Headline

Anambra: IGP Warns IPOB, Says Heavy Security Deployment Not to Intimidate Voters

Published

3 years ago

November 4, 2021

Eric

The Inspector General of Police, Mr Usman Baba, has warned non state actors, including the Indigenous Peoples of Biafra, to steer clear of Saturday’s election in Anambra State.

Stating that the heavy deployment of security to Anambra State for Saturday’s election was not meant to scare voters, he said the police would deal decisively with anybody who would try to foment trouble during the exercise.

Baba who was speaking on Wednesday during stakeholders’ meeting said the election security was designed to cover the three senatorial districts of the state, 21 Local Government Areas, 326 wards and 5,720 polling units across the state.

He said, “This massive deployment is not designed to intimidate the law-abiding as being insinuated in some quarters.

“On the contrary, it is to reassure them of adequate protection by deterring misguided political elements as well as non-state actors that might be bent on threatening the election through acts of armed violence or other conducts that violate the provisions of the Electoral Act.

“It is to also serve as a strong warning that the government is determined to bring such subversive characters to justice should they advance their ignoble, undemocratic and unpatriotic intents.

“The overriding objective of our operational action plan is to ensure an environment that is peaceful enough to encourage the law-abiding people of Anambra State to exercise their electoral franchise.

“The message here is clear. For the political actors and electorates that are law abiding, they are fully assured of optimal security.

“However, for the destabilising elements and other deviants who despite all wise counsels are determined to deploy violence and other illegal means to advance their political interests or constitute a clog in the wheel of peaceful atmosphere for the election, they should be prepared for the consequences of their actions as they will be identified, isolated and decisively dealt with irrespective of their status, ideological inclinations or political affiliation.”

He said the personnel of the Nigeria Police, as the lead agency in election security management, would be impartial, firm, accountable and professional in the exercise of their statutory duties as provided for in the Electoral Act and other enabling laws.

He said, “All the security personnel to be deployed are under instruction to be guided by the Code of Conduct and Rules of Engagement for Security Personnel on Electoral Duty as developed jointly by INEC and security agencies.

“The document clearly highlights the roles, ethics and standard of operations of all security agents to be deployed on election security duties.

“Accordingly, all security agents are fully conscious of the fact that they are under an obligation to perform their functions within the rule of law and civil dictates and that they could be held accountable for any professional conduct that negates the dictates of the Code of Conduct.”

He added, “No one is allowed to wear any cloth, emblem or colour signifying any political party to the polling units. No person is allowed to move around with security details around the polling units.

“Everyone is enjoined to vote and return to their respective houses or remain peacefully within approved perimeters of the polling centres. No one is allowed to move about from one polling unit to another; only INEC accredited election monitors/observers are allowed to move around; only accredited journalists are allowed to cover the election.”

He said praise singing, drumming and dancing around the vicinity of polling units were prohibited.

Headline

What is Going on in PDP is Extremely Embarrassing – Dele Momodu

Published

7 hours ago

January 22, 2025

Eric

A Peoples Democratic Party chieftain, and celebrated publisher, Chief Dele Momodu, has said that the situation in his party is worrisome and ‘extremely embarrassing’, acknowledging that the one time biggest party in Africa, is facing serious challenges.

Momodu made the remarks while fielding questions on a Channels TV current affairs programme, stressing that he is not ashamed of talking about the problems of the party, and regularly sharing his thoughts on social media.

He further expressed surprise that the party has not suspended or expelled him despite his open criticism.

Momodu described the situation in the PDP as embarrassing, noting that the party should be leading the opposition in Nigeria, but it is not living up to expectations and seems to have lost its direction. According to him, a few individuals have taken control of the party, making it difficult for it to function properly.

“I know that we have very critical problems in PDP, there is no questions. I am not ashamed. Every now and then I tweet or post in Instagram. I speak freely. I am even surprised that they have not suspended or expelled me from PDP because what is going on in PDP is extremely embarrassing. We should be leading the opposition parties in Nigeria but it is like we have virtually given up. We are allowing one or two people to hijack our party,” Momodu said.

Headline

Telecom Executive, Ahmad Farroukh Leaves Globacom

Published

8 hours ago

January 22, 2025

Eric

News of the early departure of Mr Ahmad Farroukh from the telecom giant Globacom suggests that he has been eased out in a shakeup by the management, according to an investigation.

“Ahmad Farroukh failed to meet up to expectations within his probationary period and he was politely asked to resign…” said an impeccable source.

“Despite the shake-up, Globacom’s commitment to innovation and expansion continues, reinforcing its competitive edge in a rapidly evolving telecom landscape..” the source further told us.

A former CEO of MTN Nigeria from 2006 to 2010, Farroukh joined Glo in October last year.

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Tinubu in Abu Dhabi, Pledges Support to Build Sustainable World for All

Published

3 days ago

January 19, 2025

Eric

President Bola Tinubu has said Nigeria is ready to work with other nations to build a resilient, equitable, and sustainable world for all.

Tinubu spoke in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates, on the second day of the 2025 Abu Dhabi Sustainability Week.

The president spoke on the topic, “From Climate Imperatives into Economic Prosperity: Bridging Africa with the Global Energy Future.”

He declared that no single nation could walk the road to sustainability alone, stressing that global interconnectedness demand collective action, knowledge sharing, and mutual support.

According to Tinubu, “The fight against climate change is not merely an environmental necessity but a global economic opportunity to reshape the trajectory of our continent and the global energy landscape.

“As leaders, stakeholders and citizens of our planet, we stand at a critical juncture in human history. To succeed, we must innovate, collaborate and act decisively as one global community.”

Reiterating his administration’s commitment to reducing carbon emissions, Tinubu assured the audience that the Nigerian government had developed actionable programmes in line with global expectations, bearing in mind Nigeria’s economic and political expectations.

He said, “We have embraced a vision of sustainability that aligns with global aspirations while addressing local realities. Our efforts are anchored on three pillars: Energy Transition, Climate Resilience, and Sustainable Development.

“My administration recognises the importance of reducing carbon emissions and a just transition to clean and renewable energy, promoting environmental sustainability and economic growth.