…A REJOINDER TO THE SPURIOUS AND MALICIOUS ALLEGATION BY ONE MR ON THE PETROLEUM TANKER DRIVERS (PTD) JUST TO MALIGN THE UNION.
The National Executive Committee of the Independent Petroleum Marketers Association of Nigeria, lPMAN, led by Alhaji Debo Ahmed has reacted to refute the very malicious and demeaning allegations made by one Mr Bashir Tahr against the Petroleum Tanker Drivers bordering on extortion.
According to a press release signed and made available to journalists on Saturday by National secretary, IPMAN, Chief John kekeocha, stated that lPMAN’s North West Zonal Chairman is Alhaji Sanusi Tenten, pointing out that It is embarrassing to the association when Mr. Bashir Tahr from the blues started to malign and disparage the activities of the PTD. “Over time the Independent Petroleum Marketers Association of Nigeria ( lPMAN) has always been in a harmonious and symbiotic relationship with the PTD/NUPENG and therefore will not keep quiet to this scandalous impressions marketed by Mr Bashir Tahr. We have always been partners in the distribution of petroleum products in the downstream and as such we condemn in eloquent and strong terms this disturbing and laughable impression Mr. Bashir Tahr seems to portray. It’s even more laughable when one says he pays PTD a huge some of N200,000.
“IPMAN under the watchful eyes of the president, Alhaji Debo Ahmed has always frowned at Sharp practices and illegalities. This is why over time the issue of petroleum products diversion is but a thing of the past. This is not to say that there are not still some bad eggs.
“However, we are surely aware of the statutory monies given to drivers as dispatches where loading expenses are done and which is mutual and has not raised eyebrows in our relationship with the PTD. We are pained with the false allegations and therefore chose to come out to debunk it comprehensively”, he added.
Major General Gold Chibuisi has assumed command as the 13th Theatre Commander of Joint Task Force North East Operation HADIN KAI (OPHK) from Major General Ibrahim Ali today 13 July 2023. The colourful ceremony took place at the Command Headquarters in Maimalari Military Cantonment, Maiduguri.
In his valedictory speech, the outgone Theatre Commander appreciated officers and men of the Theatre and all critical stakeholders of OPHK for the role they played in achieving the successes recorded during his time as Theatre Commander. He therefore urged them to give same level of support and synergy to the new Theatre Commander.
Additionally, Maj Gen Ibrahim Ali who stated that the ‘Threat in the Theatre has drastically reduced’, also charged troops to sustain the ongoing onslaught on vestiges of terrorist elements in the region. Also, he urged them to continue to conduct themselves professionally at all times and eschew indulging in any act that will bring the NA to disrepute.
Prior to the handing and taking over ceremony, a send forth ceremony was held in honour of the outgone Theatre Commander and other posted out senior officers of theatre at the Theatre Command Officers’ Mess on Wednesday, 12 July 2023. The Special Guest of Honour, His Excellency Professor Babagana Umara Zulum, the Executive Governor of Borno State who was represented by the Acting Secretary to the State Government, Alhaji Danjuma Ali expressed immense appreciation to the outgone Theatre Commander for his efforts in restoring peace to the North East region.
Furthermore, the new Theatre Commander Maj Gen GU Chibuisi stated that his predecessor has laid a good foundation and achieved alot, therefore he assured of his readiness to consolidate on the successes and operational gains of the Theatre geared towards achieving the operational mandate of the command.
Highlight of the ceremony include address to troops, signing of Handing and Taking Over notes and Quarter Guard Ceremonies.
The Staff Officers’ in-mission training for deployed personnel to ECOWAS Stabilisation Support Mission in Guinea-Bissau (SSMGB) has taken off in Bissau, Guinea-Bissau. The training is being organized by the ECOWAS Commission in collaboration with Kofi Annan International Peacekeeping Training Centre (KAIPTC) and GIZ- ECOWAS Peace and Security Architecture and Operations project (EPSAO), which is co- funded by the European Union (EU) and the German Federal Ministry of Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ).
The training which began on the 11th of July ends on the 14th July 2023, aims to build capacities and bring to the doorsteps of mission personnel first-hand insight and understanding of the broader perspectives and frameworks in which they work. This will help the deployed personnel implement the right operational procedures equivalent to their respective roles in the Missions. It is anticipated that the in-mission training will standardize operations, minimize risk, enhance efficiency and compliance with procedures and contribute to the overall success of ECOWAS’ mission in Guinea-Bissau.
Speaking during the opening ceremony, the Special Representative of the President of the ECOWAS Commission, Prof. Hamidu Boly highlighted the commitment of the ECOWAS Commission to democratic values and practices within the region. He indicated that democracy remains the only means to win power and this position was reinforced during the recent ECOWAS Heads of State meeting in Guinea-Bissau.
Colonel Christian Dagadu representing the Commandant of KAIPTC acknowledged the good cooperation and collaboration that exists between the ECOWAS Commission, the EU and BMZ that led to the development of the ECOWAS Staff Officers Handbook and the ongoing pilot in-mission training. He stated that the KAIPTC aims to contribute to raising the training standards of the ECOWAS Standby Force and increase its capacities for rapid deployment—thus enabling the ECOWAS Commission to fully utilize this critical instrument for conflict management, if and when it is necessary.
The European Union representative, Pedro Saraiva decried the setbacks to democratic governance illustrated by the recent wave of military coups, along with increasingly complex security challenges that are affecting the right of the people to human security. He highlighted the kinetic force of ECOWAS to fight violent extremism, terrorism and promote good governance. He reiterated the EU’s support for peace and security and solidarity behind the deployment and implementation of Peace Support Operations in the region to prevent and respond to conflicts in the continent through the development of the ECOWAS Standby Force.
Mr. Carsten Wille, The German Embassy Representative in Guinea-Bissau who spoke on behalf of the BMZ, reaffirmed the Federal Republic of Germany’s Government commitment to a secured and sustainable peace and development within the ECOWAS region. He pointed out that strengthening ECOWAS and its Standby Force capacities to manage and prevent violent conflict is a critical objective of the EPSAO project and views this ECOWAS Staff Officers in mission training as a contributor to this objective.
Forty-eight (48) participants drawn from stabilisation Support Mission in Guinea Bissau (SSMGB), local defence and security forces of the host nation including the military and the police are participating in the training
Major General Valentine Okoro has yesterday 13 July 2023 taken over command of 2 Division Nigerian Army as the 44th General Officer Commanding (GOC).
According to Lieutenant Colonel Charles Ekeocha Acting Deputy Director Army Public Relations, 2 Division in a press release said, the New GOC expressed appreciation to the Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Maj Gen TA Lagbaja for finding him worthy to command one of the oldest Division’s in the Nigerian Army and promised to work assiduously to justify the confidence reposed on him. While commending his predecessor for his accomplishments in command of the Division, Maj Gen Okoro promised to propel the division to greater heights soliciting the supports of stakeholders and other security agencies in accomplishing the COAS mandate of ensuring a safe and secure environment for law abiding citizens in the Division’s Area of Responsibility. He charged the troops to brace for relentless offensives against criminals in areas under command expressing confidence in their ability to rid the south west of armed violence and criminality.
In his farewell remarks to the troops, the outgone General Officer Commanding Maj Gen Mohammed Usman thanked the troops for their support throughout his brief stay in 2 Division and solicited same level of support to his successor, whom he described as his course mate and friend. He admonished the troops not to relent in providing the enabling environment for law abiding citizens to do their business. He equally assured them that the new GOC will build on his legacies. He thanked the Chief of Army Staff for believing in him once more and giving him the opportunity to command 81 Division.
The highlights of the ceremony includes Signing of Handing and Taking over notes, Handing over of the Command Flag to the new GOC, Decoration with 2 Division badge, Lowering and Hoisting of the Command Flags, and group photograph.
To further deepen the federal government’s policy of accessibility to public records and information, the Nigeria Meteorological Agency, NiMet, in collaboration with the Federal Ministry of Justice organized a one-day sensitization seminar on The Freedom of Information (FOI) Act, 2011 for Deputy and Assistant General Managers of the Agency.
According to the Director-General/CEO of the Agency who was represented by the Director of Human Resources Management and Administration, Alhaji Saleh Tukur Yusuf, implementation of the FOI Act will undoubtedly bring openness, accountability and good goverance which would in turn greatly minimize corruption in public service.
“One of the key ingredients that portrays an institution as being responsive and adhering to the FOIA, is the operation of an open government policy. Under my watch, NiMet has been observing the provisions of the FOIA, by organizing monthly press briefing, where journalists ask questions on the operations and general administration of the agency”, he highlighted.
Again in a paper presentation, the head of the FOI unit in the Federal Ministry of Justice, Mr. Godwin Garuba, who reeled out the implications and punitive actions to be meted to federal government organizations for refusal to release requested information, commended the DG NiMet and the FOIA Desk officer in NiMet, Mrs. Theresa Ushie, Deputy General Manager, Public Relations for adhering to the FOI Act by proactively disclosing information through press releases, regular updates on social media amongst other strategies employed by the organization.
The Freedom of Information Act, 2011 sensitization seminar held by NiMet is the second batch as the first event organized last year was for top management staff of the organization. This event would be further cascaded to other categories of staff in the Agency
The Chief of Defence Staff ( CDS), Major General Christopher Gwabin Musa, today, 12 July, 2023 received in a separate meetings the governors of Zamfara and Plateau States respectively at the Defence Headquarters, Abuja.
According to a press release signed by Brigadier General Tukur Gusau, Acting Director Defence Information on the 12 July, 2023, the Execitive Governor of Zamfara State, His Excellency, Dr Dauda Lawal said he came to congratulate the CDS on his deserving appointment and to intimate him of the over all security situation in Zamfara. According to him, the security challenges is affecting meaningful development and also making governance almost impossible in the State.
Dr Dauda Lawal further said, when these challenges are confronted, it will go along way to solving the damage in the general areas. He applauded the efforts of the troops on ground while calling for additional deployment of troops and logistics to build security.
The governor also called for more funding to the Armed Forces and also seeks for concerted efforts between the locals and security agencies in the State.
The CDS in his response, commesurate with the people of Zamfara state and assured of the DHQ readiness to provide every neccessary security assistance to the state. He pledged to ensure troops are on top of their games and synergy between the AFN and other security agencies will be enhanced.
Similarly, the executive governor of Plateau State, Barrister Caleb Muftwang who also visited the CDS said he came to congratulate the CDS on his appointment, noting that Major General Musa is a professional to the core. He added that the CDS appointment came at a critical time of worsening security challenges. He however, expressed his undoubting believe that the CDS will make an impact by deploying his experiences to bare in dealing with the security challenges in Plateau. The governor commended the efforts of the AFN while paying tributes to the fallen heroes. He finally called for more efforts to address the security situations in the state.
The CDS while addressing the Plateau governor and his entourage said that the AFN is determined and committed to ensuring peace in the Plateau. Major General Musa condole with the governor over the unnecessary killings in the State. He added that there is need to know the basis of the problems and to also carry all the stakehoders along in finding a lasting solutions to the crisis ravaging the state.
CLEEN Foundation has condemned in its strongest possible terms, the recent killings in Benue and Plateau states of Nigeria, calling on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, the Armed Forces, and the Nigeria Police Force to decisively tackle the malady of insecurity in these states and across the nation.
The statement signed by the Executive Director CLEEN Foundation, Gad Peter today 13th July 2023 in Abuja-Nigeria further stated that the wanton destruction of lives and property is unacceptable and has no place in a civilized society. “CLEEN Foundation as a non-governmental organization dedicated to promoting public safety and security in Nigeria is deeply concerned about the rising insecurity in various parts of the country, with Benue and Plateau states experiencing a particularly disturbing trend.
“The recent killing of 24 persons in Akpuuna and Diom communities of Ukum LGA of Benue state and the attack that claimed 12 lives in Mangu in Plateau state calls for a government-citizens approach to end this nefarious act. The killings in both states have left many families grieving, communities traumatized, displaced, and the entire nation in mourning. Recall that just around June 2023, 24 persons were killed in two communities in Maradun area of Zamfara state. Beyond the killings that happen in these communities, time and time again, community members are displaced from their original settlement which equally has other resultant effects. How can we forget the incessant destruction of lives and property in the South-East in a bid to reinforce the IPOB sit-at-home order. Only today- the 13th of July the IPOB group issued another statement reinforcing sit-at-home across the entire South-East states for a period of 2weeks, the implications are enormous. While we appreciate the effort of the government of Benue and Plateau states towards forestalling peace, we want to use this opportunity to also implore the governments to judiciously seek both reconciliatory and punitive measures audacious to finally put an end to these unreasonable killings. Something remarkable must be done to end this cycle of violence and bring the perpetrators to justice! In the same vein, we want to appreciate the effort of security agencies at the frontline but again we charge these agencies to be proactive and not reactive. Active intelligence with support from locals is a key to handling these crises and this makes proactive policing achievable. Similarly, we want to charge the leadership of the military and the police to deploy technology empowered intelligence gathering platforms in the troubled states of the country in order to ensure peace within the walls of Nigeria”.
While stressing on the unity of purpose, he said, the peace, stability, and development of Nigeria is non-negotiable and therefore called on stakeholders concerned to work assiduously towards achieving this. “Lastly, CLEEN Foundation recommends the following actions: Communities affected by the recent violence should engage in peaceful dialogue to promote reconciliation and healing. Dialogue is key to ending the cycle of violence and finding long-term solutions to the conflicts.
“The government and citizens should prioritize intelligence gathering and information sharing. Everyone has a role to play in ensuring public safety and security.
“Citizens can help by providing information about suspicious activities in their communities to law enforcement agencies.
“The government should take proactive measures in its quest to secure the lives and properties of people in the state, especially those in communities that have been ravaged by crises such as farmer-herder, banditry, and gang operations.
“CLEEN Foundation calls on all stakeholders in Nigeria to work together to secure the country’s future. We must ensure that everyone plays their part in promoting peace, security, and stability in the nation. Equally, Nigerians must remain vigilant and report any suspicious activities to the appropriate authorities”, he added.
The Governor of Kaduna State, Senator Uba Sani has commended the Nigerian Air Force (NAF) for being proactive towards checkmating the activities of terrorists operating within Kaduna State and environs. Senator Sani stated this when he paid a courtesy call on the Chief of the Air Staff (CAS), Air Vice Marshal Hasan Abubakar, at NAF Headquarters.
Air Commodore Edward Gabkwet, Director of Public Relations and Information Nigerian Air Force, in a press release he signed on 12 June 2023, stated that the Governor also reiterated the need for the NAF to consolidate on its efforts as well as extend its operations to the fringes of Kaduna State. He went on to inform the CAS that he has had series of meetings with several stakeholders in the State including traditional, youth and women leaders as well as civil society organizations, among others, on the need to see security as the business of all and work in unison towards tackling its threats. He then assured the CAS of the support of the Kaduna State Government towards ensuring that the NAF meets its constitutional role.
While appreciating the Governor for the assistance rendered to the NAF by the Kaduna State Government, Air Vice Marshal Abubakar assured that NAF will continue to carry out its mandate of ensuring that all areas under terrorist threats in Kaduna State are safe for citizens of Kaduna to thrive. Air Vice Marshal Abubakar also used the occasion to thank Governor Sani for approving the ceding of the Government-owned Local Education Authority Primary School situated within NAF Base, Kaduna to the NAF and assured him of NAF’s resolve to renovate and upgrade the school for the benefit of all. The meeting also touched on the need for both the Kaduna State Government and the NAF to jointly work towards addressing the issue of land encroachment on NAF Base Kaduna which may constitute a threat to air assets and equipment. Further discussions also brought to the fore the need to address the root causes of terrorism and insurgency in Kaduna and other parts of Nigeria, which all agreed would lead to sustainable peace and security.
On the Governors entourage were Samuel Aruwan, former Commissioner of Internal Security and Home Affairs and now Administrator of Kaduna Capital Territory Authourity, Yusuf Abubakar, Honourary Adviser to the Governor and Abubakar Haruna, Deputy Chief of Staff. On the NAF side were Air Vice Marshal Sayo Olatunde, Chief of Policy and Plans, Air Vice Marshal Abubakar Abdulkadir, Chief of Training and Operations and Air Vice Marshal Idi Sani who is the Chief of Administration.
The Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Major General Taoreed Lagbaja has described information as a very critical element to the success of military operations. Gen Lagbaja made the assertion today 11 July 2023, when the Executive Governor of Kaduna State, Senator Uba Sani paid a visit to the Army Headquarters, Abuja.
Brigadier General Onyema Nwachukwu, Director Army Public Relations in a press release signed on the 11 July 2023 disclosed that the COAS stated that the visit affords the Nigerian Army (NA) the opportunity to receive feedback on the security situation in Kaduna state and the yearnings of the people for the NA to sustain operations to entrench lasting peace and stability in the state.
The Army Chief expressed appreciation to the Kaduna State Government for its support and partnership with the NA towards the restoration of peace and tranquility in the state. He emphasized that timely information is critical to military operations, as it facilitates troops’ proactiveness in the conduct of operations.
Describing the state as a strong and dependable ally of the NA, the COAS noted, that Kaduna State holds a special place in the hearts of military personnel, as it is a home for several military institutions and formations.
Gen Lagbaja lauded the Governor for being the first governor to visit the Army Headquarters since assumption of duty as the 23rd COAS. He assured the Governor and the good people of Kaduna State that the NA will remain resolute in its efforts towards attaining sustainable peace and stability in the State.
Earlier in his remarks, the Executive Governor of Kaduna State, Senator Uba Sani stated that he was at the Army Headquarters to congratulate the COAS on his appointment and to express his appreciation to the Army Chief for his unprecedented performance as then General Officer Commanding 1 Division.
He urged the COAS for more intervention in tackling banditry and other criminalities in Southern Kaduna.
The Governor pledged the support of his government to the NA and other security agencies combating security challenges in the state.
H.R.H Duke of Kingdom of Atlantis in Singapore, Prof Sir Bashiru Aremu, UNESCO Laureate and Vice-Chancellor, Crown University Int’l Chartered Inc., USA, has bagged Global ICON Award-2023 from Asian, Indian Bengal Book of Records as group celebrates him, hailed his accomplishments, contributions to the growth and development of International Education.
The media learnt this today being on Friday, July 7, 2023, from CUICI VC, World Acclaimed Distinguished Universities Research Professor Sir Bashiru Aremu in a press statement personally signed by him, which was made available to some group of Journalists in Asaba, Delta State capital by his Executive Assistant on Media, Publicity and Communication Matters, Comrade Sir Bieni Victor Emenike as UNESCO Laureate Commends Indian, Asian Group, West Bengal Book of Records on Global ICON Award-2023.
West Bengal Book of Records which started its first operations in 1991 to document unique individuals or groups from different countries, States and there setting a benchmark for the achievements in every field of accomplishment. Bengal Book of Records is a registered organization under the Bengal Organization Act with Reg. No. KL04072N2023000006, Registered by the Government of India, Government of West Bengal, MSME, American Merit Council Board, and ISO 9001: 2015 Certified. West Bengal Book of Records is also registered with Bible University.
According to the group, Bible University was awarded official status as an exempt Religious School on October 27, 2011, according to Sections 173.600 through 173.619.2, RSMo, by the Missouri Department of Higher Education (MDHE), Jefferson City, Missouri, USA.
The Management of the Asian, Indian West Bengal Book of Records in the document às Award of Honor that marks the birthday anniversary of UNESCO Laureate which recognizes the Vice Chancellor, Crown University Int’l Chartered Inc., USA, Professor Sir Bashiru Aremu with “Global ICON Award-2023” reads in parts: “This award is presented to Prof Sir Bashiru Aremu. He is the President of Crown University, for his outstanding Accomplished and Remarkable Role in the field of International Education. His work has been recognized at various levels. We are conveying our best wishes for his achievement and success. He is officially recorded in the Bengal Book of Records”.
West Bengal Book of Records had stated that “the group’s major objective is to boost the talents of great achievers all over the world to infinite levels as a collaborator of various leading global brands to create records-breaking campaigns to engage the audience”. The group as part of its global partnership objectives has issued Cértificate of affiliation to Crown University Int’l Chartered Inc., New York, USA had certified Institution fit, and had fulfilled all the requirements of the affiliation of West Bengal Book of Records.
Prof Aremu in a statement thanked the management of West Bengal Book of Records, Indian as he noted that, “CUICI USA is a globally recognized private University that offers vocational training and higher education. Crown University International Chartered Incorporated is licensed and has global accreditation with International Accreditation Agencies, Joint National Accreditation Bodies to serve as an autonomous globally recognized University, offering education and practical skill in the courses taught at its official partner’s constituent campuses at government-regulated universities worldwide and online operation. According to the VC, Crown University International Chartered is an entity duly Incorporated under the International Laws of 1704, 1776, and 1787 of the United States of America with chartered file number: 7594662 as a worldwide recognized teaching and research University logo with International trademark number receipt number:668383, customer number: 270163, United States of America”.
The VC, CUICI, USA is Most Academy Excellent World Acclaimed Distinguished Professor Emeritus (On merit, honored and ranked) ratified by UNESCO Center Central and South America with Reg. Number: Arg 22/Lt-19 and published with ISBN978-1571-7412 Top up by UNN Nigeria, CSER Malaysia, MPRH Institute, Iran, WCU, USA, CIDVU, NIU, Canada and USA, UN ECOSOC, Geneva, Switzerland, ICERE, Argentina, South America and others worldwide. UNESCO Laureate is a recipient of different global awards and certificates of Recognition. Also, a Fellow of different International Organizations. He has Post-Doctoral E-business, Grand Ph.D., Post-Doc, D.Sc, Ph.D., B.Sc, B.Tech, IBD, FIBTMN, FATIIC, MACM, MCSTA, MSTAN, Snr. MIACSIT, FIASR,C.itp, MCPN, MNDKOJC, CEMA, FBCS, England, KOJ, KOGC, KOGAL, FCIEMA, FIICEP, LFCWIEB, and others to mention but a few.
CUICI VC, H.RH Duke of the Kingdom of Atlantis in Singapore, Prof Sir Bashiru Aremu is the World Grand President of, International Chartered World Learned Society (ICWLS), he is the World Acclaimed Distinguished Universities Research Professor and Editorial Board Member, Cambridge Publishing, United Kingdom. He is known as World Acclaimed Distinguished Universities Research Professor of Computer Science, Information Communication Technology in different global and Nigerian Universities such as Novena University, Ogume, Delta State, Ambrose Ali University, Ekpoma, Edo State, Imo State University, Imo State, Kaduna State University, Gregory University, Uturu, Abia State.
UNESCO Laureate is the Pioneer Member Board of Trustees of Minaret International University, Ikurun, Osun State, Nigeria to mention but a few. And other Global Universities such as West Coast University of Science, Technology & Arts, Bharat University, India. CUICI VC, is also a World Acclaimed Distinguished Universities Research Professor at Pradesh, Mandsaur, Mother Theresa Women University, India, World Congress of Arts, Sciences & Communication, as had served as Deputy Director-General for Africa And Research Professor at International Biographical Centre. Prof Aremu is cited in the World recognized publications by Famous Marquis Who’s is Who in the World.
CUICI VC, Professor Emeritus Sir Bashiru Aremu reacted further to his recognition by “West Bengal Book of Records” on honors with “Global ICON Award-2023” and Crown University’s affiliations to the Asian Guinness Book of Records, UNESCO Laureate commended gestures as he thanked the management for such honor and recognition.
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