By Deborah Coker

The Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), Gen. Christopher Musa says the Armed Forces will be transparent in the prosecution of the war against insecurity in the country.

Musa gave the assurance on Tuesday in Abuja, in his remarks during the assumption of office of the Minister of Defence, Alhaji Muhammed Badaru and his State counterpart, Dr Bello Matawalle.

He also assured that the armed forces would do all it takes to ensure peace and stability in the country.

“We will ensure that peace and tranquility is returned to the country, we assure you of our support and transparency in fighting insecurity.

“We will do all it takes to ensure success in the fight against insecurity, even as we assure you of our loyalty to Nigeria and the President,” the CDS added.

Earlier, the Permanent Secretary in the ministry, Dr Ibrahim Kana, expressed confidence that the ministers would deploy their experiences to succeed in their new assignment.

“They are coming with prudence and discipline, because they know the importance of stability in security,” Kana said, and pledged that workers of the ministry would back them to succeed. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Maharazu Ahmed

By Emmanuel Antswen

The Benue Chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC) has congratulated Prof. Joseph Utev , the Minister for Water Resources and Sanitation on his recent appointment and inauguration.

This is contained in a statement on Tuesday signed by the party’s State Publicity Secretary, Mr Daniel Ihomun, and made available to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN).

The party said the minister has the capacity to take the ministry to greater heights, having ascended to the level of professorship through uncommon hard work and held a number of other high-ranking positions.

The party further pledged to support the minister in any measure to fulfil his new assignment with distinctions.

The party also expressed its sincere gratitude to President Bola Tinubu for appointing one of their own as a minister.

It appreciated, Sen. George Akume, the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, as well as Gov. Hyacinth Alia, for seeing to it that Benue is represented well at the national level. (NAN) www.nannews.ng

By Yahaya Isah

The New Minister of Interior, Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo has said that the Federal Government will deploy technology to protect the nation’s borders against any form of threat.
The minister made this known during an interactive session with the newsmen on Tuesday in Abuja.
Tunji-Ojo said that it had become imperative to deploy ultra-modern technology to secure every part of the nation’s border especially, now that insecurity is becoming the order of the day globally.
“We need to secure them to ensure that either our land, air, or sea is well protected against any form threat arising from those areas.
“It has become necessary to complement and to consolidate on what the Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS) is already doing.
“So, we need to move at a faster pace and make sure we secure our territory as a nation. So for me, it’s something that must be done. There’s no option other than to do it.
“You see, I don’t lead from the back, I lead from the front. I have the instruction of President Bola Tinubu to make sure that there are reforms, which is a renewed hope agenda of this government.
“Which actually finds its footing in the Interior Ministry and its agencies being the custodian of internal security of the country,” he said.
The minister assured Nigerians that the ministry would not disappoint the president in his quest to bring a reform to government agencies especially, NIS whose core mandate is to secure the nation’s borders.
He urged the personnel of the service not to disappoint him, as he is ready to build on the performance of the service to enable the Federal Government deliver on the renewed hope agenda.
The minister also promised that all the bottlenecks surrounding the issuance of visa and passport would be looked into with the aim of sanitising the system.(NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

By Deborah Coker

The Minister of Defence, Alhaji Muhammed Badaru, and his State counterpart, Dr Bello Matawalle on Tuesday assumed office at the Ministry’s headquarters in Abuja.

Badaru in his remarks shortly after officially taking over from Dr Ibrahim Kana, Permanent Secretary in the ministry, pledged to review past reports on insecurity in the country.

He said this was with a view to tackling the hydra-headed challenge and make Nigeria safe for all.

The minister said they would not betray the trust of President Bola Tinubu, and therefore charged the service chiefs to give him a timeline and requirements to solve the issue of insecurity in the country.

“This timeline and target will be passed on to the President, and trust he will be monitoring us.

“The president is ready to give us all the needed support to achieve success, because he is an achiever and doesn’t have the patience for failure.

“For the sake of our country, we know that without security, there will be no investment, and without investment, there will be no economic growth.”

The minister assured that his tenure would bring about remarkable change in the country’s security situation, and pledged not to joke with the appointment.

Similarly, Matawalle in his remarks said that the Armed Forces of Nigeria have demonstrated exceptional commitment over time, in spite of the constantly evolving security landscape.

“New threats emerge while existing ones continue to persist.

“Terrorism, banditry, insurgency, cyber warfare, transnational organised crime, and communal conflicts pose significant challenges to our national security.

“The task ahead is not an easy one. However I am confident that with the support of my colleagues, the dedication of our armed forces, and the unwavering commitment of every Nigerian citizen, we will overcome any challenge that comes our way.”

Matawalle noted that Nigeria was blessed with abundant resources, diverse cultures, and a resilient population.

“However it is a nation that faces numerous challenges in maintaining peace and stability within its borders.

“Our geographical location, coupled with internal and external threats, demand a robust defence strategy that can effectively protect our sovereignty and preserve our national interest,” he said.

He said that the ministry would spare no effort in ensuring the security and wellbeing of every Nigerian.

“We will leave no stone unturned in our efforts to build a strong defence apparatus that can effectively counter emerging threats.”

He however said that defending the nation rest on the shoulders of all, not just the defence forces or government.

“It is a collective responsibility that requires the active participation of every citizen,” Matawalle said.

The minister of state further said that he and his senior colleague had resolved to adopt a comprehensive and multi-faceted approach to effectively tackle the prevailing security issues in the country.

According to him, the armed forces would be modernised and strengthened through investment in advance weaponry, intelligence gathering capabilities, surveillance system and cyber defence infrastructure.

“We will work with international partners to acquire cutting-edge technology and expertise that will enhance our defence capabilities.

“At the same time, we recognise that military might alone cannot guarantee lasting security and stability.

“We must address the root causes of conflicts, promote social cohesion and foster economic development.”

He further said that while the government takes the lead in addressing security challenges, the importance of engaging with all stakeholders could not be over-emphasised.

He also said that regional cooperation was essential in combating transnational threats.

“Nigeria will continue to strengthen its partnership with neighbouring countries and regional organisations like ECOWAS and the AU by sharing intelligence, coordinating operations and conducting joint exercises,” he said.

He added that the ministry would priotise the welfare and training of security personnel, and ensuring that they were well equipped with the necessary tools and resources to effectively carry out their responsibilities. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

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Edited by Maharazu Ahmed

By Sumaila Ogbaje

The Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, says forgiveness, justice and reconciliation are necessary in forging an enduring peaceful society.

Egbetokun said this on Monday in Abuja at the opening of a course on Forgiveness, Justice and Reconciliation.

The course was put together by the Institute for Peace and Conflict Resolution in collaboration with Peace Building Development Consult.

The I-G was represented by the Commissioner of Police, Directorate of Training and Development, Force Headquarters, Mr Abiodo Ashabi.

He said the Police Force would support any initiative aimed at promoting peace and conflict resolution in the country.

According to him, the course will help to achieve complete reconciliation and address crisis in all ramifications.

“We are to begin from somewhere and by the grace of God, we are going to end on a very positive note in this country.

“That is why the Police is pleased to identify with the objectives of forgiveness, reconciliation and justice which this programme is set to achieve.”

He urged the resource persons to touch all the necessary subjects that need to be discussed for the benefit of the participants.

In his remarks, the Director General of IPCR, Dr Joseph Ochogwu, said the course, which was the first of its kind across all institutions of learning in the country.

He said that it was developed to address the myriads of challenges confronting the nation in the last 20 years.

Ochogwu said there had been proliferation and liberalisation of violence, distrust, and lack of confidence between citizens and government, as well as among ethnic groups.

The D-G added that the society had become fractured and fragile, and require concerted efforts to change at individual, group and intergroup levels.

According to him, there is also mutual suspicion among security agencies.

“So we need to change these narratives to build a viral, stable and a prosperous Nigeria.

“That is why this course is designed for us to embrace ourselves as one entity, because only together can we build Nigeria.

“Once agencies are running contrary goals, you cannot make any headway.”

He said that the course was designed with inputs from Peace Building Development Consult to bring together the military, security and civil agencies, NGOs, faith and community organisations to understand the essence of forgiveness, justice and reconciliation.

“This is because the more depth you have over a particular issue, the easier it is for you to practice it.”

He added that by the time the police and the Nigerian army exchange flags of forgiveness and reconciliation for things done in time past, then it should be taken as one of the output of the course.

“We need to build our nation with key understanding of where we are going to.

“We have no option therefore than to work together in our onerous quest for peace in order for us to achieve a peaceful and stable society for the generations that are coming behind.

“It is only when we build a much more better Nigerian society, that we can engage externally and earn our respect,” he said.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the three-day course has scholars from different fields.

The first lecture titled,”History of Violence and the Nigerian Security Dynamics” was delivered by Prof. Okpe Okpe, a former President of Historical Society of Nigeria.

The second lecture titled, “Concepts and Methods of Forgiveness, Justice and Reconciliation was delivered by Ochogwu. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Deborah Coker/Maharazu Ahmed

By Ishaq Zaki

Zamfara Patriotic Political Class (ZAMPPOC), a political group, has commended President Bola Tinubu for appointing former governor Bello Matawalle as Minister of State for Defence.

The group’s commendation is contained in a statement on Monday in Gusau, by Bilal Shehu and Kabiru Ibrahim, Chairman and Secretary respectively.

The duo noted that Matawalle as a former member of the House of Representatives served as Chairman House Committee on National Security and Intelligence for four years.

They noted that he initiated and joined forces with the neighboring Katsina, Sokoto, Kebbi, Niger and Kano States and the neighboring Niger Republic to form partnerships in fighting insecurity.

“On behalf of the entire leadership and members of ZAMPPOC, we appreciate Mr President for choosing Matawalle as a Minister and member Federal Executive Council.

“Giving Matawalle ministerial slot from Zamfara as Minister of State for Defence by President Tinubu is a welcome development.

“This is a clear indication that his performance as a governor in tackling insecurity in the state was carefully being watched by many well-meaning Nigerians.

“At that capacity, he contributed drastically to the fight against the Boko Haram insurgents and every well-meaning Nigerian has seen the impact today,” they said.

They also noted that the minister- designate introduced peace dialogue with bandits in the state and the measure worked successfully, as during his tenure banditry activities especially attacks on communities, kidnapping reduced drastically.

“Through the peace dialogue, many of the bandits surrendered their arms and ammunition as well as assisted security agents in tracking down unrepentant bandits, a situation that forced many of them to either surrender or relocate elsewhere.

“He also initiated the Rural Grazing Area (RUGA) settlement for Fulanis equipped with basic and social amenities with the view to keep the nomadic Fulanis in one place.

“Therefore, we have strong belief that Matawalle as Minister of State for Defence is going to be too bad for all criminals and crimes.

“We pray that he will be one of the best and fulfilling ministers in the Tinubu-led administration,” they added. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Deborah Coker/Julius Toba-Jegede

By Yakubu Uba

Gov. Babagana Zulum of Borno has presented N10m relief package to soldiers wounded in the ongoing fight against insurgents in the state.

The package was presented to General Officer Commanding (GOC) 7 Division, Maiduguri, Maj.-Gen. Peter Malla by the Borno Commissioner of Information and Security, Prof. Usman Tar and the Permanent Secretary Government House, Mustapha Busuguma.

During the presentation, Tar said the package was a fulfilment of the pledge made by Zulum during the Eid-el-kabir lunch for troops in Maiduguri, organized by Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lt.-Gen. Taoreed Lagbaja.

“We are here to fulfil the pledge made by His Excellency, the Executive Governor of Borno State, Prof. Babagana Umara Zulum.

“You may recall that the governor was here on a Sallah day for an event, during which he expressed the commitment of the Borno State Government to the welfare of our troops and pledged a donation of N10m to wounded soldiers.

“This morning he despatched us to come and deliver the gift,” Tar said.

He expressed the state goverment’s commitment to continue to complement Federal Government in providing logistics and other support to improve troops’ welfare in view of their sacrifice in protecting the territorial integrity of Nigeria.

In his response, the GOC 7 Division, Maj.- Gen. Peter Malla, expressed appreciation to Zulum for his sustained support to the military in the state.

“Let me on behalf of Theatre Commander, welcome you to 7 Division and also express our appreciation to His Excellency for always supporting the military,” Malla said.

The GOC reiterated the commitment of the military to continue to sustain the relative peace enjoyed in Borno by eliminating the remnants of insurgents who insist on fighting in the state and region. (NAN)

Edited by Idris Abdulrahman