Headline

Benue: Buhari Queries IG, Demands Full Report of Police Operations

Published

7 years ago

March 14, 2018

Eric

President Muhammadu Buhari on Tuesday summoned the Inspector-General of Police, Ibrahim Idris, to the Presidential Villa, Abuja.

Buhari seized the opportunity of the encounter to query Idris for flouting his directive that he should relocate to Benue State following the killings recorded in the state.

The meeting was said to have lasted about 30 minutes after which Idris left the Presidential Villa without talking to anybody.

A source in the Presidency told journalists last night, “Police IG, Idris, was the first caller this (Tuesday) morning at the Presidential Villa apparently to explain his flouting of the President’s order to remain in Benue at the height of the clash between farmers and herdsmen.

“President Buhari who is believed to have summoned the IG, received him in a private audience. The IG left about 30 minutes after without speaking to anyone.

“It is believed the President demanded for a full report on police operations till date after which he will make further decisions.

“There is a renewed resolve to make sure that the killings and bad security situation in Benue State abate.”

The Senior Special Assistant to the President on Media and Publicity, Garba Shehu, confirmed the meeting to our correspondent.

Shehu however refused to disclose details of the meeting.

Meanwhile, the Presidency had earlier on Tuesday said President Buhari would first ask Idris to defend himself against the allegation of disobeying a presidential order before taking any action on the allegation.

The Special Adviser to the President on Media and Publicity, Mr. Femi Adesina, had said this while answering questions during a radio programme, Political Platform, on RayPower FM.

Buhari had during a meeting with stakeholders in Makurdi during his visit to Benue State on Monday said he was not aware that Idris ignored his instruction to relocate to the state when the recent killings started.

“But I did not know that the IG did not stay in the state. I am getting to know this at this meeting. I am quite surprised,” the President had said when he was told that Idris did not spend 24 hours in the state.

Adesina said it would not have been proper for Buhari to act on the matter immediately the allegation was made.

He said being a fair-minded man; the President would give Idris the opportunity to defend himself against the allegation before taking the next step.

He said, “The President should act immediately and not hearing from the other side? That will not be proper. A father does not act like that.

“Even in the home, if there is an allegation from somebody, you listen to the other side before you will do whatever you will do.

“The IG, as of yesterday(Monday) I knew was out of the country. That allegation came from Benue people. Knowing the President as a fair-minded man, he is going to listen to the IG, he is going to ask him to defend himself and then the next step.”

On why it should be the people that would draw the President’s attention to the IG’s attitude when he is supposed to know how his appointees carry out his orders, Adesina said it meant that Buhari was not omniscient.

The presidential spokesman added, “It simply tells you that the President is not omniscient. No human being is omniscient, it is only God that is omniscient: He knows all things.

“The President said last week that he had his channels of getting information apart from security reports he receives as President but it does not mean that he gets every information under the sun.

“Even in the best countries in the world, the superpowers, there are still security breaches.”

Adesina also faulted those saying the IG episode had further exposed the President as not being in control of his government.

He said the fact remained that Buhari was in full charge of the government and he had been running it efficiently.

The Punch

Headline

Tinubu Reshuffles Cabinet, Sacks Five Ministers, Merges Ministries

Published

13 hours ago

October 23, 2024

Eric

President Bola Tinubu has dismissed five ministers from his cabinet and appointed seven new ones as part of a cabinet reshuffle.

The President re-assigned 10 ministers to new portfolios and nominated seven new ministers for Senate confirmation.

He dismissed Uju-Ken Ohanenye as Minister of Women Affairs, Lola Ade-John as Minister of Tourism, Tahir Mamman as Minister of Education, Abdullahi Gwarzo as Minister of State for Housing and Urban Development, and Jamila Ibrahim as Minister of Youth Development.

Among the nominees, Tinubu selected Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu as Minister of State for Foreign Affairs and Nentawe Yilwatda as Minister of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Reduction, marking the official end of suspended Betta Edu’s tenure.

Other nominees include Maigari Dingyadi for Minister of Labour and Employment, Jumoke Oduwole for Minister of Industry, Idi Maiha for the newly established Ministry of Livestock Development, Yusuf Ata for Minister of State for Housing and Urban Development, and Suwaiba Ahmad for Minister of State for Education.

“The appointment of Shehu Dikko as Chairman of the National Sports Commission.

“The appointment of Sunday Akin Dare as Special Adviser to the President on Public Communication and Orientation working from the Ministry of Information and National Orientation,” the President said.

The President appreciated the outgoing members of the Federal Executive Council for their service to the nation while wishing them the best in their future endeavours.

He then charged the newly appointed ministers and their reassigned colleagues to see their appointment as a call to serve the nation.

Source: Nairametrics

Headline

FG Drops Money Laundering Charges Against Binance Chief, Gambaryan

Published

18 hours ago

October 23, 2024

Eric

The Federal Government on Wednesday withdrew the money laundering charges preferred against Binance Holdings Limited executive, Tigran Gambaryan.

Binance, its U.S. head of financial crime compliance, Gambaryan, and the exchange British-Kenyan regional manager for Africa, Nadeem Anjarwalla, were facing money laundering charges to the tune of $35 million brought against them by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission.

Gambaryan and Anjarwalla were initially both detained in the custody of the office of the National Security Adviser.

Anjarwalla, however, fled lawful custody on March 22, 2024, while his counterpart, Gambaryan, was arraigned in April.

Following his arraignment, the court ordered his remand to Kuje Correctional Facility.

Headline

Our Commitment to Culture, Reason for Ofala Sponsorship – Glo

Published

3 days ago

October 21, 2024

Eric

Technology company, Globacom, has explained that its commitment to culture and tradition is the reason for sponsoring Onitsha Ofala and other leading festivals across the land.

This year’s event, the 23rd since the incumbent Obi of Onitsha, Igwe Alfred Nnaemeka Achebe, ascended the throne, kicked off with Iru Ofala on Friday and ended with Azu Ofala on Saturday.

Globacom’s Divisional Head, South, Mr. Tochukwu Okechukwu, who represented the company at the Ime Obi venue of the event in Onitsha, Anambra State, said Globacom is mindful of the critical role that culture plays in national development and its ability to foster national identity and bring people together around shared values, traditions, and history adding.

According to him, cultural industries, such as festivals, tourism, arts, and crafts, could contribute significantly to the economy, create jobs, generate revenue, and promote local products. “Culture influences education systems and can inspire creativity and innovation. Cultural knowledge can enhance critical thinking and problem-solving skills. Moreover, a vibrant culture enhances a nation’s soft power, improving its international standing and influence through diplomacy, trade, and cultural exchange”, he added.

He further noted that communication is the livewire of human coexistence especially in an increasingly interconnected world. “It is through dialogue and connection that we foster understanding and collaboration. Our mission is to empower every voice within our community to be heard through affordable telecom services and digital solutions”, he said.

He also disclosed that technology was evolving at an unprecedented pace, and affirmed that Globacom was dedicated to harnessing its power to benefit society. “We envision a future where innovation does not stand apart from tradition, but instead enhances it. We believe that connectivity can strengthen the bonds within our community, bridging generations and fostering collaboration among all our citizens. Together, we can create an environment where our cultural heritage and technological advancements coexist harmoniously, enriching the lives of all. These are the reasons why we will continue to support our cultural festivals such as Ofala and Ojude Oba.”

The Obi of Onitsha had, in his remarks, thanked Globacom for its support for the festival over the years saying the company’s collaboration had enhanced the profile of the festival. According to him, a request had been made to the Ministry of Art, Culture and Creative Economy to support ongoing efforts to enlist Ofala on the UNESCO Representative List of Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity.

The festival peaked with the regal emergence of the Obi from his annual seclusion and his traditional majestic dance round the Ime Obi in his full regalia on the two days of the ceremony. His palace chiefs also danced to the “Egwu Ota” in turns after which they paid homage to the traditional ruler. Several age groups also ranging from the newest such as Ifedioranma, Ugoamaka, Oganiru Onicha to the much older groups, also danced round in flamboyant uniforms and paid homage to Igwe Achebe.

A Royal Banquet organised by Globacom in honour of the monarch will mark the end of this year’s edition of the festival at the Ime Obi on Wednesday, October 23.