Sunday, November 9, 2025
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Integrity Youth Alliance Faults Report On Erosion Of Trust In Nigeria Police

The Integrity Youth Alliance has faulted a recent survey conducted by Chatham House in collaboration with the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS) under the Social Norms and Accountable Governance Project, which claims that nearly 46 percent of Nigerians “greatly distrust” the Nigeria Police Force, while only seven percent express strong trust in the institution.

In a statement signed by its National Coordinator, Kelvin Adegbenga, the Alliance rejected the validity and credibility of the report, describing it as misleading and damaging to a vital national institution.

“How can a survey purport to capture the voice of over 200 million Nigerians with such sweeping conclusions when its methodology, sampling integrity, and context remain highly questionable?” the statement queried.

The group noted that the Police Force has in recent years recorded verifiable achievements in crime prevention, intelligence-led operations, community policing, and modernization of its operations, stressing that such efforts should not be dismissed with what it termed “a questionable survey.”

It added that public trust in the police cannot be reduced to statistical abstractions, pointing out that the Force has implemented reforms aimed at improving transparency, accountability, and service delivery, with visible results in security operations across the country.

The Integrity Youth Alliance urged Nigerians to treat the survey with skepticism and to resist attempts by what it described as “external or internally motivated interests” to delegitimize security institutions.

It further called on Chatham House and the NBS to publish the methodology and sample representation used in the survey for the sake of transparency.

“The Nigeria Police Force is not perfect, but it is evolving. As patriotic citizens, we must encourage reforms, not discredit them with questionable statistics,” the Alliance stated.

House Ad-Hoc Committee Commends NEMA, Pledges Support For Stronger Flood Management

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The House of Representatives Ad-Hoc Committee on Flood Management and Response has lauded the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) for its proactive role in disaster management and assured of legislative support to strengthen flood preparedness nationwide.

Chairman of the Committee, Dr. Midala Usman Balami, gave the commendation when he led members on a familiarization visit to NEMA headquarters in Abuja. He praised the Agency’s initiatives in safeguarding lives and property, while noting that its challenges, especially inadequate resources, would receive attention from the legislature.

Balami emphasized the importance of strengthening Local Emergency Committees and fostering greater synergy between federal and state structures to ensure timely disaster response.

L-R Director General National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) Mrs Zubaida Umar, Member House of Representatives Ad-Hoc Community on Flood Management and Response Mukhtar Zakari, Chairman of the Committee Dr Midala Balami and a member of the Committee Hon Mohammed Jajare in the Emergency Coordination Centre of NEMA during the familiarization visit of the Committee to the Agency’s Headquarters in Abuja on Tuesday 2nd September, 2025

NEMA’s Director General, Mrs. Zubaida Umar, briefed the lawmakers on the Agency’s mandate, ongoing interventions, and challenges, highlighting proactive measures being implemented to mitigate and respond effectively to floods and other disasters. She reiterated NEMA’s commitment to community-level engagement, stressing that no community should be left behind during crises.

The lawmakers also inspected the Agency’s Emergency Operations Centre (EOC), which aggregates real-time flood data and coordinates multi-stakeholder response efforts.

Benin Consultative Forum Mourns Former IGP Solomon Arase

The Benin Consultative Forum (BCF) has expressed deep sorrow over the passing of its President and former Inspector-General of Police, Dr. Solomon Ehigiator Arase, CFR, who died on August 31, 2025.

Dr. Arase, the 18th Inspector-General of Police, was widely celebrated for his role in modernising the Nigeria Police Force, particularly through the introduction of innovative policing models and the establishment of a state-of-the-art technical intelligence platform.

He was also remembered for his pioneering efforts as Head of the Criminal Intelligence and Investigation Bureau (CIIB), where he led intelligence-driven operations against organised crime, deploying forensic and non-kinetic law enforcement strategies. His contributions to police reforms and security intelligence earned him recognition both nationally and globally.

Beyond policing, Arase was a scholar and author, using his professional experience to provide insights into Nigeria’s internal security and electoral management. He was also a member of the Body of Benchers, which the Forum described as a testament to his commitment to excellence, integrity, and the rule of law.

Until his death, he served as Chairman of the Police Service Commission (PSC), where he introduced reforms aimed at improving police service delivery.

The Forum noted his philanthropic work through the Solomon Ehigiator Arase Foundation (SEAF), which provided scholarships to indigent students, and his passion for community service, which helped inspire the formation of the Benin Consultative Forum in December 2024.

“Dr. Arase was not only a leader but also a lover of people who dedicated his life to service, scholarship, and the betterment of society,” the BCF said in a statement signed by Vice President Rt. Hon. Samson R. Osagie, Ph.D., and Secretary-General Prof. Edoba Omoregie.

The Forum extended condolences to his wife, Mrs. Agharese Arase, and their four children, while describing his passing as a great loss to Edo people, Nigeria, and humanity at large.

NNPC Ltd. Appoints Andy Odeh, Morenike Adewunmi To Key Leadership Roles

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The Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPC Ltd.) has announced the appointment of two seasoned executives to strengthen its leadership team. Mr. Andy Odeh has been named Chief Corporate Communications Officer, while Mrs. Morenike Adewunmi takes on the role of Chief Relations Officer.

Mr. Odeh brings over 30 years of experience in communications and business administration, spanning the oil and gas, advertising, and broadcasting sectors. Before joining NNPC, he spent 26 years at Nigeria LNG (NLNG), where he held senior roles in community relations, logistics, information management, corporate communications, government relations, and regulatory compliance. He most recently served as General Manager of External Relations and Sustainable Development.

During his career, Odeh led NLNG’s rebranding efforts, pioneered one of Nigeria’s most successful micro-credit schemes for host communities, and established the NLNG Prize for Energy Reporting. He is an alumnus of the University of Jos, University of Lagos, INSEAD Business School, and the National Institute for Policy and Strategic Studies (NIPSS).

Mrs. Adewunmi, a legal practitioner with more than 25 years of experience in the oil and gas industry, joins NNPC after a distinguished career with the Shell Companies in Nigeria (SCIN). At Shell, she managed regulatory affairs and government relations, working closely with the Presidency, ministries, and regulatory agencies.

Renowned for her expertise in stakeholder management and advocacy, Adewunmi has consistently demonstrated strong leadership, emotional intelligence, and the ability to navigate complex external environments. She is a subject matter expert on non-technical risks and holds qualifications from the Nigerian Law School and Olabisi Onabanjo University.

NNPC Ltd. said the appointments reflect its commitment to strengthening corporate communications and stakeholder engagement in line with its strategic growth objectives.

Philanthropist Hon Francis Bartholomew Chima Omobarca Wishes Ajeromi Ifelodun Constituency Happy New Month

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….. urges residents to register for voters’ cards

As the month of September begins, philanthropist Hon. Francis Barthlomew Omowale Chima has extended his warmest greetings to the good people of Ajeromi Ifelodun Constituency. In a statement released today, OmoBarca wished the residents joy, prosperity, and fulfilment in all their endeavors.

The statement also served as a reminder to eligible voters in the constituency about the ongoing nationwide INEC voters’ card registration exercise. Hon. Francis Barthlomew Omowale Chima urged all residents who have not yet registered or updated their voter cards to participate in the exercise, stressing that every voice matters and every vote counts.

Let us seize this chance to make our voices heard and exercise our civic rights, OmoBarca said. As a philanthropist committed to the welfare and progress of our community, I believe that every voice matters and every vote counts. Let us work together to build a brighter future for Ajeromi Ifelodun Constituency and Nigeria as a whole.

Hon. Francis Barthlomew Omowale Chima expressed optimism that the residents would turn out en masse to register and update their voter cards, thereby shaping the future of their constituency and the nation.

The statement concluded with a call to action, as OmoBarca looked forward to seeing the residents at the registration centres

Governor Inuwa Yahaya Joins Global Dignitaries, Diplomats At Pakistan National Day Celebration In Abuja

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Gombe State Governor, Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya, on Monday joined global dignitaries and diplomats to commemorate Pakistan’s Independence and Defence Day in a grand ceremony in Abuja.

The event, held at the High Commission of Pakistan in Nigeria, was attended by ambassadors, defence attachés from various countries, senior Nigerian government and military officials, as well as members of the Pakistani community residing in Nigeria.

Governor Inuwa Yahaya, who was a special guest of honour, was received by the High Commissioner of Pakistan to Nigeria, Major General (Rtd) Sohail Ahmad Khan, who led the celebration with a tribute to his country’s national heroes, martyrs and founding fathers.

He hailed the resilience, unity and achievements of Pakistan since its independence in 1947.

On the sidelines of the event, Governor Inuwa Yahaya, stressed the value of meaningful international cooperation and mutual respect among nations.

He commended Pakistan’s contributions to global peace and development, and emphasized the importance of strong diplomatic and cultural ties between Nigeria and the Asian country.

Labour Party Counters Deji Adeyanju’s Allegations Against Peter Obi

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The Labour Party has strongly criticized activist Deji Adeyanju over what it described as a sustained campaign of blackmail and misrepresentation targeted at its 2023 presidential candidate, Peter Obi. 

In a statement signed by its interim National Publicity Secretary, Prince Tony Akeni, the party said Adeyanju’s attacks stem from “ambition without principle,” which it likened to “a vice worse than substance abuse.”

According to the Labour Party, Adeyanju has allegedly patterned his political strategy after Reno Omokri and Daniel Bwala, former critics of President Bola Tinubu who later aligned with the Presidency. The party claimed Adeyanju’s recent criticisms of Obi are part of his bid to secure relevance and political support ahead of the 2027 elections.

The statement also dismissed Adeyanju’s claim during a television interview that Obi admitted to investing Anambra State funds in his family business while serving as governor. The party described the allegation as “an illogical and fabricated concoction,” stressing that respected journalist and author, Ike Abonyi, who witnessed a private meeting between Obi and Adeyanju in July 2022, has publicly denied that such a confession ever took place.

Akeni further clarified that what Adeyanju may have misconstrued as bribery was, at best, a cultural gesture of goodwill, noting that in many African traditions, it is customary for hosts to extend kola nuts or their monetary equivalent to visitors as a sign of respect—not as inducement for corruption.

The party accused Adeyanju of hypocrisy, citing his silence over violent attacks allegedly carried out by thugs loyal to Lagos transport union leader, MC Oluomo, at the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) headquarters in Abuja in November 2024, despite his frequent labeling of the Obidient Movement as intolerant.

“From all over Nigeria and beyond, we are receiving feedback that Nigerians see through Adeyanju’s self-destructive falsehoods. His relentless blackmail of Peter Obi is driven not by principle but by desperate ambition,” the statement concluded.

Isioma Theodora Ndah’s Appointment A New Dawn For Women In Politics

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The Coordinator Delta United for Progress, Chris Madu has said that the appointment of Ms. Isioma Theodora Ndah as the South-South Coordinator for the Reserved Seats for Women Bill is not only a testament to her unwavering commitment to women in politics but also a mark of trust in her proven leadership and her ability to mobilise, unify, and inspire.

In a statement by Chris Madu he said; “It is official. The office of the APC National Women Leader has confirmed the appointment of Ms Isioma Theodora Ndah as the South-South Coordinator for the Reserved Seats for Women Bill.

He said; “appointed by Dr Mary Alile Idele, National Women Leader of the APC, Ms Ndah steps into this role with deep political experience, a strong voice, and an unshakable commitment to fairness and inclusivity. A daughter of Delta State, she has long been recognised as one of the strongest political voices of South-South women, a bridge builder whose work cuts across divides, and a leader whose truthfulness and courage command respect.”

“Her political journey speaks volumes. She was the APC candidate for the Aniocha/Oshimili Federal Constituency in the 2019 elections. She is also the National Coordinator of the National Frontiers and Mobilisation Initiative and the driving force behind the Odinma Anioma Group, both frontline APC support groups.”

“Her relentless work has consistently strengthened the party, advanced the cause of women, and built followership that goes beyond politics it is service to people, especially women who have been left behind in the corridors of power,” Madu said.

According to him, the Reserved Seats for Women Bill, now approaching its third reading in October 2025, represents a historic step towards balancing Nigeria’s political landscape.

“With this bill, women’s voices, long underrepresented, will finally find structured space and power in decision-making. And at the centre of this mission is Ms Isioma Ndah, whose new role will see her mobilise the South-South, galvanise women, and ensure the momentum does not fade.

“Her appointment is a merit to women, a strength to the APC, and a beacon of hope for millions of young women who now see that political leadership is not beyond their reach. Ms Ndah embodies the truth, resilience, and determination that this movement requires.

“In her, women find a unifier, the APC finds a dependable strategist, and Nigeria finds a new hope for inclusive governance.

“As the 2027 elections draw near, the name Isioma Theodora Ndah will not only stand as a Federal Representative-in-waiting but also as a living proof that women’s time in leadership is here, and it cannot be denied any longer.

“Isioma Ndah is more than an appointment. She is a voice, a movement, and a force,” Madu said.

Delta Police Command Records Major Breakthroughs In Ughelli Area

The Delta State Police Command has announced a series of successful operations carried out by the Ughelli Area Command, leading to the arrest of suspected armed robbers, recovery of stolen vehicles, arms, ammunition, and a major haul of illicit drugs.

The Commissioner of Police, Delta State, CP Olufemi Abaniwonda, represented by the The Police Public Relations Officer, SP Edafe Bright, reaffirmed the Command’s commitment to fighting crime and criminality. He assured residents that the establishment of the Ughelli Area Command has further strengthened security efforts, with significant progress already recorded.

1. Arrest of Suspected Armed Robbers and Recovery of Stolen Vehicles
On August 26, 2025, a man was attacked by a five-man armed robbery gang in Agbarho/Otor, during which his phones, laptops, a 65-inch television, and other valuables were carted away. Acting on intelligence, operatives arrested one Faith Perry, who was found with one of the stolen phones. She later led police to her boyfriend, Kelly Otobure, from whose residence other stolen items were recovered.

Further interrogation led to the arrest of the gang leader, Samson Ugbe, also known as Big Man, who had been on the Command’s wanted list, alongside four accomplices. Two suspected stolen vehicles were also recovered. The suspects are believed to have participated in other robberies, including an attack on Niger Delta University, Oghara, and the looting of a warehouse where 180 bags of rice were stolen.

2. Arrest of Armed Robbery Suspects and Recovery of Arms
On August 25, 2025, operatives arrested suspects identified as Henry Bernard (35), Justice Ayero (39), and Oho Ogbavwomera, all of Aladja Town, for allegedly snatching a motorcycle at gunpoint. Their confessions led to the arrest of one Oluwa Felix of Owawha community, where a single-barrel gun, scissors, touch lights, hacksaws, a dagger, and masking tape were recovered.

3. Raid on Drug Baron and Recovery of Illicit Substances
On August 29, 2025, operatives stormed Afisere in Ughelli, arresting a suspected drug baron, 52-year-old Egbule Isioma, who operates a chemist shop opposite Afisere Town Hall. She was arrested alongside three apprentices. A search at her residence on Edile Street led to the recovery of 355 bottles of codeine, 57 rolls of 50mg tramadol, 335 rolls of 100mg tramadol, 33 rolls of 200mg “super royal,” 540 sachets of swinol capsules, seven packs of “backwoods,” and 16 cups of Canadian liquid cannabis. Police investigations revealed she is a major dealer of illicit drugs in Ughelli and its environs.

4. Arrest of Armed Robbery Suspect and Recovery of Two Stolen Vehicles
On August 24, 2025, operatives acting on intelligence intercepted a suspect, 35-year-old Igenebo John of Estako East LGA, Edo State, at a hotel in Effurun. He attempted to sell two stolen vehicles — a Lexus RX350 and a Mercedes-Benz GLK350 — for ₦2 million each. The vehicles were recovered from separate locations in Uvwie LGA. Further investigations traced the robbery incident to the residence of Nathaniel Ugbebe in Sapele, where armed men carted away valuables, transferred ₦1.9 million from his account, and stole his Lexus RX350. Efforts are ongoing to arrest other members of the syndicate, including one Ameachi, identified as the suspect’s accomplice.

SP Edafe Bright, said investigations are ongoing, assuring that the Delta State Police Command will continue to intensify its operations to rid the state of crime and ensure the safety of residents.

Governor Inuwa Yahaya, Health Minister Pate Meet On FMC Kumo Takeoff, Kaltungo Snakebite Hospital Upgrade

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Gombe State Governor, Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya, has paid a courtesy visit to the Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Professor Muhammad Ali Pate, in his office in Abuja to strengthen partnership on key healthcare priorities.

The two leaders discussed the formal takeover and operationalization of the Federal Medical Centre (FMC) Kumo, following the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between the Gombe State Government and the Federal Government.

Governor Inuwa Yahaya expressed appreciation to the Minister for his leadership and commitment to improving healthcare across the country.

He reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to sustained collaboration with the Federal Ministry of Health and other relevant stakeholders, especially in the pursuit of strengthening healthcare delivery in Gombe State.

“We inherited a comatose health sector, but we are using the little resources available to us to make a big difference. Health remains a top priority on our development agenda, and we are committed to making lasting investments that impact lives,” the Governor stated.

Governor Inuwa Yahaya described the Federal Ministry of Health as a shining star among federal ministries, commending the Minister’s influence and reform-driven leadership.

He also appealed for Federal Government’s intervention in upgrading the Snakebite Treatment and Research Hospital in Kaltungo, a legacy facility originally built by missionaries but now facing capacity and resource constraints.

He lamented the high rate of snakebite-related fatalities in the area and emphasized the urgent need to expand and modernize the facility to save more lives.

He assured the Minister of his administration’s full commitment to any collaborative efforts needed to improve the facility.

In his response, Professor Muhammad Pate welcomed the Governor and applauded him for his transformational work in the health sector, particularly in primary healthcare revitalization and infrastructure development.

He expressed the Ministry’s readiness for the full and immediate operationalization of FMC Kumo and promised to take concrete steps on the Kaltungo Snakebite Hospital, describing the Governor’s request as timely and in line with national health priorities.