Connect with us
Advertisment

Politics

Insecurity,  Anambra Guber  And Fears of Commissioner  Kuryas’s Competence

Published

on

Insecurity,  Anambra Guber, And Fears of Commissioner  Kuryas’s Competence.

Insecurity,  Anambra Guber, And Fears of Commissioner  Kuryas’s Competence.

Advertisment

 

 

Advertisment

 

Insecurity and Anambra State November guber election, which have become worrisome, are the focus of the Research and Intelligence Unit of National Association of Online Security Reporters, NAOSRE’s Week 12 Security Review*
The height of brazen attacks on Police Stations and the killing of personnel was experienced after the hijack of peaceful #EndSARS protest by hoodlums in October 2020.
 Inspector-General of Police, Mr. Mohammed Adamu, said that no fewer than 22 police officers were killed by youth protesting police brutality while hundreds of police stations and formations across the country were damaged.
But long after the end of the violent protests when the wounds were healing and Police pulling out of the onslaught with the rebuilding of its formations, Policemen seem to have become endangered species, especially in South East.
The attacks on Police which have assumed a worrisome dimension have resulted in the loss of personnel, destruction of the vehicle and police stations have been reported in Abia State, Anambra State, Ebonyi State, and Imo state all in southeast Nigeria as well as Cross Rivers.
On December 24, a Police team at Amannachi on the Orlu-Ihiala Road was attacked by gunmen who killed two personnel instantly and later set their patrol vehicle ablaze.
Civilian victims were also recorded on the day of the including a promising youth popularly called ‘Soludo’ whose vehicle was also snatched in the process.
On January 10, three Police officers including two male and one female were killed when unidentified gunmen invaded Onueke Police Station in Ezza South Local Government Area of Ebonyi state and carted away two Ak riffles.
Loveth Odah, Police Public Relations Officer in Ebonyi state confirmed the attack and death of personnel.
According to her, “Yes, three policemen were killed in the attack. We don’t know the identity of the attackers yet. We are calling on the general public to provide information to the police in order to hunt down the perpetrators of this heinous crime,” she said.
The tales of deaths of Policemen in the hands of gunmen reverberated in Cross River State on Feb 24 when four of them on patrol were gunned down.
It was bloody recently in Calabar, Cross River State South-South Nigeria as unknown gunmen gunned four police officers at a checkpoint at about 12:30 am.
The policemen comprising two inspectors and two sergeants were killed in the early hours of Thursday at a checkpoint along MCC – Idundung road in Calabar
According to a local eyewitness, their dead bodies were seen on the floor in their pool of blood as a team of policemen recovered the two ruffles that were left behind.
Miss Irene Ugbo, PPRO in Cross River said that the Command has been thrown into grief and is very bitter about the ugly incident.
“It is quite unfortunate and we feel really sad and in mourning mood about the death of the four officers who lost their lives.
“We are investigating the matter and will surely root out the culprits no matter how far they run or hide, we must get them that I can assure you,” she said.
In Abia state, gunmen struck at Omoba Police station in Isiala Ngwa South and Abayi Station in Aba on Feb. 2 and Feb. 23 killing a total of three personnel.
Police in the state confirmed that the assailants gained access into the armory and carted away a number of AK 47 rifles and ammunition.
The source wondered why the police should be the target of those responsible such that able-bodied responsible personnel who were fathers, brothers, sons, mothers, sisters, and likely breadwinners of the family would be mowed down so wickedly.
Mr. Chucks Ezeh, a resident of one of the communities where Police were killed says they are living in fear because those who should protect them from criminals are murdered in cold blood.
Ezeh said though there had not been report of violent crime in the area, the possible disappearance of Police from the roads could lead to increased insecurity. “We don’t understand what the new Police Commissioner is doing,” he lamented.
Mr Osita Obijiofor, an activist, condemned the attacks saying it is not the solution to any problem.
Obi said the killings are not good for the security of the area as Police personnel would now operate with utmost caution and fear.
The activist called on governors in the region to harmonize and come up with a strategic regional plan to curb insecurity in the area.
“Though I did not support EndSAR, I have always called for reform of police towards creating a more robust relationship between the Police and the people.
“The attacks on Policemen and police formations are unfortunate because the Police still remain the closest security outfit to the people. Moreover, killing them will not end corruption or injustice because they are part of society.
“Though, there is a need for the Police to work on their relationship with the people.
“As a way forward, governors of states in the affected regions should see the development as a problem and come together to discuss the common problem bedeviling their states.
“Certainly, these are youths, the governors should have a way of reaching the youth and convincing them that they are for their interest, it should worry them why Police in their states are being attacked,” he said.
A security expert, Colonel Chuba Ikeagwu (Rrtd) said there is a need for more intelligence gathering in order to address the brewing arms buildup in Southern Nigeria.
Ikeagwu said the attack on Police is an institutional challenge for which the police must examine itself to discover at which point they have become endangered in the society. He admonished heads of Police formations like the Commissioner to undergo internal reassessment to be able to fight crime.
He condemned the transfer of arms to people without licenses which happens on the basis of corruption and blamed it on the inability to provide adequate security for Nigerians.
According to him, there is no smoke without fire, something is wrong somewhere and only the police can explain better what has happened it is not usual for the police to be under this type of attack.
“Again, it could be possible arms build up in response to what is happening in the North where herdsmen display the alarming volume of arms and efforts are not being made to mop them up.
“Federal government should not only condemn activities of herdsmen who as threatening the peace of this country, but it should also deal with them ruthlessly and unapologetically.
“This will send a clear signal about how government view lawlessness and discourage people from going away with illegal arms,” he said.
In all of this, however, is the case of Anambra State and the heightened security situation occasioned by the November governorship contest that is billed to be a battle of the titans.
First, Anambra State parades the highest number of billionaires in Nigeria and ostensibly, the richest in the country on individual accounts.
Therefore, any election in Anambra State is often more of do or die where money is not a problem to arm the young ones with sophisticated arms for electoral operations.
This has technically become a source of worry to stakeholders and residents of the State who are of the view that the newly transferred Commissioner of Police to the State, Monday Bala Kuryas, has not demonstrated the required dexterity to curb crimes in the commercially activated State.
Speaking to NAOSRE Intelligent and Research Unit, Chief Okafor Mbadinuju {Not related to the former governor} who resides in the state said:
“I have not seen any action by the new CP to curtail the excesses of these young criminals. We are all afraid because this is an election year. There is governorship election and lots of arms are entering Anambra like a never-ending stream,” he said.
Only recently, four Anambra policemen in two patrol teams lost their lives in Mkpologwu and Omogho in Aguata and Orumba North Local Government Areas on Feb. 25.
CSP Haruna Mohammed, then  PPRO in Anambra who confirmed the attack said the Commissioner of Police had visited the scene of the incident.
“The gunmen who drove in a saloon car and a black Mercedes Benz 4Matic SUV opened fire on the policemen deployed to patrol the two locations,” he said.
“Meanwhile, the CP has ordered for a discreet investigation into the circumstances surrounding the incident and bring perpetrators of the dastardly act to book,” he said.
In spite of the open condemnations that trail the attacks, the perpetrators of these killings have neither been arrested nor prosecuted.
According to various accounts, the attacks exhibit peculiar but similar characteristics going for the lives of policemen and making away with their rifles
.
They go unsuspectingly, execute their mission and flee most times not resisted and without trial. No government or security agencies have been able to unmask the identities of these gunmen and it has not been established if the perpetrators are members of the same ring.
However, sources under pleaded anonymity suspect that they could be members of Eastern Security Network (ESN) a vigilante group created by outlawed Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) under the leadership of Mazi Nnamdi Kanu.
A 300 level student of Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Akwa who simply gave his name as Desmond corroborated the fears of Mbadinuju saying “We are told Commissioner  Monday Bala Kuryas has served as Area Commander in Nsukka, Enugu State which means he should understand the terrain but nothing has changed and this is election years. We don’t even see the police chasing criminals. The ones we see are sent to the roads to collect money and that is all,” he volunteered.
Reacting, the new Command spokesman, DSP Nkenga Tochukwu to NAOSRE on Tuesday afternoon that those who complain that they are not seeing uniformed officers on the roads are right “Because the Command does more of convert operations {Deployment of intelligent officers on towns and villages} and we have been making success,”
Tochukwu added that it will not be correct to single out Anambra State as security pruned saying that “This is a trying period to everyone. No state is totally free from insecurity. But at the Anambra State Command, I can tell you that we are doing our best,” the DSP submitted.
Commissioner  Monday Bala Kuryas who hails from Kurya Dadu in Jaba Local Government Area of Kaduna State assumed duty as the 29th Commissioner of Police (CP) in Anambra.
He replaced Mr. John Abang who has been elevated to the rank of Assistant Inspector General of Police.

Advertisment

Politics

The Mandate Movement Applauds Tinubu’s Modest Birthday Decision

Published

on

The Mandate Movement Applauds Tinubu's Modest Birthday Decision

The Mandate Movement Applauds Tinubu’s Modest Birthday Decision

 

Advertisment

 

Abdullahi Ayinde Enilolobo, the respected Lagos State Chairman of The Mandate Movement (TMM), has extended felicitations to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu on the occasion of his 72nd birthday, wishing him God’s blessings as he leads the nation.

Advertisment

 

The Mandate Movement Applauds Tinubu's Modest Birthday Decision

 

Advertisement

 

This statement was conveyed in a statement by Prince Adewale Arogundade, a member of the group’s Central Working Committee (CWC), and made available to newsmen on Friday.

Enilolobo acknowledged President Tinubu’s long-standing commitment to the country, describing Tinubu as a democrat and true progressive who has built bridges transcending ethnic, religious, and political boundaries.

In the goodwill message, Enilolobo further stated: “As you mark your 72nd birthday anniversary, Abdullahi Ayinde Enilolobo said, the Central Working Committee (CWC), leaders, members, and stakeholders of our great group join your well-wishers, at home and abroad, in praying to God to grant Your Excellency many more years in excellent health and divine wisdom in your illustrious service to our country and humanity.

“Your message of Renewed Hope resonated with our noble citizens, who voted massively to elect you as the President. We pray that Almighty God will renew your strength and commitment to demonstrably improving the living conditions of our people.”

President Tinubu, who turns 72, had opted for a low-key birthday celebration, attributing this to the challenging times the country is facing. The group therefore saluted the President for his decision, which reflects his solemn commitment to addressing pressing national issues, especially in the wake of recent security concerns.

Advertisment
Continue Reading

Politics

Tinubu @72: Photos As Lagos Lawmakers Honour Nigeria’s President

Published

on

Tinubu @72: Photos As Lagos Lawmakers Honour Nigeria’s President

 

Advertisment

 

 

Advertisment

Lawmakers at the Lagos State House of Assembly took turns to speak glowingly of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu on Thursday as he marks his 72nd birthday on Friday.

 

 

Advertisement

 

 

The lawmakers commended the President for deciding on no-celebration of his birthday in consideration of the mood of the nation as, according to them, this was the mark of true leadership.

However, the lawmakers said it was important to celebrate the President’s achievements while he was governor of Lagos and his current strides noting that his policies in the State have continued to put Lagos on the global map.

Speaker of the House, Rt. Hon. Mudashiru Obasa, while praying for good health and strength for the President, noted that the successes so far achieved by Lagos can be linked to Tinubu’s wisdom and leadership capacity.

“When Asiwaju Tinubu became governor, we all know how much Lagos was earning. He successfully moved the revenue of the state from N600 million to over N8 billion in 2007. He also set in motion strategies for the upward progression of the revenue generation.

“This is not just about his birthday. It is a celebration of Lagos and where his policies have carried us. The Lagos Red Line rail project was unveiled recently and Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu reiterated that the achievement can be attributed to Asiwaju who created the Lagos Metropolitan Area Transport Authority (LAMATA) while he was governor,” Dr. Obasa said.

The Speaker directed the Clerk of the House, Barr. Olalekan Onafeko, to transmit a congratulatory message to the President on behalf of the lawmakers, staff and management of the Assembly.

In his contribution, the Majority Leader of the House, Hon. Noheem Adams, prayed that the steps currently being taken by the President would bring Nigeria out of its challenges.

While the Deputy Majority Leader, Adedamola Richard Kasunmu, described Tinubu as a compassionate leader, Hon. Sa’ad Olumoh (Ajeromi-Ifelodun 1) said Tinubu’s journey has been one of successes as seen in Lagos and his current administration at the centre. He prayed that the President’s current policies will also be beneficial to every citizen.

On his part, Hon. Sylvester Ogunkelu (Epe 2) recalled how Obasa prayed in 2019 that Tinubu would be president adding that Tinubu had shown his leadership acumen by deciding not to celebrate this year’s birthday.

Hon. Foluke Osafile (Amuwo Odofin 1) commended the President’s current steps while Hon. Adewale Temitope (Ifako Ijaiye 1) prayed that God continue to direct Tinubu’s paths and also keep Lagos lawmakers soaring.

 

 

Tinubu @72: Photos As Lagos Lawmakers Honour Nigeria's President

Eromosele Ebhomele
Chief Press Secretary to the Speaker of the Lagos State House of Assembly.

Advertisment
Continue Reading

Politics

BEHOLD THE BEAUTIFUL BRIDE OF OSADEBE AVENUE BECKONS

Published

on

BEHOLD THE BEAUTIFUL BRIDE OF OSADEBE AVENUE BECKONS

BEHOLD THE BEAUTIFUL BRIDE OF OSADEBE AVENUE BECKONS

 

Advertisment

 

In the spirits of the exigencies of present charged up political topical realities and conversations,I am inherently inclined to ruminate and juggle our consciousness around the personage of Hon Senator M.Okpebholo and his walk towards becoming the Governor of Edo State.

Advertisment

 

 

 

Advertisement

 

Humanity has always been subsumed,inundated with transformative phases culminating into palpable tangible events and outcomes and leading to positive disruptive developmental changes.

Undoubtedly,ideas visions and actionable goals shapes our world into transcendental growth and transformative developments.

A purposeful and iconoclastic idea whose time has come breaks down all barriers and obstacles to shine and glow into unparalleled unbridled fruition and acceptance.

In this sense,it’s pertinent to encapsulate rather unequivocally that Senator M Okpebholo emergence as the flag bearer of APC in the forthcoming Edo State elections is an idealistic momentous indication of an idea whose time has come-he is the rave of the moment that everyone should reasonably pander to and readily identify with without hesitations or scruples.

Resoundingly loud in the lips of rational citizens and netizens in and beyond Edo State is the very unmistakable ubiquitous voices,agitations,drumming,clamoring,for the easy going,down to earth,soft spoken,unassuming,humane,humbleness personified mien of Hon Senator M Okpebholo whose time has come to become the Governor of Edo State.

Typically,analogically and apparently the difficulties encountered with attempting to stop a moving train is the same struggle and resistance cum obstinacy to be overcome all attempts to stop the movement of SMO trains into Osadebey Avenue.

Interestingly,but ironically rumor mill and social media tends to be irreverently awash with arguments and postulations for or against and about the antecedents and benevolent overtures of SMO in the past as indices,parameters and anecdotes or measuring yardstick for future performances upon emergence as Governor….and l am simply miffed,wondering and asking rhetorically for the umpteenth time a subliminal regurgitation of our memories as to the performances of our erstwhile Governor Oshiomhole Gov Obaseki,Gov Igbinedion,Gov Odigie Oyegun
before they became Governors of Edo State??

I will be stultified and jolted into coalesce,condescension and submission if one can point at a meaningful remembrance of any grandiose project or remarkable charitable contributions they made in their respective local governments or senatorial zones prior to their being elected as Governors.

Suffice to state that I am struggling to decipher the rationale behind the conversation that previous acts of charity and projects done becomes a major political indicator and justification for becoming a Governor of Edo state.

Therefore and rightly so,it aggregates to cheap assailable blackmail all attempts to profile Hon Senator M Okpebolo on the basis of his personal acts of charity as a vicarious lens of assessment and for voting him into Office as Governor or otherwise.

He is irrevocably the beautiful bride of Edo Politics whose time is now.
An impeccable candidate with no baggages.He is his self cheerleader.
He is your everyday people person who operates an open door policy.
He is a rare silent achiever and an astute leader with pedigree of talking less but doing more.
He is an asset and a gift to Edo State

He is not your regular run of the mill boastful politician who speaks with both sides of the mouth denigrating with prism alluring lies uncensored

In the main,the whole essence of political participation is intended to make policy decisions that could shape up and lead to definitive changes,gains and democratic reforms for the generality of the public interest.

And l boldly posit unapologetically that voting Hon Senator M Okpebholo as Governor of Edo State is a wise choice to make come Election Day cos he will walk the talk by matching words with actionable and transformative deliverables of democratic dividends upon becoming the Governor of Edo State.

 

BEHOLD THE BEAUTIFUL BRIDE OF OSADEBE AVENUE BECKONS

Vibes up the Rhythm

Advertisment
Continue Reading

Cover Of The Week

Trending