In commemoration with the United Nations International Day against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking,the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency, NDLEA today said the organization led by Brig. Gen. Buba Marwa Rtd is winning the war against drug abuse in the Country.

The Warri Area Commander of the NDLEA, Mr. Isibor Victor Chuks, an Assistant Commander of Narcotics made the assertion during a chat with newsmen shortly after a sensitization rally against drug abuse in collaboration with members of the Delta State Human Right Protection Congress and the Committee for the Defence of Human Right,CDHR in Warri.

He said Brig. Gen. Marwa has left no stone unturned in the war against drug abuse.

Mr. Isibor however noted that poor funding is a major challenge militating against the war against drug abuse.

Mr. Isibor pointed out that the NDLEA premises is unkept stressing that there’s no rehabilitation center the command which covers for local government areas.

According to him, there’s only a rickety operational vehicle which they used for their work.

Mr. Isibor and the human right organizations urged the youths to stay away from drugs saying,”Narcotic drugs are death traps. Drug kills slowly. Drug are weapons of mass destruction. Be informed that drugs end all dreams.”

He added that, “World drug day is a day to share research findings, evidence-based data and lifesaving facts and to continue tapping into a shared spirit of solidarity. UNODC invites everyone to do their part, by taking a firm stance against misinformation and unreliable sources, while committing to sharing only the real science backed data on drugs and save lives.

“The aim of this year’s campaign is to raise awareness about the importance of treating people who use drugs with respect and empathy, providing evidence based voluntary services for all, offering alternatives to punishment, prioritizing prevention and leading with passion.

“The campaign also aims at combating stigma and discrimination against people who use drugs by promoting language and attitudes that are respectful and non-judgmental. In other words, drug addicts are to be seen as sick person’s that needs help to recover from their illness.”

The Public Relations Officer,PRO of the Delta State Human Right Protection Congress,Comrade Harrison Itulua also in a chat with newsmen decried the effects of drug abuse in the society. He said the NDLEA had in times past cracked down and arrested drug barons in the Country. Comrade Itulua warned that drug abuse could lead to hypertension, stroke and other ailments in the human body. He pointed out that is also the cause of some of the heinous crimes being peppetuated are done under the influences of drug abuses. In his words,”armed robbery and Kidnapping, rape are done under the influence of drug abuse.” Comrade Itulua who doubles as CDHR State Treasurer said this is why we have come to “Say No to drugs and Yes to life.” He Urged the youths to shun the abuse of drugs and live a meaningful life.

The Secretary of the Delta State Human Right Protection Congress, Comrade Kelvin Ejumudo also called on the youths to stay away from the abuse of drugs stressing that,”it is responsible for the crimes and Criminality in the society.

The Director, Delta State Human Right Protection Congress, Comrade Monday Enudi thanked the NDLEA and the Civil Society Organizations for the collaboration in the sensitization exercise against drug abuse.

He said the drug abuse is dangerous to the human health stressing that,”it damages the organs.”

Comrade Enudi said the negative influences of drug abuse reflects in the conduct and behaviour of the individual who indulges in it.

Our Correspondent who monitored the exercise reports that the NDLEA in collaboration with the Delta State Human Right Protection Congress and the Committee for the Defence of Human Rights, CDHR began this year’s United Nations International Day against Drug Abuse and illicit trafficking with a sensitization rally from the Warri Area Command of the NDLEA along Deco road to Hausa Quarters, Warri main garage, Lower Erejuwa and other parts of Warri.

They sensitized members of the public against drug abuses in their lives,homes, communities, State and society at large.

They beared placards with inscriptions such as,”No to drug. Yes to life”,”Drugs Kills. Say No to tramadol, Say No to Codeine” as well as “Say No to drugs.”

The them for the sensitization rally is, “People First. Stop stigma, discrimination, strengthen prevention”.

Governor Sheriff Oborevwori of Delta has felicitated with the Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of UTM FLNG Limited, Mr Julius Rone, on his 49th birth anniversary on June 25.

In a statement by his Chief Press Secretary, Sir Festus Ahon, in Asaba, Oborevwori said Rone popularly called “The Gas King” is an illustrious son of Delta who has, through his investments in oil and gas and other business concerns, contributed immensely to the growth and development of the State and Country.

He said that Rone’s contribution to the State was heart-warming and worthy of emulation and urged other indigenous investors to emulate the sterling accomplishments of the UTM FLNG boss.

The Governor remarked that for his outstanding contributions to the development of the State, Rone had etched his name in gold in the annals of the State.

Oborevwori said: “On behalf of my family, the Government and people of Delta State, I rejoice with my brother and friend in whom I am well pleased, Mr Julius Rone, OFR on the occasion of his 49th birth anniversary today.

“Through dint of hardwork, focus and perseverance, he has built UTM FLNG Limited to become Nigeria’s first Floating Liquefied Natural Gas (FLNG) facility.

“Of more importance to us is the very strategic investment in the FLNG facility with its headquarters expected to be sited in Warri.

“We are very excited because the floating gas investment would enhance energy transition, employment, capacity building, transfer of technology, reduce gas flaring, increase domestic supply, and export, all targeted at generating additional revenue for stakeholders.

“As you celebrate this joyous occasion of your birth anniversary, I join your family and well wishers in celebrating a life of great accomplishments and outstanding patriotism with which God has blessed you.

“It is my prayer that you will continue to grow in business and enjoy robust health and many years of service to God and mankind”.

US President Joe Biden was briefed on situation in Russia, Washington “will be consulting with allies and partners on these developments”

Activists hold a portrait of Russian President Vladimir Putin near Red Square in Moscow, on June 24, 2023. President Vladimir Putin on June 24, 2023 said an armed mutiny by Wagner mercenaries was a “stab in the back” and that the group’s chief Yevgeny Prigozhin had betrayed Russia, as he vowed to punish the dissidents. Prigozhin said his fighters control key military sites in the southern city of Rostov-on-Don. (Photo by Natalia KOLESNIKOVA / AFP)

Countries around the world were on Saturday closely watching events unfolding in Russia, where a mutiny by the Wagner mercenary group posed the most serious challenge to President Vladimir Putin’s long rule.

Below are what governments and analysts are saying about the extraordinary situation taking place in nuclear-armed Russia.

Ukraine
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said that the Wagner mutiny showed Russia was weak.

“Russia’s weakness is obvious. Full-scale weakness. And the longer Russia keeps its troops and mercenaries on our land, the more chaos, pain, and problems it will have for itself later,” he said in statement on social media.

The United States
US President Joe Biden was briefed on the situation in Russia and Washington and “will be consulting with allies and partners on these developments”, National Security Council spokesman Adam Hodge said.

Europe
European Union chief Charles Michel tweeted that the bloc was “closely monitoring the situation in Russia as it unfolds. In touch with European leaders and @G7 partners.”

“This is clearly an internal Russian issue,” he tweeted, adding that “our support for Ukraine” remains “unwavering”.

British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak urged “all parties to be responsible and to protect civilians.”

“We’re in touch with our allies as the situation evolves. I’ll be speaking to some of them later today and the most important thing is for all parties to behave responsibly,” he told the BBC

In Berlin, “the government is closely following the events in Russia”, a spokesman told AFP. The foreign ministry advised avoiding central Moscow and government and military buildings in the capital..

In Paris, French President Emmanuel Macron “is following the situation very closely,” the Elysee said. “We remain focussed on supporting Ukraine.”

In Rome, Italian “Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni is closely following the events taking place in Russia, which show how the aggression against Ukraine is causing instability also within Russia,” her office said in a statement.

Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani said that for the moment there was no concern for Italians living in Russia, but said they were “advised to be cautious”.

In Sweden, Foreign Minister Tobias Billstrom tweeted: “The government is closely following the situation in Russia. The situation is serious.”

In Norway, Foreign Minister Anniken Huitfeldt said Oslo was “closely following the dramatic situation in Russia and are in close contact with the embassy in Moscow.”

Belgian Defence Minister Ludivine Dedonder tweeted: “The situation in Russia is serious. I continue to follow developments… to see what impact it has on the conflict.”

Analysts
The UK Ministry of Defence said in an intelligence update that “this represents the most significant challenge to the Russian state in recent times.”

“Over the coming hours, the loyalty of Russia’s security forces, and especially the Russian National Guard, will be key to how the crisis plays out,” it said in a tweet.

The US-based Institute for the Study of War said the armed rebellion was “unlikely to succeed” but that “an armed Wagner attack against the Russian military leadership in Rostov-on-Don would have significant impacts on Russia’s war effort in Ukraine.”

AFP

*Demands  for equal treatment from Gov. Oborevwori  administration’s media managers  

All is not well with the immediate past governor of Delta State, Dr. Ifeanyi Okowa, following the lackadaisical attitude and poor treatment of journalists by his media aides.

In a Communique’ issued on Thursday June 22, 2023, at the well attended emergency Congress of Indigenous Correspondents’ Chapel (ICC), held at the Chapel Secretariat in Asaba, the State capital, the Chapel noted that the media aides of the former governor failed woefully in the discharge of their duties.

According to the Communique’, “Congress in session frowns at the divide and rule attitude of his media managers, which seemingly made a select few chapels superior to others

“Congress-in-session notes with dismay, that over the years, the lndigenous Correspondents’ Chapel which is the strategic link between government and the grassroots, has consecutively and flagrantly been marginalized in the scheme of things, especially in the coverage of major government activities.

“Congress-in-session condemns strongly, in one voice, our denial of benefits assured us by immediate past Governor, Senator Dr lfeanyi Okowa, CON, due to the deliberate inaction of the former Governor’s media managers.

“Going forward, Congress in session, appealed for equal treatment from the present administration’s media managers, judging from our very strategic role as community based media in Delta. Even our brand new Governor, His Excellency, Rt. Hon. Elder Sheriff Oborevwori, is described as a man of EXCESSIVE LOCAL CONTENT, just like lndigenous Correspondents’ Chapel!

“Congress-in-session commends His Excellency Governor Sheriff Oborevwori, for appointing one of our finest veterans, Sir Festus Ahon, as his Chief Press Secretary (CPS). We pledge to cooperate with him in the area of dissemination of information on government’s policies and programmes.

“Congress-in-session passionately appeals to His Excellency the Governor, to kindly consider appointing a member of lndigenous Correspondents’ Chapel as part of his media team, in order to oversee the affairs of community based media in Delta State”, the Communique’ stressed.

Federal Road Safety Corp (FRSC), Delta State command, led by Sector commander RS.5.2 Corp Udeme Bassey Eshiet has solicited for  the help of all stakeholders to assist  in the fight against Road crashes.

So far there have been reduction in road crashes but we would prefer to take it down even more.

According to the sector commander “So far there have been reduction in road crashes but we would prefer to take it down even more, We are doing everything necessary to reduce overloading, overloading will cause imbalance in vehicles, increase the number of casualties if there’s a road crash, we are in partnership with armed agencies to work at night to reduce haulage cars (trucks) from carrying people, Regardless, we also have the challenges of not being armed.”

Delta Sector commander, Udeme

Comrade Orusi & Corp Udeme (right)

Corp Udeme made the disclosure Tuesday June 20, 2023, during a courtesy visit by members of Indigenous Correspondents Chapel (ICC) of the Nigeria Union of Journalists, Delta State Council at his office in Igbouzor, Delta State.

Corp Udeme further noted that ” We need the media to join hands with us to help us propagate our messages, we urge you to carry our messages to the grassroots for safer roads in delta state.”

While speaking on the activities of the Corp Udeme disclosed that “we offer much to the public beyond what they imagine, we carry out public enlightenment on the proper use of the road, we are currently embarking on the wet season driving, we hope to meet a large chunk of the people at public spaces like the church amongst others.”

He further disclosed that “we are also calling on manufacturers to put safety first in car production, while we are also calling on road contractors for more engagements to add our input as concerns safety on these roads; what causes road crashes are unsafe act and unsafe conditions, that’s why we carry out road audits and profer solutions to the government.” stressing that “let’s consider the use of bicycle to reduce the use of cars and by extention reduce pollution and road crashes and also explore the efficacy of water transportation to further clamp down the use of cars.”

Corp Udeme who happens to be the 20th sector commander of delta state while underscoring his accomplishments since emergence stated that “the first thing that greeted me when I came was the confrontation with the fact that people sleep at the niger bridge every festive period.

“I immediately did what I could to meet with the contractors of the second niger bridge, we went on a facility tour and discovered the bridge was completed , we did need assessments and saw to it that funds was what was keeping the bridge, so we raised a position paper to the president to let him know why we needed to open the bridge for the festive season, then the past minister came and accessed it and saw the need to take a stand with our position paper.

“Eventually the bridge was opened for vehicular movement on a temporary basis and closed on 15th January, 2023, again i pushed for a permanent diversion, the permanent diversion you see today is the proactiveness of the corp both at the state and federal level. If you pass the bridge you see that the road is beautifully done and tempting for road users to want to over speed, but we are doing our best to curb that.”

Speaking further Corp Udeme hinted that FRSC also has number plates and drivers license of international standards, “the recent innovation is that one has to go through a Computer Based test (CBT) after 20 modules training all of international standards to increase the value of our drivers license in the country.

“We have also clamped down on the registration of unregistered bikes which has assited the government in revenue drive.” He added.

Earlier, Chairman of the Chapel, Comrade Kenneth Orusi, told the Sector Commander, the need to enforce road safety tips as some drivers engage in reckless driving.

Comrade Orusi, sought ways of partnership with the FRSC to ensure the activities of the Corps are adequately disseminated through the various platforms in the chapel.

The Principal of Sapele Technical College, Sapele, Mrs Rosemary Itawansa on Tuesday denounced online reports over alleged dilapidation of facilities in the school.

Mrs Itawansa who spoke to journalists in Asaba while reacting to misrepresentation of facts during the visit of the Senator Representing Delta Central, Senator Ede Dafinone to the school, said the School was among the technical colleges given full rehabilitation by the Delta State Government few of years ago.

She stated that the only challenge facing the school is the issue of power because of the bad state of their transformer and the power situation in Amukpe.

According to her, “that press release is not correct. When Senator Chief Ede Dafinone came there, he saw for himself that we have what it takes for the school to be a Polytechnic.

“The community people were there and they saw for themselves and made statement that the school is up to standard.

“However, it is true we have power issues which he mentioned and it is with regards to the bad transformer. But that is not to say that the state government did not give us a generator.

“We have a heavy duty generators there that we fuel and the ones we run with diesel for practicals. I was there when he was making his last statement to the press that ‘you can see that the school is up to standard and has enough equipment’.

“But that the only observation there, is power outage. That was his statement before he left after the visit. So the true situation of things, is that Sapele Technical College is up to standard and not dilapidated as wrongly reported,” she said.

Mrs Itawansa who denied certain comments credited to her in the online report, further remarked that the Junior Secondary section was renovated some months ago while a memo was written to the State Government on the issue of the transformer.

“I think about three or four months ago, the JSS section was renovated by the the immediate past administration. We have written a memo to the government with regards to the issue of the transformer and it’s receiving attention.

“Nearly every department has a generator and we have a bigger generator, 300 kva or so to carry the whole school.

“So what I feel is that the statement issued could be an error from the press because what he (Edafinone) said was that the school has all it takes to be a Polytechnic and it’s up to standard,” Mrs Itawansa stated.

.*Urges Ex-militant leaders, stakeholders to cooperate with PINL surveillance firm

A foremost Niger Delta Group, The Anti-pipeline Vandalization/Crude Oil Theft and Illegal Bunkering TaskForce Group, Wednesday, applaud the Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer of Pipeline Infrastructure Nigeria Limited, PINL, Osahon Okunbo over the performance in the war against pipeline vandalism and oil theft in the Niger Delta.

Speaking on the impact made so far by Okunbo, the National Coordinator of the group, ‘General’, Fiawei Pathfinder (AKA) OSAMA, during a press conference held in Warri, Delta State, said since Okunbo took over the helms of affairs of the company, their is stability and management cooperation in the fight against pipeline vandalism crude oil theft and illegal bunkering activities being carried out by dare devil oil thieves and their foreign counterparts have drastically reduced.

Pathfinder also applauded the proactive measures and pragmatic moves taking by Okunbo for carrying along traditional rulers, stakeholders and the host communities in the operations of Trans Niger Pipeline (TNP) surveillance contract job in the Niger Delta States via deep and holistic engagements in order to properly address the issues of pipeline vandalism, crude oil theft, and illegal bunkering menace.

The Anti-pipeline Vandalization/Crude Oil Theft and Illegal Bunkering TaskForce Group is made up of ex-agitators and stakeholders from the oil producing communities of the Niger Delta region, Gen, Pathfinder said, “It became imperative for the leadership of the Anti-pipeline Vandalization/Crude Oil Theft and Illegal Bunkering TaskForce Group that have been at the forefront in the fight against this deadly condemnable barbaric act of pipeline vandalism and crude oil theft that has ravaged the economy of the nation convey this all important press conference today.

“It is our collective and unanimous decision to let Mr President and the NNPC management on the know about the tremendous great work the Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer of Pipeline Infrastructure Nigeria Limited, PINL, Mr Osahon Okunbo along with it’s management team has been doing currently in the war of pipeline vandalism, oil theft, and illegal bunkering criminals activities in the creeks of the Niger Delta region, which the criminals are put on the run daily, hence had drastically reduced the incessant cases of pipeline vandalism and criminal activities in the region.

The group is fully aware of what Okunbo and the management of PINL is doing to safeguard the nation’s oil facilities from being hijacked by the oil thieves who have siphoned our common patrimony for their wicked devilish self-aggrandizement at the detriment of the over 200 million Nigerians.

“And it is on record that PINL Company under the watch of Okunbo have taken some major proactive steps to put smile upon the faces of over 50 host communities in the Trans Niger Pipeline run off way, these are communities that were seriously affected by the last year 2021 devastated flood disaster in the county, And the Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer of PINL, Osahon Okunbo present a lot of relief materials ranging from all kind of food items, Rice bags, groundnut oil with clothes, treated mosquito nets for shelter and some cash with drugs, and including provision of scholarships to the various communities cut across Bayelsa, Rivers State, Imo and Abia state. Off wish the traditional rulers and the community leaders raise their voice to sing praises to thank the Chief Executive Officer of PINL and it’s management team for deeming it fit to come to their aid at that point in time that they were in dare need.

Also it is good to recognize some of the management staff who play most of the key critical roles to engage key critical stakeholders, host communities and ex militant leaders across the various states in the area of PINL company surveillance operations in the (TNP), in other to be of the same page inline with the policy framework of the management of Pipeline Infrastructure Nigeria Limited PINL, For transparency and to achieve aims and objectives to curtail the menace of pipeline vandalism and crude oil theft to zero in the region, The likes of Chief Benson Onuaje, who is in charge of the operations of OMS, one of the surveillance firm in the region, Akpos Mezeh, General Manager/Community Relations and Dcn Shola also known as FBI, for consultations and holistic engagements with stakeholders and the host communities along the TNP run off way in the various states.

“The impact of the Okunbo-led PINL company management had recorded a lot of unprecedented and significant achievements and impacts in the area of demolition of illegal Bunkery refinery settlements in the creeks and that of taking proactive steps to engage the law enforcement agencies in a combine efforts to put a stop to the menace of pipeline vandalism and crude oil theft in the region wherefore, has tremendously boosted Nigeria’s daily crude oil production output from 1.2 million barrels per day daily to about 2.million barrels per day as we speak.

However, Gen OSAMA, appealed to ex-militant leaders and stakeholders to set outside whatever differences and issues one or two might have with the management before now, and join hands with the chief executive officer of PINL, Okunbo to ensure a zero pipeline vandalism, crude oil theft, and illegal bunkering activities discontinue in the Niger Delta region, and pointed out that they the stakeholders remains critical components in the war against the criminals who perpetrate the illicit business at the detriment of the lives of our people in the land, and livelihood of Niger Deltans. And that Mr Okunbo will sentilly meet with all stakeholders in due time and every gray areas and issues will be addressed accordingly.

Meanwhile Gen OSAMA, who is the TaskForce leader and his team pledged to throw their full weight in support of Okunbo-led PINL company and it’s management in order to enable the company to succeed in carrying out the war against pipeline vandalism and crude oil theft in the region, to ensure that the entire region is freed from the grip and pangs of these criminals of illegal Bunkery activities.

Lastly the group really appreciate the tremendous impact PINL is making and the good works the company has achieved so far from the beginning of the award of the Trans Niger Pipeline Surveillance contract job”, he added.

A nongovernmental organization that promotes public safety, security, and justice through empirical research, legislative advocacy, and demonstration program in partnership with the government, civil society, and private sector, CLEEN Foundation, has launched a civil society observatory platform towards efficient implementation and compliance with the Administration of Criminal Justice Law (ACJA).

A Cross Section of participants at the event 

The launching was held Wednesday June 21, 2023′ at Best Western Plus – Elomaz Hotel, Asaba, Delta State, and was attended by representatives from different civil societies in the state

The observatory platform aims to facilitate the exchange of ideas for problem-solving between the civil society observatory and Criminal Justice Actors for the smooth implementation of ACJA in the focal states, effective tracking of compliance level to ACJA against the backdrop of the minimum standards, and efficient documentation of court proceedings on corruption-related cases to underscore strict compliance to the provisions of ACJA/ACJL, and deepening and institutionalization of continuous learning on the ACJA/ACJL..

Speaking at the event, the Executive Director of the CLEEN Foundation, Mr. Gad Peter stated that the main objectives of the ACJA as found in Section 1 of the Act, are to promote efficient management of criminal justice institutions, provide speedy dispensation of justice, and protect the society from crime while defending the rights and the interest of the defendant and the victim. According to him, these indicate a deliberate shift from punishment which is the main goal of criminal justice to restorative justice which pays attention to the needs of society, the victims, vulnerable persons, and human dignity.

Mr. Peter stated that the establishment of the civil society observatory group on the Administration of Criminal Justice Reform is to independently monitor the compliance rate of stakeholders to the unique provisions of the ACJA/L, as a critical step towards promoting transparency, accountability, and the rule of law in the country. Adding that it requires a strong commitment from stakeholders, the development of a clear governance structure, and a focus on achieving tangible outcomes.

He also added that the group would be composed of a diverse range of stakeholders including civil society organizations, human rights groups, legal experts, and other relevant stakeholders, while saying that for Nigerian citizens to enjoy the benefits of the revolutionary ACJA 2015 and the ACJL in various states, criminal justice actors must be ready to fully comply with their roles and responsibilities as stipulated in the Act.

According to the Executive Director, Civil Society Organizations (CSOs) play a critical role in holding the government accountable because they are advocates and watchdogs for the promotion of human rights and adherence to the rule of law, and act as mobilizers and educators of the public.

“In recent years, state and federal governments in Nigeria have not been receptive to civil society engagement. Many CSOs lacked the skill required to take part in policy decisions or monitor government processes through the observatory platforms, we will keep an eye on the abuse of court processes, unprofessional conduct of judges, courts attendants, and law enforcement personnel, outdated processes, and procedures leading to other challenges such as arbitrary and unlawful arrest/detentions and congested prisons, increasing numbers of awaiting trial/death row inmates, the vicious circle of impunity, incessant delays in case hearing caused by prolonged adjournment.”

“CLEEN Foundation worked with CSOs and the government to become allies in the implementation of criminal justice and anti-corruption reforms. Cleen Foundation will support CSOs to improve their capacity to effectively engage with the government in policy advocacy and coalition building. The goal is to advocate for the institutionalization of continuous learning on ACJA and the issuance of ACJL practice directions and relevant guidelines by the state Chief Justices to guide the implementation of the laws in the focal states by criminal justice actors in the focal states.”

The Executive Director further stated that the observatory platform will focus on training and mentoring by supporting opportunities for CSOs to engage in dialogue with the government, to deepen the tools developed and initiated under phase one of the project to improve accountability and transparency in Nigeria’s criminal justice system, which was highlighted as necessary at the end of the project evaluation report.

He added that the initiative aims to bring together civil society organizations and stakeholders to foster collaboration, advocacy, and knowledge exchange for efficient implementation and compliance with ACJA/L in the country covering eight focal states – Bauchi, Jigawa, Sokoto, Kwara, Cross River, Edo, and Delta State respectively. Adding that the CSO Observatory will be a pressure group, collectively identifying and responding to emerging issues within the criminal justice system in the focal states.

“I am quite confident that this intervention by CLEEN Foundation will contribute robustly towards the efficient implementation and compliance with the administration of the criminal justice Act/Law in the project states. It would strengthen their capacity and capability for improved mandate delivery in a professional, transparent, and just manner to rid the focal states and Nigeria of judicial-enabled corruption and impunity in the criminal justice sector. We urge everyone in the room to fully support this project by constantly reporting compliance gaps with ACJA provisions using the Uwazi web platform via http//cleen/uwazi. oi,” the Executive Director added.

By’ Celestine Ukah  

More encomiums poured on the Member Representing Warri Federal Constituency at the House of Representatives, Hon. Chief Dr. Thomas Ereyitomi JP on the occasion of his birthday today June 20, 2023.

The celebrant, Hon. Chief Dr. Ereyitomi 

, A political and community leader from Opuama in Warri North Local Government Area, Chief David Seikiri Ugedi as well as the notable Warri Grassroot Political Movement, WGPM have both described Hon. Chief Dr. Ereyitomi’s representation of Warri Federal Constituency at the House of Representatives as supersonic, adorable and unique since creation of the federal constituency.

They are also commending Hon. Dr. Ereyitomi for always making laws that will attract development and enhance growth of Warri federal constituency.

Whilst hailing him on his birthday, he was appreciated for his selfless public service to the society, showing support to assist humanity irrespective of background and affiliation.

Chief Ugedi, Warri Grassroots Political Movement leader Dr. Martins Otuedon and other supported prayed for continuous success of Chief Ereyitomi and God enablement and guidance in his political carrier and his personal affairs.

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, has approved the immediate retirement of all Service Chiefs and the Inspector-General of Police, Advisers, Comptroller-General of Customs from Service as well as their replacements with immediate effect.

The newly appointed Officers are:

Mallam Nuhu RibaduNational Security Adviser

Maj. Gen. C.G MusaChief of Defence Staff

Maj. T. A LagbajaChief of Army Staff

Rear Admirral E. A OgallaChief of Naval Staff

AVM H.B AbubakarChief of Air Staff

DIG Kayode Egbetokun Acting Inspector-General of Police
7Maj. Gen. EPA UndiandeyeChief of Defense Intelligence

Mr President has also approved the following appointments:
S/N NAME APPOINTMENTS
1Col. Adebisi Onasanya Brigade of Guards Commander
2Lt. Col. Moshood Abiodun Yusuf 7 Guards Battalion, Asokoro, Abuja
3Lt. Col. Auwalu Baba Inuwa177, Guards Battalion, Keffi, Nasarawa State
4Lt. Col. Mohammed J. Abdulkarim102 Guards Battalion, Suleja, Niger
5Lt. Col. Olumide A. Akingbesote 176 Guards Battalion, Gwagwalada, Abuja

Similarly, the President has approved the appointments of other Military Officers in the Presidential Villa as follows:

S/NNAMEAPPOINTMENTS

1Maj. Isa Farouk Audu
(N/14695)Commanding Officer State House Artillery
2Capt. Kazeem Olalekan Sunmonu (N/16183)Second-in-Command, State House Artillery
3Maj. Kamaru Koyejo Hamzat (N/14656)Commanding Officer, State House Military Intelligence
4Maj. TS Adeola (N/12860)Commanding Officer, State House Armament
5Lt. A. Aminu (N/18578)Second-in- Command, State House Armament

Mr. President has also approved the appointments of two (2) additional Special Advisers, and two (2) Senior Assistants, namely:

S/N NAME APPOINTMENTS
1 Hadiza Bala UsmanSpecial Adviser, Policy Coordination
2 Hannatu Musa MusawaSpecial Adviser, Culture and Entertainment Economy
3 Sen. Abdullahi Abubakar GumelSenior Special Assistant , National Assembly Matters (Senate)
4 Hon. (Barr) Olarewaju Kunle Ibrahim Senior Special Assistant, National Assembly Matters (House of Representatives)

Finally, the President has approved the appointment of Adeniyi Bashir Adewale as the Ag. Comptroller General of Customs.

It is to be noted that the appointed Service Chiefs, the Inspector-General of Police and the Comptroller General of Customs are to act in their positions, pending their confirmation in accordance with the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.

Willie Bassey
Director, Information
For: Secretary to the Government of the Federation