JUST IN; Commissioner of Police bows out of Service

The Nigeria Police, Edo Command, on Saturday pulled out the Commissioner of Police in the state, Mr Umoru Ozigi from service after attaining the mandatory retirement age of 60.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), reports that the event which held in Benin, featured parade by fellow officers, amidst cheers and fun fare from family members, and other dignitaries.

Born on Jan. 25, 1965, Ozigi got enlisted into the police force in 1992 as a Cadet Assistant Superintendent of Police (ASP).

In his remarks, he lauded the leadership of the Nigeria Police Force for their guidance and support throughout his career.

He also commended his fellow officers for their commitment and bravery, as well as his family for their support.

The retired CP, also commended the government and people of Edo for their trust and cooperation, highlighting their collaborative efforts in crime prevention and community engagement.

He expressed hope that the relationship between the police and the public would continue to foster a safer environment for all.

“I urge you to remain steadfast in your duty, serve with passion and uphold the values of the profession,” he admonished.

In his goodwill message, the Deputy Governor of Edo, Dennis Idahosa, described the retired CP as a God fearing officer.

Idahosa noted that Ozigi, came to Edo at a time the state was facing the challenges of cult-related fighting, adding that in spite of that, he was able to restore peace to the state.

“We are here to thank you for your sacrifices, and outstanding service to the people of the state in ensuring that stability and peace returned,” he said.

Similarly, Mr Arungwa Nwazue, the Assistant Inspector General (AIG) of Police, in charge of Zone 5 Headquarters, commended the retiree for his exceptional service to the Edo in particular and the nation at large.

Nwazue noted that the legacy of the retired commissioner, would outlive him and also guide others after him.

“Retiring does not mean you are tired. We will look forward to you for advice based on your enormous experience,” he said.(NAN)

You’re no more our Speaker– Lagos Lawmaker faults Obasa’s claim

Lagos lawmaker faults Obasa’s claim to remain as Speaker

A lawmaker, Mr Stephen Ogundipe, has disputed the former speaker of the Lagos State House of Assembly, Mudashiru Obasa’s, claim to remain as speaker.

The lawmaker said Obasa was removed by the majority of members.

Ogundipe, the former Chairman of the Committee on Information, stated this in Lagos on Saturday.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Obasa faulted his removal by lawmakers on Saturday at his residence in Ikeja.

Insisting he remained the speaker. Obasa stated: “My status in the house? I believe strongly I am still the speaker until the right thing has been done.
“If you want to remove me, remove me the proper way, and I will not contest it.”

In response, Ogundipe said Obasa’s removal followed due process, warning that any attempt by Obasa to cause unrest would be resisted by the majority of members who unanimously elected Mojisola Meranda.

Ogundipe emphasised that over two-thirds of the Lagos Assembly members were united behind the new Speaker.

He noted that it was unparliamentary for Obasa to continue claiming the speakership after being constitutionally removed.

He stated: “The position of the House remains the same, and nothing has changed.

“The position being canvassed by former Speaker, Mudashiru Obasa, is uncalled for and unparliamentary.

“The majority of members elected Obasa as Speaker for the 10th Assembly and we also at the said Plenary took majority decision to remove him and stand by the new speaker. So, nothing has changed.

“All members were elected from their various constituencies across the state and we all have the inalienable rights under the necessary Statutory orders to remove their Principal officers, including the speaker.”

Ogundipe appealed to Obasa to maintain peace and harmony, as his current stance could lead to unrest and not yield positive results.

According to Ogundipe, peace is what we want in Lagos, and peace is what people of Lagos will achieve. (NAN)

BREAKING; Several people burnt alive, 8 vehicles on fire as petrol tanker goes up in flames

Many commuters have been feared dead and eight vehicles burn as fuel laden tanker fell and exploded at Ugwu- Onyeama axis of the Enugu-Onitsha Expressway on Saturday.

The Director, Enugu State Fire Service, Chief Okwudili Ohaa confirmed the incident to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Enugu.

Ohaa, told NAN that gallant fire fighting officers of the service the extinguished the fire which lasted over an hour.

The Chief Fire Officer that the number of casualties in the inferno were uncertain as the Federal Road Safety Commission (FRSC) and other security agencies are trying to evacuate the charred bodies of the victims.

He said that about eight vehicles were burnt and scores of road users, who scampered for safety, must had been injured in the incident.

“The suspected petroleum-ladened tanker fell and exploded into flames at about 11:30a.m. and the gallant fire fighting officers from our 9th Mile Station immediately rushed to the scene; but got overwhelmed.

“I have to immediately send for re-enforcement from the Ogui Road and Government House Fire Stations that supported the 9th Mile team.

“It took the combined efforts of 10 experienced and gallant fire fighters to extinguish the fire before other para-military personnel came to evacuate corpses and rescue those injured to nearby hospitals,” he said.

The chief fire officer thanked members of the public for quickly alerting the state fire service about the incident.

However, eyewitnesses described the tanker blast as devastating as it destroyed nearby vehicles and causing widespread panic.

They said that initial rescue efforts were hindered by the intensity of the fire – intense dark and choking smoke; thus, making it difficult for bystanders to access the scene until the fire fighters put the raging inferno under control.

They also said that some victims and vehicles were burnt beyond recognition. (NAN)