News

LASTMA sacks five officials for corruption

Published

1 year ago

December 11, 2023

The Lagos State Traffic Management Authority has confirmed the dismissal of five officers and reprimanded two for being guilty of corruption and misconduct while performing their duties in the state.

This was disclosed in a statement made available to PUNCH Metro by the Public Relations Officer, LASTMA, Adebayo Taofiq, on Sunday.

According to the statement, the Lagos State Civil Service Commission had approved every proposal the Personnel Management Board had made about the seven LASTMA officers who had been indicted during their meeting on Tuesday, August 19, 2023.

Taofiq said, “While five LASTMA officials indicted for corruption received a letter of termination of appointment’, remaining two received a letter of ‘reprimand’ for absence from duty posts without leave.”

Taofiq quoted the agency’s acting General Manager, Bakare Oki, as saying that the disciplinary action that was taken, was according to the Lagos State Civil Service Rules and Regulations.

He added that the public’s sharing of experiences, both positive and negative, and the provision of relevant evidence regarding alleged misdemeanours would be necessary for the agency to improve.

He pleaded with Lagos drivers to always abide by the state traffic law to avoid breaking the law and facing the penalties that are stipulated in the legislation while assuring the public that these complaints would be looked into quickly and impartially.

Taofiq stated that the cases against the remaining 14 indicted LASTMA officials are awaiting further administrative review while admonishing the driving public to follow the Lagos State Transportation Sector Reform Law 2018.

“This is necessary for all of us to promote a Greater Lagos for the benefit of all and for the realisation of Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu’s objectives in the First Pillar of the THEMES Plus Development Agenda (Traffic Management and Transportation).”

“We wish to add by informing well-meaning and concerned Lagos residents and the motoring public that we have various windows through which complaints can be channelled for prompt action – 08100565860, 08129928515, 08129928503, (08129928597 WhatsApp only) and Provost on 08129928490

“He assured the public that such complaints shall be investigated dispassionately with dispatch.

“While enjoining every motoring public to abide by the Lagos State Transportation Sector Reform Law 2018, Mr Bakare Oki disclosed that cases against the remaining 14 indicted LASTMA officials are undergoing additional administrative review.”

News

Insecurity: Afenifere tasks FG, security agencies to redesign security architecture

Published

4 hours ago

April 7, 2025

Seyi Babalola

The pan Yoruba sociocultural organization, Afenifere has again called on the Federal Government and security agencies in the country to redesign the security architecture in order to curtail the excessive insecurity in the country.

The group said the security architecture should be designed in such a way that those in charge of security would be able to dig deeper into the causes of insecurity and deal with those involved decisively.

In a communique issued at the end of the meeting of Afenifere held at the residence of its leader, Chief Ruben Fasoranti in Akure, Ondo State, the apex Yoruba sociocultural and political organization observed that the high level insecurity in the country could cause the country more harm.

Therefore, the organization called on the National Security Adviser (NSA), Mallam Nuhu Ribadu to, in collaboration with State Governors, urgently come up with strategies to confront the challenges of insecurity and put them under control.

According to the communique signed by the National Publicity Secretary of the organization, Mr Jare Ajayi, the group stressed the need for Governors, particularly those in Yoruba land to further strengthen the security network in the region because of the upsurge of terrorism in the

area.

“For instance, Amotekun personnel should be increased, motivated, trained and properly equipped. Besides, modern technology such as drones should be used to tackle insecurity.

“Afenifere is unrelenting in its insistence that State Police should take off immediately. In the meantime, Afenifere calls on the Governors to track unscrupulous herders terrorizing our farmers – including owners of the cows with which they are making lives difficult for our people.

” In view of the importance of food in any society, states governments in Yoruba land are called upon to pay more serious attention to agriculture. Policy papers on how farm settlements were established and run should be revisited and reviewed in line with the present reality for implementation purpose.

“This time around, local government councils should be given the mandate and leverage to establish farms in their respective areas.

Farm inputs be made available to the farmers at subsidized rates. In the same vein, food items can be made available to the people at subsidized rates.

“Afenifere is very persistent on the need to ensure that Yoruba language is used more as a medium of communication. The body specifically called on G

governments in Yoruba-speaking states to make Yoruba the medium of teaching at elementary levels of our education: kindergarten/nursery, primary and junior secondary schools. Afenifere also urged Legislatures in Yoruba-speaking states to make Yoruba the language of conducting their legislative businesses as much as possible.

“In view of the centrality of restructuring in the resolution of many challenges facing the country, Afenifere is calling on President Bola Tinubu to leverage on his known democratic credential as a federalist by quickening the country’s realization of true federalism as soon as possible.,” the communique added.

News

Tinubu outlines decisive measures to improve police welfare, working conditions

Published

4 hours ago

April 7, 2025

Seyi Babalola

President Bola Tinubu has reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to creating a Nigeria Police Force that is highly trained, motivated, and equipped with modern tools and technology to effectively combat crime.

This is even as he emphasised his administration’s ongoing efforts to enhance the police force, including the provision of advanced equipment, accessible healthcare, quality education for police families, and improved accommodations to strengthen personnel welfare.

He stated this Monday during the maiden edition of the National Police Day celebrations which climaxed a week-long activities to mark the 2025 Police Week at the Eagle Square in Abuja.

The President had formally announced the institutionalisation of April 7 every year as National Police Day to honour fallen heroes of the force and also acknowledge the heroics of its personnel.

Represented by Vice President Kashim Shettima, he said this has become necessary to ensure the nation’s security forces are constantly “steps ahead of those who threaten the peace, welfare, and prosperity” of the nation.

According to a statement issued by the Vice President’s media aide, Stanley Nkwocha, President Tinubu declared: “As President, I reaffirm this administration’s steadfast dedication to the welfare and empowerment of the Nigeria Police Force. A secure Nigeria is vital for our collective prosperity, and this vision begins with ensuring that our police force is well-equipped, well-trained, and well-motivated.

“We are resolute in our commitment to police welfare and comprehensive reform. To that end, let me assure you that the Federal Government of Nigeria will institutionalise 7th April as an annual celebration of National Police Day, cementing its place in our national calendar and demonstrating our enduring appreciation for the Nigeria Police Force.”

On decisive steps to improve the police, President Tinubu said: “In this light, we are taking decisive steps to improve the conditions under which our police officers serve. Adequate housing, accessible healthcare, and quality education for your children are priorities we are committed to fulfilling.

“These promises will begin to materialise immediately. We are also determined to equip you with modern tools and technology to enhance your effectiveness in combating crime. Furthermore, we will ensure that your salaries and benefits reflect the gravity of your responsibilities and the risks you face daily. Anything less would be unacceptable,” he stated.

President Tinubu assured Nigerians that his government “will leave no stone unturned in ensuring effective policing, the safety of lives and property, and the resolution of internal security challenges such as banditry, insurgency, and kidnapping,” maintaining that the administration remains resolute in its mission to restore peace and security across all regions of the country.

Emphasising the role of the Nigeria Police Force, he described the force as a cornerstone of the nation’s security, the first line of defence against crime, even as he maintained that the police are protectors of the nation’s democracy and the custodians of citizens’ safety.

“Your role is indispensable, and your contributions are immeasurable. Why have we established National Police Day? The answer is straightforward. This day serves to highlight your invaluable service and to honour the officers who have made the ultimate sacrifice in the line of duty.

“To their families, we extend our deepest condolences and our unwavering commitment to preserving their legacy. Let it be clear: 7th April is not merely a date on the calendar. It is a symbol of our enduring partnership and respect for the Nigeria Police Force—a day firmly entrenched in our national consciousness,” President Tinubu added.

He commended the Inspector-General of Police (IGP) Kayode Egbetokun, and his team for what he described as “their remarkable work in advancing reforms aligned with” his administration’s goals, noting that the dedication and commitment of the leadership of the force “are paving the way for a police force that all Nigerians can take pride in.”

Earlier, Egbetokun, said beyond commemoration of the day of the establishment of the Nigeria Police Force, the National Police Day offers opportunity to remember fallen heroes and also acknowledge the heroics of men and women of the Police in theatres of operation across the country and beyond.

The IGP said the day also provides a platform to emphasize the renewed call for excellence, professionalism, and respect for human rights, among other virtues that the new police force embodies.

He highlighted the reform agenda of the police force under his leadership, noting that the reforms are hinged on building a force that commands trust and professionalism, enforces justice and promotes national development through enhanced security and policing of the country.

The highpoints of the event were the inspection of the guard by the Vice President, procession by tactical units and other security organisations, and the silent drill display by officers of the Nigeria Police Force.

Also present at the event were the Governor of Kwara State, Alhaji AbdulRazaq Abdulrahman; Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Sen. George Akume; National Security Adviser, Mallam Nuhu Ribadu; Chairman, House Committee on Police Affairs, Hon Makki Yallemen and other members of the National Assembly; Chief of Defence Staff, Gen. Christopher Musa and other Service Chiefs.

Others include Deputy Governors of Delta, Ondo and Enugu States; heads of security and paramilitary organisations; representatives of the Minister of Police Affairs, the Police Service Commission, former Inspectors General of Police and retired senior police officers, among others.

News

Massive crackdown: Troops arrest 43 oil thieves in Rivers, others

Published

18 hours ago

April 7, 2025

Seyi Babalola

…Confiscate 254,000 litres of stolen products

Troops of 6 Division, Nigerian Army have arrested 43 oil thieves and confiscated over 254,000 litres of stolen products across their Joint Operations Area (JOA).

Acting Deputy Director, 6 Division Army Public Relations, Lieutenant Colonel Danjuma Jonah Danjuma, disclosed this in Port Harcourt, Rivers State on Sunday evening.

Danjuma said, in a reinvigorated onslaught against the criminal enterprise of oil thieves and associated crimes across the JOA, the troops have sustained the pressure on the economic saboteurs in the Niger Delta Region (NDR).

He stated that the troops recorded the significant strides in multiple operations conducted with other security agencies across the JOA from 31 March 31 to April 6, 2025.

Spokesperson for 6 Division said: “These breakthroughs, resulted in the arrest of 43 suspected oil thieves and associated crimes, deactivation of 14 artisanal refineries, demobilization of 14 boats used for economic sabotage, with several vehicles intercepted and over 254,000 litres of stolen products confiscated across the NDR.

“Relatedly, in notable operations conducted in Delta State, troops uncovered a large-scale illegal bunkering site at Old Ogorode in Sapele Local Government Area (LGA).

“Several items were recovered at the site, including one Ford Bus with Registration number Delta KLK 797 HR loaded with nine drums of 1000 litres each filled with 90,000 litres, 74 drums of 200 litres each stocked with 14,800 litres, and one tank filled with over 20,000 litres of stolen products.

“Other seizures included nine drums of 200 litres capacity each, estimated to be 1,800 litres, 8 drums of 200 litres each filled with illegally refined engine oil estimated to be over 1,600 litres, 90 empty drums, one empty 5,000 litres capacity tank, 8 pumping machines, one Lister generator, and one big generator. This was in addition to two suspected economic saboteurs arrested at the site.

“While in Rivers State, around Ataba general area in Andoni LGA, troops dismantled illegal refining sites, with pots and receivers and over 80,000 litres of stolen crude confiscated. At Ogale junction in Eleme LGA, troops intercepted over 80 sacks filled with 3,200 litres of stolen products.

“Similarly, at Okarki Forest in Ahoada West LGA, troops swooped on a massive cooking oven stocked with over 3,000 litres of stolen crude. Several items were also recovered at the scene, including a reservoir pit, metal receivers and 100 meters long iron pipes.”

Meanwhile, in Bayelsa State, around Okordia Community in Yenagoa LGA (YELGA), the troops dismantled an illegal refining site with three ovens, four refining drums, receivers with dug out pits filled with over 8,000 litres of stolen crude.

According to Danjuma, similar operations took place in Akwa Ibom State, with the economic saboteurs and associated criminals denied freedom of action.

He added: “All the suspects arrested have been handed over to relevant agencies, while seizures made were handled in accordance to the subsisting operational mandate in the JOA.”

Meanwhile, the General Officer Commanding (GOC), 6 Division, Nigerian Army, Major General Emmanuel Emekah, while commending troops for the onslaught, has called on critical stakeholders to continue to work in synergy to rid the region of economic saboteurs.

The GOC further maintained that this efforts will ramp up oil and gas production in the region for the nation’s economic prosperity.

Daily Sun