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Obi Reacts To Seizure Of Nigeria’s Presidential Jets

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The presidential candidate of the Labour Party (LP) in Nigeria’s 2023 election, Peter Obi considers the seizure of Nigeria’s presidential jets an international embarrassment.

He shared his views in a statement on his verified handle on micro-blogging site, X, on Friday.

In a series of tweets, Obi wondered why the jets were purchased in the first place, given the excruciating economic hardship being encountered by citizens of “the poverty capital of world”.

ALSO READ: Ogun Declares Stand On Zhongshan Scandal

Writing under the subject, “Seizure of Presidential Jets- An International Embarrassment”, he queried why the transactions were done in secrecy.

He urged the Nigerian government to let the citizens know what had been done at national and sub national levels since the matter became subject of judicial intervention in the United Kingdom.

Obi wrote, “The trending international news on the seizure of three Jets belonging to Nigeria’s Presidential fleet is yet another of many embarrassing things exposing our failed leadership and our attitude to the rule of law even in a democracy.

“It has also exposed multiple dimensions to our leadership failure and our insensitivity to the plight of the growing poor class in our midst.

“The fact that the federal government went ahead with the jet deal despite the cacophonous cry against the purchase of a Presidential jet at this time when the people are going through a horrifying economic hardship shows the insensitivity of this administration.

“Added to it is the embarrassing aspect of our country’s Presidential jets being held for contractual breaches arising from yet another dimension of inadequate leadership tidiness.

“I have been loud in my demand over time that the government at all levels should be accountable to the people, meaning that they must be very transparent in all their dealings.

“Until a court in France prohibits (sic) Nigeria from moving or selling these three jets, Nigerians have no iota of information about both the buying and selling of these aircraft.

“It has been done in secrecy. Federal Government’s property, which belongs to the people, is being managed as a personal family asset.

“Paying as much as $100m dollars for a Presidential jet for a country that is the poverty capital of the World and has more out-of-school children with over 40% food inflation is the height of concern for the people’s feelings.

“This incident has also opened up an aspect of indiscipline that is copiously embedded in our country which is the abuse and disrespect for the rule of law.

“Here are questions begging for answers:

“To what extent did the Ogun (State) government follow its agreement with the Chinese firm?

“After the UK court ruling that prohibited some Nigeria building in Liverpool, what did both Ogun state and Federal government do before the French court action?

“I would like to, therefore, challenge the federal government to come clean and transparent on this matter and tell Nigerians how we got to this latest international mess. – PO”

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Lagbaja’s Remains Arrive National Military Cemetery For Burial

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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.

READ MORE: Gas Explosion in Katsina Filling Station Damages Six Vehicles

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.

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Supreme Court Rejects Lawsuit Seeking To Abolish EFCC

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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.

 

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Police Recover N2.3m Extorted From Abuja Resident, Officers Detained

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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.”

READ MORE: Miss South Africa 2024, Mia Le Roux Withdraws From Miss Universe

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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