The Chief of Defence Staff, Gen Christopher Musa, has said the relentless military onslaught against terrorists in Zamfara State has thrown notorious terrorist kingpin Bello Turji into a desperate scramble for escape. Musa also said the elimination of two of his top commanders, Kachalla Gwammade and Kachalla Shehu on Thursday night has sent shivers down the spine of Turji. He stated this on Friday at the closing ceremony of the CDS Joint Task Force Commanders Conference in Abuja. “In a follow-up operation, troops advanced into Tufan and Mashima villages, further dislodging armed groups and pushing them deeper into the forest. “In a symbolic strike against banditry, the security forces also returned to the once-cleared area of Bello Turji. “The remaining portions of his camp, previously targeted in past offensives, were obliterated in a final suit to erase his presence from the region. “Reports indicate that both Turji and Sani Black are now in this area desperately seeking escape...
“Any attempt to heat up the polity will be resisted by the majority of distinguished members who unanimously elected Rt. Hon. Meranda.”
The state police commissioner, Ishola, declined to react to the allegation of abuse of power levelled against him by Obasa.
But when probed further by Sunday PUNCH, he said, “Listen to that message (Obasa’s address) all over and now go to town as an investigative journalist and make up your mind.”
Obasa toeing wrong path – Analysts
A political analyst, Professor Emmanuel Ojo, of the Department of Political Science, University of Ilorin, warned that Obasa might suffer “political death” because of his reaction.
He advised the lawmaker to challenge his removal in court rather than engaging in verbal attacks.
Ojo, a former Secretary to the Oyo State Government, argued that in modern democracy, unseen political forces often influence leadership decisions, and the former speaker might have outlived his usefulness to the “powers that be.”
He said, “Majority of the members of the assembly have impeached him (Obasa), whether rightly or wrongly, the best for him is to go to court to prove that he was illegally impeached. A competent court of law may reinstate him; it has nothing to do with talking to the press and whipping up unnecessary sentiment.
“If care is not taken, the man (Obasa) may suffer political death, so it is in his best interest to cool down or go to court, and allow the court to adjudicate rather than talking carelessly, abusing, or insulting everybody.”
Another political analyst, Prof. Hassan Saliu, said the future of the former speaker depends “on the politics on the ground”.
He said, “The man who believes he has not been removed will talk the way he (Obasa) is talking. He cannot install himself back to the seat. It depends on the powerful elements in Lagos politics. The President is the number one person there. There must be something making him have the confidence to come back.”
He further described the removal of speakers in Nigeria as a political manoeuvre.
“The issue is like a coup. The procedures for removing speakers seem too loose and should be revisited,” he added.
Similarly, a legal expert, Malachy Ugwummadu, weighed in on the constitutional aspect of the removal.
“If there is a political intervention in the state House of Assembly resulting in the removal of the speaker, the presumption is that there was regularity in the removal,” Ugwummadu said.
According to him, this does not prevent the former speaker from challenging the decision legally.
Plateau diaspora group mourns ex-FCT minister Jeremiah Useni
A Diaspora group, under the auspices of Plateau State Association, USA, Inc., has mourned the death of former Minister of the Federal Captial Territory, Jeremiah Useni.
In a condolence message signed by its President, Barth Shepkong, on Sunday, the group described Useni as a visionary statesman.
The group said the former Plateau State governorship candidate inspired many through his leadership and selfless service to the state and the nation.
It said Useni’s service to the nation left a legacy of integrity, dedication, and excellence that will be remembered for years.
The statement reads, “”The Plateau State Association, USA, expresses its deepest condolences to the family, loved ones, and the entire people of Plateau State on the passing of Late General Jeremiah Timbut Useni, former Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).
“The Late General Useni was a distinguished son of Plateau State, whose life exemplified courage, leadership, and an unwavering commitment to the progress of Nigeria.
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“His service to the nation, particularly during his tenure as Minister of FCT, left a legacy of integrity, dedication, and excellence that will be remembered for generations to come.
“As a leader, his contributions to the development of Plateau State and Nigeria at large remain etched in our history.
“He was not only a military officer but also a visionary statesman who inspired many through his leadership and selfless service.
“We join the people of Plateau State and Nigerians worldwide in mourning this great loss.”
The group also commiserated with his family, friends, and all those the former minister impacted during his lifetime.
NDLEA intercepts UK-bound cannabis hidden in duvet at Lagos airport, arrests two
Operatives of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency have intercepted a shipment of cannabis, also known as “Loud” concealed in a duvet and destined for the United Kingdom.
The agency’s Director of Media and Advocacy, Femi Babafemi, disclosed in a statement on Sunday that the consignment was intercepted at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport in Ikeja, Lagos, on Tuesday.
The statement revealed that two suspects-Adakole Sunday and Austin Balogun, linked to the consignment were immediately arrested following the discovery by NDLEA officers.
“Six parcels of the psychoactive substance with a gross weight of 3.50 kilograms were concealed inside the duvet,” the statement partly read.
“In his statement, Austin Balogun who is the main agent who hired Adakole, claimed he was paid N700,000 to cargo the consignment to the UK but spent a fraction of the money on export handling charges and the bulk to pay for an apartment,” the statement added.
Babafemi added that a raid in the Ikorodu area of Lagos led to the discovery of a hideout where “skuchies” and weapons were recovered.
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