Odumosu Hakeen, Lagos Commissioner of Police has gone tough on prevailing indiscipline amongst officers under his command.
The Lagos Commissioner’s renewed vow to stamp out indiscipline follows public outcry over seeming unethical operational modes amongst officers. The development had prompted Inspector-General of Police, Mohammed Abubakar Adamu’s directive on strict compliance to ethical standards.
The IGP’s directive was contained in a press statement issued by the Force Public Relations Officer, DCP Frank Mba. In the statement, IG frowns at officers’ disobedience to the rules of engagements in some units.
In compliance with the IG’s directive, Odumosu, on Sunday, through a statement by Superintendent Olumuyiwa Adejobi vows to arrest erring officers. “Lagos Commissioner of Police, Hakeem Odumosu, has vowed to arrest, dismiss and prosecute any erring police officers and men who disobey the directives in Lagos State.”
According to Adejobi, the Commissioner of Police re-echoed the IGP’s directive in his Ikeja office on Sunday 4th October, 2020. In the statement, Odumosu ordered his monitoring teams to go after, arrest and prosecute any personnel of police tactical squads, including Federal Special Anti Robbery Squad(FSARS), SARS, Special Tactical Squad (STS), Intelligence Response Team (IRT), Anti Kidnapping, Anti Cultism, or Anti Robbery teams or under any nomenclature from Lagos command or any formations within Lagos State, engaging in Stop and Search and any other low-risk operations like patrol; and operating on mufti, against the directives of the Inspector-General of Police.
CP Hakeem Odumosu reinstated that any police officer who wants to embark on patrol, Stop and Search, checking of information etc must be on official police uniform with identification cards conspicuously hanged on his or her chest.
He further ordered that the Area Commanders and Divisional Police Officers in Lagos State must discourage and kick against the use of commercial buses or unbranded vehicles for such operations, except on surveillance or decoy, which must be approved personally by the Commisioner of Police.
The police chief also vowed to hold any Area commander and Divisional Police Officer where police harassment, brutality or extortion occurs, vicariously accountable and shall accordingly be disciplined.
While encouraging members of the public to report any ugly and unprofessional conducts of the police to the command via the Public Complaint Bureau phone digits: 09057597931, 09010512350, 09010512348 and 09090003792, he affirmed his commitment to sanitize policing system in Lagos Command and achieve people-oriented Nigeria Police Force in Nigeria.
The police command in Kano State has arrested a 26-year-old woman, Hauwa Habibu, for allegedly killing her two children at Diso Quarters in Gwale LGA of the state.
The command spokesman, DSP Abdullahi Haruna, stated this in a statement sent to National Association of Security Reporters (NAOSRE).
He said, “The Kano State Police Command under the leadership of CP Habu A. Sani, psc wishes to inform the general public that on the 03/10/2020 at about 1130hrs, information received revealed that one Hauwa’u Habibu ‘f’ 26 years old of Diso Quarters, Gwale LGA, Kano State attacked and killed her two biological children by name Irfan Ibrahim ‘m’ 6 years oldand Zuhura Ibrahim ‘f’ 3 years old and wounded one Aisha Sadiq ‘f’ 10 years old, her nephew of the same address, and fled to unknown destination.”
Haruna said that on receiving the information, men of the Kano Police force led by SP Nasiru Gusau, Divisional Police Officer (DPO) Gwale Division were sent to the scene and found the victims stabbed.
On preliminary investigations, the suspect confessed to have locked up their dwelling house, used machete and aluminium made pestle to attack the three helpless children, causing severe injuries on different parts of their bodies where the quick intervention of the Police saved Aisha to live and give the horrific story.
He affirmed that the first two victims were rushed to the Murtala Muhammad Specialist Hospital, Kano and were confirmed dead by doctors on duty.
The third victim, Aisha Sadiq identified as her nephew was rushed to the Aminu Kano Teaching Hospital, Kano for treatment.
Meanwhile, the state Commissioner of Police, Mr Habu Ahmad, has ordered the case to be transferred to the Homicide Section, State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID), for discrete investigation.
The National Association of Security Reporters (NAOSRE) has commended the Lagos State Commissioner for Police, CP Hakeem Odumosu for coming to the people’s aid by rolling out complaint phone numbers in order to allow people lodge complaints against police harassment, brutality and extortion.
In a statement in Lagos, signed by its Acting President Favour Benson, the group said the step was a vindication of the Lagos CP as a purposeful leader that believes more in action than getting involved in rhetoric.
“We commend CP Hakeem Odumosu for charging and checkmating units in the command, including provost, X-Squad, CP Monitoring Team and Public Complaint Bureau (PCB), to wake up to their duties and responsibilities as officers,” it added.
NAOSRE called on other media agencies and platforms to put more effort in publicising the phone numbers, help the Nigeria Police Force, especially the citizens considering the efforts of the Lagos State Command of the NPF.
According to the Command’s Public Relations Officer, SP Olumuyiwa Adejobi,, the numbers to contact at the command (Public Complaint Bureau) against police unethical behaviors are: 09057597931 (WhatsApp), 09010512350 (OC PCB), 09010512348 and 09090003792, adding that Odumosu has restated his zero tolerance for unethical and inhuman conducts by police officers.
In the same vein, Two operatives of the FSARS and their civilian accomplice operating in Lagos State, Inspector Sale James, Inspector Monday Uchiola and Okechukwu Ogbonna, have been arrested by the Lagos State Police Command, for acts of professional misconduct including extortion and intimidation of innocent citizens.
Favour Benson onbehalf of NAOSRE passed a vote of confidence on the Lagos State Command for impounding and disciplinary procedure against the defaulters, according to police source.
Worried by the unending attacks on military personnel who are saddled with the responsibilities of providing security for Nigerians, the National Association of Online Security Reporters, NAOSRE, has called on President Muhammadu Buhari to retool his security strategies for safer Nigeria.
Speaking at its monthly meeting in Lagos on Thursday, October 1, the association’s Acting President, Favour Benson said, “We congratulate Nigerians on the 60th Independence anniversary of our country. But much as we feel obligated to do so, it must be stated that the daily impact of terrorism and insecurity on economic development in Nigeria is worrisome. NAOSRE condemns the recent attack on Governor Babagana Zulum of Borno State who was on a mission to move Internally Displaced People to their ancestral homes. We also condemn the endless attacks on our military personnel by insurgents. We therefore call on President Muhammadu Buhari to re evaluate his security strategies in a manner that will guarantee safety and security to citizens” Benson said.
The Acting President however reaffirmed NAOSRE’s commitment to providing medium for citizen’s enlightenment on co operation with security operatives including duties and obligation.
“NAOSRE as an association is alive to its responsibility in providing the needed media campaigns and supports for military operations in Nigeria. You can always count on us,” she promised.
Signed
Favour Benson {Mrs}
Acting President
NAOSRE
…Rewards Nigerians for “National Pledge” pidgin recitation
Heritage bank Plc, Nigeria’s Most Innovative Banking Service provider joins the nation to celebrate Nigeria’s 60th independence anniversary.
In a bid to commemorate the independence and inculcate patriotic spirit in the citizens on the importance to reflect on the past, what led them here and the bright future that awaits Nigerians, Heritage Bank has rolled out couple of activities in achieving this feat.
The bank slated an online competition for customers to make videos recitation of them presenting the “National Pledge” in Pidgin English and the four best videos will be rewarded with total cash prize of N1million. Also, staff of the bank was not left out in the celebration; they are expected to recite the pledge in all their different units and Experience Centres, doing it in front of the national flag, whilst they wear clothes with touch of green to office for certain period of time.
In a statement confirming the significance of reciting the National Pledge in Pidgin English and the need to reward loyalty to the country, the Divisional Head, Corporate Communications, Fela Ibidapo affirmed that as a bank that places much importance and value on our national heritage, “we want to remind Nigerians of their loyalty and commitment to the nation; thereby imbibe the patriotic spirit in citizens that despite the challenges, it has been 60years of dignity and pride as individuals, who together, make up this great country called Nigeria.”
According to him, reciting the National Pledge in pidgin language will help invoke in every individual their national pride of love, devotion and sense of attachment to our fathers’ land and alliance with every citizen who share same sentiment. This attachment could be combination of different feelings relating to the country in terms of socio-cultural, ethnic, political and historical interests.
He reiterated, “We are not just excited, but we are also reflecting on what our commitment as individuals has been to our great country Nigeria. Looking inwards at our journey over the last 60years, we believe as an institution that this is the best time to reflect on the National Pledge and what it means to us as a Nation.
To this end, Heritage Bank is championing the movement to keep our commitment as a nation by reciting the National Pledge.”
He further explained, “In a bid to achieve this, we require Nigerians, including customers and non-customers to make one-minute videos for cash rewards, whilst staff to make a one-minute video of their teams reciting the National Pledge in either English language or any of the Nigerian languages.”
With the inauguration of the Warri Itakpe rail station in Agbor, Delta State, due in a few days, President Muhammadu Buhari and the Minister of Transport, Honorable Rotimi Chibuke Amaechi have prioritised the security of passengers and others with the introduction of top notch security baggage scanners in railway transportation across the country.
The Warri Itakpe station, connecting Kogi, Edo and Delta States, has been slated for inauguration on Tuesday, September 29, in fulfillment of the promises of the administration to deliver on some of its big projects in infrastructure before the end of the year.
To complement the initiative, the Nigerian Railway has successfully installed world class security baggage scanners with super high speed electronic digital passenger screening point and notification sign across the railway station IDU terminal and more.
Identified as the first of its kind with a unique design technology worldwide, the ASNL TB 100/100 has the capacity to scan through baggage and luggage at same speed, processing and breaking down all contents packed at the fastest advanced inbuilt technology.
These scanners also have inbuilt display detection system for safety and suspected dangerous substance.
Also, its high-speed detection system is at five seconds per luggage with video image CT of detecting objects for analysing and tracing, assisted by an easy wheel for movement with programmed lock for and against vandals.
With this development, it is safe to say the authorities in the transportation ministry have made the safety of Nigerians in the railway system as important to the government.
Managing Director of the Nigerian Railway Eng. Fidet Ohikira, while praising President Buhari and Amaechi for making the initiative come through, has encouraged Nigerians to be patient so they could see more of the transformation already taking place in the railway sector of the economy.
According to him, “We will not stop until all the railway stations are fully equipped with security gadgets. Our passengers are of great value. We want to ensure lives and properties are safe, while not forgetting the great boost this brings to our economy through interstate transport logistics.”
On his part, the CEO of Advonics Group Ltd, the company overseeing the project, Mr. Emmanuel Egboh, said, “It’s my desire and joy to see this project come to life, while ensuring that the safety needs of the people are inline with the requisite security measures that are fully in place.”
The corridor as it sounds is just a term to describe the place that people sit to wait for their turn to see the General overseer of the mountain of fire and Miracles ministries, DR DK OLUKOYA and I happened to be a beneficiary of the work of that place, described as the spiritual clinic by those that have
experienced the raw power of God on display in this almost 200 square meters of open space.
This is just an office space, as a matter of fact a place that can be described as the GO’s office, counselling room, situation room, or a place of intercession. It’s a place where you get a closer look and witness the power of GOD move through the general overseer as he reaches out to those possessed, oppressed, depressed, confused, mentally ill, insane, sick, handicapped and so on, a place where you will meet people from all works of life, seated with prayer points praying and waiting for their turns to see the Doctor, either for financial aid, church activity approvals , spiritual problems, church matters, charity work and all sort of activities, this is a place that I can say traffics over 1000 people daily, trooping in and out for one issue or the other.
In this environment, people display different kinds of manifestations, from vomiting different kind of creatures, rolling on the floor like serpents, tearing off their clothes, becoming violent, speaking in strange languages, behaving like wild beast, shrieking out loud, voices speaking through people, and lot more.
There was once a case of a man, who was under the influence of the Holy Ghost fire, immediately the General Overseer started praying, he tore open his trousers to reveal his manhood that has a serpent fork tongue, this is a place where the power of God is always and fully demonstrated and this of course happens when the fire of God move into the midst through the man of God Dr D.k Olukoya.
These scenarios on the other hand are not recorded to be televised like some ministries do, but are phone recorded to show to those whom have put up these displays unconsciously or subconsciously for them to see the handiwork of God and how deeply rooted they are to the powers that have taken them captive.
So I was really disturbed having been a witness to the raw power of God in this same corridor, watching this daughter of the son of perdition, Maurine Badejo from the marine kingdom, speak ill on social media of the wonder working power of GOD that goes on in the corridor as it is fondly called, mind you it’s just an office where people wait.
This daughter of jezebel was talking about women being fingered and ladies virginals been wiped with handkerchief at the corridor, haaa, madam destroyer , from what part of hell did that kind of thought come from ? But how? When? And how can it happen? Impossibility cannot even describe the word because I would like to ask this Marine possessed lady a few questions
1. Is there a secret room where these activities go on, or are we talking about same open corridor were
tons of people move in and out and have over 15 clergy personnel’s taking care of activities?
2. Do these false allegations take place in the open or behind some closed doors that doesn’t exist?
3. Can Marine Maurine give us proof or provide videos or evidence of all she has been saying about the
corridor? A lot of us are typically aware of her paid callers, but at least can she get one person to come
out and say that these things have happened to him or her?
4. Are there any reasons whatsoever this woman is after the house of God with such venom from the
abyss, with cake baked lies that she is serving to people who know not the true path?
You see Marine Maurine has been touching different ministries but the devil just pushed her into fire and I know for sure that the fire of God of the mountain of fire will consume her in a short time, shedrach Meshach and Abednego seemed like criminals when they were escorted into the fiery furnace, but little did those that threw them into the fire realise that the fire will come out and select them for consumption, I feel for her social media followers who fulfil her money chasing desires through followership on social media. She will indeed fill you with stories that will derail your faith your person and your position, she seem convincing by using emotions and fictions to speak to people , but the truth will always suffice be guided brethren.
If ever a single snapshot told a complete story, the outcome of the Edo Governorship Debate organised by Channels TV last Sunday and capped by “The Conversation” by the Arise News Television a few days after, would have been enough to call today’s governorship election in Edo State a walkover for Pastor Osagie Ize-Iyamu of the All Progressive Congress, APC.
For the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), what happened that night was a capitulation and repudiation of their otherwise unpopular candidate and his regressive policies as governor, and an embrace of Ize-Iyamu’s call for a change in the direction and total outlook of the state.
The debate provided a telling moment for Edo indigenes across the world to see through the bumbling governor as he struggled to articulate whatever achievements his administration had been vaunting about. He was at best, incoherent and at worst, unconvincing.
Worse, Obaseki failed two major moral tests. First, he claimed that a former governor of the state, Comrade Adams Oshiomhole, borrowed recklessly during his administration but conveniently forgetting that he was not just an integral member of the administration, he was also the Chief Economic Adviser to Oshiomhole. What irony! Edo people don’t want a liar as governor!
The second test he failed was when Ize-Iyamu challenged him on his A-Level result, which had emerged that he failed and therefore could only have gained admission into the University of Ibadan with a fake or falsified result. The people of Edo State, obviously, don’t want a governor with sordid and scant integrity.
More fundamental is that there is a fraud allegation albatross on the neck of the PDP candidate, which he has yet to resolve or respond to.
A foremost whistle-blower and anti-corruption crusader, Dr. George Uboh, chairman of George Uboh Whistleblowers Network (GUWN), claimed that they got bank statements from 2015 to 2019 on the Edo State Government showing misappropriation of billions of naira.
This, he claimed, included numerous transfers made into 8-digit account numbers; transfers from the state government to General-Purpose accounts in different banks, including but not limited to Equatorial Trust Bank (which is no longer in operation), Access Bank and Sterling Bank etc.
The allegation is hanging over his head like a sword of Damocles. Refusal to respond to the allegations is being interpreted – and rightly so too – across the state as Obaseki’s typical condescending attitude towards the people. They cannot bear such for another four years.
The APC is, however, not unmindful of the fact that debates or mere allegations of fraud don’t determine the outcome of elections. The character construct of a candidate and acceptability of his manifesto play a key role, which is where Ize-Iyamu is streets ahead of other contestants.
While Obaseki continues to move from one self-inflicted mishap to the other, everything that can go right for Ize-Iyamu is going well. He has campaigned well and widely too.
Ize-Iyamu’s populist appeal is predicated on many factors. He is a son of the soil in the truest sense of the word. He was born in Benin City, the state capital, to the family of Chief Robert Osayande Ize-Iyamu and Mrs. Magdalene Naghado Ize- Iyamu (née Obasohan), both of blessed memory. His father was a revered high chief of the Oba of Benin, ranking second in command until his demise as the Esogban of Benin.
He attended St. Joseph Primary School and Ebenezer Nursery and Primary School in Benin City, and had his secondary school education at Edo College, the premier secondary school in Edo State. He later attended the University of Benin, where he graduated with a degree in law. His law firm, Idahosa, Ahonaruogho & Ize-Iyamu (Solicitor & Advocates), has offices in Benin and Lagos but he has remained in the state.
A major advantage also is his political know-how and grassroots appeal. He was about 27 years old, when he was first appointed as a Special Assistant to the chairman of Oredo Local Government, Chief Lucky Igbinedion. When the latter became governor in 1999, he appointed Ize-Iyamu as Chief of Staff.
In Igbinedion’s second term, he served as Secretary to the State Government. While contributing to the development of the state in his official role, Ize-Iyamu was nurturing progressive and ambitious youths in the state through his I.O Farms Training Institute – a model farm settlement at Ugbor-Amagba communities in Benin City, which has produced hundreds of young agriculturists.
The institute has the triple objective of agricultural training, skills acquisition and youth empowerment, which is a veritable mechanism for the reduction of unemployment, youth restiveness and organised crime. If he could do this as a private citizen, the people know that he can do much more as a governor.
Also, Ize-Iyamu holds sacrosanct revered British economist, Alfred Marshall’s postulation that ‘The most valuable of all capital is that invested in human beings’, which is why he has promised that his administration would treat youth, sports, recreation and cultural activities as a business model for job and wealth creation opportunities.
According to him, “The purpose of government is the pursuance of happiness for the greater majority of the people,” and this is laid bare in his well-articulated manifesto of hope entitled ‘The SIMPLE Agenda’ – which stands for Security and Social Welfare, Infrastructure Development, Manpower Development, Public/Private Partnership, Leadership by Example and Employment Creation.
After consulting widely across the 18 local government areas of the state and thoroughly analysing the existential challenges of the people, the SIMPLE Agenda aims to launch Edo State on the path to sustainable prosperity and holistic development.
Like he said at the debate, the potential of Edo State is huge in terms of its ability to attract tourists, investments and quality jobs but the prevailing security situation in the state makes the realisation of this potential unrealistic and unattainable.
Thus, the first prong of the agenda is to build brand new security architecture with the creation of an emergency system like the 911 (the emergency contact number of the United States of America) to address insecurity in the state.
He says, “Community policing programme involving neighbourhood watch and vigilante groups will be established in rural and urban areas. Their main responsibility will be to monitor and gather intelligence for the different security agencies in their domains.”
In the area of social welfare, Ize-Iyamu says among other plans like free healthcare for the elderly, pregnant women and children below the age of five, policies that will protect widows and children of a deceased person from harassment and intimidation will be initiated and enforced. Under such policies, provisions will be made to ensure that widows and children have easier access to the estate, pension and other assets or benefits of their deceased.
The people also appreciate that Ize-Iyamu understands that the development of a state or country depends wholly on the availability of infrastructural facilities – both social and economic – an area, where Obaseki failed spectacularly.
Infrastructure plays a vital role in the improvement of a people’s standard of living and in contributing to a higher rate of socio-economic growth while their absence or degeneration negates development. And, in the SIMPLE Agenda, the APC candidate’s plans for infrastructure development and urban renewal are well articulated.
As part of the comprehensive plans to revamp, reform and restore the ailing health care sector, Ize-Iyamu assures the people that more attention will be paid to the primary healthcare centres and cottage hospitals while a harmonisation of Federal, State and Local Government health care plans and the incorporation of the National Strategic Health Development Plan (NSHDP), will be implemented.
Good enough, his wife, Professor Idia is a consultant orthodontist at the University of Benin Teaching Hospital and is familiar with the health sector like a child is familiar with her sandbox.
She joined the University of Benin Teaching Hospital (UBTH) as a lecturer in 1997 and has served in various capacities in the institution. She became an Associate Professor of Orthodontics in 2014 and is a Fellow of the West African College of Surgeons. She also attended the Oxford University, United Kingdom, on a Commonwealth Medical Fellowship in 2016.
When it comes to the wellbeing of the people, Prof Idia will not just be an appendage of government; she would add value as an academic, a mother, an indigene and a medical practitioner.
Noteworthy is that her riveting message: that the improved lives of women and girls in the state and the world at large will lead to stronger and safer economies, is proving to be transformational and catching up with the women and the youth demographics. She complements her husband and will no doubt make an ideal First Lady.
Therefore, as you go out to cast that life-changing vote today, it is trite that as one, who desires change in every facet of the state, you would consider your future and those of your family members and everyone around you and desist from selling your votes, but rather make an informed choice in collective interest. With that one vote with you, the future of Edo is in your hand. Do justice to the choice you make today for a future you desire.
The Chief of Army Staff, Lt Gen TY Buratai has defended President Muhammadu Buhari’s policies and efforts at ensuring that the nation enjoys peace and security.
The military Chief made this known while speaking at the Osun State Givernment House in Osogbo during his visit to the state to commission a bailey bridge and hospital constructed by the Nigerian Army Engineers in collaboration with the Army HQ Department of Civil- Military Affairs for Owu Kuta and Asamu communities in the state.
The Osun State Governor, Gboyega Oyetola had hosted Buratai in September 14 after the commissioning at Owu Kuta.
He said some Nigerians, whom he described as enemies of the country, have wrong perceptions about the Buhari led Federal Government and have been using the social media to spread this fake and unfounded projections.
He debunked the rumour that there might be famine in Nigeria owing to the security challenges in the North East and appealed to Nigerians to ensure they verify news before believing it.
Lt Gen Buratai was reacting to the goodwill message of Lt General Alani Akinrinade (rtd), a former Chief of Army Staff and Chief of Defence Staff, at the State Government Banquet Hall.
In his message, Akinrinade commended the COAS for building a bridge at the Osun River that links Kuta, Ikoyi and Ede Communities of Osun State. He also appreciated Buratai for graciously complimenting the efforts of the State Government who has given public health care priority in the development of the State.
He asked Buratai to look into some matters which he said are rampart on social media and that have throwing him into distress, of which he wnated Buratai to convey to the President Buhari.
The first matter according to him “is the pervasive public perception/believe (which does not necessarily represent the true position of Mr President) that the President was an ‘ethnic bigot, an irredeemable religious fundamentalist that firmly subscribes and promotes the possibility of his ethnic Fulani to take over the country, which was the reason why he does not interfere in curbing the brigandage of the Fulani herdsmen.
Furthermore, the elder statesman concluded that going by the perception or belief of the public, the President has performed woefully in the fight against the Boko Haram terrorists and that he cannot rise to the occasion when it comes to reflecting the heterogeneous composition of the country in appointments to sensitive positions in his government.
He therefore called on the president to read the riot act against the perpetrators of this mischief.
The second matter according to the former CDS is that sometimes, he hears that there are Fulani mercenaries from outside Nigeria being sponsored by some Nigerians. From what he heard, the situation is so dire that in collaboration with unexpected bad weather this year, a famine is imminent as the country is “already burrowing grains from the ECOWAS countries” because farmers are being forced to abandon their farms”.
He therefore suggested that the President should “read the riot act to the Fulani herdsmen” adding that it is not acceptable for any foreigner by whatever name to enter Nigeria illegally and molest Nigerians because “they are not welcome”.
According to General Akinrinade, the country should not, by mistake of omission or commission allow Nigerians to degenerate to self-help which is a sure route to anarchy and perdition that will not go away”.
The former military Chief thereafter accepted that these difficult matters cannot be addressed in abstract as the whole buck stops on the President’s table. He therefore suggested that the President “needs to shape up, read the riot act to our people and enlist them in unwavering cooperation to participate fully in the redemption of their country “.
According to him, since he was sure the President is aware of the hues and cries from all corners and crannies of the country for secession as if the country has not been there before, there is a need for him to “stand on his table against the motley crowd of advisers and take a firm stand on the restructuring of the country, physically, politically, economically and socially”.
He also advocated for the reorganization of the Armed Forces “which is long overdue and over flogged as if it is such an impossibility because it is what is required to move the country out of the doldrums into modernity and cannot afford to pass it on”.
“We may end up without a country, as no country has been known to survive two civil wars. He (Buhari) can take better counsel in the appointment to the sensitive parts of his government. There are capable loyal men and women from every village in the country,” Akinrinade advised.
Reacting, Buratai thanked Gen Akinrinade (Rtd) for identifying the negative impacts of the social media in spreading falsehood and fake news in the country.
The COAS also said the retired General has identified the wrong perceptions being projected by the enemies of the country noting that people should not rely on social media reports which are mostly fake and largely unfounded.
He further advised the Retired General on the need for statesmen of his caliber to take the pains of verifying information before making conclusions on them.
On the perception of likely famine in the country this year, the COAS Lt Gen TY Buratai assured the gathering that there is no cause for alarm as there won’t be any famine in Nigeria because farmers have gone back to their farms.
Gen Buratai said “I just left the North West where Exercise SAHEL SANITY is ongoing and many farmers have so far returned to their farms. Our troops are providing security to farmers and the bandits are being dealt with decisively. From all indications we are expecting a bumper harvest this year”.
Gen Buratai further informed that the Nigeria Army and other security agencies are doing everything possible to ensure that the terrorists and bandits are never allowed to cross over to the southern parts of the country.
He also observed that the issue of restructuring is a political matter and he only commented on security issues raised by the retired General. He further reiterated the apolitical stance of the Nigeria Army.
The Army boss then implored all to continue to cooperate with the Federal Government and support the ongoing efforts to rid the country of all forms of insecurity.
Electoral debates are oftentimes about gauging which candidate connects more with voters while presenting policy alternatives to undecided voters. In the end, debates are potential stimulants to the strengths or weaknesses of a candidate.
Last Sunday evening, Nigerians were treated to an intense two-hour Channels Television-organised debate between Pastor Osagie Ize-Iyamu, candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC) and Governor Godwin Obaseki of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), the two leading contenders in the Saturday, September 19 Edo State governorship election. Both men squared off in what was a grudge contest more or less considering the volatility of their electioneering so far.
Not surprisingly, Ize-Iyamu, whose ‘SIMPLE Agenda’ manifesto has caught on like wildfire in the state and beyond, was at his spontaneous and eloquent best. No falsity escaped him. He was cool and composed, comfortable and confident in front of television cameras and a handful of supporters of both parties. He came away with some of the most memorable moments of the heated debate.
Obaseki got off on a wrong footing. Not a few people recall that his claims to political fame and fortune was as Chairman – from 2009 to 2016 – of the Edo State Economic and Strategy Team under the administration of former Governor Adams Oshiomole before he was elected governor.
It, therefore, came as a crippling shock when, tackled on the huge debt profile of the state, Governor Obaseki blamed Oshiomhole saying,
“What happened is that my predecessor in office borrowed recklessly and the federal government had to restructure all the debts that we have taken before I came into office. These included a whole series of bank borrowings, borrowing to pay salaries.
“So, the federal government restructured outstanding obligations to Edo State, to the tune of almost N30 billion. That was what was responsible for adding to the debt stock, not borrowings from this administration.” He also alleged that the immediate past government owed contractors about N70 billion, and pegged the total debt owed by the state at N120 billion.
Silence enveloped the hall as the brows of guests were furrowed in disgust and disbelief. But Ize-Iyamu, who didn’t serve in the administration questioned the integrity of Obaseki, saying, “It is scandalous to attribute the huge debt to a predecessor that you were the Chief Economic Adviser to. Sometimes you seem to forget the role you played in the past government.” That succinct response further reinforced the public’s positive perceptions about Ize-Iyamu.
Another zinger moment was when Obaseki promised to open up the state to endless possibilities, noting that he had created 157,000 jobs so far. At the outset, he said, “I promised to create a minimum of 200,000 jobs within four years. Just before COVID-19, we have created both direct and indirect jobs for Edo people as much as 157,000 jobs.”
He claimed the figures were verifiable via third-party sources such as the National Bureau of Statistics and noted that government’s role was not to directly create jobs but to leverage and create an enabling environment for the private sector.
However, Ize-Iyamu pointedly asked him: “Where are the Jobs?” Facing the audience, he said, “I am sure he is not going to misplace the appointments he is making now as jobs. I know that in the past one month, he has appointed over 2,000 people as SSAs on social media and the rest of them. Those are not jobs. When you say you have created jobs, in what area? We know for example that there is a glaring vacancy in the teaching profession and every school we went to, they practically had no teacher.”
The APC candidate was not done. “Eight of 10 graduates in Edo State don’t have jobs. There is unemployment in the state. The governor was just releasing fake statistics. The little jobs available were given to outsiders. My fellow contestant is not worried about the brain drain in the medical sector.
“This is, according to him, because he wants to do e-diagnostics. Mr Obaseki did not know of the Stella Obasanjo Hospital, which was built over 12 years ago. So, what was he doing when he was in government? He does not even know what is happening in the state.
“I am shocked that the state’s School of Nursing and Midwifery has been closed. The danger is that we will be going outside our state to look for nurses to help our mothers in labour. The government has spent around N16 billion to train teachers, but how has this improved education in the state?”
A contrite Obaseki admitted that there were challenges in the area of employment as, “Human capital development is one of the areas that the government has accomplished a lot. Jobs came from the way the government addressed the problem by creating a sense of purpose to encourage the private sector to participate.”
If the governor thought that he could smooth-talk his way out of his obvious ineptitude and failure, Ize-Iyamu came prepared to point them all out to the world. Insecurity and criminality are rife in Edo State yet, Obaseki said: “What we have done to improve the security architecture was to use technology by creating hi-breed security architecture.”
With all guns blazing, Ize-Iyamu said, “The security challenges in Edo have reached an alarming proportion. The only thing Governor Obaseki increased is security vote but there has been no investment in security. Our state is one of the few in the country with no advanced technology for fighting security. If he had invested in security, the issue of insecurity would have been an issue of the past in Edo State. We can combat human trafficking if we make the home environment more conducive and curb the rural to urban drift. There are laws in place and the federal government is doing a lot to reduce it.
“Our security vehicles cannot fight security. I will introduce tracker and drones to tackle crimes. The personnel deployed in our state to combating insecurity will complement an organised state police but we must work with the federal government and every other stakeholder. Our people must feel safe at all times. Kidnapping is high in the state. We are not showing enough concern. If I were governor, I would have acted on veritable intelligence and mobilised security agencies to flush them out of the forests around Okada-Ofosu road.”
The moderator asked if the Edo Civil Service was over-bloated and what would be done to cut down on the workforce, to which Obaseki said, “The problem is that it is not over-bloated, it is just aged. We need to bring in more people to work for the government; smarter people and we need to train them.”
Reacting, Ize-Iyamu said, “I think the model that the governor has tried to adopt is to reduce the workforce to the barest minimum but unfortunately, whatever savings he thinks he is making, is not seen in capital projects.”
Similarly, Ize-Iyamu accused the governor of excessive borrowing for agriculture without any project to show for it. “In the agricultural sector, the loan that the governor has collected is staggering. He (Obaseki) has collected over N75billion in debts. What did he do with them? All his promises remain unfulfilled although he came in when there was a high windfall in Edo.”
Ize-Iyamu said further that the N2 billion the state invested in Sobe Farm by partnering Saro farms has not yielded any meaningful result, adding, “The Agenegbode Rice Project, N5billion went down the drain. The oil-palm project, he collected N69 billion from the CBN and the money has been shared to cronies.
“No Edo person has benefited from that money. The governor made what I might call a very lame attempt and he failed completely and we are in a very sorry state.” Obaseki faulted the figure but failed to mention the actual amount he spent.
What would have been a Eureka moment for the governor was when the authenticity of his university degree was questioned and he responded thus: “I studied in the Faculty of Arts and the university has said I graduated from the institution. It is very sad that in a country like Nigeria, some people who do not have the qualifications have the effrontery to challenge the qualification of those who went to proper schools. That is a very sad situation that we have found ourselves.”
But Ize-Iyamu fired back. “We do not doubt that you attended the university. The issue is that you failed school certificate. You had no English and Maths, which will make it difficult to enrol for A-Level. And if you got A-Level, why is it that you’ve not been able to present the A-Level, where is the result? You had only three credits without Mathematics and English. That is a moral question. A lot of people are looking up to you as a governor and as a leader.
“Your disqualification by the APC arose from the information that your party now, the PDP, provided, because the PDP, when I was contesting against you (in 2016) said you have no results. Why have you not answered the question? Where is your result?”
Obaseki must have wished he could end the debate right there and then. And it ended ignominiously for him.
Days after the debate, Ize-Iyamu has been receiving commendations in torrents from far and near for his sterling showing. Noteworthy, Governor Umar Ganduje of Kano State, said, “What happened during the debate organised by Channels Television and other stakeholders between Ize-Iyamu and his Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) counterpart, Godwin Obaseki, shows that ours is an issue-based process.
In all the areas discussed, it appears to all that the APC is ready to take Edo State to higher levels. Our outlined programmes in the areas of security, education, health and others show that our party is determined to better the living condition of Edo people.”
Ganduje, who is Chairman of the APC Gubernatorial Election Council, said, “Looking at the trend and manner in which the debate went, it appears to all that APC is in top gear and determined to win the Saturday election and Edo State and its people will be saved from the clutches of underdevelopment and retardation.”
Simeon, a graduate of communication studies, wrote from Benin
