [left] President Tinubu [Right]
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In a recent interview on AriseNews, Peter Obi expressed concerns over President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s economic management, citing the significant increase in the value of the dollar during his tenure. Obi noted that the dollar value has risen from 300 to 400 naira to 1,500 naira, which he implied is a negative development.

Obi also stated that President Tinubu is delivering on his promise to continue from where former President Buhari left off.

Obi in his statement is suggesting his view of Tinubu’s economic policies as a continuation of the previous administration’s policies, which he seems to criticize.

Obi’s criticism of the Federal Government’s economic management is not new.

He has previously accused the government of neglecting economic management issues

Ekwutosblog recalls when he called out the Federal Government, accusing it of not giving adequate attention to economic management issues. Obi expressed his concerns in a statement via his official social media handle.

He specifically criticized the recent National Assembly approval of President Bola Tinubu’s request for the securitization of the outstanding N7.3 trillion ways and means debt balance.

Obi described securitization as ‘illegal’ and pointed out that the former President Muhammadu Buhari’s administration also received Senate approval for N22.7 trillion in ways and means borrowing from the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) just 26 days before the end of the eight-year tenure.

He called for a focus on rational economic management beyond political considerations and partisan grandstanding, expressing concerns about the government’s attention to fundamental economic issues.

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Coalition tasks African Union to intervene in state of emergency imposed on Rivers

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A coalition of Nigerian professionals and political figures have petitioned the African Union, AU, over the recent declaration of a state of emergency in Rivers State.

The group accused President Bola Tinubu of acting unconstitutionally by suspending Governor Siminilayi Fubara and dissolving the State House of Assembly.

In a letter addressed to AU Commission Chairperson, Alhaji Mahmoud Ali Youssouf, the Coalition argued that the move not only violated Nigeria’s constitution but also posed a threat to democracy across Africa.

The petition, signed by Senator Opeyemi Ola, Professor Adah George, Dr James Oloko, and Dr Evelyn E. Ogolime, urged the AU to take decisive action against what they described as an abuse of power.

“With President Tinubu as the Chairman of ECOWAS, Nigeria is expected to be a shining example of democratic governance in Africa. Unfortunately, President Tinubu’s actions have fallen woefully short of this expectation. His decision to suspend the democratically elected Governor of Rivers State, Sir Siminilayi Fubara, and the State House of Assembly, is a clear violation of the Constitution and an affront to democratic principles,” the petition reads.

“Section 305 of the Constitution, which the President cited as the basis for his action, does not grant him the power to suspend or remove elected officials. The Constitution is clear on the grounds for removing a governor, which is explicitly stated in Section 188. The President’s action is a blatant disregard for the Constitution and the democratic process.

“This action is not only a threat to democracy in Nigeria but also sets a dangerous precedent for the suppression of democratic institutions and the rule of law in Africa. It is imperative that the African Union Commission takes immediate action to address this situation and ensure that democratic principles are upheld.”

Additionally, the coalition highlighted the broader implications of the president’s action, stating that it threatened the autonomy of states under Nigeria’s federal system.

The group called on the AU to send a fact-finding mission to Rivers State to assess the situation and ensure democratic institutions were protected.

“We are also concerned about the potential consequences of this action on the stability of Nigeria and the African region. The suspension of democratic institutions and the imposition of emergency rule could lead to widespread unrest, violence, and instability. In addition, this action undermines the principles of federalism and the autonomy of states in Nigeria. The President’s decision to suspend the Governor and the State House of Assembly is a clear infringement on the powers of the state government and a violation of the principle of separation of powers.

“We urge you to prevail upon President Tinubu to immediately lift the State of Emergency in Rivers State and restore the democratically elected government. We request that the African Union Commission take concrete steps to ensure that Nigeria, as a member state, upholds the principles of democracy, human rights, and the rule of law. And sends a fact-finding mission to Rivers State to investigate the circumstances surrounding the declaration of a state of emergency and the suspension of democratic institutions.”

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