Governor Bassey Otu of Cross River State has confirmed that his government’s determined effort to war against criminal elements in the state has become very effective.

He disclosed that his security apparatuses have dismantled all the 16 criminal camps identified in parts of the state, especially the creeks.

He disclosed this when he addressed a huge crowd of elders from the Cross River Southern Consultative Forum, APC leaders, and supporters when they celebrated and endorsed him and President Bola Tinubu for a second term.

He said, “Our war against criminals has gained momentum. We have dismantled over 16 miscreant camps. This has paved way for peace and safety in the stste. The onslaught will continue.

“We’re giving the bad elements a second chance through our amnesty and reintegration programme,”

He reaffirmed his government’s human-centred development philosophy, assuring then elements of amnesty.

Two federal lawmakers, Senator Asuquo Ekpenyong Jr. representing Cross River southern district and former member of House of Representatives, Bishop Alex Ukam, as well as former commissioner for lands, Arc Bassey Ndem, also spoke on efforts of the government on security.

“Over two years ago, my Akpabuyo LGA was a hotbed for criminals.

“It got to the extent that they operated with impunity even in broad light. But today, residents can sleep in their house peacefully”, he said.

Speaking similarly, Nigeria’s former Ambassador to Uganda, Nya Asuquo urged the governor to consolidate the feat achieved in security and replicate it elsewhere.

The Edo State Internal Revenue Service, EIRS, on Thursday said it generated a total of N52.6 billion to the coffers of the state government between January and June 2025.

OSUNDAILY NG reports that the Executive Chairman of the tax agency, Oladele Bankole-Balogun disclosed this at a press briefing in Benin City.

Balogun said the briefing is geared towards providing a detailed review of the service’s performance for the first and second quarters of 2025 fiscal year.

He said the N52.6 billion generated within the period of six months was 46 percent higher than the N36.1 billion generated in 2024.

While adding that the generation was a half-year target of N58.8 billion, he noted that it represented 89.5 percent performance.

According to him, in January, the service generated N10.4 billion, in February N9.6 billion, in March also N6.9 billion.

“In April it was N6.9billion, in May N7.8billion while in the month of June we generated N11.05 billion”, he said.

He, however, appreciated taxpayers in the state, individuals, corporations, and government, MDAs whose level of compliance is instrumental to the success of the revenue generation agency.

“Your taxes are the lifeblood of the massive infrastructural and developmental projects currently being executed across our dear state.

“We are committed to delivering value-added services, improving transparency, and strengthening the tax system to build a sustainable Edo State, one where tax revenue powers development, and developmental rewards taxpayers.

“The road ahead may be tough, but the destination is clear. We invite every stakeholder to join us in building a tax-compliant Edo, and to support the transformation of our state not as a burden, but as a patriotic duty to future generations”, he added.

Balogun also disclosed that the agency is working with Verxide in line with the State Governor, Monday Okpebholo’s approval to establish the one-stop-shop driver’s license and vehicle administration centres in six strategic locations across the state.

He listed the names of the locations to include QQ Forestry road, Benin City, Ekpoma, Auchi, Uromi, Igarra and Ikpoba Okha local government area secretariat respectively.

He stated that the centres would leverage technology to streamline licensing and registration, cut down wait times and enhance revenue generation.

The EIRS boss stated that in line with the President Bola Tinubu tax reforms, the agency would intensify its public enlightenment efforts to ensure taxpayers are fully aware of the new tax law and how it affects residents.

The senator representing Bauchi Central, Abdul Ahmed Ningi, has reaffirmed his commitment to the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), dismissing reports linking him to the African Democratic Congress (ADC) coalition ahead of the 2027 elections.

In a personally signed statement, Ningi said: “I, Senator Abdul Ahmed Ningi, wish to address the public, media, and my supporters with clarity and conviction — I remain a loyal and dedicated member of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).

I have spent my entire political career on the PDP platform, a party that embodies the hopes and aspirations of Nigerians.”

According to him, his service in the National Assembly — including 12 years in the House of Representatives, his tenure as Senate Deputy Majority Leader, and his current role as Chairman of the Northern Senators Forum — has always been under the PDP.

“My political journey has been guided by the PDP’s core principles of accountability, equity, and people-centred governance. I have never deviated from these ideals.”

Although he did not mention ADC by name, OSUNDAILY NG reports that the party, which has been adopted as the platform of the coalition, is gaining grounds in the political scene.

Ningi distanced himself from any such group, saying, “I am not affiliated with, have not endorsed, and do not support the formation or objectives of any political coalition outside the PDP. Any attempt to associate my name with such platforms is false and misleading.”

He called on the public to disregard any rumours about his defection, reaffirming his focus on building a better Nigeria through the PDP.

“Loyalty is not just a word; it is a principle. I stand with my party, I serve the people, and I will continue to lead with integrity and honour.”