EVENTS

Anglican leader calls for part-time legislature, restructuring of Nigeria

Published

1 year ago

July 7, 2024

Prof Nneoyi Egbe

The Bishop of the Anglican Diocese of Calabar, Prof Nneoyi Egbe, has called on Nigeria to adopt a part-time legislature to save the country from excessive financial wastage and corruption.

He has also stressed that the country should adopt true federalism, especially as the nation considers political restructuring.

He spoke in an exclusive interview with DAILY POST on Saturday.

“I advocate for part-time legislators. I believe that it will add credibility to what they are doing.

“Part-time legislators will still afford them the opportunity to do their private work. And when it is time for sitting, they go for sitting and be paid for such sittings.

“I believe that will help us better than this current system because we have packed all the money to the politicians and left the populace empty.

“For me, a part-time legislative system will do us good; it will reduce and conserve the nation’s funds. This will reduce unnecessary flamboyance.”

Egbe, a lecturer at the University of Calabar for 31 years, said a part-time legislature would enable lawmakers to understand that they are purely into politics for service and to add value to the nation, not frolicking without vision.

He expressed pain that many lawmakers do not sponsor any bills yet draw significant financial rewards.

The clergyman called for a reduction in their payments if they cannot adopt a part-time legislature in Nigeria. “Better still,” he said, “they should all be on the minimum wage and then earn sitting allowances. We would have freed up so much money.”

He reasoned that the hefty sum saved could go into taking care of other areas of the economy, including paying other workers.

“I feel we all should look at the issues of the quality of the legislature objectively. We need to understand that it is not about me or those who are there but about the nation called Nigeria and the future of our children.

“Sometimes, these laws are made without considering the fact that these laws will catch up with us somewhere. We should make laws for the general good of the people, not with particular people or groups in mind.

“They should stop thinking of themselves. Let us divest ourselves of this self-centeredness and be objective about what we want Nigeria to be. That’s my take on it.”

He wondered why the Nigerian government should borrow money to put into people’s pockets.

On restructuring the country, Egbe advocated that states should be allowed to control the resources they produce, so that development in those areas will align with what they are producing.

“The centre can take care of foreign affairs, defense, and other such areas, rather than harassing us about who should take care of primary education, which should be the focus of the states and local governments.

“It is unfair for someone to produce something from one area and for the person who is sharing it to be from another area and then distribute it as they see fit.

“Let a percentage of the resources go to the federal government. The center will not be too attractive. People are killing themselves over too much money at the center.

“I think restructuring will do us good. If we restructure at all levels, it will work for us.”

EVENTS

Police Ban Peter Obi Supporters’ Birthday Rally in Kaduna Over Security Concerns

Published

1 day ago

July 19, 2025

Ekwutos Blog

Fully armed police vehicles at the Obidient birthday rally meeting point in Kaduna.

The Kaduna State Police Command has issued a security advisory, warning against a planned political rally by supporters of former presidential candidate Mr. Peter Obi, scheduled to hold in honour of his birthday.

According to a statement signed by the Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Mansir Hassan, the Command received credible intelligence suggesting that the rally, though intended as a show of support, may be infiltrated by criminal elements aiming to incite violence and disrupt public order.

EVENTS

151 SENIOR POLICE OFFICERS FACE FORCE DISCIPLINARY COMMITTEE OVER DISCIPLINARY MATTERS

Published

2 days ago

July 18, 2025

Ekwutos Blog

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‎PRESS RELEASE
‎151 SENIOR POLICE OFFICERS FACE FORCE DISCIPLINARY COMMITTEE OVER DISCIPLINARY MATTERS
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‎In a decisive step towards reinforcing internal accountability and professional standards, one hundred and fifty-one (151) senior police officers are currently facing the Force Disciplinary Committee (FDC) over various pending disciplinary matters. The exercise commenced today Monday, 14th July till Friday, 25th July 2025, at the IGP Smart Conference Hall, Force Headquarters, Abuja.
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‎The Force Disciplinary Committee is an essential internal structure responsible for reviewing and adjudicating cases of alleged breaches of professional conduct, misconduct, and ethical violations involving senior officers of the rank of Assistant Superintendent of Police and above. The affected officers, drawn from various commands and formations across the country, are expected to undergo a thorough and transparent review process in line with extant police regulations and disciplinary procedures for final recommendation to the Police Service Commission.
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‎The Inspector-General of Police, IGP Kayode Adeolu Egbetokun, Ph.D., NPM, has reaffirmed his administration’s dedication to discipline and ethical conduct within the Force. He emphasized that the Nigeria Police Force will not condone any form of indiscipline or misconduct.
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‎The Nigeria Police Force remains resolute in its commitment to promoting integrity, professionalism, and public trust. The disciplinary process reflects the Force’s keenness to maintaining an accountable and service-driven institution, where standards are upheld and the rule of law is respected from within.
‎
‎ACP
‎FORCE PUBLIC RELATIONS OFFICER,
‎FORCE HEADQUARTERS,
‎ABUJA.
‎
‎16TH JULY, 2025.

EVENTS

Customs FOU ‘A’ Vows Tougher Action Against Illicit Financial Flows …Hands Over ₦31m Seized Foreign Currency to EFCC

Published

2 days ago

July 18, 2025

Ekwutos Blog

The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), Federal Operations Unit, Zone A, has reaffirmed its commitment to curbing illicit financial flows, following the seizure of undeclared foreign currency valued at ₦30.86 million near the Seme border.

The seized funds were formally handed over to the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) on Wednesday, 16 July 2025.

Speaking during the handover, the Unit head, Comptroller Mohammed Shuaibu, explained that the interception occurred on Sunday, 13 July 2025, when officers on routine patrol along the Babapupa bush path flagged down a suspicious Nissan Almera.

According to him, the driver abandoned the vehicle and fled into the nearby bush, evading arrest. “Upon inspection, officers discovered undeclared foreign currency, $20,000 in U.S. dollars and 110,000 in West African CFA francs carefully stashed in the vehicle.”

“The seized currency contravenes Section 3 of the Money Laundering (Prevention and Prohibition) Act 2022, which mandates the declaration of any amount exceeding $10,000 or its equivalent at Nigeria’s borders”, he noted.

Comptroller Shuaibu highlighted the importance of inter-agency collaboration in tackling transnational crimes while reiterating the Unit’s commitment to protecting the Nigerian economy from economic sabotage. “We will remain vigilant and ensure our borders are not used as conduits for criminal activities.”

After receiving the seized currency, the Head of Investigation, Lagos Directorate of the EFCC, Shehu Muhammed-Allah, commended the Service for its professionalism and timely intervention.

“This handover reinforces the synergy between both agencies. It is a strong message to criminals that the law is watching, and there will be consequences”, he warned.

He affirmed that the EFCC will investigate to trace the ownership of the abandoned vehicle and will pursue legal proceedings in accordance with the law.