NEWS
Ibadan Named Headquarters For South-West Development Commission
In a significant move for regional development in Nigeria, Senator Opeyemi Bamidele, Senate leader and representative of Ekiti Central Senatorial District, has announced that Ibadan, the capital of Oyo State, will serve as the headquarters of the South-West Development Commission.
The senator revealed this on Monday during the distribution of 5,000 bags of fertilizer to farmers in Ado-Ekiti.
Senator Bamidele stated that the bill establishing the commission has successfully passed the National Assembly and is awaiting the approval of President Bola Tinubu, who is expected to sign it into law upon his return from an overseas vacation.
He emphasized that the commission will be instrumental in fostering regional development and protecting the interests of all six South-West states, including Ekiti.
Bamidele said, “There is no controversy about it. Ibadan will be the headquarters, and the commission will ensure that the interests of Ekiti and other South-West states are well protected. Key positions, including a chairman, managing director, and four executive directors, will be shared among the states.”
Addressing recent claims that he is opposed to the idea of regionalism, Senator Bamidele dismissed the rumors as baseless, clarifying that no bill or memorandum regarding regional governance has been presented before the Senate.
“Let me make it clear that, as of today, there is no bill or memorandum on regionalism before the Senate for debate,” Bamidele said.
“The accusation that I am against regional government is fake news. The truth will prevail.”
The senator highlighted the collective efforts of himself and 17 other South-West senators in pushing for the passage of the South-West Development Commission Bill, adding that it would be contradictory for anyone to claim he is acting against the interests of the Yoruba people.
Bamidele also appealed for patience and understanding from Nigerians regarding the challenges facing the nation.
He urged citizens to support President Tinubu’s “Renewed Hope” agenda, which aims to bring stability and progress to the country.
“Only when there is peace across Nigeria can every tribe and region experience true development,” he concluded.
The commission, once operational, is expected to serve as a catalyst for economic growth in the South-West, coordinating projects and programs that will benefit the entire region.
The remains of the late Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Taoreed Lagbaja, have arrived at the National Military Cemetery in Abuja, signaling the start of his burial ceremony according to military protocols.
The body arrived promptly at 3:00 p.m. on November 15, 2024, transported in an ambulance. Following tradition, the casket was received and will be positioned by pallbearers before a moment of silence is observed to honor the late COAS.
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During the ceremony, the Chief of Defence Staff, the Minister of Defence, and President Bola Ahmed Tinubu are expected to deliver tributes highlighting Lt. Gen.
Lagbaja’s contributions to the nation. Afterward, the national flag will be presented to his next of kin, and the casket will be lowered.
Dignitaries, including the Senate President, Speaker of the House of Representatives, and other government officials, will lay wreaths in memory of the late army chief, paying their last respects.
Lt. Gen. Lagbaja is remembered for his service and dedication to the Nigerian Army and the nation. The ceremony underscores the nation’s gratitude for his commitment and leadership.
The Supreme Court has unanimously dismissed a lawsuit challenging the legality of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) Act, upholding the continued existence of the anti-graft agency.
A seven-man panel of justices, led by Justice Uwani-Abba-Aji, ruled that the case, filed by Attorneys General from several states, was without merit.
READ MORE: Police Recover N2.3m Extorted From Abuja Resident, Officers Detained
The lawsuit, initially filed by the Attorneys General of 16 states, sought the dissolution of the EFCC, which was established to combat corruption in Nigeria.
The states involved in the case included Ondo, Edo, Oyo, Ogun, Nassarawa, Kebbi, Katsina, Sokoto, Jigawa, Enugu, Benue, Anambra, Plateau, Cross-River, and Niger.
As the legal proceedings unfolded, some states withdrew their support, while others joined the case as co-plaintiffs.
Notably, Imo, Bauchi, and Osun states joined the suit on October 22, while Anambra, Ebonyi, and Adamawa states withdrew, leading to the dismissal of their claims by the court.
The ruling strengthens the EFCC’s legal foundation, ensuring the continued operation of the commission in its fight against financial crimes in the country.
The Nigeria Police Force (NPF) has detained officers involved in the alleged extortion of N2.3 million from Mr. Nwosu Ndubuisi in Abuja.
This was disclosed by the Police Public Relations Officer of Zone 7 Command, DSP M.B. Abdulkadir, in a statement shared on X (formerly Twitter).
The extorted sum has been recovered and returned to the victim, with disciplinary proceedings initiated against the implicated officers.
The statement read, “Further to the earlier statement issued on the alleged extortion of one Mr. Ndubuisi Nwosu by some officers of Zone 7 Headquarters, Abuja, investigation was carried out, the officers allegedly involved in the extortion have been identified and detained, while disciplinary proceedings have commenced against them.
“The sum of N2.3m has been recovered and returned to Mr. Ndubuisi Nwosu.”
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The Assistant Inspector-General of Police overseeing Zone 7 Headquarters, Abuja, AIG Benneth C. Igweh, assured the public that the disciplinary process would be transparent, in line with the accountability standards of the Inspector General of Police, Olukayode Egbetokun.
Igweh emphasised, “The zone will update members of the public on the outcome of the disciplinary proceedings against the defaulters. Zone 7 headquarters remains steadfast in its commitment to upholding the rule of law, public safety, security and its mandate of protecting lives and properties.”
The incident was initially reported by X user Harrison Gwamnishu (#HarrisonBbi18), who revealed that the officers coerced Ndubuisi into selling his laptop at Banex Plaza to pay for bail. Following this revelation, AIG Igweh ordered an investigation into the matter, leading to swift action.
This development highlights the commitment of the Nigerian Police Force to addressing misconduct within its ranks and ensuring justice for victims.
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