NEWS
IGP deploys 21,000 police officers for Osun election
Mr Usman Alkali Baba, Inspector General of Police on Tuesday said 21,000 police officers would be deployed for the Osun July 16 governorship election.
Alkali Baba stated this in Osogbo at the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) Osun 2022 Governorship Election Stakeholders’ Meeting.
The IGP, however, said that the deployment was not to intimidate residents but to prevent miscreants from highjacking or disrupting the election process.
He said the deployed officers would provide security, protect the electorate, INEC personnel and materials before, during and after the election.
He said the officers deployed had already been trained and made aware of the rules of engagement, adding that the police remained apolitical and they were to ensure free, fair and credible elections.
In his address, Prof. Mahmood Yakubu, INEC National Chairman, said the commission was fully ready to conduct the Osun election.
According to him, the election materials have already been deployed to all the state INEC local government area offices.
Yakubu said sensitive materials would be delivered to the wards 24 hours to the election and the Permanent Voter’s Cards (PVCs) collection would still continue untill Thursday July 14, two days to the governorship election.
Giving the records on PVC collection in the state, Mahmood added that out of the 1,955,657 registered voters in Osun, 1,479,959 voters have collected their PVCs as of INEC record of Sunday July 10.
He said INEC would also be setting a record as Persons With Disabilities (PWDs) would also be deployed as ad hoc staff selected from NYSC corps members) for the election, asking the electorate to cooperate and protect them.
He said that five INEC National Commissioners, 12 Resident Electoral Commissioners and other senior INEC officers would be in the state to support the Osun office to deliver a credible, free, fair and conclusive election.
NEWS
FG Continues Probe Into Civil Servants Receiving Salaries Abroad
The Federal Government has reaffirmed its commitment to investigating civil servants who continue to receive salaries after relocating abroad, according to the Head of the Civil Service of the Federation (HoS), Mrs. Didi Walson-Jack.
Speaking during an event in Abuja marking her first 100 days in office, Walson-Jack debunked claims that the investigation had been abandoned, emphasizing the government’s resolve to address the issue. The event also served as an opportunity to review her tenure in the civil service.
The investigation, launched five months ago by President Bola Tinubu, aims to ensure that civil servants who have relocated for better opportunities no longer benefit from Nigeria’s payroll system. Supervisors and department heads who facilitate such fraudulent activities are also being held accountable.
Walson-Jack revealed that the Integrated Personnel and Payroll Information System (IPPIS) is being employed to scrutinize workers’ movements.
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“You are asking about civil servants who may have ‘Japa’. We know that the issue was raised, and some verifications were carried out. Since then, some returned quickly, while others retired honourably,” she said.
“Right now, we are continuing the process, scrutinising the IPPIS payroll to identify those who are still in the country and those who are not. This will be an ongoing process to ensure that people cannot receive salaries while living abroad,” she added.
Acknowledging progress, Walson-Jack assured that the government would monitor the situation until it is fully resolved.
Reflecting on her tenure, she expressed gratitude to her team, highlighting the support of the ‘Super Permanent Secretaries’ as instrumental to her success.
“The first 100 days in office is a significant milestone. It provides an opportunity to reflect on the achievements made, assess progress, and set goals for the future,” she noted.
Walson-Jack also addressed job racketeering, pledging to work with the Federal Civil Service Commission to eliminate fraudulent recruitment practices.
“Where someone has obtained a job through fraudulent means, we will work with the commission to ensure that the person is sanctioned,” she stated.
This ongoing investigation underscores the government’s effort to restore integrity within the civil service system and ensure accountability at all levels.
NEWS
Driver Escapes Death As 40-Foot Container Crashes Onto Car In Lagos
A potentially tragic accident was narrowly averted on Monday morning when a 40-foot container toppled onto a Toyota Camry with registration number LSR 293 HJ.
The incident occurred around 8 a.m. along the busy route to the Apapa Ports, causing significant traffic disruptions in the area. Miraculously, the driver of the car, whose identity is yet to be disclosed, survived the ordeal and was swiftly rescued by emergency responders.
Eyewitnesses commended the quick intervention of the Lagos State Traffic Management Authority (LASTMA) and other emergency agencies, who ensured the driver was extracted from the mangled vehicle and rushed to a nearby hospital for urgent medical care.
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Officers from the Kirikiri Police Division secured the accident scene, allowing emergency teams to work without interference. Meanwhile, efforts to remove the container and clear the road were still ongoing as of 9:30 a.m.
Speaking on the incident, LASTMA General Manager, Mr. Olalekan Bakare-Oki, decried the improper securing of containers, which he identified as a recurring cause of such accidents.
“This incident underscores the critical importance of ensuring that containers are properly fastened before being transported. LASTMA remains unwavering in its commitment to ensuring the safety and efficiency of Lagos roadways,” Bakare-Oki said.
The crushed Toyota Camry has since been removed from under the container. LASTMA officials continued operations at the scene to restore normal traffic flow in the area.
This latest incident highlights ongoing safety concerns surrounding container-laden trucks in Lagos, prompting calls for stricter enforcement of road safety measures.
NEWS
NAF Launches Devastating Strike On Terrorist Logistics Hub In Lake Chad
The Nigerian Air Force (NAF) has successfully carried out a decisive strike against a terrorist enclave in the Lake Chad Basin, delivering a significant blow to militant operations.
Recall that on November 23, 2024, fighter jets from the NAF’s Operation Hadin Kai targeted the notorious Jubillaram area, a known stronghold of terrorist elements in the Tumbuns region.
In a statement issued on Monday, Air Commodore Olusola Akinboyewa, Director of Public Relations and Information for the NAF, confirmed that the operation was a direct response to recent intelligence.
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“This strategic location, identified through meticulous intelligence efforts, served as a critical food storage site and a sanctuary for terrorist commanders and fighters,” Akinboyewa said.
The airstrike, which followed a string of successful intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (ISR) missions, was linked to several recent terrorist attacks, including an assault on Nigerian troops in Kareto on November 16, 2024.
“Intelligence had previously linked terrorists in this location to recent attacks, including the assault on troops in Kareto,” Akinboyewa added.
During the operation, NAF fighter jets launched a precise air interdiction mission, destroying key infrastructure used by the terrorists, including food storage facilities.
This strike disrupted the militants’ logistical operations and significantly weakened their capacity for future attacks.
“The destruction of the terrorist enclave, including food storage facilities, severely disrupted their logistical operations,” Akinboyewa noted.
Following the airstrike, mop-up operations were conducted using cannons to neutralize any remaining hostile elements.
“Mop-up operations using cannons ensured the complete elimination of fleeing hostile elements,” Akinboyewa stated, emphasizing that the operation was a comprehensive success.
The NAF reaffirmed its commitment to continuing operations in the fight against terrorism.
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“This mission demonstrates the NAF’s unwavering commitment to defending our nation and people, acting singly and supporting surface forces in counterterrorism operations,” Akinboyewa said.
“The NAF will sustain these robust independent and joint operations until all enemies of Nigeria’s prosperity and wellbeing are brought to justice.”