NEWS
Demotion Of Police Officers Who Survived Gunmen’s Attack Sparks Outrage
The decision by the Police authorities to demote three officers in the Nsukka Division, Enugu state, who narrowly escaped an attack by unknown gunmen a few months ago, has triggered widespread public anger.
The officers in question, namely Inspector Ernest Ogbonna AP No 201118, Inspector Aboh Justin AP No 274182, and Inspector Kingsley Ugwuja AP No 326239, were on duty along Nsukka-Ibagwa Ani road last June when they came under attack by over ten heavily armed hoodlums arriving in a white Hilux and Siena bus.
The daring criminals initiated gunfire towards the officers, prompting the courageous policemen to return fire, the intense exchange of bullets lasted for approximately one hour.
Following this fierce confrontation, the police officers managed to fend off the attackers and drive them away.
Some of the criminals sustained injuries during the altercation. Regrettably, the criminals managed to set fire to the police van, but fortunately, there were no casualties, the police retained their firearms, and none of the officers on the team were injured.
Following their fortunate escape, police sources revealed that the officers were subjected to a formal inquiry, resulting in an orderly room trial.
Subsequently, the trial’s outcome led to a demotion in rank for these valiant officers. This decision was further validated by the Assistant Inspector General (AIG) at Zone 13, Ukpo, Anambra state, responsible for overseeing police activities in Enugu and Anambra states.
The news of this disciplinary action sent shockwaves through the ranks of both police commands, as officers in these regions have frequently been targeted by criminals posing as “unknown gunmen” in ongoing attacks.
Police officers who spoke on the condition of anonymity to avoid being punished told reporters that they had been in a very low spirit after the unfair punishment was meted out to the gallant officers.
According to the officers, “Does it mean that the authorities expected them to die and be decorated in death after they performed so gallantly? There were only three ill-equipped officers but they were able to confront a heavily armed gang of criminals numbering over ten.
“They came out without injuries and loss of arms yet the accolade police gave them was to try them and reduce their ranks. This is outrageous and we cry to high heavens for justice.”
Reports indicate that the affected officers have lodged appeals against the perceived injustice they faced and are now anxiously anticipating a response from the Inspector General of Police.
Meanwhile, a human rights organization in Enugu, the Alliance for Justice, has voiced concerns about the deteriorating morale among officers, particularly in Enugu state. They argue that the unjust orderly room trial has significantly contributed to this decline in morale.
The group’s spokesman, Dr. Okwui Eze lamented: “This is the greatest height of injustice I have seen in this century. Just a few days ago, gallant police officers and soldiers were gruesomely killed by these criminals in Imo state; see the incessant kidnappings now going on in Enugu state and at the end of the day, the police will wickedly treat their gallant officers that survived such attack in this heart-rending manner.
“Where then lies justice? How do you expect our long-suffering and ill-equipped officers and men to continue to fight criminals?
In response to the situation, the Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO) of the Enugu State Command, Dan Ndukwe, stated that he would seek to verify and confirm the exact details of the trial.
He said “orderly trial is purely an internal administrative or disciplinary matter of the NPF. Hence if any police personnel is aggrieved with the outcome of such trials, he/she certainly knows the best channel through which judgments are appealed”.
The Petroleum Products Retail Outlets Owners Association of Nigeria (PETROAN) has raised concerns over alleged monopolistic practices by Dangote Refinery, following a public dispute about fuel pricing in the downstream petroleum sector.
Recall that the refinery, Africa’s largest, recently disclosed its petrol pricing at N990 per litre in trucks and N960 per litre into ships, a move it justifies as being in line with international rates.
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PETROAN, however, sees this as an attempt to suppress competitors and dominate the Nigerian market.
The rift began when Dangote Refinery claimed that complaints from marketers regarding its pricing were fueled by intentions to import cheaper, potentially substandard products.
In response, PETROAN strongly rejected these allegations, suggesting that Dangote’s claims are tactics designed to maintain a monopoly in the sector.
Joseph Obele, PETROAN’s spokesperson, stated that the association remains committed to importing high-quality products at more competitive rates to ensure affordability for Nigerian consumers.
According to PETROAN, competition in the market is essential for achieving fair pricing, and any attempt to stifle it would be detrimental to consumers.
They argue that Dangote Refinery’s pricing should reflect production costs and fair margins rather than international benchmarks, especially given concessions granted by the government for the refinery’s establishment.
PETROAN also announced its plans to partner with foreign refineries and financial backers to import premium-quality petroleum products at prices below current rates.
The association aims to enter the market by December 2024, pending necessary regulatory approvals.
“The allegations that PETROAN will import substandard products are unfounded and aimed at creating an unfair playing field,” the statement read.
PETROAN warned that similar claims in the past had led to significant price hikes when competitors were pushed out, emphasizing that the entry of new players into the market would lead to more competitive pricing and ultimately benefit Nigerian consumers.
PETROAN expressed appreciation for President Bola Tinubu’s commitment to revitalizing Nigeria’s state-owned refineries and urged the government to consider privatizing the Port Harcourt and Warri refineries once rehabilitation is complete.
The association believes a transparent privatization process will help strengthen Nigeria’s downstream sector and counter monopolistic tendencies.
To address the ongoing pricing challenges in the sector, PETROAN called on the government to convene a comprehensive meeting of industry stakeholders, including major associations like IPMAN, DAPPMAN, MEMAN, NUPENG, and PENGASSAN.
PETROAN believes that collaboration among these groups will be instrumental in establishing a sustainable and competitive pricing framework for petroleum products in Nigeria.
Sultan of Sokoto, Sa’ad Mohammad Abubakar II, has called on Nigerians to avoid publicly criticizing their leaders, instead urging citizens to place their trust in God to address leadership concerns as He deems fit.
Speaking at the Regional Conference on Climate Change-Induced Conflicts in Northern Nigeria, organized by the Kaduna State Bureau of Interfaith in collaboration with International Alert, the Sultan emphasized faith and patience in navigating the country’s challenges.
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Acknowledging Nigeria’s current economic and social hardships, the Sultan encouraged continuous prayer, not only for the nation but for its leaders as well.
“Even though many feel times are particularly hard, we believe relief will come. Let’s increase our prayers for our leaders, trusting God to address them in His way,” he said, expressing hope that divine intervention could bring stability and prosperity.
The Sultan reminded political leaders of their ultimate accountability to God, cautioning that they will stand alone on the Day of Resurrection, with only their deeds to support them.
“On that day, every leader will stand alone. Governors, advisers—none will have support except their own deeds. Let us act with a deep sense of responsibility and fear of God,” he stated.
Addressing religious leaders, he warned against misleading their followers for personal gain, underscoring the trust many place in their religious guidance.
“Only God can save any human being,” he said, encouraging Nigerians to remain faithful and discerning in their spiritual beliefs. “Focus on worshiping Allah and leave the rest to Him. Don’t follow those who might lead you astray.”
With leaders from various religious communities, including the President of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), in attendance, the Sultan called for unity, resilience, and communal effort to tackle pressing issues such as climate change, poverty, and insecurity in the northern region.
He praised the North’s history of unity and resilience, warning against divisive narratives that threaten communal harmony. “When we are united, we can face any challenge and build a prosperous community,” he asserted.
The Sultan’s remarks come amid ongoing social and environmental issues in the region, including a recent surge in climate-related challenges that have exacerbated poverty and security threats.
In light of these issues, he called on both Muslims and Christians to intensify their prayers, saying, “Our country faces many challenges, and we must turn to God in prayer. Let us intensify prayers in our mosques and churches.”
In a decisive move, President Bola Tinubu has ordered the immediate release of all minors detained by police during the recent #EndBadGovernance protests.
The directive, announced by Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris on Monday, underscores the government’s commitment to protecting children’s rights and ensuring justice.
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Idris confirmed that President Tinubu’s directive prioritizes the welfare of detained minors, instructing the Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs to facilitate their safe reunification with their families.
A committee led by the Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs will be established to oversee the welfare of the released minors and ensure compliance with the president’s orders.
Additionally, President Tinubu has directed a formal investigation into the actions of law enforcement agencies involved in the arrests.
The president emphasized that any misconduct uncovered during the investigation will result in disciplinary action, affirming his administration’s dedication to accountability within law enforcement.
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