The Nation Newspaper

Tag: INSECURITY

  • Boko Haram: Al-makura tasks committee on mandate

    Boko Haram: Al-makura tasks committee on mandate

    Governor Umar Al-makura of Nasarawa State on Thursday urged the Presidential Committee on Dialogue and Peaceful Resolution of Security Challenges in the North to remain committed to its mandate.

    The News Agency of Nigeria reports that the governor said this in Lafia, the state capital, when members of the committee paid him a courtesy call at the Government House.

    Al-makura said the committee should pursue vigorously its mandate of bringing members of the Boko Haram’ sect to the dialogue table.

    The governor also urged members of the committee to offer wise and sincere advice to the Federal Government as regards the Boko Haram insurgency.

    He said that the sponsors and collaborators of terrorism could be prominent individuals living within and outside Nigeria.

    Al-makura said without peace in the country, there will be no meaningful development.

    The governor expressed regret that before the emergence of “Ombatse” insurgence, the state had enjoyed relative peace and was reckoned as one of the most peaceful in the federation.

    He, however, promised that he would not rest on his oars to ensure that security challenges in the state were adequately contained.

  • How to tackle insecurity, by Shema, Odekunle

    How to tackle insecurity, by Shema, Odekunle

    Katsina State Governor, Ibrahim Shehu Shema and a Professor of Criminology at the Ahmadu Bello University (ABU), Femi Odekunle have suggested ways out of the growing insecurity in the country.

    Governor Shema advocated a concerted effort of all Nigerians towards evolving a united front to combat the challenges of insecurity and other social problems in the country.

    For Prof. Odekunle a redistribution of the nation’s wealth for the benefit of the generality of the people as against the current practice where the country’s wealth is held by a few that constitute the elite class would address the problem.

    They spoke in Abuja at this year’s edition of Ahmadu Bello University (ABU) Alumni Association, Abuja branch’s annual lecture and dinner/award.

    Shema, an alumnus of the institution, said more than ever before, the country now requires unity among its citizens as shown over the years by the university, which has established itself as a symbol of unity in line with the legacies of its founding father, Sir. Ahmadu Bello.

    “This type of unity is particularly relevant and worthy of note against the background of current challenges.

    “For me, what is urgently required is a re-orientation and inculcation of sound moral values in our youths. We must begin to orient them towards embracing peace and working for the unity of our great country,” Shema said.

    Speaking on the topic: “Peace and security: A panacea for national development,” the guest lecturer, Prof. Odekunle linked the country’s security problem to what he described as the unjust and lopsided distribution of the nation’s wealth.

    He argued that security and development were interlinked, and that one could not exist without the other.

     

     

  • Why insecurity thrives in the North, by Islamic scholars

    Why insecurity thrives in the North, by Islamic scholars

    •Beg insurgents to accept amnesty

    Muslim leaders in the North yesterday blamed the insecurity in the region on lack of sound knowledge, effective leadership and social irresponsibility.

    They appealed to members of the Boko Haram sect to accept the amnesty offer.

    In a communiqué at the end of a conference on the role of Muslim scholars in fostering unity, peace and security organised by the Jama’atu Nasril Islam (JNI), they blamed government for not prosecuting those found to have perpetrated violence in the country.

    The communiqué, signed by the Chairman of the Communique Drafting Committee, Prof. S. Junaidu and the Secretary-General of JNI, Dr. Khalid Abubakar Aliyu, condemned the increasing cases of corruption in the country, urging the government to address the issues.

    The communiqué reads: “The prevailing security challenges are partly as a result of the individual and collective inability of the Ulama to stand up to their responsibility in terms of teaching and disseminating sound knowledge and giving effective leadership.

    “That government’s refusal to institute judicial process of inquiry or prosecution as the case may be, against people arrested and are accused of perpetrating violence is an abdication of cardinal leadership responsibility that smacks of insensitivity in governance.

    “That since unity of Muslims is a cardinal obligation, the Conference implored the scholars to uphold, foster and promote it and that scholars must stand up to their rightful position as heirs of the Prophet to shun vices and tread the path of piety and righteousness in order to discharge their obligation of guiding the Ummah duly and effectively, especially as it pertains to the issue of unity.”

    It added that Muslim scholars must uphold the principle of mutual fairness, clemency, tolerance, love and respect towards one another to promote unity.

    It said since national security was a necessity for all and sundry, every Nigerian must take the sustenance of peace and tranquility as a duty.

    The leaders observed that Muslim scholars should buckle up in their efforts at educating the general public on the tenets of Islam, inculcating moral uprightness, and in providing effective community-based leadership and social responsibility.

    They added: “That the lessons of the life and times of the Sokoto Caliphate leaders and the rich intellectual legacy they left behind pertaining to unity, peace and security must be studied explored and utilized for the purpose of engendering and promoting harmonious co-existence in the country.

    “That leaders should stop patronising rapacious and pseudo scholars, if at all they have sincerity of purpose in governance.

    “That as evidence of good governance, government at all levels should lead in fighting the endemic corruption in the country by strictly upholding the rule of law against the perpetrators and promoters of that national scourge.

    “That the three tiers of governments in the country should be alive to their responsibilities by facilitating conducive economic atmosphere for youth employment and by providing social amenities and infrastructural facilities as a guarantee for people’s welfare and comfort.

    “That government should protect the rights of its people with a great sense of equity and justice to all for the purpose of entrenching peaceful coexistence and inter-religious harmony in the country according to Nigerian law. In any case, the rule of law must be upheld and respected.

    “That the government can curtail youthful restiveness only by addressing the problems of unemployment, drug abuse, sexual perversion, indiscipline and undue radicalization of any type.”

    They called for the trial of anybody found culpable of perpetrating violence and aggression against peace loving Nigerians .

    It urged the insurgents to tread the path of peace and accept the dialogue as offered by the Committee on Dialogue and Peaceful Resolution of the Security Challenges in the North.

    “That to promote sound knowledge and moral and character training among the youth, the government must make religious education compulsory in the education system, especially at the primary and secondary levels,” it said.

     

  • Insecurity: Detained Lebanese belong to Hezbollah’s military wing, says FG

    Insecurity: Detained Lebanese belong to Hezbollah’s military wing, says FG

    The Federal Government has filed a formal charge of six counts against the three Lebanese being held over alleged terrorism activities.

    The government also said yesterday that the three– Abdullahi Thaini, Mustapha Fawaz and Tahal Roda–belong to the military wing of Lebanon-based Hezbollah.

    “Hezbollah has a military wing. In the next few days, Nigerians will know more about this,” State Attorney, Clifford Osagie told a Federal High Court yesterday in Abuja.

    The three are being held for their alleged unlawful importation and stockpiling of cache of firearms and ammunition.

    Osagie said the charge filed before the Federal High Court, Abuja by the Attorney General of the Federation (AGF) charges the suspects with offences bordering on terrorism.

    It was learnt that the charge filed on Thursday was yet to be assigned to any judge for hearing.

    Osagie spoke while arguing a counter affidavit the state filed against a fundamental rights enforcement application filed by the three.

    He said men of the State Security Service (SSS) found in the homes of the suspects prohibited firearms and ammunition as against their claim that what was found in their homes were “mere rifles and hunting guns.”

    Osagie argued that under the Firearms Act, the weapons found in the homes of the suspects “can not be issued without licence. The applicants should have exhibited receipts of purchase of the weapons and the licence enabling them to carry such deadly weapons.”

    He urged the court not to serve as refuge for people whose activities allegedly threaten and undermine the nation’s security.

    “This is a case where the security of the country has been brought to question by individuals who have benefited and made immense wealth from the liberality of this country.

    “The activities of the applicants threaten the national and corporate existence of the country. They cannot lift up their fundamental human right as a basis to breach national security.

    They cannot use this court, through any form of application, to achieve any aim that is contrary to the national security of the country,” Osagie said.

    He denied the applicants’ claim that their arrest and detention by the state violated their fundamental rights to liberty.

    Osagie said the SSS observed due process and procured the necessary warrants from the court, both in Kano and Abuja, before detaining them.

    He noted that although the detention warrant issued by a Magistrate’s Court in Karu, Abuja lapsed on June 19, the suspects were still being held on the order of remand earlier made by the Federal High Court, Abuja.

    The Magistrate’s Court had on June 19 discharged them, having struck out the First Information Report filed against the suspects upon an application by the state to withdraw it to allow the filing of a formal charge before the court with competent jurisdiction.

    Osagie urged the court to dismiss the suspects’ application for being frivolous, intended to perverse the course of justice, and for “not being in the interest of Nigeria and its national security.”

    The applicants’ lawyer, Ahmed Raji (SAN) had while arguing his clients’ application, faulted their continued detention.

    He faulted the remand warrants obtained by the SSS and on which basis the suspects were detained.

    He argued that the warrants, having been issued by Magistrate’s Courts, were not competent.

    Raji contended that since Magistrate’s Courts lack the jurisdictional competence to hear terrorism-related cases, they could also not order the remand of people held for such offence.

    He denied that his clients owned the house in which deadly arms and ammunition were found in a bunker in Kano. He said what were found with his clients were “mere rifles and hunting guns.”

    He urged the court to grant his clients’ application and set them free.

    Presiding judge, Justice Adeniyi Ademola, adjourned to June 24 for Raji to reply on point of law to Osagie’s argument.

    The judge ordered that the suspects be returned to SSS’ custody and to be reproduced in court on the next date

    The suspects had sued the SSS, Inspector General of Police and AGF, challenging their arrest and continued detention.

    They also faulted the closure of the business premises by security agents; demanded for a public apology from the defendants, to be published in three national dailies, and N50 billion compensation.

  • Insecurity won’t deter us – Sultan

    Insecurity won’t deter us – Sultan

    •Jonathan, others hail Bayero at Golden Jubilee

    The Sultan of Sokoto, Alhaji Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar, declared yesterday in Kano that the security challenge in parts of the North will not be allowed to tie the people or the country down.

    He said the majority of Nigerians are already demonstrating their doggedness and resilience in the face of the adversity brought about by the crisis.

    He spoke at a grand Durbar to mark the 50th anniversary of the Emir of Kano, Alhaji Ado Bayero on the throne.

    The Sultan whose audience included Vice President Namadi Sambo, state governors, leading politicians, traditional rulers and the business class, prayed for the restoration of peace to Borno, Yobe and Adamawa States, all of them currently under a state of emergency following the protracted Boko Haram insurgency.

    His words: “I would like to seize this moment to pray to Allah to bring peace, stability and succour to our brothers and sisters in Borno, Yobe and Adamawa states.

    “Despite the difficult period in their respective states, they are all here in Kano. We pray to Almighty Allah to bring peace and stability to all those areas.

    “We pray to Almighty Allah not to allow such a calamity to befall our state or any other part of the country. We will not allow whatever bad that has happened to tie us down because whatever that has happened is the will of Allah and we give Him thanks always for whatever that happens to us and a speedy return of peace and stability to the country.”

    Speaker after speaker at the event, including President Goodluck Jonathan who was represented by Vice President Sambo, hailed Alhaji Bayero’s contribution to national development and unity.

    President Jonathan called him a beacon of hope, comforter, nation builder, great counsellor, a pillar of Nigerian nationhood and a stabilising force.

    He said Kano has witnessed tremendous socio-economic development during the reign of the Emir.

    The city, according to him, has been transformed into a modern metropolis of commerce, industry and innovations, making it one of the greats in Africa.

    He said: “The Emir of Kano is greatly loved by his people. I am glad to say that His Royal Highness, Alhaji Ado Bayero has not only maintained the age-long tradition of hospitality and entrepreneurial ship, but has become the embodiment of good and respected leadership in the entire country.”

    He also said by promoting peace and peaceful co-existence, the Emir has turned Kano into a rallying point and home for people from all walks of life.

    Jonathan urged Nigerians to always respect the rule of law in whatever situation they find themselves.

    Governor Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso of Kano also lauded the leadership qualities of the Emir and asked the people to continue to offer prayers for peace and harmony in the country.

    In his remarks, the 83-year old Emir said he has forgiven all those who may have offended him these past 50 years.

    Alhaji Bayero, who narrowly escaped death when terrorists attacked his convoy in Kano on January 19, said forgiveness is the backbone of peace and progress of the people and urged those he too may have offended by his action or inaction to also forgive him.

    He also prayed for continued unity and peace in the country.

    He hailed Governor Kwankwaso for the developmental projects being executed by his administration.

  • Using culture to curb insecurity

    The Osemawe of Ondo Kingdom, Oba Victor Adesimbo Kiladejo, has said that for the nation to make meaningful progress and impart the culture of respect in the youths, there must be total emphasis on hardwork, diligence, honesty and trust. He made this remark penultimate week in Lagos, while addressing school children during the International Children’s day cultural programme, organised by the Centre for Black and African Arts and Civilisation (CBAAC).

    With the theme of the celebration as: Does culture have a role to play in curbing insecurity in Nigeria?, Oba Kiladejo charged parents, teachers and government at all levels to foster programmes that will keep the children on the right track. He said: “To make the kids what we want them to be for the benefit of all, we need to train them well, we need to inculcate in them the culture of respect, transparency and love for one another. It is what we give to them that they will plough back into the society.”

    The programme which saw over sixty schools in attendance offered the children the opportunity to engage in debates, poetic recitations, dance drama and other cultural performances. The whole essence was to encourage them instill positive habits, attitudes and behaviours necessary for change that will make them better leaders of tomorrow.

    When the United Nations’ Organisation (UNO) instituted the children’s day many years ago, the whole focus was on the need to re-engineer efforts towards ensuring that the children were given the appropriate values for their future. This was why the theme was chosen to identify areas of societal problems as they concern family values, governance and societal well-being.

    According to Professor Tunde Babawale, the Director-General of CBAAC said, “we are doing this in appreciation of the importance of children to human society and development. Our interest and investments in children and youth programmes are also encouraged by the fact that children are malleable. They can be shaped and turned into positive torch-bearers of society who can help in facilitating societal growth and development.”

    In consonance with this principle, the topic for the debate indeed generated a lot of steam. The school children who marshalled out their points with a lot of confidence and articulation told the gathering that if government does the right things, the youths will be too busy to engage in crime. To them, an idle mind is a playground for the devil. Through the debate, the kids challenged the government to look inwards to right the wrongs of the past by providing water, light, jobs, good education, hospital facilities and more, to make the society a better place for all. Good governance and peace, they argued, go together.

    When there is culture of fear and respect in the society; when the children can copy good conducts from their elders, when truth becomes the norm and people are made to work for the money they earn, there will be less emphasis on greed. Then the society would have been built on the foundation of transparency. This was the centre-piece of the argument presented by the schools.

    However, in commending the schools and their parents for the large turn-out, Babawale opined: “Our kids must be made boys and girls of good breeding as demanded by our culture. Such properly bred individuals are described in Igbo as Ezigbonwa, in Hausa as Mutum Kirki and in Yoruba as Omoluabi… So, we need to build in them these attributes of dialogue, reconciliation, peaceful co-existence and accommodation which usually characterise our culture. This is why their submissions today will be taken to government to enrich government’s response to the problem besetting this nation, both now and in the nearest future.”

    In his address, the Minister of Culture, Chief Edem Duke, noted that the topic was carefully chosen to let children see the futility of crises and the benefits inherent in a peaceful co-existence. “In many ways, culture can arrest the drift of our society to chaos. Culture can create and promote positive constructive engagement through dialogue which in turn can facilitate reconciliation, peace and societal stability.”

    Believing that the application of culture can help nip violence in the bud, Duke said: “culture tourism can also create jobs and build societal cohesion. Through cultural activities that can constantly engage young people, values are transmitted, dialogue is enhanced and peace is entrenched within the society.”

    In the end, schools that emerged the best were awarded prizes and gifts. They included Topgrade Secondary School, Surulere, Lagos which came first. It was followed by Mbari Mbayo Secondary School, Jibowu and New Star Rays College, Badagry which came second and third respectively.

    Some of the culture eggheads present at the occasion included: Erelu Abiola Dosumu, Oba Dakun Abolarin of Oke-Ila, Osun State, Sarah Boulos, Jimi Solanke whose band entertained guests, Lady Vicky Njoku and many more.

  • ‘Let’s unite against insecurity’

    Chairman of the Foundation for Ethnic Harmony in Nigeria (FEHN), Allen Onyema, a lawyer, has cautioned all northern leaders to be careful in their utterances in order not to jeopardise the country’s unity.

    He urged Northern elders especially, to stop politicising issues of security and think more of how to stop Nigeria from disintegrating, explaining that the issue of growing insecurity in the country should concern every right-thinking leader today.

    Reacting to a statement credited to former Head of State, Gen. Muhammadu Buhari that “emergency rule was anti-north”, Onyema said: “I don’t want to believe that he said so, but if the statement credited to him is true, then it’s a big disappointment because he is someone who has ruled this country in the past as Head of State, and is also aspiring to rule this country again. What he said, if actually he said that, was totally unacceptable to any reasonable mind because it is capable of heating up the polity.

    He added: “Every leader should allow their statesmanship prevail in their utterances, knowing fully well that they command a lot of followership and if you incense the passion of your followers, they do the wrong thing. We saw what happened after the elections in 2011. It is not for me to say whether the elections were free and fair or not, but violence has no place in any civilised engagement. Whether the elections were free or rigged, it is not for any leader to call for the kind of response that might not be civil. So I do not want to believe that somebody who is aspiring to lead this country as President would be that sectional to say that the Niger Delta militancy gave rise to the Boko Haram insurgency.”

  • Minister urges Nigerians to fight insecurity

    Minister urges Nigerians to fight insecurity

    Minister of Interior Abba Moro yesterday advised Nigerians to support the present administration to tackle the current security challenges.

    The minister spoke in Abuja ahead of today’s Democracy Day celebrations. He noted that the day is not only for celebration, “it is also a time to reflect on the challenges that face us as a nation and a people”.

    Mor added: “It is a period when we have to collectively appraise our democratic progress in the areas of economic, social, political and security of our fatherland.

    “It is, therefore, important to say that as Nigeria marks yet another Democracy Day, political leaders should not use the period to begin to apportion blames for things done and those left undone with a mind to cause political tension in the country.”

     

  • Counsellors seek role in tackling insecurity

    Chairman, Ogun State chapter of the Counselling Association of Nigeria (CASSON) Prof Olufunmilayo Sotonade has advocated that counselling psychology be adopted in tackling insecurity.

    Prof Sotonade spoke at the Fourth conference of the body with the theme: Counselling for security, at Babcock University High School, Ilisan Remo in Ogun State.

    She said: “The role of a counsellor goes beyond the walls of educational institutions. A counsellor’s role is that of a guide to the society. The insecurity sweeping through our nation at this moment calls for counselling. It is very obvious that the state of insecurity in Nigeria has assumed a frightening dimension.”

    Also speaking, wife of the Ogun State governor, Mrs Olufunsho Amosun, said counselling can help the society to reach various heights.

    She said: “All security lies in the hands of God, but there are ways we can counsel to achieve security. To encourage the students not to be careless and know who they speak to. Don’t take certain things for granted,” she added.

    Ogun Staste Commissioner for Education, Science and Technology, Segun Odubela, lauded the body, saying it is taking counselling services in schools to a greater height.

    He said the services of these professionals are highly commended and desirable.

    “Now, we are all more concerned about vices that are hindering education standard across board and preventing the sanity of the society like examination malpractice, armed robbery, cultism, drug abuse, bullying, truancy, rape, provocative dressing among others. They can be traced to upbringing, media, peer group pressure, improved technology and much more.

    “We all need to be security conscious in our environment, school, or community and avoid complacency in whatever we do. We should remember that Boko Haram in the Northern part of Nigeria has claimed many lives and that there is increasing incidents of violence in schools.”

    He said the purpose of the conference is to provide adequate information to adolescents to prevent them from engaging in terrorism, suicide bombings, among others.

    He said he hoped the forum also provided antidotes to employment and job security, as well as security consciousness especially on the use of computer, and Internet.

     

  • Insecurity: we’re on top of the situation, says Defence Chief

    The Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), Admiral Ola Saa’d Ibrahim, yesterday said the Armed Forces are on top of the security situation across the country.

    Ibrahim spoke in his office in Abuja when he received a delegation of the Course 52 of the National Defence College of India.

    The CDS was speaking as President Goodluck Jonathan was meeting with security chiefs over insecurity in the land.

    Admitting that the country is presently facing more security challenges than before, the Defence Chief explained that the situation has not degenerated beyond redemption.

    According to him, the Defence Headquarters has been effectively managing the problem.

    Ibrahim said: “The Defence Headquarters today manages practically all the crises in-house because we drag all the forces to solve the problems in Nigeria.

    “As I am talking to you, I would be talking to the Senate Committee on Defence, Security and Intelligence on matters affecting us in the North. In the Middle Belt, there is another military operation going on there. Three different sets of operation are also going on in the South-South with its peculiarities.

    “They (security challenges) don’t look alike. Different challenges have different colourations. Thankfully, we inherited robust Armed Forces from our heroes past.

    “We celebrate that, and through a combination of resilience and the can-do spirit, we will solve all the problems our own way by deploying whatever capability at our disposal.”

    The Defence Chief identified inadequate budgetary allocations to the Armed Forces as one of the major challenges of tackling insecurity.

    He noted that the problem of scarce resources is not peculiar to Nigeria.

    He said: “There is no country that does not have problem with the budget over the years. We are also a victim here. Every country has its own budgetary challenges.

    “As far as budgetary appropriation for Defence is concerned, in the whole world, there is a concerted reduction in Defence budget across board. Nigeria is not an exception to that. We have to manage these crises within the confines of so many limitations. But let me tell you: we are doing very well.

    “There is no country that does not manage one problem or the other when you are confronted with the reality. In the classroom, you are trained to solve those peculiar challenges that confront you. It is the same thing we do here.”

    Ibrahim explained that the Boko Haram insurgency infiltrated the country through the back door, but expressed optimism that the problem will soon be solved.