The Nation Newspaper

Tag: security

  • ‘Social security scheme panacea to poverty’

    ‘Social security scheme panacea to poverty’

    The social security scheme of Ekiti state government has been described as “the ultimate panacea to endemic poverty in Ekiti.”

    Nearly 20,000 elderly residents who have attained a minimum of 65 years in age are currently receiving N5,000 monthly from the scheme in the state.

    Speaking at his community empowerment programme in Ijan Ekiti in Gbonyin Council Area yesterday, Chairman of Ekiti State Local Government Service Commission (LGSC), Chief Aderemi Ajayi, stated that other state governments and even the federal government should copy the scheme to “genuinely reduce poverty and assist the needy.”

    Chief Ajayi, who distributed empowerment materials valued in excess of N3 million, observed it was time states “peer reviewed” themselves with a view to accommodating ideas and policies of others which would enhance living standards of the citizenry.”

    He said: “Governance has moved from the realm of surmises and conjectures to the field of realities and observables.

    “Leaders and politicians in positions of authority have to learn to implement programmes which will directly and immediately cushion hardships on the populace.

    “By doing this, they will not only be justifying their choices and victories at the polls but would be adding cubits to the credibility of the process of their emergence.”

  • We are meeting security challenges, says Jonathan

    We are meeting security challenges, says Jonathan

    President Goodluck Jonathan has restated that the country is winning the battle against terrorism.

    He spoke when he received letters of credence from the Ambassador of Switzerland to Nigeria, Mr. Hans-Rudolf Hodel.

    According to him, Nigeria has made significant progress in meeting security challenges.

    He said: “We are making progress in meeting our security challenges and we shall continue to improve. Investors have nothing to fear.”

    The President, who received three other ambassadors at different ceremonies, urged them to encourage business delegations from their countries to visit the country.

    Said he: “Nigeria is a huge market with many green areas waiting for investors. I enjoin you to prepare the ground for robust economic relations between our two countries.”

    President Jonathan told the new Egyptian Ambassador Mr. Ashraf Abdelkader Elmorsi Salama that the two countries have a crucial role to play in the African Union, especially because of their strategic locations and population. The ambassadors said they were impressed by the opportunities in Nigeria and expressed their determination and commitment to improve trade and other mutually-beneficial relations with Nigeria. The other ambassadors are Mr. Svante Kilander of Sweden and Dr. Joachim Oppinger of Austria.”

  • Security sub-committee tours venues

    Security sub-committee tours venues

    The Security Sub-committee for the 18th National Sports Festival on Tuesday began a tour to ascertain the security needs of the venues for the event.

    The Chairman, ACP Vincent Brown, told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Lagos that they would also determine the number of policemen to be deployed to the venues.

    “The security of all athletes and non-athletes taking part in the competition is an issue the Lagos State Police Commissioner, Umar Mako, is not taking lightly. My Committee is working according to the guidelines given to me which does not in any way jeopardise the state’s interest,’’ Brown said.

    He said the police authorities had made available 18,000 policemen for the event and that the inspection was to optimally engage the officers. The venues inspected on Tuesday were the Games Village at Surulere, Teslim Balogun Stadium, Surulere and the University of Lagos (UNILAG).

    The sub-committee’s chairman said that before the arrival of states’ contingents from Nov. 25, all the security arrangements would have been made. He added that the venues had their peculiar security challenges and that there was need to tailor security plans along those lines.

    The security chief, who declined to reveal the detailed security arrangements, assured participants of their safety during the biennial Games holding from Nov. 27 to Dec. 9 in Lagos.

    NAN reports that the committee will continue the inspection at Yaba College of Technology and Mobolaji Johnson Sports Complex, Yaba today.

  • Nigeria hails security pact with Niger

    The Federal Government has described its recent security pact with the Republic of Niger as a major breakthrough in the fight against Boko Haram.

    Interior Minister Abba Moro said the security pact would also help reduce the movement of illegal arms and small arms along the border.

    Nigeria and the Republic of Niger at the weekend agreed to begin immediately joint border patrols between the two counries.

    The agreement is part of the efforts to curb the activities of terrorist groups.

    The agreement was reached at the end of the sixth session of the High Authority of the Nigeria-Niger Joint Commission for Cooperation, held in Niamey, the capital of the Republic of Niger.

    President Goodluck Jonathan led the Nigeria delegation to the session, where issues ranging from security to trade were discussed.

    Moro said with the country’s security challenges assuming international dimension, it has become imperative that the country is able to effectively check its border.

    One of the gains of the agreement said the minister “ is the fact that we must take off immediately the joint patrol of our borders and so I believe that with the two Heads of State agreeing now to provide the necessary logistics for the take off of this joint patrol of our borders, it means that a new dimension has been added to the desire to ensure a secure border between the countries and I hope that by the time we get back to Nigeria we will immediately set into motion the necessary steps to be taken.”

    On checking small arms, the minister said: “There is no magic about ensuring effectiveness in checking the movement of small arms and live weapons. The truth is that these arms do not move by themselves, they are carried by human beings and peddlers and by the time we secure our borders and make it unattractive so as to reduce consequently the movement of these illegal arms.”

  • Presidency probes ex-NSAs over N3bn security contract

    Presidency probes ex-NSAs over N3bn security contract

    A N3 billion contract for the procurement of 20 units of K-38 patrol boats for the Nigeria Army is now under investigation by the Presidency. Also being investigated is the role of two former National Security Advisers (NSA) in the deal, sources said last night.

    Only eight units of the boats were supplied by the contractor. The investigation was triggered by an October 12, 2012 petition by one Hassan Rabiu of Hypertech (UK) Ltd. The petition is entitled: “Conspiracy, fraud, supervision and compromising of Nigeria’s National Security and Official Corruption in the award and execution of National Security and Defence projects in Nigeria by a group of Jews operating under many guises with the active connivance and involvement of a few unpatriotic Nigerians government officials and businessmen.”

    The petitioner said that sometime in 2007, the Ministry of Defence awarded the contract to an Israeli firm to supply 20 units of the K-38 patrol boats to the Nigeria Army at the cost of over N3 billion. The said firm allegedly collected 80 per cent of the total contract sum, but supplied only eight units of the boats.

    He alleged that five years after the company bolted away with government‘s money without supply, Hypertech was introduced to TP Marine B.V, the manufacturers of the boat by the firm’s original agent, Mr. Zvi Turbo of Shval Saar Limited.

    TP Marine, the petitioner added , expressed its willingness to auction the remaining 12 boats to offset its banking obligation. The petitioner alleged fraud in the execution of the contract and demanded a comprehensive probe into the deal in the interest of the country.

    A source privy to the on-going investigation in the NSA’s office said: “Investigation into the issues in the petition is on-going. The inference is that the firm who got the contract might have had a link with a former NSA. We will get to the roots of the crisis and bring those responsible, no matter how highly placed, to book. It is curious too that we have discovered that the petitioner’s alleged company is also being backed by another former NSA.”

    “So, there appears to be more to the contract row than the case. This explains why the Presidency has directed the Office of the NSA to probe the contract deal. The two ex-NSAs are being probed in order to establish how the contract went awry.

    “In fact, this office in the past few days has been looking at the records of the Hypertech being paraded by Rabiu at the Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC) in Nigeria. We discovered that it is a breakaway company from the original Hypertech owned by Mustapha Mohammed because of this contract.

    “Also, in the statements so far made to us, the Israelis have opened up on the relationship between them and the petitioner – including a disagreement over $800,000 from two previous business deals.”

  • Eid-el Kabir: IGP places AIGs, CPs on security alert

    Eid-el Kabir: IGP places AIGs, CPs on security alert

    Police have tightened security nationwide to prevent violence during tomorrow’s Eid el Kabir celebration.

    Worship centres, recreation spots and other places are to be fully protected.

    Inspector-General of Police Mohammed Abubakar has ordered Assistant Inspectors General of Police, (AIGs) and Commissioners of Police, (CPs) across the country to be on security alert during and after the celebrations.

    A statement by police spokesman Frank Mba yesterday said Commissioners of Police had been directed to personally ensure that key and vulnerable points are adequately secured.

    Mba listed places of worship, recreation centres, resorts and other public places as areas of primary concern, requiring all-round security coverage.

    The statement reads: “In a similar vein, Zonal AIGs and CPs have also been advised to ensure the provision of 24 hours security around all government installations, facilities and other related vulnerable targets.

    “The IGP warned officers who will be deployed during the period, to ensure that they comport themselves within the confines of the law. They must be firm but polite, civil and professional in the discharge of their assigned roles, giving due regard and respect to the fundamental human rights of citizens at all times.

    “In addition, commanders of police highway patrol teams have been directed to ensure that motorised patrols on our highways targeted at crime and accident prevention, are intensified to ensure safe, secure and peaceful celebrations.

    “Policemen deployed on our highways have also been directed to render necessary assistance to travelers and road users, especially accident victims and those who may suffer vehicular break down.

    “The IGP seeks the prayers, support and understanding of Nigerians in the battle against crime and criminality and prays that the Almighty Allah grant the country’s leaders the wisdom to lead the nation aright”

    Kano Police also warned Muslim faithful against coming to the mosque with bags, parcels and other containers that are capable of concealing weapons.

    Commissioner of Police Ibrahim Idris, who gave the warning, called for a hitch-free Ed-el-Kabir. He warned that loitering around the mosque during Sallah worship would not be tolerated.

    Worshippers coming to the mosque on Sallah day must remain there until the close of worship/prayers. He appealed to Muslim brothers to report any strange object in and around the mosque to security operatives for appropriate action.

    He also urged preachers to avoid inciting comments or sermons.

    The Kano police during the week arrested one Ibrahim Adamu of Sayasaya village in Albasu Local Government for allegedly raping the widow of his uncle, while she was harvesting some vegetable in her farm.

    During interrogation, the suspect, according to the Commissioner confessed to committing the crime, pointing out that he would soon be charged to court after investigations.

    Also, the Command arrested one Princess Obi for human trafficking. She allegedly deceived three young girls from Togo and brought them to Kano with the pretence that she will offer them job in her restaurant only to introduce them to prostitution.

  • IGP places AIGs, others on security alert

    The Inspector-General of Police (IGP) Mohammed Abubakar has ordered Assistant Inspectors-General of Police (AIGs) and Commissioners of Police to be on security alert during and after the Eid-el-Kabir celebrations.

    A statement yesterday by the Deputy Force Public Relations Officer, Mr. Frank Mba, said police commissioners have been directed to ensure that vulnerable points are adequately secured.

    Mba listed places of worship, recreation centres, resorts and other public places as areas of primary concern that require tight security.

    The statement reads: “In a similar vein, zonal AIGs and police commissioners have also been advised to ensure the provision of 24-hour security around government installations, facilities and other vulnerable targets.

    “The IGP warns officers, who will be deployed during the period, to ensure that they comport themselves within the confines of the law. They must be firm but polite, civil and professional in the discharge of their assigned roles, giving due regard and respect to the fundamental human rights of citizens at all times.

    “In addition, commanders of police highway patrol teams have been directed to ensure that motorised patrols on our highways, which are targeted at crime and accident prevention, are intensified to ensure safe, secure and peaceful celebrations.

    “Policemen who are deployed on our highways have also been directed to assist travelers and road users, especially accident victims and those who may suffer vehicular breakdowns.

  • Defence College hails Obi on security

    Members of Team Six Course 21 of the National Defence College, Abuja, have hailed Anambra State Governor Peter Obi for the low crime rate in the state.

    The team spoke at the Governor’s Lodge in Awka, the state capital, when it presented its findings to Obi at a cultural night organised for its members after a week of study tour in the state.

    Its leader, Rear Admiral Samuel Orie, noted that the Obi administration had given security agencies support, encouragement and motivation that led to improved security.

    He hailed the pace of industrial growth in the state, especially at Nnewi.

    The team urged other governors to emulate Obi in patronising Nigerian products.

    Orie said the governor had created the right environment for trade and commerce to flourish.

    The Naval chief also noted that Obi’s initiative in agriculture had widened employment opportunities for youths.

    He added that his handing over of schools to missionaries had increased the standard of education.

    Another member of the team Colonel E.A. Atu said the tour afforded them the opportunity to get first-hand information on Anambra State.

    Obi said his administration enthroned civility and order in governance as well as sustainable fiscal discipline.

    The governor said these enabled the state to remain financially stable without borrowing or owing anybody.

     

  • No security here, says Akintelure

    THE Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN) Deputy Governorship candidate, Dr. Paul Akintelure, criticised the Election Day security arrangement at his polling unit yesterday. He spoke to reporters after casting his ballot.

    “As can you see, there is no security on ground. There is no single armed security agent on ground to safeguard lives and properties and ensure things do not go out of hand.

    “Unlike what we saw yesterday in the display of retinue of security agents on major roads, there is a radical departure from what we saw yesterday. I am very suspicious of this because it is happening when the real voting is about to start.

    “I hope things will continue peacefully but should there be chaos, I don’t know how peace can be guaranteed here. I call on INEC chair Jega, the Inspector General of Police to deploy security personnel to Igbotako, Ilu-titun, Okitipupa, Ikoya, Iju-Odo, Erekiti, Omotosho and the so called ‘big route 49’.

    “After several years of democracy, we should be mature enough to desist from act that would make us a laughing stock at international level. It is disappointing because my party is irrevocably committed to electoral reforms and ensuring that individual happiness of all Nigerians. The electorate know they want a change and that is why you see this level of turn out.”

    Akintelure voted at Ward 2, polling unit 13, Igbotako in Okitipupa Local Council.

     

  • INEC jittery over security in 2015

    INEC jittery over security in 2015

    Security during the 2015 general elections has become a source of concern to the Independent National Electoral Commissioner (INEC), following the prevailing security challenges in the country.

    The Commission is working towards improving and consolidating on measures adopted in the build-up to last year’s general elections.

    A committee on election security was formed with the INEC National Chairman and National Security Adviser heading the committee.

    INEC National Commissioner Nura Yakubu said this at an interactive session with the Commission’s senior staff from Adamawa, Gombe and Taraba states on the electoral body’s strategic plans for 2012-2016.

    “We also want to consolidate on this and expand on it so that the security arrangements we had in Edo recently would be replicated all over the country.

    “We also want to fine tune and improve on the existing structure by institutionalising the interagency security committee on election security,” Yakubu said.

    The INEC National Commissioner further said the commission wants to have a well defined plan on conducting free and fair elections:: operational process that are needed to ensure free and fair elections; legal framework; constitutional and electoral act as well as the bye-laws that the commission is empowered to have.

    Other objectives of the strategic plan according to the National Commissioner, include the process of restructuring and monitoring of political parties, campaigns and finances and restructuring and repositioning the INEC itself.

    “It has been a political culture which we have to change gradually. There is need for a sustained campaign, re-orientation by INEC itself until Nigeria stops being sceptical and accept that Nigeria can still hold free and credible elections”.

    “Election outcomes are issues of perception and I think it’s a difficult perception to be corrected globally but I believe most Nigerians after the 2011 election commended that the 2011 elections were better than 2007.

    “So, if we continue to improve, over time, Nigerians will have full confidence in INEC. We may even go further by introducing the electronic voting system like developed countries.”