Ismail Abdulaziz - NEWS AGENCY OF NIGERIA

Ismail Abdulaziz
Nov, Tue, 2024

Benue workers to get ₦75,000 as minimum wage

330 total views today

By Peter Amine

Gov. Hyacinth Alia of Benue has approved a minimum wage of ₦75,000 for workers in the state.

Alia in a statement by his Chief Press Secretary, Sir Tersoo Kula, announced the new wage after he met with the organised labour on Monday in Makurdi.

The governor said that the new minimum wage would take effect from November.

He stated that the remaining three months of the five-month backlog of salary arrears promised workers would be paid as budgeted in the 2024 budget.

He emphasised that the arrears would be paid along with the new minimum wage.

“We decided to set the wage at ₦75,000, fully aware of the other concerns raised by organised labour during the negotiations.

“These concerns included a minimum wage of N30,000, wage awards, transportation allowances, tax relief, and work-off days, among others.

“Recall that the President had approved the sum of N70,000, which we have decided to exceed, considering the concerns raised by organised labour regarding our ability to pay,” he said.

Alia restated his administration’s commitment to serve the common man and stressed that he would ensure that Benue workers were properly taken care of.

The governor added that his motivation to ensure the arrears were paid was to alleviate the effects of hardship on workers. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Gabriel Yough

Ismail Abdulaziz
Nov, Tue, 2024

General News

EFCC dismisses 2 staff over alleged corruption

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By Taiye Agbaje

The Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Mr Ola Olukoyede, on Monday, said two of the agency’s staff members were dismissed over allegation of corruption.

Olukoyede disclosed this during the opening of the 6th Annual Criminal Law Review Conference organised by the Rule of Law Development Foundation in Abuja.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the 5-day event is titled: “Optimising the Administration of Criminal Justice in Nigeria: How to Navigate Emerging and Systemic Challenges of Insecurity and Economic Hardship.”

The EFCC chairman, who said the two officials were dismissed two week ago, said besides dismissal, erring workers would also be prosecuted henceforth.

“So many other reforms are going on; the issue of our staff and all of that.

“Just two weeks ago, I have cause to dismiss two staff. You can’t be fighting corruption and your hands are dirty.

“He who comes to equity, your hands must also be cleaned. .

“And I say I will not only be dismissing them, I will also be prosecuting them because that is what we prosecute others for.

“So you will see that; we are preparing the case files of some of the people we have dismissed.

“If an EFCC staff will not be able to stand publicly with his two hands up and challenge the entire public; whose goat have I collected? Whose bottle of water have I taken illegitimately?

“And I have said this to Nigerians; who has ever given me one kobo in the course of my work, come out and say it. I stand to be challenged.

“I can’t be easily influenced by things like that. That’s why we must make up our minds to work together to do the right thing.

“Any staff that is corrupt, I will show you the way out.

“Again, there are some people who may want to be overzealous. Out of 12, you must have Judas. I can’t stand here and say all is perfect. As many as you see, report them to us and we will do justice,” he said.

Olukoyede said even he was once subjected to investigation for two years as EFCC secretary.

“I am not just sitting there as chairman of EFCC. I have been on the other side.

“I have been subjected to investigation myself for two years. So I know what it means to subject people to investigations.

“My major objective is to use the instrumentality of this mandate to stimulate the economy and to also follow the rule of law,” he said.

He said integrity is needed to survive, even as legal practitioners.

“Integrity is not about law, it is not about your advocacy ability to write beautiful briefs. No.

“It is about law and morality. Your conscience must tell you to do the right thing. That is what integrity is all about.

“Finally, ethics, value and standard of legal practice must also be reviewed.

“These are essential to me because the job of EFCC is to ensure that corruption does not find space in our national life,” he said.

Olukoyede said he welcomed constructive criticism of the agency.

“I have never been averse to that. But let us do it in a responsible way. What do we benefit from running down our institutions?” he asked.

According to him, if you notice EFCC is doing anything wrong, come to us.

“We will sit down and I will explain some reformed agenda we are carrying out.

“Upon my resumption of office, we have put some reformed agenda in place.

“We have reviewed our arrest and detention policy. I have had cause to investigate a whole ministry; minister, directors and all of that without detaining anybody over night.

“And I got all the information I needed and the matter is going on fine without detaining a single soul.

“But that does not preclude that if there is the need to detain, we do not detain.

“We have also had cause to equip all our interrogation rooms in compliance with judgment of court.

“Also, I need to let you know that the era of a 100-count charge, 150-count charge, 85-count charge is gone forever in EFCC,” he said.

Olukoyede said he had given a standing directive that no prosecution should be more than a 15-count charge.

“If your case is water tight…, that is why I will never rush to court until I am sure of my proof of evidence.

“I vet case files myself, particularly high-profile cases and the lawyer must give me a draft of the charge.

“We will look at it together, compared with my proof of evidence, sleep over it before I give my go-ahead.

“If we are losing a case, it shouldn’t be on grounds of lack of diligent prosecution.

“If there are other technical issues, fine. But I will be sure that I have done my job and it’s done in such a way that I can defend long after I leave office,” he said.

Mr Joseph Daudu, the Coordinator of the Rule of Law Development Foundation, said the Criminal Law Review Conference commenced six years ago as one of the flagship events of the foundation.

He said it was essentially to provide an annual forum for the review of all developments, particularly novel developments in the field of crime apprehension, crime prosecution, crime adjudication and the important activities of the post adjudicatory processes and institutions of the criminal justice system.(NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

edited by Sadiya Hamza

Ismail Abdulaziz
Nov, Mon, 2024

General News

No mega financial fraud is possible without lawyers’ support– EFCC chair

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By Taiye Agbaje

The Chairman, Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Mr Ola Olukoyede, says no mega financial fraud, especially illicit financial flows, is possible without lawyers’ support.

Olukoyede stated this during the opening of the 6th Annual Criminal Law Review Conference in Abuja.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the 5-day event is titled: “Optimising the Administration of Criminal Justice in Nigeria: How to Navigate Emerging and Systemic Challenges of Insecurity and Economic Hardship.”

According to the EFCC chairman, the transfer of huge funds into offshore accounts, preferable in tax haven are aided by lawyers.

“The most traumatic discovery of the EFCC in recent years was the subjugation of national interest and wellbeing to personal interest by lawyers who aided briefcase foreign investors to fleece the nation in dubious transactions.

“The P&ID scam, the Mambilla Power Project and Sunrise issues are cases in point,” he said.

He said that while the anti-graft agency has had cause to prosecute judicial officers and senior lawyers and earned conviction, his respect for the bench and senior members of the bar remained undiminished.

“However, based on the unique experiences of the EFCC in the prosecution of corruption cases, I am particularly interested in systemic reforms in our justice delivery system that capture.

“The process for the discipline and regulation of judicial officers.The regulation and discipline of legal practitioners. Ethics, values and standards of legal practice.

“These are essential to me because the job of EFCC is ensuring that the corrupt does not find space in our national life. And when they do, to make them pay for their deeds,” he said.

Olukoyede urged the judiciary “to address the issue of obscene legal fees senior lawyers earn from political office holders, particularly the manner in which they collect such fees which clearly conflicts with existing statutes.

“If a lawyer would not care about the source from which a sitting governor or any other public servant pays him millions of Naira to defend him in electoral tribunal, the lawyer must necessarily be mindful of the fact that the only proper way to collect such humongous amounts is through the financial system.

“Aside from violating money laundering regulations, hauling millions of Naira of professional fees from public office holders in liquid cash as senior lawyers do is only aimed at tax evasion.

“It is needless to stress that the best act of mentoring from leaders of the bar to the younger generation of lawyers is by living out the ethical demands of the profession,” he said.

Mr Lateef Fagbemi, SAN, the Attorney-General of the Federation (AGF) and Minister of Justice, said the nation stands at a critical juncture where insecurity and economic adversity present profound challenges to the rule of law and the administration of justice.

“These challenges demand innovative, practical and collaborative approaches to ensure that our justice system remains robust, fair and effective.

“The Federal Government, under the leadership of His Excellency, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, is committed to reforming and strengthening our criminal justice system,” he said.

Fagbemi, who was represented by the Director of Public Prosecutions, Abubakar Baba-Doko, said the government was taking decisive steps to address the root causes of crime, improve law enforcement capabilities and enhance the efficiency of the courts.

He said there was the need to strengthen institutions and legal frameworks; leverage on technology and innovation, and foster collaboration and build public trust.

The President of the National Industrial Court of Nigeria, Justice B.B. Kanyip, said the Administration of Criminal Justice Act (ACJA), 2015, is unmistakably a significant legislation in enhancing efficiency and effectiveness in the justice delivery system in Nigeria.

Kanyip, who was represented by Justice Olufunke Anuwe, said the ACJA helps in expediting criminal trials, decongestion of the correctional centres and the protection of the rights and interests of marginalised persons.

He, however, said that insecurity and economic hardship poses a serious threat to the implementation of the provision of the Act.

Mr Joseph Daudu, the Coordinator of the Rule of Law Development Foundation and organiser of the event, said the Criminal Law Review Conference commenced six years ago as one of the flagship events of the foundation.

He said it was essentially to provide an annual forum for the review of all developments, particularly novel developments in the field of crime apprehension, crime prosecution, crime adjudication and the important activities of the post adjudicatory processes and institutions of the criminal justice system.

NAN reports that the event, which is being held in Abuja, is also taking place virtually at various locations within Nigeria and abroad simultaneously.(NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

edited by Sadiya Hamza

Ismail Abdulaziz
Nov, Mon, 2024

Judiciary

Houses for judges by Wike in order, says senior advocate

213 total views today

By Taiye Agbaje

Mr Joseph Daudu, SAN, on Monday, disagreed with critics of the Minister of FCT, Nyesom Wike, over the construction of houses for judges in Abuja.

Daudu, the Coordinator of the Rule of Law Development Foundation, made this known at the opening of the 6th Annual Criminal Law Review Conference of the foundation in Abuja.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the 5-day event is titled: “Optimising the Administration of Criminal Justice in Nigeria: How to Navigate Emerging and Systemic Challenges of Insecurity and Economic Hardship.”

He said the allegation that the renovation of courts and provision of houses for judges amounted to inducement was untrue and only to portray the judiciary in bad light.

The senior lawyer said the constitution allows the overlap of functions of the three arms of government; the executive, legislature and judiciary.

“Thus, in the normal democratic system of government, it is not unusual to see the executive exercise legislative powers by the making of executive orders or exercise judicial powers by making subsidiary legislation to authorise its agencies to impose fines on transgressors of the law.

“Also as stated above, it is not unusual to find the legislature authorised by the constitution to exercise judicial powers in the course of its oversight functions either by committing members of the public for contempt of the legislature or sitting and conducting hearings, inviting witnesses to testify before it as if it is a court of law.

“The judiciary on the other hand also exercises executive and at times legislative functions. Judges propound and make laws within the body of their judgments.

“They award contracts within their own domestic responsibilities. Many other numerous examples abound.

“One other vital point to note in this matter of the construction of houses for judges within the FCT is that it is not a personal bonanza of the Minister of the FCT but an appropriated project in the budget which received the assent of the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.

“Consequently, the way and manner, the said critics have been going about it is as if the minister of the FCT is constructing the buildings out of his personal purse and in his individual capacity is unfortunate.

“Once this distinction is recognised, it becomes clear that the hallowed office of a judge cannot be corrupted by merely giving to them their entitlement or accoutrement of their office,” he said.

According to the lawyer, historically, providing accommodation for judges and or judicial officers dates back from colonial times.

“We are privy to the knowledge and official records and documentation showing that judges have been provided housing by the executive arm of government since colonial times in the Government Reservation Areas of virtually all our urban centres/cities in Nigeria.

“This practise was stopped around 2007 when it became government policy to monetise housing and other perquisites of office under the guise that government will be saving more money when it pays rent for housing and buys vehicles for its staff across the three arms of government.

“The judiciary was the first to back out of this arrangement because it soon discovered that withdrawal of accommodation from judges especially newly appointed judges exposed them to danger of having to rent accommodation in anyhow areas of the town, which exposed them and their families to grave danger.

“Thus, now that this service is being reinstated by the executive which is the appropriate agency to carry out such works, some people are losing sight of the big picture and have reduced the matter to one of party politics, without considering the overall benefit of the provision of housing by the executive to the safety, independence and impartiality of the judges in question,” he said.

Daudu said it was time Nigerians knew that the three arms of government worked in tandem and in a coordinated manner.

“They do not work at cross purposes. Thus, the constitution expressly vests the function of submitting budgets, executing laws, planning for both the legislature and the judiciary on the executive arm of government.

“Moreover, judges are sworn on the Holy Books; the Bible and the Quran, to dispense justice without fear or favour or ill-will or malice to anyone.

“One will be thinking very low of our judicial officers if it is thought that their judicial oaths do not count for anything,” he said.(NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

edited by Sadiya Hamza

Ismail Abdulaziz
Nov, Mon, 2024

General News

Housing: Bankers say FG’s N250bn mortgage fund game changer

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By Ismail Abdulaziz

The Mortgage Banking Association of Nigeria (MBAN) says the Federal Government’s N250 billion Mortgage and Real Estate Investment Fund (MREIF) will change the face of housing accessibility in the country.

It added that it was a strategic intervention towards addressing the huge housing deficit and revitalising the mortgage banking subsector.

The President of MBAN, Mr Ebilate Mac-Yoroki and the secretary, Dr Adedeji Ajadi, disclosed this in a statement on Monday in Abuja.

MBAN is the bona fide Self-Regulatory Organisation (SRO) and umbrella body for all the mortgage banks licensed by the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) and the mortgage brokerage companies registered by the association to engage in mortgage business.

They described the initiative as a demonstration of a strong political will towards providing access to long-term and sustainable mortgage banking/housing finance to Nigerians.

“The initiative aligns with the federal government’s objective to tackle the significant housing deficit in Nigeria, while stimulating economic growth and employment creation in the mortgage banking and real estate/housing construction value-chain.

“The N250 billion MREI-Fund is structured to attract private sector and capital market long-term investments from pension funds operators (PFO) and life insurance companies, which would be blended with low-cost seed funding provided by the government.

“This innovative financing model would act as catalysts in the provision of mortgages at interest rates hovering around the single digit, with repayment tenor up to 20 years, thereby offering much-needed relief to prospective home-owners, currently burdened by high interest rates and affordability issues.

“This development underscores the importance of public-private collaboration in addressing critical national challenges, such as affordable housing.

“MBAN remains committed to working closely with the federal government and other stakeholders to achieve sustainable housing solutions for Nigerians.”

The association commended President Bola Tinubu, for the life-saving initiative towards home ownership and rent-to-own finance in Nigeria.

It also lauded the Minister of Housing and Urban Development, Ahmed Dangiwa and the Managing Director, Federal Mortgage Bank of Nigeria, Shehu Osidi, for driving the Tinubu administration’s housing sector vision.

The association encouraged all Nigerians to seize the unique opportunity to have access to affordable mortgages, fulfil their dreams of home ownership and contribute to narrowing the housing gap.

“Please, be assured that the members of mortgage banks and mortgage brokerage companies of MBAN are poised to facilitate this process, ensuring that the benefits of this transformative fund drill down to each of those who need it the most.”(NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Muhyideen Jimoh

Ismail Abdulaziz
Nov, Mon, 2024

General News

Nigeria, India to sign MoU on collaboration in critical sectors

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By Salisu Sani-Idris

President Bola Tinubu and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi will soon sign Memoranda of Understanding(MOU), to enhance collaboration in critical sectors.

Special Adviser to the President on Information & Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, disclosed this in a statement in Abuja.

Onanuga explained that Tinubu would welcome the Indian Prime Minister on a State Visit at the Presidential Villa, Abuja, on Sunday.

According to him, Prime Minister Modi is scheduled to arrive on Saturday.

Onanuga said that Modi’s visit to Nigeria would be the first by an Indian prime minister since Dr Manmohan Singh’s state visit in 2007.

He recalled that during Singh’s state visit, the two nations established a strategic partnership.

The presidential aide said that Tinubu and Modi would seek to strengthen both nations’ ties further, during their bilateral discussions.

“Both leaders will sign MOUs to enhance collaboration in critical sectors,” he said. (NAN)

Edited by Ephraims Sheyin

Ismail Abdulaziz
Nov, Mon, 2024

General News

GCON honour on Modi, Indian’s PM, excites community

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By Taiye Olayemi

The Indian community in Nigeria has expressed happiness over the conferment of the prestigious Grand Commander of the Order of the Niger(GCON), award on its home Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

Mr Sanjay Srivastava, Founder of Overseas Friends of Bharatiya Janata Party (OFBJP), Nigeria Chapter, in a statement on Sunday, said the award was a testament to Modi’s contributions to strengthening bilateral relations between India and Nigeria.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), reports that President Bola Tinubu on Sunday, during the Nigeria/India Bilateral meeting held in Abuja, conferred the national honour on the Indian Prime Minister.

Th president said that the award was bestowed on the Indian leader to signify Nigeria’s appreciation and commitment to the Nigerian-Indian partnership.

Queen Elizabeth is the only foreign dignitary to have received such honour in 1969.

NAN also reports that the Nigerian recognition is the 17th such international award conferred on PM Modi by a foreign country.

Srivastava said that Modi’s recognition was a significant milestone in India-Nigeria relations, reflecting his tireless efforts toward fostering cooperation and mutual understanding between the two nations.

“On behalf of the Indian community in Nigeria, along with the General Secretary of OFBJP Nigeria, Mr Pravin Kumar, and Vice Presidents Vikas Kane and Mr Sabir Ali, we extend our congratulations to PM Modi for this exceptional recognition.

“The Indian community in Nigeria sees PM Modi’s GCON honour as a moment of pride, recognising his dedication to promoting global cooperation and development.

“This award will undoubtedly further solidify the bond between India and Nigeria, paving the way for increased collaboration and mutual growth,” he said.

“After receiving the honour, Modi addressed a gathering of Indian diaspora in Abuja, where he dedicated the honour to the people of India and the resilient Indian community residing in Nigeria.

“Modi’s inspiring speech highlighted the enduring bond between India and Nigeria.

“Modi emphasised the need to further deepen strategic partnership across various sectors such as defence, energy, technology, trade, health and education.

“The Prime Minister also reflected on the remarkable progress achieved in the last decade, nurturing the shared vision of collaboration based on Bharatiya philosophy and values.”

He further quoted Modi as saying that honouring him with Nigeria’s National Award was an honour that belongs to the people of India.

“This honour belongs to all of you, Indians living here in Nigeria,” Modi was quoted as saying.

Srivastava, who is also the President of the Afro Asian Initiative for Community Development, noted that under Modi’s leadership, India had made significant strides in various sectors.

He said the growth had been in the area of economic development, digital revolution, international cooperation and many more.

“Initiatives like Jan Dhan, MUDRA Bank and Unified Pension Scheme have transformed India’s economic landscape, while programmes like BharatNet, DigiLocker and UMANG have bridged the digital divide and enhanced services,” he said. (NAN) (nannews.ng)

Edited by Ephraims Sheyin

Ismail Abdulaziz
Nov, Mon, 2024

General News

PM Modi’s visit to Nigeria sparks jubilation among indians

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Mr Sanjay Srivastava, Founder of OFBJP, Nigeria Chapter

By Taiye Olayemi

The Overseas Friends of Bharatiya Janata Party (OFBJP), Nigeria Chapter, has expressed excitement over Indian Prime Minister, Narendra Modi’s planned visit to Nigeria from Nov. 16 to Nov.17.

Mr Sanjay Srivastava, Founder of OFBJP, in a statement, on Wednesday, said the visit would boost bilateral ties between Nigeria and India.

“This is the first visit of our beloved Prime Minister Narendra Modi to Nigeria since he assumed office in 2014, and this marks almost 18 years since a prime ministerial visit to Nigeria.

“This visit will enhance bilateral ties, strengthen our diplomatic, cultural, and economic relationships. So, we are excited look forward to a rewarding experience,” he said.

Srivastava, who is also the President of the Afro-Asian Initiative for Community Development, said the India Support Group in Nigeria was eagerly awaiting the arrival of Modi to Nigeria.

According to him, this will spur a new chapter of friendship and trade promotion with Nigeria.

“The India Support Group is wholeheartedly ready to honour the Prime Minister’s arrival,” he said

He disclosed that among those to welcome Modi were: Mr Pravin Kumar, General Seceratary of OFBJP Nigeria, Mr Vikas Kane and Mr Sabir, Vice Presidents of OFBJP Nigeria.

Srivastava noted that the visit aimed to solidify trade and investment opportunities, enhance cooperation in key sectors like energy, technology, pharmaceuticals, and agriculture.

He said that Nigeria and India were expected to explore deeper educational, cultural, and people-to-people connections to celebrate shared values and traditions.

“It is planned that there would be joint efforts to address security challenges, counter-terrorism, and maritime security will be highlighted to align with regional and global stability goals, ” he said.

He said further that India was committed to contributing to Nigeria’s healthcare infrastructure and skill-building programmes, offering expertise in medical services and workforce development.

“India and Nigeria will explore sustainable energy partnerships, focusing on renewable energy solutions to meet Nigeria’s energy needs while supporting environmental goals.

“This historic visit, culminating with discussions between Prime Minister Modi and President Bola Tinubu, signifies a strengthened India-Nigeria alliance, committed to a prosperous future, built on mutual respect and shared goals,” he said. (NAN) (nannews.ng)

Edited by Benson Ezugwu/Folasade Adeniran

Ismail Abdulaziz
Nov, Sun, 2024

Politics

Buhari welcomes APC’s victory in Ondo

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By Mufutau Ojo

Former President Muhammadu Buhari has commended the success of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in the Saturday governorship election in Ondo State which returned Gov. Lucky Aiyeditawa.

In his reaction to the outcome of the election, the former president said the voters had spoken lucidly and loudly about the confidence they have in the party and the governor.

Buhari said in a statement by his spokesperson, Garba Shehu, on Sunday that the voters had expressed their wish through the ballot box, adding that this should be respected by other stakeholders.

The former president said the election’s outcome had shown that democracy remained strong and could not be easily overturned in a country as large and diverse as Nigeria.

He, however, challenged the governor-elect to put in place policies that engender economic growth, tame high unemployment and inflation while pursuing welfare programmes to make life better for the people.

Buhari also commended the Independent National Electoral Commission and law enforcement agencies for their efforts in reducing observed shortcomings in previous elections.

He wished Aiyeditawa and his team a successful tenure in office. (NAN)

Edited by Ismail Abdulaziz

Ismail Abdulaziz
Nov, Sun, 2024

Politics

Chambas calls for African Defence Force

193 total views today

By Mufutau Ojo

Former President of the ECOWAS Commission, Dr Mohamed Ibn Chambas, has called for the establishment of an African Defence Force.

Chambas made the call in Awka while speaking at the 13th Zik Lecture Series.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the lecture is in honour of the late elder statesman, Nnamdi Azikiwe, who died on May 11, 1996.

This year’s edition had as theme: “Zik Legacies and Rising Social Movements in Africa: Rethinking Regional Integration in Africa.”

Chambas, who is the Chairman of the African Union High-Level Panel on Sudan, said a unified African Defence Force would improve the continent’s ability to address security challenges.

” Terrorism and insurgency have plagued regions such as the Sahel, the Horn of Africa and Central Africa.

” These issues are beyond the capacity of any single African country to tackle alone,” he said.

Chambas said Africa with its own standby force could efficiently deploy resources and personnel to conflict zones, supporting peacekeeping operations and stabilising at-risk areas.

“This collective approach would allow African states to share intelligence, strategise collectively and neutralise threats before they escalate.

“Furthermore, a unified defence force could secure Africa’s borders and natural resources from external exploitation.

“As Zik emphasised, a stable Africa would be less susceptible to the interference of foreign powers who seek access to its vast resources.

“The force would be a deterrent against neocolonialism, allowing Africa to establish policies that prioritise its own interests over those of external actors.

” For instance, an African Navy could safeguard the continent’s coastal areas, particularly against illegal fishing and piracy, which have become significant issues in regions like the Gulf of Guinea” he said.

Chambas also said a common defence strategy would protect the rights of African citizens and ensure that governments uphold human rights and democratic principles.

This, he said, would further stabilise the region and bolster Zik’s vision of dignity and self governance.(NAN)

Edited by Ismail Abdulaziz