General
Nigeria at 57: IGP Orders Watertight Security Nationwide
By Dipo Olowookere
As Nigeria celebrates her 57th independence celebration on Sunday, October 1, 2017 (tomorrow), the Inspector General of Police (IGP), Mr Ibrahim Idris, has directed that a robust and elaborate security arrangement be implemented to ensure a hitch free and peaceful celebration nationwide.
A statement issued by Force spokesman, Mr Jimoh Moshood, disclosed that to ensure adequate security and guarantee utmost protection of life and property of all Nigerians during the period of the celebration and beyond, the IGP directed Commissioners of Police in all states of the federation and their Supervising Assistant Inspectors General of Police in charge of Zonal Commands to carryout massive deployment of officers and men of the Force comprising conventional police personnel, Police Mobile Force, Counter Terrorism Unit, Special Police Forces, Force Intelligence and Investigation Department for covert and overt operations, the Police Helicopters and Police Marine Gunboats to patrol difficult terrains and riverine areas throughout the country, and the Police Mounted Troops and Dogs section for crowd control and crime prevention at venues of celebration and recreation during the period and beyond.
He said the personnel deployed are under strict instructions to be civil, polite but firm in the discharge of their responsibilities.
They are to pay special attention to places of celebrations, public places and other locations where people will gather to celebrate the independence anniversary.
“Sustained surveillance and proactive crime prevention strategies will be adopted, while the ongoing raids of criminal hideouts, black spots, identified troubled spots and other vulnerable points to remove criminal elements will be continued throughout the period,” the statement said.
Furthermore, the Commissioners of Police in charge of the state commands are directed by the IGP to collaborate with other security and safety agencies and also interface with the community leaders to ensure a successful implementation of security operations for the celebration.
Similarly, Mr Idris has placed all the personnel of the Force on RED ALERT to nip in the bud any attempt by any group under whatsoever guise to cause disturbance of the peace on October 1, 2017 or at any other time.
“Consequently, Assistant Inspectors General of Police and Commissioners of Police in charge of Zonal and State Commands have been directed by the Inspector General of Police to be personally on ground to deploy and supervise Police Personnel on visible police patrols and police presence at strategic locations and other identified flash points within the cities, and along the highways and major roads in all states of the country and FCT to build confidence of safety in the people residing everywhere in the country.
“The Police Commanding Officers are to deploy all intelligence and personnel to make sure that the purported quit notice given to the Igbos in the North as well as the Hausa/Fulanis and Yoruba in the Niger Delta region are not actualized.
“They are also to enforce the law as required to prevent the utterance of hate speech and ensure that perpetrators are brought to justice,” the statement said.
“The Nigeria Police Force therefore wishes to implore parents and guardians, traditional rulers, community leaders, religious leaders, youths groups, politicians and public office holders to prevail on their children and wards, adherents, brethren, followers and supporters to be law abiding and not to allow themselves to be used to cause disturbance of public peace anywhere in the country,” it added.
The police warned that, “The full weight of the law will be applied on any person or group for any unlawful act or attempt to cause disturbance of law and order and public peace in the nation.”
Concluding, the police chief urged Nigerians to be their brother’s keeper and demonstrate love, as well as promote harmonious co-existence with fellow Nigerians.
General
Pastor Ogbueli’s Abuja Night of Glory Holds Today
By Blaise Udunze
Momentum is gathering for the Abuja Night of Glory taking place today, Friday, December 5, 2025, at the main bowl of the Moshood Abiola National Stadium.
The crusade is being hosted by Dominion City Church headed by Pastor David Ogbueli and it starts by 7pm.
The all-night programme will feature dynamic worship leaders like Nathanial Bassey, Dunsin Oyekan, Theophilus Sunday, Chioma Jesus, Kaestrings, Sunmisola Agbebi Okeleye, Minister GUC, Ebuka Songs, Anthony Kani, and DC Angels.
Reputed as a teacher of righteousness and anointed minister of the gospel, evidenced by the miracles that have trailed his ministry, and one who champions the cause of the poor through empowerment initiatives, Dr. David Ogbueli will be joined by renowned ministers from within and outside Nigeria, including Evangelist Andres Bisonni, Dr. Charles Ndifon, Evangelist Dan Scott, Apostle Ikechukwu Nnajiofor, and several others.
Night of Glory has, in previous editions held across Nigeria’s cities, recorded remarkable results, such as immediate healings and freedom from chronic ailments, recovery of vision and movement after many years of paralysis, along with liberation from dependencies and emotional distress. Numerous participants have also shared testimonies of breakthroughs and big personal changes after the experience. Organisers state that this year’s event, in Abuja, is anticipated to exceed previous editions.
The event is intended for all individuals trusting God for divine intervention in any area of life.
Understanding the role of faith in the destiny of individuals and nations, a dedicated prayer session for Nigeria will take place during the crusade to tackle some of the current challenges being faced in the country and also to uplift he leaders and institutions before God.
Attendance is free, and registration is encouraged via the QR codes on event banners. Organisers expect a massive turnout as worshippers travel from across the country for what is anticipated to be a transformative encounter.
Adequate security and free transportation have been put in place ALL over the city of Abuja, while those outside Abuja are expected to join online.
General
Rivers Speaker, 15 Other Lawmakers Leave PDP for APC
By Modupe Gbadeyanka
The Speaker of the Rivers State House of Assembly, Mr Martin Amaewhule, has defected to the All Progressives Congress (APC).
At the plenary on Friday, Mr Amaewhule joined the ruling party from the opposition Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), along with 15 other members of the state parliament.
This development comes some months after they had earlier declared their support for the APC in the wake of a crisis with the state governor, Mr Sim Fubura.
The lawmakers had an issue with Mr Fubura, which led to a state of emergency declared on the oil-rich state by President Bola Tinubu in March 2025.
This embargo was only lift in September 2025 after the duration of the six-month emergency rule in the state.
A few days ago, members of the Rivers Assembly passed a vote of confidence on President Tinubu, backing him to remain in office till 2031, when he would have spent eight years in office if re-elected in 2027.
Announcing their defection today, the lawmakers pinned their decision on the crisis rocking the PDP at the national level.
It is not certain if their political godfather, Mr Nyesom Wike, who is the current Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), will join them in APC.
Mr Wike, who governed Rivers State from 2015 to 2023, has been accused of instigating the crisis in the opposition PDP. He was expelled from the party last month at a national convention held in Ibadan, Oyo State.
General
Nigeria Risks Brain Drain in Energy Sector—PENGASSAN
By Adedapo Adesanya
The Petroleum and Natural Gas Senior Staff Association of Nigeria (PENGASSAN) has warned that Nigeria risks massive brain drain in the oil and gas sector due to poor remuneration.
The president of PENGASSAN, Mr Festus Osifo, said at the end of the National Executive Council (NEC) meeting of the union on Thursday in Abuja that the industry was facing challenges arising from Naira devaluation and inflation, noting that, oil and gas skills remained globally competitive.
Painting an example, he said, “A drilling engineer in Nigeria does the same job as one in the US or Abu Dhabi,” noting that the union must take steps to bridge the wage gap to prevent members from leaving the country for better opportunities abroad.
“If we don’t act, the brain drain seen in other sectors will be child’s play,” he said.
According to him, PENGASSAN has recorded significant gains through collective bargaining across oil and gas branches.
“We signed numerous agreements across government agencies, IOCs, service and marketing sectors,” he said.
He said the agreements brought relief to members facing rising costs of living, adding that, the association’s duty is to protect members’ jobs and enhance their pay.
Mr Osifo urged companies delaying salary reviews and those foot-dragging as a result of the prevailing economic realities, to do the needful.
He said the industry employed some of the nation’s best talents, making competitive pay critical to retaining skilled workers.
“This industry recruits the best. Companies must provide the best conditions,” he said.
On insecurity, Mr Osifo urged government to take decisive action against terrorism and kidnappings across the country.
“We are tired of condemnations. government must expose sponsors and protect citizens,” he said.
He urged government at all levels to prioritise tackling insecurity through better funding and equipment for security agencies.
Mr Osifo said PENGASSAN supported calls for state police to improve local security response, adding that decentralising policing will protect citizens better than rhetoric.
He also said economic indicators meant little, if food prices remained high and farmers could not return to farms due to insecurity.
“Nigerians want to see food on the table, not macroeconomic figures,” he said, urging the government to coordinate fiscal and monetary policies to ensure economic gains reach households.
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