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Despite huge security, burglars break into N’Assembly, vandalise Reps’ Spokesman’s office, see what happened…
By Yemi Itodo
In spite of the arrays of security personnel manning the offices and premises of National Assembly, suspected hoodlums have broken into the office suites of Rep. adsbygoogle || []).push({}); js">
Benjamin Kalu, Spokesman of the House Of Representatives.The office is located at suite 1.53, House of Representatives (New Wing), National Assembly Complex, Three Arms Zone, Abuja.
Aside Sergeant-At-Arm which forms the internal security architecture of the National Assembly; there are over 300 other personnel, comprising of the Police, Nigerian Security and Civil Defence Corps, the Federal Road Safety Corps and the Department of State Service (DSS); with the Nigerian Army, Navy, Air Force, Immigration and Fire Service having Liaison Offices within the Complex.
Yet, insecurity, robbery, theft, burglary, oil bunkering, impersonation, extortions and other crimes have continued unabated.
It would be recalled that, in 2016, a syndicate involved in oil bunkering within the National Assembly Complex was reportedly bursted and arrested.
There have also been reported cases of car thefts, vandalization, thefts of car batteries and looting of some commercial shops within the Complex.
Since the National Assembly resumed partial plenary on Tuesday, 28th April, 2020, after a 6-week shutdown; the joint security of the National Assembly has made the entrance into the complex a watertight scenario, with even Journalists barred from accessing the premises, except the Lawmakers who only report for plenaries Tuesdays.
Chairman, House Committee on Media and Public Affairs and Spokesman of the Green Chamber, Rep Kalu, while narrating how his office was burgled, said the doors to his office suites were all properly locked by his Aides last Tuesday, the 5th of May, 2020, when the Parliament last sat.
He said, “upon resumption of work at the above mentioned office on the morning of Tuesday, 12th May 2020, my aide observed that electrical power in the entire suite had been turned off.
“Upon further investigation, we were shocked to find that the corridor entrance into my main office was
mysteriously unlocked, having been used to gain entrance into the suite.
“We also observed that a wooden cabinet previously used to barricade the entrance from inside had been forced aside and that several of the items hitherto occupying the top of the cabinet Jay strewn across the floor, indicating signs of an unauthorised entry”.
Kalu, who provided picture and video exhibits of his vandalised office, insisted that his offices were “meticulously locked” last Tuesday and nobody was permitted to have access into the suite until this morning.
The Lawmaker said his office was “currently taking inventory of all items and documents in the office to ascertain which items are missing”, while calling on the security agencies to conduct “a swift and thorough investigation” into the matter.
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NGIJ Congratulates Alhassan Yahaya on Emergence as NUJ President
Urges Prioritisation of Press Freedom, Journalists’ Welfare
The Nigerian Guild of Investigative Journalists (NGIJ) heartily congratulates Comrade Alhassan Yahaya on his resounding victory as the newly elected National President of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ).
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In a statement signed by the National President of the Nigerian Guild of Investigative Journalists (NGIJ) Malam Abdulrahman Aliagan, Friday in Abuja and made available to Journalists stated that, “As a seasoned professional who has served as NUJ Gombe State Chairman, Vice Chairman of the North-East zone, and most recently as National Deputy President, the NGIJ believes Comrade Yahaya is well-equipped to steer the union towards greater achievements.”
While celebrating this milestone, “the NGIJ calls on the new NUJ leadership to make the protection of press freedom its utmost priority. The union must boldly stand against the increasing gagging of journalists in Nigeria, which undermines not only the journalism profession but also the country’s democracy and fundamental human rights.
In this regard, “the NGIJ draws the attention of the new NUJ executive to the troubling case of four journalists currently incarcerated at the Ikoyi Correctional Centre for nearly two months over a cyberstalking matter involving the Guaranty Trust Holding Company Plc (GTCO) and its Group CEO, Mr. Segun Agbaje.
“The union must see this as a clarion call to resist such affronts to the press and demand the immediate release of these journalists.”
The NGIJ remains confident that Comrade Yahaya and his team will deliver a progressive and impactful tenure. We assure the NUJ of our continued collaboration in promoting investigative journalism and defending the noble ideals of the press.
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Gov Ododo Sympathizes with Kogi State Boat Mishap Victims
By Abah Benjamin Eneojoh
The Kogi State Governor, Alh. Ahmed Usman Odod has expressed his condolences to the families of victims who lost their lives in a recent boat accident.
In a statement issued today by the S.
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Governor Ododo, who visited the scene of the accident, described the incident as “sad and unfortunate.” He noted that most of the victims were women, petty traders, and artisans who were engaged in legitimate business activities to earn a living and contribute to the state’s economy.
The Governor emphasized the need for urgent attention to the waterway linking Kogi and Niger State, which has become increasingly dangerous due to frequent boat accidents.
He called on relevant authorities to ensure that safety measures are put in place to minimize risks associated with water transportation in the country.
Governor Ododo commended the National Inland Waterways Authority (NIWA) for its efforts in the search and rescue operation. He also called for concerted efforts through inter-agency collaboration to prevent cases of waterways accidents and enhance emergency response management.
The Governor assured the families of the victims that the government will support those injured in their recuperation. This incident has once again highlighted the need for improved safety measures on Nigeria’s waterways.
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Gov Ododo Unveils Blueprint for Kogi State’s Urban Revitalization
By Blessing Ameloko-Odoh
The Executive Governor of Kogi State, Alh Ahmed Usman Ododo, has unveiled an ambitious plan to revolutionize the state’s urban and housing landscape. The Governor announced this development during a 2-day symposium themed “Modern Housing & Urban Development” held at the Glass House, Government House in Lokoja.
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Representing the Governor, Hon. Joseph Oluwasegun, Commissioner for Environment and Ecological management, reiterated the commitment of Governor Ododo’s administration to transforming the lives of Kogi State residents through modern housing and development initiatives.
The symposium aims to tackle pressing housing challenges confronting the people of Kogi State. The Commissioner for Housing and Urban Development, Hon Abanika Taiye, represented by the Permanent Secretary in the Ministry Dr Zainab Obadaki emphasized that the program will provide affordable housing for the people of Kogi State, prioritizing sustainability and social inclusion.
The Governor has made significant strides in addressing land disputes and environmental degradation in Kogi State.
Hon. Aliu Salami, Economic Adviser to the Governor, emphasized the significance of the symposium, noting that the blueprint presented will unlock numerous benefits, ultimately driving rapid development in the state.
Dr. Zainab Obadaki, Permanent Secretary of the Kogi State Ministry of Housing and Urban Development, stressed the significance of the program in achieving modern housing schemes for the people of Kogi State.
The Governor’s commitment to transforming the housing and urban development sector is expected to enhance rapid development and economic growth in Kogi State.
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