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FCT CP talks tough, says no criminal element can threaten Bwari again

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Benneth Igweh

The Commissioner of Police in charge of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Benneth Igweh has assured the people of Bwari Area Council especially students and staff of Veritas University, Bwari-Abuja indicated that he has massively deployed men and materials in the troubled area council that “no criminal element can threaten the people of the area again”.
He spoke against the backdrop of recent upsurge in bandits attacks leading to abductions of many persons that led to apprehension among the people of Bwari Area Council especially students and staff of Veritas University, Bwari-Abuja.

The Commissioner of police gave the assurance when the Vice Chancellor of the University paid a courtesy Visit on him in his office in Abuja.
A statement issued by head, corporate affairs and Communications of the university, Ben Agande indicated that Bwari Area council had been in the news in the last two months as result of activities of kidnappers. Five daughters from one family were kidnapped from the area last December with one of the daughters killed by the kidnappers when her parents could not raise the ransom money on time.
The statement quoted the Commissioner of Police while speaking with the Vice Chancellor of Veritas University, to have stated that ugly incidence of the recent past will never repeat itself again as long as he remains the commissioner of police in the FCT.
“I owe Veritas University protection and we will provide that. There is no other place that we have done massive deployment like we have done in Bwari because of the uniqueness of that place. Apart from bordering Kaduna and Niger states, there are about four intuitions of higher learning there and a federal government secondary school. But I can assure you that there is no force that can enter Bwari and threaten the people again” he said.
As part of the deployment of men and materials in the Bwari axis, the Commissioner of police said the FCT police command will create a base in Ushafa that will support the deployment in Bwari.
“I am happy to announce that the people that ran away from their ancestral homes in Bwari villages and those that left Bwari town have returned to Bwari now. We are not interested in fantasies. We are doing real policing. Tell your staff and students that they are in safe hands” the police boss said.
He commended the Vice Chancellor of Veritas University for assisting the Bwari Divisional Police Office and encourage him to do more.
Earlier in his speech, the Vice Chancellor of Veritas University, Rev. Fr Professor Hyacinth Ichoku thanked the commissioner of Police for the massive deployment of men and materials around the Veritas University.
He enjoined the Commissioner of police to look into vast areas and communities around the university that do not have police presence with a view to creating police station that would serve as a buffer between the communities in Bwari and the forests in Kaduna state.
The Vice Chancellor pledged the University’s continued logistics support to the police and other security agencies in Bwari, noting that “it is better to support the police to do their job of protecting us than paying ransom to kidnappers”

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Senate Approves President Tinubu’s N1.767 Trillion Loan Request

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The Senate has granted approval for a $2.09 billion (N1.767 trillion) loan requested by President Bola Tinubu to address the N9.7 trillion deficit in the N28.7 trillion 2024 budget. The decision was made during Thursday’s plenary, just 48 hours after the request was submitted to the National Assembly.

President Tinubu, in letters to both chambers of the legislature earlier this week, highlighted the importance of the loan for financing key projects and programs critical to national development.

Following the request, the Senate assigned its Committee on Local and Foreign Debts, led by Senator Aliyu Wammako (APC, Sokoto North), to review the proposal. Presenting the committee’s report, Senator Wammako described the loan as vital for implementing the Debt Management Strategy, reducing borrowing costs, extending debt maturity, and bolstering Nigeria’s external reserves.

The committee recommended raising the loan through Eurobonds or similar international financing instruments, subject to market conditions. It also suggested that any excess funds from exchange rate adjustments be directed toward capital projects in 2024 to support infrastructure and economic growth.

The Senate approved the loan unanimously, with no objections raised during deliberations. Deputy Senate President Jibrin Barau, who presided over the session, commended the Wammako-led committee for its swift and thorough handling of the proposal.

This loan approval is part of the government’s broader strategy to bridge fiscal gaps while focusing on developmental priorities and economic stability.

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Finland Detains Pro-Biafra Agitator Simon Ekpa on Terrorism Charges

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Simon Ekpa

Simon Ekpa, a Finland-based pro-Biafra agitator, has been arrested and detained by the Päijät-Häme District Court in Finland on charges of inciting public crimes with terrorist intent.

The alleged offence reportedly occurred in Lahti on August 23, 2021. Finnish authorities apprehended Ekpa on Monday, November 19, marking another chapter in his history of legal confrontations.

A source confirmed Ekpa’s arrest, noting, “He was arrested three days ago. But this is not the first time. He will likely be questioned and released soon.” Ekpa was previously detained in 2023 on suspicion of fundraising fraud but was released the same evening.

The Finnish National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) has also requested the detention of four additional suspects in connection with terrorism-related charges.

Ekpa has gained notoriety for his leadership of a Nigerian separatist group advocating for an independent Biafran state in southeastern Nigeria. Finnish authorities allege that he used social media platforms to coordinate actions that resulted in violence against civilians and authorities in Nigeria.

Detective Chief Inspector Otto Hiltunen of the NBI stated that the investigation focuses on a Finnish citizen of Nigerian descent, born in the 1980s, suspected of public incitement to crimes with terrorist intent.

Meanwhile, the Nigerian government has continued to engage the Finnish government through the European Union (EU) to extradite Ekpa. In August, Nigeria’s Defence Headquarters emphasized the dual approach of diplomatic engagement and sustained military operations against the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) and its armed wing, the Eastern Security Network (ESN).

Director of Defence Media Operations, Major General Edward Buba, reiterated the government’s resolve, saying, “The FG would respond appropriately to the Finnish Government through the EU. On the part of the military, troops would sustain operations against IPOB/ESN.”

Ekpa, who has represented Finland’s National Coalition Party (NCP) in local government, currently serves on Lahti’s public transport committee. Finnish authorities continue to investigate his activities, emphasizing the potential connection between his leadership role in the separatist movement and violent actions in Nigeria.

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Ogun Council Polls: Ex-Rep Amusan hails APC’s Landslide Victory

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Jelili Kayode Amusan

***Lauds Governor Abiodun’s Leadership

***Tasks New Local Government helmsmen on Grassroots Development

Former House of Representatives member, Hon. Jelili Kayode Amusan, has commended the All Progressives Congress (APC) for its sweeping victory in the recently concluded local government elections in Ogun State.
He described the outcome as a clear affirmation of the party’s growing acceptance and connection with the people.

In a statement released by his media office, Hon. Amusan attributed the victory to the leadership of Governor Dapo Abiodun, whose administration has prioritized the development of critical sectors, including security, healthcare, education, and infrastructure.

“This victory did not come as a surprise. It is a reflection of Governor Abiodun’s commitment to delivering good governance to the people of Ogun State. His numerous initiatives, including improved road networks, strengthened security, and better healthcare services, have earned the APC the confidence of the people across all local government areas,” Amusan noted.

The former lawmaker, who previously vied for the governorship, said the APC’s success in all local government areas highlights the effectiveness of the Governor’s grassroots-oriented policies and his ability to inspire trust and unity within the party.

While congratulating the newly elected local government chairmen, Hon. Amusan urged them to emulate Governor Abiodun’s leadership style by focusing on service delivery and fulfilling their campaign promises.

“Local governments are the closest tier of government to the people. Their effectiveness in governance plays a crucial role in the overall success of any political system. The new chairmen must prioritize grassroots development and ensure they deliver the dividends of democracy to their communities,” he advised.

He also expressed gratitude to the people of Ogun State for their overwhelming support for the APC, encouraging them to continue backing the party as it works to fulfill its promises.

“Our people have shown unwavering support for the APC, and I am confident that with their continued trust, the party will further enhance governance and bring more prosperity to Ogun State,” Amusan concluded.

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