BREAKING; EFCC promotes 900 officers, reinstates Insurance, pledges robust welfare

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has given the green light to the promotion of approximately 900 officers.

The commission also reinstated life and property insurance for its operatives.

EFCC Chairman, Ola Olukoyede, revealed this at the commission’s 2024 Rewards and Recognition ceremony in Abuja on Saturday.

Olukoyede stated that the commission, under his leadership, is working tirelessly to improve the welfare of its personnel.

He revealed that some staff members had been awaiting promotion for six or seven years.

Similarly, according to him, the commission is taking steps to address the long-standing issue of insurance, which has been absent for 20 years.

“We have approved the promotion of about 900 staff, some of whom have been awaiting promotion for about six or seven years.

“We are also taking steps to solve the issues of insurance. For 20 years, we have not had any life and property insurance.

“I believe that in another one or two months, we should be done with our life insurance and also the property insurance,” he said.

According to Olukoyede, the commission has recently taken delivery of 84 apartment units in the Lekki area of Lagos State.

He said the apartments would be distributed and sold to staff members at cost, without any interest charged on the purchase price.

Oloyede further confirmed that he was working on a package to adjust the cost of living for officers, adding that this would be unveiled soon.

“You are aware that we have just taken delivery of about 84 units of apartment in Lekki area in Lagos.

“They are going to be distributed and sold to staff at cost without charging one dime interest on the purchase cost of purchase value,” he explained.

The EFCC chairman emphasised that the commission would do everything possible to ensure the welfare of its personnel was well taken care of, within the limits of its resources.

“We are going to do everything possible to ensure that our welfare is well taken care of within the limits of our resources.

“Even if we have to stretch ourselves, I think we deserve it by virtue of the risk we take in this job,” he said.

He also stressed the importance of integrity, stating that it is the best preservation and assurance.

“Indeed, this recognition coming at a time like this when some bad eggs in our fold are trying to bring back the hand of the clock against our cherished values is a morale booster.

“It shows that hard work pays and integrity has good rewards. For those taking shortcuts to help themselves, I equally charge you to retrace yourself to accountable conduct.

“The internal cleansing going on in the commission will spare no one.

“I will continue to stress the need for us to do the right thing. Integrity is the best preservation and assurance.

“Anything short of it is a disaster waiting to happen. Excellence is not about doing things right once in a while. It is about doing things right at all times.

“You need to continue to offer your best as the reward for hard work is no work.

“Government expects us to do more. Nigerians expect us to do more. And we cannot afford to fail,” he said.

During the ceremony, Alvan Gurumnaan was awarded an SUV car for emerging as the best staff member in 2024, while 35 others received cash awards for their outstanding performance.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the Sokoto Zonal Directorate was also recognised as the Best Directorate in 2024. (NAN)

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)