JUST IN; IG of Police orders Police Commands to involve PCRC in their operations

The Inspector-General of Police(I-G), Mr Kayode Egbetokun, has ordered States, Area and Divisional Cmmands to involve the members of the Police Community Relations Committee (PCRC) in their routine operations.

The News of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Egbetokun disclosed this at the PCRC’s maiden executive national training, with the theme :`Strengthening The PCRC System For Optimum Service Delivery’’, on Thursday in Abuja.

Represented by the AIG in charge of Zone 7, Mr Ben Igwe, the I-G said the action was necessary in view of the significant role of PCRC in community policing.

He said that the Nigerian police was unwaveringly committed to strengthening the capacity of PCRC operations especially on combating criminal activities in the country.

“All Commissioners of Police, Divisional officers and Area commands have been duly informed to provide security and support to the PCRC in their respective areas of responsibilities,’’ he said.

Egbetokun said that as part of the government’s policing agenda, his office and the Police Service Commission have been making efforts to change the pattern of policing in Nigeria, silently, diligently, and authoritatively.

“The changes will give us the leverage to do more policing for Nigeria and Nigerians as a whole,’’ the I-G said.

He also enjoined the PCRC members to adopt a new approach to community policing, adding that policing was eerybody’s business that requires the involvement of all members of the society including the security agents.

“ As an individual citizen or resident of Nigeria, you have power of arrest , the constitution has granted you authority to do that.

“It is not in everything you call the police, the law gives two or three of you powers to arrest, and before or within 24 hours take you to the nearest police,’’ he said.

The Police boss, therefore, congratulated the National Chairman and other PCRC members for the association’s achievements within the last 4O years of its existence.

Also speaking , the Minister of Police Affairs, Sen. Ibrahim Gaidam, said community policing remained central to the nation’s strategic plan for fostering safe and resilient communities.

Represented by Mrs Bola Aderele, a Director in the ministry,, he said, `Through PCRC , we aim to deepen collaboration between the police and the public, build mutual rust and share a sense of responsibility.”

According to him, technology has become a game changer in modern policing which necessitates the adoption of new approaches to crime control mechanisms.

“To enhance operational efficiency the Federal Government had invested in advanced technological tools such as surveillance systems and crime databases to improve intelligence sharing,’’ Gaidam said.

Earlier, the National Chairman, Alhaji Mogaji Olaniyan, said the conference was to encourage PCRC members towards rendering selfless service to the country especially in the area of security,

“ The training is also designed for stakeholders to use the PCRC platform to suggest ways the community can support the police and achieve a better service delivery to the community,’’ he said.

Olaniyan thanked the I-G, Ministry of Police Affairs and other stakeholders for sustainably promoting the activities of PCRC nationwide. (NAN)

JUST IN; Monarch slumps, dies at public occasion

A district head in the Zazzau emirate council of Kaduna State slumped at an occasion, on Thursday, and later died at the Gambo Sawaba General Hospital, Kofar gayan Zaria.

The Sarkin Yakin Zazzau, Alhaji Rilwan Yahaya Pate, slumped attending an occasion along with the Emir of Zazzau, Mallam Ahmed

Confirming the incident in a statement, Abdullahi Aliyu Kwarbai, the Media and Publicity officer of the Zazzau. said “It is with great sadness that the Zazzau Emirate Council announces the passing of Sarkin Yakin Zazzau Alhaji Rilwanu Yahaya Pate, a Council Member of the Emirate.

“Alhaji Rilwanu Yahaya, who also served as Councillor in charge of Health Related Matters, passed away while attending a program alongside His Highness, the Emir of Zazzau, Malam Ahmed Nuhu Bamalli, CFR, at Hajiya Gambo Sawaba General Hospital, Kofan Gayan, Zaria this morning.” The statement added.

The remains of the late Sarkin Yakin Zazzau, Alhaji Rilwan Yahaya Pate has since been buried at Rimin Dodo later in the evening, Thursday.

In his condolence message, the Emir of Zazzau, Mallam Ahmed Nuhu Bamalli described the death as “the will of Allah” stating that “death is inevitable and can come whenever Allah destined.”

The Emir who consoled the family of the deceased described the late Sarkin Yakin Zazzau as hardworking, dedicated and very religious whose vacuum will not easily be replaced.

He prayed for the soul to have an eternal life rest.

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BREAKING; Lagos Assembly gives update on lawmakers arrested by DSS over impeachment of Obasa

The Lagos State House of Assembly has confirmed that the Department of State Security (DSS) has released the detained lawmakers after hours of interrogation over the speakership crisis.

The Chairman, Ad Hoc Committee on Information, Mr Stephen Ogundipe, confirmed the development to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Lagos on Thursday.

NAN reports that two lawmakers, Lanre Afinni (Lagos Island 2) and Sylvester Ogunkelu, were detained on Thursday morning by DSS officials in the state.

The lawmakers were interrogated over the removal of former Speaker Mudashiru Obasa, who was ousted by a majority of members on Jan. 13 and replaced by Mojisola Meranda.

They were allegedly detained for breaking into a House store where the mace was kept, enabling lawmakers to sit and impeach the former speaker.

In solidarity, Deputy Speaker Mojeed Fatai and other members stormed the DSS office to secure their colleagues’ release.

Confirming the development, Ogundipe told NAN that all detained lawmakers had now regained their freedom.

He said the Assembly reaffirmed that Obasa’s removal was legal and constitutional, following due process.

“Today, members of the Lagos Assembly honoured an invitation from the Lagos DSS Command in Shangisha. We provided insights into the removal of the ex-speaker.

“At the DSS office, we reaffirmed our commitment to upholding constitutional governance following his removal.

“The decision followed the 1999 Constitution and the Powers and Privileges Act, which empower the Assembly to regulate its internal proceedings without interference.

“Sections 92 and 96 outline the process for electing and removing the Speaker, and we adhered to due process.

“It is public knowledge that legislative autonomy allows state assemblies to conduct their business freely within designated chambers,” he said.

Ogundipe insisted that the former speaker’s removal was democratic and met the required legal majority.

He said any challenge to this lawful action undermines the constitutional authority granted to the Assembly.

The Assembly, he emphasised, exercised its constitutional duty in the best interest of Lagos residents.

Ogundipe commended the DSS for its professionalism, especially the Lagos Command Director, for ensuring a smooth engagement.

He said the invitation allowed them to present their account of events in a professional and comfortable environment.

He also reiterated the Assembly’s commitment to legislative duties that serve people of Lagos and ensure effective governance.

Ogundipe urged all stakeholders, including the executive and the public, to respect legislative proceedings and avoid undue interference. (NAN)