By David Owei

The Auctioneer Association of Nigeria, Bayelsà State chapter has debunked the report claiming to hand the State Governor, Gov. Douye Diri a seven days ultimatum over the alleged violation of Procurement laws of the State.

According to the Auctioneer Association of Nigeria, the ultimatum was handed to the said chairman, Hon. Timothy Diekivie involved in the sale of Government unwanted properties; the said 7 days ultimatum to be invoked by the relevant authorities against the chairman.

He affirmed that the Environmental Sanitation boss,Hon. Timothy Diekivie
has 7 days to either restore the items or refund the equivalent sum thereof.

The State Chairman of the Auctioneer Association of Nigeria, Bayelsà State, Chief Tare Emmberru, in a statement on Monday explained that though the letter was issued in his absence and made available to newsmen, it was greatly misinterpreted and blown out of proportion.

Emmberru while explaining the position of the Association, apologized to the State Governor, Senator Douye Diri over the wrong misinterpretation in the publication and appealed to him to intervene and call to order the Chairman of the Environmental Sanitation Authority, Mr. Timothy Diekivie.

He however insisted that leadership of the State Auctioneer Association in the petition before the State Government through the office of the SSG are merely agitating for the call for the immediate restoration of all items already disposed or an immediate total refund/reversal of the equivalent monetary value of the said items, inclusive of the 10 per cent commission rate accruing to the Auctioneer Association.

And also an issuance of order for the Chairman to cease and desist in respect to the items situate at Swali town, Yenagoa, Bayelsà State and furthermore an arrest, investigation and possible prosecution of the State Environmental Sanitation boss.”

He also stated that the Auctioneer Association of Nigeria, Bayelsà State chapter is ready to drag the State Sanitation Chairman before a competent Court of Justice to seek redress against his alleged violation of the State Public Procurement (Repeal and Re-Enactment) Act.

By David Owei

Five persons have been feared killed at the weekend in a renewed cult war in Yenagoa,the Bayelsà State capital.

The war, which broke out on Friday between notorious cult groups known as Bobos and Greenlanders, has led to recorded killings in Agudama, Obele and Back of St.Peters in the state capital.

Sources confirmed he killings have damaged the peace accord secured among the various cult groups by the Former leadership of the State Police Command. And threatening to damage the accord entered into between the Greenlanders and Icelanders.

A sources claimed the first killing recorded in Agudama community led to the butchering of a youth and his head severed. Another cult boy was also shot in the buttocks but was rescued by a neighbour and his present state of health is unknown.

However, our correspondent could not immediately confirm the reasons behind the renewed hostilities. But many confirmed that both the Bobos and Greenlanders are known rivals irrespective of any existing peace accord.

A check at the Imgbi road area, the Ovom and Obele dark spots showed the disappearance of youths involved in the cult related activities over the fear of police arrest or attack from rival groups.

Already, the State Commissioner of Police, CP Ajao Saka Adewale has ordered intensified operations against cultism and cult-related violence across the State

Ajao has ordered an intensified operations against cult-related activities, insisting there must be no sacred cow.

The CP directed Divisional Police Officers and tactical commanders to increase patrols in vulnerable areas, identify emerging threats and act promptly on credible intelligence about planned clashes, initiation ceremonies and recruitment.

The Command is also strengthening engagement with community leaders to detect tensions early. Where an attack occurs, officers will move swiftly to secure the area, investigate those responsible and prevent retaliatory violence.

Cult groups contemplating an attack or reprisal should be under no illusion: the Command will pursue them and their sponsors and get them.

The public is reminded that the Bayelsa State Secret Cults/Societies and Similar Activities (Prohibition) Law, 2012, as amended in 2018, prohibits membership and sponsorship of secret cults and provides serious criminal penalties upon conviction.

There will be no sacred cows. Anyone reasonably suspected of organising, financing, facilitating or participating in cult-related crimes will be investigated, regardless of status or influence. Where the evidence warrants it, suspects will be charged before the appropriate court in accordance with due process.

Parents and guardians are urged to caution their children and wards against cult involvement. Residents should immediately report planned attacks, recruitment or other cult activities to the nearest police station.

The Command warns everyone against reprisal attacks, harbouring suspects or spreading rumours that could provoke further violence. Report threats early; do not take the law into your own hands.

By our correspondent

The Muslim Media Watch Group of Nigeria, MMWG, has hailed the Edo State Judiciary for sentencing four kidnappers to death for the abduction of a woman along Airport Road, Benin City in June.

In a statement issued in Abuja on Wednesday, the National Coordinator, Alhaji Abdullahi Ibrahim, described the judgment delivered by Justice Aigbona Terry Momodu as well-deserved amid rising killings and abductions across the country.

Ibrahim noted that over 800 persons have been abducted in recent months in Zamfara, Sokoto, Kebbi, Borno, Niger, Plateau, Benue, Kwara and Kogi States, among others.

He commended Governor Monday Okpebholo for enacting the law that prescribes capital punishment for kidnapping and abduction in Edo State, urging other governors to emulate the move.

The human resources expert and media professional also charged governors to uphold their oath of office and not grant undue favours once the judiciary has completed its duties.

He criticised governors who have refused to sign death warrants of convicts who have exhausted appeals up to the Supreme Court, saying non-execution of such sentences has emboldened criminals.

According to him, the failure to enforce capital punishment has worsened violent crimes in Nigeria.

The group lauded Justice Momodu for speedy trial and expressed confidence that Governor Okpebholo would assent to the death warrants as promised to rid Edo of violent crime.

On national insecurity, MMWG urged the military and other security agencies to replicate the synergy that secured the release of captives in Oyo State recently.

It appealed for all persons still in captivity nationwide to be rescued before the end of October to create a peaceful atmosphere ahead of preparations for the general elections.