DSS Storms Ondo PDP Headquarters

On Monday, operatives of the Department of State Services (DSS) and members of the Nigeria Police Force (NPF) made a conspicuous appearance at the Secretariat of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Ondo State. These security personnel were seen positioning their vehicles in the vicinity of the opposition party’s headquarters. Kennedy Peretei, the spokesperson for the Ondo PDP, officially confirmed the presence of the security operatives. He disclosed that their primary objective appeared to be the prevention of a planned peaceful protest scheduled by the party’s youth wing. Peretei further clarified that the protest aimed to address the ongoing absence of Governor Oluwarotimi Akeredolu from the State since April 2023, with the intent of seeking information about his whereabouts.  Notably, this heightened security presence hindered the entry of staff into the PDP secretariat. The All Progressives Congress (APC) sounded an alarm on Sunday, alleging potential machinations by the PDP and certain APC figures to instigate unrest within the state.  The APC statement emphasized that Governor Akeredolu would soon return to the State, asserting that he has continued to carry out his official duties even while away.

Tinubu Orders Security Agencies To Rescue Abducted Gusau Varsity Students

President Bola Tinubu has taken decisive action, instructing security agencies to undertake the immediate rescue operation of the abducted female students from the Federal University Gusau, who were forcibly taken by terrorists last Thursday. In a statement released by his media aide, Mr. Ajuri Ngelale, President Tinubu strongly condemned this abhorrent act of abduction. He expressed his deep concern that there could be no moral justification for such a heinous crime committed against innocent victims whose only ‘offense’ was their pursuit of a quality education. The President has reassured the families of the abducted students that no effort will be spared in ensuring their safe return. Tinubu has made a firm commitment that the Federal Government will uphold the sanctity of educational institutions, preserving them as bastions of knowledge, growth, and opportunity, and free from the menacing threats of terrorists. The horrifying incident unfolded when bandits attacked three female students’ hostels in Sabon Gida, an area where students live outside the main campus of the university, during the midnight hours last Thursday, leading to the abduction of an unknown number of students. Although many female students were kidnapped, some managed to escape.

Nigerian military denies receiving coup request, expresses commitment to democracy

In response to a misleading and concerning report, the Defence Headquarters has vehemently denied that the Armed Forces of Nigeria (AFN) received any solicitation to facilitate a change of leadership within the nation. The Director of Defence Information, Brigadier-General Tukur Gusau, said this in a statement issued on Sunday in Abuja to clarify the situation. Gusau emphasized that at no point did the armed forces receive or issue any communication indicating support for a leadership alteration to any individual or group. He condemned the unfounded claims, attributing them to those with ulterior motives who harbour ill-will towards the nation. He asserted, “This statement appears to have originated from individuals who are not aligned with the nation’s well-being and progress. It is an unfortunate product of the imagination of a small faction that is dissatisfied with the advancements and prosperity of our beloved country.” The Defence Headquarters also sought to reaffirm the military’s staunch alignment with democratic principles and unwavering loyalty to President Bola Tinubu, who holds the position of President, Commander-In-Chief of the Armed Forces of the Federal Republic of Nigeria. The military’s steadfast commitment to upholding the constitution of the nation was also underscored by Brigadier-General Gusau. “We wish to underscore that the military is fully comfortable within the democratic framework and stands firm in its dedication to safeguarding the constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria. Any suggestions to the contrary are baseless and misleading.” The statement further extended a stern caution to those disseminating false information. “We call upon those circulating such fabrications to cease immediately or be prepared to face legal consequences. Both the Military and other security agencies are actively monitoring such negative agents. Our collective responsibility is to bolster our democracy and foster unity,” he said. Gusau further urged the nation to collaborate in protecting the democratic values and progress that Nigeria has strived to achieve. The Defence Headquarters’ statement reflects the military’s firm commitment to democratic governance and its unwavering dedication to upholding the country’s constitutional integrity.

Kogi Guber: Court orders security agencies to protect SDP’s Ajaka 

Justice Inyang Ekwo of a Federal High Court in Abuja on Thursday ordered security agencies in the country to provide maximum security to the candidate of the Social Democratic Party (SDP), in the November governorship election in Kogi State, Murtala Ajaka. The order is following an ex-parte application made before the court by the governorship flagbearer, dated July 11, seeking a restraining order against the security agencies from arresting, inviting, detaining, or threatening the applicant’s life and property pending the hearing and determination of the substantive suit.  By the order, the security agencies which include the Chief of Defence Staff, Army, Navy, DSS and Police are to guarantee the safety of the SDP candidate, pending the hearing of a suit filed before the court. Defendants in the suit marked FHC/ABJ/CS/952/2023, are the Governor of Kogi State, Yahaya Bello, the Inspector General (IG) of Police, the Commissioner of Police (Kogi State), DSS, the Director General of DSS, Director DSS (Kogi State), Commandant General of the Nigerian Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), Chief of Defence Staff, Chief of Army Staff and Chief of Naval Staff as 1st to 11th respondents, respectively. The court held that Ajaka’s request through his counsel, Mr. Sunday Aruwa, SAN, was meritorious and accordingly granted it as prayed. “An Order is hereby made restraining the respondents, their agents, servants and anybody acting through or under them from arresting, inviting, detaining or threatening the applicant’s life and property pending the hearing and determination of the substantive suit.  “An Order is hereby made compelling the 2nd – 11th respondents to immediately provide maximum security to the applicant in Abuja FCT, Kogi State, and elsewhere in Nigeria pending the hearing and determination of the substantive suit”, the judge ruled. Before adjourning to July 21 for a hearing, the court ordered the applicant to serve the respondents with all the processes in this suit together with the Order of the Court.  Before the court’s order on Thursday, Ajaka had earlier petitioned Governor Yahaya Bello to the IGP, Mr Olukayode Egbetokun over an alleged threat to his life, as well as that of members of his family.