The Nation Newspaper

Tag: Northeast

  • CBN, NDIC urge banks to return to Northeast

    CBN, NDIC urge banks to return to Northeast

    Bankers’ Committee to step in

    There are ongoing moves by the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) and Nigeria Deposit Insurance Corporation (NDIC) to get commercial banks and microfinance banks to return to the troubled North-East region, NDIC Managing Director, Umaru Ibrahim, has said.

    Speaking yesterday at the ongoing NDIC Annual Workshop for financial journalists in Kano, Ibrahim, called on the CBN to provide incentives for commercial banks and microfinance banks to come back to the North-east after they closed shops because of the impact of the Boko Haram on their operations.

    He said the Northeast has potentials to support economic growth and should be supported by banks to achieve the desired result. He spoke on the theme: “The Nigerian banking sector: Challenges, opportunities and the way forward.”

    He said: “Many bank CEOs have forgotten the economic potentials that exist in the Northeast. We need to awaken the banks to see the economic potentials in the Northeast. During the next special Bankers’ Committee meeting, the Northeast infrastructural revival will be discussed. The CBN already has plan to rebuild the Northeast,” he said.

    He called on the CBN and other major stakeholders in the financial system to rebuild the financial infrastructure in the troubled North-East region.

    He said the activities of insurgents in the region in the last few years have led to huge damage of financial infrastructure in the region.

    The NDIC boss disclosed that given the crisis in the North-East region, so many businesses have been adversely affected while some investors have moved their investments out of that region.

    He said the rate at which people are being financially excluded in the region has increased due to lack of adequate provision of financial services which was caused by insurgents.

    The NDIC boss said he would personally table the issue to the Bankers’ Committee during their next meeting so that concrete steps could be taken to address the problem.

     

  • PDP chairmanship: George woos Northeast

    PDP chairmanship: George woos Northeast

    Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) national chairmanship aspirant Chief Olabode George has urged Northeast delegates to vote for him at the national convention holding in Abuja, the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), next month.

    His campaign train rolled into Gombe State last week, where he met with zonal party leaders, led by Ambassador Emmanuel Joah.

    Joah praised the courage and resilience of the chairmanship aspirant, describing him as a loyal, workaholic and committed founding chieftain.

    He said the party will benefit from his experience, urging delegates from the zone to vote wisely.

    Joah said: “Chief George a man of vision and vibrant resolute energy. He is a man of strong integrity and demonstrated knowledge of the workings and the norms of the party.

    “These challenging times require someone of strong and determined vision like Chief George, who can repair the broken ramparts of the party.”

    Joah said the convention will mark a turning point in the life of the oppoition party and lay the foundation for its renewal and survival.

     

  • Air Force to deploy seized Rivers copter in Northeast

    Air Force to deploy seized Rivers copter in Northeast

    ONE of the two helicopters seized by the Federal Government and handed over to the Nigerian Air Force (NAF) has been refurbished and ready for deployment in the fight against Boko Haram in the Northeast.

    Chief of the Air Staff (CAS) Air Marshal Sadiq Abubakar stated this yesterday at induction of the Bell 412 Utility Helicopter into the service’s fleet at 631 Aircraft Maintenance Depot, Ikeja in Lagos.

    He said the helicopter would boost the military’s war against insurgency, noting its peculiar features.

    According to Abubakar, the helicopter was completely refurbished in country, adding that its engines, main rotor transmissions, surveillance cameras among others were shipped to the United States and Canada for overhaul.

    The Air Chief said: “We have inducted into the NAF inventory, one of the two handed over Bell 412 helicopters. The two helicopters were seized by the Federal Government and transferred to the Nigerian Air Force.

    “As at the time of transfer, however, the helicopters had been in containers for about two years, thus, necessitating an overhaul of its major components such as the engines main rotor transmissions, and repair of surveillance cameras among other items.

    These items had to be shipped to the United States and Canada for overhaul. Already, maintenance of one of the helicopters, which would be deployed to the Northeast has been completed here in Ikeja. Work is at an advanced stage on the second helicopter, which will also be inducted soon.

    “The induction of these air assets will boost the NAF’s operational standing, free other Intelligence Surveillance and Reconnaissance assets to be dedicated to operational theatres, and also save cost occasioned by the reduction in maintenance hours of air assets due to re-rolling. It is also gratifying to note that the repair and maintenance was used to give our technicians the opportunity to build capacity.

    “To be effective in the increased threat environment posed by contemporary security challenges, the NAF must possess the capacity and capability to project power across and within its operational theatres of engagement. The primary means by which the service achieves power projection is through the use of its air assets.”

    The 13-passenger and two crew rotary wing aircraft, the Bell 412 Helicopter, has numerous safety features including night vision capability camera for Intelligence Surveillance and Reconnaissance operations, said Abubakar.

    He said: “Indeed, the helicopter is suitable for deployment in hostile environments and can also be employed as a combat utility helicopter for humanitarian assistance, disaster relief operations as well as VIP transportation.

    “Given the Nigerian Air Force pivotal role in the ongoing counter-terrorism, counter insurgency operations and other internal security operations across the country, these platforms could not have come at a better time than now.

    “Already, the service has trained pilots, engineers and technicians to take command and ensure optimal operations of the aircraft. While training of more personnel is underway to guarantee sustained deployment of the helicopters in operations, arrangements are at advanced stage to provide the required ground support equipment and spares for hitch-free operation.

    “I charge all personnel to demonstrate competence and proficiency, as well as operate and maintain the various platforms, equipment entrusted to your care.

    In line with core values, you are not only to give your best to the service of the nation but must operate these equipment with utmost care.”

    Air Officer Commanding  (AOC) Logistics Command Air Vice Marshal Ibrahim Yahaya said the induction ceremony was the highpoint of series of activities, which commenced some months ago with the logistics, assembling, ground checks and eventually flight  tests of the Bell 412 Utility Helicopter.

    “This occasion particularly affirms the unswerving support the Nigerian Air Force has been receiving from the Federal Government, as well as the premium the current administration places on national security,” Yahaya said.

    At the event were Commander, Nigerian Navy Ship (NNS) BEECROFT, Commodore Maurice Eno and the Commander, 9 Brigade of the Nigerian Army, Brig.-Gen. Elias Attu.

  • Air Force to deploy seized Rivers copter in Northeast

    ONE of the two helicopters seized by the Federal Government and handed over to the Nigerian Air Force (NAF) has been refurbished and ready for deployment in the fight against Boko Haram in the Northeast.

    Chief of the Air Staff (CAS) Air Marshal Sadiq Abubakar stated this yesterday at induction of the Bell 412 Utility Helicopter into the service’s fleet at 631 Aircraft Maintenance Depot, Ikeja in Lagos.

    He said the helicopter would boost the military’s war against insurgency, noting its peculiar features.

    According to Abubakar, the helicopter was completely refurbished in country, adding that its engines, main rotor transmissions, surveillance cameras among others were shipped to the United States and Canada for overhaul.

    The Air Chief said: “We have inducted into the NAF inventory, one of the two handed over Bell 412 helicopters. The two helicopters were seized by the Federal Government and transferred to the Nigerian Air Force.

    “As at the time of transfer, however, the helicopters had been in containers for about two years, thus, necessitating an overhaul of its  major components such as the engines main rotor transmissions, and repair of surveillance cameras among other items.

    These items had to be shipped to the United States and Canada for overhaul. Already, maintenance of one of the helicopters, which would be deployed to the Northeast has been completed here in Ikeja. Work is at an advanced stage on the second helicopter, which will also be inducted soon.

    “The induction of these air assets will boost the NAF’s operational standing, free other Intelligence Surveillance and Reconnaissance assets to be dedicated to operational theatres, and also save cost occasioned by the reduction in maintenance hours of air assets due to re-rolling. It is also gratifying to note that the repair and maintenance was used to give our technicians the opportunity to build capacity.

    “To be effective in the increased threat environment posed by contemporary security challenges, the NAF must possess the capacity and capability to project power across and within its operational theatres of engagement. The primary means by which the service achieves power projection is through the use of its air assets.”

    The 13-passenger and two crew rotary wing aircraft, the Bell 412 Helicopter, has numerous safety features including night vision capability camera for Intelligence Surveillance and Reconnaissance operations, said Abubakar.

    He said: “Indeed, the helicopter is suitable for deployment in hostile environments and can also be employed as a combat utility helicopter for humanitarian assistance, disaster relief operations as well as VIP transportation.

    “Given the Nigerian Air Force pivotal role in the ongoing counter-terrorism, counter insurgency operations and other internal security operations across the country, these platforms could not have come at a better time than now.

    “Already, the service has trained pilots, engineers and technicians to take command and ensure optimal operations of the aircraft. While training of more personnel is underway to guarantee sustained deployment of the helicopters in operations, arrangements are at advanced stage to provide the required ground support equipment and spares for hitch-free operation.

    “I charge all personnel to demonstrate competence and proficiency, as well as operate and maintain the various platforms, equipment entrusted to your care.

  • Excitement over Northeast Development Act

    The presidential  assent to the Northeast Development Commission (NEDC) Bill has excited stakeholders.

    They described the assent as a ‘dream come true’, saying they would remain grateful to the President and lawmakers.

    The bill mandates the commission to receive and manage funds allocated by the Federal Government and international donor agencies, to resettle, rehabilitate, integrate and reconstruct roads, houses and businesses of victims of insurgency.

    Adamawa State Governor Bindow Jubrilla described the bill as a welcome development, saying it would facilitate the region’s recovery from wounds inflicted by insurgents.

    In a statement by the Commissioner for Information and Strategy, Ahmad Sajoh, the governor thanked President Muhammadu Buhari for coming to the people’s rescue.

    “His (Buhari’s) commitment has resulted in the return to normalcy and increased socio-economic activities in Northeast,” he said.

    Taraba State Governor  Darius Ishaku, in a statement by his Chief Press Secretary, Hassan Mijinyawa, said: “The signing of the Northeast Development Commission Bill is timely and a welcome development; it shows how sensitive the leadership is to the plight of Nigerians.

    “By seeing through the passage of the bill, lawmakers have proved they are true representatives of their people.”

    Chairman of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) in Borno State Titus Abana told News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) that the development demonstrated the President’s concern for the people of Northeast.

    Abana described the establishment of the commission as a positive step in addressing the social and economic challenges caused by the Boko Haram insurgency.

  • Buhari signs Northeast Development Commission Bill

    Buhari signs Northeast Development Commission Bill

    PRESIDENT Muhammadu Buhari has assented to the North East Development Commission (Establishment) Bill, 2017.

    This is contained in a statement by the Senior Special Assistant to the President on National Assembly Matters (Senate) Senator Ita Enang.

    The Act establishes the North-East Development Commission with the mandate to receive and manage funds allocated by the Federal Government and international donor agencies for the resettlement, rehabilitation, integration and reconstruction of roads, houses and business premises of victims of insurgency.

    It will also tackle the menace of poverty and environmental challenges in the area.

    The Act provides for the offices of the Chairman, Managing Director, Executive Director (Administration and Finance), Executive Director (Humanitarian Affairs), Executive Director (Operations) and members representing the Northeast Zone to be rotated among member states of the commission.

    The commission will among other things: coordinate projects and programmes within the Master Plan for the rehabilitation, resettlement, reconciliation, reconstruction and sustainable development of the North-East Zone in the fields of infrastructure, human and social services, including health and nutrition, education and water supply, agriculture, wealth creation and employment opportunities, urban and rural development and poverty alleviation.

    Senate President Bukola Saraki and Speaker of the House of Representatives Yakubu Dogara yesterday lauded Buhari for signing the bill into law.

    Saraki, in a statement by his Special Adviser (Media and Publicity), Yusuph Olaniyonu, described the presidential assent as a “major development in the efforts by the present administration to restore peace and normalcy in the Northeast and making the harrowing experience of the people as a result of the insurgency a thing of the past”.

     

  • What Buhari told World Bank, by Oshiomhole

    What Buhari told World Bank, by Oshiomhole

    FORMER Edo State Governor Adams Oshiomhole said yesterday President Muhammadu Buhari only asked for assistance on humanitarian crisis during a session with World Bank President Dr. Kim Jong.

    He said it was regrettable that a patriotic request made by the President and borne out of altruistic motivation was now being politicised.

    He said the idea of trying to read sectional meaning to Buhari’s patriotic request was grossly unfortunate.

    Oshiomhole, who made the clarifications in a statement in Abuja, said Buhari remains a statesman.

    The statement said: “It is a matter of fact that I was present at the meeting of President Muhammadu Buhari with the World Bank President Dr. Kim Jong on July 21, 2015 at the Blair House, Washington DC.

    “It is rather unfortunate that a patriotic request made by Mr. President and borne out of altruistic motivation is now being twisted, manipulated and politicised to suit certain political end.

    “Mr. President made the request against the backdrop of the devastation of the Northeast zone and the need for international organisations to rise in support of the efforts of the Nigeria government in arresting the humanitarian crisis in that part of the country.

    “The inhuman conditions of the Internally Displaced Persons were also discussed and Mr. President urged the World Bank to look into the best possible ways to address the crisis before it got out of hand.

    “In Edo State at that period, the government I headed was also buffeted with the challenge of dealing with internally displaced persons who came to settle in the outskirt of Benin City without the knowledge of the state government.

    “It took my personal intervention and the cooperation of Mr. President before we could offer our logistic assistance to make their location habitable to avert any humanitarian crisis.

    “For those who are familiar with the devastation of the North-East, where over 20,000 persons have reportedly been killed with over two million internally displaced persons, it smacks of political notoriety for any rational mind to question the request of Mr. President.”

    The ex-governor urged Nigerians to stop playing politics with the session between the President and the World Bank chief.

    The statement added: “President Buhari remains a statesman, who is not only patriotic and altruistic in his intentions, but one whose actions speak volume for our unity of purpose.

    “We should see the country as one indivisible entity driven by common objectives and goals.”

     

     

  • World Bank lists intervention efforts in Northeast

    World Bank lists intervention efforts in Northeast

    •Confirms $8.5b portfolio across Nigeria

    The World Bank yesterday threw light on its rehabilitation efforts in the Northeast apparently in reaction to the controversy sparked by its President Jim Yong Kim that President Muhammadu Buhari requested its   special intervention in the zone.

    These include a $775 million International Development Association (IDA) credit for “restoring basic education and health services, agricultural production, and livelihood improvement opportunities through community support development and youth employment.”

    The IDA is an arm of the WB that helps the world’s poorest countries.

    Overseen by 173 shareholder nations, IDA aims to reduce poverty by providing loans (called “credits”) and grants for programs that boost economic growth, reduce inequalities, and improve people’s living conditions.

    The WB, in a statement on its website, said it had to first carry out a Recovery and Peace Building Assessment (RPBA) to enable it  “assess the needs of the nearly 15 million people in this region impacted by the crisis.”

    The assessment, it said was conducted in partnership with the United Nations, and the European Union.

    It said it was “working with federal, state and development partners on speeding delivery of critical interventions to the people of the North East who urgently need assistance.”

    But it explained that its assistance to Nigeria was not limited to the Northeast  as it “continues to be fully committed to helping the Federal Government of Nigeria, the 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) reduce poverty and foster prosperity for all Nigerians.”

    It put its entire portfolio in Nigeria at “about $8.5 billion spread across the country.”

    It said: “Under IDA 18, the World Bank Group is doubling its resources to address fragility, conflict and violence at the subnational and national levels and help stabilize places that are affected by high poverty and influx of people.”

    Jim had  told reporters in Washington DC on Thursday that the bank was concentrating  on the north  in line with Buhari’s request.

    “You know, in my very first meeting with President Buhari he said specifically that he would like us to shift our focus to the northern region of Nigeria and we’ve done that.  Now, it has been very difficult. The work there has been very difficult,” he was quoted as saying.

    The statement immediately sparked a controversy in the country, prompting a denial from the Presidency.

    Presidential spokesman, Femi Adesina said the issue was twisted by those who specialize in such act.

    He said what Buhari asked of the World Bank was assistance for  the Northeast which has been ravaged by years of insurgency by Boko Haram.

  • Troops kill four insurgents in Northeast

    Troops kill four insurgents in Northeast

    Four Boko Haram insurgents were killed at the weekend by troops of the Nigerian Army operating under the auspices of Operation Lafiya Dole in the Northeast of the country.

    The insurgents who were killed in two different operations were also involved in cattle rustling, while different categories of weapons were seized from them.

    A statement endorsed by the Nigerian Army Director of Public Relations, Brig.General Sani Usman explained that “in furtherance of clearance operations in Operation LAFIYA DOLE, troops of 8 Division Mobile Strike Team deployed at Forward Operations Base Mairari, on Sunday 8th October 2017 ambushed a Boko Haram terrorists’ cattle rustling syndicate trying to cross into Maiduguri to sell the rustled cattle, at Lingir village.

    “During the encounter, the ambush party neutralized 3 Boko Haram terrorists, while some of them have escaped with gunshot wounds.

    “The troops recovered 5 AK-47 rifles, 5 Magazines, 11 rounds of 7.62mm (Special) ammunition, 1 metal box containing clothes and a horse. Unfortunately, one of our soldiers sustained an injury during the operation.

    “The injured soldier has been evacuated to 8 Task Force Division Hospital and Medical Services at Monguno where he is receiving further medical attention.

    “The Mobile Strike Team also followed up with pursuit up to Buruwa village around Gassawa general area where they neutralized an additional Boko Haram terrorist and recovered an AK-47 rifle from him”.

    General Sani further said “On Saturday 7th October, 2017 following a tip off from the locals on the presence of suspected Boko Haram terrorists and cattle rustlers at Kirbiri village, Gujba Local Government Area of Yobe State, troops of 120 Battalion in conjunction with vigilantes mobilized to the general area.

    “On arrival, the gallant troops engaged the terrorists, neutralizing one of them while several other terrorists flee in disarray with gunshot wounds.

    “The troops recovered an AK-47 rifle with registration number 34364 and 2 empty rifle magazines”.

  • Rebuilding the Northeast

    Rebuilding the Northeast

     This requires a master plan as well as technology

    REHABILITATING the infrastructure ravaged by Boko Haram’s depredations, as well as the attritions of climate change, lies at the core of the effort to rebuild the Northeast and restore the residents’ rhythm of life before the region was plunged into mayhem. Without it, the region will find it difficult to resume its march to development, despite its abundant resources and the determination of the governing authorities.

    But if it is to have any lasting impact, the rehabilitation must extend to schools and institutions of learning in the region. For it is the schools that will provide the critical human resources and skills that will propel and sustain its growth and development. It is therefore reassuring that the Federal Government has earmarked N3 billion to get the schools up and running again. Parents eager to secure a better future for their children through access to education, as well as students whose schooling has been rudely interrupted, will be heartened by this development.

    Officials administering the programme must be under no illusion, however, that throwing money at the problem is all that is required to solve it. Bold imagination is also required, the type that can carve out a new path instead of reflexively following the prevailing orthodoxy.

    Meticulous planning is also required. Have the authorities developed a master plan that looks beyond the present and the immediate future?  The overall effort must be grounded on such a plan.

    Security remains an overarching issue. We recall with regret that wide gaps in security and intelligence aided Boko Haram in its fiendish abduction of some 260 female students from their hostel in Chibok and holding them captives in unspeakable conditions three years ago. More than 100 of the girls are still unaccounted for. Those who managed to escape or were released by their captors following negotiations will bear the pain and the trauma for the rest of their lives.

    The rehabilitation effort must be informed by an acute sense of security that anticipates danger and repels it. Otherwise the environment will not be conducive to the learning and the social interactions that must be part of their education.

    Borno State Governor Kashim Ibrahim is to be commended for building and equipping schools that are in conception and execution a vast improvement on what Boko Haram had destroyed. But he cannot muster the armed might and the technology to secure them against the nihilists in Boko Haram. Only the Federal Government can do that.

    A judicious slice of the N3 billion earmarked by the Federal Government for rebuilding schools in the Northeast will have to be invested in surveillance and communications technology. Until the time when Boko Haram is no longer a murderous menace, there will have to be boots on the ground. But the task of monitoring the environment, detecting and reporting imminent danger will be performed for the most part by technology.