I didn’t discuss Nnamdi Kanu’s release with South-East govs – Obasanjo

Former President Olusegun Obasanjo says his talks with the south-east governors excluded the release of Nnamdi Kanu, the detained leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB).

On Tuesday, governors under the umbrella of the south-east governors’ forum resolved to meet with President Bola Tinubu to seek the release of Nnamdi Kanu, the detained leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB).

Hope Uzodinma, governor of Imo and chairman of the forum, announced this the resolution at the end of a meeting of the governors held in Enugu, Obasanjo also paid a solidarity visit to the southeast governors forum in the state.

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In a statement on Wednesday, Kehinde Akinyemi, Obasanjo special assistant on media affairs, said the ex-presidentand Emeka Anyaoku, former Commonwealth secretary-general, met with south-east governors to discuss regional development.

The statement said that the meeting did not include discussions about the potential release of Nnamdi Kanu by the federal government.

“The meeting with them was at my invitation and of Chief Emeka Anyaoku before their summit begins. The issue of Nnamdi Kanu was not on the agenda and was not discussed in my presence,” the statement said.

“The regional development issues include that of security and infrastructure, economic and cooperative collaboration, which was meant to complement the national economic development agenda.

I didn’t discuss Nnamdi Kanu’s release with South-East govs – Obasanjo

Senate okays bill for foreigners in Nigeria to obtain NIN

The Senate has advanced a bill to grant all residents, including foreigners, the right to obtain and use the National Identification Number (NIN) sponsored by Deputy Senate President Barau I.

Jibrin (Kano North), the bill also aims to replace criminal penalties with administrative measures to ensure compliance without severe legal consequences.

Senator Cyril Fasuyi (Ekiti North) presented the bill’s principles, emphasizing the need to repeal the current Act and establish a new regulatory framework for the National Identity Management Commission (NIMC) to enhance its oversight and regulation of Nigeria’s ID system.

“The bill’s objectives include expanding the eligible registrants under the Nigeria ID System to achieve inclusivity and universal coverage,” Senator Fasuyi explained.

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“It allows all residents in Nigeria to obtain a National Identification Number (NIN) for official identification purposes.”

I never lobbied to extend my tenure — IGP Egbetokun

The Inspector General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, has debunked reports alleging that he has been lobbying the National Assembly to tamper with the Nigeria Police Act 2020 to elongate his tenure and year of service of personnel in the force.

Force Public Relations Officer, ACP Olumuyiwa Adejobi, disclosed the IGP’s denial in a statement, saying it is vital to clarify unequivocally that the bill was originally introduced during the 8th Assembly but did not progress beyond the initial stages before the Assembly’s dissolution.  It is standard legislative practice to review and update laws to align with current national realities.

The proposed amendment seeks to extend the years of service for police officers from 35 to 40 years, and the age limit from 60 to 65 years.

Adejobi said:  “The Nigeria Police Force is deeply perturbed by the dissemination of false information across various media platforms, notably the distorted publication by an online media, regarding the proposed amendment to the Nigeria Police Act 2020.

“The misleading publications alleged that IGP Kayode Adeolu Egbetokun personally initiated this bill to prolong his tenure as the 22nd indigenous Inspector General of Police, and has allegedly invested significantly in lobbying lawmakers to facilitate its passage.’

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Egbetokun decried a situation where certain media outlets and their sponsors had chosen to propagate baseless accusations, ignorantly disregarding the fact that any modification to existing legislation was designed to enhance its effectiveness and relevance.

The statement read: “To understand the true motivations behind this initiative, one needs only look at the Inspector General of Police steadfast commitment to reforming the Nigeria Police Force.

“His advocacy for this bill stems from a genuine belief in its potential to improve the conditions of service for police officers and thereby bolster security nationwide, rather than seeking personal gain. It comes from the place of duty rather than benefit.“

“Furthermore, it is important to note that the tenure of an Inspector General of Police is already prescribed as four years, with the President being the sole authority empowered to remove an IGP before the completion of his tenure.

”Furthermore, the Nigeria Police Force called on the public to exercise caution and discernment when consuming information, particularly from sources known for sensationalism and unverified claims.

“Such misinformation not only misleads but also detracts from constructive dialogue and efforts towards meaningful police reform.”

I never lobbied to extend my tenure — IGP Egbetokun