Police arrest robbery suspects, recover firearms in Plateau

By: Zagazola Makama

The Police Command in Plateau has arrested two suspected armed robbers and recovered firearms during an intelligence-led operation in Jos North Local Government Area.

Police sources said the suspects were arrested on March 9 at about 9:15 p.m. by a team of operatives acting on credible intelligence.

The suspects were identified as Emmanuel Yakmoe of Angwan Rukuba and Alfred Song of Furaka Junction, both residents of Jos North.

According to police, a locally fabricated pistol was recovered from the suspects at the time of their arrest.

Preliminary investigation revealed that the suspects had allegedly robbed one Nandi Budadi Taki of his iPhone 16 Pro Max at gunpoint.

Further investigation led to the recovery of an additional Beretta pistol from Yakmoe at his residence in Angwan Rukuba.

Police said the suspects had confessed to the crime, adding that discreet investigation was ongoing.

The command also said efforts were being intensified to arrest other members of the robbery syndicate and recover additional weapons.

Police arrest robbery suspects, recover firearms in Plateau

Leadership Amid Turbulence: The Stewardship of Dr. Lucky Ikharo at the National Assembly Service Commission

By Ayo Ajayi

In times of institutional uncertainty, leadership is often tested not by comfort but by crisis. At the National Assembly Service Commission (NASC), Abuja, such a moment emerged amid internal tensions and the spread of misinformation among sections of the workforce. At the centre of this storm stood the Commission’s Secretary, Dr. Lucky Ikharo, whose calm disposition and administrative experience have helped steady the institution through turbulent waters.

For many within the Commission, the period has been marked by a mix of rumours, misrepresentation, and what some observers describe as half-baked narratives circulating among staff who may not be fully informed about the workings of the system. In such an atmosphere, maintaining discipline, order, and institutional focus requires more than routine administration—it demands patience, clarity of purpose, and steady leadership.

Dr. Ikharo has sought to provide exactly that. Known among colleagues for his methodical approach to public service administration, he has remained focused on ensuring that the Commission continues to function effectively despite the distractions created by internal disagreements and misinformation.
‎His journey within the National Assembly bureaucracy reflects years of dedication to institutional development.

‎Dr. Ikharo joined the National Assembly Service Commission in 2002 as an Assistant Chief Administrative Officer. Through diligence and professional commitment, he steadily rose through the ranks of the public service, eventually attaining the position of Director in 2017.

Dr  Lucky  Ikharo was among the pioneer staff members entrusted with the responsibility of coordinating the Commission’s Meeting Secretariat, a role he diligently handled for over nine years. In that capacity, he played a critical role in ensuring the smooth organization and documentation of the Commission’s high-level deliberations.

Following this period, Dr. Ikharo broadened his administrative horizon by serving in various departments within the Commission. These experiences exposed him to the diverse operational dynamics of the institution and helped shape his deep understanding of its administrative processes.

Dr. Ikharo serves as the Secretary to the Commission. His journey through different strategic units of the organisation has positioned him well for the role, affirming the popular saying that he is indeed a round peg in a round hole.

Over the years, he has held several strategic positions within the Commission. Between 2017 and 2019, he served as Director of Promotions, Discipline and Appeals, a role that placed him at the heart of staff management and administrative justice within the organisation. He later served as Director of Procurement and General Services from 2019 to 2020, overseeing critical operational and procurement processes of the Commission.

Beyond his administrative responsibilities, Dr. Ikharo is also a fellow of the Nigerian Institute of Training and Development (NITAD), reflecting his commitment to professional development and capacity building in public service.Observers say his leadership style is defined by calm engagement rather than confrontation. At a time when rumours and internal tensions threaten to distract the Commission from its statutory mandate, his stewardship has focused on maintaining stability, reinforcing administrative procedures, and ensuring that the institution continues to carry out its responsibilities to the legislature and the Nigerian public.

Indeed, leadership within public institutions often unfolds quietly, away from public applause. Yet it is precisely in such moments of internal turbulence that the character of a public administrator becomes most visible. For Dr. Lucky Ikharo, the challenge has been to keep the Commission steady, demonstrating that experience, patience, and commitment to institutional integrity remain essential pillars of effective public service leadership.

Leadership Amid Turbulence: The Stewardship of Dr. Lucky Ikharo at the National Assembly Service Commission

ECOWAS Sounds Alarm Over Gulf Escalation, Warns of Economic Shockwaves for West Africa

By: Michael Mike

The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) has raised fresh concerns over the escalating hostilities in the Gulf region, cautioning that a prolonged conflict could unleash severe economic and security repercussions far beyond the Middle East, with Africa among the hardest hit.

In a statement issued under the chairmanship of Julius Maada Bio, President of Sierra Leone, the 12-member regional bloc aligned itself with the position earlier expressed by the African Union Commission, which has voiced deep unease over the intensifying military exchanges.

The warning comes at a time when global energy markets are already on edge. The Gulf region remains central to international oil and gas supplies, accounting for a significant share of global crude exports. For West African economies — many of which are net importers of refined petroleum products despite being crude producers — volatility in oil prices translates quickly into domestic inflation, currency pressures and rising transport and food costs.

ECOWAS noted that beyond energy, the Gulf serves as a strategic artery for global trade. Key maritime routes, including those connected to the Strait of Hormuz, facilitate the movement of energy supplies and commercial goods between Asia, Europe and Africa. Any disruption risks compounding supply chain fragilities that have persisted since the COVID-19 pandemic and the Russia-Ukraine conflict.

For food-import-dependent nations across West Africa, the stakes are particularly high. Many countries in the region rely heavily on imported wheat, fertiliser and other agricultural inputs sourced through global supply chains sensitive to geopolitical shocks. Previous international crises have demonstrated how quickly distant conflicts can drive up bread prices and deepen food insecurity in African cities.

In its statement, ECOWAS urged all parties to exercise maximum restraint and adhere strictly to international law and the principles of the United Nations Charter, including respect for sovereignty, territorial integrity and the peaceful settlement of disputes. It stressed that civilian lives and critical infrastructure must be protected at all times.

The bloc also called for renewed diplomatic engagement within established international and regional frameworks, arguing that dialogue remains the only sustainable path to de-escalation. West African leaders have historically positioned the region as a strong advocate for multilateralism, often promoting negotiated settlements in conflicts both within and outside the continent.

Analysts observe that ECOWAS’ swift alignment with the African Union reflects a broader concern about the cumulative impact of global instability on African economies already grappling with debt burdens, currency depreciation and climate-related pressures. Rising energy prices could strain public finances, while shipping disruptions could intensify shortages of essential commodities.

The statement underscores a growing recognition among African policymakers that geopolitical flashpoints thousands of miles away can have immediate and tangible consequences at home. As tensions mount in the Gulf, ECOWAS has signalled that West Africa is watching closely — and urging diplomacy over escalation in the interest of global and regional stability.

ECOWAS Sounds Alarm Over Gulf Escalation, Warns of Economic Shockwaves for West Africa