News From Nigeria
NIN-SIM linkage: SERAP writes Buhari over ‘unlawful access to subscribers’ details’
Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP) has urged President Muhammadu Buhari to use his “good offices and leadership position to urgently review and rescind your reported approval for security agencies to access people’s personal details via NIN-SIM linkage without due process of law.”
SERAP is also urging the president to “send executive bills to the National Assembly to repeal and reform all laws, which are inconsistent and incompatible with Nigerians’ rights to privacy, dignity and liberty.”
SERAP’s letter followed reports that some security agencies have received presidential approval to access people’s personal details via the database of the National Identity Management Commission in the course of carrying out their duties.
In the letter dated 5 February 2022 and signed by SERAP deputy director Kolawole Oluwadare, the organisation said: “If your reported approval is not rescinded, millions of law-abiding Nigerians may feel that their private lives are the subject of constant surveillance.”
SERAP said: “The interference entailed by unlawfully or arbitrarily accessing people’s personal details is far-reaching and must be considered to be particularly serious.”
According to SERAP, “The reported approval to allow security agencies to access people’s personal details via NIN-SIM linkage without due process of law directly interferes with the privacy, dignity and liberty of individuals.”
SERAP also said, “Interference with an individual’s right to privacy is not permissible if it is unlawful or arbitrary.”
The letter, read in part: “The power to access individual’s details raises serious concerns as to their arbitrary use by the authorities responsible for applying them in a manner that reduces human rights and democratic principles by the monitoring and surveillance of millions of Nigerians.”
“It is crucial to rescind the approval, and respect the autonomy of individuals to receive and share information of a personal nature without interference from the authorities, if unintended adverse consequences are to be avoided.”
“The risk of arbitrary or abusive interference shows the importance for your government to comply fully with the requirements of legality, necessity and proportionality.”
“The right to privacy allows Nigerians to hold opinions and exercise freedom of expression without arbitrary or illegal interference and attacks.”
“Private conversations of individuals – which belong to their intimate sphere and contribute to their personal development – also enjoy strong legal protection and can only be limited based on the principles of legality, necessity and proportionality.”
“The reported presidential approval to security agencies does not align with the principle that any restriction on human rights capable of limitation should be the least intrusive means possible, and shall be necessary and proportionate to the benefit sought.”
“Violations or abuses of the right to privacy might affect the enjoyment of other human rights, including the right to freedom of expression and to hold opinions without interference.”
“SERAP notes that the right to privacy can enable the enjoyment of other rights and the free development of an individual’s personality and identity, and an individual’s ability to participate in political, economic, social and cultural life.”
“In relation to the requirement of legality, any limitation must be expressly, exhaustively, precisely, and clearly provided for in a law in the formal and material sense. It is not enough that the restrictions be formally approved by the president or by any other competent body: they must also be sufficiently clear, accessible and predictable.”
“Similarly, measures restricting enjoyment of the right to privacy must comply with the principle of proportionality, meaning that they must not unduly interfere with other rights of the persons targeted.”
“In the digital age, protecting the right to privacy requires exceptional attention. While acknowledging the challenging issues that your approval may seek to address, SERAP is seriously concerned that this may be used as a pretext by security agencies to violate Nigerians’ right to privacy and other related human rights.”
“The undermining of the universality of fundamental human rights, alongside the potential encroachment upon the enjoyment of the right to privacy raised by the presidential approval, suggests the urgent need to review the matter, and rescind your approval, consistent with constitutional and international standards.”
“SERAP notes that the relationship between data principals and the authorities involves a power imbalance. Nigeria ought to provide the leadership in developing a data protection framework that is fully consistent and compatible with the protection of the fundamental and inalienable right to privacy.”
“According to reports, some security agencies have received your approval to access people’s personal details via the database of the National Identity Management Commission in the course of carrying out their duties. The Minister of Communications and Digital Economy, Isa Pantami reportedly conveyed the approval to the relevant security agencies.”
“Mr Pantami also reportedly stated that the approval would enhance security as it would help security operatives to go after kidnappers and other criminals.”
“The approval would now allow security agencies to access the data of the over 73 million Nigerians who have linked their National Identity Number with their SIM, and other people who may do so.”
“While the effectiveness of the fight against serious crime may depend to a great extent on the use of modern investigation techniques, such an objective of general interest, however fundamental it may be, cannot in itself justify the unlawful or arbitrary interference with the right to privacy.”
“Unlawful or arbitrary access to people’s personal details would contravene section 37 of the Nigerian Constitution 1999 (as amended), article 17 of the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights, and article 5 of the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights, which protect against arbitrary or unlawful interference with one’s privacy.”
“Any constraints upon the right to privacy must strictly comply with the principles of legality, necessity and proportionality. These requirements are included in the Nigerian Constitution and the human rights treaties to which Nigeria is a state party.”
“We would be grateful if the recommended measures are taken within 7 days of the receipt and/or publication of this letter. If we have not heard from you by then, SERAP shall take all appropriate legal actions to compel your government to comply with our request in the public interest.”
The letter was copied to Mr Abubakar Malami, SAN, Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, and Mr Isa Pantami, Minister of Communications and Digital Economy.
Kolawole Oluwadare
SERAP Deputy Director
6/2/2022
Lagos, Nigeria
Emails: info@serap-nigeria.org; news@serap-nigeria.org
Twitter: @SERAPNigeria
Website: www.serap-nigeria.org
For more information or to request an interview, please contact us on: +2348160537202
Press Statement
Why I’m Investing In Computer Education – Rt. Hon. Dekor
…As World-Class ICT Centre Construction Project In Ogoni Is Handed Over To Contractor
The member representing Khana/Gokana Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives, Rt. Hon. Dumnamene Robinson Dekor has again reaffirmed his resolve to invest in the education sector, asserting that education remains the bedrock of development for Ogoni people.
Speaking at Birabi Memorial Grammar School (BMGS), Bori, Wednesday, February 2, 2022, while mobilizing the contractor for construction of the world-class ICT centre project to the site, the lawmaker stressed that computer-based education would expand the knowledge base of the people and make them more relevant in this 21st century.
Rt. Hon. Dekor who facilitated the world-class ICT centre through the Niger Delta Development Commission, NDDC, while hoping that Ogonis would avail themselves of the opportunity offered by the facility when completed, noted it is for this reason that most of his projects are focused on education and human capacity development, adding that the more people have computer education in Ogoniland, the better for the larger populace.
The lawmaker who is also the Chairman, House Committee on Host Communities said he prefers to empower the people through education rather than giving them what he called ‘material things’, stressing that the world-class computer centre when completed, would serve as a JAMB Centre and even a centre for the National Open University of Nigeria (NOUN) for the good of all Nigerians and Ogonis in particular.
“I had provided ‘Keke Napep’ and motorcycles before and I discovered that in most cases the man that gets it, sells it off immediately. Sometimes, those that need them don’t even get them.
“I believe when you have education, you open the space for people to buy their own motorcycles and their own cars. So, let us address the basics and that’s what we are trying to do, to address the issues of education”, he reasoned.
The former Deputy Speaker in the State House of Assembly and one-time Commissioner for Works also hinted that the ICT Centre would be furnished with first-class internet facilities with a sitting capacity of about 500 students when completed.
He further disclosed that the centre is sited at the famous Birabi Memorial Grammar School, BMGS, Bori, as the college is the flagship of Ogoni people, adding that the project is for now, the only one in the whole of the Rivers South-East Senatorial District.
“This world-class ICT Centre will help our people when they are going to write JAMB exam or any other computer-based examination. They won’t have to travel all the way to Port Harcourt, Edo or Abia States and other States to write JAMB. They will simply choose Bori as their centre”, he enthused.
Rt. Hon. Dekor said plans have also reached advanced stage for the construction of a road and a bridge to link the hinter areas like Kor and Kpong, as according to him, Bori town is getting congested and a bridge to these areas would greatly enhance decongestion of the ancient city.
Speaking at the ceremony, the contractor handling the project, Engr. Emeka Chukwu said his company, OMEK Investment Nigeria Limited, has already hit the ground running, assuring that the project would be completed in three months’ time.
He expressed appreciation to the lawmaker representing Khana/Gokana Federal Constituency, Rt. Hon. Dumnamene Robinson Dekor for choosing Bori as the site for the project.
Also speaking at the occasion, the Principal of Birabi Memorial Grammar School, Bori, Mr. Saganee Edward expressed gratitude to Rt. Hon. Dum Dekor for his initiative in bringing the ICT Centre to the school, stating that students and Ogoni people in general, would be saved the hassles of travelling outside the state for computer-based examinations.
“I am very happy, just like the staff and students as well as Ogonis are happy over this laudable project. I am appealing to other well-meaning leaders of Ogoni to borrow a leaf from the Honourable member of the House of Representatives, Rt. Hon. Dum Dekor, to contribute their own quota to the development of Ogoni”, said the elated Principal.
Thursday, February 03, 2022
PRESS RELEASE
SANWO-OLU TAKES FRONT LEAD IN CARE OF VULNERABLE GROUPS, LAUNCHES SWIP INITIATIVE
…As First Lady Urges Corporate Bodies, Multilateral Agencies To Support Cause
Lagos State Governor, Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu on Thursday vowed to take the lead in the care of orphans, children with special needs, the elders, the mentally challenged, and other vulnerable groups in the state to give hope and make life meaningful to them.
The Governor, who spoke at the launch of a Social Welfare Integrated Program Initiative (SWIPI) aimed at supporting orphanages, elderly care homes, and others in the areas of addressing their infrastructure, medical, education, nutrition, and training needs, said there is a lot to be done to care for the less privileged in the society and that his government would not give excuses.
He said he was particularly thrilled with the objectives of the SWIPI team in reaching out to the care homes in the state, adding that it was a clarion call on all to join hands with the government to make a positive difference.
“I am actually very thrilled listening to all of the very modest interventions and initiatives that SWIPI stands for and I must thank the initiator and the Grand Patron. There is a lot we can do for the children and vulnerable people out there; there is a lot that is expected of us.
“As a government, we are not going to give excuses and I will personally take the lead and see that we double up our interventions through Ministries of Youth and Social Development, Women Affairs and Poverty Alleviation, and other MDAs,” the Governor assured.
Narrating the experience on his way to the venue of the SWIPI launch where he stopped the convoy upon noticing two young girls roaming the street during school hours, the Governor gave the names of the girls as Chindinma Amarachi and Suwebat, 9 and 12 years respectively, vowing to take over the sponsorship of their education.
“Out there, there are several Amarachis and Suwebats who don’t have the opportunity to go to school. We all can make a difference if we choose to and this is why I am indeed happy with this SWIPI project because there is no better thing we can do to mankind than ensuring that we can make life better for our next-door neighbor,” the Governor said.
Speaking earlier after her investiture as the Grand Patron of SWIPI, the First Lady of Lagos State, Dr. Ibijoke Sanwo-Olu said she was fascinated by the objective of the organization which is principally aimed at helping to tremendously improve the quality and value of care to the less privileged in society.
According to her, “It is commendable that SWIPI is already intervening in delivering a training curriculum for registered caregivers, using world-class facilitators and the feedback has been improved knowledge and delivery of care by the caregivers in all the registered homes and orphanages in the state.
“The organization has also been strong in improving the quality of social welfare administration through the donation of critical equipment and facilities including digital tablets, computers, boreholes, water treatment plants, and toilet facilities, among others to ramp up the care of the vulnerable in the homes.”
She said it was with a deep sense of responsibility and call to service that she accepted the investiture in order to consolidate on the amazing objective to embed best practices in social welfare administration in the overall interest of the vulnerable, especially children, the elderly, and mentally challenged individuals.
The First Lady also called on others to support SWIPI by donating generously; just as she said that addressing the plight of the most vulnerable in society is a collective responsibility that falls on every global citizen.
“I believe that the social welfare system is one of the single most important sectors of society that can deliver a marked improvement in the standard of living of the most vulnerable in our society,” she said.
Besides, she called for deliberate policies and laws to ensure that registered orphanages and elderly care homes adhere to best practices, while efforts are put in place to address the issue of unregistered homes, with the view to ensuring that they are properly regulated.
In his opening remarks, Chairman of SWIPI, Dr. Kolawole Ajayi said the organization consists of 11 professionals from different walks of life who have an incredible love for children and are concerned about the social, economic, health, and welfare of vulnerable children, particularly those in orphanages.
He said SWIPI was concerned about children with some learning disorders abandoned in the orphanages and the less privileged adults in the elderly homes in the state, saying the focus of the project was to address the identified gaps in social welfare practice and administration.
At the event, digital tablets were presented to 14 registered elderly care homes to enhance their operations toward e-learning. They are Rock Garden Home for the Elderly, Jozel Care, Chrisgloria Nursing, Precious Jewels, Winiseph Care Home, Blue Gate Home Care-Healthcare, Centre for Happy Elderly People, Mariam Akintola Senior Citizens Care Home, Old People’s Rehabilitation Centre, The Cathedral Circle Initiative, Primecare Rehabilitation Resources Limited, Old People’s Home, Multibeniose Elderly and Motherly Care, and The Shepherd’s Heaven.
SIGNED
OLUBUKONLA NWONAH
ASSISTANT DIRECTOR, PUBLIC AFFAIRS
OFFICE OF LAGOS STATE FIRST LADY
FEBRUARY 3, 2022
PRESS RELEASE
SANWO-OLU GIVES HOPE, OFFERS LIFELINE FOR TWO OUT-OF-SCHOOL GIRLS
…Gov: “These two girls will be under my care and that of the First Lady.”
On his way to an official function on Thursday, Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu momentarily halted his convoy to attend to a disturbing situation. It was a sight of two underage girls on an errand for a bean cake vendor during school hours.
Time was 11am; the girls were expected to be in school. But, both Amarachi Chinedu, 9, and Suwebat Husseini, 12, were forced to skip school by their parents in order to serve some domestic assistance.
The girls were going to deliver buckets of peeled beans and pepper to a grinder when the Governor sighted them at Anthony Village area. It was a glance that presented a discomforting image for Sanwo-Olu, who revved his convoy to a stop to find out the reason the girls were not in school.
Amarachi’s story left the Governor to shudder throughout the encounter. Her mother is a teacher, but the nine-year-old was not allowed to go to school because her parents could not afford the current session’s tuition fees. Amarachi would have to miss a school year because of this reason.
Suwebat’s mother is the bean cake seller for whom the girls were running an errand. Her parents, who are Jigawa State indigenes, relocated to Lagos months back. Suwebat’s four male siblings were all in school at the time she was stopped on the road by the Governor. But her parents preferred she stayed back home to help with some domestic chores.
The decisions taken by girls’ parents, Sanwo-Olu said, could rob the little ones of their innocence, their future and put them at a disadvantage among their peers. The Governor stressed that his encounter with the girls left his heart bleeding.
Coincidentally, the Governor was on his way to formally launch Social Welfare Integrated Programme (SWIP) Initiative – a partnership between Government agencies and the private sector to standardise welfare administration for the vulnerable children, elders and those suffering mental disorder – when he saw the two girls roaming the street at school hours.
Salvaging the situation, Sanwo-Olu, at the scene, told the girls he would personally take up the responsibility for their education and upbringing, promising to enrol them in school to continue with their education. The Governor’s decision had been communicated to the girls’ parents.
He said: “This morning, I had a first-hand experience of what many vulnerable children might be going through in our society. I saw something that made my heart bleed on my way to this function. I saw two little girls – ages 9 and 12 – carrying buckets on their heads to grind pepper at 11am when they were supposed to be in school. I stopped immediately, having seen how vulnerable they are and the risk we are putting them through.
“My encounter with them gave me the opportunity to hear their stories and I have taken it upon myself to ensure that these girls never suffer such fate again. I am not going to leave them alone. Amarachi and Suwebat will go back to school. This is a classic example of what we need to do differently as a society. It is needless to ask what brought their parents to Lagos. We must ensure they are not robbed of their future.
“These two girls will be under my care and that of the First Lady. There are several Amarachi and several Suwebat out there, who will not have this kind of opportunity. Everyone of us can take the same decision and listen to stories of kids who may be vulnerable. If we choose to take up this responsibility as a people and give a voice to the vulnerable, we all can make a difference. There is no better kindness to be done to mankind than giving them a lifetime opportunity.”
Sanwo-Olu advised parents not to break their backs in order to send their wards to expensive schools, noting that there are many Government-run basic and secondary schools in Lagos doing better in imparting quality education than many private schools.
The Governor said his encounter with the girls brought the need to bolster Government’s support to public schools and raise the standards.
He said: “If as a parent you cannot afford to put your children in private school, know that there are public schools that are doing great things. Why would a parent deny a nine-year-old girl an access to education? Yes, we are doing so much in education, but the story of these two little girls shows that there are more to be done.
“Amarachi and Suwebat didn’t ask to be in the circumstance they found themselves in, but it is our responsibility to be able to give them the future they deserve; the opportunity that will make them better children to their family and better citizens of this country.”
Sanwo-Olu called for partnership with development agencies, urging intervention bodies, such as SWIP Initiative, to join hands with the Government to ensure all vulnerable persons in Lagos, including children of school age, get adequate attention needed for their care.
SIGNED
GBOYEGA AKOSILE
CHIEF PRESS SECRETARY
03 FEBRUARY 2022
PRESS RELEASE
SANWO-OLU, AMBASSADOR INAUGURATE SWEDISH HONORARY CONSULATE IN LAGOS
Lagos State Governor, Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu on Thursday joined the Swedish Ambassador to Nigeria, Ghana and ECOWAS region, Ambassador Carl-Michael Grans and Honorary Consul of Swedish Government, Philip Akesson, to inaugurate the New Swedish Honorary Consulate in Lagos.
Speaking at the inauguration ceremony of the new Swedish Honorary Consulate in Lagos at Landmark Towers, Victoria Island, Governor Sanwo-Olu said Lagos is open to more businesses,
The Governor said the new Swedish Honorary Consulate in Lagos will further strengthen Swedish and Nigerian businesses, and more importantly, signpost Lagos as a commercial and economic nerve center of the country.
He said: “Lagos is part of our Nigeria but a lot of businesses and sovereign nations in our country realise and appreciate that while we have a thriving capital in Abuja, for them to be close to their citizens, activate businesses and exchange cultural activities, there is always a sense that they must have a presence in Lagos.
“It is really more about what Lagos stands for and the benefits that we all can see when you have a consulate that is just being handed over to Swedish citizens, businesses and the Nigerian community. You will begin to see further mutually beneficial cultural, economic and political benefits that both countries will enjoy.
“We are very happy that you can see that Lagos deserves it and I want to thank the Swedish government for putting this together for us. I want to assure you that the Lagos community and business community will use this place very well.”
Governor Sanwo-Olu, who reiterated Lagos State Government’s determination to partner with the private sector to turn the State’s Ocean lines to tourist destination in the country, commended the Swedish Embassy for taking the lead in ensuring that they have a waterfront view.
Speaking earlier, the Swedish Ambassador to Nigeria, Ghana and ECOWAS region, Ambassador Carl Michael Grans, said Lagos is the incontestable business hub of Nigeria and West Africa.
Also speaking, the Honorary Consul of the Swedish Government, Philip Akesson, stressed the importance of the new Swedish Honorary Consulate in Lagos, saying it would strengthen the bilateral relationship between Sweden and Nigeria.
SIGNED
GBOYEGA AKOSILE
CHIEF PRESS SECRETARY
03 FEBRUARY 2022
Niger Delta youths on Sunday lauded the leadership qualities of the Minister of Niger Delta Affairs, Senator Godswill Akpabio, describing him as “a man of high integrity and principles”
The stance of the youths was articulated by the President, Coalition of Progressive Niger Delta Youths (CPNDY), Mr Chukwuma Nwabueze.
The youths who met in Warri applauded Akpabio for enhancing government effectiveness and transparency in the oil rich region, securing the sum of N10.4 billion from the 2021 Sovereign SUKUK Issuance for the completion of the dualisation of the East West highway project and mobilizing the RCC for necessary repairs on the collapsed portion of the road, as a stop gap measure, for easy vehicular and human movements.
‘The Minister of Niger Delta Affairs, Senator Godswill Akpabio has done his work well’’
In a statement in Warri, the youths advised the Coordinator of Wailing Women of the Niger Delta (WWND), Odighonin Adienbo and the National President of Niger Delta Elders’ Forum, Chief Tonye Ogbogbuya to tame their appetite for falsehood against Akpabio.
The youths described the recent comments of Ovie of Idjerhe, Monday Arthur Whiskey, Adienbo and Ogbogbuya on Buhari and Akpabio as distasteful and provocative.
The youths said Whiskey, Adienbo and Ogbogbula were mercenaries hired by some corrupt politicians and contractors to destabilize the region.
‘’The Ovie of Idjerhe Kingdom, Adienbo and Ogbogbuya are officious people. They can’t be popular through baseless attacks on Buhari and Akpabio.
The statement commended Akpabio for cleaning up the mess in the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) and working in the best interests of the country.
The youths said even the blind can see the impressive achievements of the Federal Government in the oil rich region.
The statement underscored the worst personality traits of a king and the refusal of Whiskey, Adienbo and Ogbogbuya to observe the rules of objectivity.
Specifically, the youths praised Olu of Warri Kingdom, Ogiame Atuwatse III for his patriotism, leadership style and tactful politesse.
They urged Whiskey and his sponsors to emulate the Warri monarch on strategic communication, tactful presentation and wisdom.
The Olu of Warri Kingdom, Ogiame Atuwatse 111 recently drew Buhari’s attention to the under-utilisation of the four ports in Warri, Koko, Sapele, and Burutu, reconstitution of the NDDC board, immortalizing the first Minister of Finance of the country, Festus Okotie-Eboh, and resuscitation of the Ogidigben EPZ project.
The youths also underscored personal integrity, sincerity of Akpabio, culture of accountability and the massive steps that have been taken.
LAGOS STATE GOVERNMENT
OFFICE OF THE CHIEF PRESS SECRETARY TO THE GOVERNOR
PRESS RELEASE
Lagos State Governor, Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu on Wednesday signed the bills for the establishment of additional two universities in the State – Lagos State University of Education (LASUED) and Lagos State University of Science and Technology.
He assented to the bills transmitting Lagos State Polytechnic in Ikorodu, Isolo and Surulere campuses to the University of Science and Technology as well as Adeniran Ogunsanya Colleges of Education, Ijanikin and Michael Otedola College of Primary Education, Epe to Lagos State University of Education.
The signing ceremony, which took place at the Lagos House, Marina, was witnessed by the Special Adviser to the Governor on Education, Mr. Tokunbo Wahab and Commissioner for Justice and Attorney-General, Mr. Moyosore Onigbanjo (SAN), members of the Governing Councils and management staff of the tertiary institutions, among others.
Speaking after signing the bills, Governor Sanwo-Olu, said Lagos and its indigenes are now blessed with two additional universities to the existing Lagos State University (LASU), established in 1982 by the first Executive Governor of Lagos State, the late Alhaji Lateef Jakande.
He said: “We are doing this very quickly because we need to take this law to the National Universities Commission (NUC), that will do their due diligence and we are believing they will give us a timely approval when all of us will go and receive the certificates for the establishment of the two universities.
“We believe that the transmission will be smooth. We believe that the process would be without any hindrance. We believe that we will do a good job at ensuring that what is best is the only thing that we do for Lagos. I feel so delighted and proud of all of us creating history today and I believe that indeed generations coming after us will remember this very bold, audacious decision that we have taken.
“The two institutions that have now been transmitted into universities are institutions that have produced professionals, students, lecturers among other notable men and women in our society. I feel what we have done is a proper thing for the existing staff, both academic and non-academic and more importantly for the students today and the future students that would be coming in to be able to recreate their future and be in a position that we are turning out the leaders of tomorrow.”
Speaking earlier, Wahab said the establishment of the Lagos State University of Education (LASUED) and Lagos State University of Science and Technology, will solve issues relating to admission for Lagos State citizens.
Wahab also commended Governor Sanwo-Olu for putting his full weight behind the establishment of the two additional universities. He also appreciated the Lagos State House of Assembly led by Rt. Hon. Mudashiru Obasa for believing in the process.
SIGNED
GBOYEGA AKOSILE
CHIEF PRESS SECRETARY
02 FEBRUARY 2022
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Historicizing and Prognosticating Education and Internal Security Challenges in Nigeria
Yakubu A. Ochefu Ph.D.,
Fellow Historical Society of Nigeria (FHSN), Member, Nigeria Academy of Letters (MNAL)
Introduction
I will discuss the subject of education and internal security in Nigeria from a historical perspective, and prognosticate what is likely to happen if we do not address some of the challenges with the ideas that I will share. I do not intend to dabble into any definitional or conceptual issues. I take the liberty to assume that in an audience such as this, the meaning of keywords of the subject under discussion (education and internal security), is well known. I will proceed first by dealing with the various types of internal security challenges that have confronted us since 1960. Undertaking this historical journey will reveal that many of these challenges date far back and are rooted in one word: injustice (real or perceived). The challenges also seem to roll over from one decade to another, and from one zone to another. Thus, when kidnapping was rampant in the Niger Delta between 2000 and 2005, it was pretty rare in the northern parts of this country. Now, it is the other way round. I review the security governance framework and demonstrate how its constitution compounds the challenge of security provisioning.
Regarding education, I will x-ray our educational provisioning from two perspectives. One is from the ongoing disruption of higher education and its implications, and the second is on how weak the nexus between education and security is. I will conclude the lecture with ideas and suggestions on how we can use education to tackle the internal security challenges and make a prognosis of the near future of what may happen if we do not.
Historicising Internal Security Challenges in Nigeria
Since independence in 1960, Nigeria has recorded over thirty significant security challenges in the six decades. These range from politically or religiously motivated violence to criminal activities. The table below presents these challenges in historical sequence over a ten-year cycle.
| SN | Decade | Security Challenge | Location |
| 1. | 1960-1970 | Tiv Riots | Tiv Land |
| Political Crisis in Western Nigeria | Western Nigeria | ||
| Declaration of Niger Delta Republic | Niger Delta | ||
| First and Second Military Coups | Nationwide | ||
| Pogroms and the Nigeria Civil War | Nationwide | ||
| 2 | 1970 -1980 | Ugep Massacre | Cross River State |
| 3
|
1980 -1990 | Bakolori Peasants Uprising | Sokoto State |
| Maitasine | Kano, Bauchi, Borno, and Adamawa States | ||
| SAP Riots | Across Nigeria | ||
| Kafanchan Riots | Kaduna State | ||
| 4 | 1990-2000 | Zango-kataf Crisis | Kaduna State |
| Ijo-Itsekiri Crisis | Delta State | ||
| Bakassi Boys | South East | ||
| Ogoni Uprising (MOSOP) | Niger Delta | ||
| NADECO | South West | ||
| First Jos Crisis | Plateau State | ||
| Kwanta-kwanta bandits | North East | ||
| Ife-Modakeke | Osun State | ||
| Aguleri-Umuleri | Anambra State | ||
| 5 | 2000 -2010 | Tiv-Jukun Crisis and Military Invasion of Tivland | Benue/Taraba State |
| Odi Crisis | Niger Delta | ||
| Kaduna (Sharia) Crisis | Kaduna State | ||
| Second Jos Crisis | Plateau State | ||
| MEND | Niger Delta | ||
| Ogaminana Crisis | Kogi State | ||
| 2007 Election Riots | Northern Nigeria | ||
| Boko Haram | North East | ||
| 6 | 2010 -2020 | Farmers Herders Conflicts | Across Nigeria |
| IPOB | South East | ||
| ESN | South East | ||
| ODUA Republic Agitation | South West | ||
| Banditry | North West |
A quick look at the above inconclusive list shows that we can situate the nature and character of security challenges into four domains. These are the politically and economically motivated, the religiously motivated, criminally motivated, and those rooted in migration and settlements. A common thread that binds these four domains is injustice and its perceptions. Some have their roots in political, economic and socio-spatial arrangements that date back to colonialism. From the list, we can also discern that a number of them are recurring. The crisis in Jos started in the mid-1990s. Also, that of Southern Kaduna. Several scholars have opined that Boko Haram has its roots in the teachings of Mohammed Marwa, the founder and leader of the Maitasine sect that exploded all over northern Nigeria in the 1980s. If this is true, it means that forty years on, we have not learnt anything about managing the root causes of social problems that make people susceptible to religious manipulations. This is where the nexus between education and security comes to play.
Internal Security Sector Governance Framework
Security sector governance combines the concepts of ‘security’ and ‘governance’ and shares with the concept of human security, a concern for the welfare and safety of individuals and groups, which suffer most from a poorly governed security sector. From a governance perspective, security sector governance covers the public sector responsible for exercising the state monopoly of coercive power.1 From a purely security perspective, security sector governance reflects the broad notion of security because it does not cover the military alone but acknowledges the importance and predominant role of non-military security forces in some countries. Indeed, governments increasingly face security challenges in governance sectors that have not been viewed as relevant from a traditional security perspective. This includes the relevance of border security in the aftermath of trans-border Boko Haram raids or the activities of ethnic and political militias.
Security governance sets the security sector on two pillars: (a) the security forces and (b) the relevant civilian bodies and processes needed to manage them. These encompass: state institutions which have a formal mandate to ensure the safety of the State and its citizens against acts of violence and coercion (e.g., the armed forces, the police and paramilitary forces, the intelligence services and similar bodies; judicial and penal institutions) and elected and duly appointed civil authorities responsible for control and oversight (e.g., Parliament, the Executive, the Defence Ministry, etc.).
The security sector in most countries is generally divided into five main groups of actors:
In addition to the above, a number of actors directly or indirectly influence the content and implementation of security policy. They fall into two main groups: non-statutory security organisations and non-statutory civil society bodies.
The Governance Challenges in the Security Sector.
The Governance Challenges in the Security sector in Nigeria cannot be treated outside of the historical context of the evolution of the Nigerian State and its operation since independence. As Fayemi and Olonisaki have pointed out, to understand the nature of the challenges and offer solutions, an assessment of Nigeria’s political environment is critical.2 For example, to what extent has the question of the nation been settled (national framework)? What do the constitution and other laws say about the control of the security forces (legal basis of the security sector)? What is the mission, purpose and nature of the security forces (professional stance of the security forces)? What is the interaction between the composition of security forces and the composition of society as a whole?; does the mission derived from security threats correspond to the size, composition and equipment of the security forces? Are resources used to fulfil the identified mission of the security forces, or are they misused in various ways (financial management of resources)? What are the roles of non-state security actors (positive and negative) and how effectively do the key oversight agencies – legislature, civilian bureaucracy, civil society – function in general (accountability)?3
It is clear from the above questions that fundamental challenges exist in the governance of the security sector and if these are not dealt with, the mandate to protect the lives and property of citizens will remain seriously compromised. I take the personal view that given the inherent legal and structural challenges facing the security sector in Nigeria that translates to how it is composed and operates, nobody will get an A* grade in providing explanations as to why they have performed so badly. The outcome of the sector’s poor performance is all too clear to us and warrants no further elaboration here. Before we proceed to proffer suggestions on how security governance can be improved, let us briefly discuss the education imperative and its role in determining security outcomes.
New Knowledge and Disruption of Education as a 21st Century Defining Moment
In the past forty years, the nature and character of higher education delivery globally have changed. We are in a world that is currently being driven at a breakneck pace, with new ways of doing old things, improvements and alternative solutions to virtually everything we need and do. Most segments of society are caught up in these changes and educational delivery is not an exception. Indeed, it has been suggested that the disruption of education as we know it today is going to count as one of the most defining moments of the 21st Century.3 I will point out just a few of them to buttress the point.
To contextualise all these, some of the biggest companies in the world in terms of valuation, such as Alphabet Inc (Google), Apple, Meta (Facebook), Microsoft, and Amazon, have stated that they now no longer require University degrees as entry requirements to work there. More so, 10 of the top 20 in-demand jobs did not exist fifteen years ago.4 Social Media Manager, Site Engine Optimisation Specialist, Mobile Applications Developer, Big Data Analyst, Green Energy Engineer, Cloud Computing Specialist, Digital Marketing Specialist, Drone Operators, Natural Language Process Operators, etc. Most of these jobs have developed not from within the traditional academic systems/ research outcomes but largely due to the cross-application of ideas from widely disparate disciplines. The rigid academic compartments and academic silos that we used to know are giving way to functionalities that are geared towards solving 21st century problems. Indeed it has been opined that in another ten years, what we need to know to operate as knowledgeable/educated citizens would have radically changed.5 Parinita Gohil, Co-Founder, Learning Delight, an Indian based company, contextualises this change very well when she notes that;
The relationship between students and teachers has undergone a complete transformation ever since the advent of technology. This is because today’s student has access to a variety of sources for information, as opposed to simply learning what is being taught at school. The methodology of teaching for such curious minds, therefore, is evolving as well, and becoming more and more interactive and engaging, thanks to digital means. 6
Google Classroom is currently one of the most widely used online educational tools, with more than 40 million users and growing, where teachers, students, and parents manage class assignments, quizzes and discussions.6
So, what will the future of education look like?
Education soon will become highly personalised. Learning content will become (already is, actually) available on-demand, enabling students to design and build degree programmes and/or learning outcomes from a wide variety of institutions offering particular courses. Universities will be masters of content aggregation, working as intellectual talent and knowledge providers and competing with other bodies such as research and data firms. As aggregators, they will recover their investments from royalties and license fees from the content, knowledge and other intellectual property activities provided by academics and professionals that they engage. The best universities will become like the big football clubs or entertainment companies who will go all over the world identifying, investing in, and harvesting the returns from great bents. Institutions that cannot invest in content aggregation and technologies will find it harder to compete and cover their operating costs, especially in terms of tuition pricing. The application of dynamic tuition pricing to content will see to this. Those without endowments and or public funding support will struggle to survive. The emergence of the phenomenon of a “lone wolf scholar” who plies his trade in cyberspace and owes no allegiance to an established institution will grow substantially. With online campuses and courses like Udemy, Coursera, FutureLearn and EdX, scholars can teach online and earn good pay without contending with a conventional university’s institutional rigidities.8
Distinguished ladies and gentlemen, it is essential that we know that the Disrupted Educational System is already here. Prominent actors are: Coursera, Udemy, Khan Academy, Alison, LinkedIn Learning (formerly Lynda.com), Udacity, CodeAcademy, Iversity, SkillShare, and General Assembly are already doing all we talked about above. According to Coursera, they “envision a world where anyone, anywhere can transform their life by accessing the world’s best learning experience“9They currently have 35 million students, I82 Partner Universities and Corporations from 27 countries, offering 3,393 courses and 250 specialisations. Udemy has 30 million students taking 100,000 different courses that are 100% online. Cost ranges from $10 to $300. Alison has 13 million Learners from 195 countries, 1,000 courses from which 1.5 million students have graduated since they started in 2007, all for Free. Udacity gave us the concept of a “Nano Degree“. Their mission is, “to democratise education” through the offering of world-class higher education opportunities that are “accessible, flexible, and economical”.10 They currently have 8 million learners from 208 Countries taking over 40 courses.
The greatest beneficiaries are Students, parents, and the “Eduprenuers” in all these. Decreased cost of content combined with increased competition among professors and lower average ROI for universities per professor will lead to lower tuition costs and greater choice. Great professors with interdisciplinary knowledge—the great aggregators will see license and royalty fees go up as they command economies of scale in distribution. Existing institutions with large endowments and the capacity to invest in great talent will tighten their grip on the upper end of the education market. At the same time, others struggle to compete and survive. Public-Private Institutions, for-profit, and publicly traded universities will emerge as ownership models. The class of “edupreneurs” will grow and overtake existing institutions providing significantly increased personal choice for all from pre-school to post-graduate studies. 11
Perspectives of Security Education
As with many aspects of our educational curriculum, the security component is badly outdated. First, it is not given the prominence that it deserves. Second, it is only in the last twenty years that security studies have emerged as a distinct academic discipline in our University curriculum from under the broad subject matter of Sociology and Criminology. Third, even with the ongoing review of the benchmark minimum academic standards being conducted by the regulatory body, the National Universities Commission. (NUC), security education is not included in the general studies courses, a rather curious omission in an age where security considerations in both the physical and cyberspace realms have become prominent. I want the distinguished members of the audience to pause a bit and reflect on simple things like description and direction. When you ask an average Nigerian to describe whom he saw or provide directions to a location, the chances are that you are often left more confused than before you asked. The fact of the matter is that we do not teach these items in school. If I ask the HOD of Sociology whether their students regularly visit police stations on excursions or if their students undertake their internships with the police, the answer will be no or not much. You will find students of primary and secondary schools going on excursions to airports, national assembly, secretariat, etc., but never to a police station. Why?
Several reasons account for the lapses as mentioned above. The first is the historical and legacy issues arising from our understanding of what constitutes security, its framework and architecture. For example, the legal environment that defines the structure and composition of the armed security forces. The Nigeria Police Force ranks as one of the largest globally under one command structure.12 The Inspector-General of Police is answerable only to the President. The Governor as the CSO of the State cannot direct the State Commissioner of Police (and in the same vein all the other Federal security-related agencies in the State), without prior approval from the Headquarters. This usually translates to a loss of valuable response time or no response at all to security challenges in the State. The matter is a constitutional one that must be viewed in the light of global best practice as far as policing and security provisioning are concerned. Critical to the legal environment is the issue of legislative oversight on Security matters. Security votes can go unaccounted for, and legislative or civil society oversight of security matters hardly exists.
The second is the relationship between security and justice. For many poor people, judicial outcomes constitute what Piccato describes as “a lottery of impunity”.13 Where there is no justice, and where people practically get away with “murder” mainly due to rule by patronage and misuse of governmental instruments of coercion to entrench political and social inclusion, some people will react by taking “laws into their hands”. St. Augustine asks and answers, “What are kingdoms without justice? They are just gangs of bandits.”14 And as Richard Engel puts it; Insurgencies are easy to make and hard to stop. Only a few ingredients need to combine to create an insurgency; like oxygen and fire, they’re very common and mix all too often. The recipe is, simply, a legitimate grievance against a state, a state that refuses to compromise, a quorum of angry people, and access to weapons.15
The third is the issue of a Security Ecosystem Map (SEM). How many states in Nigeria have one? Probably very few. Without a SEM of the environment, it is impossible to map security threats and deal with them as they arise. This is why formal security organs of Nigeria, more often than not, respond to security challenges as they arise. Being proactive is not a very popular consideration in operationalising security matters. It also translates to poor Intelligence gathering and sharing. Do we have any training methodology on how to develop a Security Ecosystem Map for the wider society? Without an SEM of the environment, it is challenging to map security threats and deal with them as they arise.
Poor use of technology to enhance security operations, especially in profiling, threat analysis, surveillance, crime scene investigation, and forensic analysis, is another factor. For example, to what extent do we apply tracking technologies in the criminal enterprise known as kidnapping for ransom? Have our security authorities ever used “dye bombs” when making ransom payments? What is being done regarding cybersecurity as it relates to crime, terror and many forms of harassment, especially on social networks? Is first level cybersecurity training provided as a given or is it subscribed as a speciality?
Education and Security in the Cyber Domain
Cyberspace is the notional or virtual environment where communication over computers and other networks occurs. It is the symbolic space or plane that is created on any communication infrastructure such as the Internet. The Internet is a global computer network providing various information and communication facilities, consisting of interconnected networks using standardised communication protocols. The World Wide Web (www) is a service that exists on the Internet. While the term cyber predates the Internet and the Web, it has emerged as the catchphrase for most of the activities that take place on it. You can think of a website that exists on cyberspace. When you go “online”, you are in cyberspace. In that space, you can carry out virtually any activity. In that regard, the adjective cyber can relate to over 50 different words ranging from activity, actions, phenomena, and timeline to individual and group pursuits or interests. Cybersecurity, cybercrime, cyberwar, cyberterrorism, etc., to mention just a few. 16
Apart from Outer space, it is the largest unregulated and uncontrolled domain made entirely by humankind in History. Another unique feature is its relative age. Although electrical and electronic forms of communication are at least over 100 years, the convergence technology that drives the cyber domain is about 60 years old. Added to its relative “youth” is the speed of its evolution. Five years is considered very old in cyberspace, while ten is ancient. Also, like all previous domains, cyber encompasses the good and the bad. In our current global and digital world, the cyber domain is crucial. It drives critical national functions such as economic development, education, commerce and financial transactions, social interactions, medical and health, government operations, national security, and defence. As a result of this, the Nigerian government in its 2014 National Cybersecurity Policy envisaged a safe, secure, vibrant, resilient and trusted community that would provide opportunities for its citizenry, safeguard its national assets and interests, promote peaceful interactions and proactive engagement in cyberspace for national prosperity.17
It may interest us to note that at the level of the cyber domain, which currently drives several aspects of our daily lives, the general knowledge of the domain is abysmal. Worse still is that those who make policy with regards to a domain in which over 50% of the stated population call “home”, are stark illiterates when it comes to the baseline knowledge about it. This is not peculiar to Nigeria. General Michael Hayden, former Director of the CIA, described the cybersecurity knowledge gap and the dangers it presents thus; “Rarely has something been so important and so talked about with less and less clarity and less apparent understanding. . .I have sat in very small group meetings in Washington…unable (along with my colleagues) to decide on a course of action because we lacked a clear picture of the long term legal and policy implications of any decision we might make.” 18
Given that innovation was critical to the growth of cyberspace, some of the earliest adopters were criminal elements. Europol’s 2020 Internet Organized Crime Threat Assessment has identified an expanding cybercriminal economy exploiting increasingly Internet-enabled lives and low levels of what is referred to as digital hygiene.19 This expansion of cybercrime has been estimated to have grown in the UK by 2016, to the point that it surpassed the financial impact of traditional crime. In his seminal book; “Future Crimes: Inside the Digital Underground and Battle for our Connected World”, Marc Goodman extensively x-rays the modern cybercrime enterprise as a full-fledged service, multi-product, highly profitable global organisation capable of taking down an individual, company or government at will. Using corporate strategies such as supply chain management, global logistics, creative financing, just-in-time manufacturing, workforce incentivising and consumer needs analysis, Cybercrime Inc is the new mafia raking in over 12 billion USD in 2015 alone.20 Companies like Innovative Marketing pioneered ransomware and Network distributed criminality as evidenced by the 2013 ATM attacks during which 45 million USD was stolen in an operation that lasted ten hours in 27 countries and 36,000 transactions. In the Darknet, marketplaces exist for the purchase of Cracking software and or services, crypto-currencies, pirated music and films, illicit drugs, weapons, documents, credit cards, assassins for hire, human trafficking, child pornography and human organs. Crime-as-a-Service as a business model that is enjoying tremendous growth with the advent of cloud services and cryptocurrencies, has flourished in cyberspace.21
Distinguished audience, ladies, and gentlemen, since our digital assets are as important as our physical assets, it is important to understand that cybersecurity is no longer just about protecting assets. It’s about enabling our nation to take full advantage of the vast opportunities that the ecosystem of cyberspace now offers for business, education, government, and virtually every aspect of our society. However, these opportunities can be hazarded by rapidly emerging cyber threats from hackers (hacktivists), organised crime, nation-states, and terrorists. Both businesses and government must fully understand the full spectrum of threats and system vulnerabilities and address them effectively and efficiently. From a financial and human resource perspective, the cost of doing so is huge. However, the price for not doing so is far greater. According to the CBN, the value of online transactions in Nigeria as at 2019 was 107.9 trillion naira.22 Worldwide spending on ICT according to the International Data Corporation in 2020 is 5 trillion USD.23 As provided by the Cybercrime Act, 0.005% of this amount should be used to fund Cybersecurity development. This translates to approximately 3.7 billion naira or about 100 million USD. This figure pales into insignificance compared to 1.9 billion pounds invested in cybersecurity by the UK Government in 2016 alone. As we mature in the age of cyber or digital democracy with its attendant fake, hate and trash news and the need to strike a balance between freedom and security, you will agree with me that we have arrived at exciting times.
Some Propositions to Consider
The extent to which security challenges affect governance in Nigeria can be seen from the wanton destruction of property and loss of lives whenever a breach in security occurs. Where public property built with taxpayers’ money is destroyed, the citizens will have to pay to rebuild them. Where private property built with hard-earned money is destroyed, it sets the individual or family back by several years. Where lives are lost, they cannot be replaced. Herein lies the nexus between education, security, governance and development. Chairman of the Convocation Lecture, Pro-Chancellor, Vice-Chancellor, PAAU, I belong to a tendency of historical studies commonly referred to as Active History. We like to proffer propositions and prognosticate outcomes using the framework of futurology studies.
In the light of the problems of insecurity and other ethno-political tendencies, a significant facet of the challenge for national cohesion lies in the State’s capacity to nip in the bud tendencies towards all forms of impunities by any persons or groups. Such persons and groups have taken undue advantage of the inadequate presence of government in places like our poorly manned borders and remote rural areas. Their nefarious conducts such as cross-border banditry, terrorists’ attacks, smuggling, illicit trans-border trafficking in drugs and human beings, and human organs have severely undermined the authority and legitimacy of the Nigerian nation-state. This is a fundamental and existential threat and if not progressively reversed in another three years, the country will descend to a rule by ungoverned warlords.
The education of citizens on security matters is virtually non-existent in Nigeria. Beyond radio jingles on “reporting suspicious persons” there is no defined programme on inculcating a culture of “secureness” amongst our people. This should be a continuous exercise at all levels of the educational systems and our formal and informal establishments. We should consider introducing a compulsory course at the general studies level that focuses on security. When we talk of STEM, do we imagine for once that the S can mean Security rather than Science? Have we bothered to make any investment in providing “Security Laboratories” in the programmes that teach security? Do we teach the PEACE Framework and Evidence-Based Threat Analysis and Mitigation Techniques? Is the model of creative problem-solving (CPS), which has been rated very highly by security education experts, part of our security education training? To answer this question, I foresee the emergence of an International Centre for Security Education in one of the Universities in Kogi State that will lead Nigeria in new thinking on education and security.
Auditing of the security framework and the development of a security ecosystem map will help determine whether the need to hire a professional security company to complement the activities of the traditional agencies will arise. The role of private Security providers is a point to note. Given as we mentioned earlier, the inability of formal state organs to provide security, the number of private providers have snow-balled in recent times. This phenomenon is not unique to Nigeria. In the United States of America, official private security providers out-number public ones by 3:1. In South Africa, the factor is 4:1. We do not have the statistics for Nigeria, but if the information credited to the Civil Defence Corp is to be believed, the factor may be as high as 2:1. Outstanding security companies are not cheap but will provide services that formal providers cannot.
The cost of end-to-end security operations is expensive. Security funding is usually far below the budget line in the vicious competition for funds to pay salaries and pensions to build and maintain critical infrastructure. This is itself a significant threat. The inability to pay for competent security personnel and provide requisite equipment and training leaves us under-protected. This cost can be supplemented through creative funding of security services. Some states are beginning to charge a “security levy” as part of the revenue profile of the State. This helps create a reserve fund used to provide equipment and training for the security agencies.
The adoption of technology solutions for security management will go a long way in helping to meet security challenges. The use of biometric identity management systems, attendance management systems, closed-circuit cameras, and “mystery shopper” devices provide a sense of “big brother is watching you”. It also helps to reduce the propensity for deviant and criminal behaviour. Technology-driven campus, public spaces, and private establishments security will grow exponentially in the next five years. So will technology-driven farm security. Developments and trends in technology and innovation in agriculture, especially in terms of new ways of feeding farm animals, using a ‘total mixed ration’ to reduce labour costs, increase animal health and give farmers greater flexibility with feed ingredients. Fodder and other grasses are big businesses that several parts of Nigeria can begin to develop seriously. The late Professor Emmanuel Agishi and his colleagues at Ahmadu Bello University in the late 1980s developed Signal Grass and Verano Stylo as fodder. They successfully demonstrated how they could manage the relationship between farmers and herders. Investments in livestock genetic technologies and the use of radio frequency identification (EID) for range management using the award-winning Botswana model will lead to better management of farmers and herders’ relationships. Technology-based “Early Warning Systems” in notable flashpoints will also help mitigate reactionary responses to attacks when they do happen.
Lastly, I can only lend our voices to what many others have suggested in the past, that the Nigerian State must deal with the twin evils of youth unemployment and underemployment, and corruption. The State must be seen as willing and able to instil a sense of justice to the underlying issues that drive people to take up arms against each other and/or the State. Like St. Augustine warns, the State itself may be seen as the bandit. The nexus between ancestral owners of lands/migrants/settlers has to be couched in a constitutional legal framework to address the perspectives of each group. Addressing such questions as; Who are the combatants; who trains and arms then? Who provides logistic support for them? Who provides security and judicial cover for them? As you may bear me witness, how many persons have been successfully prosecuted in this country in crimes involving communal crisis, kidnapping and banditry? Very few compared to the volume of crimes committed. Are hate crimes part of our criminal jurisprudence? No! Social media-promoted hate crimes, and profiling of persons based on ethnicity, gender and religion must be comprehensively addressed. It will continue to grow and provide accelerants for violence in our communities if not.
Conclusion
Throughout the history of humankind, differences over political and economic opportunities, ethnicity and religion have often degenerated into conflict situations. It stems from feelings of injustice, cultural superiority, intolerance, teachings and principles inherent in tenets of the religion, and political/economic interests. Peoples who have suffered tremendous neglect in opportunities that ordinarily would have accrued to them from Federal and State governments are quick to view government not as partners in progress but as agents of oppression. Democratic governance depends on the ability of the State to extend the rule of law and essential protection to excluded and marginalised groups. Thus, protecting lives and property is a central pillar on which governance rests and performance is measured. Without relative peace and security, economic and social growth and development of society cannot proceed. Throughout history, when governments have been unable to provide security, that vacuum is filled by various individual and group actions. In some cases, state authorities have used structured deprivation, ethnicity and religion as frameworks for engagement. Inter-group and intra-group clashes have been promoted to ensure that certain regions remain disunited. The ongoing displacement of populations from their traditional homelands in parts of the Niger and Benue River basins with loss of actual and potential economic opportunities are examples of this.
Given the social dynamism in Nigeria and the unpredictable nature of national and global security trends, in particular, one needs a good mixture of knowledge and skills, technology, funding, and luck to mitigate the challenges we face daily in Nigeria. Madame VC, as the Chief Security Officer of PAAU, you need to be proactive, resourceful and creative to be on top of the campus security situation. The Local Government Chairman will do the same at that level, and your visitor will do the same at the State. That concentric ring of actions provides a firm lid on security challenges.
Finally, I agree with President Goodluck Jonathan, who said,
…if we do not spend billions educating our youths today, we will spend it fighting insecurity tomorrow. And you do not have to spend on education just because of insecurity. It is also the prudent thing to do. Nigeria, or any African nation for that matter, can never become wealthy by selling more minerals or raw materials such as oil. Our wealth as a nation is between the ears of our people.24
I rest my case.
End Notes
CHIEF ALBERT KORUBO HORSFALL
By Godknows Igali, PhD
INTRODUCTION
Though much constrained by professional norms to a life of near anonymity and subdued social exposure, the great national service of one of Nigeria’s ace security professionals, Chief Albert Korubo Horsfall who is also a key witness to the Nigerian story, even as he joined the ranks of octogenerians on 22nd December 2021 remains sparsely told. The significance of Horsfall’s service though in the peculiar dimly setting of his vocation, was the fact that he leveraged on his profound knowledge of the country and its people to impact on national peace and integration at different levels. A lifetime intelligencer, he is today, a traditional aristocrat among the Kalabari sub-group of the Ijaw ethnic nationality, an active figure in the effort at peace in the Niger Delta and a vocal voice in framing the country’s democracy.
A DESCENT OF KALABARI HERALDRY
Horsfall’s call to duty traces its roots to a family tree of service in prestigious positions in defense and commerce. Buguma his hometown in Rivers State had for the past two hundred years become noted as one of the main commercial entrepôts was in the forefront of what the British, called “Legitimate Trade”. This form of commerce started as an alternative to Transatlantic Slave Trave when it was abolished in 1807. His town is also the seat of the traditional authority of the Kalabari Kings and people dating back to the 1550’s. The town has also been a centre of social and cultural life especially in the interaction between the various peoples of the Niger Delta and the South-East hinterland. Buguma, in recent times, also raised such Nigerian celebrities as Prof. Tam David West, Highlife King, Cardinal Jim Rex Lawson, great footballer Taribo West, frontline actress Hilda Dokubo. In general, very progressive Kalabari people boast of producing some of Nigeria’s first set of Western educated elites.
The peculiarity of Horsfall’s life lies in the fact that his own immediate family traces its origin to a fiery warrior, Chief Omekwe, who was one of his Kalabari’s most celebrated knights in shining armour. Omekwe who founded the dynasty during the late 18th century, was considered the foremost Admiral of Kalabari war fleet, at a time when national strength was determined by gunboat diplomacy. He therefore left his progeny with a DNA of soldiery strands; recognizing the worth of service to community amidst a background of geo-strategic consciousness. Young Albert Horsfall’s engrossment with a lifestyle of regimentals was further aided by being nurtured by his uncle, Alex Horsfall, who at the time was a senior personnel in the colonial service in the divisional headquarters at the nearby town of Degema. At a very young age therefore, he became exposed to service, order and uniform; interacting both with Nigerian and British officials.
THE CALL TO SERVE AND THE NIGERIA POLICE STORY
After completing his Primary school at Degema, he went to Christ School of Commerce, Onitsha for his secondary education. Horsfall’s family background is one of relative affluence garnered from their active mercantilist pursuit and control of the palm oil trade. Many expected therefore, that like his several kinsmen, and indeed as was the case with the Kalabaris in general, he will join, euphemistically speaking, the seeming pitting of wits to proceed to the United Kingdom to further his education. On the contrary, in 1962, at the tender age of 17, he opted to join the uniform service being the Police Force of the infant Nigeria state. Like his contemporaries who were among those who joined the Nigeria Police Force, professional training was organized by British Officers following common ordinances and manuals imposed on the entire former colonies around the world.
In retrospect, what is known as the Nigeria Police Force was first established in 1820, but about sixty years later, that is by 1879, another body known as Hausa Constabulary was formed. Shortly afterwards, that is in 1888, the Royal Niger Company, one of Britain’s main trading outfits at the time moved more inland along the River Niger in search of produce, establishing its own Police Unit, a Constabulary at Lokoja. This was again, followed in 1894 by the Niger Coast Constabulary based in Calabar and then the Lagos Police in 1896. This was first of its kind directly controlled by the colonial government.
With the establishment of the Northern and Southern Nigeria Protectorates on 1st January 1900, the Police became somewhat reorganized and bifurcated into what came to be known as the Northern Nigerian Police and the Southern Nigerian Police. Even after Lord Frederick Lugard’s amalgamation of 1914 heralding the formal birth of the Nigerian nation and enactment of the Clifford’s Constitution of 1922, this operational structure continued until 1930 when the formalized Nigeria Police Force was created.
This notwithstanding, the Nigeria Police Force even after the country’s independence in 1960 remained under the command and influence of British colonial officials for some time. Training of persons such as Horsfall and his contemporaries at the Police College was therefore essentially carried out under the watchful eyes of British officials with courses shared between Nigeria and the United Kingdom. This produced some of the best Cops ever known in Nigerian history. This includes the likes of former Inspectors General of Police, Louis Edet, Kam Salem, M.D. Yusuf, Adamu Suleiman, Sunday Adewusi, Aliyu Attah, Ibrahim Coomasie as well as many others since the country’s return to democracy under the current fourth republic.
Against this backdrop, Horsfall completed his cadet training and was commissioned as an Assistant Superintendent of Police in 1965. On account of his outstanding brilliance and performance during the training, he was deployed to the intelligence branch then known as Special Branch. Due to the delicate nature of those vested with intelligence gathering, men of that branch, along with the Criminal Investigation Department (CID) with whom they work very closely, who are still largely plain clothed and are regarded as “elite core”. Hence, they are picked from among the best at any time. In his own case, Horsfall who was atop posted to work directly under the Branch Commissioner, Major J.J. Sullivan, who had already carved out a niche for himself as one of the crack British detectives of his time. Furthermore, he had the more than usual privilege of working under the hawk-eyed first indigenous Commissioner of Police in charge of the intelligence branch of the Police, Chief T.H. Fagbola.
To sharpen his professional skills, he was later sent to the United States of America for a training course under the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI). This was just enough for him to acquire the added professional skills to encounter a most risky stint any intelligence officer could face. He was deployed down deep south and embedded to accompany the Nigerian troops during the Civil War (1967-1970). His bit was tough, sent to operate in places such as Opobo, Calabar and Port Harcourt, amongst the war epicentre. Fortunately, the coastal terrain was within the biosphere in which he was raised, hence aiding his outstanding performance while on that tough assignment. With the end of the war, he was posted to different stations around Nigeria and rose steadily into command positions in service.
A “STOOL PIGEON” IN AN ERA OF REORGANIZATIONS
The years of military rule in Nigeria were marked by spirals and straddling occurrences of military coups and instincts of military war lordism counter coups. In particular, shortly after the failed Dimka military coup in 1976 which claimed the life of the then Head of State, General Murtala Muhammed (1938-1976), the Nigerian security architecture had to be reconfigured. This led to the removal of the Special Branch from the Police as it had also become common practice in many other countries. A new entity known as Nigeria Security Organization (NSO) was created to deal with all issues pertaining to internal security, as well as large aspects of foreign intelligence and counter intelligence. In other words, it was highly specialized to deal with national security as different from mere crime detection and prevention, and external intelligence gathering from the Research Department of the then Ministry of External Affairs.
Under this new organizational setup, Horsfall then at the rank of an Assistant Commissioner of Police became one of the most senior officers from the Special Branch of Police and CID to become part of this new organization. Since the raison d’etre for setting up the new organization was to fill the gap of failed intelligence which led to the assassination of the country’s ruler, the initial staffing of the NSO included a good presence of military personnel side by side Police counterparts. Horsfall easily stood out as one of its most outstanding staff from the latter group. He therefore had the opportunity to work with some of the best from military intelligence such as then Col. Abdulahi Muhammed, who later as a retired General, became Chief of Staff to President Olusegun Obasanjo in 1999 and then Col. Aliyu Gusau who also rose to become a General, Chief of Army Staff, National Security Adviser and ultimately Minister of Defense.
The NSO attracted an unusual ill-fame on account of overzealous activities of some of its staff. In particular, the hard liner approach to political repression, clamp down on civil activism, the failed kidnap of Second Republic Minister of Transport, Alhaji Umaru Dikko in 1984 and similar activities became its albatross. However, Horsfall stood out as a very competent, nonpartisan and dispassionate staff who carried out his duties with equanimity. Acknowledgingly, his thoroughness was bolstered by the fact that he went on to take a study leave to become a lawyer, and quite often exercised courage on balancing expectations of political pressure and respect for humanity of others.
With the continued political changes during the military hey days and the emergence of President Ibrahim Babangida as Head of State in 1985, further reforms in the following year, 1986, brought about the creation of new security organizations, to focus on External Intelligence, Defense Intelligence and Domestic Security. The external intelligence aspect led to the establishment of a dedicated body answerable directly to the President. This led to the creation of the National Intelligent Agency (NIA). Similarly, the NSO was reformed and renamed State Security Service (SSS), though now better known by the more pliant acronym Department of State Services (DSS).
These developments happened at a time when Horsfall had risen high in service becoming one of two Deputy Directors-General of the NSO and ultimately Acting Director General after the removal of his erstwhile boss, Amb. Muhammed Rafindadi in 1985. With the creation of the two separate organizations, he became the first Director General of the NIA in 1986 and later on moved to the DSS as its second Director General in 1990. After a less than boring and risky career, he retired in 1992.
Fortunately for Horsfall, the very difficult task of heading two very serious national security agencies, the only Nigerian to have ever done so and making great success out of them, was possible because of his broad based training and exposure in all three branches of civilian security CID, Special Branch and External Intelligence). He was able to create the greatest level of impact and saw the laying of the foundation for them to become viable organs of government and critical blocks for expression of statehood in the post military era. For one, he is credited for the building of their respective physical infrastructure in the Federal Capital Territory, setting up their respective Training Schools and the complex paraphernalia of their concealed work. Unfortunately, these are not places easily opened for public viewing and scrutiny.
CALLING BACK FROM RESERVE
Not surprising, one year after his pullout, this gold fish which even at 80 years, still has no hiding place, was called out again in 1993 to head the newly created Oil Mineral Producing Area Development Commission (OMPADEC). This institution was specially created by President Ibrahim Babangida’s government to accelerate the impact of proceeds from oil and gas industry in the infrastructural and social development of the Niger Delta. Horsfall whose coastal community of Buguma lies close to the Cawthorne Channel, with multiplicity of major crude oil fields such as Soku, Belema, Ekulama, Robertkiri, Awoba, etc, was able to undertake, in the short period he was there, multiplicity of projects. Leveraging on his contacts with persons such as Nigeria’s current ruler, President Muhammadu Buhari, who at the time was Chairman of the defunct Petroleum Trust Fund (PTF), he focused particularly on completion of ongoing educational projects. As life would have it, a Hydro-zoologist, Dr. Goodluck Jonathan who later became Nigerian President, was one of his pioneer staff at OMPADEC.
On the flip side though, OMPADEC was a near banana peel for Horsfall. For the first time in his brilliant career, he came under various claims of impropriety leveled against the body which he headed after it was scrapped in 1995. This typified a case of the hunter becoming the hunted as he came under intense public scrutiny and vilification. At a point he had to retreat out of Nigeria to enable the security agencies carry out thorough investigations. Various fact-finding panels including one headed by the irreproachable public economist and anti-corruption czar, Prof. Sam Aluko. However, the spurry of investigations all returned a verdict of not guilty. Conversely, all these turned out to work for his public image as OMPADEC became a reference point for productive public sector spending.
Horsfall continued his life as a lawyer and community leader within the Kalabaris, and the Niger Delta. Intermittently however, he has also been called to carry out other national assignments requiring his peculiar, even though uncanny experience. These included his appointment in 2005 as President Obasanjo’s Special Envoy for peace in (the) Niger Delta; a position which he resigned shortly afterwards to contest for the office of President of Nigeria and was succeeded in 2006 by Amb. Godknows Igali. This office later metamorphosed in 2009 into the present Presidential Adviser on Amnesty Programme under President Umaru Yar’adua (1951-2010). Similarly, the then Governor of Rivers State, Chibuike Amaechi (now Minister of Transportation), in 2010 appointed him to help conceptualize and implement post militancy rehabilitation of affected youths in the State.
CONCLUSION
It was the great American writer Ain Fleming, reputed for his “James Bond” series who once wondered aloud, that someone “was a secret agent and still alive. Thanks to his exact attention to the details of his profession”. Perhaps, at 80 years of age, Horsfall, a man of meticulous points, haven handled some very engaging duties, has every reason to share the gratification of survival and longevity. In the lonely walk of his service, like many of his colleagues in the intelligence and security services, whose avowed turf is the welfare of the realm, and stay awake when others are asleep, his roles in fitting together the puzzle of nation building are better left to imagination. Hence, the ancient Chinese strategist, Sun Tzu postulated in his seminal work, “The Art of War”, such persons are the silent but restless weavers of the threads which bind the internal dynamics of states together and form the bonds on which the human family thrives.
Like the good old book says “Do you see a man skilled in his work? They will stand before kings and they will not stand before obscure men”. At this new age, this national figure remains counted as one of the greatest Nigerians ever and appears still ready for more tasks whenever duty calls.
Chief Horsfall lives in Ikoyi, Lagos with his wife, of near lifetime, Ma Henrietta.
Congratulations.
Ondo State Governor, Arakunrin Oluwarotimi Akeredolu,SAN, on Tuesday assured delegates participating in today’s primary of the All Progressives Congress (APC) that he has no preferred candidate among the aspirants jostling for the ticket of the APC for the Akure federal constituency bye-election.
Governor Akeredolu, who declared that he is not supporting anybody in the primary election, encouraged all delegates to vote according to their conscience.
The Governor addressed the delegates at the Gani Fawehinmi Freedom Park, Akure, alongside the seven aspirants and members of the election committee led by deputy Governor of Anambra State, Nkem Okeke.
Arakunrin Akeredolu urged the delegates to conduct themselves in peaceful manner to sustain the existing peace in the state and the party.
He said:”I have said it over and over again that I have no candidate. I’m supporting nobody, go and vote according to your conscience.”
The Governor warned the delegates against any form of violence , stressing that they should all cast their votes in peaceful manner.
He informed the delegates that the election 8-member committee has assured of level playing ground, adding that they will be free and fair to everyone.
Governor Akeredolu explained that the APC had conducted several primaries in the state including governorship primary that produced him without any rancour, while urging the delegates to ensure the bye-election primary is violence free.
The Governor disclosed that whoever emerges as candidate of the party during the primary would be supported by all to ensure overwhelming victory at poll.
He said he is confident that APC would emerge victorious at the February 26, 2022 bye-election.
Richard Olatunde
Chief Press Secretary to the Governor of Ondo State.
Febuary 1, 2022.
February 1, 2022
Gbajabiamila commiserates with Shitta-Bey Family of Lagos over death of Former State Lawmaker
The Speaker of the House of Representatives Rep. Femi Gbajabiamila has commiserated the Shitta-Bey family of Surulere, Lagos over the demise of a former member of the Lagos State House of Assembly who once represented Surulere 1, Hon. Lateef Shitta-Bey.
Gbajabiamila said Shitta-Bey, who represented Surulere Constituency 1 from 2003 to 2007, worked tirelessly for his people.
The Speaker recalled how Shitta-Bey contributed immensely to the development of his constituency, noting that he was one politician worthy of emulation.
He sent his condolences to the people of Surulere Constituency 1, especially the Shitta-Bey family, for the loss.
Speaker Gbajabiamila prayed Allah to reward the late Lateef Shitta-Bey with Jannatul Firdaus.
January 30, 2022
Press Statement
PDP Accuses Gov. Umahi of Unleashing Terror on Opposition in Ebonyi State
…Demands Immediate Release of State Publicity Secretary
The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) accuses Ebonyi State Governor, Engr. Dave Umahi, of unleashing terror on innocent Nigerians, particularly opposition PDP members and other dissenting voices in Ebonyi State.
The PDP is alarmed by reports that Governor Umahi is using a heavily armed killer squad, currently disguising under the “Ebube Agu” security outfit, as a political weapon to arrest, attack and inflict grievous bodily harm on Nigerians and particularly PDP members in Ebonyi State.
Since Governor Umahi made the error in his devastating adventure of moving from the PDP to the All Progressives Congress (APC) where he is unrecognized and frustrated, he has reportedly resorted to terrorizing innocent Nigerians, especially PDP members in a desperate bid to create fear, panic and siege mentality on citizens of Ebonyi State as a prelude to rigging the 2023 general elections.
The PDP invites Nigerians to note how Governor Umahi instigated the illegal arrest of the Ebonyi State Publicity Secretary of the PDP, Nwoba Chika Nwoba, and kept him in detention without justification on the strength of a draconian law that did not pass through the established due process of lawmaking.
Just recently, a prominent member of the PDP and former member the House of Representatives, Rt. Hon. Linus Abaa Okorie, was declared wanted by Governor Umahi without any accusation or charges levelled against him.
Our Party vehemently rejects such violation of Fundamental Human Rights going on in Ebonyi State and calls on Nigerians to hold Governor Umahi and the APC responsible for acts of violence and terrorism in Ebony State.
The PDP also calls for the immediate and unconditional release of our State Publicity Secretary in Ebonyi State as well as other innocent Nigerians reportedly detained in various facilities in the State.
As a Party, we urge President Muhammadu Buhari, the National Security Adviser and the Police High Command to immediately step into the situation which is a serious threat to the security of Ebonyi State in particular and that of the nation in general.
This is because any breakdown of law and order in Ebonyi State will have a ripple effect on the fragile security situation in the entire South East region of the country and beyond.
Governor Umahi must be called to order. He must learn to live with the consequences of his ill-advised decision. He committed a political suicide by joining a party of “political bandits” and “warlords” where he has no future and should not vent his frustration on other Nigerians.
In any case, the PDP wants Governor Umahi and the APC to know that no amount of intimidations, harassments, threats and attacks will bend the will of the people in their resolve to vote out the APC in 2023.
Signed:
Hon. Debo Ologunagba
National Publicity Secretary
ILLEGAL CRUDE OIL REFINERIES RUINING OUR HEALTH, NATIONAL ECONOMY- WIKE
*Tells Chief of Defence Staff, General Irabor to support fight, punish culpable officers
Rivers State Governor, Nyesom Ezenwo Wike says illegal crude oil refinery operators are causing great health hazard to residents in the State and destroying the national economy, which his administration will not tolerate.
Governor Wike made the declaration when he received on courtesy visit, the Chief of Defence Staff, General Lucky Irabor on Friday at Government House in Port Harcourt.
The Governor told the Chief of Defence Staff the importance of the war against illegal crude oil refinery activities because the proceeds from the oil and gas sector sustain the country.
“You and I know that one product we have today that has kept this country going is oil and gas, which I will say is the main source of our revenue in this country today.
“And so, we must as a people, as a government, it doesn’t matter whichever faction you may be or whichever divide you may be, or you may find yourself. What is important you must defend any of our national assets.”
Governor Wike assured that his administration will not spare any meaningful measure that can be deployed to stem illegal crude oil refinery activities in the State.
He said those engaged in the criminal activities need to ask themselves about the kind of money they are making by sabotaging the national economy.
“I will do anything within my powers to see that it is put to stop. I owe it as a duty, first by making sure that government is not losing revenue.
“Whenever we lose national revenue it trickles down. It affects us at the State and Local Government levels. So, that is on the revenue aspect of it.”
The Rivers State Governor pointed to the issues of health, occasioned by soot, that results from the criminal activities.
“I am willing to fight it and will continue to fight it. Some people are trying to politicise it, that you are doing it against certain ethnic group. That can’t change me, it doesn’t matter. ”
The governor said in his meeting with traditional rulers and other stakeholders, he had warned that no body indicted as operator of illegal refinery will escape the full wrath of the law.
Governor Wike assured that his administration is ready to give the security agencies necessary logistics support as they join with the State to fight the menace.
He stated that some major sites have been identified and what is required is for adequate security protection to be given to all those assigned to destroy the sites.
“So, I am going to give them every support. I have declared this fight as the war against terrorism. I will treat them (operators of illegal refineries) worst than Boko Haram, because they are stealing from our economy and killing our people.”
Governor Wike told the Chief of Defence Staff to give his officers and men final directives to join hands with the Rivers State Government in the fight of illegal oil bunkering in order to stem further destruction of the environment and the national economy.
Chief of Defence Staff, General Lucky Irabor informed that he was in Port Harcourt as part of tour of military formations in the Niger Delta to assess security strategies and to also motivate officers for greater efficiency.
General Irabor expressed delight over the audacity shown by Governor Wike in championing the fight against illegal crude oil refinery activities that have been a great threat to the oil and gas Industry.
He said the military had long desired such government focused strategy towards the security of oil and gas asset and hoped that other governors will emulate it, which will enhance their security operations.
Kelvin Ebiri
Special Assistant Media to the Rivers State Governor
January 28, 2022.
January, 31 2022
Press Statement
PDP Constitutes Ekiti State Post-Primary Reconciliation Committee
The National Working Committee (NWC) of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has constituted a Post-Primary Reconciliation Committee (PPRC) for Ekiti State.
The Committee is charged with the sole mandate of reconciling all our stakeholders in Ekiti State including all aspirants in the just concluded Governorship Primary Election in the State.
This is in line with the commitment of the NWC to ensure an amicable resolution of all issues as our Party sets for a victorious governorship election in Ekiti State.
The members of the Committee are as follows:
The NWC urges all aspirants, leaders, critical stakeholders of our Party in Ekiti State to remain focused on the success of the PDP in the forthcoming governorship election in the State.
Signed:
Hon. Debo Ologunagba
National Publicity Secretary
PRESIDENT BUHARI CONDOLES WITH SENATOR FOLARIN ON LOSS OF WIFE, ANGELA
President Muhammadu Buhari extends heartfelt condolences to Senator Teslim Folarin, the lawmaker representing Oyo Central senatorial district, his children, family members, and friends who mourn the passing of the Senator’s wife, Chief (Barr.) Angela Nwaka Folarin.
The President’s prayers and thoughts are with the Folarins as they grieve the departure of a beloved wife and mother, urging them to find solace and strength in the truth that the Almighty God is always with us through the good and difficult seasons of life.
Femi Adesina
Special Adviser to the President
(Media & Publicity)
January 28, 2022
PRESIDENT BUHARI COMMISERATES WITH INNOSON ON MOTHER’S DEATH
President Muhammadu Buhari extends heartfelt condolences to Chief Innocent Chukwuma, Chairman/CEO of Innoson Group of Companies Limited, on the passing of his mother, Mama Martina Chukwuma, aged 101.
The President joins the Chukwuma family, relatives, and the people of Nnewi in Anambra State in honouring the life of a matriarch, who birthed, trained, nurtured and prayed for the well-being of all her children, including a very successful entrepreneur, whose successes in business is recognised worldwide.
As the funeral ceremonies of Mama Martina begin, the President urges members of the Chukwuma family and all that honour her memory to remember that the departed embodied the scriptural truth that those that watch over the affairs of their household, do not eat the bread of idleness.
The President prays that the peaceful circumstances of the homecoming of the centenarian to her Maker will bring divine comfort and solace to her family and those that mourn.
Femi Adesina
Special Adviser to the President
(Media & Publicity)
January 30, 2022
NEXT ADMINISTRATION WILL INHERIT A STABLE DEMOCRACY, REVAMPED SECURITY FORCES, PRESIDENT BUHARI PLEDGES
President Muhammadu Buhari on Monday in Abuja pledged his commitment to hand over a strong repositioned agriculture-led, diversified home-grown economy, stable democracy and revamped armed and security forces to the next Administration.
Speaking at a dinner in honour of the 2022 Committee of Business, Political, Media and Civil Society Leaders, the President said he was looking forward to completing his tenure in 2023, leaving a legacy for a united, peaceful, and prosperous Nigeria with 24 years of uninterrupted democracy.
Assuring Nigerians that his administration will finish strong in the last lap of his tenure, the President said:
”I am gradually entering my final year in office. It is a period I intend to spend not only on consolidating on the achievements of the past seven years but also to leave a legacy for a united, peaceful, and prosperous Nigeria.
”I take this initiative to mean that you all intend to collaborate with this administration in that direction.
”For those among you who are politicians, you must look beyond gaining power to how you can leverage public positions in the process of societal change. To the businessmen and women among you, there is great glory in public service.
”The question that should be uppermost always is: How do we leverage our business endowment for the greater good of our country?
”I am delighted that members of the Nigerian elite have woken up to the fact that the task of changing this society is a task for all of us, whether we are in the private or public sector. Knowing that, we have enormous challenges as a nation, but they are not beyond our capacity to overcome if we embrace a new approach.
”We cannot retreat to our ethnic cocoons, nor can we continue to seek solace in our past. We must champion the idea of a Nigeria where every citizen would be proud to call their own. That is the charge before you.”
Expressing delight on the new consciousness by the Nigerian elites to work together with the political class and civil society to build a better Nigeria, President Buhari noted that building consensus around issues of the economy, national security, governance, and such other critical areas of national life is a sure path to the future we seek to build.
”As we all know, I have been very critical of the Nigerian elites, essentially because some of us have not always demonstrated that we can rise above personal gain, political partisanship as well as ethnic and religious differences when the situation demands that we all speak and or act as one in the interest of our country.
”There are also many among our elites for whom profit remains the only motivation for any and every enterprise.
”But now, I feel heartened that a more collaborative social enterprise model for resolving our common challenges is being forged.
”I must commend this initiative and its conveners. This is the kind of spirit I have always advocated because it is what we need at this time as we seek to build our society for peace, security and prosperity through dialogue while narrowing the gap between rich and poor.”
On the activities of the Committee, the President acknowledged that he was aware that attendance at their inaugural meeting on Sunday cut across a broad section of the society in the public, private sectors, civil society, and the youth.
The President lauded the group for rising above all ethnic and religious divides for the common good, describing the feat as ‘‘fantastic’’.
The President, who said he had wished the group had convened earlier, advised them to try and accommodate a few more interests in their next meeting as they take a ”deeper dive into our national challenges and proffer workable and sustainable solutions for the near, medium, and long term.”
”It is our desire to finish strong in the next 16 months and ensure all hands are on deck for the last lap. We are doubling our efforts against all forms of insecurity, equipping our armed forces and strengthening the police.
”We are determined to continue the war against corruption and fight poverty, we remain focused on building an all-inclusive economic opportunity for all citizens. ”
The President told the meeting that despite the enormous problems inherited when he assumed office almost seven years ago, he can look back with satisfaction that this administration has kept faith with the people and has done well even amid dwindling resources for reasons that are well beyond our control.
”But we probably would have fared even better if we secured the support of most of you that are here today, know that while government comes and goes, the country must remain and thrive.”
President Buhari used the occasion to wish politicians, at the dinner, interested in elective positions in the 2023 polls the best, advising that ”there is nothing better than experience in leadership.”
Responding to concerns raised by Governor Kayode Fayemi of Ekiti State on the resurgence of military takeovers in Mali, Guinea and Burkina Faso in August 2020, September 2021 and January 2022, respectively, the President said he strongly believes that ‘‘Nigeria has passed through that stage for good.’’
On the political situation in some West African countries, Fayemi said:
”We believe Nigeria has a manifest destiny to protect democracy not just in Nigeria but also in our region. But in doing that we must ensure that our politicians adhere strictly to constitutional principles and I am happy that our President’s position on leaders seeking third term is well known.”
Giving further insight on the workings of the Committee, Governor Fayemi said Nigerians who have benefitted from the country in good time, serving in different capacities, have a duty to support the country.
“What the Committee has tried to do is to develop an elite consensus on security and economy, ” he said.
He said the Committee would take advantage of the President’s consistent leadership, relentless passion and patriotism to ensure a seamless transition, while ensuring that the achievements of this administration are sustained and followed through for the benefit of the country.
“Here we have PDP and APC chieftains and we hope by the time we finish this work, what we will present to the President is void of partisan colorations. It is from people who want Nigerians to succeed.”
The Convener of the Group and Chairman of THISDAY/ARISE Media Group, Prince Nduka Obaigbena said with Nigeria facing a ”historic transition like no other”, and with crisis across Africa and at home, the 2022 Committee emerged to ”defend the national interest.”
”The 2022 Committee was put together to defend Nigeria in a time of crisis and in a time of transition, we must defend the national interest,’’ he said, noting that membership of the group has been carefully selected from the business community, investors, governors, security sector and elder statesmen.
Femi Adesina
Special Adviser to the President
(Media & Publicity)
January 31, 2022
PRESIDENT BUHARI LAUNCHES N62 BILLION HIV TRUST FUND AS NIGERIA TARGETS ELIMINATION OF MOTHER-TO-CHILD TRANSMISSION BY 2030
President Muhammadu Buhari on Tuesday in Abuja launched a N62 billion trust fund to help Nigeria end AIDS as a public health threat and place more people living with HIV on treatment annually.
Speaking at the launch of the HIV Trust Fund of Nigeria (HTFN), the President pledged that his administration would continue to prioritize health interventions to address killer diseases and public health emergencies.
”At the last United Nations General Assembly High Level Meeting on HIV/AIDS, I made a call for a renewed global action to address the HIV/AIDS epidemic in Africa.
”Ending AIDS as a public health threat in Nigeria will require increased domestic funding. We have continued to make good our commitment of placing more people living with HIV on treatment annually using national resources.
”However, strong domestic resource mobilization with an enduring partnership and shared responsibility is required to sustain the response to HIV and other emerging public health emergencies,” he said.
President Buhari noted that Nigeria’s purposeful partnership with the private sector in the response to COVID 19 pandemic had provided a readily available financing solution to leverage on to sustain the HIV response.
He commended the National Agency for the Control of AIDS (NACA) and the Nigeria Business Coalition Against AIDS for their efforts in establishing the HIV Trust Fund of Nigeria to secure a generation of babies free of HIV.
He also expressed delight with the attendance in person of notable global key players in HIV response and from the private sector at the event and the pledges made.
”Going forward, I hope The HIV Trust Fund of Nigeria will galvanize more of the private sector and other partners to surpass the target of Sixty-Two Billion Naira in the next five years,” he added.
In his remarks, the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Boss Mustapha announced that since 2005 about 6.2 billion dollars has been spent on HIV response in Nigeria.
”About 80 per cent of the funds were contributed by external donors, mainly the US President’s Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR) and the Global Fund to fight AIDS, Tuberculosis and Malaria. The Private Sector contributed 0.1 per cent to 2 per cent of total funds with the rest of funds provided by the Nigerian government.”
Acknowledging NACA’s efforts to promote resource mobilisation to complement existing external support, Mustapha said the Federal Government has sustained the treatment and financing of 50,000 PLHIV annually.
He said the launch of the HTFN will guarantee funding from the private sector-led resources for HIV interventions especially for the elimination of the Mother-to-Child transmission of the virus.
”Since 2005, about 6.2 billion dollars has been spent on HIV response in Nigeria about 80 per cent of the funds were contributed by external donors mainly the US President’s Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR) and the Global Fund to fight AIDS, Tuberculosis and Malaria. The Private Sector contributed 0.1 per cent to 2 per cent of total funds with the rest of funds provided by the Nigerian government.”
Chief Launcher and Chairman and CEO of Dangote Group, Alhaji Aliko Dangote said the mission of the private sector led fund proposed by NACA alongside the Nigeria Business Coalition Against AIDS (NiBUCAA) is to ensure mobilisation of resources towards eradication of AIDS in Nigeria, starting with the Prevention of Mother-to-Child transmission of the virus.
”I am reminded that we have 2 million of our compatriots living with HIV/AIDS and it is our collective responsibility to bring this number down to zero,” he said.
Dangote, who is Africa’s richest man, appealed to individuals and corporate organisations in the country to donate generously toward the Fund, currently chaired by Dr Herbert Wigwe, the Group Managing Director of Access Bank Plc.
”We would like the private sector to work in partnership with the Federal Government on a 50-50 basis which we believe will help us eliminate Mother-to-Child transmission of HIV/AIDS in Nigeria,” he said.
Also speaking, the Director-General of NACA. Dr Gambo Aliyu thanked the President for his commitment and support for the HIV response in the country, noting that as a direct result of his intervention, NACA now procures HIV commodities at manufacturers’ rate, as a result of which more Nigerians living with HIV have been placed on treatment from domestic resources.
He said within the last 3 years, the agency has identified and placed on treatment an additional 900,000 persons living with HIV, bringing the total number of Nigerians on HIV treatment to 1.7 million.
”This unprecedented feat puts Nigeria on a fast-track lane to control HIV spread by 2023.
”However, despite these achievements, our national coverage of prevention of mother to child transmission is less than 50%, leading to about 22,000 cases of mother-to-child transmission of HIV every year in the country,” he said.
Justifying the need for the Fund, the Director-General said providing life-long treatment to all PLHIV even after successfully stopping new HIV infections would require a domestically sustainable financing mechanism.
Femi Adesina
Special Adviser to the President
(Media & Publicity)
February 1, 2022
PRESIDENT BUHARI PROMISES TO HONOUR AGREEMENTS WITH ASUU
President Muhammadu Buhari says the Federal Government remains committed to honouring promises made to the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) to prevent disruptive strikes, engender uninterrupted academic programmes and improve funding of education institutions.
The President made the pledge on Tuesday in Abuja while receiving members of the Nigeria Inter-Religious Council (NIREC) led by the Co-Chairs, the Sultan of Sokoto, Alhaji Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar, and the President of the Christian Association of Nigeria, Rev’d Dr. Samson Olasupo Ayokunle.
Commending the leadership of NIREC for intervening in the year-long strike by ASUU and holding consultations with the parties, the President said no society which wishes itself well neglects its educational system and all its component parts.
President Buhari urged NIREC that in its subsequent consultations with members of ASUU, it is important that they share with them that Government regards them and the service they provide to the nation very highly.
”However, they should be cognizant of the fiscal pressures that we are currently facing. Nevertheless, we remain committed to honoring our promises.
”For their part, I would like to encourage ASUU to continue to work with us towards finding resolutions to the challenges that confront us.
”My administration is committed to this engagement and dialogue, and I urge them to stay the course towards a joint resolution in the best interest of our children and nation,” he said.
Responding to issues raised by the leadership of NIREC on finding sustainable solutions to the perennial and disruptive strikes that threaten the sanctity and integrity of the nation’s university system, the President said he had directed his Chief of Staff, the Honourable Ministers of Labour and Employment and Education to make resolving this issue a priority.
The President said he had received briefing from the Minister of Labour, detailing where we are today given the various interested parties, and he apprised the meeting as follows:
”To show our commitment, several payments have been made over the last 6 months, addressing several of the issues you raised – details of which the Minister of Labour and Employment can make available to you.
”Funding has also been provided for infrastructure development across several public universities and several of them have begun drawing down on this facility to improve their level of infrastructure
”Finally, and perhaps the most contentious of issues regarding the decision to use either the Integrated Payroll and Personal Information System (IPPIS) or the University Transparency Accountability Solutions (UTAS).
”As you may be aware, IPPIS was introduced as a means of blocking leakages. Through IPPIS, the Federal Government was able to save over N100 billion annually from the core civil service alone. In view of the resistance from ASUU we devised UTAS which is now on the table.
”I have also been informed that the System Assessment Report conducted by NITDA has been shared by the Minister of Communications and Digital Economy to all stakeholders including ASUU, and they are to make the appropriate modifications and report their recommendations.”
CAN President, while speaking on behalf of the Council, said the meeting with the President was on the single point of averting strikes in the universities and the challenges of ASUU, which they consider to be of national interest.
Dr Ayokunle told the President that from NIREC’s meeting with ASUU on January 10, 2022, the university lecturers outlined that the bone of contention between the Union and Federal Government centred on eight issues including inconclusive renegotiation of 2009 ASUU-FGN agreement, UTAS, IPPIS and distortion in salary payment challenges.
According to him, other contentious issues are visitation panels to Federal Universities report issues, funding for revitalisation of public universities, earned academic allowance, state universities and promotion arrears.
The NIREC leadership, while acknowledging that some of the issues have been addressed by the Government, appealed to President Buhari to direct the immediate return to the table to conclude the re-negotiation of the 2009 agreement.
”If the renegotiation process continues to conclusion, issues that the Government is not comfortable with can be re-negotiated with a view to reaching only implementable agreements. We believe that with renegotiation in place, other issues will be adequately addressed along the line,” the NIREC Co-Chair said.
Femi Adesina
Special Adviser to the President
(Media & Publicity)
February 1, 2022
SERAP sues Buhari, others over ‘missing N3.1bn in Finance Ministry’
Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP) has filed a lawsuit against President Muhammadu Buhari “over his failure to probe allegations that over N3bn of public funds are missing from the Federal Ministry of Finance, and to ensure the prosecution of those suspected to be responsible, and the recovery of any missing public funds.”
The suit followed the grim allegations by the Office of the Auditor-General of the Federation in the 2018 and 2019 annual audited reports that N3.1bn of public funds are missing, misappropriated or unaccounted for.
In the suit number FHC/L/CS/148/22 filed last Friday at the Federal High Court in Lagos, SERAP is seeking: “an order of mandamus to direct and compel President Buhari to ensure the investigation of the alleged missing N3.1bn of public funds, the prosecution of anyone suspected to be responsible, and the recovery of any missing public money.”
In the suit, SERAP is arguing that: “The allegations that over N3bn of public funds are missing amount to a fundamental breach of national anticorruption laws and the country’s international obligations including under the UN Convention against Corruption to which Nigeria is a state party.”
According to SERAP, “Investigating and prosecuting the allegations, and recovering any missing public funds would serve the public interest, and end the impunity of perpetrators.”
SERAP is also arguing that, “The consequences of corruption are felt by citizens on a daily basis. Corruption exposes them to additional costs, and undermines economic development of the country, trapping the majority of Nigerians in poverty and depriving them of opportunities.”
Joined in the suit as Respondents are Mr Abubakar Malami, SAN, Minister of Justice and Attorney General of the Federation; and Mrs Zainab Ahmed, Minister of Finance, Budget and National Planning.
SERAP is arguing that, “It is in the interest of justice to grant this application. The suit is in keeping with the Nigerian Constitution of 1999 [as amended], particularly the provisions on oath of office by public officers, and section 15[5] which requires the authorities to abolish all corrupt practices and abuse of power.”
SERAP is also arguing that, “Complying with constitutional requirements and international standards on transparency and accountability would ensure effective and efficient management of public resources, and put the country’s wealth and resources to work for the common good of all Nigerians.”
The suit filed on behalf of SERAP by its lawyers Kolawole Oluwadare and Ms Adelanke Aremo, read in part: “The failure to investigate the allegations of grand corruption in the Ministry of Finance constitutes a grave violation of the duty placed on the authorities to take appropriate measures to promote transparency and accountability in the management of public finances.”
“President Buhari’s constitutional responsibility to ensure the investigation and prosecution of allegations of corruption, as well as recovery of any missing public funds is contained in Section 15[5] of the Nigerian Constitution, which provides that ‘the State shall abolish all corrupt practices and abuse of power’, and in the Oath of Office in the Seventh Schedule of the Constitution.”
“The Oath of Office of the President is considered of such importance that section 140 of the 1999 Constitution provides that the President cannot perform his or her respective official functions as President without taking the oath of office.”
“Granting the reliefs sought would help to address the adverse consequences of alleged diversion of public funds on the human rights of poor Nigerians.”
“Mandamus is a high prerogative writ which lies to secure the performance of a public duty. It gives command that a duty of a public nature which normally, though not necessarily is imposed by statute but is neglected or refused to be done after due demand, be done.”
“If there is a discretion to perform the duty, the court has the power to examine whether the discretion to refuse to act has been properly exercised.”
“Transparent and accountable public financial management is a key pillar of good governance, and of vital importance to create and maintain fair and sustainable economic and social conditions in the country.”
“Articles 5 and 9 of the UN Convention against Corruption impose legal obligations on the Buhari administration to ensure proper management of public affairs and public funds, and to promote sound and transparent administration of public affairs.”
“According to the report of the Auditor-General for 2018, the Ministry of Finance spent N24,708,090.00 on pre-retirement training but without any document. The consultant hired also failed to quote any price as cost of the training but the Ministry paid N5,670,060.00 to the consultant.”
“Request for payment from the consultant was dated 20 January 2017 while the first payment voucher in his favour was dated 13 January 2017 (7 days before his request).”
“The Ministry also reportedly failed to account for N2,885,772,493.27 released to the Ministry from the Service Wide Vote to take care of estacodes and other allowances for representing the Federal Government in meetings, and contribution to Organization for Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC).”
“The money was spent without approval, and any documents. The Auditor-General is concerned that the money may have been mismanaged.”
“The Ministry also reportedly awarded a contract on 17th May 2017 for N98,540,500.00 without any document, contrary to the Public Procurement Act. The project was not also budgeted for. There was no evidence of performance of the contract. The Ministry also deducted N9,354,809.52 as WHT and VAT but without any evidence of remittance. The Auditor-General wants the money recovered.”
“The Ministry also reportedly spent N98,759,299.20 between January–December 2017 without any document, contrary to Financial Regulation 601.”
“According to the 2019 report of the Auditor-General, the Ministry paid N20,466,744.00 as cash advances to staff of ‘You-Win’ between 8 February and 18 December, 2018 but the Ministry has failed to retire the money.”
“The advances were granted for the purchase of store items, repairs and other services that would have been made through the award of contract. Government lost N2,046,674.40 which would have accrued as taxes had these jobs been undertaken through award of contracts. The Auditor-General wants the money recovered.”
“The Ministry also reportedly paid N15,471,850.00 to two consultants for capacity building in Kano and Adamawa States but without any supporting document, contrary to paragraph 603 (1) of the Financial Regulations. The Auditor-General is concerned that the money may have been diverted, and wants it recovered.”
No date has been fixed for the hearing of the suit.
Kolawole Oluwadare
SERAP Deputy Director
30/1/2022
Lagos, Nigeria
Emails: info@serap-nigeria.org; news@serap-nigeria.org
Twitter: @SERAPNigeria
Website: www.serap-nigeria.org
For more information or to request an interview, please contact us on: +2348160537202
1
January 31, 2022
PRESS STATEMENT
CDWR SUPPORTS THE STRIKING ABUJA PRIMARY SCHOOL TEACHERS AND URGES NLC AND PARENTS TO SUPPORT THEIR DEMANDS
WE CALL ON NUT TO MOBILISE MEMBERS TO FIGHT FOR ADEQUATE FUNDING OF PUBLIC EDUCATION
The Campaign for Workers and Democratic Rights (CDWR), Federal Capital Territory, (FCT) Chapter, welcomes the decision of primary school teachers of the Nigeria Union of Teachers (NUT) in FCT-Abuja to go on strike over their unpaid promotion arrears. The strike was first embarked on by both primary and secondary school teachers, with a five-day warning strike in November 2021.
Unfortunately, the last strike which was meant to force the Area Council chairmen to pay the outstanding entitlements of the teachers was later called off by the State Wing Executive Council (SWEC) of NUT following a limited concession which largely affected only secondary school teachers without any concrete commitment to the primary school teachers.
This was why the primary school teachers refused to resume work along with their secondary school counterparts immediately after the end of the warning strike. They however suspended the strike in December 2021 following an agreement with the areas councils. It is therefore, the failure of the Council Chairmen across the FCT to fulfil the initial commitment made with the primary school teachers that informs the ongoing strike of primary school teachers across the FCT.
This is the height of insensitivity and irresponsibility by the Area councils and the FCT Ministry. CDWR condemns this and calls on the teachers, who are protesting the non-implementation of promotion arrears from 2014 to 2018 and its 2020 and 2021 annual increments as well as the refusal to upgrade qualified teachers, to step up the struggle to get their deserved entitlements. This should include congresses across the NUT in the area councils and schools, leaflets and press statements to make sure students and parents are carried along in the struggle and protests to put pressure on the FCTA.
The fact is that the authorities of the area councils and the FCT ministry are not taking the demands of the striking teachers seriously because their top functionaries do not have children in the public primary schools. We believe there’s no better time to press home these demands radically than this moment when the FCTA elections are coming up and some of these irresponsible political representatives will be seeking reelection.
We call on the Nigeria Labour Congress and pro-masses organisations as well as associations of parents to actively support the struggle and demands of the striking teachers and prevail on the Area Council chairmen and the Minister of FCT to immediately meet their legitimate demands. This support is also important so that the children of working class people and the poor who are the majority in public primary schools are not denied access to education.
We also call on the NUT and NLC to fight for, in addition to the demand on the welfare of public school teachers, both at primary and secondary schools, adequate funding and democratic management of schools including the provision of necessary facilities. This is in order to guarantee decent working conditions and the provision of quality public education. This is the only way to ensure quality education is not priced out of the reach of children from the working class and poor background.
SIGNED:
Omole Ibukun
Coordinator, CDWR FCT Abuja
Fuel Tanker Explosion: Okowa visits scene
Governor Ifeanyi Okowa of Delta on Thursday, called for immediate assessment of the cause of the petroleum product tanker explosion, which razed down no fewer than 25 houses and destroyed valuables worth millions of naira in Ohoror community in Ughelli North Local Government Area of the state.
The incident, which occurred on Wednesday night in the community located along Warri-Portharcout Expressway, reportedly claimed two lives in the two trucks involved in the explosion.
Okowa made the call when he visited the scene of the incident.
He commiserated with the community on the tragedy and gave assurance that government would take steps to cushion the effect of the inferno on victims.
The governor said that no effort would be spared in putting out the fire completely and directed the State Director of Fire Service to remain on ground untill the fire was completely extinguished and other oil trucks posing a threat to the community were evacuated.
The governor who was accompanied by the Speaker of the State House of Assembly, Chief Sherrif Oborevwori and Secretary to the State Government, Chief Patrick Ukah, commended the Fire Service for prompt response and advised the community to keep off from the fire scene in addition to being vigilant to avoid loss of lives as government was working hard to contain the spread of the explosion.
Briefing the governor earlier, the state’s Director of Fire Services, Mr Eugene Oziwele, said that his men were alerted at dawn and he quickly mobilized to the community.
He added that fire-fighting trucks were mobolised from Ughelli to ensure that the fire was extinguished completely.
Also briefing the governor, President-General of Uwheru Kingdom, Chief Macpherson Igbedi, said that no fewer than 20 houses were gutted by the fire and appealed for more efforts in evacuating an abandoned tanker laden with gas from exploding.
He said two trucks conveying gas and diesel rammed into each other at the Ohoror junction before the explosion occurred.
The Chairman of Ughelli North Council, Chief Godwin Adode, was on hand to conduct the governor round the affected area.
LEAD BY EXAMPLE, OKOWA URGES PUBLIC SERVANTS
Delta Governor, Sen. (Dr) Ifeanyi Okowa, has charged public servants to show exemplary leadership by making honesty and dedication to duty their guiding principle in order to overcome the challenges plaguing the nation.
The governor gave the charge on Monday in Asaba while swearing in members of Delta State House of Assembly Service Commission which has Mrs Cordelia Anyangwu as Chairman.
Represented by his Deputy, Mr Kingsley Otuaro, Okowa emphasised that once leaders showed good example through good leadership conduct, followers would be forced to adjust thereby improving productivity in the nation’s economy.
He said that if discipline was entrenched in public office, some of the challenges of the country would become a thing of the past.
“This event is another step in our resolve to strengthen and reposition the administrative machinery of the State House of Assembly and other arms of government for optimum performance.
“Your appointment is no doubt a recognition of your record of experience, hard work and contributions to the development of Delta State,” he said.
He urged the new chairman and members of the commission to see their appointment as a call to service and an opportunity to contribute to the growth and sustainable development of the State and its legislature.
“I urge all of you to be team players who should make honesty and dedication to duty your guiding principle, including leading the way of good conduct for other staff to follow by being disciplined, conscientious and punctual to work.
“I charge the newly inaugurated chairman and members of the commission to work assiduously to achieve desired objectives’’.
According to Okowa, the State House of Assembly Service Commission is saddled with the responsibility of managing the workforce of the State Assembly.
“The key responsibilities of the Commission include the appointment of staff to all offices of the State House of Assembly; to promote, transfer and confirm such appointments, including the discipline of erring officials.
“It is on record that the Executive and the Legislative arms of government in the State enjoy a good working relationship and State legislature has long been enjoying financial independence.
“The inauguration of the chairman and members of the assembly service commission will also enhance the administrative independence of the State legislature,” he said.
The governor commended public servants in the State for their continued loyalty, understanding and support and lauded the chairman and members of the immediate past commission for their services to the government and people of the state.
“My dear Deltans, while recognising the challenges we face and the need to overcome them, let us note the progress we have made so far in the life of this administration.
“Let us continue to build on the prevailing peace in the State and do nothing that is capable of heating up the polity.
“We will continue to do our very best by the grace of God, to give effective leadership with integrity, fairness, justice and honour to every part of our dear State,” he stated.
The governor congratulated Mrs Anyangwu for emerging as the Chairman of the Commission, which also has Dr Philomena Onyearone, Chief Timothy Umukoro, Mrs Komboye Mowoe, Sunday Ebireri, Chief Innocent Okofu and Andrew Ukavwe as members.
Responding on behalf of the appointees, Anyangwu expressed gratitude to God for the opportunity given her and members of the commission to serve the state and thanked Governor Okowa for deeming them fit to serve.
“This is a position of trust and confidence. We assure you that we will carry out our activities diligently with absolute loyalty as our guiding principle and will do everything possible to move the Commission forward.”
The ceremony was attended by member Representing Warri Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives, Chief Thomas Ereyitomi; Speaker of the State House of Assembly, Chief Sheriff Oborevwori, represented by the Deputy Speaker. Mr Ochor Ochor; Chief Judge of the state, Justice Theresa Diai, President, Customary Court of Appeal, Justice Patience Elumeze, among others.
PRESS RELEASE
COMPLETION OF LEKKI PORT FINAL SOLUTION TO APAPA GRIDLOCK, SAYS SANWO-OLU
Lagos State Governor, Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu, on Tuesday said completion of the Lekki Port will put an end to the intractable Apapa gridlock, the congestion along Oshodi-Apapa Expressway, port access roads and Apapa environs.
Governor Sanwo-Olu made the statement at the Opening Ceremony of the Africa Business Convention, organised by Business Day Newspaper at the Eko Hotels and Suites, Victoria Island, Lagos, where he noted that “The final solution to Apapa gridlock will be the completion of Lekki Port.”
The Governor said several measures would be put in place to ensure Apapa is congestion-free, saying that “we need to change the officials regularly to ensure there is no compromise in services rendered.”
Governor Sanwo-Olu who spoke passionately about his administration’s commitment to delivering the dividends of democracy to millions of Lagosians through the THEMES developmental agenda for Greater Lagos said his government has completed iconic projects within the State in the last two and half years.
He also cited some of the infrastructural projects such as Lekki Deep Port, 4th Mainland Bridge, Red and Blue line rails and Imota Rice Mills, among others that are ongoing or in the pipeline, which according to him would be completed and become operational within the next 24 months.
The Governor said the process leading to the commencement of the construction of the 4th Mainland Bridge, which starts from Badore in Ajah and ends in Ikorodu, would be completed before the second quarter of the year.
He said: “Lagos is, in addition to being Africa’s most populous megacity, the continent’s premier business and investment destination, and we will continue to do all within our power to remain so.
“As I speak, several landmark public and private infrastructure and investment projects are underway or nearing completion in Lagos State; the biggest single-train Petroleum Refinery in the world, one of the largest Rice Mills in the world, one of the largest and most modern Deep-Sea Ports on the continent, and West Africa’s biggest Light Rail network. Within the next 24 months, we expect all of these to be operational.
“We are also Africa’s Startup capital, ahead of Nairobi, Cape Town and Johannesburg, in terms of the number of startups and in terms of investment inflows and the size of exits. Flutterwave and Paystack, two of the most prominent African unicorns of the decade, were born here.
“In addition, we are home to several major investments ongoing in real estate, like Eko Atlantic on the edge of Victoria Island, and Alaro City on the Lekki Peninsula.”
Speaking at the event, the Publisher of Business Day Newspaper, Mr. Frank Aigbogun, applauded Governor Sanwo-Olu for the great work he has done in ridding Apapa of traffic gridlocks and for delivering on his promise to the people of Lagos State.
He said: “When we had the interview, which I moderated, hosted by the Lagos Chamber of Commerce and Industry before the elections in 2019, Apapa dominated that conversation. I don’t know how often you go to Apapa Mr. Governor but I think between 23 and 27 minutes these days, you get Apapa.
“When I have an appointment with people, they often will get to the office before I get there because they would make so much room for traffic and they don’t find any traffic on the way; so they are there waiting for me in the office. So, Mr. Governor, I want to acknowledge the work that you have done and to commend you and your team for delivering on your promise.”
SIGNED
GBOYEGA AKOSILE
CHIEF PRESS SECRETARY
01 FEBRUARY 2022
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