Headlines

Odds Favour Shinaba As Next Police IG

Published

10 years ago

June 20, 2016

Arase Lobbies For Extension, DIGs On The Fringe
Wakama, Doma, Nasarawa Others Go Spiritual

The appointment of a new Inspector General of Police, IGP for the nation may be one of the most important assignments on President Muhammadu Buhari’s
table as he resumes work Monday 20th June, 2016 after his 14-day sick leave in the United Kingdom.
Sources at both the Ministry of Interior, the Presidency and the Force Headquarters who will not
like their names in print said there are varied interests at stake. There may be about eight contenders who were on line since April, when the countdown to Solomon Arase’s exit began. Amongst them were the DIGs Job Doma, Leroy Wakama, Mamman Tsafe, Chintua Amajor Onu, Jibril Adeniji, and Saliu Argungu, while in the Assistant Inspector-Generals rank include, AIG of Police, Zone 7 Police Headquarters, Abuja, AIG Bala Nasarawa and AIG A T Shinaba, While each one employs different ways to get the job, there are indications that, barring last minute change of mind, President Muhammadu Buhari may nominate the Commandant of the Police Academy, POLAC, Wudil, in Kano State, Mr Adenrele Tasheed Shinaba, Assistant Inspector General of Police, AIG, as the next Inspector General Of Police, to take over from Mr Solomon Arase, who retires on Tuesday. nationalTRAIL investigations reveal that, Shinaba who hails from Lagos state became one of the favorites because of his non compromising disposition, seeming incorruptibility and thoroughness, besides his sense of discipline and professional candour, which his colleagues say are his selling points. But sources at the Presidency also said, the outgoing IG, Mr. Arase is not letting the job slip through his fingers without a fight, as he has meanwhile intensified lobbies for an extension of his tenure, to enable him implement his unfinished plans for the repositioning of the force, even as the President is said to have made up his mind.. Our correspondent however reports that, the IGP seems to be swimming against the tide, as, long before his official date of retirement, the President has been under intense pressure to sack Arase, but the president had been reluctant because of the likely political implications of such an action. APC National Chairman, John Oyegun and Edo State Governor, Adams Oshiomhole: Arase’s home state Governor are believed to be amongst those fronting for the IGP to continue, having spoken well of him before the President, but members of President Buhari’s kitchen cabinet, and the Northern Muslim Ulamas do not seem impressed with Arase’s outing to warrant an extension. This is even as younger officers in the police force are getting agitated with reports of Solomon Arase’s likely extension of service, as many of them are clamouring to move to their next ranks with Solomon Arase’s exit, while those of the rank of AIG’s are hoping to step in. As for the Deputy Inspectors General of Police, DIGs, whose jobs hang in the balance in the event that somebody below their rank gets appointed as the next IGP, the game has become a waiting one, with some of them said to have gone spiritual, though they have not given up hopes that either of them could succeed Solomon Arase. Senior Police Officers who spoke to our correspondent on conditions of anonymity said they could not fault Arase as a professional, but that the clamour for him to leave was informed by the need for those
behind him to have the opportunity of attaining their height in the force. “I can confirm to you that he is one of the best IGPs we have had so far, but his time is up, and I want to advise him not to stay beyond his welcome. The forces against him are enormous and it will be counterproductive for him to stay one day longer than his due date. He knows it and he should not lobby”, one of the officers, himself a lawyer like Arase, told our correspondent. Solomon Arase, the nation’s 23rd indigenous Inspector-General of Police, may on Tuesday, 21st June 2016 retire from the Nigeria Police Force following his attainment of thirty-five years in service, in accordance with the civil service rule. Arase who was widely speculated to have been removed by President Muhammadu Buhari alongside other Service Chiefs appointed by former President Goodluck Jonathan, however, was retained by what many observers say is as a result of his kinsmen being the strong pillars holding the APC Government. Described as having a penchant for excelling in anything he does, Adenrele Tasheed Shinaba a savvy, purpose-driven, value- maximizing, and thoroughbred police officer, whose driving force remains the need to make a difference in all his endeavours appears to be coasting home to the job, we learnt. Every time life had offered him a more convenient way to
appraise the meaning of human strives, this compulsion to put a shine on the harsh realities of life and enthrone peace and security where turbulence once ruled, has always been definitive of his philosophical stead. Even though luck had played a part in his ascent in his chosen career , he has had to wield no magic wand other than his commitment to excellence which derives its finer stuff from hard work, dedication, and recourse to endless prayers. On the corruption-prone theatre of policing where graft is rife and almost a natural way of life, Aderenle Shinaba’s role as a stickler for principle is quite distinctive. His broad-based initiatives to keep the men of the force in check and curb armed bandi try or robbery as Commissioner of Police in the FCT, seemed more serious episodes in the anti-terrorist war and in combating crime in the Federal Capital and its environs. The thrust of his vision and engagements are proactive security, where response time to incidences of crime or breach of security is rapid and minimized to the barest minimum. This, coupled with zero tolerance for armed robbery, helped in no small measure to safeguard lives and property within the FCT, thereby, giving the aura of the city a new lease of fresh air and relative peace. Where ever he served, as Commissioner of police, Shinaba’s had demonstrated clear understanding of the task of cementing and mainstreaming a viable community policing culture. Aderenle Shinaba has invariably endeared himself to the hearts of many observers by his strides as a goal-getting thoroughbred professional whose qualities never ceases to amaze even his critics. Born on 5th November, 1957 to the Shinaba family of Lagos Inland, Lagos State, Aderenle also named Tasheed was the apple of the family, and often demonstrated uncommon quest for experimentation with rare courage, tenacity, which turned out later in life to be his greatest revelation and strength. His started his educational pursuit at the Crowther Memorial College, Lokoja, Kogi State before moving on to the Federal School of Arts and Science, Ondo, Ondo State where he sat for his Advanced Level or A/Levels in 1978. He was at the prestigious University of Ibadan (UI), Oyo State for his Bachelor of Education (Guidance
and Counseling). Aderenle Shinaba enlisted with the Nigeria Police Force as a Cadet and became an Assistant Superintendent of Police (ASP) in 1984. He went for further studies at the Obafemi Awolowo University , Ile-Ife, Osun State for a Master degree in Public Administration (MP A) graduating as it were in 2011. He has held several positions and led several operations during his career spanning his journey as the Administrative Officer Ogun State Police Command (Central Police State, Ilaro) in 1985, a year he became Assistant Superintendent of Police (ASP). He was redeployed in 1986 to the ‘B’ Department Operations Abeokuta, Ogun State, and from 1987-1989, as the Divisional Traffic Officer, Owode Egbado. In the same year (1989), he was transferred to Area ‘D’ Command Mushin, Lagos-State. He was in 1990 posted to State CID Lagos State Command, Panti, as the “OC Crime”, and in 1991 as the “OC homicide and OC Anti Robbery” State CID Lagos State Command, Panti.
In 1992 he became the Force Secretary, Force Headquarters Moloney Lagos where he held sway until 1994 when he was transferred to State CID, Oyo State Command, Igyanku, Ibadan as “OC Robbery.” Shinaba has been Divisional Police Officer (DPO) at various times starting with DPO Divisional Police Headquarters, Ogbomoso in 1995, DPO Divisional promotion as A r e a Commander , Ile-Ife Area Command, Osun State Command, Zonal DC Operations Zone ’7 Abuja, and Commissioner of Police Anti Terrorism Squad Force Headquarters, Abuja in 2008. In 2009 he was the Commissioner of Police, Adamawa State Police Command, Bayelsa State Police Command, Bayelsa (Election Duty) in 2011, and Commissioner of Police FCT , Police Command, Abuja from 2012 to 2013. He went for yet further studies at the renowned Institute for Policy and Strategic Studies (NIPPS) Kuru, Jos, Plateau State, presumably preparatory to higher responsibilities.

Headlines

2027: THE MANY WARS IN PARTIES

Published

2 months ago

June 1, 2026

Our Reporter

☆ ADC, PDP, NDC, LP Tacle APC Amidst Internal Wranglings.
☆ Party primaries trigger godfather vs godson clashes.
By: Our Special Correspondent.

Election periods always make Nigeria a political melting pot. Tensions, intrigues, violence, manipulations and grandstanding have been the order.
2027 may not be an exception, as already, the polity is heating up and political players are up in arms.
Between political parties, battle lines are being drawn.
It is no longer news that, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu of the APC, former Vice President Atiku Abubakar of the ADC and former Anambra state governor, Peter Obi of the NDC have secured the presidential tickets for their various political parties, ahead of the 2027 elections.
While Nigerians await the outcome of the presidential primaries for the other parties, it is apparent that the leading dramatis personae of the 2023 presidential election debacle, are set to square it out again in 2027.
But, while most, if not all the opposition political parties are emershed in multi-dimenssional crisis, the stage seems set for dirtier political schemings, in the quest to wrestle power from the ruling APC.
With the apparent collapse of the much talked about coalition, frontline candidates may again go into the election as a divided house, as the parties are further polarized by the attendant crisis arising from the just concluded primaries.
The ruling APC, also faced with similar crisis following the primaries. The primaries of all the parties seem to have sparked internal wranglings
across Edo, Delta, Lagos, Oyo, Kano, Rivers and other states. In most states, the primaries for governorship, Senate and House of Representatives seats have triggered deepening crises between governors, former governors, senators and entrenched party blocs.
While one may regard such disagrerments as normal and could be resolved before the main election, the disagreement between President Tinubu and the opposition may linger.

The President is fighting hard to ward of attacks over his failed promises which were made in 2023, as campaign issues.
Similarlly, the issue of insecurity, fuel subsidy, pol8cy summersault, and general cost of living have been brought to the front burner, in political discourse.
Tinubu told Nigerians on Friday that subsidy removal and forex reforms have revived investor confidence, lifted market cap to 250,000 points, and drawn new oil and gas investment. He also said security operations have “intensified” against bandits, separatists and insurgents.
But critics insist that Tinubu’s camp is working to cripple opposition parties reminescent of the Abacha-era dark days.
In apparent move to realign forces and reshape 2027, NDC’s Peter Obi has announced Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso as his running mate.
Obi told a gathering brfore naming Kwankwaso as his running mate, that, the Vice President office under him, will be “an active partner, not ceremonial”. The NDC held a special convention Saturday to affirm Obi as flagbearer where he promised 10,000MW electricity generation. Labour Party has also presented Dr. Chibuzo Okereke as its presidential candidate, a lowly rated personality.
At the sub-national level, political players are pulling the strings from different end. Most governors are being accused of imposing their cronies as governorship, senate, House of Representatives and House of Assembly candidates.
The national leadership of the APC has been struggling hard to adress the widespread crisis occassioned by the primaries. The APC, in Lagos amidst the internal wars, has picked Princess Damilola Sonayon-James as running mate to Lagos governorship candidate Dr. Obafemi Hamzat. Both are seen as stooges of the governor and by extenssion the President.
In Rivers, FCT Minister Nyesom Wike has vowed that, the APC “Rainbow Coalition” will agree on one governorship candidate and that ADC’s Atiku won’t get 10% of Rivers votes. Though the candidate has not yet been named.
Wike also declared “Rivers has no option but to back Tinubu”.
In several states, there have been massive decampments from the APC in particular, because of unfavourable outcomes of the primaries.
All these point to a turbulent outing for the APC, even as the ruling party.
As for the opposition parties, they all have been emasculated, and may not be able to pose much threat to the ruling APC.
While the political wranglings were going on the most serious threat to the APC remains the rising concern over insecurity. The issue seem to have ignited anger across the country, with Federal Workers Forum threatening an indefinite nationwide strike over rising insecurity and unresolved wages. SERAP, has meanwhile urged the UN Secretary-General to invoke Article 99 over Nigeria’s “escalating insecurity—mass abductions, killings, displacements”.

Headlines

“Nigeria Is in a Hurry to Celebrate Victory Over Enemies of the State,” Says Tinubu as He Decorates New Service Chiefs

Published

9 months ago

October 30, 2025

Our Reporter

By: Fabian Apechihin

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has urged the newly appointed service chiefs to discharge their duties with utmost dedication and renewed commitment, declaring that “Nigeria is in a hurry to celebrate victory over enemies of the state.”

The President made this statement on Thursday during the decoration ceremony of the new service chiefs with their ranks at the Aso Rock Presidential Villa in Abuja.

Those decorated were General Olufemi Oluyede as Chief of Defence Staff, Lieutenant-General Wahidi Shaibu as Chief of Army Staff, Air Marshal Kennedy Aneke as Chief of Air Staff, and Vice Admiral Idi Abbas as Chief of Naval Staff.

The ceremony was attended by Vice President Kashim Shettima and the spouses of the newly promoted officers, who joined the President in performing the decorations.

In his address, Tinubu underscored the central role of security in fostering national development and reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to protecting the lives and property of all Nigerians.

“Security is an essential element without which everything else becomes meaningless,” the President stated. “There can be no sustainable development if this fundamental need is not met. Our people and our nation must remain secure to enjoy the dividends of governance.”

The elevation and decoration of the new military chiefs followed their confirmation by the National Assembly on Wednesday, after a closed-door screening session with lawmakers.

It will be recalled that, in a recent overhaul of the nation’s military hierarchy, President Tinubu appointed:

Lieutenant General Olufemi Olatubosun Oluyede as Chief of Defence Staff,
Major General Waidi Shaibu as Chief of Army Staff,
Rear Admiral Idi Abbas as Chief of Naval Staff,
Air Vice Marshal Sunday Aneke as Chief of Air Staff, and
Major General Emmanuel Undiandeye retained as Chief of Defence Intelligence.

The new appointments mark a strategic restructuring of Nigeria’s security leadership aimed at strengthening the fight against insurgency, banditry, and other threats to national stability.

Headlines

FG Dismisses Coup Rumour, Reaffirms Confidence in Nigerian Military

Published

9 months ago

October 20, 2025

Our Reporter

By: Fabian Apechihin

The Federal Government has dismissed widespread rumours of an alleged military coup plot against President Bola Tinubu, declaring its full confidence in the loyalty and professionalism of the Nigerian Armed Forces.

Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, made this known in an interview with The Punch on Sunday, insisting that the administration has “no reason whatsoever” to doubt the assurances given by the Defence Headquarters, which had earlier denied reports linking the detention of 16 military officers to a coup attempt.

“The Federal Government has no reason to doubt the military on what it has said,” Idris stated.
“We believe the Armed Forces of Nigeria remain committed to protecting the nation’s territorial integrity and strengthening the fight against insecurity. The government commends their sacrifice and will continue to support them in safeguarding the country.”

The minister’s remarks came a day after the Director of Defence Information, Brigadier General Tukur Gusau, firmly debunked a report by Sahara Reporters alleging that the detention of 16 officers was connected to a failed coup plot and the cancellation of the 65th Independence Day parade.

Gusau described the publication as “false, mischievous, and deliberately aimed at creating unnecessary tension and public distrust.”

He clarified that the cancellation of the October 1 Independence Day parade was a purely administrative decision — taken to allow President Tinubu attend a key bilateral meeting abroad and to enable military units sustain ongoing counterinsurgency operations nationwide.

On the issue of the detained officers, Gusau said their case was “an internal disciplinary process” and not related to any political matter.

“The investigation involving the 16 officers is routine, aimed at upholding discipline and professionalism within the ranks,” he explained. “An investigative panel has been constituted, and its findings will be made public in due course.”

Reaffirming the military’s constitutional role and unwavering commitment to civilian rule, Gusau stressed emphatically: