Police Boss Promotes 4,134 Traffic Warden Officers

December 18, 2020

The Inspector-General of Police, Mohammed A Adamu, has approved the promotion of 4,134 Traffic Warden Officers to their next ranks.

The promotion includes 65 Officers who were elevated to the rank of Deputy Superintendent of Traffic; 245 Officers to Assistant Superintendent of Traffic II; 138 Officers to Senior Traffic Warden; 3,683 Men to Grade I and 3 Men from Grade III to Grade II.

A statement today, December 18 by the Police spokesman, Frank Mba, quoted the IGP as saying that the promotion of the officers is part of the ongoing efforts by the Force to ensure that deserving personnel are promoted accordingly, to encourage hard work and further entrench the culture of merit, excellence and dedication to duties.

The Traffic Warden Service was established in 1975 as a section of the Nigeria Police Force charged with the task of discharging functions in connection with the control and regulation of, or the enforcement of the law relating to road traffic under the direction of the Police. Since its establishment, it has remained one of the key frontline components of the Force.

The IGP, who commended the officers for their resilience and invaluable commitment to traffic control duties as greatly recognized by the members of the public, charged them to see their promotion as a call for renewed commitment to duty and further re-dedication to their professional calling.

Mohammed Adamu enjoined the officers to be diligent in the discharge of their duties and shun all acts capable of undermining the efforts of the Force particularly in the ongoing reforms.

Attacks On Educational Facilities, Grave Violation Of Children’s Rights – UNICEF

Editorial staff

December 18, 2020

The United Nations Education Fund (UNICEF), has said that attacks on educational facilities anywhere in the world are grave violation of the children’s right.

“Last Friday’s attack (on the Government Boys Science Secondary School in the Kankara Local Government Area of Katsina State), directly targeting children in the middle of the night, in a place where they should feel safe, was an outrage.

“Schools should be safe. Children should never be the target of attack – and yet, far too often in Nigeria, they are precisely that – victims of attacks on their schools.

“Attacks on educational facilities are a grave violation of children’s rights. This incident is a disturbing reminder of the heavy toll that violence takes on civilians in north-west Nigeria, including children.”

In a statement today, December 18 in Abuja, the Nation’s capital, UNICEF described such attacks as depriving children of the right to an education, adding that they make children fearful of going to the classroom, and parents afraid to send their children to school.

“Schools must be safe places to study and develop, and learning cannot become a perilous endeavor.

“Interventions must be put in place to ensure that schools are safe, and that all Nigerian children can learn without fear. These interventions should take into account the important role that communities can play in ensuring the safety of schools, including through support for school-based management committees (SBMCs).

“No cause justifies attacks against children and schools. Such cruel disregard for humanity must come to an end.”

Federal Govt Stops Network Providers From Charging N20 For NIN Retrieval

Editorial staff

December 18, 2020

The Federal Government has ordered all network providers to stop, with immediate effect, the N20 being charged for the retrieval of the National Identification Number (NIN) with immediate effect.

Nigeria’s Minister of Communications and Digital Economy, Dr. Isa Pantami gave the order in a statement today, December 18.

“The Minister’s directive which takes immediate effect is an intervention aimed at making the process easier and affordable,” the minister said.

“In a letter conveying the implementation of the directive, the Executive Vice Chairman NCC and the Director-General of NIMC informed Dr Pantami that the relevant authorities had met with, and negotiated a waiver with the Mobile Network Operators in that regard.

“By this waiver, all Nigerians, subscribers and applicants can access the service using the *346# code for their NIN retrieval at no charge for the duration of the NIN/SIM Card integration exercise.”

A few days back, the Federal Government had directed that all NIN should be integrated with the Subscriber Identification Modules for security purposes and ordered the network operators to ask all their subscribers to provide valid NIN to update their records and suspend SIM registration.

The development sparked diverse reactions from Nigerians who questioned the rationale behind the short notice, insisting the time frame was short.

The House of Representatives was the first to call on the National Communications Commission (NCC) to extend the 31st December deadline issued to sim card owners to submit their NIN to their network providers to prevent blocking.

The motion was moved on Wednesday during plenary by the House Minority Leader, Ndudi Elumelu.

According to the lawmaker, two weeks is too short for 200 million Nigerians to conclude the process.

The House lauds the intention of the NCC, for security reasons but wants the process to be extended to 10 weeks, considering the difficulty experienced by Nigerians in attaining the NIN.

Minister Gives Notice Of Return Of Mobile Courts To Curb Coronvirus Resurgence

Editorial staff

December 18, 2020

The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Malam Muhammad Musa Bello has made it clear that his administration will embark on a rigorous enforcement of all extant coronavirus health and safety protocols, including the establishment of mobile courts to stop the spread of the disease in the Capital Territory.

At a news briefing today, December 18 on the second wave of coronavirus in the Territory, Malam Musa Bello decried the rising number of positive cases in the Territory which he said are unacceptably high.

Malam Musa Bello said that the enforcement teams will step up their activities and return to the streets of the FCT working very closely with the judiciary through the mobile court system under the existing laws.

According to the minister, the high rate of the cases has been as a result of the fact that residents of the Territory had ceased to comply with recommended health guidelines put in place to curb the spread of the virus.

“Our recorded figures over the last 3 weeks have been unacceptably high and there is an urgent need to contain it as much and as fast as possible.”

The Minister said that the Administration will re-enforce its communication and public enlightenment strategies that will involve the active participation of local youth groups and non-governmental organizations.

“It is our intention that they drive these campaign processes to reach the nooks and crannies of the Territory”

He called on residents of the Territory to play their roles if the FCT is to overcome the second wave of the pandemic.

He also called on residents not to be carried away by the euphoria of the festive season and let down their guard against the virus which he said had not lost its potency or capacity to make the afflicted very ill.

The Minister also revealed guidelines to curb the spread of the virus which are based on resolutions reached during a stakeholders meeting held earlier in the week, the Public Health Advisory of the NCDC, and the Federal Executive council meeting

The guidelines as released are;

i. The Abuja Market Management Limited and the various market associations should work together to carry out sensitization activities and also ensure compliance of all extant health protocols.

ii. All extant regulations issued as conditions for re-opening of places of worship on the 4^thof June 2020 still subsists and heads of the various congregations are to ensure compliance.

iii. All extant regulations guiding the operations of entertainment and recreational centers still subsists and operators of such places are enjoined to ensure strict compliance.

iv. Public transportation facilities such as buses taxis and tricycles must also obey all already established protocols.

Other COVID -19 guidelines in offices and business premises are;

i. Mandatory temperature checks must be carried out on all employees and customers entering office and business premises in the FCT

ii. No mask, No entry, No service – all staff members, visitors and customers entering workplaces, shops or business premises must wear a face mask that should cover the mouth and nose.

iii. All office and business premises must have a handwashing station with running water and soap or hand sanitizer

Restrict all physical meetings and instead opt for virtual meetings, whenever possible..
Office, shops and business premises must be well-ventilated and cleaned regularly throughout the day.
Employees who are feeling unwell or have COVID-19 symptoms, should notify their supervisor immediately, or stay at home and seek medical attention to confirm diagnosis, by doing a COVID19 test.

The minister expressed the appreciation of the Administration to all medical and other frontline personnel in the fight against coronavirus.

Kidnapped And Freed Students Give Conditions For Returning To Kankara School

Editorial staff

December 18, 2020

Kidnapped students in katsina | Photo by Premium Times

Some of the abducted 344 students of Government Science Secondary School who regained freedom yesterday, December 17 night from their abductors, have given some conditions for them to return to the same school. One of the conditions is the provision of adequate security.

The students, who spoke in an interview at the Katsina State Government House today, December 18, called on the State Governor, Aminu Bello Masari to relocate the school to Kankara town.

One of the students, Yusuf Suleiman, SS1, said lack of adequate security in the school was responsible for their abduction by the bandits.

He said: “We suffered in the hand of the bandits and for me, I will not return to the school again because it has no security and it is located at the outskirt of Kankara town”.

Another student, Abdulmajid Umar, called on the state government as a matter of urgency to relocate the all-boys secondary to Kankara town to avoid reccurrence of the incident.

Umar, a JSS3 student, said: “It will be difficult for us to return to the school. Most of us have agreed not to go back to the school again. We will seek for transfer to other schools within Katsina metropolis”.

The Commander of the 17 Brigade-General WB Idris, who handed over the students to Governor Masari, said that the students were rescued by the combined team of security operatives in the state.

“We are here this morning (Friday) to formally hand over the 344 students of Government Science Secondary Kankara that were rescued from the bandits yesterday night (Thursday)”, he said.

While receiving the 344 students, Governor Masari, said that they would be taken to hospital for examination to ascertain their health status before they will be reunited with their parents.

He assured that his administration would continue to give ultimate attention to security of lives and property of the citizenry, adding security is everyone’s responsibility.

Source: THISDAY.

You Must Return To School, Buhari Tells 344 Kidnapped, Freed Kankara Students

Editorial staff

December 18, 2020

President Muhammadu Buhari has reminded rescued students of Government Science Secondary School, Kankara, Katsina State that there is no substitute to good education, “so you must return to school and continue with your education.”

He asked them to remain focused in pursuing their interest of acquiring good education, despite the misfortune of kidnapping, stressing that the reward of knowledge is not negotiable.

The President, who met with the 344 students today, December 18, at the Government House in Katsina, said that the unfortunate incident was a test of character and determination to succeed in life, assuring the students that the Federal Government will upgrade the security structure in the country to ensure more safety.

“My dear children don’t be discouraged with what has happened,’’ he said, “give your attention to acquiring knowledge and developing good character, and you will be distinguished in life.’’

“I know that you have been through a lot. The suffering you went through, please put it aside, and try to forget the painful experience.

“If I wasn’t educated I will not be standing here today in front of you. I schooled in Katsina for nine years. I moved on to join the army, served as a governor, Head of State, went to prison, came out and later joined politics. I contested presidential elections three times, and finally, I was declared a winner in 2015.”

The President commended the Executive Governor of Katsina State, Aminu Bello Masari, for working tirelessly to ensure that the kidnapped children were returned unharmed, while appreciating all the security agencies, traditional institutions and individuals that played key roles in their rescue.

President Buhari said the military and security agencies still had a lot to do to secure the country, and its citizens.

“This is their job. They signed for it. Whether they like it or not, they will have to provide security for the country.”

In his remarks, Governor Masari said the security architecture in the country should be upgraded to ensure safety of citizens, adding that the “kidnap of school children should never happen again’’.

The Governor said the release of the children was through collaborations, negotiations and discussions, thanking the President for consistently supporting the process, creating time for regular updates and taking actions when needed.

Buhari Gives Shopping List To Oil And Gas Industry Investor, Dr. Ikpea At 64

Editorial staff

December 18, 2020

President Muhammadu Buhari has listed a number of what he expects an oil and gas industry investor, Chief (Dr) Leemon Ikpea, to accomplish henceforth as he clocks 64 years old tomorrow, December 19.

In a statement by his senior special assistant on media and publicity, Malam Garba Shehu, the President encouraged Dr. Ikpea to continue exhibiting the milk of human kindness, which has seen him awarding innumerable scholarships and bequests to uplift the weak and downtrodden, and commends same to other well-to-do Nigerians.

Buhari acknowledged that through the grace of God and hard work, Dr. Ikpea has risen from modest beginnings to the topmost rungs of the business ladder, even as he commended him for being an example to the younger generation.

The President acknowledged that Lee Engineering and Construction Company, of which Chief Ikpea is Chairman/Chief Executive Officer, is one of the home-grown investors in the oil and gas industry, thus proving that Nigerians can excel in the highly technical sector.

He prayed that Dr. Ikpea will continue to serve God and humanity in good health, and enjoy all-round prosperity.

For Transparency: NNPC Appoints EITI Implementation Programme Manager

Editorial staff

December 18, 2020

The Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) has appointed the Country Manager, until recently, of the Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative (EITI) in charge of coordinating implementation of EITI standards across Anglophone Africa, Ms. Murjanatu Ibrahim Gamawa as EITI Implementation Programme Manager to help drive speedy attainment of EITI requirements across its operations.

A statement today, December 18, by the group General Manager, Group Public Affairs Division, Dr. Kennie Obateru, said that the move is in keeping with the NNPC’s resolve to deepen its compliance with the transparency standards.

The statement said that Ms. Gamawa’s appointment takes effect from January 2021, adding that the move is a practical step towards entrenching the culture of transparency in the Corporation.

The new EITI Implementation Programme Manager is a petroleum geologist who had worked at the Nigeria Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative (NEITI) as a petroleum analyst and team lead of the Oil and Gas Team.

Gamawa’s wealth of experience across the Oil and Gas industry and in EITI mandate implementation is expected to boost the Corporation’s compliance strategy and roadmap.

How I Negotiated Release Of Kankara Schoolboys Without Paying Kobo — Zamfara Gov.

Greenbarge Reporters

December 18, 2020

Zamfara State Governor, Bello Matawalle, has revealed how he facilitated the release of the 344 schoolboys of Government Science Secondary School, Kankara, Katsina State without the payment of ransom.
The Governor who spoke to DAILY NIGERIA, an online newspaper shortly after the schoolboys were released by their abductors yesterday, December 17, in Zamfara State, said that he used repentant bandits and the leadership of Miyetti Allah to identify the syndicate that led the abduction, and then started the negotiation process.
“When we established contact with them, I persuaded them to release them unharmed.
“And so they did tonight.
“This is not the first time we facilitated the release of our people without payment of ransom.
“Ask anybody, we don’t pay bandits a dime.
“What we do is to extend olive branch to them because they also want to live in peace.
“As I speak to you, they are on their way to Tsafe, from where they will come to Gusau and sleep.
“They will begin their journey to Katsina tomorrow morning.”
Speaking on the confusion over which group abducted the schoolboys, 344, Governor Matawalle said: “Nothing like Boko Haram in this.
“The bandits did it.”
On the solution to insecurity in the North West, he said: “If all the governors will sit to address this problem by adopting dialogue, banditry will reduce to barest minimum.
“I can tell you security agents are really trying.
“When you remove political interference from their operations, you can get the results.”

President Buhari Hails Security, Others For Release Of Kidnapped Kankara Students

Editorial staff

December 17, 2020

President Muhammadu Buhari has commended the security personnel, Katsina and Zamfara State governments for the release of kidnapped students of Government Science Secondary School, Kankara, Katsina State.

Buhari describing the safe return of the students as a big relief to their families, the entire country and international community.

Speaking today, December 17 shortly after their release was announced, President Buhari expressed the nation’s appreciation for the steps taken by all involved to make their release possible.

The President specifically cited what he called the “spirit of partnership and the collaborative efforts of the government of Katsina, Zamfara and military leading to the release.’’

He commended the nation’s intelligence agencies, the military and police force for providing the environment for safe release of the hostages.

“The Governor, Aminu Bello Masari, and the army worked extremely hard. As soon as I got the information I congratulated them. The Armed Forces know their job. They have been well trained and properly motivated.”

On the issue of detainees held elsewhere in the country by either terrorists or bandits, the President gave assurances that his administration is aware of its responsibility to protect the life and property of the Nigerians.

President Buhari urged the citizens to be patient and fair to the administration as it deals with the problems of security, economy and corruption.

He noted that the administration was fully aware that it was elected to resolve challenges.

“When we came, we made efforts that yielded the return of the Chibok Girls. When a similar incident of school abduction happened at Dapchi, we successfully returned all but one of the more than one hundred abductees. When this latest incident happened, we put in our efforts and today we have this result to show.”

The President pointed to the successes of the administration in dealing with security in the South South and North East.

He said the North West now presents a challenge which his administration is determined to deal with.

“We have a lot of work to do, especially now that we have re-opened the borders. It is unfortunate that the bandits and terrorists continue to get weapons even under the circumstances of the border closure. We are going to dare them. We will deal with all that.”

He prayed for the full recovery of the students, whom he said had endured significant hardships in the course of their six-day ordeal.

The President assured of the determination of his administration to return to safety all citizens held against their will.

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