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  • [ICYMI] Enugu State Govt, Police insist No Sit-at-home, Assure Citizens of Security

    [ICYMI] Enugu State Govt, Police insist No Sit-at-home, Assure Citizens of Security

    The Enugu State Government has dismissed the illegal sit-at-home order by faceless persons, noting that the state had since gone past that era.

    The government, therefore, directed citizens to go about their lawful businesses, as every inch of Enugu State had been well covered by the security agencies and infrastructure to assure security of lives and property.

    This was even as the Enugu State Command of the Nigeria Police also countermanded the sit-at-home advisory by criminal elements, declaring that any attempt to disrupt peace and security in the state would be met with “decisive action.”

    In a statement issued by the Secretary to the State Government, SSG, Prof Chidiebere Onyia, on Sunday, the government said, “Our attention has been drawn to a fake video by a criminal element making the rounds on the social media, advising the good people of the South East region to stay at home on Monday and Tuesday this week.

    “The Enugu State Government frowns at such impudence. The state has since gone past that dark and ignominious era when criminals and never-do-wells determined when people should go about their lawful businesses or sit at home against their will.

    “But for emphasis and sake of clarity, the government wishes to reiterate to our citizens, civil servants, traders, farmers, students, business owners that there will be no sit-at-home in any inch of the state. Citizens should go about their lawful businesses.

    “The Dr. Peter Mbah Administration has demonstrated the will and capacity to keep the state safe. The state has put in place adequate security arrangements and infrastructure to track down and deal with every criminal that wants to test the will of the government and Ndi Enugu on this matter.

    “Also, workers and businesses that fail to turn up at their places of work or business will have themselves to blame for sabotaging the effort of the government to maintain law and order in the state,” Onyia stated.

    The statement further noted that security operatives had made some arrests in connection to the false video aimed at instilling fears, while sponsors of the fake video were being tracked.

    In the same vein, the state police command, in a statement issued by the Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Daniel Ndukwe, has urged the people to go about their lawful duties.

    “The Commissioner of Police, Enugu State Command, CP Kanayo Uzuegbu, has described the advise and the reasons for a sit-at-home by a criminally-minded and faceless individual as baseless, unwarranted, and a deliberate attempt to incite fear and unrest in the State.

    “CP Kanayo emphasises that Enugu State has long moved past such criminally motivated illegal sit-at-home orders or advise, which are often designed to destabilise the social, economic, and psychological well-being of the people under the guise of secessionist agitations.

    “The Commissioner encourages citizens to carry on with their lawful activities without fear or intimidation, assuring them that the police, in collaboration with other security agencies, are fully prepared to maintain peace and security across the State. He warns that any individuals or groups attempting to disrupt public order will be ruthlessly dealt with.

    “CP Kanayo also urges parents and guardians to warn their children and wards against being used for any act inimical to the peace and security of the State, warning that the legal consequences of such involvements will be dire.

    “Furthermore, the Commissioner enjoins residents of the State to stay vigilant, law-abiding, and report suspicious activities or individuals to the nearest police station. For emergencies, the public can contact the Enugu State Command via the following numbers: 08032003702, 08098880172, 08086671202, or email: infoenugupolice@gmail.com,” the statement read.

  • Illegal Sit-at-Home Advise: Enugu CP Urges Citizens To ‘Disregard The Criminally Motivated Advise’

    Illegal Sit-at-Home Advise: Enugu CP Urges Citizens To ‘Disregard The Criminally Motivated Advise’

    …warns that any attempt to disrupt peace and security in Enugu State will be met with decisive action.

    The Commissioner of Police, Enugu State Command, CP Kanayo Uzuegbu, psc (+), has urged residents to ignore a criminally minded viral video from an unidentified individual advising them to sit-at-home on Monday, 21st, and Tuesday, 22nd October 2024.

    According to a statement made available to newsmen in Enugu by DSP Daniel NDUKWE, Police Public Relations Officer, Enugu State Command, Uzuegbu described the advise and the reasons for it as baseless, unwarranted, and a deliberate attempt to incite fear and unrest in the State.

    CP Kanayo emphasised that Enugu State “has long moved past such criminally motivated illegal sit-at-home orders or advise, which are often designed to destabilise the social, economic, and psychological well-being of the people under the guise of secessionist agitation”.

    The Police Commissioner encouraged citizens to carry on with their lawful activities without fear or intimidation, assuring them that the police, in collaboration with other security agencies, are fully prepared to maintain peace and security across the State. He warned that any individual or groups attempting to disrupt public order will be ruthlessly dealt with.

    CP Kanayo also urged parents and guardians to warn their children and wards against being used for any act inimical to the peace and security of the State, warning that the legal consequences of such involvements will be dire.

    Furthermore, the Commissioner enjoined residents of the State to stay vigilant, law-abiding, and report suspicious activities or individuals to the nearest police station.

    For emergencies, the public can contact the Enugu State Command via the following numbers: 08032003702, 08098880172, 08086671202, or email: infoenugupolice@gmail.com.

  • NBS Report Reveals Nigerians Spent 24% More For Petrol in September

    NBS Report Reveals Nigerians Spent 24% More For Petrol in September

    Despite the rising cost of living spreading like wildfire across the country, Nigerians paid 24 per cent more to purchase one litre of the Premium Motor Spirit (PMS) or petrol in September.

    This is as the World Bank in its latest report on Nigeria, said 129 million Nigerians currently live below poverty.

    In its Nigeria Development Update report released on Thursday in Abuja, the world’s financial institution said that over 129 million Nigerians represented a sharp rise from 40.1 per cent in 2018 to 56 per cent in 2024.

    The World Bank report read in part, “With growth proving too slow to outpace inflation, poverty has risen sharply. Since 2018, the share of Nigerians living below the national poverty line16 is estimated to have risen sharply from 40.1 per cent to 56.0 per cent.

    “Combined with population growth, this means that some 129 million Nigerians are living in poverty. This stark increase partly reflects Nigeria’s beleaguered growth record. Real GDP per capita has not recovered to the level it was at prior to the oil price-induced recession in 2016.”

    Riding on the back of the WB report, the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS) in its newly released Premium Motor Spirit (Petrol) Price Watch for September 2024, noted that the average retail price paid by consumers for PMS for September 2024 was N1030.46, indicating a 64.55% increase compared to the value recorded in September 2023 (N626.21).

    Likewise, comparing the average price value with the previous month (.i.e. August 2024), the average retail price increased by 24.08% from N830.46.

    On state profile analysis, Katsina State had the highest average retail price at N1096.15.

    Ebonyi and Akwa Ibom States were next, with N1090.94 and N1085.71, respectively. Conversely, Yobe, Sokoto, and Kebbi States had the lowest average retail prices at N939.38, N961.67, and N986.67 respectively.

    Lastly, on the Zonal profile, the North-West Zone had the highest average retail price of N1036.52, while the North-East Zone had the lowest price of N1014.55.

    The data collection for the report was conducted in sample outlets spread across 774 local government areas in all 36 states, and the FCT, Abuja. Channels TV

  • Tragedy as Man Dies in Lagos After Jumping into Lagos Canal to Avoid Arrest

    Tragedy as Man Dies in Lagos After Jumping into Lagos Canal to Avoid Arrest

    A man has died after allegedly jumping into a canal to avoid arrest in the Ipaja area of Lagos State.

    The Lagos Police Command’s Spokesman, SP Benjamin Hundeyin confirmed the development on his verified X handle @benHundeyin on Friday.

    He said the incident happened on Wednesday at about 10:00 a.m. in the Mosan Okunola area of Ipaja.

    The statement read, “The police visited the scene and met eye witnesses on ground who voluntarily gave their statements regarding the unfortunate incident. At about 10am on Wednesday, October 16, 2024, somewhere around Gowon Estate, the young man was a passenger on a motorcycle riding against traffic.

    “Immediately they sighted the police approaching in their vehicle, the rider made a sharp u-turn while the passenger jumped off the motorcycle, crossed the road and ran through the nearby tipper garage. People in the garage who saw him running towards the canal and at the same time emptying the contents of his pockets agitatedly warned him about a canal ahead.

    “He did not stop but unfortunately jumped into the canal. The police officers, startled at his knee-jerk reaction, stopped their vehicle, alighted and went in the direction of the canal. The people around informed the police that the young man jumped into the canal.

    “They all went to look, waited some minutes, did not see him, upon which the police left, believing he successfully evaded them.

    “The police officers did not speak with him, did not touch him, did not chase him, did nothing. The young man simply saw them and bolted. May God give his family the fortitude to bear the sad loss. Amen. Lagosians are assured that @LagosPoliceNG under CP Olanrewaju Ishola, psc+, mnips would not condone any form of unprofessional conduct on the part of its officers.” Channels TV

  • National Grid Collapses Third Time in One Week

    National Grid Collapses Third Time in One Week

    The national grid has collapsed for the third time in less than a week, plunging the nation into a major blackout.

    The grid, which has experienced significant disruptions over the past few days, was restored just two days ago before suffering another collapse on Saturday.

    Data obtained from the Nigerian System Operator’s portal (niggrid.org), revealed that the grid recorded an unprecedented zero Megawatts (MW) as of 8:16 am today.

    Data showed that all 22 generation companies (GenCos) and eleven distribution companies (DisCos) nationwide are down as of the time of this report.

    This marks the eighth grid failure in 2024, with three occurring within the past week.

    At the time of reporting, the Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN), responsible for managing the national grid, has yet to release a statement regarding the latest collapse.

  • Rivers Governor Approves N85,000 Minimum Wage For Civil Servants

    Rivers Governor Approves N85,000 Minimum Wage For Civil Servants

    The Rivers State Government has approved a minimum wage of N85,000 for civil servants in the state.

    The Head of Service of the state, George Nwaeke, announced that the approval was granted by Governor Siminalayi Fubara during a closed-door meeting with labour leaders and senior government officials.

    Following the meeting, Nwaeke confirmed that the implementation of the new minimum wage will take effect immediately.

    On their part, the Chairman of the Joint Negotiation Team, Chukwu Emecheta praised Governor Fubara for meeting the expectations of Rivers State workers.

    He expressed appreciation for the Governor’s commitment to the workforce.

    Also speaking, the Chairman of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) in Rivers State, Alex Agwanwor, noted that the minimum wage will greatly alleviate the economic hardships faced by workers in the state. Channels TV

  • Police Raid Kidnappers’ Den in Enugu; Rescue Victim; Neutralise Two Suspects

    Police Raid Kidnappers’ Den in Enugu; Rescue Victim; Neutralise Two Suspects

    …CP Kanayo reaffirms the police’s commitment to sustained action against violent criminals

    On October 17, 2024, around 8 p.m., operatives from the Enugu State Police Command’s Anti-Kidnapping, Distress Response and Special Intervention Squads, raided a kidnappers’ hideout in Nokpa-Nike, Enugu East Local Government Area, following a diligently gathered actionable intelligence.

    Upon the operatives’ arrival, the kidnappers opened fire, prompting a return of fire. In the process, two of the suspects were neutralised, while others fled with varying degrees of gunshot injuries. A manhunt for the fleeing suspects and others linked to the syndicate is underway.

    A male victim, identified as the personal assistant (PA) to a public figure (names withheld), kidnapped by the gang on September 27, 2024, in Trans-Ekulu, Enugu, was rescued unharmed. During the operation, the police recovered one G-3 rifle, two AK-47 rifles, three magazines, and one hundred twenty-five rounds of live ammunition.

    Preliminary investigations reveal that this criminal group had demanded a ransom of forty million Naira (N40,000,000.00) for the release of the victim. The group is also found to be responsible for several kidnappings within Enugu metropolis and its environs. Some of their members had previously been arrested and arraigned in court, with firearms and ammunition recovered from them.

    Furthermore, the buildings used for these criminal acts, including the present one, have been destroyed by the Enugu State Government.

    The Commissioner of Police, *CP Kanayo Uzuegbu, psc (+)*, has commended the operatives’ efforts and reiterated the command’s unwavering resolve to eradicate violent crimes in the state. He called on the public to remain law-abiding, vigilant, and to support the police in their efforts.

    *DSP DANIEL NDUKWE, anipr, mnisma*
    Police Public Relations Officer,
    Enugu State Command,
    State Headquarters,
    GRA, Enugu.
    October 18, 2024.

  • President Tinubu Mourns Late Iwuanyanwu, Says ‘He was a Colossus of Many Parts’

    President Tinubu Mourns Late Iwuanyanwu, Says ‘He was a Colossus of Many Parts’

    President Bola Tinubu has mourned the late President-General of Ohanaeze Ndigbo, Emmanuel Iwuanyanwu

    A tribute signed by the president on Friday described the late Igbo chief as a colossus of many parts.

    Iwuanyanwu died in July at the age of 82 after a brief illness.

    He said, “The late Chief Emmanuel Iwuanyanwu was a colossus of many parts. In sports, he was a pioneer; in business, he was ingenious and resourceful; in politics, he was astute; and in philanthropy, he was relentless.

    “The late President-General of Ohanaeze Ndigbo served the nation in many official capacities. He was the founding chairman of the Raw Materials and Research Development Council (RMRDC) and the Nigerian Investment Promotion Commission (NIPC) chairman.

    “He also served as chairman of the Federal Road Maintenance Agency (FERMA) board, founding chairman of the Nigerian National Lottery, and chairman of the National Orthopaedic Hospital, Igbobi.

    “I mourn the passing of this illustrious son of Nigeria.

    “Chief Iwuanyanwu was courageous, defiant of injustice, and uncompromising. He had the heart of a gladiator, resolute and indomitable.

    “I recall his sports exploits with the Iwuanyanwu Nationale Football Club, now Heartland F.C., which he founded in 1985. Thanks to his acclaimed facility for excellence, the club won several national and international championships. He was a significant factor in Nigeria’s sports development.

    “Chief Iwuanyanwu was enterprising. He believed in Nigeria’s human and material abundance and fecundity, and his investments across sectors and the nation attest to this.

    “The late elder statesman lived a life of service. With his wealth, he served his people and the nation, providing scholarships to indigent students, building schools and hospitals, and supporting many charitable causes.

    “The passing of Chief Iwuanyanwu on July 25, 2024, is a massive loss to the nation. Though he lived to the advanced age of 81, his counsel and stabilising quality will be sorely missed.

    “I commiserate with the Iwuanyanwu family, the government, the people of Imo State, and Ndigbo Gburugburu as the burial rites of Chief Iwuanyanwu begin in a few days.

    “His life and remarkable accomplishments will always be remembered, and may God Almighty grant his soul eternal rest.”

  • BRICS Unveils Demo Card for New Payment System Ahead of 2024 Summit as Part of De-dollarization Moves

    BRICS Unveils Demo Card for New Payment System Ahead of 2024 Summit as Part of De-dollarization Moves

    BRICS nations have unveiled a demo version of their new BRICS Pay payment system at the BRICS Business Forum in Moscow.

    Participants received cards loaded with 500 rubles, which can be used at selected points in the World Trade Centre for purchases like coffee and souvenirs. This marks the first official preview of the much-anticipated payment system.

    The demonstration comes just days before the BRICS 2024 Summit, scheduled for October 22-24 in Kazan, Russia. During the summit, more details are expected to be revealed about the BRICS Pay system.

    As of 2024, BRICS consists of Brazil, Russia, India, China, South Africa, Argentina, Egypt, Ethiopia, Iran, Saudi Arabia, and the United Arab Emirates.

    These nations has collectively been working towards increased financial autonomy. Some speculate the new payment system could evolve into a blockchain-based network, and the bloc could introduce a new gold-backed currency.

    The unveiling aligns with the BRICS nations’ long-term goal of de-dollarization, especially after reports that non-dollar currencies accounted for about one-fifth of oil trades in 2023. The upcoming summit is expected to shed more light on these developments and their impact on global financial dynamics.

  • Presidency says No leadership vacuum as Tinubu, Shettima outside Nigeria at same time

    Presidency says No leadership vacuum as Tinubu, Shettima outside Nigeria at same time

    Although President Bola Tinubu and Vice President Kashim Shettima are both outside the country, there is no leadership vacuum, the president’s office said on Wednesday.

    Mr Tinubu is currently on a working leave outside Nigeria while Mr Shettima travelled to Sweden on an official visit on Wednesday. The president departed Nigeria on the 3rd of October.

    The absence of the two top citizens from the country at a time the country is facing severe economic challenges has raised concerns among some Nigerians.

    In reaction, Mr Tinubu’s spokesperson, Bayo Onanuga, said there is “no leadership vacuum in the country.”

    “All state organs are functioning as usual. The Senate President, the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Ministers, and Service Chiefs are all in their respective positions, ensuring the smooth operation of the government,” Mr Onanuga wrote.

    The spokesperson argued that the Nigerian constitution “does not explicitly require the physical presence of either the president or the vice president in the country at all times to fulfil his duties.”

    See Onanuga’s full statement below.

    THERE IS NO VACUUM IN LEADERSHIP AS THE PRESIDENT AND VP ARE OUT OF THE COUNTRY

    Following enquiries by journalists as to who is in charge of our country as the President and Vice President are out of the country, we want to clarify:

    1. It is important to note that the President and Vice President are fully engaged with the nation’s affairs, even while they are away. There is no leadership vacuum in the country.

    2. President Tinubu left the country on 3 October and is on a two-week working vacation. During this time, he has been busy answering phones and issuing directives on matters of state. He will soon return to the country before the vacation officially expires.

    3. The vice president departed the country Wednesday for Sweden on an official visit, working for Nigeria.

    4. All state organs are functioning as usual. The Senate President, the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Ministers, and Service Chiefs are all in their respective positions, ensuring the smooth operation of the government.

    5. We had a similar situation in 2022 when former President Buhari and former Vice President Osinbajo were found to be simultaneously out of the country. President Buhari attended UNGA 77, while Osinbajo participated in the burial of Queen Elizabeth ll.

    6. We have also experienced it during this administration. Between late April and early May this year, while President Tinubu was in London, after visiting the Netherlands and Saudi Arabia, where he attended the World Economic Forum, Vice President Shettima left Nigeria, first of all for Nairobi to attend the International Development Association (IDA21) Heads of State Summit. After returning, he left for Dallas, Texas, to attend the US-Africa Business Summit organised by the Corporate Council on Africa. President Tinubu returned home on 8 May. During this time, the government’s machinery did not halt.

    7. The Constitution, a testament to our adaptability in the virtual age, does not explicitly require the physical presence of either the president or the vice president in the country at all times to fulfil his duties.

    Bayo Onanuga

    Special Adviser to the President

    (Information and Strategy)

    October 16, 2024

  • Gov. Nwifuru Distributes Medical Consumables Worth Over N1Bn to General Hospitals in Ebonyi

    Gov. Nwifuru Distributes Medical Consumables Worth Over N1Bn to General Hospitals in Ebonyi

    Ebonyi State Government has distributed medical Consumables to General Hospitals across the State with a charge to medical personnel to ensure judicious use of the items.

    Governor Francis Ogbonna Nwifuru while handing over the medical consumables to Medical superintendents in charge of the General Hospitals said the procurement of the items was part of his administration’s commitment to improve the health statues of the people.

    The Governor who was represented by the Chief of Staff, Government House, Prof. Emmanuel Echiegu said Medical equipment was also procured.

    According to a statement by Dr. Monday Uzor, Chief Press Secretary to the Governor, Nwifuru called on Medical personnel and the Community Leaders to monitor the use of the consumables to ensure that the purpose would be achieved.

    “I urge community Leaders to ensure proper monitoring of the items to ensure they are not diverted.

    “Let me use this opportunity to call on the people to patronize the General Hospitals because they are properly equipped instead of going to Teaching Hospitals when they have minor health challenges. Teaching Hospitals to the best of my knowledge are for referrals.”

    The State Commissioner for Health, Dr. Moses Ekuma described the distribution as another milestone in an effort to meet the health needs of the people.

    He said the health needs of the people were prioritized by the present Administration hence the giant strides so far recorded

    “In the Governor’s Manifesto, health took a prominent position, that is why immediately he came on board the first thing was to address the challenges facing the sector by recruiting medical personnel, and upgrading our Geneal Hospitals among others”.

    He commended the Governor for the procurement of the medical Consumables and assured that the ministry will monitor the use of the consumables.

    “You should set up a committee to monitor the use of the items in the interest of the people . In no distant time, Medical equipment will also be distributed courtesy of our Governor”.

    It will be recalled that Ebonyi State Government recently procured Medical equipment and consumables valued at over One Billion Naira for the General Hospitals across the State.

  • Enugu CP Orders Full-Scale Investigation Into Shooting, Murder of Young Man 

    Enugu CP Orders Full-Scale Investigation Into Shooting, Murder of Young Man 

    …assures thorough efforts to apprehend the culprits and ensure justice

    The Commissioner of Police, Enugu State Command, CP Kanayo Uzuegbu, psc (+), has directed the Deputy Commissioner of Police, State CID, to launch a comprehensive investigation into the alleged shooting and murder of one Smith Odinaka, male, on October 13, 2024, around 1 a.m. The incident occurred near the Mercedes-Benz Company along the Enugu/Port Harcourt Expressway, Enugu.

    According to a press statement issued to newsmen in Enugu by DSP Daniel Ndukwe, Police Public Relations Officer, Enugu State Command, CP Uzuegbu has assured the public that all necessary efforts will be made to identify and apprehend the perpetrators and to ensure that justice is served.

    The statement revealed that preliminary findings indicate that the victim was driving a Mercedes-Benz car in the company of two of his male friends when a gunshot, allegedly fired by individuals suspected to be security agents, struck the vehicle. Smith Odinaka sustained a gunshot wound to his left hip. He was rushed to the hospital but was later pronounced dead by the attending doctor, and his body deposited in the mortuary, pending an autopsy.

    The statement from the police went ahead to further note that the ongoing investigation has not yet linked the crime to any police officer or police team, contrary to circulating reports.

    “Nonetheless, intensive investigative efforts are underway to uncover the truth, and the findings will be made public once available”, Uzuegbu said.

    Unconfirmed reports circulating online had it that the deceased, Ojinnaka Smith, an engineering graduate from the Federal University of Technology, Owerri (FUTO), the first son of his father and a business owner, was reportedly shot by the security operatives on his way home from an event in Enugu.

    Witnesses claim Smith was left to die in his car after suffering from shock due to the gunshot wound. This tragic event has left his family and friends devastated, with widespread calls for accountability and justice.

    The hashtag #Justice4Smith is gaining momentum online as the public demands answers.