Go And Be Responsible Citizens, President Tinubu Charges Pardoned Suspects

By: Our Reporter

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, has advised the 119 suspects in the August 1 protests in Kano and Kaduna States to use the opportunity given them by his presidential pardon to become responsible citizens of the country.

This was the message passed by Vice President Kashim Shettima to the pardoned suspects while advising them to desist from acts that will lead to violence and destruction of public and private property.

He said the federal government is finding solutions to challenges confronting the nation.

The Vice President gave the charge on Tuesday during the formal handover of 112 suspects, 73 from Kano and 39 from Kaduna States, to their respective governors at the Presidential Villa in Abuja.

Seven of the pardoned suspects had earlier been granted bail, and three were released to their parents, making a total of 119.

At the brief ceremony, the Vice President, who spoke in English and Hausa languages, said despite overwhelming evidence against the suspects, including their involvement in the destruction of public and private property worth billions of naira, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu ordered their release on humanitarian grounds, giving them another chance to become responsible citizens.

He called on the governments of Kaduna and Kano States to anchor the rehabilitation of the suspects so they can be reintegrated into the social fabric of their respective communities and society at large.

The Vice President described President Tinubu as a compassionate leader who cares for all Nigerians and is leaving no stone unturned in the bid to improve the nation’s economy.

Earlier in his presentation to the VP, the Minister of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Reduction, Prof. Nentawe Yilwatda, said all pardoned suspects had been medically examined and certified fit to be released to their parents/guardians.

He added that while 112 of the suspects were being presented to the VP for the formal handover to their respective state governments, seven others had earlier been released.

Earlier in his remarks, Kaduna State Governor, Sen. Uba Sani, urged the released suspects to reflect on their actions and embrace the opportunity given to them by President Tinubu to become better and responsible citizens, maintaining that they must desist from further acts that will pit them against the laws of the land.

He pledged his administration’s commitment to partnering with relevant stakeholders to support the freed suspects in completing their education or engaging in ventures that will positively impact their lives.

For his part, the Governor of Kano State, Engr Abba Yusuf, said the release of the suspects has further demonstrated President Tinubu’s compassion for the masses. He noted that the state government does not take the gesture for granted.

He said the state government will ensure that the suspects are adequately rehabilitated and reintegrated into their respective communities.

Similarly, the Deputy Senate President, Sen. Jibrin Barau, urged the pardoned suspects to embrace the opportunity to become better citizens, just as he thanked the President for forgiving them and ensuring their release to their families.

The event’s high point was the Vice President’s symbolic handover of the suspects to their respective state governors.

The event was also attended by the Minister of Environment, Engr Balarabe Lawal; Minister of State for Humanitarian Affairs, Dr Yusuf Sununu; and Chairman of the House of Representatives Committee on Appropriation, Hon. Abubakar Bichi.

Go And Be Responsible Citizens, President Tinubu Charges Pardoned Suspects

ACTING CHIEF OF ARMY STAFF MAJOR GENERAL OLUFEMI OLUYEDE ASSUMES DUTY

..solicits support to tackle security challenges

By: Our Reporter

The Acting Chief of Army Staff (Ag COAS), Major General Olufemi Oluyede, today, Friday, 1st November 2024, assumed duties at the Army Headquarters, Abuja. The acting COAS was appointed by the President, Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of Nigeria, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu on Wednesday, 30 October 2024, pending the return of the substantive COAS, Lieutenant General Taoreed Lagbaja, who is currently on medical leave.

At the formal taking-over ceremony at the Defence Headquarters, Abuja, the Chief of Defence Staff, General Christopher Musa, emphasized that the appointment aligns with the Armed Forces Act of 2004. General Musa stressed that the Armed Forces could not afford to let insecurity prevail and called for support for the acting COAS in his new role.

General Musa reminded all field commanders of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s mandate to the Armed Forces and the tasks at hand. He urged the commanders not to relent in guaranteeing national security and the safety of all Nigerians.

In his remarks, the acting Chief of Army Staff, Major General Olufemi Oluyede, expressed gratitude to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for finding him worthy of the appointment and prayed for the speedy recuperation of the COAS, Lieutenant General Taoreed Lagbaja.

The Ag COAS solicited support from all personnel of the Armed Forces and Nigerians in general, in tackling the security challenges bedeviling the country. He pledged his loyalty to the Commander In Chief of the Armed Forces and the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.

Highlight of the event was the formal handover of Army Command flag by the CDS, General Christopher Musa to the acting Chief of Army Staff.

Until his appointment, Major General Olufemi Oluyede served as the 56th Commander of the Infantry Corps of the Nigerian Army in Jaji, Kaduna.

A member of the 39th Regular Combatant Course of the prestigious Nigerian Defence Academy, Major General Oluyede was commissioned into the Nigerian Army as a Second Lieutenant in 1992 and rose steadily to the enviable rank of Major General in September 2020. His illustrious career traverse various command, staff and instructional appointments such as Platoon Commander, Adjutant, Company Commander, Brigade commander, and General Officer Commanding, amongst several other appointments.

He has participated in several operations, including the Economic Community of West African States Monitoring Group (ECOMOG) Mission, Operation HARMONY IV in Bakassi and Operation HADIN KAI in the North East theatre of operations, where he commanded 27 Task Force Brigade and Sector 2.

Major General Olufemi Oluyede also earned several honours and awards for his meritorious service in diverse fields of operation.

ACTING CHIEF OF ARMY STAFF MAJOR GENERAL OLUFEMI OLUYEDE ASSUMES DUTY

KACRAN Commends Tinubu’s Commitment to Promoting Livestock and Its Value Chains

By: Michael Mike

The Kulen Allah Cattle Rearers Association of Nigeria (KACRAN) has an expressed profound appreciation to President Bola Tinubu for his sincere and dedicated efforts in advancing the livestock sector and its associated value chains.

The association in a statement signed on Friday by its National President, Hon. Khalil Bello said: “Historically, the livestock sector in Nigeria has faced neglect, largely due to the focus on oil revenues since the end of the first republic. Despite past promises from previous administrations, no substantial measures were implemented to address this imbalance between arable and livestock farming.

“Under President Tinubu’s leadership, significant strides have been made. His administration’s Renewed Hope agenda has prioritized the livestock sector, culminating in the creation of the Ministry of Livestock Development. This is a historic first for Nigeria, underscoring the sector’s vital role in enhancing the nation’s GDP, improving nutritional food security, and generating employment for millions.”

Bello added that: “KACRAN celebrates this development and congratulates President Tinubu for recognizing the sector’s potential. The establishment of the Ministry of Livestock Development marks a pivotal moment, acknowledging the sector’s contribution to employing over 30% of Nigeria’s rural population and boosting the economy.

“We assure President Tinubu that KACRAN, as a key stakeholder, will collaborate closely with the Ministry, its officials, and other stakeholders to achieve the objectives set forth. This synergy is expected to bring significant benefits to Nigeria and its neighboring states.

“We also commend President Tinubu for his compassion and vision in forming the Presidential Livestock Reforms Implementation Committee, which he personally leads. This committee, alongside the Ministry, is poised to address and resolve the challenges faced by Nigeria’s pastoralists.

“KACRAN extends its gratitude to Alhaji Dr. Umar Abdullahi Ganduje, former Governor of Kano State and National Chairman of the APC, for his pivotal role in the formation of the committee. We also recognize Professor Attahiru Muhammadu Jega and the committee members for their dedicated contributions.

“Additionally, we appreciate the Directorate of Animal Husbandry Services, led by Mrs. Winnie Lai Solarin, for their unwavering support throughout the establishment of the Ministry.

“We are optimistic that the Presidential Livestock Reforms Implementation Committee will continue to serve as an advisory body to the Ministry, offering strategic insights to resolve farmer-herder conflicts and promote the livestock sector.”

He assured the President of KACRAN’s support in achieving the Ministry’s goals, including enhancing food security, creating jobs, and attracting both local and international investment in the livestock industry.

Bello also extend gratitude to Senator Musa Mustapha, Chairman of the Senate Committee on Livestock, for his commitment to supporting these initiatives.

KACRAN Commends Tinubu’s Commitment to Promoting Livestock and Its Value Chains