The Nation Newspaper

Tag: security

  • Kamuku Forest: North’s governors, security chiefs meet

    Kamuku Forest: North’s governors, security chiefs meet

    Six northern governors of the states bordering the dreaded Kamuku Forest met with security chiefs in Kaduna at the weekend on how to wipe out criminals in the forest.

    The governors of Kaduna, Katsina, Niger, Zamfara, Kebbi and Sokoto brainstormed on the ways to end security threats posed by the forest.

    In late July, a joint security task force operating in the forest in Birnin Gwari Local Government Area of Kaduna State killed three robbers and recovered over 850 cattle.

    Addressing reporters after a closed door meeting, the chairman of the occasion and Katsina State Governor Aminu Bello Masari said after reviewing the efforts of security agencies, it was necessary to allow them continue with operation in order to drive criminals away from the forest.

  • ‘India, Africa deserve UN Security Council’s permanent seats’

    ‘India, Africa deserve UN Security Council’s permanent seats’

    India’s Minister of External Affairs Ms Sushma Swaraj has demanded permanent seats for India and Africa in the United Nation Security Council.

    She called for more development partnership between Africa and India, which made the Indian government create 137 projects in 41 countries.

    The minister said India’s trade with Africa increased 20 times and today stood at more than $70 billion.

    She added that India had $30 to $35 billion worth of investment on the continent.

    Ms Swaraj spoke at the opening of the Third Edition of the India-Africa Editors’ Forum in New Delhi.

    She said: “The developing countries are also articulating similar views and concerns as the UN celebrates its 70th anniversary this year.

    “A major issue in this context is that of UN Security Council reforms. The Security Council continues to be representative of a world order of 1945. It is inconceivable that the   Security Council today does not have any permanent representation from Africa, which is the largest continent (in terms of number of countries).

    “It is also incomprehensible that India, which represents almost one-sixth of the world’s population and has all credentials to be a permanent member of the Security Council, is still out of it. We all need to work together to remove this anomaly and the media has an important role in this.”

    The minister asked for more collaboration between India and Africa, stressing that the Indian government created 137 projects in 41 countries in furtherance of this objective.

    She added: “In the last 15 years, India’s trade with Africa has gone up 20 times and today stands at more than $70 billion. India also has a total investment of $30 to $35 billion in Africa.

    “We have managed to extend concessional credit to the tune of $7.4 billion. Most of this credit stands approved and at least half has already been disbursed. Through credit lines, India has partnered Africa in creating 137 projects in 41 countries.

    “Let me emphasise that our basic approach to our relations in Africa has been one of maximising mutual benefit. We have sought to complement our needs with each other’s strengths.

    “Capacity building through programmes, such as ITEC (Indian Technical & Economic Cooperation Programme), in which more than 25,000 scholarships have been provided since the 2nd India Africa-Forum Summit, remains a key element of that.

    “Later this year, in December, we will witness the culmination of the global discourse in two other critical areas – climate change and world trade – in the form of COP 21 on Climate Change in Paris and the 10th WTO Ministerial in Kenya.

    “This year has been historic for pushing forward South-South cooperation. We celebrated the 60th Anniversary of Asian-African Conference and the 10th Anniversary of the New Asian-African Strategic Partnership at Bandung. We worked together in finalising the post-2015 Development Agenda.

    “In both these meetings, India, Africa and other developing countries will have to work hand-in-hand to ensure that our development agenda is not affected.

    On the Third Edition of the   India-Africa Forum Summit, she said it would be “an epoch -making engagement in this journey of strengthening South-South Cooperation  to promote world peace and prosperity, while accounting for Africa’s own aspirations for growth of pan-African institutions and development programmes.” Over the next four days, at the highest political levels, we will endeavour not just to give a new thrust to our age-old partnership but also to develop a new paradigm of cooperation focusing on key areas, such as infrastructure, agriculture, energy, innovation and health.”

  • Group hails Enugu CP on security

    A group, Concern Citizens of Enugu,  has commended the efforts of the state Commissioner of Police, Adamu Abubakar Mohammed, stating that the  establishment of effective partnership between the police  and Enugu residents for crime prevention and control has  made the state a safer place to  live.

    In a statement issued yesterday in Enugu by the group’s coordinator, Emeka Agwu, the forum noted that  reports linking the commissioner with alleged harassment and  intimidation, is a ruse, adding that the he has helped to ensure security  and peace in the state.

    The statement said, “When Mohammed resumed as CP in Enugu, the security challenge in the state was on all-time high.  There were issues of kidnapping, armed robbery, child trafficking and other heinous crimes in the state. But today, the crime rate in the state is in its lowest ebb.

    “We want to state that with the posting  of Mohammed to Enugu State,  social crisis with its attendant insecurity has decreased tremendously. Whatever group or persons in the state mulling issues of atrocities and misconduct against the Enugu Police helmsman are only playing the tune of their sponsors.

    ”While soliciting the cooperation of the government and people of the state for the force in the state, the group equally proposed regular  police-community town hall meetings in the  state.”

     

  • Security tightened ahead of tribunal’s judgment

    Security agencies in Abia State have tightened security ahead of the tribunal’s sitting today.

    It was gathered that political parties had been anxious due to the uncertainty of who the judgment will favour.

    A source said there were reports that some supporters of some parties have threatened mayhem if the ruling does not favor them.

    The source added that plain-clothed officers have been dispatched to volatile areas.

    Commissioner of Police Joshiak Habila, in a telephone chat said the police were working with sister agencies to stall a possible breakdown of law and order, adding that any attempt by any group of persons or political parties to cause a breach of the law would be met with stiff resistance.

    “This time we are very much aware of the fact that either way it goes there are likely to be people who want to get laws into their hands and so we have drawn an operation order and we have sensitised our men.

    “We earmarked and drew a posting that will take care of the vulnerable points; areas where we have government facilities and other likely places that aggrieved people might try to invade when the ruling goes either way. We are also collaborating with other security agencies in doing what we called the convoy patrol, stop and search.

    “Let Abians and politicians know that politicking is disagreement to agree. It is about Abia and nobody else and whatever the judgment is, people should take it in good fate. There are other proper channels of registering grievances and appeal,” Habila said.

  • Lagos promises to improve security, welfare

    As the Nigerian Union of Teachers (NUT) marked the World Teachers’ Day, the Lagos State government promised to improve security in schools.

    Governor Akinwunmi Ambode, addressed the teachers during their programme to mark the day at the University of Lagos (UNILAG) Sports Complex.

    Represented by his deputy, Dr Idiat Adebule, he assured the teachers of the government’s determination to protect them from harassment of outsiders in the course of carrying out their obligations in schools.

    “We are aware of the security issues in some of our public schools as a result of encroachment by some individuals or groups of people.  This will be decisively addressed as this administration will not compromise the safety and security of its citizens including students and teachers,” he said.

    In line with NUT Theme for this year, “Empowering teachers, building sustainable societies”, Ambode said his administration would empower teachers through regular training.

    He also said the state was recruiting 1,300 teachers for public primary schools.

    In his speech, Chairman of the NUT, Lagos Wing, Comrade Adesegun Raheem, urged the government to address seven issues affecting teachers and public schools in Lagos State.

    They include, shortage of classroom teachers; the restriction of Tutor-General/Permanent Secretary post to only serving principals; creation of Headmaster general post to boost the career of primary school teachers; and improvement/extension of Eko project to primary schools.

    Others are: increment of running costs from N20,000 per month; returning schools to former owners with caution; and appointment of professionals in positions of authority within the education sector.

    On his part, the National President, NUT, Comrade Michael Alogba Olukoya, represented by Mrs Adebola Raheem from NUT Abuja, advised the Federal Government to address problems of security challenges, poor funding of primary education; privatisation and commercialisation of education; and bail out states to pay workers’ salaries.

     

  • Teachers celebrate amid tight security

    Teachers celebrate amid tight security

    •Buhari vows to improve standard of teaching

    The World Teachers’ Day held in Abuja yesterday amid tight security.

    Speaking at the event, President Muhammadu Buhari ordered that only those adequately prepared and regulated should be entrusted with the teaching and learning process.

    He said the Federal Government would improve the standard of teaching and learning by empowering teachers through the activities of its agencies.

    The President, who was represented by the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, (SGF), Babachir Lawal, said the process of reform in the education sector could not function without a fundamental change of the attitude, orientation and behaviour of teachers.

    Buhari said: “It is commonly acknowledged that the quality of learning depends, first and foremost, on the quality of teachers. Consequently, in 1966 the international Community adopted a standard to promote quality teachers and teaching. In this new world order, knowledge is power and all the strategic sectors of society are expected to be manned only by individuals, whose capabilities and understanding of the sectors are not in any way doubtful. Logically, therefore, as other professions, only those who are adequately prepared and regulated should be entrusted with the teaching and learning process.

    “It is against this backdrop that the Federal Government has not relented in its efforts to improve the standard of teaching through the activities of agencies as the Teachers’ Registration Council of Nigeria, National Teacher’s Institute, National Commission for Colleges of Education, National Universities Commission, Tertiary Education Trust Fund, and various faculties and departments of institutions of higher learning. These institutions are directed towards the realisation of government’s goals in the improvement of the quality of teacher education programmes, registration and licensing processes and, the overall professionalisation of teaching.”

     

    “However, this process cannot function without a fundamental change in the attitude, orientation and behavior of teacher towards greater values, ideals and practices. A comprehensive ethical framework is, therefore, required to define what the new values, ideals and practices should be. There might also be the need for the new legal instruments and programs that are designed to enforce the provisions of the ethical framework.

    “This government recognizes that educated Nigerians are its best assets. It is therefore committed to the total eradication of illiteracy through the implementation of multi-pronged educational policies and programs designed to promote skill acquisition, teacher training, vocational and commercial education amongst others to meet the evolving needs of our society.”

     

    The event took place at the Eagle Square amidst tight security with low turnout of teachers due to the latest Bomb blast in Abuja.

     

    National President of the Nigeria Union of Teachers (NUT), Comrade Michael Olukoya disclosed that over 600 teachers have lost their lives to the Boko Haram attacks.

     

    He commended President Buhari over the fight against the Boko Haram sect but urged him to wipe out them out.

     

    The low key event was however wrapped up with the presentation of the President’s award of a brand new car to Mr. Alade Taiwo of Dominic Primary School, Ondo state who emerged as the best teacher in Nigeria for the year 2015.

  • Security alert over protests in Ekiti, Rivers

    Security alert over protests in Ekiti, Rivers

    Security agencies have been placed on the alert following the uncovering of plots to sponsor protests against some ministerial nominees.

    Also, there were indications last night that Mrs. Amina Mohammed, Special Adviser to the United Nations (UN) Secretary-General, Ban Ki-Moon, has accepted her nomination for a ministerial job.

    President Muhamadu Buhari is said to have rejected lobbyists seeking to be Group Managing Director (GMD) of the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC). He has reportedly directed Dr. Ibe Kachikwu, who is a minister- designate to retain the portfolio.

    Kachikwu is listed to be the Minister of State for petroleum Resources because the President has said he will be the minister of Petroleum – a decision that has been criticised by some legal experts that it is not backed by the law.

    The Senate is expected to unveil the ministerial nominees’ list tomorrow and release the screeing plan.

    Some governors and opposition elements plan to scuttle the screening of some ministerial nominees.

    Besides, some former governors are said to be unhappy with some nominees.

    Some All Progressives Congress (APC) leaders in some states are also believed to be aggrieved.

    The states are Rivers, Ekiti, Kebbi, Akwa Ibom, Ogun, Gombe and Kwara.

    Some of the targeted nominees include ex-Governors Rotimi Amaechi and Kayode Fayemi, Mrs. Amina Mohammed, Mrs. Kemi Adeosun, Udoma Udo-Udoma, and Abubakar Malami.

    It was gathered that security agencies have discovered that those opposed to these nominees have perfected their plans, including public demonstrations to call for the rejection of the nominees.

    A source said: “Security agencies have uncovered plans by some elements in the opposition and a few stakeholders to launch vicious political attacks against some ministerial nominees.

    “Some of these elements are even plotting to disrupt the public peace in Abuja because of the inclusion of some technocrats and independent-minded nominees. They are aggrieved because the President didn’t go for political candidates.

    “Their attempt is to rubbish the President’s choices under the guise of opposing some nominees.

    “Some governors have so far been implicated in the would-be protests.”

    Another source said: “ Some loyalists of Rivers State Governor Nyesom Wike are planning a protest at the National Assembly this week against former Governor Chibuike Rotimi Amaechi’s nomination.

    “We have reliable information that they have set aside N350million to execute this invidious plot.

    “What is worrisome is that Wike’s loyalists are doing this at a time Rivers State children have been locked out of schools because of the state government’s refusal to pay salaries.”

    The source also alleged that some PDP stalwarts met with a group of senators from the party to ‘pay back Amaechi in his own coin’ for defecting from the party to the All Progressives Congress (APC).

    “The PDP is already advising its members in Rivers and Ekiti states to reject the nominees appointed by the President , “ the source said.

    But the APC in Rivers State may resist attempts by Wike’s loyalists to march on Abuja against Amaechi.

    “Security agencies are very concerned about the possibility of the Rivers crisis spilling over into the FCT, Abuja,” another source said.

    Rivers State APC chairman Chief  Davies Ibiamu Ikanya admitted that he had heard about the planned protest and had told his members to be prepared. He said: “The APC in Rivers State has borne with equanimity all the numerous attacks by the PDP and its leadership against our leader and former Governor Rt. Hon. Chibuike Amaechi.

    “It is sad indeed as the former governor, has done nothing to deserve such evil behaviour. We have decided as a party that we will no longer keep silent. We will match the PDP action for action and word for word.”

    Mrs Mohammed is said to have accepted her ministerial nomination.

    A Presidency source said: “After personal discussions and interaction with Ban Ki-Moon, Ms Mohammed has accepted her appointment. She was on her way from New York to Nigeria yesterday in preparation for documentation and screening.

    The Office of the Chief of Staff was busy yesterday preparing the profiles of the ministerial nominees for the Senate.

    It was learnt last night that the President had rejected lobbyists seeking to be the GMD of NNPC and directed Dr. Kachikwu to retain the portfolio.

    A Presidency source said: “The President met with the GMD of NNPC at the weekend and assured him that he would combine the portfolio with that of a minister of state.

    “Buhari said he would honour all the conditions which made him to secure the services of Kachikwu from a high profile job in ExxonMobil.

    “The President has shut his doors against lobbyists for the GMD’s job.”

  • HID: Police, others meet on security ahead of funeral

    The Assistant Inspector General of Police Zone 2, Lagos, Bala Hassan, Ogun State Commissioner of Police Abdulmajid Ali and some senior police officers will meet today to deliberate on the security strategies to be adopted during the funeral of Mrs. Hannah Idowu Dideolu (HID) Awolowo.

    Expected at the meeting in Abeokuta, the state capital, are some members of the family, security agencies in the state, government officials, including the consultant on security to the state government, Olayinka Balogun.

    During the meeting, avenues will be explored on how to incorporate into a larger security committee ,groups and individuals relevant in the planning of the security arrangements for the funeral.

    The matriarch of the Awolowo family and Yeye Oba of Yorubaland died on September 19 at 99.

    She will be buried on her 100th birthday – November 25, according to her eldest daughter, Mrs Omotola Oyediran.

    Police spokesman Olumuyiwa Adejobi said Hassan had visited the Awolowos’ Ikenne home to have on-the-spot-assessment of the environment towards adequate deployment of security operatives before, during and after the funeral.

    A member of the House of Assembly, Adebowale Ojuri, has condoled with the family.

    Ojuri, representing Odogbolu in the Assembly, said Mama Awolowo’s death elicited sadness and joy from him.

    He said it is sad because it is not a comfortable thing to lose a family pillar, but at the same time joyful because Mama  Awolowo lived a fulfilled life.

  • Security operatives keep watch at Abuja blasts scene

    Two days after the multiple bomb blasts in Kuje, on the suburb of Abuja in which several people were killed and others injured, security operatives are still keeping vigil at the scene.

    Business activities are still on hold as shops in the affected area are under lock and key.

    Nobody is allowed to move close to the scene.

    Residents and other passerby are still in shock over the incident.

    The Democratic People’s Congress (DPC) on Sunday condemned the bomb blasts in a statement signed by the party’s National Chairman, Rev. Olusegun Peters.

    “We vehemently denounce the killing of innocent Nigerians by misguided terrorists. It is outrageous, obnoxious, detestable and barbaric. Our hearts go out to the families that lost their loved ones.

  • Abia vans for security agencies

    Abia State Government said it was planning to distribute over 20 patrol vans with well-equipped security and communication gadgets for security agencies in the state.

    This was disclosed to our correspondent by the Abia State Governor, Dr. Okezie Victor Ikpeazu on Monday.

    The governor said the distribution of the vehicles was part of his administration’s commitment to tackle insecurity.

    The governor expressed hope that the vehicles when donated would be put into good use in order to achieve the purpose for which it was provided for.

    He also disclosed that arrangements were ongoing to mount Close Circuit Camera (CCTV) at various parts of the state to compliment efforts of security agencies.

    Ikpeazu who just returned from a business trip to Turkey reinstated his administration’s commitment towards the promotion of entrepreneurial and skills acquisition, adding that the recent Education for Employment (E4E) launch in the state was to make graduates of the programme employable by companies that would hire their services.

    He further pleaded with Aba and Abia residents to exercise patients with the government, pointing out that the aim of the ongoing road rehabilitation and reconstruction were to ensure that the government addresses the problem of flooding and road congestion network in the state.

    He also said that he would soon name members of cabinet, adding that he has carefully selected people with great repute and astute professionals that would make up his cabinet even as he said that they wouldn’t have any other choice than to perform what was expected of them.