By UTHMAN BABA -NASEER,MINNA

The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps(NSCDC),Niger State command has arrested village head and (33) others in connection to the killing of Police Constable Emmanuel Shamsi,and setting ablaze patrol vehicle of NSCDC,by suspected illegal miners in Zuzungi area of Katcha local council.

The Commandant, Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps NSCDC, Comdt.Suberu Siyaka Aniviye,gave the hint while briefing journalists in Minna.

According to him”.On Wednesday,11th February 2025 ,at about 12.30pm personnel of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC),in collaboration with officers of the Nigeria Police Force(NPF)and local security outfit known as Anti-Drugs Control(ADC),were on a routine joint patrol in the mining area operated by Millennium Metals Mining Company”.

Comdt.Aniviye added”. During the patrol,the team intercepted some individuals engaged in illegal mining activities and attempting to smuggle minerals out of the mining site, adding that in a violent reaction,the suspected illegal miners mobilized and launched a coordinated attack on the patrol team.

The NSCDC boss explained that during the attack, NSCDC patrol Hilux vehicle was set ablaze by the attackers,disclosing that a Police Officer,Constable Emmanuel Shamsi of the Nigeria Police Force, tragically lost his life in the line of duty, saying that NSCDC and other security personnel tactically withdrew to prevent further escalation and casualties.

He further stated that following the incident,the command acted swiftly on credible intelligence,on the same day,a special operation was launched to apprehend those responsible for the attack.

He added”.15 suspects were intercepted on the road, while, attempting to flee the community and 19 suspects, including the village head,were arrested at a residence of the village head himself, where the perpetrators had taken refuge in Zuzungi Gwari area of Kataeregi.

Comdt Siyaka noted that all (34) suspects are currently in NSCDC custody, adding that investigation is ongoing,and they will be prosecuted in accordance with the law.

By David Owei

The National Secretary of the Ijaw National Congress INC, Engineer Ebipamowei Wodu has submitted his interest/nomination form to contest as President.

Wodu, who is one of the leading aspirant to succeed Professor Benjamin Okaba, was accompanied to the Ijaw House, the Secretariat of the INC amidst pump and peagentry with scores of aspirants endorsing him as the most qualified for the job.

Speaking with newsmen, Engineer Ebipamowei Wodu said he played pivotal role in assisting the current leadership of the Association headed by Professor Benjamin Okaba in reviving the INC from the state of comatose.

According to Engineer Wodu, from the beginning of the struggle, there has never being a membership register until the present executive took over office and as an Engineer, he assisted the INC to draw a road map linking Ijaw communities in the coastal region.

Highlighting other achievements, Engineer Wodu explained that with his wealth of experience as National Secretary who as held several offices, if given the opportunity to pilot the affairs of INC, he will consolidate of the gains recorded and move the Ijaw nation to greater heights.

Aspirant for the the position of Vice President 2, Dame Rose Obioforibo from Eastern zone described, Engineer Wodu as a team player who listens but passionate about the Ijaw struggles .

Another Aspirant vying for the position Vice President 3, Chief Kennedy Odiowei said Engineer Wodu is the most qualified among contestants because he competent and capable to deliver if given the mandate, calling on delegates and aspirants to vote for him.

Also Aspirant contesting for the National Secretary, Chief Philip Brown-Agu said his decision to the join Engineer Wodu campaign team was because of his track record and leadership style as National Secretary of INC, describing him as a better candidate with innovations that can move the Ijaw nation to the next level.

By Nelson Ogbu

Former Senate President and National Chairman of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), Senator David Mark, has declared that Nigerian legislators who lack strong grassroots support are political hostages in the hands of state governors.

Mark made the assertion while chairing the public presentation of the book The Burden of Legislators in Nigeria at the NAF Conference Centre, Abuja, where he delivered a blunt assessment of the power imbalance between the executive and the legislature in Nigeria’s democratic system.

According to him, the legislature, though the backbone of democracy, is the most vulnerable and most attacked arm of government, constantly under pressure from governors, political parties, the judiciary, the electorate and internal legislative weaknesses.

He said governors, as de facto leaders of party structures in the states, wield enormous influence over lawmakers, warning that at the slightest provocation, a governor can deny a legislator the party ticket or deploy state power to frustrate legislators who belong to opposition parties.

“Once you are elected, the problem becomes compounded,” Mark said, noting that many legislators operate in fear of governors who control party machinery and political structures.

However, he stressed that the situation is reversible. Mark argued that when a legislator is deeply rooted in his senatorial district with massive grassroots backing, the power dynamics change. “If you are strong in your constituency, instead of being at the mercy of your governor, the governor will be at your mercy,” he said.

The former Senate President explained that this conviction informed his decision to begin his political career in the legislature, not because it was glamorous, but because it remains the most important pillar of democracy. He urged Nigerians to exercise patience with lawmakers, noting that legislators are burdened with responsibilities that often arise from weak grassroots governance and failed service delivery.

Author of the book, Senator Effiong Bob, said the memoir is intended as a practical handbook for current and aspiring legislators, detailing the path to parliament, the realities of legislative work and the pressures of representation. He added that the book confronts key challenges such as excessive constituency demands and the damaging influence of political godfatherism, particularly in candidate selection.

The event attracted prominent political figures, including Akwa Ibom State Governor, Umo Enoh, and Senate President, Godswill Akpabio. The book was reviewed by Prof. Maxwell Gidado, SAN, and published by Premium Times.