President Bola Tinubu has expressed deep sorrow over the death of retired Supreme Court Justice Uthman Argungu, describing his passing as a profound personal and national loss. Justice Argungu, who died at the age of 90, was laid to rest on Sunday in his hometown of Argungu, KebbiState, following Islamic rites.
A respected legal luminary and cherished associate of the President, Justice Argungu leaves behind a legacy of unwavering dedication to the service of his nation.
In a heartfelt tribute, President Tinubu remembered the late elder statesman as a distinguished jurist whose contributions to the judiciary and the legal profession remain invaluable.
“Justice Argungu lived a life devoted to humanity and the service of his country with unmatched integrity and commitment,” Tinubu remarked.
A Sunday statement issued by BayoOnanuga, Special Adviser to the President on Information & Strategy, detailed Justice Argungu’s illustrious career, beginning with his early years as a teacher in the old Sokoto Province.
“This was followed by an illustrious legal career that began with his call to the bar in 1965 and culminated in his elevation to the Supreme Court bench in 1993,” Onanuga quoted the President as saying.
Justice Argungu’s influence reached beyond Nigeria, with notable service as a visiting justice of the Supreme Court of the Gambia.In honour of his enduring contributions, Tinubu offered prayers for the repose of his soul and extended heartfelt condolences to his family, the government, and the people of Kebbi State.
“This is indeed a moment of grief, but we take solace in the remarkable life and legacy he left behind,” Tinubu added
Yuletide: NSCDC deploys 1,600 personnel
The Taraba State Command of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), has deployed 1,600 personnel across the state to ensure a peaceful Yuletide.
This was disclosed by the State Commandant, Anthony Bala Bitrus, who announced that all tactical units of the Corps have been mobilized to safeguard lives and property during the festive season.
The Command’s spokesman, IliyaSamaila, shared the details in a press statement issued out to journalists in the state.
The commandant revealed that the units, which he listed to include the Rapid Response Squad, Special Female Squad, Anti-Kidnapping Squad, and Operation Safe Jalingo, have been activated to address potential threats to peace and security before, during and after the celebrations.
He emphasized the importance of professionalism among deployed personnel, warning that acts of indiscipline would not be tolerated.
Congratulating the the Christian faithful in the state on the occasion of Christmas, he urged them to embrace the spirit of love and neighborliness, which embodies the essence of the celebration. He also advised residents to celebrate moderately and remain vigilant, calling on citizens spread across the state to report any suspicious activities or individuals to the nearest security agency, stressing that collective efforts were vital to initiating peace and security throughout the state.
Ex-Akwa Ibom military governor, General Godwin Abbe, is dead
General Godwin Osagie Abbe, a former Military Governor of AkwaIbom State and former Minister of Defence and Internal Affairs, has passed away.
Abbe died on Saturday night in Abuja, less than three weeks before his 75th birthday, after a prolonged illness.
As Military Governor of Akwa Ibom State from 1988 to 1990, Abbe’s tenure was marked by his commitment to governance and development.
His illustrious career in the Nigerian Army included key milestones such as his promotion to Second Lieutenant in 1967, Lieutenant in 1969, and appointments as Battalion Commander, Instructor at the Nigerian Defence Academy, and Staff Officer Grade I.
Edo State Governor, Monday Okpebholo, extended condolences to Abbe’s family, the people of Edo State, and the nation at large.
In a statement issued on Sunday by his Chief Press Secretary, Fred Itua, the governor described Abbe as “a shining star whose light has been extinguished.”
“General Godwin Osagie Abbe was a beacon of inspiration. His service to our nation and his legacy will continue to inspire generations. May his soul rest in peace, and may his contributions guide Edo State and Nigeria towards greatness,” the governor stated.
Imo govt unveils Elderly support Initiative
By Nneka Nwogu
As part of the efforts to mitigate the socio-economic challenges faced by elderly citizens, the Imo state government has launched the second edition of Renewed Hope Initiative Elderly Support Scheme (RHIESS).
The event, which took place at the Imo State Government House, brought together, stakeholders from various sectors, including government officials, community leaders and representatives of civil society organizations.
In her remarks, Imo First Lady, Her Excellency, Barr. (Mrs.) Chioma Uzodimma, who represented the First Lady of Nigeria, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, emphasized the importance of prioritizing the welfare of elderly citizens.
She said: “The Imo state government is committed to ensuring that our elderly citizens live dignified lives, free from poverty and neglect.”
As part of the initiative, 250 beneficiaries received ₦200,000 grants each, while 100 widows from all 27 Local Government Areas received a ₦100,000 support grant.
The event also featured the provision of free medical checkups and assistance to the elderly citizens.
This initiative is part of the state government’s broader efforts to promote social welfare and reduce poverty among vulnerable populations.
On-going Imo urban roads rehabilitation timely, good-intentioned exercise
— Ikeduru LG Chairman, Justice Nze
The executive chairman of Ikeduru local government area of Imo state, Hon Justice Nze has expressed immense happiness over the ongoing massive rehabilitation of urban roads in the three senatorial districts of the state.
Justice Nze who spoke to newsmen in Owerri, Imo state capital observed that the exercise, on completion, would greatly ease off traffic jam and ensure smooth movement of vehicles on the ever-busy urban roads.
Nze pointed out that the rehabilitation exercise has so far, enhanced the aesthetic status of Owerri , Okigwe and Orlu township environment.
According to the number one citizen of Ikeduru local government area, the ongoing urban roads rehabilitation exercise kicked off at the right time with the rainy season over and yuletide around the corner.
“It takes a man of vision and good intension to do a thing at the right time. The ongoing urban roads rehabilitation exercise taking place under the watch of our visionary governor, His Excellency, Senator Hope Uzodimma aims at making the urban areas safe, beautiful and attractive to tourists during the Christmas and new year festivities. Starting Imo roads rehabilitation with the urban areas is a wise decision and a thing of Joy because, the cities are the first point of call for strangers and Christmas returnees. In other words, the cities during the yuletide, would entertain massive human and vehicular movement. This is why the co-operation of all Imolites and motorists in this regard is very necessary”, Justice Nze stated.
The Ikeduru local government Chief Executive, who is also currently neck deep into massive grading of roads across the length and breadth of the 29 autonomous communities in Ikeduru LGA, said the ongoing massive grading of roads across communities in his area under his watch, is aimed at making human and vehicular movements easy and pleasurable during the yuletide.
He further, explained that the ongoing grading of Ikeduru community roads is geared towards complimenting the action-packed masterpiece urban roads rehabilitation exercise powered by the Governor Hope Uzodimma which is in his 3R mantra.
Meanwhile, the local government boss has charged all Christmas returnee indigenes of Ikeduru to participate massively in town union meetings during the holidays, to enable them know and contribute towards developmental activities taking place in their various communities.
Families cry out as DSS arrests lovers
The families of Nurudeen Adesiyan and Kehinde Akintunde have cried for help after the lovers were taken away by men of the Department of State Services suspected to be from the Abuja headquarters.
Nurudeen and Kehinde were reportedly apprehended on November 29 at Arowosola Quarters, Ajape, Modakeke, Osun State.
According to family members, the lovers have been held incommunicado since their arrest, and their whereabouts are unknown.
Speaking with newsmen, Boyenle Adesiyan, the elder brother to Nurudeen, said efforts to locate the duo had been abortive.
He said the DSS officers, who invaded their house around 5 am with four vehicles, did not disclose the station they came from and where they were taking the lovers to.
Boyenle said, “My brother (Nurudeen) texted me around 5 am on the 29th of November, telling me that security men were at our house but they were yet to arrest anybody. I replied to the message immediately but Nurudeen didn’t respond.
“Around 6 am, my mother called to inform me that the personnel hijacked the door from her when she wanted to bathe. She said the officers took her phone and asked who ‘Kehinde 2’ on her call log was.
“She said the officers asked her to lead them to Kehinde’s house, unknown to them that the said Kehinde was with her and standing beside them. Kehinde is my brother’s fiancée and she stays in our house frequently. They arrested my brother and Kehinde, and my mother, and led them to Kehinde’s house.”
According to Boyenle, when the men got to Kehinde’s house, they allegedly ransacked the place and destroyed some things.
She added that the operatives also seized phones and beat up the victims.
“They arrested every member of Kehinde’s family and drove them away. But when they got to Community Grammar School, they freed Kehinde’s family members. But she and my brother, Nurudeen, were taken away.
“Since then, we have not heard anything from the DSS, Nurudeen and Kehinde. The DSS didn’t tell us where they came from or where they were taking our people to. We visited the DSS office in Ile-Ife, and we were told the officers who arrested Nurudeen and Kehinde were personnel of the service.
“However, they didn’t disclose where they came from. When we visited their office a second time, they didn’t give us any reasonable response again.
“We want the general public to help us; we want to know the whereabouts of our people and the offence they were arrested for. They are not criminals. They have rights,” she stated.
Giving an account of the arrest, Gbenga Akintunde, an elder brother to Kehinde, said the DSS officers threatened to shoot him when he demanded what his sister’s offence was and where they were taking him to.
