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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
Police recover 15 rustled cows in Zamfara
By: Zagazola Makama
The Police Command in Zamfara says its operatives have recovered 15 cows rustled by armed bandits during an attack on Gidan Kwagiri village in Damba District of Gusau Local Government Area.
Security sources said the incident occurred at about 1:30 a.m. on Feb. 15 when the bandits invaded the community and carted away cows and sheep belonging to residents.
According to the sources, upon receiving the report, the Divisional Police Officer (DPO) in charge of Damba Division mobilised personnel alongside patrol teams from the Department of Operations to pursue the attackers.
The team was said to have successfully recovered 15 cows, which were subsequently handed over to their owners.
Efforts, however, are ongoing to track down the suspects and recover the remaining rustled animals, while security patrols have been intensified in the area to forestall further attacks.
Police recover 15 rustled cows in Zamfara
Operation Whirl Stroke arrests cow rustling suspects fuelling violence in Benue
By: Zagazola Makama
Troops of the Joint Task Force (JTF) Operation WHIRL STROKE have arrested suspects linked to cattle rustling in Benue State, following two separate security incidents in Guma Local Government Area.
Security sources said that on Feb. 15, troops responded to an attack on herders at Amua Village, located between Daudu and Umenger/Ukpiam. The attack left one herder dead, while another sustained gunshot wounds and was evacuated to Keana in neighbouring Nasarawa State for urgent medical attention. The remains of the deceased were handed over to community representatives for burial according to local customs.
In a related operation on the same day, troops stationed at Ukpiam acted on intelligence provided by vigilant youths concerning suspected cattle rustling. The troops arrested a 23-year-old suspect, Terngu Aondohemba, who reportedly confessed to killing two cattle belonging to Fulani herders. He also implicated two accomplices, Akpehe and Ashinge, who are still at large.
Further investigation led security operatives to Korje Village in Daudu, where Mrs. Mercy Onban, wife of the alleged buyer of the stolen meat, was apprehended along with the recovered meat exhibits. Both suspects remain in custody pending further investigation.
The Force Commander of the Joint Task Force, Major General Moses Gara, condemned the attacks and criminality, affirming the commitment of Operation WHIRL STROKE to halting killings and cattle rustling in the Joint Operations Area.
He urged community leaders to strengthen collaboration with security agencies, stressing that timely intelligence sharing is critical to restoring lasting peace. Major General Gara also reassured law-abiding residents of the strong resolve of the Joint Task Force to protect lives and property across the region.
Operation Whirl Stroke arrests cow rustling suspects fuelling violence in Benue
Federal Government arraigns Nasir El-Rufai over alleged phone interception
By: Zagazola Makama
The Federal Government has charged former Kaduna State Governor, Mallam Nasir El-Rufai, before the Federal High Court, Abuja, over alleged unlawful interception of phone communications belonging to the National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu.
Court documents showed that El-Rufai, 65, appeared as a guest on Arise TV’s Prime Time Programme on Feb. 13, 2026, where he reportedly admitted to involvement in the interception and to knowing individuals who carried out the act without reporting them to security agencies.
The charges, filed under TABU DET CR/99/2026, include: Count One, Allegedly admitting during the television interview that he and his associates unlawfully intercepted the phone communications of the National Security Adviser, contrary to Section 12 (1) of the Cybercrimes (Prohibition, Prevention, etc.) Amendment Act, 2024.
Count Two, Allegedly stating that he knew individuals who unlawfully intercepted the same communications but failed to report them, in violation of Section 27(b) of the Cybercrimes (Prohibition, Prevention, etc.) Amendment Act, 2024. Count Three, Allegedly using technical systems to compromise public safety and national security, and instilling apprehension among Nigerians, in breach of Section 131(2) of the Nigerian Communications Act, 2003.
The case, filed by a team of Federal Government lawyers led by ME Ernest, OM Owan, UM Bulla, CS Eze, and VE G. Orubor, is set to proceed with investigations and trial proceedings.
Authorities said the matter falls under the jurisdiction of the Abuja Judicial Division of the Federal High Court, where the accused will be required to respond to the charges.
The trial is expected to attract significant public attention given the high-profile nature of the accused and the sensitive security issues involved.
Federal Government arraigns Nasir El-Rufai over alleged phone interception
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