The Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lieutenant General Olufemi Oluyede, has charged Commanding Officers and their equivalents at the tactical level of the Nigerian Army to uphold the highest standard of professionalism in their respective units and to set the bar for discipline, courage, and valour.

Lieutenant Colonel Appolonia Anele, Acting Director, Army Public Relations, in a statement, said the COAS gave the charge on Thursday during the closing ceremony of the Second Commanding Officers Workshop held at the Maxwell Khobe Cantonment, Rukuba, Jos.

Lieutenant General Oluyede noted that the efficient discharge of responsibilities at their level is crucial to achieving the military end state in the campaign objectives across the various theatres of operation.

He therefore encouraged the officers to pay adequate attention to the welfare of their subordinates, stressing that a motivated force is essential for optimal performance.

The COAS further emphasised the importance of leveraging the knowledge acquired during the workshop to enhance leadership capabilities in their respective formations.

According to him, the value of such professional engagements lies in translating theory into action through improved operational planning, decisive leadership, and a renewed commitment to the values and ethos of the Nigerian Army.

The Chief Press Secretary to Kebbi State Governor, Ahmed Idris, has described the defection of former Attorney General of the Federation, Abubakar Malami (SAN), to the African Democratic Congress (ADC) as politically irrelevant and of no consequence to the state government or the people of Kebbi.
Idris dismissed concerns while speaking about Malami’s switch from the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Birnin Kebbi, saying it posed no threat to Governor Nasir Idris’ growing popularity and grassroots support.

“The defection of the former Attorney General is not something the people or government of Kebbi State are concerned about. In fact, we are happy he left because he didn’t add any value to this administration,” he said.

He emphasized the governor’s strong standing among the populace, adding that many Kebbi residents are already calling for him to serve beyond two terms or aspire to higher national office.

“Our governor is deeply rooted in the hearts of the people. His achievements speak for themselves,” Idris added.

Taking direct aim at Malami’s political relevance, Idris claimed the former minister has never demonstrated electoral strength in Kebbi.

“Malami has no political integrity here. He has never won his own polling unit, let alone secured statewide support. His defection is meaningless to us—we are not worried because he holds no influence or value.”

Idris further argued that most recent defections from major political parties were fueled by selfish interests, not genuine public service motives.

A two-storey building under construction has collapsed opposite the Asaba International Airport.

The building, a hotel, located opposite Asaba Airport Police Station, Okpanam, collapsed following persistent downpour. The incident has caused serious panic among residents in the area.

Eyewitnesses revealed that some of the trapped workers have been rescued while the search for others continued on Thursday.

Although there is no report of loss of lives, it was gathered that some of the workers jumped from the building into other compounds around the building at the time of the incidence.

It was gathered that the workers had finished the second storey and were moving to the parapet when the building collapsed.

A source, a security man, disclosed that some workers sustained injuries in the process of trying to escape for their lives.

The security man who escaped by the whiskers, having left just few minutes before the collapse, revealed that work was ongoing before the building collapsed. According to him, the building was being rushed by the owner due to the constant rains.

According to one of the workers who simply identified himself as David, several workers were injured while jumping from the second floor of the building to escape being trapped while few others successfully escaped unhurt.

David disclosed that those who sustained wounds had been rushed to the hospital for medical treatment.

He added, “As we talk, everybody has left the site and you know for fear of police arrest, some of the people in charge of the building have gone into hiding.

“Some persons around the estate actually came to assist in the rescue of victims during the collapse of the building.”

When contacted for comments, the state Commissioner for Urban Renewal, Engr Michael Anoka, did not respond to calls and messages put across to his phone as at the time of filing in this report.