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PAP: Clark Charges IPF To Protect, Defend Otuaro

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National leader of the Pan Niger Delta Development Forum (PANDEF), Chieft Edwin Clark has tasked Ijaw media practitioners under the auspices of Ijaw Publishers’ Forum (IPF) to protect and defend Dr. Dennis Otuaro, the Presidential Amnesty Programme, administrator, in order for him to haven a successful implementation of his initiatives.

The Ijaw national leader and elder statesman urged the IPF to safeguard Dr. Otuaro from distractions and enemies of the region, who may seek to hinder his progress.

The Niger Delta foremost leader gave the charge when a delegation of the Ijaw Publishers’ Forum visited him in his Abuja residence to discuss burning issues in the Ijaw nation and Niger Delta region.

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Clark emphasised the importance of Dr. Otuaro’s good initiatives in advancing the Presidential Amnesty Programme, which he said has brought hope and transformation to the lives of many beneficiaries in the region.

The elder statesman also gave reason why he opposed the appointment of non-Ijaw as the coordinator of the amnesty programme.

He stated emphatically that 95% of the beneficiaries of the amnesty programme are from Ijaw extraction and being the fact that Ijaws were the reason for the establishment of the programme, he would not allow non- indigene to be appointed as a coordinator of the presidential amnesty programme.

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Clark reiterated that this was the only time Nigerian government had gotten it right by appointing a core member of the struggle from the Delta State to oversaw the presidential amnesty programme since inception of the programme.

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He further commended president Bola Ahmed Tinubu for doing what is noble by appointing Dr Otuaro as the PAP administrator, urging him to ignore all blackmails and mischief against Dr Otuaro, describing such blackmailers as not patriotic sons of Niger Delta.

The statement reads, “IPF as Ijaw editors-in-Chief and Publishers, you have a mandate to protect, defend and watch over Dr Otuaro against all detractors and mischievous attacks. Be close to him and support his good polices and programmes to enable him discharge his duty unhindered”

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Following this mandate, the IPF has reaffirmed its commitment to the protection and support for Dr. Otuaro, who is dedicated to improving the lives of the beneficiaries of the amnesty programme and advancing the Niger Delta region.

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Trucks, Passengers Stranded On Auchi-Benin Highway For Days

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Hundreds of articulated vehicles have been left stranded on the busy Auchi-Benin highway for over four days owing to the deplorable state of the highway.

The long queue of the stranded vehicles spanned over 10 kilometres from Aviele to Iyamoh axis of the highway.

The Aviele section of the road, like several other parts of the over 140km highway, has collapsed.

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Some of the drivers, particularly those conveying perishable goods from the Northern part of the country to South, lament their loss.

READ ALSO: Customs Parades N13.9bn Arms Impounded In Rivers

A driver, Mallam Isa Adamu said he has spent four days on the road and had to dispose off his perishable goods cheaply in order not to incur complete loss.

Another driver, Murtala Isiaku said several of his livestock have died owing to long stay without food and water.

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According to him, “I tried getting some edible grass for them here to survive, of course, it’s like several persons pursuing fewer materials.

“I am not the only driver carrying goats and other animals, we all have to struggle for the little available to take care of our animals.

“While some have sold off their goods cheaply, I have also seen some discharging their cows here to enter into the bush with the help of herdsmen they hired here.”

READ ALSO: Two Die As Police Engage Kidnappers In A’Ibom Gun Duel

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Meanwhile, a motorist with a popular transport line in Auchi who identified himself as Lucky, said the blockage has necessitated them to take a longer route to Benin from Auchi.

“For days now, we have not been able to go to Benin through Ekpoma because of the blockage.

“Several protests have been made to get government’s attention to fix this road, yet, things seem to be going from bad to worse.

“This bad Aviele section is only an addition to several other bad portions of the highway from Auchi to Benin.

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“We are in for a terrible time this season as the rain is yet to set in fully,” he stated.

It will be recalled that on Monday, the Minister of Works, Dave Umahi terminated the contract of the three contractors handling the project from Benin to Obajana in Kogi state for poor performance.

 

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Bandits Terrorizing Benue Gunned Down In Shootout With Police

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Two members of the bandits terrorising the Sankera axis of Benue North East District have been killed in a shootout with the Police at Tse Uza, Mbatyula Council Ward, Katsina-Ala Local Government Area, LGA, of the state.

The gang members were killed following the invasion of their camp by police operatives who received credible intelligence on their hideout.

The Public Relations Officer of the Command, Superintendent, SP, Catherine Anene in a statement Monday in Makurdi said various arms and ammunition, camouflage uniforms, motorbikes, communication gadgets and other items were recovered from the bandits.

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The statement read, “Benue state Police Command has continuously intensified efforts to clampdown on bandits in Sankera axis of the state in the last three months.

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“Several operations carried out led to the arrest of suspects that have been charged to court while others were neutralized in the course of exchange of fire. Arms and ammunition have been recovered and many camps dislodged.

“As part of follow up operations, the Operation Zenda JTF invaded a criminal hideout at Tse Uza, Mbatyula Council Ward, Katsina-Ala LGA June 30, 2024. And upon arrival at the camp, bandits engaged the Police in a gun duel to resist invasion into their camp but were overpowered by the superior fire power of the Police team.

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“Two of the bandits received gunshot injuries, they have been confirmed dead by a Doctor and their corpses deposited at the General Hospital Ukum, while other suspects escaped.

READ ALSO: Two Suspects Excrete 150 Wraps Of Cocaine At Lagos Airport

“Exhibits recovered from the camps includes, two Pistols loaded with ammunition, three locally made short guns, 13 motorcycles, camouflage uniforms, six walkie-talkies, one Toyota Corolla and one tricycle.

“The Commissioner of Police, Benue state Command, Hassan Yabanet who commended the bravery exhibited by these officers, has also enjoined the people of Sankera to avail useful information to the Police about the suspects at large who may be seen with gunshot injuries. He also reiterated his commitment to fight crimes in the state.”

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KEDCO Throws Dangote Varsity Into Darkness Over N248m Debt

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The Kano Electricity Distribution Company (KEDCO) has disconnected the power supply to Aliko Dangote University, Wudil, over an outstanding debt of N248 million.

The Managing Director of KEDCO, Alhaji Abubakar Yusuf, told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in a telephone interview on Monday that the company had no choice but to take action.

He said that the institution only made payment of N20 million out of the outstanding N248 million.

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Yusuf vowed that the power supply would only be restored if the management made “appreciable payment’.

He further explained that KEDCO was spending heavily to purchase power from the Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN), hence the need to redouble efforts toward revenue generation.

“I urge all institutions, including federal and state entities, as well as agencies, to settle their outstanding debts.

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“We have measures in place to ensure collection of monies owed us,” Yusuf said. (NAN)

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