News
Kaduna State Governor Officially Endorsed Security Trust Fund Bill 2024 In Law
In a significant stride, Governor Uba Sani of Kaduna State has officially endorsed the Kaduna State Security Trust Fund Bill 2024, effectively nullifying the previous State Security Trust Fund Law No.22, 2018.
The legislation underscores pivotal objectives, delineating provisions for financing the procurement and deployment of security resources across all tiers of security agencies within the state.
Notably, a portion of the Fund is earmarked for the continuous training and upskilling of security personnel.
The enactment of the Kaduna State Security Trust Fund Law 2024 heralds a paradigm shift towards a private sector-driven approach, in stark contrast to its predecessor, the State Security Trust Fund Law 2018.
With a keen emphasis on private sector involvement, the new legislation paves the way for enhanced governance and effective resource allocation within the security sector.
Collaborative management between private sector representatives and key stakeholders is set to redefine security governance in Kaduna State, aligning itself with global benchmarks.
Governor Sani, in underscoring the significance of the bill’s enactment, reaffirms the state government’s unwavering commitment to combatting terrorism, banditry, and kidnapping plaguing communities in Kaduna State.
The establishment of the Security Trust Fund is poised to furnish local and federal security agencies with vital equipment and logistical support, bolstering their operational capabilities amidst evolving security threats.
Furthermore, the allocation of funds towards Psychological Operations underscores a holistic approach towards community engagement and empowerment.
Governor Sani issues a heartfelt plea to corporate entities and individuals alike, urging them to contribute generously to the Fund.
Emphasising the collective responsibility in safeguarding communities and livelihoods, he calls for unified action in dismantling criminal networks tarnishing the fabric of local economies.
Signed,
Muhammad Lawal Shehu
Chief Press Secretary to the Governor of Kaduna State.
The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) says its operatives have intercepted cocaine hidden inside the walls of several suitcases.
NDLEA’s Director of Media and Advocacy, Femi Babafemi, disclosed this in a post on Sunday, attaching the videos of the seized contraband on X.
He decried a situation whereby the smugglers went to extreme lengths, factory-fitting the hard drugs within the luggage with surgical precision.
“Narco-trend update: Strewing the walls of suitcases, in factory fitting precision, with cocaine, must have taken lot of efforts and resources but at the end #ndlea_nigeria officers still uncovered all as revealed in these videos that captured the latest seizure by #ndlea,” the statement read.
According to the video released by the agency, officers were slicing through suitcase linings to remove the hidden cocaine.
Alex Otti, governor of Abia state, says he has no intention of running for the senate after his “eight-year” stint.
Otti spoke at a reception held in his honour by the Anambra Development Unions Association, Aba branch.
He dismissed reports suggesting he was eyeing a senate seat, describing them as “unfounded” and “misleading”.
“When I finish my eight years here, I will retire. I am not going to Abuja,” the governor said.
He also urged critics to refrain from spreading what he termed “falsehoods”, adding that the political space should be opened up for younger Nigerians.
“We are no longer that young. Society is changing, and the young ones are rising. It’s time we give them the opportunity,” he said.
The governor also spoke about plans to revisit the 2011 disengagement of 154 civil servants, most of whom were teachers.
He said he had directed the head of service to conduct an urgent review of the matter and propose possible remedies.
Otti said those below the age of 65 might be re-engaged on a contract basis, particularly to address the shortage of teachers in the state.
He faulted the disengagement, which was reportedly based on state of origin, describing it as “unjust” and “illegal”.
“For those outside the age bracket, we’ll find fair compensation mechanisms,” the governor said.
Otti reiterated his administration’s commitment to justice, inclusion, and “correcting the wrongs of past administrations”.
Atedo Peterside, founder of Stanbic IBTC Bank Plc, has faulted the invitation of Muhammadu Sanusi, the Emir of Kano, by the Nigeria Police Force (NPF) headquarters in Abuja.
Sanusi was invited for questioning over alleged killings during the recent Eid-el-Fitr celebration.
In a letter dated April 4 and signed by Olajide Ibitoye, commissioner of police, on behalf of the deputy inspector-general of police in charge of the force intelligence department (FID), Abuja, the police asked Sanusi to attend an investigative meeting on April 8.
During the Eid-el-Fitr celebration last Sunday, some members of a vigilance group who were said to be part of Sanusi’s entourage were allegedly attacked and killed.
Sanusi presided over the Eid prayer at the Kofar Mata Eid prayer ground in Kano.
Abba Yusuf, governor of the state, and other government officials attended the Eid prayer session.
The Kano police command had constituted an eight-member panel to investigate the killing.
Abdullahi Kiyawa, the Kano police spokesperson, said the incident occurred despite the ban on durbar activities by the force.
In a post on X on Sunday, Peterside said the Kano police command should have quizzed the monarch.
“What is Nigeria Police Force trying to turn Nigeria into? Has Nigeria become a Police State? Is there any question that the Commissioner of Police cannot legitimately ask the Emir of Kano in Kano on behalf of his Abuja bosses?” he asked.
Peterside added that invitations across state boundaries are a “form of harassment” and should be discouraged.