By David Owei, Bayelsa
The Bayelsa state commissioner of Iyama Daniel Edobor has condemned the assault on a tricycle rider,popularly known as keke and have ordered the arrest of the officers involved.

This was contained in a press statement signed by the command’s Police public Relations offices DSP Musa Mohammed.

The statement in parts read,”the attention of the Bayelsa State Police Comman has been drawn to a viral video making the rounds on social media platforms, allegedly showing Police officers assaulting a tricycle (keke) driver.

“The Commissioner of Police, Bayelsa State Command, CP Iyamah Daniel Edebor, psc, IICFIP, foosi, has condemned the act in strong terms, describing it as unacceptable and contrary to professional policing standards. He reiterates that the Command does not tolerate any form of human rights violation, unprofessional conduct or brutality.

The officers involved have been arrested and disciplinary proceedings has since commenced in accordance with the provisions of the Police Act and other extant regulations”.

“CP Iyamah Daniel Edebor reiterates the Command’s unwavering commitment to the protection of the rights and safety of all citizens while ensuring lawful and professional policing across Bayelsa State”

By Uthman-Baba Naseer, Minna

Niger State Governor, Mohammed Umar Bago, has praised the Nigerian Armed Forces for their hard work in restoring peace and protecting lives and property across the state.

The governor made this known during the West African Social Activities (WASA) festival organised by TRADOC Nigerian Army in Minna, the Niger State capital.

Governor Bago described the day as special and said WASA is not only a cultural celebration, but also a way to bring the military and the public closer together.

He explained that WASA, which means “play” in Hausa, helps to strengthen the relationship between the Armed Forces and the people and makes the military more friendly and accessible.

The governor congratulated the Commander of TRADOC, Major General Peter Malla, for organising the event despite the security challenges in the country.

Governor Bago also said the event came shortly after the Armed Forces Emblem Launch and the Armed Forces Remembrance Day, which is held every year to honour soldiers who died while defending the nation.He thanked the Nigerian Armed Forces for their sacrifices, especially in Niger State, where security has improved in many areas.

According to Bago, places like Shiroro, which were once unsafe to visit, are now peaceful because of the efforts of the military and other security agencies.

The governor assured the Armed Forces of the state government’s continued support and cooperation to ensure lasting peace in Niger State and Nigeria as a whole.

As a sign of appreciation, the Niger State Government announced a donation of 50 million to support the organiser of the WASA event.
Governor Bago said the money was meant to support the families of soldiers and encourage the Armed Forces to continue their good work.

Speaking at the event, the Commander of TRADOC, Major General Peter Malla, thanked the Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Waidi Shuaibu, for supporting training and the welfare of troops.

He assured the people of Niger State that the Nigerian Army will continue to respect human rights, defend the constitution and work with other security agencies to maintain peace.
Major General Malla also praised the soldiers for their dedication and thanked their families for supporting them at home while they serve the nation.

The event ended with a pledge by the Nigerian Army to continue working with the Niger State Government and other stakeholders to ensure lasting peace and security in the state.

The WASA celebration is a long-standing military tradition that started during the time of the Royal West African Frontier Force (RWAFF). It was created to allow soldiers take part in cultural festivals and to promote unity and teamwork in the Army.
Today, WASA allows soldiers and their families to come together in a relaxed atmosphere to celebrate and display Nigeria’s rich cultural heritage.

The programme featured cultural dances from different ethnic groups, which showed the spirit of unity within the Nigerian Army.

By Our Correspondent

Impressed by his leadership style in governance, the Mayors of the 17 LGAs in Abia state, under the auspices of Association of Local Governments of Nigeria (ALGON) have passed vote of absolute confidence on Governor Alex Otti and commit themselves to the reelection of the Governor in 2027.

The Mayors made their position known on Friday, at Government House Umuahia, in a communique releaseed after their meeting.

Reading the communique during a press conference, the Chairman of ALGON, Abia state and Mayor of Isuikwuato LGA, Hon. Chinedu Ekeke, said that the Governor’s record speaks clearly and visibly across all 17 local government areas, adding that he has demonstrated clear commitments to good governance, hence deserves to be reelected.

“The administration of Governor Alex Chioma Otti OFR, has demonstrated clear commitments to good governance, fiscal responsibility, and service delivery, with verifiable improvements recorded across the 17 local governments

“in recovery, rehabilitation, and construction of roads, healthcare and educational facilities, prompt payment of salaries and pensions, clearing backlogs of salaries, and prudent management of public resource

“ALGON, Abia State, collectively and unequivocally, commits its absolute support to the reelection of His Excellency Dr. Alex Chioma-Otti in 2027.

“That ALGON, Abia State, hereby passes a unanimous vote of confidence on His Excellency Dr. Alex Chioma Otti OFR, the Governor of Abia State,

“in recognition of his demonstrable performance, purposeful leadership, and commitment to restoring integrity, efficiency, and service delivery to our people” Ekeke stated.

Answering questions, Hon. Ekeke made it abundantly clear that, Governor Alex Otti does not hijack the Local Government funds as alleged by some opposition party members in the state.

“Your (journalist’s) question was that somebody alleged that funds were being hijacked. I’m not aware that any fund is being hijacked.

“So the federal government is the one that shares allocations to both the states and the local governments. And since we took over, funds have not been coming to local governments from the federal government. So you can’t say there’s a hijack. There’s no such thing as that”

“The local governments are funded from the JAAC account because the funds go to the JAAC account.

“They (the funds) don’t come to the local government straight. And like I said, the federal government is probably trying to look for a way to handle that. But as it stands, the local governments are properly funded” Hon. Ekeke insisted.

He noted that there is a strong collaboration between the local governments and the state government.

“But as we talk, there is a strong collaboration between the local governments in Abia State and the state government.

“And I will tell you clearly that the state government under the leadership of His Excellency Dr. Alex Otti has been funding the local government from the JAAC account” Hon. Ekeke stated.

The ALGON Chairman said that ALGON has noted recent public statements and political meetings convened by individuals he described as “architects of a failed past”, who are unsettled by the present progress in Abia state.

He further said that these individuals, including former Governors and their associates have made statements against the political future of Governor Otti, and said that, though it is within the rights of all citizens to freedom of expression, they should not preempt democratic process.

“ALGON, Abia State, considers it inappropriate for any individual or group to attempt to preempt the democratic process or undermine the visible progress being recorded in the state through speculative political rhetoric.

“It is apparent that the unease behind these statements arises not from poor governance, but from the stark contrast between Governor Otti’s achievements and the abysmal record of past administrations.

“ALGON, Abia state calls on all political actors, past and present, to engage constructively in the democratic process.

“ALGON, Abia State, reaffirms its commitment to supporting policies and programmes that strengthen local governance, deepen institutional development, and improve the quality of life of citizens across the country.

The Mayors, including Hon. Timothy Iheke (Aba North LGA), Hon. Anyanwu Obilor (Aba South LGA), Hon. Okereke Ezearo (Arochukwu LGA), Hon. Uwabunkeonye Bassey (Bende LGA), Hon. Dr. Anthony Nwaubani (Ikwuano LGA- ALGON Secretary), Hon. Innocent Uruakpa (Isiala Ngwa North LGA), Hon. Nnadozie Nwaogwugwu ( Isiala Ngwa South LGA) Hon. Maxwell Nwadike (Obingwa LGA), Hon. Eleanya Oju-Kalu (Ohafia LGA), Hon. Chidi Christian Agu (Osisioma Ngwa LGA), Hon. Ihenacho Chiemela Nwagbara (Ugwunagbo LGA) Hon.
Chibunna Akara (Ukwa East LGA) Pastor Hon. Dike Nwankwo (Ukwa West LGA), Hon. Smart Ihuoma (Umuahia North LGA)bHon. Chinedu Enwereuzo (Umuahia South LGA)
and Hon. Sunday Afuruobi (Umunneochi LGA) all flanked the ALGON Chairman during the press conference.