Home Blog Page 1825

UK welcomes NASS commitment to passing electoral bill by June

Vincent Ufuoma
-
0
UK welcomes NASS commitment to passing electoral bill by June

THE United Kingdom has welcomed the effort of the Nigerian National Assembly to pass the bill seeking an amendment into the country’s electoral law.

British High Commissioner to Nigeria Catriona Laing expressed this during a working visit to Nigerian Senate President Ahmad Lawan in Abuja on Tuesday.

“Welcome Senate President’s commitment to pass electoral bill by end June,” she said on her Twitter handle.

She added that “Important discussion today with @DrAhmadLawan and @JamesDuddridge about democracy, including electoral reform and deepening political participation. @NGRSenate @nassnigeria”

Rejected three times for various constitutional and drafting issues by President Muhammadu Buhari, the electoral bill was passed by the 8th Senate led by Bukola Saraki in 2019.

The opposition People’s Democratic Party (PDP) has severally charged the president to show commitment to reform of the electoral system.

At a state of the nation press briefing in Abuja in 2020, the party’s spokesman Kola Ologbondiyan accused President Buhari of aborting the amendment of the Electoral Act in the 8th Assembly.

“Going by the election that we have had after the killing of the amendment, it shows clearly that we cannot  continue  on electioneering that will take charge of the exigencies like  what happened in the last Kogi governorship election.”

He said failure to urgently initiate electoral reforms was a deliberate plot by the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) to enthrone a state of “nature where the will of any individual, supported by bandits and vagabonds will become the norm.”

He said the demand of the opposition party was for the president to address issues relating to the amendment of the Electoral Act on June 12 broadcast  and initiate the process of sending an Electoral Act amendment bill to the National Assembly within  14 days, with a commitment to sign the amendment when signed by the legislature.

Insecurity: Buhari wants US to relocate military base to Africa

Vincent Ufuoma
-
0
Insecurity: Buhari wants US to relocate military base to Africa

PRESIDENT Muhammadu Buhari has urged the United States to reconsider relocating US Africa Command (AFRICOM) from Stuttgart, Germany, to Africa, nearer the theatre of operation.

He also admonished the international community to support Nigeria and the sub-region in tackling growing security challenges to avoid spillovers.

According to his Special Adviser on Media & Publicity Femi Adesina, Buhari stated this during a virtual meeting with the US Secretary of State Anthony Blinken on Tuesday.

He said AFRICOM, partnering with countries to counter transnational threats, should be relocated to Africa to strengthen ongoing efforts to check  insecurity, with likely effect on other nations.

“The security challenges in Nigeria remain of great concern to us and impacted more negatively, by existing complex negative pressures in the Sahel, Central and West Africa, as well as the Lake Chad Region,” he said.

“Compounded as the situation remains, Nigeria and her security forces remain resolutely committed to containing them and addressing their root causes.  The support of important and strategic partners like United States cannot be overstated as the consequences of insecurity will affect all nations hence the imperative for concerted cooperation and collaboration of all nations to overcome these challenges.

“In this connection, and considering the growing security challenges in West and Central Africa, Gulf of Guinea, Lake Chad region and the Sahel, weighing heavily on Africa, it underscores the need for the United States to consider re-locating AFRICOM Headquarters from Stuttgart, Germany to Africa and near the Theatre of Operation,’’ he said.

The president said Nigeria would enhance collaborations in all forms with friends and strategic partners to work together for greater security for all, which remained the most significant condition for overcoming the existential challenges.

He commended the United States for the decision to repeal the immigration restriction known as the ‘Muslim ban,’ re-joining the World Health Organization (WHO) and Paris Agreement on Climate Change.

READ ALSO: Sani concerned with Buhari’s call for relocation of US military base to Africa

“Nigeria attaches great importance to its relations with the United States. Let me in this connection express appreciation to President Joe Biden for his welcome and reaching decision to repeal the Immigration restriction known as the ‘Muslim ban’ on travel and visas for citizens predominantly from Muslim Nations and African Countries, including Nigeria.

“I also wish to congratulate the United States for re-joining the World Health Organization (WHO) and Paris Agreement on Climate Change.  The leadership of the United States in these two organizations is crucial for international community.

“This action is a demonstration of the United States commitment in championing and supporting international organizations with the aim to build a better world for all,’’ he said.

President Buhari noted that Nigeria remained resolute in her commitment to supporting global efforts as enshrined in the Paris Agreement on Climate Change, which sought to limit global warming and reduce greenhouse gas emissions.

According to the president, the convening of the Climate Change Summit last week by President Biden was a strong indication of the renewed interest of the United States in the Paris Agreement.

Secretary of State said he was pleased to make Nigeria part of his ‘first virtual visit to Africa,’ noting that Nigeria and the United States of America shared a lot in bilateral issues.

He added that he would be delighted to build on the foundation that was laid between the two countries over 60 years ago, disclosing that areas of discussion with Nigeria would include “how to build our economies back after the COVID-19 pandemic, security for vulnerable communities, and climate issues.”

Reps to Buhari: Declare state of emergency on security

Marcus FATUNMOLE
-
0
Reps to Buhari: Declare state of emergency on security

FLUSTERED by the wave of growing insecurity in Nigeria, the House of Representatives, on Tuesday, advised President Muhammadu Buhari to declare a state of emergency on the nation’s security. 

In its resolutions, the House called for more recruitments into the nation’s security agencies to enable them to have more manpower to tackle challenges posed by insecurity in the country.

The lawmakers said they would invite the National Security Adviser, service chiefs, paramilitary chiefs, controller-general of the Nigerian Customs Service as well as the managing director of Nigerian Communication Satellite Limited to brief the House on security situation in the country.

They said government should ensure the protection of national infrastructure assets, particularly the Shiroro and Kainji Dams in Niger State.

Muhammadu Buhari
President Muhammadu Buhari

The lawmakers mandated all its security committees to immediately commence comprehensive audit of all military and paramilitary assets and arms in the Armed Services and report back to it within four weeks.

It also appealed to the judiciary to accelerate the prosecution of suspects awaiting trial due to banditry, terrorism and other criminal activities.

The Green Chamber called on the Federal Government to guarantee autonomy for local governments in the country to enable them serve people at the grassroots better.

This is even as it condemned attacks on security agents and formations across the country.

READ ALSO: I won’t pay ransom to criminals, El-Rufai insists

While sympathising with families of victims of insecurity in the nation, it called on the Federal Government to support them with emergency relief.

The lawmakers listed Ukpo, Ifitedunu, Dunukofia, Abagana, all in Anambra; Geidam LGA in Yobe State; IDP Camp in Makurdi Urikpam, Jato-Aka, Police divisions in the South East, Ehime Mbano, Imo State; Uzo-Uwanj in Enugu State; Uzoakoli, Abia State; Balenga Local Government Area of Gombe State, and parts of Imo as some of the places that had been affected by insecurity in recent time.

The House reiterated its commitment to the security and corporate existence of the country and vowed to accelerate its engagement with stakeholders on a special security summit it would convene.

Many Nigerians have expressed fears that Nigeria is sliding into civil war, giving the geometric rise in insecurity in the country and the seeming government helplessness to contain the trend.

Only on Monday April 26, Niger State Governor Sani Bello raised the alarm that Boko Haram had hoisted its flag in parts of the state, while people had deserted over 50 of its communities.

Nigeria North-East
Boko Haram Insurgents

The ICIR reported how deaths from abduction of students at Greenfield University in Kaduna rose to five after their captors killed two more of the students.

On the same say, hoodlums reportedly invaded Awkuzu in Oyi Local Government Area of Anambra state and killed nine people.

Gunmen also killed about five soldiers in Omelema community, Abua/Odual Local Government Area of Rivers State on that day.

There were also reports that soldiers allegedly attacked Ibadan resident of Yoruba activist, Sunday Igboho.

On that same day, reports showed that scores were injured while properties were destroyed as commercial motorbike operators, popularly called okada, engaged the members of the National Union of Road Transport Employees in a free for all in Lagos State, resulting in at least a death.

Similarly, reports that gunmen had stormed Federal University of Agriculture, Makurdi, Benue State, Sunday night and abducted three students went viral on Monday, as the institution disclosed the incident to newsmen.

The news that personnel of the Air Force erroneously killed scores of soldiers fighting insurgents in Maiduguri, Borno State is still very fresh.

Monday’s incidents across the country only raised further fears on what have been daily occurrences in the nation.

I won’t pay ransom to criminals, El-Rufai insists

Amos ABBA
-
0
I won’t pay ransom to criminals, El-Rufai insists

Kaduna State Governor Nasir El-Rufai, on Tuesday, insisted that his administration would not offer ransom to kidnappers, saying that doing so had not curbed criminality in the country.

This was disclosed in a statement by  Special Adviser to the governor on Media and Communication Muyiwa Adekeye, in response to a 2014 video interview  circulating on social media concerning rescuing of kidnap victims, earlier reported by The ICIR.

He added that it was prudent to review one’s position when the facts changed.

“A path proposed in 2014 cannot be taken as the immutable answer to a serious problem that has since evolved. Negotiations have not stopped the criminals, so we seek to solve today’s problem with tools fit for them,” a section of the statement read.

It had earlier been reported that bandits on Monday killed two students of a private institution Greenfield University in Kaduna, days after three other abducted students had been killed.

About 29 students of the Federal College of Forestry Mechanisation, Afaka, Kaduna State, are currently in captivity 47 days after their abduction due to the no-ransom policy of the El-Rufai government.

“Several states sought to negotiate their way out of the problems by talking to bandits, paying them money or offering them amnesty. This has not worked and has only encouraged the criminals to press ahead for a surrender of the public treasury to them. That is clearly not in the public interest,” he said.

El-Rufai said he regretted the reckless attacks and killings of students from tertiary institutions in the state.

“We sympathise with their families with whom we share the aim of the safe return of all the students. We mourn the dead students and we offer our condolences to the family and friends of the deceased,” he said.

El-Rufai, in a report, reiterated that he was under pressure from the parents of the abducted students, other concerned persons and groups to negotiate with the bandits for the release of the students.

However, the state governments of Katsina, Niger and Zamfara are believed to have negotiated with the abductors for the release of hundreds of students kidnapped from schools in their states.

“The ruthless and heartless resort of the kidnappers to murdering these young persons is part of their effort to further their blackmail and compel us to abandon our ‘no-ransom, no negotiation policy.

“The fact that criminals seek to hold us by the jugular does not mean we should surrender and create an incentive for more crime. In today’s Nigeria, it has become fashionable to treat the unlawful demands of bandits as worthy of consideration and to lampoon people who insist that outlaws should be crushed and not mollycoddled or availed the resources they can use to unleash further outrages,” he stated.

Why Nigeria ranked third worst governed country in the world

Lukman ABOLADE
-
0
Why Nigeria ranked third worst governed country in the world

Nigeria has been ranked third-worst governed country in the world, according to a report published on Monday by the Chandler Good Governance Index (CGGI),

The ICIR takes a look at some of the reasons for the poor ranking.

The index rankings were based on seven pillars, which included: leadership and foresight, robust laws and policies, strong institutions, financial stewardship, attractive marketplace, global influence and reputation as well as helping people rise.

According to CGGI, the points ranged from zero to one, zero being the lowest and one the highest, Nigeria, which is the most populated African nation, did not score up to 0.50 in any of the indices.

Nigeria has more than 200 ministries, departments and agencies (MDAs) but it was ranked 0.19 in Strong Institutions. Lack of accountability and transparency, corruption and other negative vices have characterised government agencies.

The 2019  report of the Office of the Accountant General of the Federal (OAGF) had indicted several government agencies of non-remittance of revenue, illegal withdrawals as well as other disregards for financial rules.

In Leadership and Foresight, Nigeria scored 0.24, a reflection of how the country has been torn in ethnic crises and clashes while the government is unable to proffer a solution that would unite its over 200 million population.

President Muhammadu Buhari
President Muhammadu Buhari

Frank Umeh, a civil society leader based in Enugu, South-East Nigeria, explained that the Muhammadu Buhari’s administration had been unable to show leadership in fighting insurgency and uniting a deeply divided nation.

Most of Buhari’s appointments have been one-sided, with the North occupying the majority of critical positions. The ICIR reported how the North occupies 60 per cent of NNPC senior positions.

Nobel Laurette Wole Soyinka has consistently complained that Buhari had not showed leadership in the face of farmer-herder crisis and other security threats.

You may wish to read

Bandits abduct 35 persons in Niger

Insecurity: Katsina hires dogs to guard schools

Insecurity: Like Canada, US warns citizens against travelling to Nigeria

The CGGI report also scored Nigeria 0.35 on Robust Laws & Policies. The ICIR had reported how several Nigerian laws had become obsolete, including those that were critical to the development of the country.

A team of consultants under the auspices of the Department for International Development (DFID) led by a Senior Advocate of Nigeria Paul Idornigie had recommended to the 8th Assembly that 54 Nigerian laws were obsolete and needed amendment, but no changes have been made hitherto.

Others are: Attractive Marketplace, 0.40; Global Influence & Reputation, 0.35; and Helping People Rise, 0.33.

According to a report by the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS) titled ‘2019 Poverty and Inequality in Nigeria,’ 40 per cent of the total population, or almost 83 million people, lived below the poverty line.

On Financial Stewardship, Nigeria was scored only 0.37. The country has spent billions on financially unsustainable projects, including the just awarded $1.5 billion on the Port Harcourt Refinery Company (PHRC) which has recorded several years of losses.

Attractive Marketplace – Nigeria scores 0.40

The report scored Nigeria 0.40 in having an attractive market place. The ICIR had reported that the United States online retail company Amazon and a social media giant Twitter ignored Nigeria in locating their African headquarters.

Amazon had concluded its plans to locate its African headquarters in South Africa while Twitter has headed for Ghana, leaving out Nigeria – the most populous concentration of Black people in the world.

Truworths and Shoprite, two South African retailers, have also exited Nigeria.

With the ranking, countries like Rwanda, Ethiopia, Mozambique are better governed than Nigeria.

FG’s support for Pantami, damaging to Nigeria’s relationship with key foreign allies- CHRICED

Ijeoma OPARA
-
0
FG’s support for Pantami, damaging to Nigeria’s relationship with key foreign allies- CHRICED

THE Resource Centre for Human Rights and Civic Education (CHRICED) has admonished the Federal Government for what has been described as its support for a sympathiser of a terrorist organisation in a press statement released on Tuesday.

The statement, which Executive Director Ibrahim Zikirullahi signed, read that the Federal Government’s support of the Minister for Communications and Digital Economy Isa Pantami had grave repercussions. It had negatively affected Nigeria’s relationship with key foreign allies needed to vanquish terrorism in the country.

Describing the Federal Government’s backing of Pantami as the “most damaging communication to emanate from the Nigerian Presidency,” the CHRICED warned that Nigeria was at risk of being regarded as a state-supporter of terrorism by countries around the world.

Highlighting other negative implications of the FG’s support of Pantami, the CHRICED noted that the government’s actions would also serve as a basis for maltreatment and harassment of Nigerians in the diaspora and may be reprimanded by the Financial Action Task Force, the watchdog for terrorist financing.

READ ALSO: Those unwilling to forgive Pantami are Nigeria’s problem – Garba Shehu

“It is unacceptable that the government would take such a brazen position without considering the very serious implications for Nigerians in the diaspora and around the world.”

The CHRICED also stated that the government’s position was made more alarming by the fact that terrorism had claimed the lives of several Nigerians these past few years, as Nigeria still struggles with the realities of global terrorism.

“It is unbelievable that a government which says it is committed to rooting out terror will be pampering and harbouring a terror sympathiser within its fold.”

CHRICED stated that such an approach to the issue would further enhance ethnic strife, raise mutual suspicions and serve as live ammunition in the hands of separatist agitators who would go to any lengths to ensure that Nigeria implodes.

The government was then urged to ensure that Pantami is investigated and made to account for his past activities.

Nigerians have been demanding the resignation of Pantami, over statements made in the past in support of terrorist groups such as Al-Queda. These statements were of admiration for the Taliban, Al- Queda and Jihad, and were from some of his preaching and lecture recordings from years ago.

Shasha market crisis: FG gives relief packages to 982 victims

Niyi OYEDEJI
-
0
Shasha market crisis: FG gives relief packages to 982 victims

THE Federal Government of Nigeria, through the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA), has facilitated the distribution of relief packages to 982 victims of the Shasha market crisis.

The ICIR had earlier reported how the traders lost millions to the Yoruba-Fulani clash at the market in February.

The Acting Zonal Coordinator of NEMA South West region, Mr. Akiode Saheed, while handing over the relief materials to both the leaders of the two tribes dominating the market,  Ba’ale of Shasha market, Akinade Ajani and the Seriki Shasha, Alhaji Haruna Maiyesin said the president facilitated the materials.

“We are here with Oyo State Emergency Management Agency (OYSEMA) for the direct distribution of relief assistance as approved by President Mohammadu Buhari upon the request of the Minister for Humanitarian Affairs, Hajia Sadiya Umar Farouq, who has graciously approved these relief materials to be distributed to all affected victims of Shasha market crisis, which occurred on 12th February this year.”

Items distributed included 10kg of rice, beans, garri, 20kg of vegetable oil, sachets of tomato paste, seasoning and salt.

In their remarks, leaders of Yoruba and Hausa communities, the Baale of Shasha and Seriki Shasha, expressed gratitude to President Mohammadu Buhari for reaching out to them in what they described as their ‘trying time’.

They, however, urged both the Federal and Oyo State government to expedite action on the market reconstruction, especially as the rainy season approaches.

The Baale of Shasha, Akinade Ajani, lauded the president for the assistance, just as he solicited more support, noting that the destruction of the market, as a result of the mayhem, greatly affected many families and people’s sources of livelihoods.

“Government should expedite actions on the market reconstruction so that things will not get worse. You all know that the rains are here already and if actions are not expedited on helping us reconstruct the market people’s wares and properties will be further destroyed by the rains.”

Babaloja of Shasha market, Chief Rashidi Popoola also noted that peace has returned in the market, but traders have not been able to erect structures that will prevent rain from destroying their wares.

 

 

Six informants arrested by security agencies in Niger

Editorial
-
0
Six informants arrested by security agencies in Niger
AMID high spate of insecurity in Niger State, security agencies have arrested six persons for passing critical information to bandits.
The ICIR was told that  the arrests were made in Shiroro and Munya local government areas of the state.
Sources said a medical doctor, farmers and youths were apprehended on Tuesday and they were in Police custody in Niger State. The sources added that  the Police were investigating the individuals to find the extent of their involvement in the crime.
However, the Police were yet to officially confirm the issue as of the time of filing this report as the Police Public Relations Officer Wasiu Abiodun said he would inform the media should there be any new information.

Niger State is under the siege of bandits.  At least 35 persons were abducted and several others injured by armed bandits at Chiri, Gini and Fuka communities in Shiroro and Munya local government areas of Niger State on Saturday. 

Chairman of the Niger Concern Citizens Muhammad Awaisu Wana said in a radio programme monitored  in Minna that 10 out of 15 wards in Shiroro Local Government Council were currently under the control of bandits, adding that Gwada, Kuta and Sarkin Pawa in Shiroro and Munya LGA had become headquarters for displaced persons affected by the situation.

 

Wana explained that eight of the wards under bandits’ control were in riverine areas, noting that there were about 80,000 IDPs in the state.
Wana urged Nigeria’s government to come to their aid to enable them return home and start preparing for this year’s farming, stressing that there could be food shortage in the state and country if the banditry continued unabated.

Bandits abduct 35 persons in Niger

Editorial
-
0
Bandits abduct 35 persons in Niger

AT least 35 persons have been abducted and several others injured by armed bandits at Chiri, Gini and Fuka communities in Shiroro and Munya local government areas of Niger State. 

Chairman of the Niger Concern Citizens Muhammad Awaisu Wana said in a radio programme monitored in Minna that 10 out of 15 wards in Shiroro Local Government Council were currently under the control of bandits, adding that Gwada, Kuta and Sarkin Pawa in Shiroro and Munya LGA had become headquarters for displaced persons affected by the situation.

The ICIR understands that bandits invaded the communities in motorcycles on Saturday evening, shooting sporadically and causing the villagers to flee into the forest for safety.

READ ALSO: Six informants arrested by security agencies in Niger

Wana explained that eight of the wards under bandits’ control were in riverine areas, noting that there were about 80,000 IDPs in the state.

Wana urged Nigeria’s government to come to their aid to enable them return home and start preparing for this year’s farming, stressing that there could be food shortage in the state and country if the banditry continued unabated.

The co-Convener of Concerned Shiroro Youths Sani Abubakar Kokki also confirmed the attack in Gini, Fuka and Chiri communities, stressing that the communities were simultaneously attacked by the bandits. He also said that there were people who sustained multiple gunshot injuries amid destruction of houses and food stores.

Last Friday, Deputy Governor of Niger State Ahmed Ketso, during his visit to the Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) camp at Gwada and Shiroro local government areas,  said that the security challenge in the state was overwhelming.

He noted that the security situation in the state was above the state and they must pray over the situation. He also warned citizens to desist from being informants to the bandits.

Forestry students’ abduction: Bandits demand N5 million per child, says parent

Ijeoma OPARA
-
0
Forestry students’ abduction: Bandits demand N5 million per child, says parent

A PARENT of two of the kidnapped students of the Federal College of Forestry Mechanisation, Friday Sani, has said that bandits have demanded the sum of N5 million each as ransom for the abducted students.

Speaking in an interview with Channels TV on Tuesday, he expressed anxiety over the situation, stating that the government has remained unsupportive since the event occurred.

According to Sani, parents of the victims have continued to communicate and negotiate with the bandits despite threats of arrest from the government, as they seemed to have been left to their own devices.

“They have refused to change their position that they will arrest anybody that negotiates with the bandits. We should be arrested when our children are under the comfort of their father’s home,” he said.

When asked if payments were made to effect the release of 10 of the students who were freed weeks ago, he replied in the negative, stating that the circumstance surrounding their release remains a mystery to him.

Sani described an allegation that he had paid some money to the bandits for the release of the 10 students as ridiculous, stating that it was impossible to pay for the release of other kidnapped students. At the same time, two of his daughters remained in captivity.

Suggesting a way forward, the Head of Public Affairs of the National Conscience Party Yunusa Tanko, who also featured on the program, advised the Nigerian government to reach out to both local and international communities for support.

He pointed out the dangers of this approach, however,  saying that mercenaries may have negative effects on the country, adding that vital information would be given out, which may eventually be used against the country.

Recall that gunmen kidnapped 39 students from the Federal College of Forestry Mechanisation in Kaduna over a month ago. Ten of the victims were released in two batches three weeks ago, while twenty-nine remain in captivity.

1...1,8241,8251,826...3,440Page 1,825 of 3,440