The Nation Newspaper

Tag: security

  • Buhari visits Awujale amidst tight security

    Buhari visits Awujale amidst tight security

    President Muhammadu Buhari on Monday paid a courtesy visit to the Awujale of Ijebuland, Oba Sikiru Adetona, as part of activities marking the 40 years anniversary of the state.

    The president, who arrived at exactly 6:20 p.m. amidst tight security, was welcomed by Governor Ibikunle Amosun, the Awujale and other notable indigenes of Ogun.

    Buhari, who was in Ogun to commemorate the 40th anniversary of the state’s creation, is also expected to inaugurate 40 landmark projects embarked upon by Amosun.

    The president was welcomed with a loud ovation by supporters who chanted ‘Sai Buhari’ as he emerged from his vehicle.

    The president immediately proceeded into the inner chambers of the palace for a closed door meeting with the monarch and other dignitaries.

    At a dinner attended by the president, Amosun thanked everyone for the honour given to the president.

    “I want to thank everyone for the honour given to the president who is also eager to reciprocate the support given to him by Ogun people during the last elections,” Amosun said.

    Buhari, in a response, said he was elated by the gesture and warm reception, saying he would always be willing to be associated with the Awujale for his remarkable support for him.

    “ I sincerely apologise for coming later than expected; it was due to the visit of the Spanish Prime Minister earlier today.

    “The Kabiyesi is someone I will always honour and I’m very grateful for his support to me and this government,” Buhari said.

    The Awujale, in his remarks, thanked the president for honouring him with the visit, pledging his total support for the success of the administration.

    “You coming here is not as a visitor but as the home owner. I thank you for making yourself available as promised to the service of all Nigerians.

    “We want to assure you that we are with you in your fight to liberate Nigeria from corruption, insecurity and other vices.

    “We know that under you, this nation will develop and attain its goals to the admiration of the world and comity of nations,” Adetona said.

    The president subsequently asked to take his leave as he proceeded to the state capital, Abeokuta, to perform other state duties.

    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that no fewer than 51 traditional rulers and 41 high chiefs were present at the occasion.

    Others present were Mr. Kayode Fayemi, Minister of Solid Minerals, Alhaji Lai Mohammed, Minister of Information and Culture as well as former Ogun governors– Olusegun Osoba and Gbenga Daniel.

    Business tycoons, Chief Mike Adenuga, Otunba Subomi Balogun and Mr Dapo Abiodun, were also present.

  • $2.1b arms deals: FG beefs up security for probe panel chairman, others

    $2.1b arms deals: FG beefs up security for probe panel chairman, others

    •Israeli agent’s movement restricted
    •Why serving military officers under
    probe still retain command positions

    The federal government is not taking chances in the probe of arms deals under the last administration.

    It has consequently beefed up security around the probe panel chairman, AVM J.O.N. Ode(rtd) and others members of the committee.

    Sources said last night that the action was to check the desperation of some suspects being investigated in the arms deals to infiltrate the panel.

    Already, the movement of an Israeli agent described as central to the arms deals, has been restricted to the country pending the conclusion of the investigation.

    His passport has been seized to stop him from sneaking out of the country.

    Investigations suggested that some under probe had gone as far as employing subtle means to woo relations and friends of the panel chairman and members with a view to prevailing on the panelists to ‘tread softly.’

    But the committee members have vowed to get to the roots of the scandals in the Armed Forces.

    A highly-placed source said: “Some of these suspects were so desperate that they were ready to do anything to escape justice.

    “You can imagine how daring they have become by offering $150,000 to an EFCC operative.

    “The government has decided to build heavy security round the Chairman and members of the Special Investigative Committee and their families.”

    Other members of the committee are R/Adm J.A. Aikhomu (rtd.); R/Adm E. Ogbor (rtd.); Brig Gen L. Adekagun (rtd.); Brig Gen M. Aminu-Kano (rtd.); Brig Gen N. Rimtip (rtd.); Cdre T.D. Ikoli ; Air Cdre U. Mohammed (rtd.); Air Cdre I. Shafi’i; Col A.A. Ariyibi; Gp Capt C.A. Oriaku (rtd.); Mr. Ibrahim Magu (EFCC) and Brig Gen Y.I. Shalangwa(Secretary).

    Responding to a question, the source said: “The ongoing exercise comes with a lot of risks for the chairman and members of the committee.

    “The probe of the procurements by the military is just about 50 per cent level and the panel has uncovered mind-boggling frauds.

    “By the time the panel is fully done, Nigerians will appreciate the extent of the rot in the system.

    “Yet, most of these suspects are really daring and too desperate in wielding influence.

    “Phase II of the investigation borders on inflation, diversion, reduction and embezzlement of salaries and allowances of troops by senior officers. This committee is yet to get to this bend.”

    Investigation also revealed that some of the serving military officers being probed are still retained in their command positions for strategic reasons.

    Some of those affected are the most senior Air Force officer, AVM A. M. Mamu(the Chief of Administration); AVM O.T. Oguntoyinbo (former Director of Production, Defence Headquarters);  AVM R.A. Ojuawo (Air Officer Tactical Air Command, Makurdi;  AVM J.B. Adigun(former Chief of Accounts and Budgeting in NAF); and AVM JA Kayode-Beckley(Director, Armament Research in Air Force Research and Development Centre); AVM T Omenyi (MD, NAF Holdings)four top officers at the Defence Headquarters(DHQ), Air Cdre AO Ogunjobi; Air Cdre GMD Gwani; Air Cdre SO Makinde; Air Cdre AY Lassa and Col. N. Ashinze , who was the Special Military Assistant to the ex-National Security Adviser, Col. Sambo Dasuki.

    A defence source said the military hierarchy left these officers in charge of their formations to “protect their right to fair hearing, their innocence until proven guilty and prevent them from leaving the country under any guise.

    “They are no doubt distracted by the allegations against them but it is tactical to leave them in their positions until it is ripe to invite, arrest or detain them.

    “As long as they remain in service, it will help the assignment of the Special Investigative Committee.

    “We want them to be in the system and answer all the allegations against them. It is like putting them in a tight corner.”

    As at press time, it was learnt that the movement of an Isareli agent, who facilitated some of the arms procured, has been restricted.

    Another source close to the committee said: “The passport of the Israeli agent has been seized and had us virtually restricted to his residence pending the conclusion of the ongoing probed by the committee.”

  • Sustaining tenure security in aviation sector management

    Sustaining tenure security in aviation sector management

    THE interesting thing about airports around the world is that they are purpose built with a lot of capital, precision and professionalism invested in the process. They are also built for several reasons; to serve as iconic and aesthetic structures for the country, to serve as worldwide public relations tool, to ensure safety and speed in the movement of persons and goods and finally for its commercial value of generating employment for the people and yielding revenue for the government of the country. Some of the aviation industries around the world which provides services for very many busy airports in the world are known for contributing substantially to the GDPs of those countries.
    The earnings from airports around the world is so huge that every major airport is putting in more investment with a hope for greater returns. Currently, global aviation revenue is put at 727 billion US Dollars and with a net profit of $29.3 billion US Dollars. This, no doubt serves as an indication that the aviation industry when properly managed is a very profitable enterprise. The countries that are on top of the airport financial heap are the United Kingdom, Dubai and Ethiopia. The United Kingdom whose airport arm through Heathrow alone processed about 68 million passengers last year the Dubai aviation industry through its international airport which has taken the record of being the current busiest airport globally welcomed over 70 million passengers in the last year and is making money through its 19 separate revenue categories.
    Continentally, the aviation industry has provided financial and PR mileages for countries like Ethiopia which is the leading airline venture in terms of revenue in Africa. Although South Africa and Kenya are losing money at the moment due to poor investment initiatives, the possibilities are there for them to meet the goals of generating employment and revenue when the bad tide will change in their favour in the no distant future.
    Although the Nigeria Aviation industry can be said to have served some of these purposes but not in a way that it should be, for a country with a population that is over a 170 million people. There is an unprecedented boom in the travel industry and Nigeria should take advantage of the world’s growing and travel hungry people of the world to build a world class Nigeria aviation industry which should be the center of the aviation world in Africa. It can be done in Nigeria as it has been done elsewhere. It takes people, ideas and a political will to do it and Nigeria has an abundance of these ingredients.
    It is very interesting that with Nigeria strategically and naturally positioned in the centre of Africa, its potentials as a hub are limitless. Airlines from Europe, the North of Africa and Southern Africa will enjoy it immensely as a half way route for budget flights across Africa. There will be enormous employment and income generation opportunities for individuals, organisations and governments.
    The question that should be asked is why Nigeria is not taking advantage of all of these potentials and opportunities that are available to it. It is not because there are more people in the United Arab Emirate, the UK or even Ethiopia. It is also not because of superior technology or clement weather. It is largely because of the quality of the people at the helm of affairs of the aviation sector and their capability to effectively manage men and materials including a tenure that has spanned a period that has made them have a deep understanding of prevailing operations conditions and to forecast what would likely happen in the industry. With longevity on the job they are adequately prepared to manage the vagaries of a constantly changing industry.
    The Chief Operating Officer of Heathrow Airport Mr. Normand Boivin took over the office in August 2011 while in Dubai Airports Corporation Paul Griffiths has been at the helms of operation since 2007. In South Africa, Mr. Bongani Maseko has served since 2011 while in Ethiopia, Tewolde Gedremariam has been in the office of the Chief Executive since 2011. Given space to serve over a period of time and to work gives a sense of belonging and confidence that is usually absence in a short and disorganized tenure.
    Engr. Dunoma is barely two years in office having been appointed in March 2014 and there are already numerous intense and extensive jostling through underground moves to take his position. While not canvassing for sit tight executives, the demand is that managers should be given room to build foundations that can provide public service with the kind of ingredients used by the private sector grow. With time, it is always possible to operate and carry out innovations that will improve services and revamp revenues.
    The absence of security of tenure is one major reason why Nigeria is unable to take advantage of this booming passenger and cargo haulage business. Lack of security of tenure is an invitation to turbulence and chaos in any sector and that applies to the aviation sector. In here, there is no respect for professionalism in the appointment, removal and replacement of those in the management structure.
    There should be security of tenure for the managers especially in the top cadre of the industry. There is need recounting what transpired when Princess Stella Oduah was in charge as Aviation Minister when Engr. Saleh Dunoma who was eminently qualified to be the Managing Director of the Federal Airport Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) was by passed in favour of Mr. George Uriesi. It was the height of infamy because Uriesi had served as a youth corper under Dunoma when Dunoma was already on Level 12 in the service.
    The sordid experience of Princes Oduah had its origin in the antics of Mrs Deziani Madueke who appointed Mr. Richard Aisuebeogun who was running a bit part airline with staff strength of less than fifty persons to manage FAAN. Aisuebeogun who was apparently given the appointment by one of the ruling party top brass had the job for upward of four years with two of those years learning the ropes in the.
    What could be pleaded as the justification for the insensitive appointment of Asiebeogun and the jump in rank for Uriesi except for the need to have their people plugged into lucrative political offices in the ministry? Professionalism should not be sacrificed on the altar of political expediency. There is a certainty that the act of ignominy carried out by Oduah had ended with the last administration. There is the possibility that the current minister will still remove Dunoma and bring a loyal but incompetent political son to replace the man who had grown through the ranks of the parastatal and understands the nuances of the sector.
    Engr. Dunoma came at a period when FAAN could hardly pay staff salaries and was in the red to the tune of about Two Hundred Billion Naira which the then Aviation Minister borrowed for airport upgrade that turned out to be a sham. Today, the signature touches of Engr. Dunoma could be seen in may airports including the Port Harcourt International Airport that was shut down before he came into office. He stemmed the tide of propaganda airport remodeling into real modeling which could be seen in the Benin airport and which also stopped the leakages that was making airport users to dread the Lagos domestic airport.
    There is no demand that is too high for Nigerians to make from the aviation sector and this include security of tenure which can be waived if there is gross mismanagement and incompetence in the discharge of duty by the person appointed to occupy the office. The position of the Managing Director of FAAN should remain an appointive office and it should not feature in the debate of age as long as the person so appointed is working to sustain the investment and improve on returns.
    The airport is our window to the world and the world is watching us through our actions and inactions. The rebranding of the Aviation Industry with a goal for making it the aviation industry of choice in Africa will not only drive development goals it will also boost tourism. At the moment, the Nigerian Aviation sector including FAAN is at the bottom of the ladder of airports across Africa. Now is the time for it stabilize and stability requires the injection of confidence through the types of managers that are running the system. We may be speaking the minds of many Nigerians who are keen observers of trend in the aviation sector that both honorable ministers, Rotimi Ameachi, a man of achievement and characters and Senator Sirika- interestingly, a pilot who is in the know in the aviation industry should beware of political jobbers and interlopers who constant ply the corridor of power looking for where they can be fitted just to line their pockets and hurriedly improve their credentials would only bring backward the sector if allowed.
    The ministers should only be concerned with their supervisory roles and leave the day to day management of the airport to Engr. Dunoma to complete the good work he has started at FAAN. The success of the ministers with the aviation sector will be inextricably linked to the success of Engr. Dunoma. The man has the mentality, academic and work experience to successfully run the airport in a way that so many of his predecessors cannot lay claim to in the many years that FAAN has been in operation.

    •Ayela is a veteran journalist based in Lagos.

  • Biafra: Abia police tighten security

    Biafra: Abia police tighten security

    The Abia State Police Command has beefed up security in Aba to forestall attempts by any group to cause a breach of peace.

    This followed news of a planned protest by the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) and Movement for the Actualisation of the Sovereign State of Biafra (MASSOB) to pressurise the Federal Government to release their leader Nnamdi Kanu. Kanu has been in detention since last October.

    Sources within the police command said daily patrols have become necessary to forestall a recurrence of last Monday’s protests.

    The source said the groups had concluded plans to bring their members from neighbouring states to carry out the protest.

    The police will be working with sister agencies- the Army, the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), among others, and officers from over 10 divisions under the Aba Area Command, have been deployed for the operation.

    A visit round the metropolis showed police vans stationed at different locations, including St. Michael’s by Mosque, Hospital road by Mosque, Azikiwe road by Asa, Port Harcourt road, Waterside etc., while others moved round the city.

    “You know that apart from Onitsha, Aba is the next place with large sympathisers for the Biafra Movement and so, we are not taking chances after what happened previously. We are being proactive rather than coming in when things must have gone wrong,” the source said.

    Commissioner of Police Habila Joshak said in a text message: “We do not want the peace of a city moving towards industrialisation to be disturbed. Visibility policing will ensure the safety of lives and property.”

  • New twists and challenges for peace and security

    This week Microsoft’s  Billy  Gates  and Nigeria’s  Dangote put aside $100m  over the next  five years  to help turn around  the ravages of malnutrition in Nigeria, a very  commendable social  responsibility move that showed  their two companies as responsible global  corporate citizens.  But  not many Nigerians seem  to have noticed the good gesture because  they had  more interesting  things going on in their minds and in the news media  especially  the daily exposures on

    Dasukigate, the  notorious arms diversion deal of the century that has been the death knell as it were of Nigeria’s  ruling party under the last administration of President Goodluck Jonathan. Which  really is not an unexpected development given the fact that the entire world is adrift on the repercussions of the wars in Syria, and Iraq  and the concomitant surrogate wars and insurgency  they  have fanned across the globe.  Including that of Boko  Haram which  really was the genesis of Dasukigate which in  turn   is  actually a tall tale of how the security  chief  became an ATM for  funding other activities except the procurement of arms for which the  ATM    was  originally and initially  configured  for.

    Today’s  discourse  will  centre  around  developments  and incidents that have emanated directly or not  from  the wars in Iraq  and Syria and how these are shaping the development of our globe and reshaping world diplomacy and local politics and relations  between  old  and new enemies.

    According to  the  French  Prime  Minister   Manuel   Valls, the migrants crisis in Europe where over 1m  trooped in last year alone is going to redefine the concept  and  meaning  of  Europe  or the

    European Union  as  we know  it   today.  In Nigeria  the Army boss has asked army  officers  to declare their  assets in the wake of massive  diversion of funds meant for arms  by army bosses  that the military have promised  to give up to  the EFCC  once they are declared culpable  by the anti  graft  commission.  In  Saudi  Arabia the  new King Salman who  has spent just a year  on the throne has taken the fight to ancient enemy Iran with the vigor of a young boxing champion  even  though  he is  over  88 years of age. This  is  not assuaged  in any way by the news that with the raising of the sanctions on Iran over the Iran Nuclear  Deal Iranian  economy will blossom while the new Iranian oil  supplies will  make life more difficult  for oil  suppliers like Saudi Arabia and Nigeria already reeling from the crushing impact of falling oil  prices on their respective  economies.

    Going  back  to the migrants  crisis in Europe  the French  Prime Minister insists that France is at war  to protect its citizens  and the emergency  measures  put in place will  persist  for as long as the threat to security  endures. He criticized the present open door policy in Europe and  contends that it is just not  good or safe enough to say migrants can come and that they are welcome. That  puts Germany’s  Angela Merkel  of  Germany and the willingness of Germany to take 1m refugees on the line    as  well  as others  willing to take  more refugees into their EU  nations.  More  interestingly it creates a twist with  regard to EU’s  refusal  to give Turkey EU membership  which  has been delayed  for over 50 years now.  Funny enough Angela  Merkel is on record  as once saying that Turkey is Islamic and Europe  cannot  have an Islamic  state at the heart  of Europe. Definitely  the refugee  crisis is going to change her views as she is in the vanguard of those EU  nations ready and  willing to take in refugees. Whether that will lessen her hostility   to Turkey’s  membership is  another matter.

    Again  one is reminded of a statement in the book ‘Culture  Matters’ that Europe  has been penetrated by Islam through importation of labor, religion, capital, talent and knowledge. This was a point of view expressed a few years back  and the penetration was  said  to be  slow but steady. Given the one million refugees or migrants that flowed into Europe  last  year one can safely say it  has become  an avalanche and very  soon Europe  will lie prostrate to Islam whether the Europeans like it or not. The import of that for global peace and security  however  is a different topic  for  another day.

    In  Nigeria  the order  for Army officers to declare their assets reportedly  came  from  the Army  boss who had already  declared his assets  when he became head  of the multinational  task  force fighting Boko  Haram  in the North  East and when  he assumed office as Army  boss. That order is in tune with the anti  corruption stance of the present government and its Commander in  Chief.   But the Army  should tighten up its security in this regard as corrupt officers under arms are a dangerous lot. Indeed  the coup  that removed the present Commander in Chief as a military head of state was by fellow army  officers  when  he was about to probe   those  who reportedly acted while his very anti  corruption deputy  was on a pilgrimage to  Saudi  Arabia. Eternal vigilance  should be the watch word  in fighting corruption especially in the armed  forces.

    On  Saudi  Arabia’s  new war with  Iran it has been  revealed  that King  Salman  made a favorite  son of  his   Prince  Mohammed who is 29 years old his defence minister on assuming  power and taking the throne and also made him the Deputy heir  apparent  and that son is really  the power behind the throne pushing the fight against Iran although King  Salman  himself is very  much  in charge.

    Incidentally both Iran and Saudi  Arabia condemn Islamic  State  but  cannot come together to eliminate it and are fighting each other in the  Middle East which  has become the battle  ground  of the  world.  Both  are dictatorships too as Iran is a theocracy  while Saudi  Arabia is a monarchy.  Both  have  however  been  drawn into the present war  by the US in  a rather bizarre twists of events  and global  diplomacy.

    First  of all the US deposed Saddam Hussein in 2003 and created  a democracy in Iraq which  brought  the majority  Iraqi  Shiites  into power. That infuriated  the Sunni  minority which  controlled the army under Saddam  and that has led to the endless wars  in Iraq  from which  IS eventually emanated. Before that the US  had  propped  up Saddam  for  a  long time to prevent Iran  from blocking access  to Middle  East oil through the  Straits  of  Omuz.  Indeed Iran and Iraq  fought a seven year war  in this regard.

    However the seeds for the present war between Saudi  Arabia and Iran were sown  over Obama Administration’s  support  for the Iran nuclear deal  which  has now led  to the lifting of sanctions against Iran.

    The  Saudis  found  it difficult  to believe that a US  government can sign an agreement that allows Iran to go on with  its nuclear development  while assuring the civilized  world that Iran will  not get nuclear power. That disbelief and irritation of the Saudi monarchy provoked the breakoff  of diplomatic relations with Iran over the attack on the Saudi embassy  in Teheran Iran this year. By executing the outspoken  Saudi  Shiite   cleric  Nimr one  year after getting to the throne  the Saudi King  Salman took  the fight to the Iranian Ayatollahs to  tell them that he does not care a fig about the new friends the Ayatollahs  have found in the American  government  of Barak  Obama.  This  has produced  another watershed in US –  Saudi relations  as the Saudis  are the biggest  buyers of  expensive US sophisticated F15 and  F16 jet  fighters for  now although  their resources  have plummeted because of low oil  prices which indeed could  have been the end  product  of the new US led and orchestrated

    Iran  Nuclear Deal. The import of that for global  peace and security is also a matter  for discussion  on  another time. Once  again long live the Federal  Republic  of Nigeria.

  • Group hails Ambode’s security project

    Group hails Ambode’s security project

    The Nasrul-Lahi-L-Fatih Society (NASFAT) has praised Governor Akinwunmi Ambode’s 114 road security project.

    Speaking with The Nation at the unveiling of the 21st Anniversary Logo and Anniversary flag Handing Over of the society, NASFAT president, Kamil Abayomi Bolarinwa, an engineer, said the project would improve lives.

    “It is long overdue but I pray to Almighty Allah to guide him and make it successful. We are living in a modern century and as such, we need modern equipments. Catching a thief has gone beyond just intelligence. Part of the intelligence needed is Information Communication Technology (ICT). If you don’t have it, you cannot catch the modern criminal”, he said.

    Bolarinwa urged the public to always practice cleanliness to prevent diseases such as Lassa Fever and Ebola Virus.

    He said: “Everyone must know that there are several ailments in the world we are in. We need to adopt cleanliness even if it just washing the hands. When we also fall ill, we should desist from self-medication and go to the hospital. A stitch in time saves nine. Early detection of whatever is wrong with us would make it easier to treat.”

    He expressed his happiness at the success of NASFAT so far saying its Allah’s doing.

    “We are very grateful to Allah that what started in a small room has become what it is today. Today, it has been 21 years since NASFAT held her first Asalatu (prayer session) and now, we have a school where we not only teach Islamic education, but also Western education. We are indeed grateful to Allah”, Bolarinwa said.

    He urged members of the public to know that Islam is peace and that Islam abhors terrorism.

    He said: “A Muslim must always create an atmosphere of peace; not just for himself, but also for his neighbours, family, friends and community and he would also behave in such a way that peace would be brought about in the society.” he Nasrul-Lahi-L-Fatih Society (NASFAT) has praised Governor Akinwunmi Ambode’s 114 road security project.

    Speaking with The Nation at the unveiling of the 21st Anniversary Logo and Anniversary flag Handing Over of the society, NASFAT president, Kamil Abayomi Bolarinwa, an engineer, said the project would improve lives.

    “It is long overdue but I pray to Almighty Allah to guide him and make it successful. We are living in a modern century and as such, we need modern equipments. Catching a thief has gone beyond just intelligence. Part of the intelligence needed is Information Communication Technology (ICT). If you don’t have it, you cannot catch the modern criminal”, he said.

    Bolarinwa urged the public to always practice cleanliness to prevent diseases such as Lassa Fever and Ebola Virus.

    He said: “Everyone must know that there are several ailments in the world we are in. We need to adopt cleanliness even if it just washing the hands. When we also fall ill, we should desist from self-medication and go to the hospital. A stitch in time saves nine. Early detection of whatever is wrong with us would make it easier to treat.”

    He expressed his happiness at the success of NASFAT so far saying its Allah’s doing.

    “We are very grateful to Allah that what started in a small room has become what it is today. Today, it has been 21 years since NASFAT held her first Asalatu (prayer session) and now, we have a school where we not only teach Islamic education, but also Western education. We are indeed grateful to Allah”, Bolarinwa said.

    He urged members of the public to know that Islam is peace and that Islam abhors terrorism.

    He said: “A Muslim must always create an atmosphere of peace; not just for himself, but also for his neighbours, family, friends and community and he would also behave in such a way that peace would be brought about in the society.”

  • Saraki seeks review of Assembly’s security

    Saraki seeks review of Assembly’s security

    Senate President Bukola Saraki has directed a review of security arrangements in the National Assembly complex.

    Saraki said the review of the  became necessary, especially now that Boko Haram insurgency has receded.

    This was contained in a statement by Special Assistant to the Senate President on Print Media Chuks Okocha.

    Okocha, quoting Special Adviser to the Senate President on Security, Major General Saleh Maina (rtd), said the review was part of the periodic plan to ensure better protection of life and property.

    Maina also said heads of security agencies in the complex and other officials, responsible for security, have met to devise a water-tight plan.

    Following the meetings, it was decided that legislators, staff and visitors to the National Assembly shouldwear identity tags, Mania said.

  • Security, the essence of government

    •Never again should it be toyed with

    With the Boko Haram insurgents ravaging the north-east, kidnappers in the south-east and south-south and armed robberies and ritual killings here and there, President Muhammadu Buhari took over the country’s affairs at very difficult times. There was virtual state of insecurity in the land.

    So, we expect the Buhari administration to take the issue of security seriously. Provision of adequate security is the raison d’etre of any government properly so-called.  Where insecurity reigns, neither the government nor the governed can be at peace. Of course, insecurity is also a serious disincentive to foreign investment. Although some people believe that Nigeria has a huge, irresistible market for foreign investors, the fact also is that investors begin to rethink their business decisions concerning unsafe business environments.

    Our situation is more precarious when we realise that we have a harsh and un-conducive business environment that makes our products uncompetitive. We can only imagine the result when this is compounded by insecurity. We saw the effect of mere expectation that the last General Elections would make the country erupt on our stock market last year.

    However, the government appears to have started well, at least given the streaks of successes the armed forces have recorded against the Boko Haram insurgents. The change of baton at the federal level after last year’s elections has rekindled hope in the country’s foreign friends (that stayed aloof during the Jonathan years rather than help us fight Boko Haram) that Nigeria is now sincerely ready to confront its security challenges, particularly as it pertains to Boko Haram. We must not give them any reason to doubt that sincerity.

    The government must restructure the military and other arms of the security agencies for more efficiency. Almost all of them were compromised and or neglected in the immediate past, with soldiers participating actively in electoral irregularities; policemen too became largely politicised, not to mention the Department of State Security (DSS) which became an extension of the megaphone of the then ruling Peoples Democratic Party (PDP). Not only these, there was massive corruption in the procurement of arms for the security agencies, given the little that we know from the $2.1billion arms fund scandal.

    Investigations into the $2.1billion arms funds must continue and the culprits prosecuted. We need to make a statement that never again would the country tolerate a situation where people would feel comfortable sharing public funds.

    Even within the government’s lean resources, it must make reasonable provision for the security agencies. Never again must we hear of 50 police trainees sharing one fish head! If we violate our trainee police officers we should not be surprised if they turn out to be hungry lions after graduation, looking for hapless citizens to devour. Since it is now obvious that the Federal Government cannot handle the security question alone, other arms of government should also take more than a passing interest in security matters. Individual Nigerians must also be involved because those who breach security and other criminals live among us.

    More state governments should take a cue from Lagos State which has invested and keeps investing heavily in security. For example, the present administration in the state which is barely seven months has spent a whopping N4.8billion to equip the police and other security agencies to complement the efforts of the Federal Government.

    We must however warn that adequate security is not necessarily a function of the huge amount allocated to it, but how judiciously it is spent. Whatever is voted for security must be spent strictly on security; it must be spent to procure arms and ammunition, provide logistics for the security agencies as well as train and motivate them for maximum efficiency.

    “We will invest to safeguard lives and property”, President Buhari assured while presenting his budget to the joint session of the National Assembly adding that “we will devote a significant portion of our recurrent expenditure to institutions that provide critical government services. We will spend N369.6 billion in Education; N294.5 billion in Defence; N221.7 billion in Health and N145.3 billion in the Ministry of Interior. This will ensure our teachers, armed forces personnel; doctors, nurses, police men, fire fighters, prison service officers and many more critical service providers are paid competitively and on time”. So help him God.

  • Security on trail of Mu’azu, Jonathan’s Secretary Tukur

    Security on trail of Mu’azu, Jonathan’s Secretary Tukur

    EFCC to quiz ex-PDP chair on alleged diversion of $2.1b arms cash

    EFCC on his trail over N600m shared to six chairmen of PDP mobilisation committees. He is believed to be in Asia

    EFCC interested his role in the botched deal with fake Boko Haram chiefs involving payment of huge cash 

    Security agencies are “watch-listing” former Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) Chairman Adamu Muazu and a former Principal Private Secretary to former President Goodluck Jonathan,  Hassan Tukur, it was learnt yesterday.

    The two influential personalities are said to have been placed on the watch list over the alleged diversion of cash meant for arms into the 2015 election campaign and payment of huge ransom to unknown Boko Haram agents.

    Also yesterday,  the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) said it would not be intimidated or stampeded to release PDP National Publicity Secretary Olisa Metuh.

    The EFCC  said since Metuh had refused to either refund the N400million traced to him or sign an undertaken to refund it, he will not be released.

    Metuh will be allowed to go once he satisfies the condition for the discretion to be exercised in his favour, a source said.

    According to a top security source, Muazu and Tukur have been under investigation in the last few months on the arms cash allegedly disbursed to them for campaign purposes and counter-insurgency initiative with Boko Haram.

    The source said: “We need to interact with these two leaders, who are on watch-list. Since Muazu went for his daughter’s graduation and medical treatment, we have not been able to locate him.

    “We learnt Muazu is around Singapore, Hong Kong and Malaysia axis. We are on his trail because some suspects have admitted drawing campaign funds from the ex-PDP national chairman. Over N600million has so far been traced to him.

    Tukur is believed to have been seen in the country by security agencies about three or four days ago. He  might be invited over the botched deal with Boko Haram, which allegedly involved the payment of a ransom. He is also implicated in the disbursement of some  funds for use in the Presidency  for campaign and 2015 poll.”

    Meanwhile, the EFCC yesterday said it could not be intimidated or stampeded by any campaign to release Metuh.

    The anti-graft agency made its position known in a statement by its Head of Media and Publicity, Mr. Wilson Uwujaren.

    It faulted National Legal Adviser Victor Kwon for alleging  compromise and witch-hunt in its management of Metuh’s arrest.

    The statement said: “The attention of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has been drawn to a statement by the National Legal Adviser of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Mr. Victor Kwon, alleging  compromise and witch-hunt in the release of a chieftain of the All Progressive Congress (APC), Brigadier-General Jafaru Isa, (rtd) by  the EFCC.

    In the statement made available to the media yesterday,  Kwon alleged that: ‘ The release of Jafaru Isa, a known associate of the President and chieftain of the APC, eight hours after his arrest, while our spokesman remains in detention even when the two are being investigated over same allegation, clearly shows that the President Buhari-led APC government is not fighting corruption but using the much-hyped crusade as a cover to prosecute PDP leaders and decimate the opposition, a project the EFCC has clearly yielded itself as a willing tool’.

    “While the EFCC will not wish to  join issues with Kwon in this regard, it is important that the public is presented with the facts regarding the release of Isa. The APC chieftain was arrested for his involvement in the arms procurement scam,  to the tune of N170,000,000( One Hundred and Seventy Million Naira).

    “ Upon his arrest,  the retired General admitted receiving the said sum from Dasuki and immediately refunded a total sum of N100,000, 000( One Hundred Million Naira only), with an undertaking to refund the balance of N70,000,000( Seventy Million Naira only) in two weeks.

    “Besides, his health deteriorated after he was taken into custody. These two factors prompted the offer of bail to the suspect.

    “The grant of bail by the Commission does not amount to exoneration of the suspect.

    “Unlike Isa, Metuh, who is exposed to the tune of N1.2 billion in the arms scandal,  has shown no readiness to refund any amount of money to the EFCC, nor signed any undertaking to do so at a future date. Metuh, contrary to claims by his party, is not being detained illegally as the commission obtained a valid court order to hold him.

    “There is no basis for witch-hunt of Metuh. Nigerians are assured that he will be released once he satisfies the condition for the discretion to be exercised in his favour. Until that is done, the commission will not be intimidated or stampeded by any campaign of calumny that is intended to detract it.

    “Kwon claimed rather ridiculously that : ‘We have information of the marching order from the Presidency for the immediate  release of the President’s associate  and that his issue is one of the major reasons for the repeated visits of the EFCC Chairman to the Presidential Villa within the period  of his arrest…’

    “This is far from the truth. No one micro manage the EFCC, not even the President. The EFCC is focussed and will remain un-deterred in its task of ridding the nation of all forms of corrupt practices.

    “There is no modicum of truth in allegations of selectivity, bias and witch-hunt and the general public is enjoined to ignore such claims.”

  • Experts solicit regular training for security officers

    Experts solicit regular training for security officers

    Security experts in Lagos on Monday urged security agencies to do regular psychological evaluation and training for security officers for enhanced efficiency.

    The experts spoke with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in separate interviews in their reaction to cases of accidental discharge by some security personnel in the country.

    Mr. Olaitan Adams, a security consultant, said that such training should be regular and should dwell on how to handle arms.

    “Aside the training, the agencies should also subject the officials handling guns to periodic psychological evaluation to monitor and stabilise their state of mind,’’ he said.

    Also, Mr. Charles Sullivan, Head, Media Operations at Bells Security, told NAN that most cases of accidental discharge on the part of the security officials could be traced to frustration and poverty.

    “Although security personnel have no excuse for accidentally shooting, it is important that government and employers in security agencies make welfare of their personnel a priority,’’ he said.

    Mr. Azeez Bankole, a security expert, called for proper scrutiny of those shortlisted for employment into security outfits to ascertain that the best qualified candidates were recruited.

    Mr. Aliyu Hamza, retired security personnel, urged government to do more in terms of welfare of security personnel to elicit maximum productivity from them.

    He said that the role of security personnel in protecting life and property in the country could not be over emphasised.

    NAN recalls that the Nigeria Police had recently circulated some phone numbers for Nigerians to report indecent acts of the police.