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House of Reps receives submissions from Miliary, Forest Security Service, Police, others, on Intelligence Trust Fund
The Commander General of the Nigerian Forest Security Service (NFSS), Dr. Wole Joshua Osatimehin, on Tuesday, at the National Assembly in Abuja, appeared before the House of Representatives Committee on National Security and Intelligence, where he made a submission on the proposed establishment of the National Intelligence Trust Fund.
Other agencies that appeared before the Committee and made submissions at the event include Defence Headquarters, the three arms of the Nigerian military- Army, Navy and Air Force as well as the Office of the National Security Adviser, Nigeria Police, Customs, Immigration and Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS), among others.
The House Committee had, in a letter dated February 4th 2025, invited the NFSS and others, to the public hearing on the proposed bill for the establishment of the Fund to “Provide Funding for Security Related Issues Apart from Usual Budgetary Provisions from the Federation, Intervene in Combating Security Issues in Nigeria and for Related Matters.”
In his submission, the Commander General of the NFSS, Dr. Wole Joshua Osatmehin, supported the establishment of the proposed Fund, saying any effort to strengthen the security situations in the country will be a great initiative.
“…The Fund and its disbursement for various interventions should be designed for easy access and accountable manner for emergency need. This fund would provide rapid response against threats. The complementary nature of this Fund to augment the efforts of the usual budgetary provisions from the federation is commendable. I want to believe no country in the world has entirely met the funding needs of its security sub-sector; any effort to increase security fundings is advocated.

Amb. John Metchie, DCG Intelligence, NFSS
“Timely disbursement from this Fund for the execution of security projects and programs has a way of motivating our security personnel out there. I strongly believe our security personnel need better trainings, health care, housing, weapons/security infrastructure etc. to aid their morale and performance. Sincerely, the establishment of this Fund will further show the commitment of this administration at tackling insecurity enough to boost public confidence in this government to secure them. This would reduce anxiety among citizens as they go about their normal businesses. The establishment of this Intelligence Trust Fund would go a long way at improving the socio-economic and national security.
“Considering the great achievements Officers and Men of the NFSS have recorded in collaboration with other government security agencies at combating criminalities in our forest; we therefore solicit the support of both chambers of the National Assembly as well as the Presidency to ensure the bill for the establishment of Nigeria Forest Security Service becomes a law to further strengthen the security architecture of our dear country Nigeria.” Osatimehin concluded.
Reacting to the development, the Deputy Commander General, Intelligence, of the NFSS, Ambassador John Metchie said the proposal to establish a special Fund purely for intelligence purposes, was a testimony of the seriousness and commitment of President Bola Tinubu’s administration to rid the country of all forms of insecurities, as according to him, intelligence gathering and sharing remain the brain-box towards tackling insecurity anywhere in the world.
Metchie who is also the African Director, International Association of World Peace Advocates, IAWPA, commended the National Assembly for thinking alongside the President as well as taking proactive measures in support of the government’s efforts to secure the country.
While commending the Commander General of NFSS, Dr. Wole Joshua Osatimehin for his great leadership stride, which he said was responsible for the various achievements recorded by the NFSS, Metchie called on the National Assembly, the National Security Adviser and other critical stakeholders to work together in getting the NFSS bill signed by President Bola Tinubu, saying it would add great value to the collective efforts to secure Nigeria, especially the forested and ungoverned areas.
News
Generator fumes suspected for death of UNN students
Strong indications has emerged that the use of a generator in a poorly ventilated environment may have caused the death of some students of the University of Nigeria, Nssuka.
The suspicion emerged after a survivor of the incident disclosed that a generator was operating outside the corridor of the apartment where they gathered, while the doors and windows remained shut.
According to the 24-year-old survivor, an Art Education student, about 10 people attended the party organised by his friend, David, to celebrate the completion of his final examinations.
The gathering reportedly started around 11:30 a.m. at the host’s residence in the Hilltop area of Nsukka, with participants sharing alcoholic drinks and playing Truth or Dare.
Recounting his experience, the survivor said he suddenly lost consciousness after helping one of the participants who had vomited and returning to clean the floor.
He disclosed that his legs had become stiff and he could no longer walk before eventually passing out. The student said he regained consciousness at about 9 p.m., only to discover that his friends were lying motionless on the floor.
“When I regained consciousness at about 9 p.m., I heard someone saying that the host was shaking. I woke up and managed to look into the parlour, where I saw the host and other participants lying on the floor,” he recounted.
He said he subsequently contacted friends for assistance, before one of them eventually helped convey the affected students to Bishop Shanahan Hospital and other medical facilities in Nsukka.
The survivor further explained that the apartment was poorly ventilated, with the doors and windows shut, while a generator was running outside in the corridor. A fan was also operating inside the room.
News
Speed Darlington begs Burna Boy to drop case
Nigerian singer, Darlington Okoye popularly known as Speed Darlington, has apologised to Grammy-winning musician, Damini Ogulu, popularly known as Burna Boy, asking him to withdraw the charges against him and promising to stop making comments about his sexuality.
Speed Darlington made the appeal in a video posted on his Instagram page on Thursday, in which he expressed regret over the pain and embarrassment he might have caused the singer.
“This video is for Burna Boy. Burna, this is an apology video. I apologise for any pain that I have caused you. Any shame that I have caused you,” he said.
The singer admitted that he was wrong to assume that everyone had the same temperament, adding that he wanted an end to their disagreement.
“I made the mistake of thinking that everybody vibrates at the same frequency. That’s wrong of me. I apologise, Burna Boy,” he added.
He further pledged to refrain from making both direct and indirect comments about Burna Boy’s sexuality, making the withdrawal of the charges a condition for his promise.
“I give you my word that if you withdraw all charges and let everything die, I give you my word that I will never make any direct comment regarding your sexuality. “Even indirect comment. I will no longer try sustain. I give you my word. Let peace reign,” he said.
Speed Darlington also promised not to mention the singer’s name again if the legal dispute was resolved.
“I promise I will never use my mouth to mention your name,” he added.
News
Why I left Peter Obi- Yinusa Tanko
Yinusa Tanko, former national coordinator of the Obidient Movement, says he experienced a betrayal of trust and loyalty in Peter Obi’s camp, which led to his exit from the movement.
Tanko spoke on Thursday shortly after his unveiling as the coordinator of the Social Democratic Party (SDP) presidential campaign council.
Obi, presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Party (NDP), appointed Tanko as national coordinator of the Obidient Movement in September 2024, following a consensus to zone the position to the north.
He was later redeployed as Obi’s political adviser (north), a position he held until October 30, when he resigned.
However, Tanko said he never wanted to leave Obi’s camp, insisting that he was pushed out rather than choosing to exit the movement.
Tanko said although he appreciated the opportunity to serve Obi, he could not remain in a political group where his contributions were no longer valued.
“Well, you know, as you move along in politics, there may be a time when your group does not want you, does not need you or does not appreciate what you do,” he said.
“You don’t stay where you are being tolerated; you go where you are appreciated.
“As far as I’m concerned, I appreciate all the work I have done, and I appreciate him for giving me the opportunity. But the only thing I have suffered in that particular movement is betrayal of trust and betrayal of loyalty.”
Tanko said he served the former Anambra governor with diligence, honesty and integrity, adding that he still held him in high regard despite the circumstances surrounding his departure.
“Everybody knows that I have served with diligence, determination, honesty and integrity. That was how I served Peter Obi, and I continue to respect him,” he said.
“But now, since they don’t want me, people who appreciate me have picked me from the dustbin and made me a bride.”
Asked whether Obi would be pleased to see him in another political party, Tanko said he could not determine what was on the former governor’s mind.
“You cannot say what is on his mind; only he can speak for himself,” he said.
He added that his new political associates had recognised his contributions to nation-building and offered him another opportunity to serve.
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