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Police activities grounded over uncertainty of IGP’s tenure

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The uncertainty over the tenure of the Inspector-General of Police, Mr. Mohammed Adamu, which expires on February 1, is hampering activities at the Force Headquarters, it was gathered at the weekend.
This comes as Canada pledged $10 million to support capacity building for the personnel of Nigerian Police.

There have been speculations that President Muhammadu Buhari may extend Adamu’s tenure as he elongated those of the military’s top brass since 2016.
Investigations at the weekend revealed that the speculations over tenure extension and possible successor have stalled official business.
The situation has also triggered crisis in Lagos over the alleged plot to sell a 40-room police officers’ mess in Onikan, Lagos State.

It was also gathered that while there was expedited treatment and movement of files relating to projects and programmes from the IG’s office, official business being conducted around the top contenders for the coveted position are moving at a snail pace owing to the jostling for the coveted post.

Approvals for other business have not been backed up with the necessary funding and this development has kept most files under keep-in-view while the release of funding for programmes is being delayed even as contenders have stepped up the lobby for the position.

A source at the Force Headquarters said: “The situation is uncertain. Things are hanging in the air. It’s difficult to get approval for funding.
“While activities are fast-paced in some areas, there is a lull in other areas where the potential contenders are located. This has always been the case when a new IG is about to leave or emerge.
“Don’t forget that there are also moves in the IG’s camp for an extension. So depending on what the president will decide, it’s a game of wits.”

However, Deputy Force Public Relations Officer and Chief Superintendent of Police (CSP), Mr. Aremu Adeniran, countered the position.

“What are they saying? Are they saying that there is no more policing? Are they saying there is no more administration? I think they are being mischievous,” he said.
Meanwhile, there are allegations that the police leadership planned to sell a multi-billion naira, 40-room chalet officers’ mess in Onikan, Lagos State.

Investigations revealed that several attempts by successive IGs to dispose of the property were not successful until the fresh attempt to sell it.
It was gathered that already, a private developer had started moving equipment and materials to the site.

A source said the renovation and reconstruction work was halted as the civilian staff and senior police officers were hurriedly chased out by the developer without alternative accommodation in place.
It was further gathered that the edifice also served as a transit camp for senior officers in the force over the years.

The Onikan Lagos Officers Mess contained about 40 chalets, two big halls, a squash court, lawn tennis court, a 40-room apartment being maintained by civilian cooks, bar attendants, gardeners, cleaners and drivers, electricians and plumbing staff.

A source alleged that the matter had also caused a rift between the IG and the members of the police management team, who reportedly raised concerns over the sale, alleging lack of due process.
Force PRO and Commissioner of Police, Mr. Frank Mba, was yet to reply a text message sent to him on the matter as at the time of filing the report.

Meanwhile, the government of Canada has pledged $10 million funding support to increase the capacity of personnel of the Nigerian Police.

Speaking during a courtesy call on the Minister of Police Affairs, Mr. Mohammad Dingyadi, Acting Canadian Acting High Commissioner to Nigeria, Mr. Nicholas Simard, said Nigeria was a multi-faceted developing country with insecurity posing a great challenge to its growth, which he said had become worrisome necessitating his government’s advocacy in upholding human rights.

“Canada is willing to support with the sum of $10milliion dollars, noting that capacity building of force personnel among other things diminishes violence,” he was quoted in a statement issued by the Ministry of Police Affairs.
(Thisday)

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Economy

Despite Earlier Apprehensions, Senators Agree on Funding for Development Commissions

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Despite Senators’ division over new regional development commissions’ funding arrangement, Lawmakers in the Red Chamber on Thursday finally agreed on the source of funding for the newly created zonal development commissions.

The arguments had unfolded as the Senate and House of Representatives moved forward with legislation to establish these commissions, which were also stripped of operational immunity for their boards and executives.

The disagreement emerged during the clause-by-clause consideration of the South-South Development Commission Establishment Bill 2024, which serves as the structural template for other zonal commissions.
Central to the debate was the Senate Committee on Special Duties’ recommendation that 15% of statutory allocations from member states be directed toward funding these commissions.

Several Senators, including Yahaya Abdullahi (PDP, Kebbi North), Wasiu Eshinlokun (APC, Lagos East), and Seriake Dickson (PDP, Bayelsa West), voiced concerns over the proposed funding model.

 

 

Senator Abdullahi warned that the provision could lead to legal challenges from state governments, as no state would willingly allow its statutory allocation to be reduced.

“Mr President, distinguished colleagues, the 15% of statutory allocations of member states recommended for funding their zonal development commissions would be litigated against by some state governments,” Abdullahi said.

Seeking to clarify the matter, the Deputy President of the Senate, Barau Jibrin, quickly intervened.

He explained that the 15% allocation would not involve a direct deduction from the states’ funds.

He said, “Mr President, distinguished colleagues, the 15% of statutory allocation of member states, recommended for funding of Zonal Development Commissions by the federal government, is not about deduction at all.

“What is recommended, as contained in the report presented to us by the Committee on Special Duties and being considered by the Senate now, is that 15% of the statutory allocation of member states in a zonal development commission would, by way of calculation by the federal government, be used to fund the commission from the Consolidated Revenue Fund.

“Each state has a monthly statutory allocation, 15% of which, as contained in this report being considered, will be calculated by the federal government and removed from the Consolidated Revenue Fund for funding of their Development Commission.”

Despite Barau’s explanation, several senators remained unconvinced and expressed their desire to contribute to the debate.

However, Senate President Godswill Akpabio stepped in, asserting that the provision was constitutionally sound.

“We don’t need to debate whether 15% of statutory allocations from member states in a commission would be deducted,” Akpabio said, citing Section 162(4) of the 1999 Constitution, which grants the National Assembly the authority to appropriate funds from either the Consolidated Revenue Fund or the Federation Account.

“Fifteen percent of the statutory allocation has been recommended by the Senate, and by extension, the National Assembly, for funding these zonal development commissions. Anyone who wishes to challenge that in court is free to do so,” he added.

Akpabio then called for a voice vote, and the majority voted in favour of the provision.

In his remarks following the passage of the consolidated bills, Akpabio expressed gratitude to the Senators for their efforts in finalising the Zonal Development Commissions.

He noted that these commissions would provide a foundation for the newly created Ministry of Regional Development.

The bills passed include the South-South Development Commission Establishment Bill 2024, the North West Development Commission Act (Amendment) Bill 2024, and the South-East Development Commission Act (Amendment) Bill 2024.

The South West Development Commission Establishment Bill 2024 and the North Central Development Commission Establishment Bill 2024 were previously passed.

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Uncategorized

Tinubu Seeks Senate Confirmation for Seven Ministerial Nominees

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By Elizabeth Okwe and Ojone Grace Odaudu

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu on Thursday urged the Senate to screen for confirmation, seven nominees for appointment as ministers.

Senate President Godswill Akpabio read President Tinubu’s letter of request during plenary.

The ministerial nominees for Senate’s consideration and approval are, Dr Nentawe Yilwatda (Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Reduction); Muhammadu Dingyadi (Labour & Employment); Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu (State Foreign Affairs), and Dr Jumoke Oduwole (Industry, Trade and Investment).

Others are, Idi Mukhtar Maiha (Livestock Development), Yusuf Ata (State, Housing and Urban Development), and Dr. Suwaiba Ahmad (State Education).

Akpabio referred the nominees to the Committee of the Whole for further legislative work as soon as possible

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Tinubu Fires More Ministers

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By Elizabeth Okwe and Ojone Grace Odaudu

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has fired at least five ministers

The ministers are

1. Barr. Uju-Ken Ohanenye, Minister of Women Affairs

2. Lola Ade-John, Minister of Tourism

3. Prof Tahir Mamman, Minister of Education

4. Abdullahi Muhammad Gwarzo, Minister of State, Housing and Urban Development

5. Dr. Jamila Bio Ibrahim, Minister of Youth Development.

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