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Senate: Boko Haram mount roadblocks, collect levies


The Senate on Tuesday said security situation had deteriorated in the North-East to a level where Boko Haram mounted roadblocks in some parts of Borno State and collected levies from farmers.
Service chiefs have also come under severe attack since Saturday when the Boko Haram insurgents killed no fewer than 43 rice farmers in the state, with Nigerians calling for their removal.
On Tuesday, the Senate joined the demand for the removal of the service chiefs and called for a probe into the allegations of corruption levelled against some military leaders.
The Chairman, Senate Committee on Army, who is from Bornu State, Ali Ndume, said the military should justify funds released to it because the soldiers at the war front were poorly kitted, leaving the insurgents to operate brazenly by mounting roadblocks.
He said,
He said, “Boko Haram has started mounting roadblocks. If the Federal Government is serious, we could wipe out insurgency within six months.”
He also said, “Soldiers at the forefront of the operations are sharing ammunition. They are not well kitted. Some of them don’t even have helmets or bulletproof vests.
“They don’t have new AK-47 rifles at the war front. Insurgents have started demanding levies to allow farmers into farms.”
President of the Senate, Ahmad Lawan, said, “It is now important that the executive should implement the latest resolutions because they are not frivolous.
“Enough of excuses. Those who have nothing to offer in terms of securing the country, should be shown the way out. The security of Nigerians should take the centre stage. Time has come to find a solution.”
In his contribution, the Chairman, Senate Committee on Judiciary, Human Rights and Legal Matters, Opeyemi Bamidele, said if the President should retain the service chiefs, he should retire them and constitute them into a presidential advisory council on security.
In the motion, Shettima noted that if Buhari refused to sack the non-performing service chiefs, it then meant that he had also failed in his responsibilities as commander-in-chief.
“Whatever it is that the present security chiefs are doing, is not working or at least not enough.
“If the President insists that the security chiefs are doing their work well, then the logical implication of such assumption is that the President himself as the constitutional commander-in-chief of the country has failed in his most rudimentary assignment of securing the nation. I hope the latter is not the case.”
The senators also demanded the return of foreign mercenaries to fight the insurgency.
For instance, Ndume said, “In the past, we had intervention in form of mercenaries which we rejected .We should stand up and do what it takes to secure our land.”
The senators also wondered why Buhari did not personally visit Borno State but resolved to send a delegation to commiserate with the beleaguered people.
News
Osun Rep unveils N100m varsity scholarship


Osun Rep unveils N100m varsity scholarship
The member representing Iwo/Ayedire/Ola-Oluwa Federal Constituency of Osun State, Lukman Kayode Mudashiru, has earmarked N100 million to sponsor indigent students from the constituency for university education.
A statement on Saturday from his media office said successful applicants would be sponsored for four-year undergraduate programmes at Ahman Patigi University, Kwara State.
Mudashiru had set up a scholarship committee comprising respected individuals from the community in order to ensure transparency and efficient selection process.
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He said the goal of the committee was to identify and support indigent students based on merit, assuring that the committee would discharge its duty judiciously “to maximize its impact on the lives of our youths.”
The lawmaker said: “This initiative is a testament to our unwavering dedication to the educational upliftment of our community. We are determined to ensure that deserving students receive the support they need to pursue higher education.
“Education is the bedrock of development, and I am proud to deliver on my promise to support the aspirations of our youths. This scholarship program is an investment in the future leaders of Iwo, Ayedire, and Olaoluwa Local Government Areas, and I am confident that it will yield positive results for our community.”
Osun Rep unveils N100m varsity scholarship
News
Reps to monitor probe of military drone attack


Reps to monitor probe of military drone attack
The House of Representatives say it will monitor the investigation into the military drone attack that killed over 80 Nigerians in Kaduna State on Nov. 3.
Rep. Babajimi Benson, Chairman, House Committee on Defence, gave the assurance in a statement titled, “Tudun Biri tragedy elicits profound sorrow” in Abuja on Saturday.
He expressed regrets over the ugly incident, while tasking authorities of the Nigerian Army and other security agencies to prioritise the safety of civilians during operations.
He urged them to exercise utmost caution, and implement measures to prevent similar occurrences in the future.
He said: “The unfortunate incident in Tudun Biri community, Kaduna state, has cast a sobre mood over the hearts of all Nigerians; the House Committee on Defence is profoundly saddened by this regrettable incident.
“The loss of innocent lives in this tragic incident is heartbreaking, and our thoughts and prayers are with the affected families.
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“We would like to recognise the prompt admission of responsibility by the Nigerian Army following the accidental air strike.”
He commended various stakeholders who played crucial roles in alleviating the suffering of the victims.
He said the incident underscored the significance of exercising caution and precision in military operations, particularly in areas with civilian populations.
He said the committee acknowledged the complexities encountered by the Armed Forces of Nigeria in upholding security and addressing diverse threats across the country.
He commended the dedication and sacrifices exhibited by the Armed Forces and other security agencies in the service of the nation.
“It remains crucial for the public to steadfastly support our troops, acknowledging the intricate nature of the security environment in which they operate.
“The House Committee on Defence will closely monitor the investigations and work collaboratively with the military authorities to ensure that corrective measures are implemented to prevent the recurrence of such unfortunate incidents, ” he said.
Reps to monitor probe of military drone attack
(NAN)
News
Tinubu commiserates Saudi Royal family over death of Prince


Tinubu commiserates Saudi Royal family over death of Prince
President Bola Tinubu, on Saturday, commiserated with the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques, King Salman of Saudi Arabia, and the Royal House of Saudi on the passing of Prince Talal bin Abdulaziz bin Bandar Al Saud who died in jet crash Thursday.
The Saudi Royal Court announced that Prince Talal Bin Abdulaziz died when the Saudi Arabian Air Force’s F-15SA fighter plane crashed in Dhahran on December 7.
However, it did not disclose the injuries that led to the prince’s death.
Talal, 62, who was on a training mission died alongside one other pilot.
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The last rituals for Talal will be carried out at the Imam Turki bin Abdullah Mosque in Riyadh, said the monarchy.
In a statement signed by his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Ajuri Ngelale, President
Tinubu expressed grief at the loss, acknowledging the departed Prince’s excellent and dedicated service to his country throughout his outstanding career in the Royal Saudi Air Force and the Saudi Intelligence Agency.
According to the statement titled ‘President Tinubu mourns Saudi Prince Talal Bin Abdulaziz Bin Bandar Al Saud,’ the President prayed God Almighty to grant repose to the soul of the departed, and comfort for the Royal House of Saud, the Kingdom, and all who mourn this irreparable loss.
Prince Talal joins a list of Saudi Royals who were either involved in or lost their lives in aviation accidents dating back to a 2017 helicopter crash that killed Prince Mansour bin Muqrin and seven others near the Saudi-Yemeni border.
Tinubu commiserates Saudi Royal family over death of Prince
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