The Nigerian Navy Ship, NNS Beecroft, on Thursday, handed over 45 bags of substance suspected to be Indian Hemp weighing 1,575 kg to the Nigerian Drug Law Enforcement Agency, NDLEA.

The Commander of the ship, Paul Nimyel during the hand over at Apapa, said the items were seized near Ilesha Beach.

Nimyel was represented by the base Executive Officer, Capt. Idongesit Udoessien.

The commander said the feat was part of the Nigerian Navy’s efforts at making significant strides in curbing illicit drug trafficking and enhancing security of the maritime space.

“On July 4, the base quick response team, acting on credible intelligence, intercepted two wooden boats suspected to be transporting illegal substances around Takwa Bay and Ilesha Beach Axis.

“This operation resulted in the seizure of 45 bags of substance suspected to be cannabis sativa; however, the suspects fled upon sighting our patrol team.”

The Commander said the successful interception was part of the broader series of sustained efforts by the Nigerian Navy under the leadership of Vice Adm. Emmanuel Ogalla.

“The Nigerian Navy remains actively engaged in supporting internal security operations and collaborating with sister agencies to protect lives and property in Nigeria’s maritime domain.

“As part of ongoing operations in Lagos and beyond, the Nigerian Navy continues to intensify surveillance, patrols and intelligence-driven missions and denies criminals the freedom to operate within our waterways,” he said.

Apex Igbo socio-cultural organization, Ohanaeze Ndigbo, has expressed sadness over the death of former President Muhammadu Buhari, saying that his demise should be a great lesson to those in power.

Ohanaeze also extended its condolences to the Northern leadership, the immediate family of the late former President, and to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu on this solemn occasion.

According to the Pan-Igbo body, as we navigate the complexities of life and death, the Igbo people should adhere to the customary norms and traditions that compel us to show respect for the deceased, irrespective of the legacies they may have left behind.

In a statement issued on Monday by the factional Deputy President-General, Mazi Okechukwu Isiguzoro, and National Spokesperson, Thompson Ohia, Ohanaeze stated that the late former President Buhari was a disciplined soldier and a leader held in reverence by many in the Northern region.

The organization, however, noted that in the heart of the Southeast, the memories of his administration from 2015 to 2023 are laced with anguish and discontent.

Part of the statement read:

“While we extend our forgiveness, it must be unequivocally stated that the wounds inflicted upon the Igbo people during his tenure have left an indelible mark that is challenging to erase from our collective memory.

The systematic victimization experienced by the Igbo populace, often exacerbated by the misuse of state apparatus under Buhari’s leadership, cannot be overlooked. Questions linger in the minds of many: Why did the Federal Government remain silent in the face of the horrors perpetrated by Fulani herdsmen and militias against innocent Igbo communities?

Statements made by Buhari, such as “a dot in the circle” or “teaching Igbos the language they will understand,” further contributed to a climate of distrust and alienation. These words, regrettably, cannot be expunged from our recollections.

Furthermore, the shocking contrast between the treatment of confirmed Boko Haram terrorists and hardened Northern bandits, who were released and reintegrated into society against the continued incarceration of peaceful Biafra agitators underscores a grievous injustice within our national narrative.

The ongoing insecurity plaguing the Southeast, attributed directly to the violence encouraged during Buhari’s administration, painted a grim picture of his legacy. It is a painful reminder of the genocide and ethnic cleansing that occurred within our communities during his time in office.

We cannot forget that Nnamdi Kanu, a figure of immense significance to the Igbo people, was arrested not once, but twice, under Buhari’s regime, and remains unjustly detained to this day. Such actions reflect a broader pattern of oppression that has persisted and will not be easily forgotten.

In articulating these poignant truths, we must confront the stark reality: Nigeria’s socio-economic and security landscape deteriorated significantly during Buhari’s administration. The economy faltered, security measures proved ineffective, and critical infrastructure and healthcare systems collapsed under the weight of negligence. It is disheartening to recognize that certain factions within Buhari’s administration appeared to advance a “Fulaniization agenda,” one that prioritized tribal loyalty over merit and corruption over integrity.

The passing of General Buhari must serve as a moment for reflection and introspection for those in positions of power. His legacy, as perceived by many Nigerians, is largely regarded as subpar; this realization should resonate profoundly with leaders across all levels of governance from the presidency to the most junior councilor. It is imperative for Nigerian politicians to grasp that power is ephemeral, and the legacies they leave behind will ultimately be judged by history and the people they serve.”

Sunday Dare, Special Adviser on Media and Publicity Communication to President Bola Tinubu, has claimed that there are people that will never forget President Tinubu for floating the Naira and removing fuel subsidy.

Speaking on Saturday during an interview on the Mic On podcast, Dare was asked what part of the bear Tinubu has poked.

He replied: “Look at the reforms that are ongoing. Take the oil sector. Some of these things are off the radar.

“You know how many people benefit from the subsidy value chain? Nigerians from all parts of the country.

“I don’t want to characterize them as oil mafia. But we know there are people who tried to stop the oil subsidy removal.

“Let’s take the floating of the Naira. Billionaires were created within months under the previous government. The arbitrage was massive.

“Tinubu had the choice to let it go. To let the party go on. In any case, everyone would have benefited from it. But he put a stop to it.

“In that chain, there are people today who will never forgive Tinubu for floating the naira and removing the subsidy from forex.”