NEWS
Sokoto Gov’t Unveils 55% Price Reduction On Rice, Other Essentials
In a bold move to alleviate economic hardships, the Sokoto State Government has announced a 55% reduction in the prices of rice and other essential commodities sourced for residents across the state.
The announcement was made by Governor Ahmed Aliyu during the inauguration of state and local government monitoring teams for the subsidized sale of food items on Monday.
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Governor Aliyu explained that the initiative aims to ease the burden caused by the recent removal of the fuel subsidy in Nigeria, which has exacerbated economic challenges for many citizens.
The discounted food items are intended to reach households in all 244 wards throughout the state, ensuring that every resident benefits from the program.
Addressing the monitoring teams, Aliyu emphasized the importance of fairness in the distribution process.
“Avoid any political, ethnic, or religious consideration while discharging your assignment. Make sure every family has free access to these items because it is meant for every resident of this state,” he stated.
Governor Aliyu acknowledged that various economic setbacks have affected the nation and the world at large, influenced by shifts in global economic trends and financial contractions.
He noted that national reforms, such as the removal of fuel subsidies and increased electricity tariffs, have placed considerable strain on Nigerians.
“While these policies were aimed at redirecting the country’s economic and social fortunes, they have also subjected our people to significant economic hardships,” Aliyu said.
He highlighted ongoing efforts by both the federal and state governments to cushion the effects of these challenges through various palliative measures.
The governor assured residents that the state would sustain the provision of food items and other essentials at discounted rates to support families.
In addition to discounted commodities, the state has extended other relief efforts, including free distribution of commodities and subsidized mass transit services, to mitigate transportation difficulties.
“The state government is committed to sustaining the supply of these commodities to all the 244 wards in the state, ensuring access to all families regardless of social or political affiliations,” Aliyu affirmed. “This initiative will continue until the economic situation in the country improves.”
NEWS
Lagbaja’s Remains Arrive National Military Cemetery For Burial
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.
NEWS
Supreme Court Rejects Lawsuit Seeking To Abolish EFCC
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.
NEWS
Police Recover N2.3m Extorted From Abuja Resident, Officers Detained
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.