Nigerian Army intensifies efforts to combate oil theft

The Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lieutenant General Olufemi Oluyede, has directed the troops of the 6 Division of the Nigerian Army to strengthen operations against oil theft to ensure a significant increase in the nation’s oil production. The COAS issued this directive during a working visit to the 6 Division in Port Harcourt on Tuesday. Condemning the current level of crude oil output as inadequate, Lieutenant General Oluyede emphasized that for Nigeria’s economy to thrive, efforts to protect oil production must be ramped up. He called on the troops to work with greater resolve in creating a secure environment for oil exploration and production. He also underscored the importance of maintaining integrity and avoiding any association with criminal elements or activities. The COAS warned that any personnel found colluding with economic saboteurs or engaging in unlawful acts will face severe consequences in line with military and national laws. The COAS also urged the troops to uphold the highest standards of professionalism in their operations and reassured them of his commitment to improving their welfare and providing the necessary resources to enhance their operational effectiveness. General Oluyede reminded the troops that they are pivotal to the success of the government’s efforts to stabilize the economy for the benefit of all Nigerians, and therefore must approach their duties with the utmost dedication and integrity.

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Tinubu preaches love, peace and unity at Christmas

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has called on Nigerians to embrace love, peace and unity as Christians celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ across the country. The President, stated this in his message on the Yuletide on Tuesday. “On this joyous Christmas Day, I extend my heartfelt greetings to Christians across Nigeria and worldwide as we celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ, as narrated in the Holy Scriptures. “Christmas embodies the fulfilment of divine prophecy and symbolises the triumph of love, peace, and unity. It is a poignant reminder that light can emerge even in the darkest times, bringing solace and hope. This belief resonates with people of all faiths. Indeed, God is with us,” the President pointed out. On the recent stampede in Ibadan, Okija and Abuja, the President was saddened by the incident, saying: “Our thoughts are with those who continue to suffer from these heartbreaking incidents. We earnestly pray that such misfortunes do not revisit our families and communities and that the lives of innocents are never again cut short. “I offer my deepest sympathies to the families enduring pain and loss this year, whether from floods, fires, or accidents. May we all find comfort and solace in our faith, the support of loved ones, and the abiding presence of Jesus Christ. Our compassionate and merciful God stands with the weak, the brokenhearted, and the sick. “As we celebrate this blessed season, let us be mindful of those facing difficulties. They are not far from us—our neighbours, family members, and the people we encounter daily, whether in places of worship, markets, offices, or boardrooms. “Kindness transcends financial status. Those with modest means and those with abundance need a smile or a word of encouragement. “We must also honour our brave troops, who risk their lives to safeguard our nation. They deserve our prayers and steadfast support. “Let us extend similar support and prayers to our nation’s leaders. With your backing, we can serve our country diligently and strive for prosperity. “Nigeria is on a promising path of restoration and progress, with every indication pointing toward a bright future. In the spirit of this season, let us renew our hope and belief in a prosperous Nigeria. “For those travelling during this festive period, I wish you safe journeys. Rest assured, the government is taking all necessary steps to ensure our transportation routes are secure and convenient. We also provide free train services and subsidized road transport costs on 144 routes nationwide to ease your travels. “Wishing you all a Merry Christmas and a joyous and prosperous New Year.”

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Man Utd opens Osimhen talks

Manchester United are in contact with the representatives of Napoli striker Victor Osimhen as they eye potential replacements for Marcus Rashford, a report has claimed. Rashford is under fire after publicly admitting his desire for a “new challenge” in the aftermath of new head coach Ruben Amorim’s decision to drop him from the United squad for the Manchester derby. He has since been omitted from a further two matchday squads. Central to the issue surrounding Rashford is the fact he earns well over £300,000 per week – reports suggest anywhere between £315,000 and 365,000 – with United needing to offload that salary before splashing out on a replacement. According to Sky Sports Switzerland, United officials are lining up Osimhen as a potential replacement and are already in contact with the striker’s entourage. Osimhen joined Galatasaray on loan from Napoli during the summer after a late switch to Chelsea fell through, but the Serie A side are believed to have the option to recall him in January if they receive a permanent offer. Napoli will demand a fee of around €75m (£62.2m) to sell Osimhen, who has 18 months remaining on his contract and has already been informed that his time at the club is over. Such a fee is expected to be too high for United without significant sales, which is where Rashford enters the fray. United value the 27-year-old at around £40m and could use that fee towards any deal for Osimhen.

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LPDC rejects Afe Babalola’s petition seeking Farotimi’s disbarment

The Legal Practitioners Disciplinary Committee (LPDC) has rejected petition seeking the disbarment of Dele Farotimi, a human rights lawyer, by Emmanuel Chambers, Afe Babalola’s law firm. While rejecting the petition, the LPDC in its report which became public knowledge on Tuesday, determined that the alleged offences occurred in Farotimi’s capacity as an author, not during his practice as a legal professional. The committee then concluded that it lacked jurisdiction to address complaints about publications and advised aggrieved parties to seek redress in regular courts. READ ALSO: UPDATED: Dele Farotimi Released From Ekiti Prison “The publication is an intellectual property and not a conduct or action committed while practising as a Legal Practitioner. All aggrieved parties who find the publication ‘defamatory’ should ventilate their grievances through the regular courts,” LPDC’s report stated. Emmanuel Chambers had alleged in its 90-page petition that was sent to the LPDC on December 6, that Farotimi, in his book titled Nigeria and Its Criminal Justice System, made defamatory statements against the Supreme Court and the legal profession. The Chambers’ petition also accused Farotimi of distorting case facts, disrespecting fellow lawyers, and engaging in actions that obstructed justice for personal gain. READ ALSO: Afe Babalola’s Relative Vows Anyone Who Protests Farotimi’s Arrest in Ekiti ‘Will Suffer’ The petition claimed that the human rights lawyer’s book violated several sections of the Rules of Professional Conduct for Legal Practitioners 2023 and requested that his name be struck off the Roll of Legal Practitioners. The LPDC is responsible for investigating and addressing cases of misconduct among legal professionals in Nigeria. The committee’s decision to reject the petition coincides with Farotimi’s release by the Ekiti State Police Command after spending three weeks in their custody. Farotimi’s arrest on December 3 was inspired by a petition the same Babalola had written to the police, claiming he had been defamed by the lawyer in his book.

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Kidnappers demand N30m each as ransom for travellers

A suspected ring of kidnappers have demanded the sum of N30 million each for travellers captured on Sunday. The bus, according to media reports, was ambushed by the gunmen at Emure Ile, near the borders of Ekiti and Ondo States. The bus was returning from Onitsha when the assailants took all passengers, including the driver, Sunday Emmanuel, into captivity. Meanwhile, a member of the Road Transport Employers Association of Nigeria (RTEAN) at the Ado-Ekiti Motor Terminal who pleaded anonimity hinted that the kidnappers have demanded N30 million each as ransom for the abductee. The situation highlights ongoing safety concerns for travellers in the region, emphasizing the need for enhanced security measures to protect individuals on the road.

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Dele Farotimi regains freedom 21 days after arrest

Dele Farotimi, a human rights advocate, has been released from the correctional centre in Ekiti State after meeting his bail conditions. Farotimi was released on Tuesday morning. A Presidential Candidate of the African Pro….Omoyele Sowore revealed the development in a post on his X handle. “I’m pleased to report that Dele Farotimi is no longer being held at the prison yards in Ekiti State and is now returning home to Lagos. “The stfruggle continues! “Happy holidays to you all,” Sowore wrote. Recall that a Magistrate’s Court in Ado-Ekiti granted N30 million bail to Farotimi last Friday. Farotimi, had since December 4, been remanded in prison over alleged defamation of Afe Babalola, a Senior Advocate of Nigeria and founder of Afe Babalola University Ado Ekiti (ABUAD). He was arrested in Lagos on Dec 3, 2024 by police officers deployed from the Ekiti State police command and taken to Ado Ekiti the same day.

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NAFDAC seizes unregistered food products worth N3.8bn

The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control’s Investigation & Enforcement Directorate raided a warehouse at Apongbon Oke Arin Market, following a tip-off about the sale of unregistered food products. Various unregistered items valued at N3,818,802,720 were seized during the operation, and the facility has been placed on hold pending further investigation. The warehouse management, according to statement on NAFDAC’s X handle, has been summoned for questioning, and appropriate sanctions will follow after investigations.

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Tinubu celebrates Faleke on his 65th birthday

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has congratulated Hon. James Abiodun Faleke, who marks his 65th birthday on December 25, 2024. Faleke has been the representative for the Ikeja Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives since 2011. President Tinubu acknowledged Faleke’s invaluable contributions and unwavering loyalty over the past two decades, emphasising his steadfast support during pivotal moments. Reflecting on Faleke’s exemplary service as the chairman of the Ojodu Local Council Development Area (LCDA) from 2003 to 2011, President Tinubu further commends his pivotal leadership in orchestrating the successful 2022- 2023 presidential campaign, which paved the way for the Renewed Hope administration. President Tinubu praised Faleke for his instrumental role as the campaign’s lead strategist and for tirelessly working to ensure his and his party’s triumph. Tinubu lauds Hon. Faleke, a senior Federal House of Representatives member, for his incisive contributions to the national discourse. He particularly appreciates his strong advocacy for true federalism, prudent financial management, anti-corruption measures, transparency in public procurement, and youth empowerment. The President said that Hon. Faleke’s extensive experience in the National Assembly and various leadership roles continues to benefit the people of Lagos and Nigeria as a whole. President Tinubu prayed that God Almighty grants Hon. Faleke good health and gives him more opportunities to serve the nation diligently.

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