The Nation Newspaper

Tag: Osinbajo

  • Fed Govt to unfold restructuring agenda soon, says Osinbajo

    Fed Govt to unfold restructuring agenda soon, says Osinbajo

    THE Federal Government will soon unveil policies to address restructuring, Acting President  Yemi Osinbajo said yesterday.

    This followed calls for restructuring by eminent individuals and groups.

    Osinbajo spoke in Abuja at the launch of a book:”Nigeria: The Restructuring Controversy”, authored by former Inspector General of Police Sir Mike Okiro.

    The Acting President , who was represented by the President’s Special Adviser on Political Matters, Babafemi Ojudu, said the government “is listening and taking notes”.

    He discouraged use of guns and wars,  noting that there was no alternative to peaceful coexistence.

    He said: “All your arguments and debates are being noted by the government.  We are watching and we are looking at all of the things you are saying and taking  notes.

    “The beauty  of Nigeria is that we don’t quickly take up our guns and knives to fight. We love to debate and it is what we are known for.

    “Even at the height of the controversy surrounding the annulment of the June 12 election, we shouted,  demonstrated, protested but we never at any time took guns against one another.”

    He added: “So, it is a beautiful thing that we are looking at the issue of restructuring. What we are, however, against is a situation whereby any one of us rises up and takes their guns against the other person.

    “This is not in the character of our people in this country but we can assure you that we are looking at all of the contributions being made across the country – whether from the North, South, Southeast,  Northcentral, Southwest and the government of Buhari is taking notes of all the contributions and very soon, we are going to come out with policies that will take care of some of the issues that are germane in this debate around restructuring.”

    He, however, affirmed that Nigeria would remain one, irrespective of calls by some groups.

    “We all believe in this country, no matter who you are and no matter your opinion about Nigeria today. We are all committed to the idea of Nigeria and as long as we remain brothers and sisters, we are going to be greater.”

    Osinbajo said: “Tomorrow will be great; there are challenges today but we are thinking that part of the problems we have today is lack of inclusiveness.

    “Many of our young people are unemployed and many others are having issues with who they are, where they are within the structures that we have today. All of these can be resolved under one umbrella for which many of our past heroes fought. We cannot afford to go back to issues we have resolved during the Civil War.

    “What we can do and the best we can do is to write books, debate and argue among ourselves and in the process, we would find solutions to problems confronting our country. What we are fighting for and we are working day and night to achieve is equity, justice and fairness. We believe this can be achieved under this entity called Nigeria.”

    He cited  countries like Sudan, Soviet Union and Iraqi and noted that there is no country around that has been able to solve the issue of nationality.

    On the need to shun war, Osinbajo said: “We must do everything within our power and not allow anything that would make us turn guns against one another.

    “Around the world today, wars no longer come to an end. Afghanistan has been at war for more than 40 years and it has not been able to resolve it. Syria has been at war for more than four years and nobody knows when the war would end.

    “We all know what happened before the war in Iraqi but it is today completely devastated with all manners of warlords and nobody knows how the end of the war would be.

    “So, it is in our interest as a nation to continue to dialogue and as leaders of this country, we are going to continue to listen and continue to take actions based on what we hear from you and based on feedback from both the young and the old, men and women and organisations.”

    Former Head of State Gen. Abdulsalami Abubakar attributed the discovery and dependence on oil as the cause of the problem presently facing the country.

    Abubakar, who was represented by the President General of Ohaneze Ndigbo, Nnia Nwodo, suggested a paradigm shift.

    He said: “Restructuring is an extremely controversial topic and it is an unavoidable controversy for our country. We have come to a junction in the history of our country that is most regrettable.  Those of us who grew up before independence knew a better Nigeria than the one our children face today.

    “The reason that we are in this jinx is because we discovered oil. Those who found oil have used oil and  the formula to divide Nigeria into states that are dependent on oil and nothing again.

    “We found oil and forgot all we had but very soon, oil will mean nothing and if this structure persists, by the time our oil becomes useless, our economy will become moribund.”

    The author of the book, Okiro said the call for restructuring and threats by groups indicate a crack in the wall of the nation’s unity.

    The former IG said it ought to be neatly and strongly cemented and in good time in the interest of national peace and progress.

    He said conspiracy by elites was the source of conflicts.

    Okiro said: “Nigeria’s problems are not solely ethnic or religious. They are embedded on elite conspiracy and subterranean manoeuvres for sectoral supremacy.

    “Our elites fan the embers of ethnic and religious disharmony to achieve their group or personal interests at the expense of our national ethos.”

    He said: “My strong conviction is that Nigeria will emerge an unstoppable giant on the path of peace, rapid development and progress, not by dissolving into mushroom republics or along ethno-religious lines, but by a leadership led reconstruction that accords iron-cast deference and reverence to justice, equity and fair-weather, even in the face of the worst of odds.”

    The book reviewer, the Editorial Board Chairman of The Nation, Sam Omatseye, described the nine-chapter book as an history about ethnic pride and prejudice, about justice and denial of the cry for justice.

    He said the book calls for humanity to emphasise those things that binds people together rather than those things that tear them apart.

    Omatseye, who said oil played a major role in restructuring, noted the need for Nigerians  to listen to one another more.

    “The book is also about food on the table, those who eat the food and forget those who make it. It is about resource control,” he said.

  • Maitama Sule, a bridge builder – Osinbajo

    Maitama Sule, a bridge builder – Osinbajo

    Acting President Yemi Osinbajo on Thursday described late elder statesman, Alhaji Yusuf Maitama Sule, as a great man and a patriot who contributed to the development of the country.

    He made the remark when he paid a condolence visit to the Emir of Kano, Alhaji Muhammadu Sanusi II, at his palace.

    He said the death of Maitama Sule was not only a loss to the country but to entire Africa because of his immense contributions to world politics.

    “The late diplomat died at a time when the country needed him most and that his experience matters.

    “I have a great affection for him because he was an incredible orator. He was a father, mentor and patriot who contributed to the development of Nigeria,” Osinbajo said.

    He urged Nigerians irrespective of their ethnic and religious background to continue to live and love one another for the sustenance of peace and stability in the country.

    “His death is huge loss to the country because he was a bridge builder.

    “I first met him when I was 15 years old. Maitama was a minister then, he came to deliver a lecture in our school during John Kennedy quiz competition,” the acting President added.

    Responding, the Emir of Kano thanked Osinbajo for the visit despite sending a high powered delegation that attended the funeral.

    He prayed for the quick recovery of President Muhammadu Buhari and equally sought God’s guidance for the Kano State Governor, Dr. Abdullahi Ganduje, in his resolve to propel the state to greater height.

    NAN

     

     

  • Sagay backs Osinbajo on Magu

    Sagay backs Osinbajo on Magu

    The Chairman of the Presidential Advisory Committee Against Corruption (PACAC), Prof Itse Sagay (SAN), on Thursday backed Acting President Yemi Osinbajo’s position that the Acting Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Ibrahim Magu, would remain in office.

    Sagay said the presidency’s position was anchored on the provisions of the 1999 Constitution, which he said supersedes the EFCC Act.

    But, another lawyer Mallam Yusuf Ali (SAN), believed the provision of the EFCC Act was valid, and that there would have been no conflict with the Senate if the executive had complied with the law.

    Two other SANs, Prof Koyinsola Ajayi and Norrison Quakers, called for caution and dialogue.

    They spoke in separate telephone interviews with our correspondents.

    To Sagay, Section 2 (3) of the EFCC Act which provides that the commission’s chairman’s appointment was subject to Senate confirmation was void.

    “The Section is absolutely void. A court doesn’t need to pronounce it void.  Every Nigerian can interpret the Constitution, and the lawyers particularly can interpret it. There is no judge on any Bench in Nigeria today that qualified before me. I am more qualified than all of them and I qualified long before them. What are they interpreting that I cannot?

    “The truth is that the provision in EFCC Act and any other Act that says the President must get clearance from the Senate before appointing the heads of these agencies or an extra-ministerial body is null and void.

    “The Constitution has clearly provided for the President to so appoint without any reference to the Senate. That is the law of this country. The fact that we have been practicing invalid law does not mean we cannot wake up one day and do the right thing,” Sagay said.

    On whether the EFCC Act’s provision needs to be amended, he added: “No. You just ignore it. It doesn’t exist in law. It is invalid, it is null and void.”

    Sagay, however, said it was not a bad idea for the Supreme Court to be called upon to resolve the impasse.

    “It is not a bad idea for the Supreme Court to be asked to intervene. But I’m telling you this is my interpretation. Any other interpretation that is contrary to this is dishonest. It means they have some private agenda that is contrary to the interest of Nigerians in the face of clear provisions of the Constitution,” he said.

    Sagay praised Osinbajo for backing Magu.

    He said: “Since the passage of our first leaders, like Awolowo, Azikiwe and Ahmadu Bello, we have not been lucky enough to have highly principled, consistent, committed men of great integrity and honour like President Buhari and Vice President Osinbajo. Perhaps the only other previous administration close to the present one is the Murtala Mohammed/Obasanjo administration.”

     

     

  • Osinbajo tasks states, LGs on sustainable development

    Osinbajo tasks states, LGs on sustainable development

    Acting President Yemi Osinbajo on Thursday urged states and local governments to put in place measures that would ensure sustainable growth and development across the country.

    Osinbajo said measures have been put in place by the Federal Government to ensure development in the country.

    The acting President stated this just as a population expert and Vice President of the Population Council, John Bongaarts, raised concern over population explosion in the country if urgent measures are not taken.

    Bongaarts said Nigeria population would double by 2030 and quadruple by 2100 if not put under check.

    The duo spoke at the National Summit on Demographic Dividend in Nigeria and the launching of Nigeria’s roadmap on harnessing demographic dividend through investment in youth held in Abuja.

    Osinbajo, who was represented at the summit by the Minister of Budget and National Planning, Senator Udoma Udo Udoma, also urged stakeholders to develop an action plan for the implementation of the road map.

    He urged state and local governments across the country to buy into this multi-sectoral approach in ensuring sustainable development.

    Osinbajo said: “Following this summit, stakeholders are expected to develop an action plan for the implementation of the road map with detail growth as well as targets and plain tasks, roles and responsibilities for tracking growth towards its realisation.”

    “The demographic dividend observatory for key indicators for the action would be domiciled in my office for monitoring and tracking the achievement of all sectors.”

    “The population of Nigeria was rated at 181 million in 2017 having grown at 3.2 per cent annually for the past few years. At this rate, Nigeria will have additional 58 million by the year 2030. Our population would remain young throughout most of this century.”

  • Nobody can remove Magu as EFCC chairman – Osinbajo

    Nobody can remove Magu as EFCC chairman – Osinbajo

    Acting President Yemi Osinbajo on Thursday cleared the air on the controversy surrounding the status of Ibrahim Magu as Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), saying Magu cannot be removed by anybody.

    Osinbajo spoke through Kaduna State governor, Malam Nasir El-Rufai shortly before the commissioning of the EFCC zonal office in Kaduna.

    This came just as the EFCC chief called for establishment of special prison for corrupt Nigerians in Sambisa forest.

    Osinbajo said he held talks with President Muhammadu Buhari on the issue, adding that the President insisted that Magu would remain the EFCC chairman.

    The acting President said: “We have every confidence in Magu to fight corruption to a standstill. He would remain the EFCC chairman as long as I remain the acting President and as well as Muhammadu Buhari remains the President.

    “It is our belief that Magu would continue to remain a nightmare for corrupt people for years to come.

    In his welcome address, Governor El-Rufai said he had recovered over N500 million from corrupt past government officials and contractors without anybody knowing.

    He, however, added that those corrupt officials will be handed over to the EFCC in due course for prosecution.

    According to the governor, he encouraged the establishment of EFCC zonal office in Kaduna because the state has zero tolerance for financial irregularities.

    On the location of prison in Sambisa forest, Magu urged the judicial arm of government should cooperate with EFCC for the prison to become a reality.

    He said: “We want to call for establishment of prison in Sambisa forest in order to keep away corrupt people from our midst.

    “In this case, the judiciary has direct influence to help in the fight against corruption.

    “But concerted efforts are being made by some big Nigerians to neutralise the fight against corruption.

    “We must change the narrative by fighting back those that do not want the fight to succeed.”

     

  • FEC honours Maitama Sule

    FEC honours Maitama Sule

    The Federal Executive Council (FEC) on Wednesday observed one minute silence in honour of the late elder-statesman, Alhaji Yusuf Maitama Sule, who died on Monday.

    Sule, who was one-time Nigeria’s Permanent Representative to the United Nations and Minister in the Second Republic, died in Egypt.

    As soon as the FEC completed rendition of the National anthem and opening prayers on Wednesday, one minute silence was observed in honour of the deceased.

    Acting President Yemi Osinbajo who had sent a condolence message to Sule’s family, said a Federal Government delegation led by the Chief of Staff to the President, Abba Kyari, and many cabinet members, witnessed the deceased’s burial on Tuesday.

     

     

  • Senate draws battle line with Osinbajo over Magu

    Senate draws battle line with Osinbajo over Magu

    Senators won’t honour confirmation requests

    Sagay, Ngige, others kick

    As a society, we can’t pass laws and say these laws should not be obeyed. It is very clear these resolutions as passed must be acted upon by the Acting President —Saraki

    Senate should be ready to bear the consequences of bringing government to a halt, should it make good its threat to suspend confirmation of appointments…             —Sagay

    I think what the Senate resolved to do by going on strike, as it were, is undemocratic and tantamount to arm-twisting the executive.
    —Ngige

    what appeared to be the resumption of the face-off between the Executive and the Legislature took place in the Senate yesterday.

    The upper chamber resolved to ask Acting President Yemi Osinbajo to immediately implement its resolutions, including the removal of Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) Acting Chairman Ibrahim Magu.

    It drew a line in the sand,  resolving to suspend confirmation of nominees until issues relating to the power of the Senate to confirm executive nominees as contained in the constitution are resolved.

    The Senate insisted that its resolutions, especially the rejection of nominees, must be adhered to by the Acting President.

    Those, whose nominations were rejected, the lawmakers said, must be relieved of their duties.

    The lawmakers wondered why the EFCC Acting Chairman whose nomination was turned down was still being haboured by the Executive.

    The Senate also resolved to ask Osinbajo to withdraw a statement credited to him that the Senate lacked the powers to confirm nominees.

    The resolutions came after over one hour closed session where the lawmakers were said to have discussed the issues that formed the thrust of the decisions.

    The lawmakers warned of dire consequences should the resolutions be ignored by the Executive.

    The EFCC is investigating some senators for alleged corruption.

    Senate President Bukola Saraki had read a letter of request for the confirmation of the appointment of Mr. Lanre Gbajabiamila as Director General, National Lottery Regulatory Commission, sent to the Senate by Osinbajo.

    Hardly had Saraki concluded reading the four-paragraph letter dated 12 June, 2017 when Senator Ahmed Sani Yerima moved a point of order that the Acting President’s position on confirmation of nominees should be discussed.

    Senator Yerima’s Point of Order opened a floodgate of attacks on the Executive as senators took turns to speak on the relationship between the two arms of government.

    Saraki, who summed up the contributions of apparently angry senators, alluded to this when he insisted that the resolutions must be complied with.

    Saraki said: “Distinguished colleagues, let me thank Senator Yerima for coming under Privileges. I think this matter is a very important matter but I think we need to address it once and for all and put it behind us.

    “Because as a society, we can’t pass laws and say these laws should not be obeyed. It is very clear these resolutions as passed must be acted upon by the Acting President.

    “And ensure that we continue to respect our democracy, our laws and constitution. It is not for us to choose which laws we obey and which laws we don’t obey.

    “That is not the way any civilised, modern society works. And we hope that the Acting President will take appropriate action in line with these resolutions.”

    Yerima (Zamfara West), who raised Order 14 of the Senate Standing Rules (Privileges), noted that since the Acting President concluded that the Senate lacked the power to confirm nominees, there was no need to acknowledge any letter from the executive on confirmation of appointments.

    He said: “I want to draw the attention of the Senate to a statement credited to the Acting President, Professor Yemi Osinbajo that the Senate does not have the power to confirm.

    “I was surprised to see the Senate President read a letter from the same Acting President, who said the Senate does not have the power to confirm a nominee from the executive.

    “I am raising this point of order to draw the attention of the Senate to this issue and urge that we suspend any further action on confirmation of any nominee until the issue is resolved.”

    Senator George Sekibo (Rivers East) asked the Senate to take a firm position and reject any attempts to weaken the National Assembly.

    Sekibo said: “A careful look at what is happening will tell Nigerians that they are trying to indirectly take over our responsibilities. The main function of the National Assembly is to make laws. The clearing of nominees from the President is one of the major functions of the Senate.

    “All the various laws made to establish agencies of the Federal Government state that we will confirm nominations into such bodies. When an Acting President says that the Senate has no powers to confirm, I wonder if he is familiar with the provisions of the 1999 Constitution as amended.

    “In a civilian democracy, there is nothing like an executive order. You cannot wake up and issue executive orders. You cannot also wake up and tell nominees to take over office. This goes contrary to the provisions of the constitution.

    “The moment you are playing down on the constitution, then you are playing down on the integrity of the Nigerian people. If the Acting President said we do not have the powers to confirm and he is sending a name that we should confirm, then what do we do? Senate should place a suspension on nomination until we determine whether we have the powers to confirm or not.”

    Senator Isa Hamma Misau (Bauchi North) lamented what he described as “the hypocrisy of the executive”.

    Misau wondered why “the National Assembly should always be blackmailed by the executive to do their bidding”.

    He said: “This is a double standard or an act of hypocrisy. It is like they do not want this National Assembly to function properly. Sometimes, we associate corruption with only financial misappropriation. But there is also corruption in the area of appointments. When you appoint your friend into an office, it is corruption. We are here to serve the people.

    “The National Assembly is being blackmailed. They stormed the house of the Deputy President of the Senate and the house of the Appropriation committee chairman. They lied that it was the police that carried out the raid. But we know that it was the EFCC. It is time that we challenged the executive whenever they attack us.”

    Senator Samuel Anyanwu (Imo East) said: “We must situate this issue. I am surprised that we still accept nominations in this chamber. We agreed that we will not take nominations again from the executive until certain things are resolved. We must take a stand. The leadership does not do anything about this issue within 48 hours, we will move against the leadership.”

    Senator Dino Melaye (Kogi West) said the Executive was always playing  “blues and raggea.”

    Melaye, who is fighting for his political life because of the attempt by some of his constituents to recall him, said that the Senate should stand up to the Executive and its antics.

    He said: “There is a call on senators to serve Nigerians. It is time for us to tell the executive to stop playing blues and dance reggae. The executive must stop approbating and reprobating powers to itself.  In this same chamber, we invited the Acting EFCC chairman. We invited him for a job interview and he failed. We rejected him.

    “As I speak, Magu is still parading himself as EFCC chairman. Now, the same executive is sending a name for us to confirm. We confirmed Resident Electoral Commissioners before we went on break. They have sworn in some people and have refused to do same for others. This Senate leadership must act and take a position.

    “It is time for the Senate to apply force. I am moving a motion that it becomes abominable for the Senate President to read another confirmation letter until the integrity of this Senate is respected by the executive.”

    Senate Chief Whip Olusola Adeyeye (Osun Central) insisted that it was incumbent on the executive to obey the provisions of the constitution.

    Adeyeye warned against attempts by the executive to destroy the Senate and insisted that anybody who is uncomfortable with any law should go to court to challenge it.

    He said: “These are frightening times. This is because many Nigerians, including many of us here, put our lives on the line to ensure that we have democratic governance in Nigeria.

    “We need to remind the republic that the difference between the military and a democratic regime is the existence of the legislature.

    “Every public servant is bound to obey every law of the republic. Nobody, not the President, vice or the Senate President has the right to disobey our laws. Whoever has problems with our laws should go to court and declare them null and void. Until that is done, every law must be respected.

    “I voted yes for Magu. But the Senate of the Federal Republic of Nigeria voted no. I stand with the Nigerian Senate. I choose a strong institution. We should not allow our institutions to be weakened. I want to lend the whole of my being to the first realm of the estate, which is the legislature. I pray that we assert the independence of the legislature and not as a sign of power mongering, but to show that this is not the government of strong individuals.”

    Deputy Senate President Senator Ike Ekweremadu said that the executive must obey the constitution.

    Ekweremadu who cited different sections of the constitution, said Section 171 relied upon by the Executive to retain Magu talked about personal staff of Mr. President.

    He noted that the issue under discussion had nothing to do with Magu or the DG National Lottery Commission but has a lot to do with what the Constitution said.

    Ekweremadu said: “Let me make it clear that this has nothing to do with the Director-General of Lottery Commission or Ibrahim Magu, but about our constitution. One of the features of the Senate is the power of confirmation. The framers of the constitution gave the power to the Senate.

    “If the law says that an appointee requires confirmation, we must obey what the law says. The executive must follow the provisions of the constitution.”

    Senator Enyinnaya Abaribe (Abia South) caused a stir when he spoke of a vaccum in the Presidency.

    Abaribe  drew the attention of the Senate to what he tagged a vacuum, following the two-day absence of the Acting President.

    Osinbajo travelled to Ethiopia on Sunday for an African Union (AU) meeting. He returned yesterday.

    Abaribe said: “The Acting President is the head of government now. We have a serious problem. As of today, there is nobody who is the head of government. The law and the procedure state that you cannot have a vacuum. The Acting President is out of the country and there is a vacuum.”

    Abaribe’s comment threw the chamber into confusion as some Senators agreed with him; others attempted to shout him down.

    He persisted until Senator Kabiru Marafa moved a Point of Order to stop him.

    For over 10 minutes, the Chamber was rowdy.  Senators lined up on political affiliation.

    Marafa, who relied on Order 53(4) of the Senate Standing Rules, said the issue Abaribe raised was not before the Senate. Marafa said the constitution made it clear that in the absence of the President, the Vice President takes over and in the absence of the Vice President, the Senate President is the next in command and the President.

    There was a loud roar in the chamber as some Senators shouted “you are correct”.

    Saraki ruled Abaribe out of Order.

    “The issue we are discussing has nothing to do with what Abaribe raised. We may have to discuss that at another day if need be. I have to rule you out of order Abaribe,” Saraki said.

    He called Melaye, who reeled out the resolutions adopted by the upper chamber.

    Media and Publicity Committee Chairman Aliyu Sabi Abdullahi told a news conference that the import of the resolutions was that rule of law should be supreme at all times.

    He noted that the resolutions were clear – that the Senate should suspend all confirmations until the resolution of issues relating to confirmation as contained in the constitution.

    Sen. Abdullahi said that the Executive must do what “needs to be done at all times”.

    “We are asking the Acting President to respect the resolutions of the Senate. The Senate rejected Magu and Magu is still acting as EFCC chairman,” he said.

  • Plan on community policing to be unveiled, says Osinbajo

    Plan on community policing to be unveiled, says Osinbajo

    •Ex-IG Arase’s book launched in Abuja

    THE Federal Government willsoon unveil policy for establishment of community policing, Acting President Yemi Osinbajo said yesterday.

    The policy,he said, would help address the issue of manpower in the force and security challenges.

    To attain the United Nations one policeman to 100 citizens, it was revealed that Nigeria needs 1.8million policemen.

    Osinbajo spoke yesterday in Abuja at the launch of a book: “Law on Prevention and Detection of Crimes by the Police in Nigeria”, authored by former Inspector General of Police Solomon Arase.

    The Acting President, who was represented by the President’s Special Adviser on Political Matters, Babafemi Ojudu, said: “There is no way we can continue with the way we are policing now and the Federal Government is looking carefully at the issue of community policing and very soon, we would come out with a policy on that.

    “We have to look at other parts of the world when we are doing it. Sitting down in Abuja by an IG and policing the remote parts of the country and being in charge of the welfare of all the policemen across length and breadth of the country doesn’t seem to be working.

    “We all have to agree to look at this. There are concerns and challenges and they will be addressed. In the 80s, whenever you talk about private television and radio, everybody gets jittery. But some people took the bull by the horn and we are getting the best for that decision today. We have to take our fears away.”

    He urged the elite to encourage their children to join the Force.

    “If we want a very good, active and efficient policing, we should also try as elites to encourage our children to join the Police. If we want effective policing and believe that they are actually protecting us, we should also spare our offspring to join the police and do a good job.”

    He revealed that some retired senior police officers would be engaged for proper implementation of the policy.

    “As for the retired IGs and police officers, you may have a role to play very soon for us to depart from this old way of policing our country. It does not seem like it can work and it is not working,” Osinbajo said.

    The chairman of the occasion, former Cross Rivers State Governor Donald  Duke while lending voice to the establishment of state policing, noted that the decentralisation of policing will enhance prevention of crime, allow better monitoring and intelligence gathering.

    Duke said Nigeria needs 1.8million policemen for proper policing.

    He also suggested that entry level into the Force be reviewed.

    Arase said the law enforcement role of the police could only be attained if officers have proper knowledge of what law enforcement entails.

    He said 21st Century Policing architecture of Nigeria ought to deviate from the state of affairs and evolve into a knowledge-driven system that is befitting of the country’s democratic values.

     

  • Osinbajo seeks full implementation of AU peace, security programmes

    Osinbajo seeks full implementation of AU peace, security programmes

    Acting President Yemi Osinbajo has called for the full implementation of the African Peace and Security Architecture (APSA), especially the operationalisation of the African Standby Force (ASF) and the Peace Fund.

    Osinbajo made the call in his capacity as the Chairperson of the AU Peace and Security Council (PSC) for July, while reporting on the council’s activities and the state of peace and security in Africa.

    He reiterated the need for the PSC to work towards removing all distractions and impediments to the full attainment of operational capacity of the ASF.

    The acting President said: “To ensure the effectiveness of the African Union peace support operations, the Regional Economic Communities and relevant international bodies, especially the United Nations must remain strategic pillars of peace, security and development of the continent as envisioned in Agenda 2063.

    “We must redouble our efforts and, and without equivocation avail the necessary resources, in order to successfully achieve the goals set out in Agenda 2063.

    “We need to rekindle our political will and determination not to bequeath to the next generation of Africans the burden of wars, poverty and misery.”

    Osinbajo said it was therefore necessary for the Assembly to reaffirm the overriding importance of holistically addressing the root causes of violent conflicts in our countries.

    He said it was only through such collective efforts that the noble goal of silencing the guns in Africa can be achieved.

    NAN

  • Osinbajo, governors, others mourn ‘illustrious son’

    Osinbajo, governors, others mourn ‘illustrious son’

    Acting President Yemi Osinbajo has led tributes to Nigeria’s former UN ambassador Maitama Sule who died yesterday.

    In a statement by his Senior Special Assistant on Media and Publicity, Laolu Akande,Osinbajo extended deep and heartfelt condolences to his family, friends, associates and the government of Kano State, praying that the Almighty God comforts all.

    The late Sule, according to the Acting President, is best remembered on the global scene, as one of Nigeria’s foremost envoys whose clarity of voice and vision contributed significantly to the high esteem and respect the country earned at the UN.

    At home, Osinbajo also remembered the late Sule as an illustrious son of Nigeria, noting that his death is a loss to the nation.

    Osinbajo observed that the late Sule, a great Nigerian leader and a committed nationalist, who positioned himself as an agent of unity.

    Even as he advanced gracefully in age, Osinbajo said the late Sule was always prepared to reach out to other leaders of thought across the country in the noble quest for unity, tolerance and national cohesion.

    “He did not waver in lending his voice to the promotion of moderation in national discourse, and his graceful conduct thereto would be sorely missed,” he said.

    According to him, the late Sule never relented applying his wealth of experience to advance the cause of unity, peace and progress of Nigeria, and his fatherly counsel to those in authority had always been bold, sincere and untainted.

    While commending his patriotic fervour, and passionate zeal for public service, the Acting President recalled the late Sule’s unparalleled dedication to duty as a formidable diplomat, politician, minister and acclaimed orator whose well researched and excellently delivered speeches inspired and impressed several Nigerians, including himself.

    Osinbajo urged the octogenarian’s family, friends and associates to be consoled by the fact that his selfless commitment to the stability of Nigeria will not be forgotten and would always be honoured.

    On behalf of President Muhammadu Buhari, the Government and the entire people of Nigeria, the Acting President conveyed heartfelt condolences on the loss of a great national asset.

    He prayed that Allah will bless his memory, grant the family and all Nigerians the fortitude to bear the irreparable loss.

    Senate President Bukola Saraki described the late Sule as a detribalised Nigerian who spoke truth to power at all times.

    He described the late Sule as an avowed and highly respected personality, core democrat, fearless politician, exceptional orator and an accomplished public servant.

    Saraki urged Nigerians to toe the path of dialogue in addressing their grievances and to eschew ethnic tensions as embodied by the late former minister, noting that “this is the highest respect we will pay to his legacies”.

    He called on both the Federal and the Kano State governments to immortalise the icon of peace and an advocate of justice and fairness.

    “Through sheer oratory, the name Maitama Sule had become synonymous with wit and wisdom. He never minced words when speaking against ills in society and how to curb them,” he said.

    Deputy Senate President Ike Ekweremadu expressed deep grief, saying: “This is the exit of a patriot, true statesman, role model, social crusader, diplomat of an uncommon pedigree, and an orator, who served the nation and humanity in many capacities.

    “Although he was popularly known as Dan Masanin Kano, some of us preferred to call him Dan Masanin Nigeria, for he had a rare national appeal and loomed larger than life itself even in his humility. A man of unimpeachable integrity and agent of national rebirth, Dan Masanin was, true to his title, a man of the people, mouthpiece of the poor, master of words, peacemaker, and diplomat per excellence”.

    House of Representatives Speaker Yakubu Dogara described the death as a monumental loss to the African continent.

    He said the Dan Masani was a colossus, patriot, father to all, and a distinguish. elderstatesman who wrote his name in gold in the annals of Nigeria’s history.

    ”From struggle for independence to his stewardship as a Federal MP, Federal Commissioner of public complaints, to his service as Nigeria’s permanent Representative to the United Nations, Alhaji Maitama Sule’ s record of public service was excellent, exemplary and worthy of emulation.”

    “Even at old age, and faced with health challenges, the late elderstatesman never relented in building bridges of friendship, peace and preaching love amongst Nigerians.”

    “Undoubtedly, he was an icon of peace, transparency, a born orator, patriot and a distinguished statesman who gave his all for the unity and prosperity of Nigeria as one indivisible nation.”

    Sokoto State Governor Aminu Waziri Tambuwal said the late Sule impacted the nation positively in various spheres of human endeavour.

    The governor said: “Our country has lost a rare breed. A leading light from the old generation has been extinguished. He was a complete gentleman whose honesty, commitment and dedication to the unity of Nigeria will forever be cherished.

    “Dan Masani’s name will continue to be identified with everything positive about Nigeria and its people. Whenever the future generation reads about Dan Masani, they will encounter a man who was cherished and respected by the high and mighty from all parts of the country.”

    Jigawa State Governor Muhammadu Badaru Abubakar expressed his “heartfelt condolences” and described the deceased as “a prominent community leader who served his people with all ability; an eloquent politician like no one in his time and a prominent traditional title holder that earned respect from all.”

    Elder statesman Tanko Yakasai described Sule’s  death as a colossal loss, not only to his family, his friends and political associates, but to the entire Nigerian nation.

    ’’Even though, we parted ways politically at a certain stage of our political life, fate brought us together when Kano State was created, where we both served as pioneer members of the state executive council to the end of the lifetime of our administration,’’ he said, adding:

    ‘’We remained as best of friends right from our childhood, never had any personal quarrel. Extremely jovial person, there was never a dull moment with Maitama.”

    Minister of Mines and Steel Development Dr Kayode Fayemi said Sule’s death had robbed the country of a true patriot, nationalist and peace maker.

    The minister described the late Ambassador as a distinguished leader, political thinker, strategist, foremost diplomat, courageous politician and elder statesman who brought a touch of courage and candour to whatever he did.

    Dr Fayemi recalled his relationship with the late Sule, whom he described as a man who possessed a great depth of wisdom and wit and leader with a huge sense of history.

    The minister recalled his last meeting with the late politician in Abuja last week, after he took ill. “Before then we were putting finishing touches to his book launch. Little did I know that that would be our last meeting.”

    “Ambassador Maitama Sule  was a man of distinction, a compassionate and courageous leader, who was moved more by conviction. He was indeed a good man who stood out among his peers. He was the last of the titans,” Fayemi said.