Army rescues two kidnap victims as GOC leads operations in Kwara

Two kidnap victims were rescued when the General Office Commanding (GOC) 2 Division of the Nigerian Army, Maj.-Gen CR Nnebeife led soldiers to Babasango forest in Irepodun Local Government Area of Kwara state.

The GOC was on an operational visit to the Army’s Patrol Base in Babanla when he advanced with the troops towards Babasango forest, rescuing the kidnap victims, spokesman of 2 Division, Lt.-Col. Polycarp Okoye, revealed this in a statement on Saturday.

The Nation reports the GOC had temporarily relocated from Ibadan, Oyo State, the headquarters of the 2 Division, to Kwara State, in September, to coordinate operations, following bandit attacks on the Ogba-Ayo community in Oke-Ode town, where scores were killed and many abducted.

According to Lt.-Col. Okoye, Maj.-Gen. Nnebeife, who is also the Commander of Sector 3 Operation FANSAN YAMA, a military operation against bandits in the North West and parts of the North Central, was on an operation visit to Odofin, Ayekale, and Olegbede villages, following a bandit attack on traders at Olegbede village, about 12 km from Idofin-Ayekale, where three persons were killed.

‘Earlier, during an operational visit to Patrol Base Babanla, the GOC and troops of the Patrol Base advanced towards Babasango Forest, where they rescued 2 kidnapped victims,’ Okoye said.

He said after the operation, the GOC visited Ayekale, on Thursday, October 9, where the village head, Oba Pius Oluwole, attributed the attack on his community to its close proximity to Babasango forest.

‘Maj.-Gen. Nnebeife, condoled with the Royal Father and assured him that the NA will sustain operations to flush out bandits and other criminal elements from the entire forest.

‘The rescued kidnap victims were handed over to Oba Pius Oluwole during the GOC’s visit,’ Okoye said.

Ombudsman to release memo lifting restrictions on SALNs

New Ombudsman Jesus Crispin Remulla has vowed to issue a memorandum restoring public access to the statements of assets, liabilities and net worth (SALNs) of public officials.

At a press briefing on his first day in office yesterday, Remulla said the memorandum, which he would be issuing tentatively by Wednesday next week, shall lay out the parameters on how the public, including members of media, can request for the SALNs of public officials.

‘The parameters have to be spelled out. There should be an undertaking from the requesting party, that first, the SALN will not be weaponized,’ Remulla said.

Asked if members of media can immediately request for the SALNs of public officials once the memorandum is released, the new ombudsman replied in the affirmative.

‘Yes. That should not be a problem. I know I’m opening a can of worms, but so be it,’ he said.

Asked if the SALNs of former public officials filed since 2016 can also be released to the public, particularly to members of media, Remulla said: ‘Why not? We are after public information here. When we talk about transparency, let’s go all the way.’

Specifically asked if his office would allow the release of the SALNs of former president Rodrigo Duterte and his daughter Vice President Sara Duterte, Remulla said yes, adding that he himself would release his SALN.

As for releasing the SALN of President Marcos, Remulla said they have not talked about it, but he was earlier assured by the President of freedom to perform his work as an ombudsman.

Remulla, however, said that the SALNs to be released would be subject to redaction of sensitive information such as the signatures and address of the declarants ‘for security purposes.’

He added that if the requesting party is a member of media, the ombudsman might also ask to be furnished a copy of the published report about the SALN requested.

Remulla clarified that this was in no way meant to censor the media, but to gain information that the ombudsman can use in its investigations.

‘When you have that article and you discover facts, we want to know them, so we can start working with them. It’s more of information-sharing,’ he said.

The general provision of Section 8 of Republic Act (RA) 6713 or the Code of Conduct and Ethical Standards for Public Officials and Employees states that public officials and employees are mandated to timely file their SALNs as ‘the public has the right to know their assets, liabilities, net worth and financial and business interests, including those of their spouses and of unmarried children under 18 years of age living in their households.’

However, Section 8 (D) (a) of RA 6713 states that ‘it shall be unlawful for any person to obtain or use (SALN) for any purpose contrary to morals or public policy.’

Section 8 (D) (b) of RA 6713, meanwhile, states that it shall be unlawful for any person to obtain or use SALN ‘for commercial purpose other than by news and communications media for dissemination to the general public.’

For several years now, the media is left in the dark about the increase or decrease in wealth of top government officials after Remulla’s predecessor, former ombudsman Samuel Martires, issued Memorandum Circular No. 1 in 2020.

The controversial circular, which remains in effect to date, prohibits the release of SALNs under the custody of the ombudsman to the public, including members of media, unless the requester has a notarized letter of authority from the SALN declarant.

At the same press briefing, Remulla said the public can expect the first batch of cases in connection with the flood control project anomalies to be filed at the Sandiganbayan by November.

Meanwhile, the Anti-Money Laundering Council (AMLC) has obtained its sixth freeze order from the Court of Appeals as part of its ongoing investigation into alleged irregularities in government flood control projects.

In a statement, the AMLC said the appellate court issued the order yesterday, covering 39 bank accounts, four insurance policies and 59 real estate properties that include residential, commercial and agricultural assets.

ICI legal support

The Public Attorney’s Office (PAO) has deployed an eight-member legal team to provide legal support to the Independent Commission for Infrastructure (ICI) for a period of six months.

In a statement yesterday, the ICI said the PAO lawyers will report to the fact-finding body every Tuesday to Friday starting Oct. 14.

That day marks the scheduled appearances of former speaker Martin Romualdez and resigned lawmaker Elizaldy Co.

ICI chairman Andres Reyes Jr. said partnering with PAO ensures the commission’s mandate of ‘ensuring good governance and equitable infrastructure development’ will be achieved as it continues to build its organization.

Abia: Benjamin Kalu’s courageous call and shame of others

When Rt. Hon. Benjamin Okezie Kalu, Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives raised fundamental questions about transparency and accountability in the management of Abia State’s collective wealth, he was not playing politics, he was merely exercising leadership by speaking for the voiceless.

He was merely demanding to know how a state that now receives record-breaking allocations has so little to show on ground. Rather than rally behind him, a section of the Labour Party caucus in the House of Representatives rushed to issue a press statement, not to demand accountability, but to pledge allegiance to Governor Alex Otti. One must ask: allegiance to who – the people or the governor?

Even infants knew their press statement was merely an act of cowardice, Fear of losing political favour. Fear of falling out of line in re-election matters. But it suffices it to say that true leadership requires courage, not compliance. Abia State today receives humongous monthly allocations from the Federation Account, thanks to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s bold and painful removal of fuel subsidy. That single decision freed up trillions of naira for the three tiers of government. It was a political risk of historic proportion. The President took the backlash alone. From angry citizens, labour unions, and critics, but the governors, who became the biggest beneficiaries of the policy, quietly smiled to the bank.

Abia’s monthly allocation has increased multiple times over, yet what is there to show? Roads are still deplorable, local governments remain comatose, and basic infrastructure has become a luxury. Even with these huge federal inflows, combined with Internally Generated Revenue (IGR) and the local governments’ statutory allocations, Abians can still not point to developments commensurate with the financial windfall the state now enjoys.

And while Governor Otti’s supporters trumpet selective projects for propaganda, the reality across Abia’s 17 local governments tells a grim story: no local government autonomy as against the President’s clear and unambiguous directive, therefore, no visible transformation.

Now, enter the Abia State House of Assembly – a body that should be the people’s watchdog. For months, these lawmakers maintained cowardly silence as local governance was crippled and funds were handled in secrecy. But the moment Ben Kalu asked for accountability, they suddenly found their voices, not to demand transparency, but to insult! What a caricature of representation! The same Assembly that should be grilling commissioners and examining State accounts is instead performing comic relief, defending the indefensible. They should bury their heads in shame for attacking the man who did their job better than them.

While they grovel for political survival, Ben Kalu continues to stand tall. From his vantage position as Deputy Speaker, he has access to facts and figures, he knows what comes into Abia’s coffers monthly, and what the 17 local governments are entitled to. He also knows how much of that money disappears into administrative darkness. His concern is not partisan; it is patriotic. He is not talking politics; he is talking governance. And while others merely talk, Ben Kalu works – attracting federal projects, rebuilding roads, lighting up communities, and providing empowerment programs that have direct impact on the people.

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu equally deserves commendation, not condemnation. He took a historic political risk by removing fuel subsidy – a move previous President’s were too timid to attempt. He faced the backlash head-on and carried the burden of national anger, while state governors quietly pocketed the windfall. Today, those governors use the same funds to polish their political image, fund propaganda, and build personal influence, yet the President is painted as a ‘merchant of pain.’ The hypocrisy is nauseating. If President Tinubu were to treat Nigerian States the same way some governors treat their local governments – hoarding and mismanaging allocations – there would be no windfall for governors to spend, Yet the President continues to respect the constitutional rights of the states, even when they fail to replicate such fairness within their own boundaries.

So, to the LP caucus members in Abuja and their counterparts in the Abia State House of Assembly, take a moment to reflect. When your people cry over poverty, unemployment, and bad roads, remember that you stood with power, not with the people. Remember that when Ben Kalu raised questions on behalf of Abians, you responded with insults instead of integrity. The truth is simple: Abia is richer today than ever before courtesy of Tinubu’s reforms, yet poor in visible progress. That contradiction is the shame of those who claim to represent us.

Ben Kalu and President Tinubu have shown leadership courage: one at the national level, the other at the state level. Both took the risk of unpopularity to do what is right. Meanwhile, their critics wallow in fear, hypocrisy, and self-interest. Abians are watching. Nigerians are watching. And history will remember who stood for truth and who stood for stomach infrastructure. Tinubu deserves our gratitude. Ben Kalu deserves our respect. The rest deserve our pity.

Philippines getting Google Pay, Apple Pay for cross-border payments

Leading fintech innovator in cross-border and local payments Aqwire has officially become the local company to process transactions via Google Pay and Apple Pay for cross-border payments in the Philippines.

This milestone comes just as the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) cleared the use of such payment systems in the country, highlighting Aqwire’s readiness to bring global innovations to Filipino customers.

“This is not just a technological upgrade, it is a leap forward in reshaping how Filipinos access finance,” said Aqwire head Victor Lee in a statement.

“By acting swiftly after the BSP’s green light, we are giving millions of Filipinos, whether at home or overseas, the ability to transact securely and seamlessly using platforms they already trust.”

With this integration, customers can now pay via Google Pay and Apple Pay through the Aqwire Portal. Through secure tokenization technology, which replaces sensitive card details with encrypted digital identifiers, customers can now enjoy faster checkouts, fewer errors, and enhanced security.

This breakthrough offers merchants new opportunities to expand their reach and empowers consumers with more secure, convenient, and globally recognized payment options, bridging the gap between traditional finance and modern fintech.

I never felt my place was in church – Johnny Drille

Afrobeats singer and songwriter Johnny Drille, has opened up about his musical journey and how he struggled to find his place in the church community despite starting out there.

Speaking during a recent podcast appearance, the singer revealed that although he once served as a music director in church, he never truly felt his style of music belonged there.

‘I didn’t feel like my music was predominantly in church. Every now and then, I get invited to churches to sing, which is kind of interesting,’ he said.

Johnny Drille also admitted that his transition from gospel to mainstream music came with backlash from some members of the Christian community.

‘I’ve gotten a bit of backlash from my Christian community every now and then when they invite me to churches. But at the end of the day, the music is positive. It speaks to good things that sometimes the church doesn’t want to talk about,’ he explained.

He went on to criticise how churches often shy away from expressing love through music.

‘The church shies away from talking about love. A lot of times you go for some Christian weddings and you hear Davido and Wizkid. What if the church decides that we want to start doing our own Christian love songs?’ he said.

Reflecting on his early days, Johnny Drille said his time as a choir director helped shape his skills as a musician, even though he didn’t perform much at the time.

‘There’s a place for worship music, right? But there’s also music about so much more that the church could be singing about. I was a music director, directing the choir, but I never really sang in front of the church. I think it helped me become the musician I am today in terms of my musicianship and performances,’ he added.

Trillion Peso March Movement: Speed up investigations?

The Trillion Peso March Movement has renewed its call for the government to expedite the prosecution of those implicated in the flood control corruption scandal.

‘Our request is to speed up the process of investigation. If the President gave a marching order, it should be done quickly,’ Bishop Efraim Tendero of the Evangelical Churches of the Philippines told One News’ ‘Morning Matters’ yesterday.

Tendero noted that the probe into anomalous flood control projects, which started in earnest last August, has dragged on for too long.

‘Why haven’t cases been filed yet when there is prima facie evidence already coming from the district engineers and contractors?’ he said.

The faith leader stressed that the movement would not allow the issue to fade from public attention.

‘Maybe the dilly-dallying will reach a point where, when Christmas arrives, the issue will be forgotten,’ he said. ‘We won’t allow it.’

The Evangelical Churches of the Philippines is one of the organizations taking part in the Trillion Peso March Movement, which holds weekly White Friday protests ahead of a major rally on Nov. 30.

The activities, which include masses, noise barrages and the wearing of white ribbons, will be ‘decentralized’ across the country, Tendero said.

‘We want every person, every Filipino, to be aware that we are part of the sovereign people, speaking and standing against corruption,’ the bishop said.

To ensure public safety during these weekly demonstrations, the Philippine National Police (PNP) has begun deploying security measures as the White Friday protests kicked off yesterday.

Acting PNP chief Lt. Gen. Jose Melencio Nartatez Jr. has directed police commanders in Metro Manila and other regions to coordinate closely with rally organizers and prevent any repeat of the violence that marred anti-corruption rallies in Manila on Sept. 21.

‘We understand the importance of these activities for people who seek the truth, for people who seek justice, for people who call for justice amid allegations of wrongdoings involving taxpayers’ money,’ Nartatez said in a message.

He explained that the PNP has contingency plans for gatherings of various sizes and has sufficient personnel on standby to respond to emergencies.

While authorities have not detected any serious threat, Nartatez noted that the police remain proactive in monitoring potential disruptions to ensure the rallies remain peaceful.

‘While we assure the public of our active role in securing these activities, we are always ready for any eventuality, especially from those who would dare exploit these public assemblies to sow violence and openly violate the law,’ he added.

Eno inspects 2000-test capacity CBN centre, set for Civil Service recruitment

Akwa Ibom Governor Umo Eno has paid a visit to the new Computer Based Test Centre (CBT) to have a first-hand demonstration of the high- level facility with the capacity to conduct 2000 tests daily.

Located at the State Secretariat, Uyo, the fully equipped centre with a very comfortable and well-lit ambience, is set up to test applicants in respect of the forthcoming civil service recruitment exercise.

Eno, who was accompanied by the Head of Service, Elder Effiong Essien, Secretary to The State Government, Prince Enobong Uwah, Honourable Commissioner of Science and Digital Economy, Dr Frank Ekpenyong amongst other notable members of the State Government commended the excellent work done by the team and mandated that this robust system should be replicated across the state especially at the soon- to-be unveiled youth-friendly centres.

He emphasised the need for more merit-based programmes in the civil service because it would definitely enhance the quality and commitment of staff.

Eno’s visit to the Centre reinforces His Excellency’s commitment to equipping Akwa Ibom people with the necessary skills needed to match the current technological landscape in the world.

The 2000- test capacity per day state-of-the-art centre offers high-speed internet and all the latest digital capabilities to ensure seamless usage during examinations.

Fielding questions from Government House Correspondents shortly after his inspection of the facilities, Governor Eno noted that the standard of the civil service in the State must be consciously improved to meet the challenges of the 21st century.

He stressed: ‘The Civil Service is the engine room of governance. If we don’t get the Civil Service right, we would never get governance right.’

Governor Eno posited that the quality of staff recruited into the Civil Service matters a lot in the 21st century.

He explained that people the world over have moved to the use of Artificial Intelligence, and emphasized the need for the State to recruit qualified and capable hands to be able to stand the test of time in service delivery.

‘We need to have people who, at least, understand the use of basic computers, and are confident in what they are doing.

‘Besides, the introduction of this Computer-Based Test in our recruitment will considerably eliminate the issue of god fatherism in our system for competence to take centrestage’ he added.

The Governor reasoned that recruitment through the CBT approach will make applicants more serious and prepare effectively for absorption into the Civil Service system.

‘We need to be practical about it; eliminate all manner of encumbrances so that applicants will prepare effectively for the examination. And, if they perform well, they would be taken. And, if they fail, they can prepare well to write it next time,’ he explained.

On his part, the Commissioner for Science and Digital Economy, Dr. Frank Ekpenyong, commended Governor Eno for his exceptional vision and passion to ensure merit, competence, and confidence in the State Civil Service for efficiency in service delivery.

Dr. Ekpenyong disclosed that the CBT Centre is capable of accommodating upwards of 400 applicants at a time, about 2,000 applicants for a day scheduled in batches.

Head of the Civil Service, Elder Effiong Essien, thanked Governor Eno for introducing dynamism in the service, disclosing that the CBT recruitment examination will take place in the next ten days.

Elder Essien assured the applicants that the CBT facilities and processes are within their knowledge and capability, and enjoined them to just get themselves prepared for simple evaluation test through the use of computers.

FDI inflows hit $1.27 billion in July

Foreign direct investments (FDI) entering the Philippines reached nearly $1.3 billion in July – the highest monthly inflow in a year – despite a 7.5-percent year-on-year decline due to lower lending by foreign parent firms to their local subsidiaries.

Data from the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) showed that net FDI inflows stood at $1.27 billion in July, down from $1.37 billion in the same month last year, but marking the strongest monthly performance since July 2024.

‘The decrease in FDI net inflows during the month resulted from lower nonresidents’ net investments in debt instruments,’ the BSP said.

Investments in debt instruments, consisting mainly of intercompany borrowing between foreign direct investors and their subsidiaries or affiliates in the Philippines, fell by 39.4 percent to $711 million in July from $1.17 billion in the same month last year.

Still, the decline in intercompany borrowings was partly offset by higher equity capital placements at $418 million, more than five times the $76 million recorded a year earlier. Reinvestment of earnings also rose by 14.3 percent to $139 million.

Equity infusions hit $460 million in July, more than triple the $135 million in the same month last year. On the other hand, equity withdrawals declined by 28.4 percent to $42 million from $59 million.

According to the BSP, equity capital infusions in July came mainly from Japan and the United States, with the wholesale and retail trade sector receiving the bulk of these investments, followed by manufacturing and real estate.

On a cumulative basis, FDI inflows from January to July totaled $4.7 billion, 20 percent lower than the $5.9 billion posted in the same period in 2024.

The BSP attributed this to ‘muted global investor sentiment’ amid tight financial conditions and geopolitical uncertainties.

For the seven-month period, Japan accounted for 60 percent of gross equity capital placements, followed by the US (15 percent), Singapore (eight percent) and South Korea (five percent).

The top recipient industries were manufacturing (36 percent), wholesale and retail trade (30 percent) as well as real estate (15 percent).

Security Bank chief economist Angelo Taningco said the year-on-year decline in FDI was due to a high base, as July last year posted large inflows.

‘I expect FDI inflows to be tempered by increased external uncertainty from higher US tariffs as well as domestic governance issues surrounding government flood control projects,’ Taningco said.

‘Moderation in both investor sentiment and business confidence will likely ease FDI inflows over the near term,’ Taningco added.

The central bank expects FDI inflows to hit $7.5 billion this year and $8 billion in 2026.

10 die, 11 injured in Obajana-Lokoja crash

Ten passengers died and 11 others sustained various degrees of injury in a road accident at Apamaru along Obajana-Lokoja highway.

The crash, which occurred on Friday night, October 10, involved a white Toyota Hiace commercial bus with registration number KTG 100YL, bearing 21 male passengers at the time of the incident.

Spokesman of the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), Assistant Corps Marshal Olusegun Ogungbemide, announced in a statement on Saturday that a preliminary investigation by the FRSC crash team revealed the crash was caused by speed violation and wrongful overtaking by the driver, who lost control of the vehicle during a night journey.

He said: ‘Out of the 21 persons involved, 10 were killed on the spot, while 11 sustained varying degrees of injuries, including deep cuts, fractures, and bruises.

‘The injured victims were evacuated to Fisayo Hospital, Obajana, while the remains of the deceased were handed over to their families and taken to Sarikin Hausawa, Obajana, for burial in line with Islamic rites.’

Ogungbemide said the Corps Marshal of FRSC, expressed grief over the incident, warning that night travels, excessive speeding, and wrongful overtaking continue to be major causes of fatal road crashes in Nigeria.

‘He, therefore, called on commercial vehicle operators to adhere strictly to road safety regulations, emphasising that the Corps will intensify its enforcement on Overloading and advocacy to discourage Night Journey across critical corridors in Nigeria.

‘The Corps Marshal urged passengers to remain vigilant and proactive in cautioning or reporting drivers who exhibit reckless behaviour behind the wheel,’ Ogungbemide said.

SEC mulls term limits for PSE broker directors

After formalizing plans to enforce a mandatory term limit for independent directors of publicly listed companies, the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) is now looking at putting a term limit for broker directors of the Philippine Stock Exchange Inc. (PSE).

SEC chairperson Francis Lim told The STAR that the proposal aims to introduce term limits for broker directors of the PSE, similar to the existing limits for independent and non-broker directors.

Lim said the PSE’s independent directors as well as non-broker directors currently have term limits, while broker directors do not have any.

‘The intent is to level the playing field and provide other brokers the opportunity to serve on the PSE board,’ Lim said.

‘At this stage, it remains an idea under study – nothing final yet – but it’s certainly worth exploring,’ he said.

Broker directors are persons who proportionately represent the PSE membership in terms of volume/value of trade and paid-up capital, while non-broker directors are those who are not associated with any broker or dealer or member of the exchange.

The PSE’s board of directors should be composed of 15 members who are elected by shareholders.

At least 51 percent of the members must be non-brokers: at least five independent directors and four directors representing the interests of issuers, investors and other market participants, with each sector having at least one representative.

Broker directors, meanwhile, should not be more than 49 percent of the board and shall proportionately represent the exchange membership in terms of volume/value of trade and paid up capital.

A broker director must be a senior officer with a rank of at least vice president or its equivalent, or a director of a brokerage firm/trading participant that has been licensed to operate as a broker or broker-dealer and is a trading participant of the PSE and must be nominated by a PSE stockholder of record.

The SEC has recently issued a draft memorandum circular, which sets the rules on the duration of term and amends its rules on term limits of independent directors of all publicly listed companies.

The issuance is expected to strengthen independence of independent directors as well as to align with the international best practices under Republic Act No. 11232, otherwise known as the Revised Corporation Code of the Philippines.

A company’s independent director is currently allowed to serve for a maximum cumulative term of nine years, after which, the independent director shall be perpetually barred from re-election as such in the company, but may continue to qualify as a non-independent director.

However, in the instance that a company wants to retain an independent director who has served for nine years, the firm’s board should provide meritorious justifications and seek shareholders’ approval during the annual shareholders’ meeting.

Under the SEC’s draft memorandum circular, an independent director shall be elected for a three-year fixed term and subject to the term limit.

An independent director should serve for a maximum cumulative term of nine years, with an independent director, who has served the maximum term, shall be disqualified to be an independent director in the same company.

Publicly listed firms and registered issuers are given until Oct. 15, 2025 by the SEC to submit their comments and inputs on the draft memorandum circular on the duration of term and term limit of independent directors.