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Army Chief Flags Off Army Exercises to Curb Insecurity
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In a concerted and relentless effort to support civil authorities in tackling diverse security challenges bedeviling the country, the Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lieutenant General Faruk Yahaya has flagged off three Nigerian Army Field Training Exercises in Emene, Enugu State, on Monday 4 October 2021.The flag off, symbolically activated the exercises in four geopolitical zones of the country.
In his remark during the ceremony, Lt Gen Yahaya identified the exercises as Exercise STILL WATER, ENDURING PEACE and Exercise GOLDEN DAWN, which he pointed out, will be conducted simultaneously in South South, South East, South West and North Central Nigeria respectively. These exercises, he added would seek to confront the multifaceted and contemporary security challenges prevalent in different parts of the country. He noted that the exercises aim to restore law and order in the affected regions, as well as create enabling environment for socio-economic activities to thrive.
The COAS further charged officers and soldiers to remain professional, steadfast and diligent in the discharge of their responsibilities in consonance with the objectives of the exercises. He urged the troops to ensure respect and protection of the Fundamental Human Rights of the populace in conformity with the provisions of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria as they discharge their responsibilities. He however enjoined the citizenry to be law abiding and cooperate with security agencies in order to restore of law and order in the country. He stated that the exercises, which would later metamorphose into real operations would witness collaboration with other security agencies in exchange of ideas and sharing of intelligence.
“It will be conducted in collaboration with sister security agencies, including the Nigeria Police, Department of State Services, Air Force, Immigration, NDLEA, NSCDC, FRSC, Federal Fire Service, as well as other stakeholders who will provide necessary support for the exercise,” he added.
Speaking also during the flag off, the General Officer Commanding (GOC), 82 Division, Nigerian Army, Major General Taoreed Lagbaja, in a welcome address, assured the COAS of the readiness of the Division in conjunction with sister security agencies to combat all security threats and crimes within the region to ensure law and order. He warned all criminal elements to desist from their attrocious activities or face the wrath of the law.
In furtherance of the fulfilment of his pledge to empower Regimental Sergeant Majors ( RSMs) of the Nigerian Army, the Chief of Army Staff presented a Toyota Hilux vehicle to the 82 Division RSM. “This empowerment scheme”, he noted, “will enable the RSMs to effectively carry out their duties as custodians of traditions and regimentation of the NA”.
The flag off was witnessed by Commanders, heads and representatives of sister security agencies domiciled in Enugu state.
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It’s a Scam: Beware of Tinubu’s Electricity Supply, ADC Warns Nigerians
The African Democratic Congress Presidential Campaign Council (ADC-PCC) has warned Nigerians against waiting for President Bola Tinubu to fulfil his campaign promise of providing reliable electricity.
The Council challenged the President to explain why millions of Nigerians continue to experience poor power supply despite his pledge that voters should not re-elect him if he fails to deliver electricity.
In a statement by its Director of Media and Publicity, Kola Ologbondiyan, the ADC-PCC accused Tinubu of making fresh promises during his recent campaign outings in Kaduna, Rivers and Jigawa states instead of presenting a clear account of his administration’s achievements.
Recalling the President’s campaign promise, the Council quoted him as saying: “If I don’t give you electricity, don’t vote for me for a second term.”
“Tinubu is only repeating his old electricity promise in Jigawa, while Nigerians are still waiting for answers on why reliable power supply remains out of reach,” the Council said.
The Council also questioned the whereabouts and impact of 2,000 tractors reportedly imported from Brazil under the administration’s mechanised farming programme.
It further accused Tinubu of taking credit for projects started by his predecessor, Muhammadu Buhari, while failing to show enough achievements of his own.
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Tinubu’ll Lose Despite Thuggery, Judicial Manipulation, Says ADC-PCC
The African Democratic Congress Presidential Campaign Council (ADC-PCC) has declared that President Bola Tinubu will lose the 2027 election, insisting that intimidation, violence and manipulation of democratic institutions cannot prevent his exit from office.
In a statement by its Director of Media and Publicity, Kola Ologbondiyan, the Council accused the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) of manipulating the judiciary and deploying security agencies against opposition parties.
Ologbondiyan warned that growing attacks on opposition members across the country pose a serious threat to Nigeria’s democracy.
He cited the killing of several members of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) in Delta State, allegedly following an attack on the party’s campaign venue by suspected APC thugs.
He said the incident is part of a disturbing pattern of violence against opposition parties, particularly members of the ADC, NDC and Allied Peoples Movement (APM), in Kaduna, Kogi, Katsina, Kebbi and Sokoto states.
“This is not politics. This is state-sponsored terror against democracy,” he said.
The Council also raised concerns over the preparedness and neutrality of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), alleging that its voter register database had been compromised and that APC sympathisers had been deployed to sensitive positions.
It further alleged that security agencies were being used to harass, arrest and intimidate opposition members.
Ologbondiyan expressed concern over the alleged involvement of a serving director of a security agency in the APC Presidential Campaign Council as co-Director of National Security and Intelligence, describing it as a violation of the law establishing the agency.
“One thing is now very clear to all Nigerians: Tinubu is not preparing for an election. He is preparing for a coronation,” he said.
The ADC-PCC maintained that alleged manipulation of judicial processes and electoral institutions would not guarantee President Tinubu’s re-election, warning that Nigerians would resist any attempt to impose a president through compromised judicial decisions or electoral fraud.
It called on Nigerians to remain vigilant and defend their votes and democratic rights ahead of 2027.
The Council also urged the international community, civil society organisations, religious and traditional institutions to pay closer attention to what it described as the deteriorating political and security environment, warning that silence could embolden those undermining democracy.
It appealed to security agencies to remain politically neutral, stressing that their allegiance should be to the Constitution and the Nigerian people.
“Those who allow themselves to be used as tools of oppression today will answer for their actions tomorrow,” Ologbondiyan warned.
News
Lagos Guber Candidates Unveil Plans to Address Education, Housing, Transport Challenges
Governorship candidates of the All Progressives Congress (APC), African Democratic Congress (ADC), Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) and Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Lagos State have outlined contrasting plans to address housing, transportation, education, healthcare and the rising cost of living ahead of the 2027 elections.
At a governorship debate organised by the Nigeria Debate Consortium, the candidates, Dr. Obafemi Hamzat of the APC, Gbadebo Rhodes-Vivour of the ADC, Funsho Doherty of the NDC and Adedeji Doherty of the PDP, presented their policy blueprints and defended their credentials for seeking to govern the State.
While Hamzat, the incumbent deputy governor, pledged to sustain ongoing projects and expand infrastructure, the opposition candidates criticised the State’s development priorities, arguing that its substantial internally generated revenue had not translated into improved living conditions for ordinary residents.
Rhodes-Vivour accused successive administrations of pursuing policies that favoured the wealthy at the expense of vulnerable residents, particularly in housing and urban development.
He said Lagos needs a government that prioritises the interests of ordinary people, adding that his administration would adopt an integrated approach to urban planning, housing, transportation, education, healthcare and waste management.
The ADC candidate promised to deliver 100,000 housing units within his first four years through a combination of social housing, a proposed luxury tax and development of the state’s eastern foreshore.
He also pledged to connect Lagos’ rail lines within two and a half years through a transparent, private-sector-driven arrangement.
Rhodes-Vivour said the proposed housing programme would include a structured system allowing residents to move from smaller accommodation to larger homes as their families and financial capacities grew.
He said: “We want a cleaner Lagos. We want a safer Lagos. We want a more affordable Lagos. I want a Lagos that works for everybody, not just the privileged few.”
On urban safety, he promised to create employment opportunities for young people, particularly at the ward level, to reduce insecurity and address the activities of political thugs.
He also pledged to tackle flooding through wetland protection, improved urban design and the adoption of technologies that would allow water to flow naturally without threatening communities.
Responding to a question on Lagos’ high revenue and its impact on household welfare, Rhodes-Vivour said the government had failed to make its wealth sufficiently beneficial to ordinary residents.
He cited the demolition of structures in Makoko and the development of housing projects beyond the reach of many residents as examples of what he described as exclusionary policies.
According to him, government should concentrate on providing support for people who cannot meet their basic needs, rather than prioritising those who can afford private solutions.
He said his administration would ensure transparent allocation of housing units and prevent individuals from monopolising multiple units at the expense of other applicants.
The candidate also proposed a housing progression scheme under which young people could initially occupy affordable self-contained apartments and move into larger accommodation as their circumstances improved.
The APC candidate said his experience in government has given him an understanding of the State’s administrative systems, residents’ needs and infrastructure challenges.
He said his proposed Lagos Promise agenda is built around seven pillars, with commitments that would be measurable and open to public scrutiny.
Hamzat added that his administration would prioritise transparency, respect for residents and accountability in the implementation of policies.
He said: “I take tonight as a job interview. The job is the government of Lagos State. And you, Lagosians, will be the interviewers and the people that we actually hire.”
On transportation, Hamzat promised to complete the Blue Line to Okokomaiko and extend the Red Line towards the Trade Fair area, while integrating rail, road and water transportation.
He also pledged to provide 4,000 new compressed natural gas buses to improve mass transit and reduce the pressure on commuters.
The APC candidate said the State’s limited land area and growing population make efficient public transportation essential to its development.
On housing, Hamzat said the government has delivered 24,000 housing units over the past eight years, including 18,000 units for residents, while several projects remain ongoing.
He promised to expand access to mortgages, proposing a system requiring a 10 per cent deposit and repayment over 25 years.
According to him, the arrangement would enable residents to acquire homes without having to pay the full cost upfront.
Hamzat said the government would continue existing housing projects, including developments in Ibeju-Lekki, Badagry and other locations.
He argued that mortgage financing is necessary to make homeownership more attainable, noting that many people struggled to build houses because of the high cost of construction.
Funsho Doherty of the NDC said Lagos is operating below its potential despite its substantial revenue base and economic importance.
He argued that residents continue to face rising taxes and levies without corresponding improvements in public services.
Doherty cited the State’s budget, internally generated revenue and long period of APC administration as reasons the government should be held accountable for its performance.
He said Lagos’ challenges include inadequate healthcare, poor educational outcomes, housing affordability, water supply and electricity.
The candidate said his vision is to move the State in a new direction through policies focused on health, education, opportunity, affordable housing, jobs, small businesses and the environment.
Doherty, who said he has spent 30 years in the private sector, argued that government policies should enable residents to develop their skills, earn incomes and build sustainable livelihoods.
He promised to make public education truly free, including removing examination fees and other charges that prevent children from completing their education.
He also pledged to provide pupils in public schools with an affordable daily meal.
On housing, the NDC candidate proposed 150,000 units, supported by an ecosystem of financing, government guarantees and other measures to improve affordability.
He said the objective was to empower residents economically, adding that the prosperity of individuals would translate into the prosperity of the State.
Adedeji Doherty of the PDP said his background as a technocrat, businessman, entrepreneur and industrialist had prepared him to address Lagos’ economic and infrastructure challenges.
He said his experience in the party, which he joined in 1998, has also informed his decision to contest the governorship.
The PDP candidate identified electricity, housing and education as priority areas, arguing that inadequate power supply is limiting industrial development and economic growth.
He promised to establish a research team to develop cheaper building materials and reduce the cost of constructing homes.
Doherty also said he would focus on underserved communities, particularly the islands, which he said lack adequate primary healthcare and other essential services.
He identified the State’s debt burden, bloated ministries, departments and agencies, and inadequate support for local governments as major challenges affecting service delivery.
The candidate said his administration would reduce the number of MDAs and review government expenditure to free up resources for residents.
He argued that local governments should be adequately empowered to address community needs, while savings from reduced administrative costs could be redirected towards improving living conditions.
Doherty also promised to review electricity costs and introduce measures to put money back into residents’ pockets.







