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Must Read馃嚦馃嚞Punch Nigeria路25 mins ago
Nigeria's proposed state police bill: 10 key provisions outlined
Dada Olusegun, Special Assistant to the President on Social Media, has highlighted 10 key provisions of Nigeria's proposed State Police Bill, which aims to decentralize policing to enhance security. The bill, awaiting ratification by at least 24 state Houses of Assembly, proposes changing the Nigeria Police Force to the Nigeria Police Service, shifting to a community-oriented model. It would officially establish state police in all 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory, operating alongside a Federal Police Service. The Nigeria Police Council would be restructured to include the President, state governors, the Chairman of the Police Service Commission, and the Inspector-General of Police, overseeing the Federal Police Service and advising on national policing. Each state would create a State Police Service Council chaired by its governor. The bill introduces separate funding, with the Federal Police Service funded from the Federation鈥檚 Consolidated Revenue Fund and state services by state governments. It outlines new appointment processes for police leadership, including a single four-year term for the Inspector-General of Police and state Commissioners of Police. The existing Police Service Commission would oversee only the Federal Police Service, while states would establish their own commissions for state police officers. Safeguards against abuse include operational independence for police leadership, with officers having the right to reject unlawful instructions, and
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馃嚦馃嚞Punch Nigeria路1 hour ago
Edo State intensifies efforts against drug trafficking and abuse, emphasizing collaborative and innovative strategies
The Edo State Government, the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency NDLEA Edo State Command, and other stakeholders convened in Benin City to address the escalating challenges of drug trafficking and abuse. The event, commemorating the International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking, highlighted the theme "The World Drug Problem: Persisting Issues, New Challenges, Innovative Responses." Edo State Governor, Senator Monday Okpebholo, represented by Senior Special Assistant on Drug Policy and Trafficking Control, Andrew Efe, declared a zero-tolerance policy for drug trafficking, vowing to pursue traffickers and seize illicit substances. He stressed that a collaborative approach involving homes, churches, mosques, schools, and faith institutions is crucial for prevention and education. The government is also funding youth empowerment programs to foster productivity. State NDLEA Commander, Mitchell Ofoyeju, detailed the complexities of the drug landscape, including the rise of synthetic drugs and the dark web, and urged proactive community measures. He reported that the Edo State command arrested 289 suspected drug traffickers, seized 35,008.38kgs of drugs, convicted 52 traffickers, and provided counseling to 135 individuals with drug abuse problems. Mrs. Edesili Anani Okpebholo, Coordinator of the Office of the First Lady and Chairperson of the Edo State Drug Control Committee, represented by Barrister Nimata Umar Ikhilor, noted that social media presents a new challe
Breaking馃嚦馃嚞Punch Nigeria路1 hour ago
Venezuela earthquake death toll rises to 920, over 50,000 missing
The death toll from two powerful earthquakes that struck Venezuela earlier this week has increased to 920, according to National Assembly President Jorge Rodriguez. The magnitude 7.2 and 7.5 quakes hit the country's northern region on Wednesday. Rodriguez announced the updated figure, which was previously 589, during a televised address and confirmed a military deployment to La Guaira, one of the most affected states. United Nations aid chief Tom Fletcher reported that over 50,000 people are missing. Families are actively searching for loved ones trapped under debris, with rescue efforts ongoing in areas like La Guaira, where workers are using sledgehammers and calling for silence to locate survivors. International support is being mobilized, with the United States pledging $150 million in aid, deploying two warships, transport planes, and helicopters, and suspending economic sanctions to facilitate rescue operations.
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