Blog

Ex-IGP advocates use of ICT to fight crime in Nigeria

Crime

By Mohammed Lawal

Zaria (Kaduna State), Sept. 24, 2018 (NAN) Mr Solomon Arase, former Inspector-General of Police (IGP), on Monday advised the Federal Government to take advantage of Information and Communication Technology (ICT) to effectively and holistically fight crime in Nigeria.

Arase gave the advice in a paper entitled: “Strengthening and Evaluating National Security” during the 50th Anniversary and International Conference held at the main campus of Ahmadu Bello University (ABU), Samaru, Zaria.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the conference which was organised by the Department of Political Science had “National Question, Security and Governance in Nigeria” as its theme.

He said the nation’s internal security could be best managed using internal security management, saying: “Internal security in modern times is built around three critical factors, which include; people, technology and systems”.

“We are now living in a globalised world where technology is both a challenge and also a solution. As a challenge, virtually all crimes are conceptualised and manifested with the use of technology such as cybercrimes, kidnapping, insurgency and armed robbery among others.

“Conversely, technology is also a solution to internal security threats, as it provides solutions, hardware and softwares that could be engaged and deployed to present the text and destruct elements that constitute threats,” he noted.

Arase said for any nation to get its security right, it must get the consent of the people, recalling that when the British first came into Nigeria to conquer the country they relied on traditional rulers to provide security for them.

He observed that there was no country in the world that had ever clearly cleaned up terrorists’ attacks, adding that America, which had the most sophisticated intelligence network in the world couldn’t stop armed men moving into the airports and hijacking planes.

The ex-police boss said to effectively tackle the national insecurity, there was the need for government to combine diplomatic approach, military law enforcement option and hearts and minds approach.

In his speech, a former Governor of Katsina State, Alhaji Ibrahim Shehu-Shema, described ABU as past, present and future of Nigeria.

He observed that there was nothing better than education, hence the decision of his government then to accord special priority to the sector to move the state forward.

Shehu-Shema recalled that his administration had offered free education to all students, adding that WAEC, NECO and NAPTEB fees were all settled by the then administration to give all parents a sense of belonging.

The Vice Chancellor of the university, Prof. Ibrahim Garba, said history of Political Science Department was synonymous with the history of the university.

He lauded the efforts of the department for the foresight, saying that the university was planned by the founding fathers for the present genetics to enjoy, hence the need for the present to plan ahead for future generation too.

While assuring protection of all ABU alumni, the vice chancellor called on the alumni to endeavour to pay back to the university to maintain its lead as the best university South of the Sahara.

Earlier, the Head of Political Science Department, Dr Aliyu Yahaya traced the history of the department to Oct. 4, 1962, he, however, said that the department commenced full academic session in 1967/1968 with ten undergraduate students.

He said the department, which had gradually expanded with new courses, had witnessed rapid Africanisation during the first African head of department.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the ceremony featured leadership award presentation to Gov. Ibrahim Shehu-Shema and other distinguished dignitaries. (NAN)
KLM/GOM/AMY
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Edited by Gregory  Mmaduakolam and Abdullahi Yusuf

FSARS Commanders undergo training on human rights
FSARS
By Moses Omorogieva
Lagos, Sept. 24, 2018 (NAN) The police on Monday in Lagos commenced a two-week training on human rights for Federal Special Anti-robbery Squad (FSARS) commanders nationwide to reposition the outfit.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that over 100 FSARS commanders drawn from the 36 states and Abuja were participating in the exercise.

Opening the training, Deputy Inspector-General of Police in charge of training, Emmanuel Inyang, said that developing FSARS human capacity became necessary in view of different complaints against the outfit.
Inyang warned the operatives against violation of human rights, stressing that the training was compulsory for all FSARS commanders.
He pointed out that the training was a holistic approach to enhance the performance of the commanders, team leaders and the foot soldiers of the FSARS in line with the recent presidential directive.
“FSARS was established to take charge of specific functions pertaining to crime prevention and control as well as to secure life and property.
“But their direct contact with members of the public has brought conflicts, friction and perceived human rights abuses and inherent complaints arising from the performance of their duties.

“There is no doubt that the training would provide the necessary platform for all participants, especially, the foot soldiers of FSARS to understand the necessity of imbibing human rights at their duty post and stations and identified areas of problem,” he said.
Inyang noted that, participants were also expected to use the skills they will acquire from the two week training to uphold the highest level of discipline and professionalism in the discharged of their duties.
The Commissioner of Police in charge of FSARS, Haliru Gwandu, said the mandate of the operatives was limited to armed robbery and kidnapping, stressing that anything aside that would not be accepted.
“The current seminar on human rights is one of the critical component that will assist the FSARS to do their job, as it is also going to enrich them in the area of fundamental human rights.
“We expect them to demonstrate competence, courage and professionalism and avoid flagrant abuse of power.
“You are also expected to demonstrate patience and maturity when dealing with members of the public. You must remain courteous and listen to all complaints and ensure fair hearing to parties in dispute.
“Rights of suspects must also be guaranteed by allowing suspects, his or her lawyers or members of civil society organizations to known the nature of crime committed when the need arises,” he said.
Gwandu, however, said all FSARS operatives must provide habitable detention facilities with adequate basic utilities like toilet, water, electricity, bathroom and hygienic and well kept place.
“When critical incident of armed robbery and kidnapping are subject of any investigation, such officers must speed up and ensure that they meet up within the timeframe as provided by the law,” he said. (NAN)
MIO/WOJ
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Edited by Wale Ojetimi

Character Commission gets new boss

Appointment

By Lizzy Okoji

Abuja, Sept. 24, 2018 (NAN) Mr Abayomi Sheba, a Commissioner representing Ondo State at the Federal Character Commission (FCC), has been appointed as Acting Executive Chairman of the Commission.

Mr Adamu Idris, spokesman of the Commission announced this in a statement issued on Monday in Abuja.

According to Idris, Sheba’s appointment followed a letter from the office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation dated September 18.

Idris said that Sheba replaced Dr Shettima Bukar-Abba, whose tenure has ended.

Idris further said that Sheba was a member of the House of Representative in the fourth National Assembly.

“He holds a masters degree in Law and Public administration from Adekunle Ajasin University and Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile Ife, respectively.

“At various times, he was a Senior Special Assistant to the Governor of Ondo State.

“He has a stint with the Guardian Newspaper. He is happily married with children. (NAN)

LIZ/AZA/AFA
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Edited by Polycarp Auta/Felix Ajide

Hijack
By Uchenna Eletuo
Lagos, Sept. 24, 2018 (NAN) The Nigeria Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA) on Monday said it had started rescue operations for the 12 crew members hijacked on Saturday by pirates in Rivers.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that crew men of the vessel “MV Glarus”, owned by Allison Shipping, was hijacked by pirates off the Bonny Island in Rivers for a ransom.

The NIMASA Director-General, Dr Dakuku Peterside, who was speaking to newsmen in Lagos, condemned the act, adding that the agency was working hard to ensure the release of the crew.

“We are working closely with Forward Operation Base (FOB) of the Nigerian Navy, the Falcon Eye alongside others to secure their release unconditionally.

“The agency is saddened about the attack and the perpetrator will surely be brought to book to serve as deterrent to others,” Peterside said.

According to him, the issue of piracy in the Gulf of Guinea is a challenge that must be tackled head-on.

He said that the agency would ensure safety on the nation’s waterways.

NAN reports that NIMASA recently adopted an all encompassing maritime security model tagged, Total Spectrum on Maritime Security Strategy. (NAN)
EUC/DOE/GY
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Edited by Dianabasi Effiong/Grace Yussuf

APC Presidential Primary rescheduled to Sept. 28

APC

Abuja, Sept. 24, 2018 (NAN) The All Progressives Congress (APC) has rescheduled its Presidential Primary to Friday, Sept. 28, as against the earlier announced date of Thursday, Sept. 27.

Mr Yekini Nabena, the party’s National Publicity Secretary, announced this in a statement on Monday in Abuja.

Nabena said the election was rescheduled because of the Osun governorship re-run election fixed for Thursday, Sept. 27, by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).

“In view of the Osun governorship re-run election which has been scheduled for Thursday, Sept. 27, 2018, by INEC, the APC has now rescheduled the presidential primary election to Sept. 28.

“This is to avoid a clash in dates with the Osun governorship re-run election and to enable all registered party members in all 36 states of the federation, including the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) participate in the exercise,” he said.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the APC presidential election is to pass an affirmative vote on President Muhammadu Buhari, who is the party’s sole candidate for the 2019 presidential election. (NAN)

EEM/IKU/MNA

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Edited by Tayo Ikujuni/Maureen Atuonwu

Power
By Kingsley Okoye
Abuja, Sept. 24, 2018 (NAN)The Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN) says it has successfully restored electricity supply to the north eastern states following a fault on the Jos-Gombe 330kV transmission line.
The states are Bauchi, Gombe, Yobe, Taraba, Adamawa and Borno.
The General Manager, Public Affairs of TCN, Mrs Ndidi Mbah, made this known in a statement in Abuja on Monday.
Mbah said that the Jos-Gombe 330kv line had on Sept. 22 tripped, resulting in power outages in the north eastern states of the country.
She said that TCN in-house engineers had also embarked on a patrol to trace the fault with a view of restoring supply to the affected states.
She said that the engineering maintenance crew had completed the patrol of the Jos axis of the transmission line on the same day, but was unable to complete the Gombe axis because darkness had taken over.
She, however, said that the transmission lines patrol crew completed the remaining patrol of the Gombe axis at 10:24 a.m. and energised the line by 11:30 a.m. on Sept 23.
Mbah said that completion of the line tracing and resolution of the fault had resulted the transmission of electricity through the Jos-Gombe transmission line to the six north eastern states previously affected by the line.
“TCN expressed gratitude to the governors and good people of the north eastern states for their patience and understanding during the period of the outage.”
She said that TCN would continue to work to expand the transmission network and to ensure prompt resolution to any fault on the nation’s transmission network. (NAN)
KC/GY
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Edited by Grace Yussuf

Unions
By Adekunle Williams and Solomon Asowata
Lagos, Sept. 24, 2018 (NAN) Two unions in the aviation sector on Monday commended the Federal Government for approving N22.6 billion for the payment of entitlements of former workers of the defunct Nigerian Airways Limited.

The unions, the Air Transport Services Senior Staff Association of Nigeria (ATSSSAN) and the National Union of Air Transport Employees (NUATE) made the commendation in separate interviews with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Lagos.

NAN reports that President Muhammadu Buhari had approved the release of the fund for the part payment of the retirees, who are being owed N45 billion.

The President of ATSSSAN, Mr Ahmadu Ilitrus, said the payment would bring succour to the retirees and enable them meet their financial obligations.

According to him, the N22.6 billion approved will provide some succour to the beneficiaries pending when the balance of the remaining 50 per cent is paid.

He said: “It will be recalled that N45 billion was approved by the Federal Government to offset the entitlements of the staff of the former national carrier.

“The unions had earlier informed the Minister of State for Aviation, Sen. Hadi Sirika, that the government should forget about the issue of national carrier if the former Nigerian Airways entitlement benefits are not settled.

“Thereafter, we all witnessed what played out recently with the suspension of the new national carrier project by the government.

“Today, we are glad that the government has listened to our voice and the cry of the former Nigerian Airways workers.”

Ilustrus, however, noted that it was the unions wish that the payment would be fast tracked so that they would be able to get the money for their needs.

He said from discussions with representatives of the ex-workers, the minister had promised that the balance would be made available six months after this payment.

Illitrus said the unions were optimistic that the government would keep to it promise.

Also speaking, Mr Olayinka Abioye, General Secretary, NUATE, said the unions were happy with the development, adding that the payment of the N22.6 billion was a good move by the government.

“We are hoping that they make the payment as quickly as possible. We also hope that Buhari wins again so that the payment can be completed because we are not sure that if another government comes in that they will honour that commitment.

“We are impressed that Ahmed, who has spent less than one month in office as finance minister, has deemed it fit to push for the payment of the former workers entitlements.

“So, we are commending her and the Federal Government and we hope that they keep to their promise,” Abioye added. (NAN)
WAC/ASO/IKU/IS
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Edited by Tayo Ikujuni/Ismail Abdulaziz

Banks

Abakiliki, Sept. 24, 2018 (NAN) The Ebonyi Government on Monday directed banks that have financial dealings with it to immediately submit its accounts statements from 2007 to September, 2018.

Mrs Queen Agwu, the state Accountant-General made the call in Abakaliki during a joint state Executive Council (EXCO) briefing.

The accountant general noted that it should cover functional, dormant and closed accounts of the government.

Agwu further remarked that the statements should cover accounts of Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDA) and Local Government Areas.

“The fact that we did not start from 1999 does not mean that we are indicting the past administration but we are searching for our trapped funds to be used for developmental purposes.

“We are starting from 2007 because it was the year the Federal Government through the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) directed banks to stop charging Commission on Turnover (COT) on corporate organisations of which the government is among.

“Several banks complied with the directive but some did not and in our case, some banks claimed that they had agreement with my predecessor to continue making the charges.

“We are aware that the Federal Government’s law overrides all laws in the country and for such to emanate through the apex financial regulator, the CBN, it is unacceptable for the banks to continue charging us at two per cent rate which culminates into huge amounts,” she said.

The accountant general noted that the government, therefore, directs the banks to make the statements cover its correspondences, agreements and transactions for the given period.

“We are optimistic that the affected banks would comply with this directive and further make necessary repayments because the governor has said that Ebonyi should no longer be treated as it used to in the past.

“It is sad that that while some of the banks have started refunding others smartly transferred their managers whom we reconciled the accounts with, to other places.

“The new managers offer defensive tactics of consulting their headquarters before taking any action and this is not palatable to the government,” she said.

She expressed optimism that the banks would comply, noting that failure to do so means they were no longer interested in having transactions with the state government.

“I recently received statement of accounts from different banks though on a different matter as no bank would deny its customers, their rights of accessing their statement of accounts,” she said.

Mr Obinna Nwachukwu, the state Commissioner for Finance said that the governor would on Tuesday, convene a critical meeting with the leadership of the Nigerian Labour congress (NLC) on ways of utilising the last tranche of the Paris Club refund, accessed by the state.

“The meeting will also include affiliate unions such as the Trade Union Congress (TUC) and management of tertiary institutions in the state.

“Contrary to insinuations that the meeting was convened due to the 2019 elections panic as it concerns workers, I state categorically that we do not owe workers.

“The meeting is not to negotiate salaries with workers but evolve ways of judiciously utilising the funds to uplift workers’ welfare and ascertain their areas of need.

“The governor would in the meeting, announce the amount received by the state in the latest tranche, the amount received so far in all the tranches and other relevant information the public would like to know,” he said. (NAN)

RCO/MNA

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Edited by Maureen Atuonwu

Wage
Chinyere Bassey
Lagos, Sept. 24, 2018 (NAN) The organised labour began preparation for its nation-wide strike over Federal Government delay in the implementation of a new national Minimum Wage.

Mr Joe Ajaero, President, United Labour Congress (ULC) said in a communique issued after its meeting on Monday in Lagos.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) recalls that the organised labour, made up of the NLC, TUC and ULC had on Sept. 12 issued a 14-day ultimatum to the government to state an amount to enable the minimum wage committee conclude its sitting.

Labour had collectively demanded for N65,000 per month as the new National Minimum wage for all Nigerian workers as harmonized by organized Labour.

Ajaero said that if the government failed to meet their demand on the expiration of the ultimatum, it would collaborate with other labour centres and Civil Society Organisations to embark on a nation-wide strike.

”We shall no longer be obliged by this time to give any further notice to the government before embarking on the action.

”By this communiqué we order all our affiliates and state councils nation-wide to move to the final level of alert in their preparation for the proposed nationwide strike,” he said.

The labour leader said that a new national minimum wage was desirable and possible, adding that lack of patriotism, greed and corruption was the bane of a reasonable wage.

Meanwhile the Central Working Committee (CWC) of the Trade Union Congress of Nigeria (TUC) has empowered the National Administrative Council (NAC) and its leadership to carry out all necessary actions in conjunction with other stakeholders to ensure the achievement of the minimum wage. (NAN)
CHIN/IS
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Indigenous contractors to execute projects on national security – Onu

Projects

Enugu, Sept. 24, 2018 (NAN) The Minister of Science and Technology, Dr. Ogbonnaya Onu says indigenous professionals and firms will henceforth be used in the design and execution of projects involving national security.

Onu said this on Monday in Enugu during the launch of the Presidential Executive Order No. 5 in the South East.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the Presidential Executive Order No. 5 was signed by President Muhammadu Buhari on Feb. 2, 2018.

The Order is for planning and execution of projects, promotion of Nigerian content in contracts and science, engineering and technology.

The minister was represented at the event by the Permanent Secretary at the ministry, Mr Bitrus Nabasu.

Onu said that the letters of the document had given Nigerian companies and indigenous firms the opportunity to participate in national development through direct involvement in contract execution.

According to him, a Nigerian firm will no longer be disqualified from the execution of contracts on the basis of years of incorporation provided that the firm had the requisite expertise.

“The Federal Government will, henceforth, place premium on the use of indigenous professionals and firms in the design and execution of projects involving national security.

“The age of the firm will not be important so long as it is legally registered and possesses the requisite qualification, competence and experience in that area,” he said.

The minister said that expatriates would only be engaged on condition that such expertise was not available in Nigeria.

He said that the government ministries and agencies needed to leverage on the document to encourage indigenous professionals in the Diaspora to return home to develop Nigeria.

Onu said that the ministry would establish centres for acquisition of technology in the six geopolitical zones of the country for the promotion of technology and information management.

He said that the implementation of the document could not have come at a better time than now that the country was preaching diversification of the economy.

“Goods that are consumed in very large quantities will have to be manufactured locally in the shortest possible time.

“Designs for all contracts, programmes and projects will be in English Language before contracts are signed,” Onu said.

In a presentation, the Special Assistant to the Minister on Technical Matters, Mr Ibiam Oguejiofo, said that the document was in the interest of Nigerians.

Oguejiofo said that government officials were duty bound to accept and implement the letters of the document.

He commended the president for the vision and political will to sign such Order.

He said that it was time Nigerians took interest in developing their country as well as take bold steps in the execution of international contracts.

In a goodwill message, the Director General of Projects Development Institute (PRODA), Mr Charles Agulanna, said that the institute would do its best in transferring technological knowledge to staff and Nigerians.

Agulanna said that the implementation of the document would give a facelift to infrastructural development in the country.

NAN reports that the event was attended by technologically based research institutions in the South East and other stakeholders. (NAN)

EOA/KTO/MNA

Edited by Kamal Tayo Oropo/Maureen Atuonwu