Google search engine
Home Blog Page 972

Netanyahu Dissolves War Cabinet Amid Political Turmoil

By
Dailygazettenig
-

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has dissolved Israel’s war cabinet following the resignation of centrist leader Benny Gantz earlier this month, a senior Israeli official confirmed to AFP on Monday.

The official, speaking on condition of anonymity, stated that the broader “security cabinet will continue to decide on matters regarding the war” between Israel and Hamas in the Gaza Strip.

Advertorial

Israeli media reports indicate that the dissolution of the war cabinet is unlikely to result in any major policy changes.

The move is seen as an effort to counter pressure from far-right politicians who have been pushing for more influence in decision-making processes.

The war cabinet was initially established after Gantz, along with his party member and former military chief Gadi Eisenkot, joined Netanyahu’s government following Hamas’s unprecedented attack on October 7.

Both Gantz and Eisenkot had stipulated the formation of a war cabinet as a condition for their participation in the government.

With the recent departure of Gantz and Eisenkot from the government, the official explained that “there is no longer a need for the war cabinet,” and that the security cabinet will now meet more frequently.

“The security cabinet is the body responsible for making decisions related to the war anyway,” the official added.

Defence Minister Yoav Gallant, National Security Adviser Tzachi Hanegbi, and Strategic Affairs Minister Ron Dermer, all of whom were part of the war cabinet, also serve on the security cabinet.

This key forum is responsible for ratifying decisions regarding the war, including truce and hostage release negotiations.

Gantz resigned on June 9 after failing to get Netanyahu to approve a post-war plan for Gaza.

The decision to dissolve the war cabinet is reportedly intended to prevent far-right coalition members from being included in this sensitive decision-making forum, as Netanyahu fears this could damage relations with key Western allies, including the United States.

National Security Minister Itamar Ben Gvir and Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich, both members of the security cabinet and opponents of a truce before Hamas is “eliminated,” have been pressuring Netanyahu to add them to the war cabinet.

The conflict, sparked by a Hamas attack on southern Israel, has resulted in significant casualties.

According to an AFP tally based on official Israeli figures, 1,194 people, mostly civilians, were killed in the initial Hamas attack. Israel’s subsequent military campaign in Gaza has led to the deaths of at least 37,347 people, also mostly civilians, according to the health ministry in the Hamas-run territory.

Google search engine

Anambra Catholic Priest Kidnapped

By
Dailygazettenig
-

Reverend Father Christian Ike, the parish priest of Saint Matthew’s Church in Ajalli, Orumba North Local Government Area of Anambra State, has been kidnapped by gunmen.

The abduction occurred on Sunday, June 16, 2024, around 10 a.m.

Advertoria

Father Ike was taken along with another parishioner, Mr. Ogbonnia Aneke.

The Diocese of Ekwulobia confirmed the incident through a letter from Diocesan Chancellor, Rev. Fr. Lawrence Nwankwo, who called for prayers for their safe release.

“Dear Brothers and Sisters, CALL FOR PRAYERS. KIDNAP CASE, REV. FR. CHRISTIAN IKE. Please pray for the release of Rev. Fr. Christian Ike and Mr. Ogbonnia Aneke, who were kidnapped this morning around 9:45 a.m. as they were returning from Mass in an outstation of St. Matthew’s Parish, Ajalli, Orumba North L.G.A,” the statement read.

The Anambra State Police Command has confirmed the abduction and stated that necessary measures have been activated to rescue the victims.

Police spokesman Ikenga Tochukwu said in a statement, “We have received the information of the abduction of Rev. Father Christian Ike and have deployed our intelligence and operational assets for their possible rescue.”

Eyewitness accounts revealed that the priest and two others were returning from St. Michael Catholic Church in Ndiokpaleke after attending morning service when they were ambushed by armed men at Amagu Junction.

The assailants, operating in three vehicles, intercepted the group. While two individuals managed to escape, the gunmen kidnapped Father Ike and took some personal belongings from the vehicle.

“The command has activated its intelligence and operational assets for the possible arrest of the assailants and rescue of the priest unhurt. Further developments will be communicated,” Tochukwu added.

This abduction follows the recent kidnapping of Reverend Father Basil Chukwuemeka at Nkpor Junction in Idemili North Local Government Area, highlighting a concerning trend of attacks on clergymen in the state.

Google search engine

Enugu Govt Distributes Improved Rice Seeds To 1,200 Farmers In Adani

By
Dailygazettenig
-

The Enugu State Government has launched farming activities in the Adani crop processing zone in Uzo-Uwani Local Government Area, urging rice farmers to boost production from the current 60,000 metric tons to 1 million metric tons annually.

Commissioner for Agriculture and Agro-industrialization, Patrick Ubru, announced this initiative during the distribution of improved rice seeds to 1,200 farmers at Adani Farm.

He emphasized the government’s commitment to transforming agriculture in the state.

In their separate speeches, Managing Director of ELLAH LAKES PLC, Paul Ferrer, and Chuka Mordi stated that more farmers would benefit from the free improved rice seeds.

They also mentioned that training for various categories of farmers would commence immediately to equip them with the necessary knowledge for modern rice production.

Some beneficiaries commended the state government for engaging directly with genuine farmers.

They described the support as a significant boost and motivating factor to exceed the government’s targets for rice production.

Google search engine

Enugu Communities Protest Alleged Forceful Seizure Of Ancestral Lands

By
Dailygazettenig
-

Boundary communities in Enugu State, specifically Ugwuakulu, Ugwuto, Nchanawa, and Agbaogwu Umudioha in the Udi and Ezeagu local government areas, have called on the state government to engage them constructively regarding a piece of land earmarked for development.

Advertorial

The residents of these communities, bearing placards with various messages, protested against what they claim are plans by the state government to displace them from their ancestral lands without following due process.

In an interview with Daily Gazette, Usmond Nwabuisi, Chairman of Nchanawa Ogwofia autonomous community, urged the government to engage in dialogue with community leaders to reach a mutually beneficial agreement.

Similarly, Simeon Enwu, Chairman of Ugwuakulu village in Nsude, Udi LGA, represented by Hon. Emmanuel Ozoani, described the government’s actions as unjust and called for a clear statement of the terms of reference.

In contrast, Sam Ogbu-Nwobodo, Managing Director of the Enugu State Investment Authority, asserted in a telephone interview that the land acquisition followed all legal procedures from the administration of former Governor Chimaroke Nnamani to the current Governor, Peter Mbah.

He stated that agreements were duly signed by the communities and the government, emphasizing that the development would bring significant benefits to the area.

The contentious piece of land is located at Okpoto along the Enugu-Onitsha expressway and is designated by the state government for the establishment of a spare parts company.

Daily Gazette Correspondent reports that the communities involved is seeking a more transparent and inclusive process regarding their ancestral lands.

Google search engine

NSCDC Repels Attack On Nasarawa Command

By
Dailygazettenig
-

Operatives of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) in Nasarawa State successfully repelled an attempted attack on their state command headquarters in Lafia by suspected bandits.

In the early hours of Monday, an unspecified number of armed assailants invaded the NSCDC headquarters, firing sporadically to create panic.

Advertorial

State Public Relations Officer of NSCDC, Jerry Victor, confirmed the incident, stating that the attackers tried to breach the facility’s security by attempting to break through the fence and positioning themselves around the building.

“The operatives of the NSCDC swiftly responded by opening fire on the hoodlums, whose mission was to release some high-profile suspected criminals, including informants of kidnappers held in our custody,” said Victor.

Despite the intense gunfire exchange, no casualties were reported, and the situation was quickly brought under control.

Victor noted that calm had been restored following the confrontation.

The NSCDC spokesperson also revealed that the command currently detains five notorious suspects for various crimes.

Among them are two informants connected to the kidnapping and subsequent murder of the 82-year-old father of former state Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, Daniel Umaru Lagi, despite a ransom being paid.

This attack follows a rise in kidnapping incidents in Lafia, the Nasarawa State capital. In response to the escalating insecurity, local authorities have imposed a curfew and restricted the movement of motorcycles and tricycles between 8 PM and 6 AM.

Google search engine

Rivers: Tension As Youths Protest Council Chairmen’s Refusal To Vacate Office

By
Dailygazettenig
-

Tension has gripped several of Rivers State’s 23 local government areas as the tenure of council chairmen is set to expire at midnight on June 17.

The unrest stems from the decision by the local government chairmen, under the Association of Local Governments of Nigeria (ALGON), to remain in office.

Advertorial

They cite the Local Government Amendment Law No 2 of 2024, passed by the Martin Amaewhule-led House of Assembly, which extends their tenure by six months.

Allwell Ihunda, Chairman of Port Harcourt City Local Government Area and State ALGON Chairman, insists that this law permits them to stay in office.

This amendment was enacted by lawmakers loyal to Nyesom Wike, the current Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, to counter Governor Siminalayi Fubara’s alleged failure to conduct local government elections.

Advertorial

Governor Fubara, during an event in Port Harcourt last month, warned the chairmen not to disrupt the state’s peace, emphasizing that their tenures were nearing an end.

Former Speaker Amaewhule also cautioned the governor against appointing caretaker committee members for the councils, stating that lawmakers would oppose such moves.

The outgoing council chairmen, elected during Wike’s tenure as governor, have been at odds with Governor Fubara.

Advertorial

The friction between Wike and his successor has led to the chairmen enacting several laws despite the governor’s opposition.

In response to the chairmen’s refusal to leave office, youths in Degema stormed the council secretariat early Monday, locking the entrance and vowing not to let the chairmen stay past their tenure. Singing war songs and chants in their local dialects, they declared the chairman a failure and demanded his departure.

In Asari-Toru Local Government Area, hundreds of youths occupied the council headquarters in Degema, gathering in front of the secretariat and along the road leading to it.

They pledged to remain until Wednesday when work resumes, daring the chairmen to appear.

Meanwhile, in Port Harcourt City and Obio/Akpor LGAs, a heavy security presence was observed to prevent unrest.

Six police patrol vans, manned by stern security personnel, were stationed in front of the council secretariat. However, movement was not restricted.

Obarilomate Ollor, outgoing chairman of Eleme LGA, issued a warning against attempts to oust him from office, threatening to resist any forceful entry.

Speaking at the Annual General Meeting of the Aleto Clan Association in Port Harcourt, Ollor said he was aware of plans to invade the council and warned potential invaders of severe consequences.

“Some people are ganging up, they want to use force to enter into the local government. Let me tell you, the local government is not a community town hall or students union secretariat. That is a government facility. So stay away from there except the law permits you to go there,” Ollor asserted.

As the situation unfolds, the standoff between the local government chairmen and Governor Fubara’s administration continues to fuel tension and uncertainty in Rivers State.

Google search engine

Finidi George Accuses NFF Of Betrayal

By
Dailygazettenig
-

Daily Gazette had reported how Finidi George stepped down as the head coach of Nigeria’s Super Eagles, citing a lack of transparency from the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) as the key reason for his decision.

The 53-year-old coach tendered his resignation letter to the NFF on Saturday after learning of the Federation’s decision to appoint a foreign technical adviser for the national team.

Advertorial

In a video posted on social media, former Super Eagles media officer Colin Udoh confirmed Finidi’s resignation and shared insights from their conversation.

“Finidi confirmed to me that he resigned from his position,” Udoh said.

According to Udoh, Finidi had a productive meeting with the NFF on Thursday where they discussed the future direction of the team.

“They spoke about the things they need to do going forward and he (Finidi) asked if he will be back. At no point during that meeting did anyone tell him they were going to appoint a foreign technical adviser,” Udoh explained.

Unbeknownst to Finidi, the NFF board had already decided on Wednesday to hire a foreign adviser. Finidi only learned of this decision upon his return to Port Harcourt, when he received a call informing him of the news.

“He had to park his car and read the link to see that it actually was true,” Udoh noted.

After waiting for two days without any communication from the NFF, Finidi felt sidelined and unwanted, prompting him to submit his resignation.

“He waited for two days to see if anyone would contact him but nobody spoke to him. So he felt they didn’t want him anymore and decided to turn in his resignation,” Udoh added.

Google search engine

#EndSARS Protesters Not In Detention – Police Refute Senator Sani’s Claims

By
Dailygazettenig
-

The Nigeria Police Force has denied allegations by Senator Shehu Sani that #EndSARS protesters remain in detention.

Senator Sani made the claims during the Democracy Day celebration on June 12 at the Presidential Villa, Abuja, urging President Bola Tinubu to release the alleged detainees.

Advertorial

In a statement titled “Democracy Day: Police Clarifies, Refutes Senator Sani’s Misleading Claims. No EndSARS Protester Still in Detention,” Force Public Relations Officer ACP Olumuyiwa Adejobi clarified the situation.

Adejobi stated that Sani’s remarks were inaccurate and misleading.

“The Nigeria Police Force categorically denies the recent allegations made by Senator Shehu Sani at the 2024 Democracy Day dinner on June 12, 2024, at the Presidential Villa in Abuja, where the former senator falsely claimed that some young people have been detained since the 2020 #EndSARS protest,” the statement read.

Advertorial

The police emphasized that no individuals are unlawfully detained due to their involvement in the #EndSARS protests.

“All arrested individuals have been processed according to the law, and none remain unlawfully detained,” the statement continued.

It also highlighted that Lagos Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu had pardoned approximately 100 suspects who were arrested during the protests.

The statement reiterated that the issues from the protest have been thoroughly addressed and resolved.

“For emphasis, no one anywhere in Nigeria is under Police detention or being wrongly persecuted for participating in the #EndSARS protest,” the statement noted.

The Nigeria Police urged the public to disregard Senator Sani’s claims, affirming their dedication to justice, the rule of law, and human rights.

“The issues surrounding the protest have been debated, researched, documented, and lessons have been learnt. We have forgiven ourselves and moved on,” the statement concluded.

Google search engine

Sallah: Gunmen Attack Sokoto Village, Leaving 6 Dead, Many Abducted

By
Dailygazettenig
-

In a tragic incident on Sallah day, heavily armed gunmen attacked Tudun Doki village in Gwadabawa Local Government Area of Sokoto State, resulting in the deaths of six people and the abduction of numerous others.

The assailants, suspected to be terrorists, invaded the village around 1:30 am.

Advertorial

Sokoto Police Command Public Relations Officer, Ahmed Rufa’i, confirmed the attack, stating that six bodies had been recovered, but the exact number of abducted individuals is still unknown.

Sokoto is among several northwestern and central Nigerian states plagued by armed gangs who engage in mass kidnappings for ransom, as well as burning and looting homes.

These gangs, operating from extensive forest camps spanning Zamfara, Katsina, Kaduna, and Niger states, have also carried out large-scale abductions of schoolchildren in recent years.

Recent months have seen an escalation in attacks, particularly in Katsina and Zamfara states.

Last month, gangs raided four villages in Katsina’s Sabuwa district, killing 25 people, mostly local vigilantes, in apparent retaliation against military operations targeting their hideouts.

These bandits are primarily driven by financial gain and lack ideological motives.

However, analysts and officials have voiced concerns over their growing connections with jihadist groups involved in a 15-year insurgency in the northeast.

Google search engine

‘Renew Hope Not Hardship’ – Former Rep Member To Tinubu

By
Dailygazettenig
-

Former House of Representatives member Hon. Farah Dagogo has called on President Bola Tinubu’s administration to implement effective economic policies to ease the suffering of Nigerians.

He highlighted the dire living conditions and warned that current indicators suggest further hardship for the populace.

Advertorial

In a Sallah message to Muslim faithful, Dagogo expressed concern over the persistent misery experienced by Nigerians despite the country’s wealth of natural resources.

He noted that the purchasing power of Nigerians has plummeted, with inflation reaching unprecedented levels.

Dagogo stated, “The purchasing power of Nigerians has drastically reduced over the past year. We are witnessing levels of hyperinflation never seen before, not even during the civil war. It’s a grim reality.”

He emphasized the stark contrast in the value of money, comparing ₦40,000 in 2015 to over ₦500,000 in today’s economy. He urged a critical evaluation of the costs of goods and services over this period, pointing out that labor’s demand for a living wage is justified.

“The painful truth is that the value of most people’s earnings in 2024 remains similar to that of 2015, but their purchasing power has significantly diminished,” Dagogo added.

Advertorial

“Anti-people and inhuman economic policies have exacerbated the people’s suffering. The money that could buy over 10 bags of 50kg rice in 2015 now only buys one, yet there has been no real increase in earnings.”

Dagogo called for urgent intervention to reverse these trends and alleviate the widespread suffering.

“This situation cannot continue. The current hardships must be addressed. Unfortunately, all signs point to further difficulties for the citizens,” he concluded.

Google search engine

1...971972973...1,139Page 972 of 1,139

MOST COMMENTED

- Advertisement -
Google search engine

CATEGORY

A digital news platform committed to providing factual, reliable, and balanced reporting of events. Stay Updated, Share !!!
Contact us: dailygazetteltd042@gmail.com

EVEN MORE NEWS

POPULAR CATEGORY

© Copyright Dailygazette Nigeria 2024