State Of Emergency In Gambia?

Consequent to Gambia's incumbent Yahya Jammeh's refusal to step down despite intervention from Dignitaries and other West African Heads of States to respect the election result, accept defeat and hand over power to President elect  Adama Barrow, the Economic Community of West African States (Ecowas) seems to be left with no choice but fulfil its promise to consider sending in military 'if persuasion did not work'. 

Armoured Battalions was seen on Thursday, January 19, 2017, entering the Gambian bother from Senegal. This came hours after Adama Barrow was sworn in as Gambia's President, witnessed by Foreign Diplomats in the Gambia's Embassy in Dakar, Senegal. 

After initial allegiance to Yahya Jammeh’s administration, “My job is security, to make sure this country is peaceful and is secure, that is my primary role and that is what I’m paid for. As we speak now, I’m paid by the government of the day, that is Yahya Jammeh’s government. He’s my commander-in-chief as we speak now. I have only one commander-in-chief as we speak.” Gambia's Chief of Defence staff Qusman Badjie retracted his stand recently when he reportedly stated that his Troop will not involve itself militarily, as it is a "political dispute."

As pressure mounted, the United States embassy in Gambia reportedly told citizens to leave the country as soon as possible. 

On its part, the United Nations security Council on Thursday, 19th January 2017 reinforced its commitment to Ecowas to “ensure, by political means first, respect of the will of the people.”

President Buhari Begins 'Short Leave'!

According to information made available by Femi Adesina, Special Adviser on Media and Publicity to Nigerian President, Muhammadu Buhari travelled to the United Kingdom on Thursday, January 19th for a 'short leave'. 

Vice President Yemi Osinbajo will act as President until February 6th, when President Buhari is expected to resume office.

Nigerian Government, BBOG Team Up To Search For Chibok girls!

The Bring Back our Girls (BBOG) team lead by Dr. Oby Ezekwesili, the Minister of Information and culture, Alhaji Lai Mohammed, Minister of Defence, Brig. Gen. Mansur Dan-Ali (Rtd), and Journalists on Monday, January 16, 2017, embarked on a mission to Sambisa Forest, Borno State, Nigeria.

The Federal Government team and the BBOG's were on a search of the remaining abducted Chibok school girls using sophisticated cameras fixed on two Air Force jets 

Rann Accidental Bombardment: NAF Promises To Provide Answers!

As Nigerians seek answers to Tuesday morning, January 17, 2017 Nigerian Air Force (NAF) accidental bombardment of a displaced people camp (people displaced by Boko-haram insurgents) in Rann, Kala Balge area, Bornu state northeast Nigeria, the Nigerian Air Force has released a statement stating that it is working to avail Nigerians with details of the incident. 

The statement reads: "The Nigerian Air Force (NAF) is saddened today's accidental airstrike by it's fighter jet at Rann, Kala Balge area, Bornu state, in which some innocent lives were lost. While information is sketchy, the Theatre Commander Operation LAFIYA DOLE is taking appropriate steps to avail us with details of the incident. 

The loss occasioned by this unfortunate incident is deeply regretted. The NAF commensurates with those affected and their families and would update the public as soon as detailed facts emerge from the investigation."

According to reports made available, the IDP's camp in Rann, Kala Balge area, Bornu state was accidentally attacked the Nigerian Air Force Tuesday morning, January 17, 2017, at about 9am, killing scores including aid workers and civilians. 

Memo On Suspension Of Booking Of Fire Extinguisher, Light Sign Violation And Caution Sign!

The memo below, dated 27th December 2016, and signed by the Deputy Corps Marshal was allegedly sent out to commanding officers. 

If this Order is anything to go by, booking of Fire Extinguisher Violation, Caution Sign Violation and Light Sign Violation by Commanding officers is hence "disobedience to standing orders".

Lagos State Governor Signs 2017 Appropriation Bill!

Lagos state Governor, Akinwunmi Ambode signed a N812.998bn Y2017, 2017 Appropriation Bill aka “Golden Jubilee Budget” into Law recently in Lagos.

Governor Ambode said the bill was in line with the State Development Plan 2012-2025, the Medium Term Expenditure Framework for 2017-2019, based on the State’s Four Pillars of Development Plan which include: 

• Infrastructure Development
• Economic Development 
• Social Development 
• Security as well as Sustainable Environment.

Governor Ambode signed the bill with a promise that it will be judiciously implemented to consolidate on the modest milestones recorded in the last 18 months and propel the State to a path of prosperity. 

The Governor said the 2017 budget was his administration’s contract with Lagosians to continue to build an all-inclusive economy throughout the year.

Please Call Some LASTMA Officials At Marwa Bus/Stop To Order!

Pictures below was just sent in, it shows officials of the Lagos State Traffic Management Authority (LASTMA) stationed at Marwa Bus stop, along Lekki express way, Lagos- Nigeria, seen on Wednesday, January 4, 2017, between 12-20:30 noon detaining a Danfo driver (commercial bus driver) on the busy roundabout for reasons only known to them. 

One thing noticeable was that the demeanour of these officials suggests "they were up to something illegal" as they could not give the passengers of the commercial vehicle any answers (meaningful or not) on why the bus was abruptly stopped. 

The passengers were disembarked instead, and directed to another commercial bus, while the estranged driver pleaded with the officials. One thing is sure, passengers entered the bus at the designated bus/stop a few meters from the point where the bus was stopped. 

   

Nigerians are tired of these harassment and unlawful obstruction of traffic, and breaking of such laws by officials who are supposed to be prosecutors of offenders of these laws. 

This is a New year and seriously States and the Federal Government should not take likely reports with proves, of some elements in the system who by their acts tend to make mullock the noble efforts of the Government. 

These officials should be re-oriented and maybe...their remuneration reviewed. Anyone not satisfied with their pay, and resolves to breaking the law should be brought to book.