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I-G orders policemen nationwide to be neutral during campaigns

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I-G orders policemen nationwide to be neutral during campaigns

I-G orders policemen nationwide to be neutral during campaigns

Inspector-General of Police (I-G), Mr Usman Baba, has directed all police personnel in the country to be neutral in all processes for the 2023 general elections.

Baba gave the directive on Thursday in Abuja at the opening of a conference for Strategic Police Managers, consisting of officers from the rank of Commissioners of Police and above.

He also directed them to always be alert during security deployments for the elections and exhibit high degree of professionalism and fairness in dealings with all political parties.

“We are also expected to adopt a professional orientation that emphasises democratic values and respect for human rights and dignity,” he added.

Baba reminded all police personnel that their mandate was to protect the electorates against illegal acts and discharge policing duties without discrimination.

“As critical actors in the electoral process, the credibility of the 2023 general election will be measured by the extent to which we abide by professional and legal standards.

“It will also be measured by our decisions and actions as we interface with political parties in emplacing appropriate machineries to guarantee a peaceful electioneering campaign process.

“We must leave no citizen in doubt of our commitment to national peace and security, as well as our determination to advance the democratic and national security interests of the country,” he said.

The I-G called on the conference participants to familiarise themselves with the Electoral Act and Code of Conduct and Rules of Engagement for Security Personnel on electoral duties.

Baba urged the officers to situate their decisions and actions within the provisions of the Electoral Act and the Code, as well as other obligations contained in the Constitution, Nigeria Police Act, and other extant laws.

“All quasi-security outfits that were established by the various state governments and local communities, operating under different nomenclatures, structures and orientations have no legal roles in the Electoral Act 2020.

“Hence, you are charged to ensure that they are not in any way or manner utilised by any political or community actor for any role during the electioneering campaign and other electoral processes.

“Such will amount to acts in illegality and a potent threat to national security which could be inimical to our nation’s democratic interest,” he added.

Baba ordered CPs across the 36 states and FCT to liaise with Resident Electoral Commissioners and political party leaderships in their various states to come up with campaign timetables.

He said the idea was to address possible conflicts both in date, time, and venues during campaigns.

“Political Parties campaign timetable for each State should be forwarded to the Deputy Inspector-General of Police (DIG) in charge Operations for collation.

“The comprehensive layout of the timetable must be forwarded to the office of the I-G, not later than Sept. 27.

“You must also submit your Election Security Action Plan that will detail your deployment plans for the security of all the venues of the political campaigns as they affect your commands,” he said.

The I-G called on political actors to subsume their campaigns within extant legal frameworks, avoid actions or speeches that could inflame the political order and cooperate with the Police to ensure peaceful electioneering process.

He warned individuals whose perception of democracy was the application of violence to have a rethink, adding that the Police was committed to dealing firmly with such characters within the dictates of the law.

I-G orders policemen nationwide to be neutral during campaigns

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National Progressive Hub (NPH) Urges Support for President Tinubu’s Second Tenure

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National Progressive Hub (NPH) Urges Support for President Tinubu's Second Tenure

National Progressive Hub (NPH) Urges Support for President Tinubu’s Second Tenure

By Comrade Philip Ikodor

The National Progressive Hub (NPH), a leading support group for the All Progressives Congress (APC), has called on all Nigerians to rally behind President Ahmed Bola Tinubu GCFR for a successful second term in office come 2027.

In a statement, National Coordinator/Convener, Honorable Bukie Okangbe, praised the APC administration for its efforts towards nation-building and economic stability. Okangbe highlighted the NPH’s previous support for President Tinubu, including a National Security and Endorsement event in 2022 that contributed to the party’s successful general election outcome.

The NPH is gearing up for a Grand Endorsement event for President Tinubu’s second term, scheduled to hold on February 26th at the Musa Yaradua Center, CBD, Abuja. The event will also feature the inauguration of 36 state coordinators, including the FCT, and address critical national issues.

“We invite everyone to join us at this significant event,” Okangbe said. “Your presence will be a testament to our collective commitment to Nigeria’s progress and the APC’s vision for a better future.”

The event promises to be a landmark occasion, showcasing the NPH’s dedication to the APC and President Tinubu’s leadership.

National Progressive Hub (NPH) Urges Support for President Tinubu’s Second Tenure

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Borno: Zulum distributes farm tools, commissions school in Damasak

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Borno: Zulum distributes farm tools, commissions school in Damasak

By: Our Reporter

Borno State Governor, Professor Babagana Umara Zulum, on Sunday, distributed farm tools to farmers and commissioned a new high Islamic school in Damasak, headquarters of Mobbar Local Government Area.

Governor Zulum was accompanied by the Minister of Budget and Economic Planning, Senator Abubakar Atiku Bagudu, and the Minister of Agriculture and Food Security, Senator Abubakar Kyari.

Zulum’s agricultural intervention aimed to boost dry-season farming and enhance the livelihoods of returnees who are gradually resettling in the community.

Zulum said, “From the beginning of this administration, dry season irrigation farming was adopted as a strategic component of the state’s food security framework. Recognising the limitations of rain-fed agriculture in the context of climate variability, insecurity, and population growth, the government implemented a dual-season production strategy to ensure year-round farming.”

He added, “Today’s distribution of 1,000 solar-powered water pumps and 200 complete tubewell drilling kits build upon earlier targeted interventions in Damasak and surrounding communities, including irrigation infrastructure development, mechanisation services, farmer-training, cooperative support, and security stabilisation measures.”

He stated, “The state remains aligned with the Presidential Food Systems Coordinating Unit and continues collaboration with relevant Federal Ministries and development partners to strengthen agricultural productivity, processing, and market integration.”

At the commissioning of the newly constructed high Islamic school, Zulum noted, “the commissioning of the Higher Islamic College, Damasak, represents a major milestone in the state government’s policy to expand and modernise sangaya education across Borno State. This intervention reflects our commitment to building an inclusive education system that integrates spiritual development with academic and vocational advancement.”

“All Higher Islamic Colleges operate under the approved curriculum of the National Board for Arabic and Islamic Studies (NBAIS), enabling students to obtain O-Level equivalent certification and pursue further education where desired.”

In his remarks, the commissioner of education, Engr Lawan Abba Wakilbe, underscores Governor Zulum’s giant strides, stating, “this institution forms part of a wider education recovery and expansion programme implemented across Borno State. Under the leadership of His Excellency,”

“The state has constructed One Hundred and Four (104) Mega Schools, rehabilitated and remodelled One Thousand and Eighty-Seven (1,087) classrooms, executed major works in forty (40) additional schools, restored thirty (30) flood-affected schools, and delivered numerous classroom projects through the State Universal Basic Education Board.”

“These strategic investments have yielded measurable progress. The number of out-of-school children has declined significantly from approximately 2.2 million to fewer than Eight Hundred Thousand (800,000). Current enrolment for the 2025 academic year stands at One Million Four Hundred and Eighteen thousand two hundred and seventy-nine (1,418,279) learners, with further increases expected as Women Leader, Hajiya Fati Alkali Kakenna.

Borno: Zulum distributes farm tools, commissions school in Damasak

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Air-ground offensive foils Kukawa attack, destroys gun trucks

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Air-ground offensive foils Kukawa attack, destroys gun trucks

By: Zagazola Makama

Troops have thwarted a coordinated multi-pronged terrorist assault on positions in Kukawa after a prolonged overnight battle supported by air strikes.

Military sources said the attackers, mounted on gun trucks, motorcycles and on foot, launched the assault from multiple directions late on Feb. 20.

Troops mounted a determined defence, engaging the insurgents in intense combat that lasted into the early hours of Feb. 21 before forcing them to withdraw while dragging away casualties.

Air strikes later destroyed one gun truck and several motorcycles carrying fleeing fighters, neutralising additional terrorists.

During follow-up exploitation, troops recovered 13 AK-47 rifles, 16 loaded magazines, three handheld radios, and other items believed to have been used by the attackers, as well as evidence of casualties evacuated by the group.

One soldier was killed during the encounter, while some equipment was damaged by rocket fire. Injured personnel were evacuated and are reported to be in stable condition.

Military authorities said the coordinated operations demonstrated sustained pressure on insurgent elements and continued efforts to degrade their combat capability across the theatre.

Air-ground offensive foils Kukawa attack, destroys gun trucks

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