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FCT NSCDC deploys 5 motorcycles for grassroots security operations
Dr Olusola Odumosu, Commandant of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), FCT Command has deployed five motorcycles for effective grassroots security operations in the territory.
The Commandant handed over four operational motorcycle keys to the Critical National Assets and Infrastructure Department and one to the Intelligence and Investigation team at the Command headquarters on Monday in Abuja.
Odumosu said the distribution was aimed at improving the fight against vandalism of public infrastructure and other critical national assets in the FCT.
He charged the heads of the departments to deploy the working tools for 24-hours surveillance and protection of residence and the growing infrastructures in the FCT.
“The FCT Minister has supported us with motorcycles to ease our operations and he must not regret doing so, therefore, in return, we must ensure that we give him the desired results.
“The motorcycles will assist you to navigate through some narrow areas such as bushes and bad roads you are unable to reach before for improved surveillance.
“Brace up, and don’t forget, I expect nothing but results, especially now that the minister is sinking so much energy and resources into infrastructural development of the FCT,” Odumosu said.
The FCT NSCDC boss further cautioned personnel against allowing miscreants to spoil the good work of the present administration in improving the FCT transportation system.
“The Abuja Metro line will be inaugurated soon and we must join forces with the government to make the inauguration and the take-off of its commercial operations a reality.
“I want you to pay serious attention to that sector to stop vandalism of the rail sleepers, cables and other components that could jeopardise its operations.
“And remember also, that, street lights are being repaired, manhole covers being replaced, and new roads are being constructed in an unprecedented manner,” he said.
He reiterated that it was the responsibility of the corps to reduce vandalism threats to the barest minimum and rid the FCT of vandals, especially those disguising as scavengers.
Odumosu appreciates the FCT Minister for donating the motorcycles to the command and assured him that the command would imbibe a good maintenance culture to keep them in good shape and for good use.
He commended him on the spate of infrastructural development of the territory and promised that the Command would live up to its responsibility by waging war against vandalism of all infrastructures in the FCT.
The commandant employed the public to partner with the corps to protect and preserve the aesthetics and monuments of the seat of power by watching out for anyone vandalising public property.
“I urge you to provide timely and credible information to the command or any other security agency for immediate intervention,”Odumosu advised.
NAN reports that the FCT Minister, Nyesom Wike, donated five motorcycles to the command and other security agencies in a bid to ensure that the territory is rid of all forms of criminality. (NAN)
Some constituents in Kogi central have reportedly initiated a recall process against Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, the senator representing the senatorial district in the national assembly.
Several videos posted on social media on Wednesday show the constituents lining up to sign their signatures as part of the process.
A source in Kogi, who would not want to be named in the media, confirmed to TheCable that the recall process is ongoing.
The source added that the constituents mobilised heavily to recall the female lawmaker.
Akpoti-Uduaghan had accused Senate President Godswill Akpabio of sexually harassing her.
She was suspended from the senate on March 6 for “gross misconduct” following her seating arrangement altercation with Akpabio.
The process of recalling a senator is outlined in section 69 of the 1999 Constitution (as amended).
The process involves the electorate in the senator’s constituency, the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), and a referendum.
The recall process is expected to take two days across all polling units in the five LGAs of the Kogi central senatorial district.
During the exercise, constituents will be required to sign a petition to the INEC, calling for the senator’s recall.
The INEC, upon receipt of the petition, will thereafter verify the signatures of each constituent to determine whether they are truly registered voters in the senatorial district or not before proceeding with the exercise.
A catastrophic accident rocked the Karu Bridge near Nyanya, Abuja, after a fully loaded fuel tanker suffered brake failure, ramming into several vehicles and igniting a massive inferno.
Witnesses report that the impact was immediate, as flames engulfed the crash site, triggering multiple explosions that sent debris flying across the area.
According to early reports, the tanker was carrying compressed natural gas (CNG) cylinders in addition to liquid fuel.
Several powerful explosions were recorded, with fireballs and shrapnel soaring as high as 700 meters into the sky. Some projectiles were reportedly flung up to 900 meters from the crash site, resembling the devastating force seen in previous industrial disasters.
Eyewitnesses described scenes of horror as people scrambled for safety. Several vehicles were instantly consumed by the fire, trapping occupants inside.
Emergency responders, including fire service personnel and medical teams, rushed to the scene to contain the blaze and assist victims.
“I saw the tanker coming at high speed, swerving dangerously before it crashed. Within seconds, there was an explosion, and fire spread everywhere,” said a survivor who managed to escape from a nearby vehicle.
While the full extent of casualties remains unclear, officials fear significant loss of life due to the intensity of the explosions. Authorities have yet to confirm the number of victims, but multiple injuries and fatalities are expected. The inferno also caused heavy damage to nearby structures and vehicles.
… NLC, TUC want immediate reversal
… Its clear violation of constitution – Amaechi
… FG defends action
The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and the Trade Union Congress of Nigeria (TUC) have condemned President Bola Tinubu’s declaration of a state of emergency in Rivers state.
On Tuesday, Tinubu declared a state of emergency in Rivers following the prolonged political crisis in the south-south state.
The president also suspended Siminalayi Fubara, the governor of Rivers, Ngozi Odu, his deputy, and members of the state assembly.
Tinubu nominated Ibok-Ete Ibas, a retired vice-admiral, as the sole administrator of Rivers state.
In a joint statement, Joe Ajaero and Festus Osifo, presidents of NLC and TUC, respectively, called the declaration “a direct assault on democracy” and “an overreach of executive power”.
The labour bodies called on President Tinubu to exercise restraint and respect constitutional limits rather than taking actions capable of jeopaising national security, economic stability, and democratic governance.
“It sets a dangerous precedent, eroding constitutional governance and threatening the autonomy of subnational governments,” the statement reads.
“No democratic society can thrive where elected leaders are arbitrarily removed at the whims of the President. This reckless move should deeply concern every reasonable governor and citizen who believes in the rule of law.”
“We, therefore, call on Mr. President to revoke this unconstitutional declaration in compliance with Section 305(6) of the Constitution, which clearly outlines the legal process for declaring and sustaining a state of emergency.
“The President, as the custodian of the nation’s executive powers, must exercise restraint, respect constitutional limits, and act in a manner that inspires national confidence rather than suspicion.
“Nigeria has suffered the painful consequences of political overreach in the past, and we cannot afford to repeat such mistakes.
“We demand the immediate reversal of this unconstitutional state of emergency in the interest of democracy, economic stability, and the welfare of Nigerian workers. Nigeria’s democracy must not be sacrificed on the altar of political expediency.”