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ActionAid Nigeria Calls on FG to Put Further Measures in Place to Reduce Course of Governance
ActionAid Nigeria Calls on FG to Put Further Measures in Place to Reduce Course of Governance
… Applauds Tinubu’s Fiscal Responsibility Measures
By: Michael Mike
ActionAid Nigeria has asked the Federal Government to mandate all tiers of government, including the National Assembly and Ministries, to promote the use of virtual meetings and technology solutions for official engagements in other to reduce the cost of governance.
The non-governmental organisation (NGO) in a speech by its Country Director, Andrew Mamedu on Thursday while commending President Bola Tinubu for recent reduction of traveling allowance to top government officials, said the President should go further to reduce cost of governance in the country.
He said: ‘‘President Bola Tinubu’s recent approval of significant cost-cutting measures, particularly the reduction of official entourage on local and international travels is a commendable commitment to fiscal responsibility and aligns with the need for prudent management of public resources. Merely reducing expenses on travel is insufficient to bring about the meaningful changes that Nigerians aspire for.’’
He noted that: “There are additional measures that can enhance transparency, efficiency, and accountability in the management of public funds, with the most crucial being the adoption of digital technology. The Federal Government is encouraged to mandate all tiers of government, including the National Assembly and Ministries, to promote the use of virtual meetings and technology solutions for official engagements, reducing the necessity for physical travel.
“In the spirit of cutting costs, President Tinubu should consider implementing an independent audit of government spending to identify areas of potential waste and inefficiency, ensuring a thorough and transparent review.”
The Country Director of ActionAid Nigeria also advised ministries, departments, and agencies to explore partnerships with reputable organisations for knowledge sharing and capacity development on effective cost-cutting strategies and to foster public participation in decision-making processes related to government spending, ensuring that citizens have a say in resource allocation.
He said: “ActionAid Nigeria joins her voice with Nigerians to stress that it is imperative to have a well-rounded approach in cutting cost of governance. While reductions in official entourage and travel expenses are a step in the right direction, it is paramount to tackle other egregious areas of government expenditure.
“We demand an unambiguous stance on issues such as exorbitant senators’ salaries, the extravagant frequency of changing cars and houses, and excessive sitting allowances amongst others. We reiterate that this paradigm shift should not be confined to the federal level alone; the President must diligently ensure that it extends to both the Legislative and Judicial arms of the Government ensuring that they meticulously review their expenditures so that the cost cutting measures permeate every echelon of leadership. A forceful and transparent cost-cutting strategy across all facets of governance is the resolute expectation of the Nigerian populace, reflecting a true commitment to fiscal responsibility.”
ActionAid Nigeria Calls on FG to Put Further Measures in Place to Reduce Course of Governance
Security forces arrest terrorist kingpins, Killers of Traditional Ruler and sponsors in Imo
By: Zagazola Makama
Security operatives in Imo State have arrested two suspected terrorist kingpins and their sponsors, recovering assorted arms, ammunition, and criminal charms during coordinated operations across several local government areas.
A security source told Zagazola Makama that the arrests followed a joint military and tactical unit operation that trailed fleeing members of the proscribed IPOB/ESN from Ukwuorji in Mbaitoli LGA to Umuele in Umuaka, Njaba LGA.
During the operation, one of the suspects, Paschal Ibuaku, was tracked down and apprehended in Obudi Agwa, Oguta LGA, where he was allegedly initiating new recruits. Another suspect, Mgbojiso Odunze, said to be one of the new members, was also arrested.
Recovered from the suspects were two AK-47 rifles, one pump-action gun, assorted ammunition, and various charms.
Preliminary investigation revealed that Ibuaku confessed to multiple crimes, including terrorism, armed robbery, kidnapping, and murder.
He reportedly admitted to participating in the killing of HRM Eze Dr. I.O. Asor, the traditional ruler of Agwa community, on Oct. 14, 2022, and several other homicides in Oguta and its environs.
He also identified two alleged sponsors of the terrorist group — Magnus Ejiogu (alias Emu) of Obudi Agwa, and Miletus Ihueze (alias Egede) of Amakohia-Ubi. Both men were subsequently arrested in separate operations.
Security sources said Ejiogu allegedly paid ₦1 million to the group’s commander, identified as Uzondu Nneji, to assassinate the late monarch, while Ihueze, a native doctor, was accused of fortifying the terrorists and allegedly paying ₦4 million for the same purpose over a land dispute.
Weapons, ammunition, and charms were also recovered from Ihueze’s shrine.
Sources added that other suspects connected to the group remain at large, while the case will soon be charged to court upon conclusion of investigations.
Security forces arrest terrorist kingpins, Killers of Traditional Ruler and sponsors in Imo
Bandits kill one in attack on Customs checkpoint in Niger
By: Zagazola Makama
Armed bandits on Saturday attacked a Customs checkpoint along Luma–Babana Road in Niger State, killing one person.
The incident occurred after Customs operatives intercepted suspected bandit informants and food suppliers who were transporting fuel in jerry cans on motorcycles at Luma Audu Fari-Kuka village.
Upon receiving information about the interception, the bandits reportedly stormed the area and opened fire, killing Suleiman, a Customs camp assistant from New Bussa.
The deceased’s remains were evacuated to the General Hospital, New Bussa, for autopsy.
Efforts are underway to track down the assailants, while other areas in the axis remain calm and under control.
Bandits kill one in attack on Customs checkpoint in Niger
Teenager beheaded on farm in Benue community
By: Zagazola Makama
Residents of Ohirigwe Village in Oju Local Government Area of Benue State have been thrown into mourning following the gruesome killing of a 15-year-old boy, identified as Sunday Ela, whose beheaded body was discovered on a farm.
According to community sources, the incident occurred on Oct. 15 when one John Adima, a native of the area but resident in Ondo State, asked the deceased to accompany him to his farm. Adima, however, later returned home without the boy and subsequently fled the village to an unknown destination.
Villagers, suspecting foul play, organized a search party which led to the discovery of the teenager’s decapitated body on the farm.
The tragic incident has sparked outrage in the community as residents intensify efforts to locate the fleeing suspect.
Authorities have commenced investigations to uncover the motive behind the killing and bring the perpetrator to justice.
Teenager beheaded on farm in Benue community
Security forces arrest terrorist kingpins, Killers of Traditional Ruler and sponsors in Imo
Bandits kill one in attack on Customs checkpoint in Niger
Man arrested with 15 bags of cannabis in Abuja
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