Politics |

November 1, 2023

November 1, 2023 IFMNEWS

Rivers State Police Clarify Governor’s Involvement In Protest Incident

The Rivers State Police Command has explained the incident involving an attack on the state governor, Siminalayi Fubara, during a protest at the State House of Assembly complex in Port Harcourt on Monday.

According to the police, the attack was not intentional, and their actions were aimed at dispersing protesters and ensuring the governor's safety from potential arsonists causing mayhem.

In a statement released by the state's police spokesperson, Grace Iringe-Koko, on Wednesday, the police clarified the sequence of events. The statement read, "Following credible intelligence indicating the intention of an armed group to cause disturbance in Port Harcourt, particularly at the State House of Assembly on Monday, October 30, and considering the recent incident of arson at the State House of Assembly under investigation, the Deputy Commissioner of Police in charge of Operations deployed armed police officers under his supervision to intercept the 'hoodlums' and protect lives and property within the State House of Assembly and its surroundings."

Upon arriving at the complex's entrance, the police noticed a large group of youths protesting, attempting to gain access to the complex, potentially causing a breach of peace. In response, the police deployed non-lethal crowd control measures, including tear gas and water cannons, to disperse the unruly and uncontrollable protesters.

However, a short while later, another group of aggressive individuals approached the complex's entrance, and the police responded similarly. During this encounter, the Governor of Rivers State, Siminalayi Fubara, was observed to be present among the crowd. The police expressed their surprise and shock at the governor's unexpected presence, as there had yet to be prior communication with the police about the governor's visit to the incident scene. Typically, security protocols call for the police to accompany the governor and ensure his safety, especially in light of the security threat intelligence.

In light of the situation, the Deputy Commissioner of Police in Operations took immediate security measures to ensure the governor's protection and safety. At the same time, he and his entourage assessed the extent of the damage caused by the fire incident. The police emphasised that they did not deliberately target or attempt to harm the governor or anyone else, let alone the Chief Executive and security officer of the state, as some reports suggested.

The statement concluded that the Rivers State Police Command had implemented sufficient security measures to de-escalate the situation and restore complete calm in the affected areas. The police's explanation aimed to clarify the circumstances of the incident and underscore their primary responsibility of safeguarding the governor's and public's safety and security.

November 1, 2023

November 1, 2023November 1, 2023 IFMNEWS

Senate Begins Screening Of INEC RECs

The Nigerian Senate has initiated screening for the recently nominated Resident Electoral Commissioners (RECs) of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC). These newly appointed RECs oversee electoral activities in their respective states.

The list of newly appointed RECs includes:

Etekamba Umoren (Akwa Ibom)
Isah Shaka Ehimeakne (Edo)
Oluwatoyin Babalola (Ekiti)
Abubakar Ahmed Ma’aji (Gombe)
Shehu Wahab (Kwara)
Prof. Mohammed Yelwa (Niger)
Anugbum Onuoha (Rivers)
Isma’ila Kaura Moyi (Zamfara)
Bunmi Omoseyindemi (Lagos)
Aminu Kasimu Idris (Nasarawa)

President Bola Tinubu formally requested the Senate's screening and confirmation of these ten new Resident Electoral Commissioners, who are intended to serve a five-year term. During a plenary session on Tuesday, the President's request was communicated in a letter read by the Senate President, Godswill Akpabio.

These appointments mark a significant step in ensuring the efficient and impartial conduct of electoral processes in the respective states. The Senate's thorough screening process is integral to maintaining the credibility and integrity of the Independent National Electoral Commission as it carries out its vital role in Nigeria's democratic processes.

November 1, 2023

November 1, 2023November 1, 2023 IFMNEWS

NLC President Arrested In Imo

In a dramatic turn of events, Comrade Joe Ajaero, the President of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), was apprehended by the police in Owerri, the capital of Imo State. Ajaero's detention came in the wake of an ongoing protest organised by NLC members in the state.

Reports indicate that the protest was marred by the infiltration of troublemakers who vandalised vehicles and inflicted injuries upon members of the labour union. The NLC had announced its intention to stage a protest in the state on Sunday, citing alleged violations and abuses of the rights and privileges of workers by the state government.

According to sources, Ajaero's arrest occurred as early as 8 a.m. on Wednesday. Workers had gathered at the NLC State Secretariat for the protest when a group of armed individuals stormed the premises, attacked the workers, and dispersed the crowd.

Nevertheless, the workers regrouped at the Secretariat, this time under the leadership of NLC President Ajaero and General Secretary Emma Ugboaja, to proceed with the protest. Just as Ajaero was about to address the assembled crowd, a team of heavily armed police officers arrived and took him into custody, along with some other NLC officials.

During the incident, reports suggest that several gunshots were fired to disperse the gathered workers, heightening tensions.

Benson Upah, the NLC's Head of Information and Publicity, confirmed the situation, explaining, "The NLC President was abducted by heavily armed men, suspected to be police officers, at the Imo State NLC secretariat on Wednesday, just as we were about to commence our lawful protest against the violation of trade union rights of the workers."

Providing further insight into the incident, Chris Onyeka, the NLC Deputy General Secretary and Chief of Staff to the NLC President, recounted the events. "As workers were gathering to protest their mistreatment by the state government in Owerri, Imo State, and the NLC President was about to address the workers, the police intervened amid attacks by thugs to arrest Ajaero. Thugs initially attacked and forcibly removed Ajaero from the platform before the police arrived to arrest him and another senior NLC official," he said.

The situation surrounding Joe Ajaero's detention highlights the growing tensions and challenges faced by labour unions and workers in Nigeria, further emphasising the importance of peaceful and lawful protest in addressing workers' rights and grievances.

November 1, 2023

November 1, 2023November 1, 2023 IFMNEWS

President Tinubu Asserts Control Over FEC Meeting Attendance

In a decisive move, President Bola Tinubu issued a stern warning on Monday, cautioning his son, Seyi, and others against unauthorised attendance at Federal Executive Council (FEC) meetings.

President Tinubu emphasized the need for a strictly regulated and approved list of participants during the weekly cabinet sessions.

Addressing the issue, President Tinubu expressed his concern about some individuals' improper access to these council meetings. He pointed out a photograph that captured his son, Seyi, sitting in attendance, deeming such occurrences unacceptable.

With firm determination, President Tinubu declared his intention to clarify and announce the list of individuals officially granted the privilege of attending these important sessions. He went on to reveal the names of the approved attendees, which include his Special Advisers on Policy Coordination, Hadiza Usman; Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga; Principal Private Secretary, Hakeem Muri-Okunola; and Private Secretary, Damilotun Aderemi.

"These are the individuals who have been given special permission to be present during the conduct of the nation's business. Unless I have expressly summoned you, I urge you not to attend. Let there be no ambiguity about this," President Tinubu asserted.

The President's decisive statement underscores the importance of maintaining the integrity and security of crucial government meetings while ensuring that only authorised individuals partake in the nation's critical decision-making processes. President Tinubu's commitment to transparency and control within the FEC meetings is a clear directive for those involved in the nation's governance.

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