News
“Since Deployment of Army Troops in Taraba State, Banditry, Criminalities have Been Kept at Low Ebb” – Gov Ishaku Affirms
… Taraba Governor Commends Army Troops Resilience in Sustained Offensive Against Criminal Elements
The Governor of Taraba State, Architect Darious Dickson Ishaku has revealed that since the deployment of Nigerian Army troops in the state, banditry and other forms of criminalities have been kept at low ebb, thus, commended troops for their sustained efforts towards flushing out criminal elements in state.
Governor Ishaku made this know today when the General Officer Commanding (GOC) 3 Division and Commander Operation SAFE HAVEN (OPSH), Major General Abdulsalami Ibrahim paid him a courtesy visit in Government House Jalingo.
Acting Deputy Director Army Public Relations 3 Division, Lt Col Ishaku Takwa quoted Governor Ishaku who further called on the people of the state to sustain the level of support and cooperation with security agencies to flush out the remaining criminal elements in the state.
The Governor who also presented Certificate of Occupancy of the land donated by the state to the Nigerian Army (NA) for the construction of Headquarters 6 Brigade, reaffirmed his commitment to providing the needed support to enhance the operation of the NA in the State.
He disclosed that the speedy approval of the land was in recognition and appreciation of the commitment of troops to ensuring peace and security of lives and properties of the people.
Speaking earlier, the GOC and Commander OPSH noted that the Nigerian Army will not rest on its oars until criminal elements are completely flushed out of the country. He added that development can only strive in an atmosphere of peace.
General Ibrahim further appreciated the Governor for allocating the land to the NA to build the Brigade Headquarters in Jalingo and commended the state government for the support and cooperation being enjoyed by troops deployed in the state.
While Commissioning the newly built resident of 6 Brigade Regimental Sergeant Major in Jalingo, the GOC said the house was constructed on the directive of the Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Faruk Yahaya in line with his vision of having ” A Professional Nigerian Army Ready to Accomplish Assigned Mission Within a Joint Environment in Defence of Nigeria.”
He noted that the Regimental Sergeant Majors are very significant in ensuring discipline and regimentation in the military.
Highlights of the event includes Commissioning of a Detention Facility, Training Shade, as well as inspection of sick Bay and other facilities in Headquarters 6 Brigade.
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.”