Tag: Akpabio

National Security Adviser (NSA), Mallam Nuhu Ribadu, the Senate president, Godswill Akpabio, and the Oyo state governor, Seyi Makinde, among other stakeholders have harped on the need for a reform of the police for greater efficiency, professionalism through citizen oversight.

The stakeholders spoke in their separate remarks at the opening of a two-day retreat in supporting police reform process in Nigeria project with the theme “Civilian oversight in Nigeria Police Affairs”, which held at the International Institute of Tropical Agriculture (IITA), Ibadan, Oyo State.

The retreat, which was organised by the Police Service Commission (PSC) in collaboration with United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and other development partners, had the top leadership of the Nigerian Police Force, Police Service Commission, Office of the National Security Adviser, lawmakers, policy makers among other stakeholders in attendance. 

Speaking, Mallam Ribadu who was represented by AIG Emmanuel Effiom (rtd) said just like any human endeavour and entity worldwide, Nigeria Police Force requires reappraisal, retooling, and redefining its needfulress for professional and adequate service delivery to fufill its mandate.

Noting that he aligns with the Police Service Commission’s vIsion of change management, which is one of the specfic objecties of the Nigeria Police Act, as stated in Section 2, Part I of the Police Act 202O, the NSA expresses optimism that the retreat will yield the desired result.

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Ribadu said: “It is universally accepted that the future of any human endeavour necessitates, at various points in time, reappraisal, retooling, and redefining its needfulress. The Nigeria Police Force, like any policing entity worldwide, requires the application of these three structural phases for professional and adequate service delivery to fuifil its mandate.

“In this light, I recognize and fully support the Police Service Commission’s vIsion of change management, which aligns with one of the specfic

objecties of the Nigeria Police Act, as stated in Section 2, Part I of the Police Act 202O.

“Accordingly, it is hoped that this 2 day Police Leadership Forum will produce definitive and practical tools for various cadres of management to achive these objectives. Our dear country stands at a critical juncture, poised for

transformation in alignment with global best practices of accountable policing and responsibility. 

“All hands must, therefore, be on deck to ensure the realization of this vital project. I sincerely urge all stakeholders and participants to demonstrate, in very practical terms, the necessity of this retreat.”

In his remarks, the Senate President, Godswill Akpabio speaking on “Civilian oversight in Nigeria: strengthening Police accountability and public trust” said civilian oversight of the police is an indispensable mechanism for promoting transparency, accountability, and public trust in law enforcement institutions.

He said effective civilian oversight is particularly essential and desirable in the context of Nigeria, where the relationship between the police and the public has often been fraught with tension.

Akpabio who was represented by Senator Amos Yohana identified the various challenges that has rocked the Police which had eroded public trust hence the need for reforms to ensure the police follow the law and respect citizens’ rights.

He noted that the need to strengthen ability and authority of oversight organizations including Police Service Commission (PSC) and the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC), cannot be overstated, adding that it is critical to provide them with enough resources, legal backing, and operational independence so that they can function effectively. 

He said “Civilian oversight of the police is an indispensable mechanism for promoting transparency, accountability, and public trust in law enforcement institutions. In the context of Nigeria, where the relationship between the

police and the public has often been fraught with tension, effective civilian oversight is not merely desirable but essential.

“The Nigerian police force has faced numerous challenges including corruption claims, human rights violations, and a lack of accountability. These challenges have eroded public trust and highlighted the need for reforms to ensure the police follow the law and respect citizens’ rights. 

“Civilian oversight authorities such as the Police

Service Commission (PSC) and the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) play important role in this regard. They offer an independent examination of police actions, investigate complaints, and propose appropriate disciplinary consequences.

“The need to strengthen these oversight organizations ability and authority, cannot be overstated. It is critical to provide them with enough resources, legal backing, and operational independence so that they can function effectively. 

“It is also critical to establish an accountable culture within the police force. This includes teaching officers about human rights, ethical behavior, and the value of community policing, which can help bridge the gap between the police and the communities they serve.

“Encouraging citizens to report misconduct and interact with oversight organizations, can lead to a more responsive and accountable police force. This participatory approach guarantees that the community’s concerns are addressed and that the police are viewed as partners in ensuring public safety rather than adversaries.

“Civilian oversight in Nigeria represents a critical step towards reforming the police sector and rebuilding public trust. By strengthening the capacity of oversight bodies, fostering accountability within the police, and encouraging public participation, Nigeria can create a law enforcement system that is transparent, accountable, and respected by the citizens it serves.”

Governor Seyi Makinde whonwas represented by his deputy at the event said the Police has been in bad light in the sight of the members of the public for wrong reasons. 

He charged participants to interrogate the constitutional provisions of Section 214 in deciding what to come up with in terms of civilian oversight.

He also seized the opportunity to explain the various support the state government, just like others across the country has been providing for the Police, adding that the Federal Government needs to make more support available for the Police.

In his remarks, UNDP Programme Specialist, Ruke of Law and Human Right Office, Napoleon Enayaba said the retreat marks a significant step to reflect on the progress made and explore ways to sustain and strengthen the police reforms that has been initiated. 

“A more deliberate effort to ensure respect for inclusiveness, diversity, equality within NIgerian Police Force is crucial as it is equally important that police are adequately empowered to perform their mandatory roles effectively. Police personnel are entrusted with extensive powers to maintain law and order but with such powers come the responsibility to uphold human rights and operate within the uprights of the law. 

“Accountability are essential that police officers adhere to professional standards and gain the trust of the public and ensure that police remain accountable to the people. As we gather today we must strategically engage to find solution to effective accountability and police oversight to enhance public safety, trust and driving the transformation of police service inline with global best practices.”

…says be upright in actions, decisions

Senate President, Godswill Akpabio, on Monday, May 27, charged Nigerian children to embrace the virtues that will guide them towards a path of greatness.

Akpabio made this call at the 2024 Children’s Day celebration specially organised by the Senate for children to commemorate their day.

The children, who were invited for the special occasion at the Senate wing of the National Assembly, were randomly selected from schools in the Federal Capital Territory.

Four of them were made to wear caps to symbolically typify President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Senate President Godswill Akpabio, Deputy Senate President, Barau Jibrin, and Senate Leader, Michael Opeyemi Bamidele.

Akpabio who was represented by the Senate Leader, Opeyemi Bamidele, urged the children to be upright in their actions and decisions and allow integrity to be the cornerstone upon which they build their character.

He also advised them to uphold the values of honesty, fairness, and kindness, “for they are the pillars of a just and compassionate society.”

The Senate President noted that the yearly Children’s Day celebration is intended to shape their path towards greatness and a day that calls upon them to rise above mediocrity and embrace the qualities that would guide them towards a future of excellence.

Akpabio said: “My dear children, today, we gather here to celebrate the remarkable occasion of Children’s Day, a day that serves as a testament to the incredible potential that resides within each and every one of you.

“This day symbolizes the importance of childhood, a phase of life that moulds your character and shapes your path towards greatness. It is a day that calls upon you to rise above mediocrity and embrace the qualities that will guide you towards a future of excellence.

“Today, I implore you to embrace the virtues that will guide you towards a path of greatness. Be upright in your actions and decisions. Let integrity be the cornerstone upon which you build your character. Uphold the values of honesty, fairness, and kindness, for they are the pillars of a just and compassionate society”.

Speaking further, Akpabio stressed: “Be God-fearing, my dear children. Cultivate a profound connection with your faith, whatever it may be. Allow it to serve as a guiding light, providing you with the moral compass to navigate the complexities of life and make decisions that align with your core values.

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“Dedicate yourselves to the pursuit of knowledge with unwavering diligence. Education is the key that unlocks a world of boundless opportunities. Embrace the joy of learning, foster curiosity, and fearlessly explore new horizons. Remember that knowledge is power, and through education, you possess the ability to make a profound and lasting impact on the world.”

According to Akpabio, “Respect, my dear children, is a fundamental value that must be ingrained in your hearts. Treat others with empathy, kindness, and understanding. Embrace diversity and appreciate the unique qualities that each individual brings to the table. By fostering respect, you contribute to the creation of a harmonious and inclusive society.

“Lastly, be confident in your abilities and embrace your individuality. Believe in your dreams and aspirations. Know that you possess the untapped potential to achieve greatness. Let your voices be heard, for each one of you has a unique perspective that can shape the world around you.

“Today, as we celebrate Children’s Day, let us reflect upon the importance of embodying these virtues – of being upright, God-fearing, diligent, respectful, and confident.

“Carry these qualities with you as you embark on your journey through life. Remember that you hold the power to shape the destiny of our beloved nation. My dear Nigerian children, the future belongs to you.

“Seize every opportunity, learn from every experience, and strive to make a positive impact on the world. Believe in yourselves, for you are the architects of your own destiny. With unwavering determination and hard work, you can create a future that surpasses your wildest dreams.

“On this momentous day, I join you in celebrating the incredible potential that resides within each and every one of you. May your light shine brightly, and may your dreams soar high. Happy Children’s Day!”

Akpabio further urged Nigerian Children to emulate Helen Keller by overcoming all obstacles on their way to greatness.

He said: “As we commemorate this special day, I want to share with you an extraordinary story of resilience and determination – the story of Helen Keller. Helen Keller, a girl who triumphed over deafness and blindness, serves as an inspiration to us all.

“Despite her seemingly insurmountable obstacles, she refused to let her limitations define her. With the unwavering guidance of her beloved teacher, Annie Sullivan, Helen Keller harnessed the power of education, perseverance, and faith.

“She transcended her disabilities and became a beacon of hope, an advocate for the rights of those with disabilities, leaving an indelible mark on the world.

“At the turn of the century Keller, in spite of her disabilities, was rated as one of the one hundred most influential people of the last century.

“Helen Keller’s remarkable journey teaches us that regardless of the challenges we face, we possess the innate ability to overcome them. Her story reminds us of the importance of education, the indomitable force of determination, and the resilience of the human spirit.

“Each of you possesses the same potential to conquer any obstacle that may stand in your way. Each of you carries the seed of greatness and the hope of our nation for a greater Nigeria.”

Senate President Godswill Akpabio has urged the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) to collaborate and support the governors of the region to promote the development of the Niger Delta.

Akpabio gave the charge during a thanksgiving reception for the NDDC commissioner representing Akwa Ibom state, Apostle Abasiandikan Nkono.

He emphasised the need for seamless development in the region through collective efforts.

He specifically mentioned the importance of supporting Governor Umo Eno of Akwa Ibom State, saying, “NDDC should support Pastor Umo Eno of Akwa Ibom State. This governor is doing very well, especially in uniting the state.

“Not only him, but all the governors of the region so we can have seamless development in the region.”

The Senate president’s call for cooperation and synergy among regional leaders highlights the significance of working together to achieve progress in the Niger Delta.

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“NDDC is about projects. You cannot execute projects without proper consultations, especially with governors of the state in which such a project is being delivered”, he said.

Apostle Nkono, on his part, celebrated God’s faithfulness and lauded the president of the Senate, for yielding himself for God to use in turning things around in his life.

Narrating how he met Akpabio through prophetic utterance, Hon. Nkono said: “I went for a starry night at the Mount Zion Light House Full Gospel Church sometime in 2006. A prophet told me that in 21 days, I will meet a man who will change my life forever.

“It so happened that at exactly 21 days, as I was working at a café in Uyo, someone gave me a call telling me that he wanted to introduce me to a commissioner, who was then Barr Godswill Obot Akpabio.”

“You have touched the lives of people and because of the impacts you’ve made in the lives of people, you are being blessed every second of the day. I have gone through a lot, but because of you, people have started respecting me.

“Loyalty pays. I will do everything within my power to make sure you don’t regret appointing me to NDDC. I shall remain loyal and serve to the best of my abilities.”

The Managing Director,  Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC), Samuel Ogbuku, has applauded the leadership qualities of the president of the Senate and the chairman of the National Assembly, Senator Godswill Akpabio, saying his disposition has united the Senate across party lines.

Ogbuku, who spoke during the home-coming reception organised by the people of Ikot Ekpene Senatorial District, in Akwa Ibom Sate, in honour of Senator Akpabio, said that as a Niger Deltan, he was proud and privileged to hear the NDDC at a time Akpabio was leading the National Assembly.

Ogbuku in a statement signed by the commission’s Director, Corporate Affairs, Pius Ughakpoteni, said Akpabio had given the NDDC the best of guidance and tutelage noting that the Senate President has continued to act like a father.

While thanking the Senate president on behalf of the Board and Management of the Commission for his support, Ogbuku told the people of Akwa Ibom State that the Niger Delta and the Southsouth region were proud of Akpabio.

Read Also: A’Ibom Northwest: Akpabio endorsed as sole candidate for 2027

He expressed his appreciation for all the good things the Senate President had done for the region and Nigeria at large and thanked President Ahmed Bola Tinubu for the support he had given the 10th Senate.

He said Akpabio’s leadership qualities had endeared him to the entire National Assembly observing that as a team player the Senate President had been able to bring everybody together.

He assured that the people of the Southsouth region were solidly behind the Senate President and would continue to show support to him throughout his tenure in the National Assembly.

Ogbuku thanked the people of the state for teaching other part of the country a lesion in peace and unity in party politics devoid of affiliation, as exemplified by the Governor of Akwa Ibom Pastor Umo Eno, for embracing the leadership and giving support to Senator Akpabio.

He said despite the state governor and the Senate President coming from different parties, they had come together in unity to develop the state,

He specifically thanked the governor for the unalloyed support he was giving the Senate and urged him not to be distracted in his continuous effort to work in harmony with the Senate president.

Three years ahead of the next general election, the president of the Senate, Godswill Akpabio has been endorsed as the sole candidate for the Akwa Ibom Northwest (Ikot Ekpene) Senatorial district seat in 2027.

Akpabio was endorsed by thousands of his constituents who converged on the Ikot Ekpene township stadium during a grand reception in his honour at the weekend.

The motion for his adoption as the sole candidate for the 2027 senatorial district election was moved by the Minister of Petroleum Resources (Gas), Ekperikpe Ekpo, and seconded by the House of Representatives member for Ikot Ekpene federal constituency, Patrick Umoh.

Before moving the motion, Ekpo had appealed to intending Senate aspirants from all political parties to give up their aspirations and support Akpabio back to the National Assembly for the interests of the area, Akwa Ibom state, and Nigeria as a whole.

In his response, Akpabio thanked the people his constituents for the endorsement and promised to attract more dividends of democracy to his people.

“Your endorsement today as the sole candidate in the 2027 Ikot Ekpene Senatorial district election is a loud statement that the Independent National Electoral Commission should only sell form to Godswill Akpabio.

“I am using this occasion to solicit your continued support so that I can remain in the Senate beyond 2027 to enable me to continue to join hands with President Bola Tinubu to do a great job for Nigeria.

“The APC government is aware of the problems of Nigeria and it has the solution to the problems. President Tinubu has the solution to the problems of Nigeria.

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“We will support you to succeed. If you want to attract federal projects to Akwa Ibom State, we will support you to achieve that.

“You came into office as a Pastor, don’t leave as a Mister. Hold on to that God that you worship, that God that you became a Pastor for He will see you through even after your tenure as governor.”

He commended Eno for setting aside political differences in his efforts to unite the state.

On his part, Governor Eno expressed gratitude to Senator Akpabio and the people of Akwa Ibom North West Senatorial District for the support they have given his administration and the award bestowed on him.

Governor Eno promised to redouble his efforts in bringing dividends of democracy to the people and to showcase Akwa Ibom State as a united State where the people speak with one voice.

In his goodwill message, Deputy Senate President, Senator Jubril Barau who led over 80 National Assembly members to the event, expressed the confidence of the legislators in the capacity of Senator Akpabio to lead them.

Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Benjamin Kalu described Senator Akpabio as a jinx breaker who broke the 59-year jinx to be elected as an Executive member of the Inter-Parliamentary Union from Nigeria.

He commended Senator Akpabio for the passage of the South East Development Commission Bill which he said when signed into law will change the development paradigm of the region.

President of the Senate, Godswill Akpabio has charged the Akwa Ibom State governor, Pastor Umo Eno, on the need to unite the state across party lines for the continued development and progress of the state and not make his father’s enemies his enemies.

He described the governor as a man of peace and an apostle and disciple of peace, noting, “Akwa Ibom is a very easy state to rule and govern but also a very difficult place to unite.”

Akpabio gave the charge while on a courtesy visit to the Governor in his office, in Uyo on Friday.

A statement by his Special Assistant on Media, Jackson Udom, quoted the Senate President as saying, “it is a major duty bestowed on you by God to unite the whole state. Let your actions speak unity to the state. As a governor, I united the state by appointing people into key positions without considering where they came from.

“I want you to unite your people without any political considerations. Even if you inherited a policy that was not in the best interest of the state, have the courage to change it.”

The former governor advised Governor Eno to see himself as a surgeon in governance with three attributes of being brave as a lion, soft in heart as a maiden and having the eye of an eagle, to see what others can’t see.

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“Do not inherit the enemies of your father, make your friends and enemies by yourself and remember always that it is one thing for you to get to the top and you must learn the balancing act in order to remain at the top.”

Speaking further, Akpabio noted, “we are very happy to be here in your Council Chambers. Akwa Ibom is a state of class. I will like all states in Nigeria to be like us. With what I have seen here today, the act, speaks for itself. Thank you for the warm reception and private audience you had with me, which I will communicate to President Bola Tinubu. 

“I want to extend the felicitations of the Federal Government to the Government and people of Akwa Ibom State and I want to assure you that if there is anything the Federal Government would do for other state governments, Akwa Ibom State will also be highly considered for same.”

In his welcome address, Governor Eno, thanked the Senate President and his colleagues for visiting the state and more importantly, the seat of power. He thanked President Tinubu and the Senators “for rallying round our son and beacon of light to make him the President of the 10th Senate. That is our joy and our pride.”

President of the Nigerian Senate, Godswill Akpabio, has assured Nigerian workers that the National Assembly and the Executive will work together toward giving them a living wage and better working conditions.

This is contained in a statement signed by Mr Eseme Eyiboh the Special adviser on media and publicity to the senate president in Abuja on Wednesday.

He extolled the sterling qualities that stood out the Nigerian worker, saying that a Nigerian worker was noted for his patriotism, hardwork, resilience, and dedication to duty.

“I am happy to be associated with the Nigerian worker as in the last 25 years and I can attest to the fact that everywhere you go, the Nigerian worker’s spirit resonates profoundly.”he said .

Akpabio,assured that the National Assembly under his leadership was more than committed to ensuring the best working conditions for the workers.

Read Also: Akpabio: Fight against poverty, hunger must be total, relentless

“No Nigerian worker will again be allowed to work under inhuman conditions,we will do everything to give you the best because you deserve the best.”

Akpabio said the theme, “Ensuring safety and health at work in a changing climate,” was apt and in tune with international best practices, assuring that Nigeria will never be left behind,”he said.

He said the 10th National Assembly was fully committed toward providing the required laws aimed at protecting the interest of the Nigerian worker by creating a befitting working environment and a reasonable pay that takes them home.

“On behalf of the Senate and the entire National Assembly and indeed, my family, I wish to join the world in wishing the Nigerian worker a happy International Labour Day” he said.

” We are celebrating patriotism, hardwork, commitment and dedication exhibited by the Nigerian workers.

” I want to assure you that your sacrifices would never be in vain,the tough times will not last forever, in fact, the challenges would soon be over,” Akpabio said.

(NAN)