News

‘Achaba’ Ban: Bauchi Govt To Procure 500 ‘Keke’, As Residents Lament Hike In T-Fare

Published

5 years ago

May 7, 2020

Following the ban of the activities of commercial motorcyclists otherwise known as ‘Achaba’ in Bauchi State as part of measures to contain the spread of coronavirus, the state governor, Bala Mohammed, said government has concluded plans to procure 500 tricycles (KEKE NAPEPS) for distribution to riders as alternative means of transportation.

Recall that the state government, after banning achaba recently, gave approval to KEKE NAPEPS operators to carry only two passengers in line with the social distancing policy.

Governor Bala, while addressing traditional, religious leaders, and other stakeholders at a stakeholders meeting on COVID-19 held Thursday at command guest house, Bauchi, said the tricycles to be purchased would be distributed to the achaba riders on loan at subsidised rate.

He said the decision was necessary in order to address their scarcity and ease movements of people who do not have vehicles.

He charged the citizens across the state to comply with the order on the partial lockdown imposed by the government and ban on all forms of gatherings so that they can stay safe and healthy.

Contributing, one of the participants at the meeting and an islamic preacher, Malam Yahaya Mai Tauhidi, lamented the hike in the fares charged by KEKE NAPEPS riders as a result of the ban of achaba, as he asked the Governor to do something to avoid it.

He also tasked the government on regular sanitation of the state and evacuation of refuse dumped in different areas of the state capital to avoid transmission of infectious diseases.

Another cleric, Dr Mansur Isa Yelwa, appealed to the Governor to be inspecting the isolation centres periodically to ensure that patients are properly fed and catered for to prevent them from protesting or escaping from the centres, mingling with other people.

(Photo: File)

News

DSS Issues Warning, Arrests Man For Circulating Fake Recruitment Materials

Published

12 hours ago

August 24, 2025

Editor

The Department of State Services (DSS) has disclosed the arrest of one Mr. Eze Ezenwa Benard, who was recently apprehended for circulating fake DSS recruitment past questions and answers on Facebook.

The agency, while warning the public in a statement on Saturday, said the suspect operated through a page known as “Jobs and Education”, where he advertised the fraudulent materials and charged unsuspecting members of the public one thousand naira (N1,000) for access.

“The public is hereby cautioned to disregard any materials, as the DSS does not sell or distribute recruitment questions, answers, or examination guides through private individuals or social media pages. Recruitment into the Service, when necessary, follows specialised procedure in accordance with extant laws and due process,” the statement reads.

News

‘Na Only People You Gave Work Love You,’ Singer Speed Darlington Tells Tinubu

Published

12 hours ago

August 24, 2025

Editor

Singer Speed Darlington has told President Bola Tinubu that public admiration cannot be bought, warning that only those who received appointments or jobs from the government truly support him.

In a video posted on Saturday, August 23, the singer said, “Everything isn’t about the economy! There is more to leadership than the economy. See as everybody dey call your name, dey complain. Nobody loves you. Na only the ones you gave work, na them love you. Even your own tribe dey complain about you.”

Darlington, an Igbo man, urged Tinubu to focus on police reform and respect for human rights. “The Nigerian police is an oppressive agency rooted in human rights violation. As a matter of fact, if they do not violate you, it’s as if they are not even doing their job.

“The idea of arrest before investigation is a pure human rights violation. You arrest and hold a person before you dey investigate. Please, before you leave office, please speak to your Yoruba brother IGP man,” he added.

News

Before You Leave Office, Reform The Police — Speed Darlington Urges Tinubu

Published

12 hours ago

August 24, 2025

Editor

Popular controversial singer Speed Darlington has called on President Bola Tinubu to reform the Nigerian Police Force, urging the government to prioritise citizens’ rights alongside economic growth.

In a video posted on Saturday, the entertainer criticised what he described as the police’s systemic human rights violations and oppressive practices.

“Mr President, before you leave office, whether you secure a second term or not, try your best to improve Nigeria. Everything isn’t about the economy!

“There is more to leadership than the economy. See as everybody dey call your name, dey complain. Nobody loves you. Na only the ones you gave work, na them love you. Even your own tribe dey complain about you,” he said.

The singer, who identifies as Igbo, urged Tinubu to engage with the Inspector-General of Police and implement reforms.

“As an Igbo man, the advice I can give you so people will know your name and remember you for something good is to reform the police. Reform the police.

“The Nigerian police is an oppressive agency rooted in human rights violation. As a matter of fact, if they do not violate you, it’s as if they are not even doing their job.

“The idea of arrest before investigation is a pure human rights violation. You arrest and hold a person before you dey investigate,” he added.

Darlington also recounted his personal ordeal with law enforcement, highlighting the system’s abuse of power.

“I was held for two months after the judge had ordered my release. FID held me for two months. According to my lawyer, the Nigerian law gives only 28 days for investigation.

“They held me for two months. What is the extra month for? Because they can. If you give them money, they oppress your enemy. I have experienced it,” he said.