Full Text Of Rtired IGP, Solomon Arase's Speech At The Formal Handing Ceremony To Ibrahim Kpotun Idris At The Force HQ Today

Valedictory Remarks by former IGP Solomon E. Arase, at the formal handing ceremony held at the Force Headquarters, today June 22nd. It reads,
It is with a feeling of deep appreciation of the Almighty God that I address you on this occasion marking my formal exit from the Nigeria Police Force and transition of leadership to a new Inspector General of Police.

2. Ladies and Gentlemen, exactly fourteen months ago, destiny reposed on me the fortune of being appointed the 18th indigenous Inspector General of Police. Today, natural sequence of history has not only occasioned the successful completion of my tenure, but has also beckoned on Ag. IGP Ibrahim Idris to step into the leadership space as the 19th Indigenous Inspector General of Police.

3. You would recall that during my inaugural address, I noted that -
The task of blending our acclaimed quality human assets with quality leadership is the main challenge ahead of us, but it is one I am convinced we can surmount’.

I also affirmed that – ‘on my part, I can assure you that I will provide the highest possible level of professional and responsible leadership, while trusting that you shall march hand-in-hand with me as dependable professional colleagues, to advance the fortunes of the Force’.

4. One year, two months away from this assertion and clarion call, I can proudly note two significant developments. First is that I feel professionally satisfied that I enjoyed very high level of diligence, loyalty, sacrifice and professionalism from all cadres of the Force. This manifested in the great strides we collectively attained in our common march towards restoring the lost primacy of the Nigeria Police and bequeathing a Police Force of citizens’ expectations to Nigerians.

5. Secondly, I am fulfilled that a widely experienced, knowledgeable and passionate officer of the calibre of Ag. IGP Ibrahim Idris has been appointed by the President, Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of the Federation to march the Force forward. I am convinced of the capacity of Ag. IGP Idris to provide the requisite leadership for the Force at this crucial time in the history of not just the Nigeria Police Force, but of our nation. In this regard, I can assure him of my support, even in retirement, as well as my constant prayers.

6. Let me at this juncture, encourage the Nigeria Police Family to extend the trademark loyalty, diligence, and professionalism which I enjoyed from them, to the new Force leadership. This, ladies and gentlemen, is the only path to follow in our journey towards enhancing the fortunes of our beloved Police Force as well as sustaining our relevance within the national security architecture of our country. Above all, this is the only path that will guide us towards achieving the Policing Vision of Mr. President within the Change Mantra conceptualized by the Federal Government.

7. In driving this valedictory speech to a close, permit me to deeply appreciate the support of all personnel of the Nigeria Police. The journey might have been tortuous, but looking back, we should all be proud that today, through an inclusive leadership strategy which I adopted, the Nigeria Police has acquired very strong intelligence, investigative and operational capability which can and have of late been deployed to crack any crime at any location within our national geographical space. The dignity of an average Nigeria Police officer has been restored. Public confidence in our competency has been enlivened.

8. Ladies and Gentlemen, it is not that crimes will not occur. No nation is immune from criminal activities. Today, however, like other Police Forces across the world, we in the Nigeria Police can beat our chests and make a clear and bold statement to criminal elements threatening our national value that if you commit any crime, we now have the capacity not only to arrest you, but to bring you to deserved justice in the most prompt, professional, and rule of law-compliant manner. This is the profile of the Nigeria Police Force you, my colleagues and all Nigerians have aided me to bequeath to our beloved nation. This is a legacy I can assure the nation that Ag. IGP Idris will not only sustain, but will advance.

9. I, therefore, wish to heartily congratulate Ag. IGP Ibrahim Idris for his well deserved appointment and to pray for God’s wisdom as he settles into his schedules. I also wish to immensely appreciate Mr. president for the trust reposed in me and the firm support extended to me, even at most difficult times in my leadership.

10. Indeed, the unique Presidential support acted as the motivation that drove me through my tenure as Inspector-General of Police. I can assure Mr. President, that I shall remain eternally grateful and will sustain my commitment to his vision and values even in retirement.

11. To members of the Press, my friends, and indeed all Nigerians, as I bow out, I must put on record my deep appreciation of your constructive criticisms, pieces of informed advice, encouragement and unalloyed support for me. I call on you to extend similar favour to my successor even as I assure you all that the network we have built over the years will remain valued and sustained as I walk into retirement life.

12. I thank you all and pray for God’s spiritual protection over Ag. IGP Ibrahim Idris and our beloved country.

Legendary Juju Singer King Sunny Ade Launches New Radio Station

Legendary Juju music  singer Chief Sunday Adegeye popularly known as  King Sunny Ade (KSA) has launched a radio station named M&C radio with frequency modulation 106.5.

He floated the station in his hometown Ondo State. with Governor of Ondo state Segun Mimiko advising the management of the station to work together as one for the benefit of Ondo people.

DSS Arrests Former Chief Of Army Staff Ihejirika

A Former Chief of Army Staff (COAS) Lieutenant-General Azubuike Ihejirika (rtd), has been reportedly arrested by operatives of the Department of State Security (DSS).

Uncomfirmed reports say it is believed that Ihejerika was arrested in connection with arms deal prove.
Details were sketchy as the time of filing this report.
General Ihejirika was appointed Chief of Army Staff (COAS) on September 8, 2010 by President Goodluck Jonathan.

He served as COAS for four years until his retirement on January 2014.
General Ihejirika was one time the Directing Staff at the Command and Staff College, Jaji and was Principal Staff Officer at the Defence and Army Headquarters.

He also held various command appointments including, Commander 41 Division Engineers, Acting General Officer Commanding, 1 Division, General Officer Commanding, 81 Division, among other positions in the Army.

Dr. Joe Odumakin Visits Survivor Of Deadly Mile 12 Crisis On Second Successful Surgical Operation

Dr, Joe Okei-Odumakin, President of Women Arise on Tuesday visited the survivor of recent ethnic clash at the Mile 12 market in Lagos, Mr. Bolaji Kalejaye at the Lagos University Teaching Hospital (LASUTH).
Bolaji Kalejaye survived after stray bullets hit and opened up his belly during the crisis of ethnic clash in Mile 12, recently.

According to Dr. Joe Odumakin, the survivor was returning from his center after writing the Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME) on March 3rd, 2016. He innocently ran into the scene of the crisis and fell after a stray bullet hit him in his stomach and exposed his intestine. He ran to the nearest police station but was turned away by the policemen, advising him to go and find a hospital instead.


Bolaji was supported by immediate witnesses who noticed he had a chance of survival. President of Women Arise, Dr. Joe Okei-Odumakin had also visited the hospital, gave support and raised his hope for survival. The survivor has just emerged from the second phase of surgical operation and his healthy.

The Lagos State House of Assembly led by Rt. Hon, Mudashiru Obasa had promised him scholarship support after giving financial assistance for his medical care at the LASUTH. The family however said they still more bills to cover.

Speaking yesterday on her visit to the Lagos University Teaching Hospital, the prominent Human Rights Advocate, Dr. Joe Okei-Odumakin called on well meaning Nigerians to always rise to occasion of assistance for citizens in critical situations. She thanked members and especially the Speaker of the Lagos State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon, Mudashiru Obasa for the support extended to the survivor, while also urging all citizens to be of support to other Nigerians in dire situations.

“The support so far attracted by the condition of Bolaji is what has brightened the hope we now see today”, she said.

For his part, the survivor appreciated all supports extended to him. He added however that he requires more supports as his parents have exhausted everything they borrowed to meet up the medical bills, so far.

Niger Delta Advengers Deny Cease Fire Agreement With Federal Government

Kashamu To Fayose: Leave Buhari's Wife Out Of Your Woes; Face The Issues

The Senator representing Ogun East Senatorial District in the National Assembly, Senator Buruji Kashamu has urged Ekiti State Governor, Mr. Ayo Fayose “to stop the needless mudslinging against the wife of the President, Mrs. Aisha Buhari and face the allegations against him”.xxxIn a statement he issued in Abuja today, Kashamu likened Fayose’s attempt to link Mrs Buhari with the Halliburton scandal as a “needless distraction and an amateurish shadow-boxing. His action could be taken for a drowning man clutching at a straw”.
The statement reads in part, “It is interesting that Mr. Fayose is talking about the rule of law and the need to do things within the ambit of the law. I never knew that he has ever heard of the concept of the Rule of Law. When he trampled on other people’s rights in a bid to abrogate their tenure in office where was the Rule of Law? Now he is crying out because he is afraid he might have to get a taste of his own medicine because a man must certainly reap whatever he sows.
“Mr. Fayose is talking about the fact that he enjoys immunity under the law. If I may ask: can a governor who disobeys the law with reckless abandon seek protection under the law? You cannot say because immunity covers you, you should not be investigated if you are suspected to have benefitted from the funds that were meant to buy arms for the protection of Nigerians. I think it is high time that we, as a people and government, address the issue of people committing crimes and hiding under the immunity clause.”
The statement further added, “Fayose must stop chasing shadows and address the allegations against him. It is preposterous that he suddenly remembered that someone was involved in the Halliburton scandal at exactly the same time that he is being investigated over the funds he allegedly collected from the Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA).
“The questions are: Was he a beneficiary of the ONSA funds? Is it true that over N300million was frozen in three accounts traced to him? Were suspicious cash deposits made into the accounts in 2014, in clear violation of the Money Laundering Act and other enabling laws?
“It is said that you can fool some people all of the time but you cannot fool all the people all of the time. Nigerians can now see that what is playing out is a confirmation of my earlier position that the loudest among us are not necessarily the most pious. If he is being asked questions about his campaign funds, he should be bold enough to give explanations without necessarily casting aspersion on anyone. He should allow necessary investigations to go on unimpeded.
That will not only help to prove his innocence or otherwise but could possibly boost his rating. He could even choose to waive his immunity to aid the investigation if he does not have anything to hide. Immunity does not preclude any public officer even a governor from explaining how he funded his election campaign or the source (s) of deposits made into his account (s).
“The reality that Mr. Fayose must come to terms with is that the allegations against him are too grave to be sidelined for a seemingly spurious allegation against the wife of the president. Months of workers’ salaries are yet to be paid in Ekiti State; development partners have abandoned state, just as families are languishing as a result of his ill-advised political scheming.
“This current campaign of calumny and juvenile tantrums cannot sweep the issue of corruption under the carpet; neither can it kick enough dirt to make any right-thinking Nigerian to shut his or her eyes to the truth. This is not about party affiliation or dog eating dog. It is about the plundering of our commonwealth and there should be no sacred cows in the fight against corruption. This is a fight that all patriotic Nigerians should lend their weight without any primordial sentiments or prejudice.”

Twitter Launches “Engage” A Safer Space For Celebrities & Power Influencers To Interact With Their Followers Better

Twitter has introduced a new app called ‘Engage’, a new standalone app for influential Twitter users to help them interact with their fans and build a bigger following.

In a blog announcement, they said “gives creators, celebrities, and public figures a better way to connect with fans and influencers. It’s the perfect tool for the people that make and share new video content every day and want to understand and grow their audience on Twitter”.

Engage highlights the most important interactions you’ve had on Twitter and includes mentions from users who are verified, followed by a lot of your followers, or interact with you a lot. It also has an “understand” tab shows you high-level analytics for your posts, showing you how many impressions you’re getting over time. And the “posts” tab shows you detailed performance numbers for individual posts.

What makes Engage different from the regular Twitter app is: it doesn’t have a timeline. It is for the person who sees the value in tweeting, but would rather not pay attention to the broader conversation in the global town square.

For now the app is only available in the iOS App Store.

Photo Credit: iTunes

Nigerians View Court Order Served On Saraki & Ekweremadu Pasted On Noticeboard Of National Assembly

The court order was pasted today June 21. The Senate President and his deputy are to be arraigned for forgery of the Senate's standing order next week Monday June 27th.

Former DR Congo Vice President Jean-Pierre Bemba Jailed Over War Crimes

The International Criminal Court has sentenced ex-rebel leader and former Congolese vice president Jean-Pierre Bemba to 18 years for murders, rapes and pillaging committed by his troops in the Central African Republic more than a decade ago.

The verdicts announced today Tuesday, June 21, focused on the actions of his troops, as Bemba commanded a private army of 1,500 men who intervened in the neighbouring Central African Republic's civil war.
"The chamber sentences Mr Jean-Pierre Bemba Gombo to a total of 18 years of imprisonment," said judge Sylvia Steiner, ruling that the former militia leader had failed to exercise control over his private army sent into the Central African Republic in late October 2002 where they carried out "sadistic" rapes, murders and pillaging of "particular cruelty".

Fadi El Abdullah, a spokesman for the ICC told Al Jazeera the ruling was "important for the victims" and "the first time they would see justice for the crimes they suffered from".

Prosecutors at the ICC had called for a minimum 25-year jail term in the landmark case, the first to focus on rape as a weapon of war by the ICC, which was set up in 2002 to try the world's worst crimes.

Bemba was convicted in March on two counts of crimes against humanity as well as three counts of war crimes. His arrest in 2008 came as a surprise both to Bemba and his supporters and opponents at home.

He had been living in semi-exile in Europe for several years when prosecutors sprung a trap by issuing an arrest warrant during a visit to Belgium, Congo's former colonial master.

His forces the Movement for the Liberation of Congo militia (MLC) had deliberately targeted civilians as part of a "modus operandi" as they sought to halt the coup bid against the Central African Republic's then-president Ange-Felix Patasse.
Men, women and children were all raped - in one case three generations of the same family were gang-raped by MLC soldiers who held them at gunpoint and forced relatives to watch.

Bemba's lawyer have already said they will appeal against his conviction. Geraldine Mattioli-Zeltner, international justice advocacy director at Human Rights Watch, said the sentence offered "a measure of justice" for the victims.

"Other commanders should take notice that they, too, can be held accountable for rapes and other serious abuses committed by troops under their control," she said.

Source: BBC/Al Jazeera

Air-Vice Marshall Arraigned For Collecting N5.9m Bribe

The EFCC today arraigned Air Vice Marshal Alkali Mohammed Mamu, a former Air Officer Training Command and a member of the Committee for Procurement, Ministry of Defence, before Justice Salisu Garba of the FCT High Court sitting in Maitama, Abuja on a 3-count charge of bribery.




 Mamu, allegedly collected a cash gift in the sum of N5.9million (five million, nine hundred thousand naira) for the purchase of a Range Rover Evoque, $300,000 (three hundred thousand US dollars) and two vehicles (Ford Expedition SUV and Jaguar XF Saloon) valued at N15million and N12million respectively from Societe D’ Equipments Internationaux Nigeria Limited, a contractor with the Nigerian Air Force. The offence is contrary to Section 17 (a) of the Independent Corrupt Practices and other Related Offences Act, 2000 and punishable under Section 17(c) of the same Act.

Justice Garba, after listening to both counsel adjourned to July 1, 2016 for ruling on the bail application and commencement of trial. The defendant is to be remanded in prison custody

Buhari Appoints Ibrahim Kpotum Idris As Acting IGP

President Buhari has appointed Assistant Inspector-General of Police, Ibrahim Kpotum Idris, as the Acting Inspector-General of Police. Immediate past Inspector General of Police, Solomon Arase, retired from office today after he reached the mandatory 60 years retirement age. Arase and Idris are currently in a closed- door meeting with president Buhari at Aso Rock, Abuja.

Keep Off Ogun River Bllocked By Vegetation, Lagos Warns Residents

The Lagos State Government on Monday warned residents to keep off the Ogun River, near the Kara Cattle Market which was recently blocked by vegetation, saying that the river could open up at any time with dire consequences.


Last weekend, the river was taken over by vegetation, caused by a heavy storm, which created a compacted layer over the river. Residents in the area were stunned by the incident and turned the area to a tourist site of some sort, with some residents seen walking on the blocked river and taking pictures. But the State Government in a statement signed by the Commissioner for Waterfront Infrastructure Development, Engr. Adebowale Akinsanya, said it was dangerous for residents to besiege the dry area as the flow of the river was still active beneath.


He said,
“It is important to notify the public that have been worried about the environmental consequence of a dried up river to note that the flow of the river is still active beneath the vegetation and the situation is been evaluated. However, because of the compacted nature of the vegetation residents and onlookers are of the erroneous belief that the river has suddenly dried up and can walk across the vegetation.
“A lot of people that have turned the place to a tourist destination are unaware of the danger lying ahead. It's important for the public to be aware that the vegetation can give away at any time and can lead to a potential disastrous situation,” he said.
He also advised residents to go about their lawful business and as well desist from the habit of parking on the bridge to take pictures, which according to him was causing serious traffic, hardship and loss of business time to other commuters on the road.

“Carrying out any activities on the blockage of this river is unsafe, dangerous and disastrous. Please keep off,” Akinsanya warned.
Signed
ENGR. Adebowale Akinsanya
Commissioner for Waterfront Infrastructure Development
JUNE 20, 2016

'Kemi Adeosun Must Go!' Federal Min. Of Finance Workers Say As They Protest Non Payment Of Allowances, Shut Down Office Secretariat

Workers at the Federal Ministry of Finance today called for the sack of Minister of Finance, Kemi Adeosun, as they staged a protest at the federal secretariat Abuja, over the non payment of their allowances and entitlements. The workers shut down their secretariat in protest.

They complained they have not been paid their overtime and training allowances since Adeosun assumed office in November last year. They prevented cars from coming in and going out of the secretariat. They say they will not end their protest until their demands are met.

Photo credit: mohammed moomad

Retired Supreme Court Judge, Justice Niki Tobi Has Died

Former Associate Justice of the Supreme Court of Nigeria, Mr. Niki Tobi, has died. He passed on in the early hours of Friday, June 17, at the National Hospital, Abuja.

According to reports, the retired judge who had been having health issues since his retirement in 2010 at age 70, went blind and totally lost his memory. His corpse has now been deposited at the Garki General Hospital morgue. May his soul rest in peace, amen.

One Killed, Several Shops Razed After Fuel Tanker Went Up In Flames In Kano

One person was killed while several shops were razed after a petrol tanker went up in flames in Garin Dakatsalle, Kano State last night.