President Bola Tinubu will make a nationwide broadcast on Tuesday, October 1, 2024 at 7am, the Presidency has disclosed.

The broadcast, according to a statement by the Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, is part of activities to commemorate the 64th Independence Anniversary of the nation.

Television, radio stations and other electronic media outlets are enjoined to hook up to the network services of the Nigerian Television Authority and the Federal Radio Corporation of Nigeria for the broadcast.

• October 1 Declared Public Holiday

The Federal Government had earlier declared Tuesday as a public holiday to commemorate the nation’s 64th Independence Day Anniversary.

The Minister of Interior, Dr Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, who made the declaration on behalf of the Federal Government, congratulated Nigerians at home and abroad on the occasion.

Tunji-Ojo praised the patient and hardworking Nigerian men and women, stating that their sacrifices will not be in vain.

Aligning himself with the theme for the anniversary, the minister reiterated the need for Nigerians to reflect on the labour of “our heroes past”, and be inspired for the tasks ahead, realising that a Nigeria of “our dream can only be built when we unite.”

While wishing Nigerians a Happy Independence Day Anniversary, Dr. Tunji-Ojo urged the citizens to continue to be steadfast in nation-building.

• IGP Orders Water-Tight Security

Meanwhile, the Inspector General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, has ordered water-tight security across the country to create a safe and conducive environment for citizens to celebrate the country’s 64th independence.

In a statement by the Force Public Relations Officer, Muyiwa Adejobi, on Monday, the IGP ordered the deployment of adequate human and tactical resources to enable a maximum level of security for the independence celebration.

“The Police, in synergy with other security agencies, will fortify various designated event venues and the major highways across the country, to forestall any threats to lives and property and the celebration.

“Additionally, the IGP has directed all personnel deployed for various operations during the celebrations to be courteous and firm in their engagements with members of the public,” the statement read in part.

IGP Egbetokun was said to have reiterated that the Nigeria Police Force remains committed to safeguarding the nation’s security, ensuring peaceful coexistence, and upholding the rule of law.

“We are dedicated to serving our communities with integrity, compassion, and professionalism.

“As we move forward, let us rekindle our sense of national pride, foster unity, and work together towards a brighter future for all Nigerians.

“As we commemorate our journey to freedom and self-governance, let us remember our responsibilities to promote peace and respect for therule of law,” the statement added.

Martins Otse, popularly known as VeryDarkMan, has refused to comment further on the allegations made by Idris Okuneye, also known as Bobrisky. Bobrisky had claimed that officials from the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission and the Nigerian Correctional Services demanded N15 million from him to serve his prison term in a VIP section of the Kirikiri Medium Custodial Centre in Lagos.

When invited to brief the Investigating Committee, VeryDarkMan expressed his dissatisfaction with Bobrisky’s absence, saying:

“I don’t know why I will be here and the person who made these allegations is not here. Bobrisky said in the voice note that there is a godfather. Maybe the godfather told him not to come. He has disrespected this committee by not coming here.”

He further stated, “You are already threatening me with arrest. If you detain me, I will stay in the cell. If Bobrisky is not here, I will not say anything. If I say anything, let me die.”

The committee members tried to persuade VeryDarkMan to speak on the allegations, assuring him that Bobrisky would also face the panel. This development comes amid an ongoing investigation into the bribery allegations, which has led to the suspension of four senior officers from the Nigerian Correctional Service.

Video Credit: The Cable

Blogger Martins Otse, known as VeryDarkMan, appeared before a House of Representatives panel on Monday to address bribery allegations involving the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) and the Nigerian Correctional Service (NCoS).

The Committees on Financial Crimes and Reformatory Institutions commenced investigations into claims made by the blogger in a viral video. VeryDarkMan alleged that Idris Okuneye, popularly known as Bobrisky, paid ₦15 million to have money laundering charges dropped by the EFCC after his naira-spraying incident in April, which led to a six-month imprisonment sentence. The blogger also claimed Bobrisky paid additional amounts to secure a preferential spot in prison.

Bobrisky has denied these allegations, and both the EFCC and NCoS have initiated investigations into the claims.

The Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) has called on the Attorney General of the Federation (AGF), Lateef Fagbemi (SAN), and the National Security Adviser (NSA), Nuhu Ribadu, to conduct an independent investigation into the matter.