Anambra Assembly Starts-Up "Agunechemba," As a New Security Outfit

On Thursday, the Anambra State House of Assembly convened in plenary to deliberate on an executive Bill titled “Anambra State Homeland Security Bill.” This Bill, introduced during the session, established a new security agency named “Agunaechemba.” Following its introduction, the Bill was swiftly processed, undergoing first, second, and third readings before being enacted into law. The legislation aimed at creating Agunaechemba and ensuring the maintenance of internal security and order within the State is set to take effect on January 17, 2025. Additionally, it has repealed the Anambra State Vigilante Law of 2015. During a joint press conference with the Chairpersons and members of the House Committee on Media and Publicity and the Committee on Information, Hon. Ejike Okechukwu, Chairman of the Media Committee, described this legislation as one of the most significant laws passed by the Assembly. He noted that the law empowers the Presidents General of communities to submit regular security reports. Key provisions of the law include the necessity for valid identification from guests at hotels throughout the state. Furthermore, it mandates landlords to maintain records of prospective tenants, as revealed by Hon. Okechukwu. The law also addresses issues related to unexplained wealth, as well as practices associated with money rituals, thereby discouraging the pursuit of quick financial gain. “Do not create public disturbances under the guise of religion,” Hon. Okechukwu cautioned. In response, Hon. Ikenna Ofodeme, the Majority Leader, emphasized the community-oriented nature of the law, asserting the House's readiness for its implementation. “We are prepared, and all hands must be on deck,” stated Hon. Ikenna. Hon. Tony Muobuike praised the law as robust and well-structured, highlighting its provisions requiring landlords and hoteliers to properly verify the identities of tenants and guests. In response to inquiries from journalists regarding the protection of human rights, the safety of information providers, and the status of the Anambra Vigilante Group (AVG), as well as the potential for demobilization and disarmament of the AVG, the committee presented a range of suggestions to address these issues. Regarding human rights protection, Hon. Ejike emphasized that the law safeguards Agunechemba operatives while they are performing their duties, while also condemning any form of rights infringement. Concerning the safety of information providers, Hon. Ejike affirmed that these individuals are legally protected. This assertion was further supported by Hon. Patrick Okafor, who referenced the whistle-blower law, thereby reinforcing the notion that informants are shielded by legal provisions. On the topic of managing AVG personnel and the possibility of disarmament, Hon. Okechukwu indicated that the Agunechemba unit is set to eventually succeed the AVG. In response, Hon. Ofodeme remarked that Agunechemba represents a more organized and reformed entity. Approximately three weeks ago, Governor Soludo announced the initiation of “operation udo ga achi” as a measure to combat the ongoing insecurity plaguing the state. The security situation in Anambra continues to be critical, and outcomes from the newly established framework are anticipated in the forthcoming weeks.

JUST IN: Nigerian Police Suspend AIG Lafia Abduyari While Investigation Continues

There are reports suggesting that AIG Abduyari Shuaya’u Lafia has been suspended by the Nigerian Police. As reported by Sahara Reporters, the suspension was officially approved by the police authority, effective January 9, 2025. It has been noted that a wireless communication was sent to all departments, units, and commands, signed by the Force Secretary. The Force Headquarters emphasized the necessity for the officer to strictly comply with the regulations governing the conduct of police officers under suspension, pending the resolution of his case by the Force Disciplinary Committee (FDC). The specific reasons for his suspension were not disclosed in the online news report. In a communication titled “Suspension and Interdiction AP. NO. 41804 AIG Abduyari Shuaya’u Lafia,” the police authorities referenced the decision made by the Police Service Commission (POLSCOM), as conveyed in its letter dated January 9, 2025, in accordance with PSR 100406, 2021, as amended. Additionally, the police authorities instructed the Assistant Inspector General of Police for Budget and Payment to take immediate action to halt his salary. The communication, dated January 10, 2025, with reference number AP:41804/FS/FHQ/ABJ/VOL.IV/3, included the following excerpt: “Suspension and interdiction of AP. NO. 41804 AIG Abduyari Shuaya’u Lafia. The Police Service Commission (POLSCOM), in its letter No. PSC/CHR/IGP/VOL.5/018 dated January 9, 2025, in accordance with PSR 100406, 2021, as amended, has approved the suspension of the aforementioned officer from duty effective January 9, 2025, and has warned the officer to strictly adhere to the rules and regulations governing the conduct of police officers on suspension, pending the determination of his case by the Force Disciplinary Committee (FDC). AIGPOL BUDGET/PAYMECH is instructed to ensure that appropriate measures are taken to stop his salary. This matter is to be treated with utmost importance.” Lafia took office as the AIG overseeing the Force Intelligence Bureau at Force Headquarters, Abuja, in February 2023.

Former Pakistani Prime Minister Khan and his Wife are Sentenced to Prison by a Court.

A Pakistani court on Friday found former Prime Minister Imran Khan and his wife, Bushra Bibi, guilty in a significant corruption case, sentencing Khan to 14 years in prison. Khan has been in custody since August 2023 and faces approximately 200 charges. His political party, Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf, asserts that this latest conviction is an attempt to silence him. Following the verdict, Khan stated to reporters in the courtroom, "I will neither make any deal nor seek any relief." The anti-corruption court convened at the jail near Islamabad, where Khan is detained, and convicted both him and his wife concerning a welfare organization they founded, the Al-Qadir Trust. Judge Nasir Rana declared, "The prosecution has proven its case. Khan is convicted," as he announced a 14-year sentence for Khan and a seven-year sentence for Bibi. Khan contends that the charges are politically motivated, aimed at preventing his return to power. The sentencing has faced multiple delays over the past month, with analysts suggesting that the prison term is being utilized to coerce Khan into negotiating a deal with the military to withdraw from politics. Since his removal from office in 2022, Khan has initiated an unprecedented campaign, openly criticizing the influential military leaders of the country. He has previously received four convictions, two of which were overturned, while the sentences in the other two cases were suspended. Nevertheless, he remains incarcerated due to ongoing legal matters. Last year, a United Nations panel of experts concluded that Khan's detention lacked legal justification and seemed intended to disqualify him from seeking political office. Khan was prohibited from participating in the elections scheduled for February, and his party, Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf, faced significant restrictions due to a widespread crackdown. Despite PTI securing more seats than any other party in the election, a coalition of parties deemed more amenable to military influence excluded them from power.

How Someone in Ogun Poisoned Cows that Were Grazing

Samuel Egbetokun, a 30-year-old individual, has been apprehended by officials from the Ogun State Police Command for allegedly poisoning cattle in the Alabata community within the Odeda Local Government Area of the state. As reported by the command's spokesperson, Omolola Odutola, on Friday, the suspect is accused of mixing cassava with a substance believed to be rat poison and throwing it to the cows while they grazed on Thursday. The cattle owner was unaware of the situation until two out of the three cows that ingested the cassava collapsed and subsequently died. Odutola stated, “The incident was reported on January 16, 2025, when a 54-year-old man, Idris Lawal, from Akingbasa Village, approached the local police station. “His cattle rearer, Boji Sanni, witnessed a man throwing cassava mixed with a substance suspected to be rat poison to his cattle while they were grazing on January 15, 2025. “The rearer noted that before he realized the cassava was contaminated, some cows had already consumed it. As a result, two female cows perished, and a third is currently receiving treatment. The estimated value of the deceased cows is ₦1,500,000.” “The Commissioner of Police has taken a keen interest in this case, particularly due to fears of possible retaliation from herders or cattle owners. He is cautioning others against such actions, asserting that this case will act as a deterrent.”

China's Population Continues to Decline Despite Efforts to Increase Birth Rates.

China announced on Friday that its population has decreased for the third consecutive year in 2024, marking a continuation of a downward trend following over sixty years of growth. This decline is attributed to a rapidly aging demographic and persistently low birth rates. Once the most populous nation globally, China was surpassed by India in 2023. In response to the declining birth rates, the Chinese government is implementing measures such as subsidies and pro-fertility campaigns. According to the National Bureau of Statistics, the population at the end of the year was recorded at 1.408 billion, a decrease from 1.410 billion in 2023. The decline this year was less pronounced than in the previous year, which saw a drop more than double that of 2022, as per the data. China abolished its stringent “one-child policy,” which was introduced in the 1980s due to concerns over overpopulation, in 2016, and permitted couples to have three children starting in 2021. However, these measures have not succeeded in reversing the demographic downturn in a country that has historically depended on its large workforce to fuel economic growth. Experts attribute the declining birth rates to the rising cost of living, alongside an increasing number of women entering the workforce and pursuing higher education. The trend of population decline is expected to persist, influenced by bleak economic prospects for the youth and the ongoing challenges of gender discrimination in the labor market, as noted by Yun Zhou, a sociologist at the University of Michigan, in an interview with AFP. By 2035, it is projected that individuals aged over 60 will constitute nearly one-third of China's population, according to the Economist Intelligence Unit. Recent data revealed that the population aged 60 and above has surpassed 310.31 million, accounting for nearly a quarter of the total population, an increase from approximately 297 million in 2023. Nevertheless, the data also indicated a slight uptick in China's birth rate, which remains among the lowest globally, rising to 6.77 births per 1,000 people from the previous year.

BREAKING: Abure is Upheld by the Appeal Court as the National Chairman of the Labour Party.

A court of appeal convened in Abuja has reaffirmed Barrister Julius Abure as the legitimately elected National Chairman of the Labour Party, Nigeria, on Friday. In its ruling, the appeal court also validated the National Convention of the Labour Party that took place on March 27, 2024, in Anambra State. The Court of Appeal, under the presiding Honourable Justice Hamma Akawu Barka, based its decision on a prior judgment delivered on November 13, 2024, in Appeal Number CA/Abj/CV/1172/2024, involving the Labour Party (Appellant) against Chief Olusola Nehemiah Ebiseni and INEC (Respondents). The Court concluded that the two appeals presented today—(1) Senator Esther Nenadi Usman and others v. Labour Party and others (CA/ABJ/CA/1217/2024) and (2) INEC v. Labour Party (CA/Abj/CV/1232/2024)—could not resolve the leadership issue of the Labour Party, as they arose from an incompetent suit, rendering the trial Court without jurisdiction to adjudicate on the matter, thus constituting a mere academic exercise. Consequently, the Court instructed all parties involved in the appeals and the general public to uphold the judgment of the Court of Appeal delivered on November 13, 2024, which confirmed Barrister Julius Abure as the National Chairman of the Labour Party.

Since Our Policies Are Commendable, we do not Require Sanusi's Endorsement for Validation. - FG

The Federal Government has addressed Emir Sanusi regarding his recent remarks on President Tinubu’s endorsement. The Minister of Information, Mohammed Idris, articulated that the government does not require the Emir’s endorsement for legitimacy, highlighting that the ongoing reforms are already producing substantial outcomes. “The Federal Government acknowledges the recent comments made by His Highness, Emir Muhammadu Sanusi II, concerning the economic reforms initiated under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s leadership during a public event in Lagos. We recognize the Emir’s acknowledgment of the commendable initiatives, which he stated he could rationalize but chose not to support the government. “Firstly, we affirm that Sanusi, like any Nigerian, possesses the fundamental right to voice opinions, whether in praise or criticism of government operations. However, it is somewhat perplexing that a leader, particularly one from an institution that upholds integrity, fairness, and justice, would openly concede to withholding the truth due to personal interests tied to perceived opposition. “It is crucial to emphasize that Nigeria stands at a critical crossroads where courageous and decisive measures are imperative to address deep-rooted economic issues. This administration has undertaken transformative reforms not for their simplicity, but because they are vital for ensuring Nigeria’s long-term stability and growth, a point consistently advocated by Emir Sanusi. “The temporary hardships currently faced as a result of these unavoidable decisions, as acknowledged by Sanusi, are a necessary outcome of years of irresponsible economic governance.” These reforms are already yielding tangible results. The harmonization of exchange rates has enhanced investor confidence, leading to an increase in foreign reserves and fortifying Nigeria’s capacity to protect itself against external economic disturbances. The elimination of the fuel subsidy has released substantial resources, enabling greater investment in vital sectors such as infrastructure, education, and healthcare. Forecasts from reputable organizations, including the World Bank, indicate a positive trend in Nigeria’s GDP, suggesting that our economy is on a solid path to recovery. Furthermore, by tackling inefficiencies, the nation has lowered its debt service-to-revenue ratio, establishing a more sustainable fiscal framework for future generations. It is profoundly disheartening that reforms widely acknowledged as crucial by global experts—including Emir Sanusi II himself—are now being subtly criticized by him due to a shift in allegiance. His Highness, with his economic background, bears a unique responsibility to engage constructively rather than undermine initiatives aimed at collective advancement simply because he feels distanced from his “friends” in government. We call upon the Emir to transcend personal interests and partisan biases, prioritizing the broader welfare of Nigerians. Rebuilding Nigeria necessitates unity, focus, and sacrifice from all stakeholders. As a government, we implore esteemed leaders to avoid rhetoric that erodes public trust. Instead, they have a duty to advocate for the shared objective of a prosperous Nigeria. This is a pivotal moment for our country; what is required is collaboration, not unwarranted distractions. President Bola Ahmed Tinubu's administration is committed to guiding Nigeria towards economic inclusivity, sustainability, and shared prosperity. The obstacles we encounter require bravery and a united approach, rather than divisive rhetoric. This administration welcomes constructive discussions with all sincere stakeholders, while firmly prioritizing the welfare of Nigerians above all considerations. "Let this moment be remembered as a pivotal juncture—when both leaders and citizens decide to place the nation's future above individual interests. Together, we will fulfill the promise of renewed hope and a brighter Nigeria for everyone," the statement asserts.