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Insecurity:Calls For Service Chiefs Sack Misplaced-Olowu …Says Nigerian Security Situation Calls For Holistic Appraisal

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Olowu of Kuta, Osun State, His Royal majesty Oba Adekunle Oyelude Makama, Tegbosin 11, has counseled the National Assembly and Nigerians calling for the sack of the service chiefs to have a rethink.
The monarch says the Nigerian security situation call for holistic appraisal instead of quick fix which we have embarked on to tackle the Insurgency.
Oluwu in a statement issued by his Media Office on Thursday said the call seemed to be hasty and transferred aggression to the service chiefs who have sacrificed a lot to defend the territorial integrity and the internal security of the country.
The revered monarch who maintained that though the security of the country needs to be overhauled for optimum performance, he said people should know that the military alone is not to be blamed for the lapses, how far have we pursued Political options,
He, however, advised that stampeding the service chiefs out will not be the best way to appreciate their efforts.
Oba Makama said; “ The Senate and House of Representatives motions that the service chiefs should resign or be sacked is not the best way to appreciate their efforts. The danger inherent in such motions is that it will not only demoralized the officers and men who would feel let down by such decision, those coming to take over from them may be reluctant since it is the same military considering the monumental impact the present military leadership has made towards professionalism in the Army that we’re not talking of, I think when dealing with the issue of security, we should be circumspect so as not to jeopardize the success we have achieved bearing in mind that fighting insurgents is not a conventional warfare. Again, what’s the budget of the defense this year? How will a military fighting insurgents, fighting armed banditry, kidnapping and other several operations within the country cope with such meager budget? What’s the role of the DSS, NSDC, Police, Immigration, Customs in a situation like this?” are they equipped to compliment the military gains in the war fronts,He asked.
Olowu said it is crystal clear that our military is overstretch and to support the military in fighting the insurgents vis a vis Political options Should be our Collective responsibility,
He also counseled that once a military clears an area and rid it of Boko Haram elements, the onus is on the police and NSDC and other security agents to occupy the area to secure it.
He is also of the opinion that the Sambisa Forest ought to have been developed and used for extended mechanized farming once the military clears it instead of leaving it fallow for the insurgents to return and occupy the place, our De- Radicalisation policy should be Reviewed.
“ I think we need to do a critical appraisal of the insurgents with the view of proffering lasting solution that will be in the interest of all and sundry. Like the Borno Governor remarked two days ago that many of the elected public officials do not want to hear the truth. I think we need to tell ourselves the blunt truth, instead of resorting to fire brigade approach of treating the symptoms, instead of holistic treatment of the issues “ . He added.

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Mushin LG Chairmanship Aspirant, Tunde Ogunmola Unveils ‘S.E.R.V.I.C.E Agenda’

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As Lagos State gears up for the local government elections, top journalist, ‘Tunde Ogunmola, has officially thrown his hat in the ring for the chairmanship seat of Mushin Local Government, while he has also unveiled his S.E.R.V.I.C.E Agenda for the development of the community.

 

 

 

Ogunmola, a grassroots politician with passion for service, has contributed significantly to Mushin’s socio-political landscape. Among other services, he had served as a member of the publicity and media committee of a frontline political party during the 2023 general elections in Mushin where he brought his wealth of experience to bear on the much-vaunted aspiration of the party from below to the highest possible offices.

 

 

 

Tunde Ogunmola has also authored two volumes of “Icons of Mushin,” a book that celebrates distinguished individuals Mushin has produced and also provides answers to probing questions often asked about Mushin community.

 

 

 

Speaking in an interview with journalists, the chairmanship hopeful emphasised that his aspiration is driven by a genuine desire to serve and change the narratives in grassroots governance.

 

 

 

While unveiling his comprehensive development blueprint tagged S.E.R.V.I.C.E Agenda in alignment with the Lagos State government’s T.H.E.M.E.S Agenda, Ogunmola pledged to work assiduously to improve the lives of Mushin residents.

 

 

 

“Mushin Local Government does not exist in a vacuum; it thrives within Lagos State, a hub of exponential growth and development. Therefore, our programmes must align with the state’s socio-economic agenda while addressing the unique challenges of Mushin residents,” he stated.

 

 

 

S.E.R.V.I.C.E, is an acronym for my envisaged administration’s seven points strategic development agenda, and this stands for: Security and Safety, Education and Healthcare, Resounding Economic Empowerment, Visionary Leadership and Community Engagement, Infrastructure and Agric Development, Comprehensive Youth Empowerment and Sports Development, and Environmental sanitation and Sustainability.

 

 

 

Speaking further, Ogunmola stressed that it’s high time ideas, opportunities, and good governance are explored to bring about transformational and integrated development to Mushin. Hence, his mantra is, “Mushin Project, exploring ideas, opportunities, and good governance for a greater Mushin”.

 

 

 

“Development planning will also be the fulcrum of my administration of Mushin LG. Because through development planning and implementation of planned objectives, resources will be allocated wisely, priority will also be given to the needs and pressing demands of residents of Mushin”, he emphasized.

 

 

 

The grassroots politician vowed to bring transformative change to Mushin by implementing impactful policies and programs, while ensuring transparency and accountability in governance.

 

 

 

“I will be committed to serving my people to the best of my ability. We cannot continue doing the same thing and expect different results. That is why I’m stepping forward to serve. My mission is simple; deliver the best for the people of Mushin.” he stated.

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Just In: Dr Doyin Okupe Is Dead

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Dr. Doyin Okupe, a prominent Nigerian physician, politician, and former presidential aide, has died.

 

He passed away at the age of 72.

 

According to sources close to the family, Dr. Okupe had been critically ill in the weeks leading up to his demise.

 

His health had reportedly deteriorated significantly, prompting concern among his loved ones and supporters.

 

A reliable source confirmed that his death was linked to cancer, marking the end of a long struggle with the illness.

 

 

It was reported  in October 2023 that Okupe was hospitalized with prostate cancer and was flown to Israel for treatment.

 

However, it was learnt that his condition did not improve as he and his family expected.

 

Okupe was first diagnosed with prostate cancer 16 years ago and later developed sarcoma in his right shoulder.

 

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Alleged $340,000 Fraud:  Court Adjourns Mercy Chinwo’s Ex-Manager’s Case till May 14

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Justice A.O. Owoeye of the Federal High Court, Ikoyi, Lagos, has adjourned the alleged $340,000 fraud case involving Ezekiel ThankGod, former manager of gospel artiste, Mercy Chinwo till May 14, 2025 for hearing.

 

The Lagos Zonal Directorate of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC had filed a three-count charge against him bordering on money laundering and dishonest conversion to the tune of $340,000.

 

One of the counts reads: “That you, EZEKIEL ONYEDIKACHUKWU THANKGOD and EEZEE GLOBAL CONCEPTS LIMITED sometime in 2023, directly retained the sum of $260,494 (Two Hundred and Sixty Thousand Four Hundred and Ninety-Four USD) in EEZEE GLOBAL MINISTRY Zenith Bank Plc account number, which sum you reasonably ought to have known forms part of the proceeds of an unlawful activity, the dishonest conversion of the said sum, property of Mercy Chinwo and Judith Kanayo.”

 

The offence is contrary to Section 18(2)(d) and punishable under Section 18 (3) of the Money Laundering (Prevention and Prohibition) Act, 2022.

 

He was to have been arraigned alongside his company, Eezee Global Concepts Limited, on February 17, 2025 but his absence stalled his trial. The court had also issued a bench warrant for his arrest and ordered him to appear in court today March 6, 2025 either by the subsisting bench warrant or production by his counsel.

 

His counsel, Dr. Monday Ubani, SAN had also assured that he will be in court on the adjourned date.

 

At the resumed sitting on Thursday, prosecuting counsel, Bilkisu Buhari informed the court of the prosecution’s readiness to arraign the defendant who was present in court.

 

“The matter is for arraignment and subject to the court’s overriding convenience, we are ready to commence,” she said.

 

Justice Owoeye, however, held that: “There is an administrative procedure on this matter and I cannot proceed until the determination of the procedure.”

 

The case was thereafter adjourned till May 14, 2025 for hearing.

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