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Security: Lagos pleads with youths to join military

The Lagos State Government on Wednesday appealed to indigenous youths to enrol in the military.
The Secretary to the State Government, Mrs Bimbola Salu-Hundeyin, made the appeal during the quarterly meetings with the Chairman and members of Police Community Relations Committee (PCRC), in Ikeja.
Salu-Hundeyin said that security of a nation was everybody’s business and being in the military was a service to the state and the nation at large.
She said it was disheartening to know that indigene youths of the state were not enrolling into the military, as seen during the last recruitment.
According to her, the Federal Government has said that recruitment into the military must be on equal number, that each state has 150 slots into the military.
“We discovered that in the military in Nigeria, Lagos State has been seriously short-changed. We hardly have people there. So, we are looking at this opportunity now, that it should not escape indigenes again.
“The military is about security of a nation, and security of any nation must be everybody’s business. It should not be for a particular group only, but because everybody cannot wear uniform, the government, in its wisdom, now says those of you that want to do this job, you will apply.
“Unfortunately, in Lagos State, our children don’t like to join the military. They don’t see any reason why they should be part of the army. If your state does not participate, you are short-changing your state.
“We all know that security is key. We cannot leave you to the hands of only a certain people. I think it is a disservice to our country, for me to come from Lagos State, and be eligible, and I refuse to join. I am not being a good Lagosian or a good Nigerian,” she said.
The SSG said that instead of youths getting involved in things that were not very pleasing, that they should join the military and be useful there.
“Today, the military is not just about gun carrying, even though they teach them to carry guns, because that is a basic thing. You can be a medical doctor there. You can be a nurse, you can be a mechanic.
“You can do anything if you are in the military. So, it’s not as if it is a bad thing to do.
“It is the number one service you can give to your nation. It is a great service, it is a service you should be proud to be part of.
“It is a thing of pride, and we should let our youth know that the greatest thing they can do to themselves and for their country, for their state, is to be a part of the military,” she said.
Also speaking, Apostle Kehinde Sowemimo, Chairman of PCRC, Lagos State Command, said that it had become a reoccurring situation, especially in the South-West, that people don’t want their children to be in the forces.
Sowemimo said that there was the need to change the orientation of people that one was being sent to the military to be killed.
“It is not, because there are other professions in the military, and of course; some people must also defend your community; defend your environment; defend your tribe, defend your country.
“It cannot be only one part of the country that will be defending the country. You must all come together to defend the country, so that it is not one-sided.
“So, it is continuing education of our people, letting them know that military is not signing off to death. Joining the military or joining the Police is enhancing your generational belief, that is making your community to be safer, and that makes your generation to be safer,” he said.
The chairman said the essence of the committee was to complement government’s effort and security in local communities, working with the policing authorities to enhance the security operators in that area.
According to him, the committee reports to the government and police, what they see or hear, and work together to mitigate against crimes and criminalities.
He said that there was the recent challenge of the menace of lorries resurfacing at the Apapa axis, hence, the taskforce should step up on that.
“We are already seeing that people are having challenges of petrol hawking because of the scarcity, and it is becoming imminent where people are buying and putting kegs everywhere,” Sowemimo said.
He called on the government to improve on the availability of this product, and address the issue of lack of vehicles at the police stations, for effective service delivery. (NAN)
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Rivers Budget Tensions: State Assembly Sets Final Deadline For Governor Fubara, RSIEC

Rivers State Governor Siminalayi Fubara has issued a decisive deadline for the submission of the state’s 2025 budget.
His directive follows delays in re-presenting the budget, raising concerns over efficiency and governance. The governor has urged all responsible authorities to act promptly, warning that any further setbacks will not be tolerated.
Simultaneously, the Rivers State House of Assembly has granted the Chairman of the Rivers State Independent Electoral Commission (RSIEC) one last opportunity to appear before lawmakers. The decision comes after his repeated failure to honour previous summons, creating frustration among legislators.
During a tense parliamentary session, a prominent lawmaker called for patience while setting a strict deadline. “Let us give him one more chance, Mr Speaker,” the lawmaker urged. “I echo my colleagues’ sentiments—this is the final time we should debate this issue. He has 72 hours, just 72 hours. If he fails to appear by Monday, then we cannot blame anyone but him.”
However, their warning is clear: further delays will not be tolerated. Should the RSIEC Chairman fail to comply within the stipulated timeframe, serious repercussions could follow, including potential damage to public trust in the electoral body and the state’s governance system.
As tensions rise, all eyes remain on the RSIEC Chairman to see whether he will finally heed the Assembly’s call or face the consequences of continued non-compliance.
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Gov. Sule, Others Pay Tributes As Ex-DSS Director Buried In Kaduna

By Israel Bulus, Kaduna
Gov. Sule Abdullahi of Nasarawa State has paid glowing tributes to Mr James Garba, a late former director of the Department of State Services, who was laid to rest in Kyari, Jaba Local Government Area of Kaduna State.
Sule, who was represented by his deputy, Dr Emmanuel Akabe, described the deceased as a man who lived a life of godliness, modesty and charity.
“There are special people in our lives who never leave us, even after they are gone, and such fittingly describes late James Garba.
“He was always rendering assistance and showing concern for others, without expecting praise or reward in return,” he stated.
In her tribute, wife of the deceased, Hadiza Garba, said her late husband was a humble man who always put the needs of others before his own.
According to her, she will remember her husband for his moral standards, integrity and intelligence which he stood him out a rare gem.
On her part, his eldest daughter, Dr Deborah Usman, instilled in her and her siblings the virtues of tolerance, honesty and the love of Christ.
Usman pledged to honour her late father’s memory by sustaining his legacy of peace, faith and love for community.
For Rev. John Hayab and Dr Bagat Job, Northern CAN chairman and ECWA president respectively, Garba would be remembered for his laudable contributions to the sustenance of peace in Ham land.
Also speaking, the Kpop Ham, Dr Danladi Maude, was a remarkable patriot who left an indelible mark on the lives of those who knew him.
Represented by Bello Shamaki, the district head of Daddu, the traditional ruler noted that Garba lived an exemplary life worthy of emulation.
Garba died on February 20 at the age of 81 after a brief illness.
He was a pioneer staff of the Department of State Services who worked as part of the security detail of two past presidents before retiring in 1994.
News
Breaking: Governor Fubara Calls For Dialogue With Rivers Assembly Speaker Amaewhule

In a pivotal development in Rivers State politics, Governor Siminialayi Fubara has extended a formal invitation to the Speaker of the State House of Assembly, Martins Amaewhule, and other legislators for a strategic meeting at Government House, Port Harcourt.
The invitation, issued by the Office of the Secretary to the State Government, signifies the first time Governor Fubara has officially addressed Amaewhule as the Assembly’s Speaker.
The letter, dated 7th March, acknowledges an earlier correspondence from the governor on 5th March, in which he confirmed receipt of the Supreme Court’s ruling.
According to the invitation, Governor Fubara has directed that Speaker Amaewhule and his fellow lawmakers attend this meeting to discuss key legislative and administrative matters that affect the state’s governance.
These include:
Providing a Functional Legislative Space: Ensuring that the State House of Assembly has a suitable venue for its sittings remains a priority, as legislative proceedings are fundamental to governance.
Resolving Unpaid Allowances and Remuneration: The issue of outstanding salaries and allowances for lawmakers is expected to be addressed, which could ease tensions and foster cooperation.
Presentation of the State Budget: Budgetary discussions will be central to the meeting, as the approval of financial plans is essential for the execution of government projects.
Other Vital Governance Matters: Additional topics concerning the state’s development and administrative efficiency will also be on the agenda.
The lawmakers have been requested to meet with Governor Fubara at his office on Monday, 10th March, at 10:00 a.m.
As the state watches closely, this engagement could determine whether cooperation will be restored within Rivers State’s political framework or if further discord lies ahead.