NEWS
Disciplinary Shake-Up: PSC Dismisses 18 Senior Officers, Demotes 19 Others
The Police Service Commission (PSC) has dismissed 18 senior police officers and demoted 19 others as part of a wide-ranging disciplinary review.
The dismissed officers include 10 Assistant Superintendents of Police (ASPs), four Deputy Superintendents (DSPs), two Chief Superintendents (CSPs), and one Superintendent (SP).
The PSC also approved the reduction in ranks of 19 officers, including one Assistant Commissioner of Police (ACP), one CSP, two SPs, two DSPs, and 13 ASPs.
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These decisions were announced in a statement on Friday by PSC spokesperson Ikechukwu Ani, following the Commission’s Plenary Meeting in Abuja.
Ani revealed that the PSC reviewed 110 pending disciplinary cases, 23 appeals and petitions, and 13 court judgments requiring compliance.
“Most of the officers dismissed are also to be prosecuted by the Legal Unit of the Nigeria Police Force,” Ani said. He added that three cases were deferred, pending further clarification from the Inspector General of Police (IGP).
In addition to the dismissals and demotions, other officers received penalties such as severe reprimands, reprimands, and warning letters.
The Plenary Meeting, chaired by PSC Chairman DIG Hashimu Argungu (Rtd), also included the participation of DIG Taiwo Lakanu (Rtd) and the Commission’s Secretary, Chief Onyemuche Nnamani.
DIG Argungu stressed the Commission’s commitment to resolving disciplinary issues swiftly, ensuring that officers not found guilty can advance their careers while those culpable face appropriate sanctions.
“The Commission will henceforth consider police disciplinary matters with dispatch so as to free Police Officers who are not found wanting to continue with their career progression and those found culpable to serve their punishments,” Argungu said.
He warned officers against engaging in civil disputes, such as land, marital, and rent-related issues, urging them to focus on criminal matters.
“The courts should be allowed to do their duties, while the Police should pay more attention to criminal matters and threats to life,” he added.
The PSC also confirmed it had recently approved several promotions for deserving officers, with implementation directives sent to the IGP.
NEWS
Ifon/Ilobun/Erin Osun Crisis: Adeleke Inspects Conflict Zones, Orders Distribution Of Relief Items
Osun State Governor, Senator Ademola Adeleke has ordered the immediate distribution of food and relief materials to the displaced people of Ilobu, Ifon and Erin Osun.
This was contained in a government house statement in Osogbo on Tuesday by the Spokesperson to the State Governor, Olawale Rasheed.
According to Rasheed, the governor has also issued a directive to the Commissioner of Police and the Director of State Service to summon the traditional rulers, chiefs and identified ring leaders in each town for grilling and signing of peace undertakings.
Additionally, the state chief executive directed the search and arrest of perpetrators of the violence, insisting that those arrested should be charged to court without further delay.
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The Governor issued these directives after inspecting the three towns, lamenting the extensive damages in the conflict zones, vowing to permanently resolve the matter.
“This is really sad. I thank the security services for restoring peace. The 24 hours curfew imposed is working. We need to put a permanent end to this needless destruction of lives and properties.
“I have ordered distribution of food and relief materials to the displaced. The foods are going to the three palaces for distribution to the victims. We will ensure accountability. Those behind the mayhem will be brought to book.
“We are also taking stern measures to stop this ugly incident from reoccurring. The monarchs, chiefs and chieftains of each town will be grilled and be made to sign peace undertaking”, the Governor posited.
The governor was accompanied by top security and government personnel.
Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, who was recently suspended from the Senate, has refuted reports suggesting she apologised over the dispute that led to her suspension.
The Kogi Central lawmaker described the claims as false and insisted she remains resolute in her fight for justice.
In a statement on Monday, Akpoti-Uduaghan reaffirmed her position, vowing not to succumb to intimidation.
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“I, Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, stand firm in my resolve to never apologise for speaking my truth. The desperation to silence me is palpable, but I will not be intimidated,” she declared.
She alleged that her suspension was politically motivated and accused Senate President Godswill Akpabio of corruption.
“The games being played in full view of the Nigerian people will be exposed, and the corrupt individuals who have hijacked our institutions will be held accountable,” she added.
Recall that some constituents from Kogi Central Senatorial District have taken steps to recall Akpoti-Uduaghan from office.
On Monday, a petition seeking her removal was submitted to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) in Abuja.
The document, titled ‘Constituents’ Petition for the Recall of Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan on Grounds of Loss of Confidence’, was presented by Charity Ijese and received by INEC Secretary, Rose Anthony.
The petitioners argued that Akpoti-Uduaghan, who secured her Senate seat through an Appeal Court ruling in October 2023, no longer represents their interests effectively.
Akpoti-Uduaghan, who was suspended for alleged violations of Senate rules, has taken her case to the international stage, addressing the United Nations Inter-parliamentary conference in New York.
At the forum, she accused Akpabio of victimisation, sexual harassment, and abuse of office, further fueling the controversy surrounding her suspension.
Despite the challenges, she remains defiant, pledging to continue advocating for justice and gender equality.
“I will continue to fight for the rights of Nigerian women and ensure that our voices are heard,” she stated.
A group of constituents from Kogi Central Senatorial District has formally submitted a petition to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) seeking the recall of their representative, Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan.
The petition, presented on Monday by Charity Ijese on behalf of the constituents, was received by INEC’s Secretary, Rose Anthony, at the Commission’s headquarters in Abuja.
Titled “Constituents’ Petition for the Recall of Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan on Grounds of Loss of Confidence,” the document outlines allegations of misconduct against the senator.
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According to the petitioners, the recall effort is in line with Section 69 of the 1999 Constitution (as amended) and INEC’s established regulations.
They accused Akpoti-Uduaghan of engaging in “gross misconduct, abuse of office, evasion of due process, and a pattern of deceitful behavior.”
“This petition arises from our loss of confidence in the Senator,” the constituents stated. “Her actions have not only embarrassed the people of Kogi Central but have also tarnished the integrity of the Nigerian Senate and our nation’s democratic institutions.”
The petitioners claimed to have gathered signatures from more than half of the registered voters in Kogi Central, calling on INEC to begin the recall process and officially declare her seat vacant.
Akpoti-Uduaghan, who was declared the winner of her senatorial seat by an Appeal Court ruling in October 2023, was recently suspended from the Senate for six months for gross misconduct.
Her suspension followed a dispute with Senate President Godswill Akpabio, whom she accused of sexual harassment and abuse of office.
As of now, INEC has not issued a response regarding the petition.
Ifon/Ilobun/Erin Osun Crisis: Adeleke Inspects Conflict Zones, Orders Distribution Of Relief Items
EFCC Busts Ponzi Scheme Academy, Arrests 133 Suspects In Abuja
I’ll Never Apologise – Suspended Senator Natasha Fights Back
Kogi Central Constituents Submit Recall Petition Against Sen. Natasha
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