News
Kogi State enforces ban on rallies, public gatherings amidst riding security concerns
 
																								
												
												
											In view of the growing security concerns in Kogi State, the government has announced a ban on all forms of rallies or public gatherings that have the potential to disrupt public peace.
According to a statement on Monday by the Kogi State Commissioner for information and Communication Kingsley Fanwo, the decision comes after reports of planned violent rallies disguised as political and religious agitations surfaced.
The Commissioner averred that the state government has taken proactive measures to prevent any form of security breach that could destabilize the peace and security of the state.
Explaining further, Fanwo said “With recent incidents in various local government areas, including clashes in communities and tensions rising due to planned rallies, the government has deemed it necessary to implement stricter security measures.
“The ban on public gatherings includes suspending all fishing activities in Kogi Local Government Area until peace is completely restored after recent clashes resulted in the loss of lives.
Additionally, security operatives have been deployed to affected areas to restore calm and implement the directive.
“Furthermore, in Ankpa Local Government Area, communal clashes between Ika-Odele and Ika Ochala are threatening the peace in Kogi East. Security personnel have been deployed to the area to calm the situation and avert further loss of lives and property.
“The ban on rallies and public gatherings applies to all individuals, groups, or organizations within the state until further notice. The government acknowledges citizens’ constitutional rights to express themselves but emphasizes that security considerations must take precedence for public safety.
“The state government has also directed that any individual or group entering Kogi State with a convoy of security personnel must obtain prior clearance from state commands to prevent unauthorized movements and ensure the presence of duly accredited security agents.
“To ensure strict enforcement of these measures, the State Security Adviser has been tasked to work closely with all security agencies and maintain high alertness to prevent any breakdown of law and order”.
Fanwo added that the government urged residents to remain law-abiding, vigilant, and cooperative with security agencies to guarantee the safety and well-being of all citizens.
“With the Chief Servant of Kogi State leading efforts to protect lives and property and maintain peace and stability in the state, residents are encouraged to report any suspicious activities or movements to the appropriate security authorities.
The government reassures the public that any attempt to undermine the peace and security of Kogi State will be met with the full force of the law.
“By implementing these measures and collaborating with security agencies and community leaders, the Kogi State Government is committed to safeguarding the state and providing a safe environment for all residents” the statement added.
News
Customs and NAPTIP Partner To Track Humans Trafficking
The visit was part of the tripartite engagement and outcomes of the Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between NAPTIP and MMS WoFHoF, which was anchored on collective efforts and synergy in the fight against human trafficking in the Country.
 
														Picture: Comptroller – General of Customs, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi (middle ) Director – General of NAPTIP, Binta Adamu Bello,, and the Board Member, MMS WoFHoF Initiative, Hajia Lami Tumaka.
The Comptroller – General of Customs, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, has promised a robust partnership and collaboration with the National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP) in tackling the incidence of human trafficking, especially the emerging stowaway and other illegal movement of victims and other unaccompanied minors at the exit and entry points of the nation.
He stated this while playing host to the Director – General of NAPTIP, Binta Adamu Bello,, and the Board Member, MMS WoFHoF Initiative, Hajia Lami Tumaka, as they paid the Custom Boss a courtesy visit at the Service Headquarters, Abuja.
The visit was part of the tripartite engagement and outcomes of the Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between NAPTIP and MMS WoFHoF, which was anchored on collective efforts and synergy in the fight against human trafficking in the Country.
Speaking during the visit, the Director General said,” Human Trafficking is an organized transnational crime that thrives on weak inter-Agency coordination.
The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), with its statutory responsibility for border management and trade facilitation, remains one of the strategic partners in curbing cross-border trafficking of persons, smuggling of migrants, and other related crimes”.
She sought the support of the Service in the areas of intelligence sharing, joint capacity building, and sensitization for Officers of both Agencies, Joint Operations, and Inter-Agency task Forces, as well as public awareness and community engagement at border communities.
Also speaking, the Board Member, MMS WoFHoF, Hajia Lami Tumaka, informed the CGC of the planned joint national Conference and Dialogue on stowaways and Human trafficking, designed to enhance understanding of stakeholders and scale up preventive mechanisms of Trafficking in Persons.
In his response, the Controller- General of Customs described partnership as key in the fight against any societal menace, assured of the full support and support of the Customs in all interventions aimed at reducing the incidence of human trafficking in the Country.
News
President Tinubu Signs updated List of Eligible Beneficiaries of State Pardons
Consequently, certain persons convicted of serious crimes such as kidnapping, drug-related offences, human trafficking, fraud, unlawful possession of firearms/arms dealing, etc, were deleted from the list.
 
														President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, has executed the relevant instruments of release to complete the process of formally exercising his constitutional power of prerogative of mercy to grant pardon and clemency to specific individuals who were earlier convicted for various offences.
Bayo Onanuga, Special Adviser to the President (information & Strategy), disclosed this in a statement on Wednesday.
He said that following consultations with the Council of State and public opinion on the matter, the President directed a further review of the initially approved list for consideration in furtherance of the President’s discretionary powers under Section 175(1)(&(2) of the 1999 Constitution (as amended).
Consequently, certain persons convicted of serious crimes such as kidnapping, drug-related offences, human trafficking, fraud, unlawful possession of firearms/arms dealing, etc, were deleted from the list.
Others who had been hitherto pardoned in the old list had their sentences commuted.
This action became necessary in view of the seriousness and security implications of some of the offences, the need to be sensitive to the feelings of the victims of the crimes and society in general, the need to boost the morale of law enforcement agencies and adherence to bilateral obligations.
The concept of justice as a three-way traffic for the Accused, the Victim, and the State/Society also guided the review.
The approved list of eligible beneficiaries has been transmitted to the Nigerian Correctional Service for implementation in line with the duly signed instruments of release.
Furthermore, to ensure that future exercises meet public expectations and best practices, the President has directed the immediate relocation of the Secretariat of the Presidential Advisory Committee on Prerogative of Mercy from the Federal Ministry of Special Duties to the Federal Ministry of Justice.
President Tinubu also directed the Attorney-General of the Federation to issue appropriate Guidelines for the Exercise of the Power of Prerogative of Mercy, which includes compulsory consultation with relevant prosecuting agencies.
This will ensure that only persons who fully meet the stipulated legal and procedural requirements will henceforth benefit from the issuance of instruments of release.
The President appreciated the constructive feedback and engagement from stakeholders and the general public on this matter.
President Tinubu also reaffirmed his administration’s broader commitment to judicial reforms and improving the administration of justice in Nigeria.
News
170 Foreigners Seeking Nigerian Citizenship – Tunji Ojo
According to the Minister, the 170 applications will undergo rigorous scrutiny by a high-level panel comprising representatives from the Department of State Services, the Nigeria Immigration Service, the Ministry of Justice, and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
 
														One hundred and seventy (170) foreign nationals are seeking Nigerian citizenship.
Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, Interior Minister, disclosed this in Abuja after chairing a meeting of the Citizenship Advisory Committee, which vets all citizenship requests before forwarding recommendations to President Bola Tinubu for approval.
Tunji-Ojo noted that citizenship of the world’s largest Black nation is not for everyone.
“Anyone who holds the citizenship of our great country must be a person of strong character and impeccable integrity, reflecting the true values of Nigeria,” he declared.
According to the Minister, the 170 applications will undergo rigorous scrutiny by a high-level panel comprising representatives from the Department of State Services, the Nigeria Immigration Service, the Ministry of Justice, and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
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