By Sumaila Ogbaje

Gov. Hope Uzodinma of Imo, has commended the Nigerian Navy for surveying and charting the nation’s waters to promote security and economic activities.

Uzodinma said this at the World Hydrography Day with the theme, “Hydrography: Underpinning the Digital Twin of the Ocean” organised by the navy on Wednesday in Abuja.

The Navy also used the event to unveil seven new navigational charts for River Alape, from Ondo to Lagos sea.

The governor said that the opening of the waterways would deepen the development of the economies of littoral states, adding that water bodies have historically been central to human evolution and civilisation.

He added that waterways have been playing significant roles and making invaluable contributions to the economies of many nations.

The governor said the hydrography project by the navy would provide vivid pictures of the nature and condition of waters to enable effective management for navigation.

Uzodinma said some of the littoral states have been working with the navy to facilitate navigation revolution in their states.

He commended Ondo State Government for engaging the services of the Nigerian navy to survey, chart and open Alape River, from Ilaje to Apapa in Lagos, to boost economic activities including transportation, agriculture and tourism.

According to him, this is a laudable milestone that will forever remain indelible in the history of Ondo state and Nigeria.

“As I speak to you, a team of highly dedicated and professional naval personnel are in Imo conducting the bridge region solvent of the sea, assessing development routes of the state starting from Oguta Lake through Orasi River to the Atlantic Ocean.

“When this is completed, it will afford the navy the opportunity of deploying platforms to enhance vital security in the area and also facilitate and optimised evacuation of abundant gas reserves, thereby adding to the economic development of our dear state in particular and that of Nigeria in general.

“I must acknowledge that the Nigerian navy has made significant strides in enhancing maritime domain awareness through hydrographic surveys and charting activities.

“These efforts led to the production of up-to-date national nautical charts, enabling several navigations and reducing risk, first by ships and seafarers operating within Nigerian waters, to a dedicated hydrographic practice.

“Nigeria navy acquires series of data sets that are not only relevant to the charts production but are also used in a wide range of water engineering and socioeconomic applications.

“Including the creation of the digital twin of the ocean in today’s world, the actions of governments, coastal communities, multi resource exploration and exploitation companies, global warming and climate change,” he said.

The governor urged all stakeholders, federal and state governments to form necessary bonds to harness potentials for the development of the digital twin of the entire Nigerian maritime space.

He said it would help in supporting Nigeria’s sustainable development of the blue economy markets.

On his part, the Acting Governor of Ondo State, Chief Lucky Aiyedatiwa, said the event affirmed the commitment of the government to harnessing the potential of its waterways for the betterment of the nation.

Aiyedatiwa said that Nigeria has extensive network of rivers and water landscape that had long been recognised as essential content for trade, transportation and economic growth.

He said the nation could experience unprecedented economic growth by harnessing the power of its rivers for trade and commerce, which would lead to enhanced efficiency, reduced logistic cost and a more sustainable transport system.

This according to him, will serve as a catalyst for economic growth and job creation, which will eventually attract local and foreign investment, breathing new life into maritime sector.

He said that Ondo state, with its abundant natural resources, strategic location and business friendly environment, had been adjudged to be one of the safest and enticing destination for investment, import infrastructure, shipbuilding, maritime logistics and offshore exploration.

He thanked the Nigerian navy for its focus and determination in ensuring the completion of the chart project in spite of the economic challenges at the time.

According to him, the Alape Charts, meticulously crafted by the Nigerian navy, will serve as an invaluable resource for navigation along the river.

“This chart will provide essential information that will enhance safety, efficiency and accuracy in maritime activities.

“The commitment of the navy to the development of Alape river charts speaks volume about their dedication to service and unwavering support for the growth of our nation.

“Their resilience and determination, overcoming challenges and delivering of their promise, are truly commendable.

The Managing Director, NIWA, Mr George Moghalu, commended the navy for playing key role in the business of safety and security in the nation’s waterways.

Moghalu described navy’s effort as lofty, adding that the World Hydrography Day was marked to demonstrate love for the ocean and the blue economy of Nigeria, which NIWA was driving to achieve.

He commended the collaboration between the navy and state governments in the area of survey and production of navigational charts to make the waterways safer and attractive to local and foreign investors.

The managing director said that NIWA would continue to develop sustainable and efficient inland water transportation and boost economic activities in the country. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Maharazu Ahmed

By Cecilia Ologunagba

The Former National Security Adviser (NSA), retired Maj.-Gen. Babagana Monguno, has said that Nigeria remains committed to bring terrorists to justice.

Monguno made this known at the Session II Third United Nations High-Level Conference of Heads of Counter-Terrorism Agencies of Member States at UN headquarters in New York on Tuesday.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the Conference, which opened on Monday is expected to host 40 side events backed by State Members and multilateral organisations.

The former NSA said that with partnerships from specialised UN agencies and international partners, Nigeria had continued to strengthen its criminal justice provisions and judicial frameworks to secure the conviction of terrorism offenders.

“At both state and federal levels, Nigeria is building institutional capacity to effectively rehabilitate and reintegrate low-risk affiliates of terrorist groups through the “OPERATION SAFE CORRIDOR” and other home-grown initiatives by state governments in the North-East.

“Likewise, our efforts at enhancing support to victims have involved the establishment of the North-East Development Commission and the Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs, Disaster Management and Social Development which continue to embark on projects to rebuild communities affected by terrorist attacks and address the conditions conducive to terrorism,’’ he said.

According to him, the transnational nature of terrorism underscores the importance of strengthening regional institutions and mechanisms to counter the threat.

“It is in this connection and that Nigeria and the UN Office of Counter-Terrorism (UNOCT) will jointly host the next African Regional Counter Terrorism Summit in Abuja in the first quarter of 2024.

“This is to identify challenges as well as foster precipitous and collective action to strengthen national and regional institutions to effectively counter the threat of terrorism in Africa.

“We look forward to welcoming our African colleagues and key partners to this important event,” he said.

Monguno further said that building resilient institutions was not only essential to denying terrorists the freedom to carry out their heinous activities but also fundamental to bringing them to justice.

He said it was essential to provide protection for vulnerable communities and addressing the drivers of radicalisation.

“In the light of the evolving global terrorism landscape, national governments must continue to update legislation in order to build and strengthen national institutions to better respond to threats within and outside their borders.

“In Nigeria, the National Counter Terrorism Strategy (NACTEST) of 2016 and the Policy Framework and National Action Plan for Preventing and Countering Violent Extremism of 2017 provide a dependable architecture for the nation’s counter-terrorism efforts.

“However, more recently in 2022, we adopted the Terrorism (Prevention and Prohibition) Act, which repeals the Terrorism (Prevention) Act, 2011 as amended in 2013 and places prevention at the core of counter terrorism efforts.

“An assessment of this critical piece of legislation was carried out by the Security Council’s CounterTerrorism Committee Executive Directorate (CTED) during their most recent follow-up visit to Nigeria in October 2022.

“Inter alia, the TPPA 2022 enables the establishment of two critical institutions, the National Counter Terrorism Centre (NCTC) and the Nigerian Sanctions Committee (NSC).,’’ he said.

According to him, the centre, commissioned in March 2023, acts as a coordinating platform for Nigeria’s counter terrorism activities aimed at defeating terrorism in all forms.

Likewise, he said the Nigerian Sanctions Committee (NSC) was set up as the national entity responsible for the implementation of United Nations Security Council Resolutions 1373 on Targeted Financial Sanctions, as well as Resolutions 1267, 1988 and successor resolutions.

“Given the growing threat and influence of Da’esh and Al Qaeda on terrorist groups operating within our region, strengthening the effectiveness of these institutions will remain a priority for Nigeria in our fight to eradicate Boko Haram and ISWAP.

“The importance for states to truncate terrorists’ access to finances cannot be overemphasized. Terrorists continue to devise means of exploiting the illicit trade in precious minerals, natural resources, virtual assets, crypto currencies and kidnapping for ransom, to sustain their activities and carry out fresh attacks,” he said.

The former NSA , however, advised States to strengthen their various Anti-Money Laundering (AML) and Countering Financing of Terrorism (CFT) frameworks in line with best practices, including the guidelines by the Financial Action Task Force (FATF).

“In 2022, Nigeria adopted the Money Laundering (Prevention and Prohibition) Act, which has strengthened national AML/CFT compliance.

“Likewise, states must prioritise enhancing normative and institutional frameworks to prevent and deny terrorists’ illicit access to SALWs.,’’ he said.

In addition, he said as a former president of the Arms Trade Treaty (ATT), Nigeria remains a consistent advocate for strengthening regulatory measures to curb illicit manufacturing, trafficking and diversion of SALWs.

“The establishment of the National Centre for the Control of Small Arms and Light Weapons (NCCSALW) in 2021, as a policy guidance, research and monitoring centre, has strengthened Nigeria’s capabilities to respond efficiently to tracking and tracing requests.

“The exploitation and misuse of the cyberspace and new technologies by terrorists remains a cause for concern especially in an age where artificial intelligence can be deployed to spew misinformation.

“The use of social media to propagate hate speech and easily disseminate terrorist narratives, as well as their use of encrypted messages calls for increased collaboration between national authorities and platform operators to stem this threat,’’ the former NSA said. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

By Deborah Coker

The International Press Centre (IPC) on Tuesday hosted about 80 delegates in a roundtable in Abuja, to enhance the media role in deepening democratic governance in Nigeria.

The Executive Director, IPC, Mr Lanre Arogundade,  in his opening remarks said that the event was pursuant to the aims and objectives of Component 4: Support to Media of EU-SDGN II project.

Arogundade said the project was being implemented by the IPC (lead partner) and the Institute for Media and Society (IMS).

He said the project was to enhance the Nigerian media’s role in promoting democratic governance through fair, accurate, ethical and inclusive coverage of electoral processes and elections in Nigeria.

He added that the overall goals of the range of activities under the project, therefore, included but not limited to capacity building for journalists on issue focused, factually accurate and conflict-sensitive reporting of elections.

“It also includes capacity building for female candidates on strategic communications and media use and engagements on countering disinformation and misinformation.

“As well as to ensure that journalists and their news mediums pay maximum attention to ethics, professionalism and inclusivity, because such help to facilitate credible elections, without which democracy cannot be consolidated.”

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), reports that the IPC also presented a documented presidential campaign promises by President Bola Tinubu as independently monitored by the IPC media monitoring unit between October 2022 and February 2023.

In presenting the documented Presidential campaign promises, the IPC executive director expressed hope that it would give the media, the civil society and the citizens the opportunity to evaluate their implementation by the president.

“We urge the media and civil society to adopt the same approach to the elected governors and their campaign promises.

“For the media in particular, this should be done with particular reference to Section 22 of the constitution, which obligates the press to perform the watchdog role of monitoring governance and holding the government accountable to the people,” he said.

NAN reports that a lead presentation on “Beyond the Rhetoric of Campaigns: The Role of Citizens and the Media in Ensuring Democratic Accountability” was delivered by Dr Otive Igbuzor, Founding Executive Director, African Centre for Leadership, Strategy and Development (Centre LSD).

Igbuzor in his presentation noted that democracy still remained the best form of government in spite of declining confidence in political leaders and institutions.

He said that election was the procedure through which people were put in positions of authority in the executive and legislative arms of government.

“It is well recognised all over the world that politicians make grand political statements and sweeping promises during campaigns which are difficult to implement while in government.

“Governing is more complex than campaigns. It is therefore imperative for citizens and the media to hold government to account for its campaign promises,” he said.

He, however, said that there were several tools that could be used to hold government and its agencies to account.

“Unfortunately, these tools are not being effectively utilised in Nigeria. Everyone interested in the development of the country must therefore popularise these tools, operationalise them and improve the transparency and accountability of government in Nigeria.

“It is clear that political leaders have a great role to play not only in providing enabling environment for just and accountable government but in facilitating the process of holding government to account.

“This is why the citizens and the media must take more than a casual interest in the political leadership selection process in the country,” he further said.

NAN further reports that the IPC used the opportunity of the event to launch the IOS/Web App of the Media Code of Elections. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

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Edited by Isaac Aregbesola

By Angela Atabo
A coalition of 30 Anti-corruption Civil Society Organisations have called on President Bola Tinubu to revive anti-corruption fight in the country and reel out agenda to curb its spread.
Spokesperson for the group, Mr Auwal Rafsanjani, who is also the Executive Director, Civil Society Legislative Advocacy Centre (CISLAC), made the call on Tuesday in Abuja.
Rafsanjani said that the nation had been plagued with corrupt practices manifesting in different forms for many years and these has resulted in slowness in the judicial process.
He listed low reporting of corrupt practices by citizens due to mistrust in the system, lack of whistle blower and witness protection law to protect whistle-blowers, underfunding of anti-graft agencies and non-adherence to laws as part of corruption.
He said that the absence of political will at the highest level of government and the lack of implementation of the Freedom of Information Act, Proceeds of Crime (Recovery and Management) Act, political corruption among others as other causes of corruption.
He, therefore, said the group made some recommendations like the Federal Government should pass the Whistle-blower and Witness Protection Bill into law.
The recommendation according to him, also include full implementation of the National Strategy on anti-corruption and the Freedom of Information Act, 2011 across all the states of the Federation including the FCT.
“Compulsory capacity building exercise for staff of public institutions on the provisions of the Public Procurement Act, 2007, the Proceeds of Crime (Recovery and Management) Act, 2022 and Freedom of Information Act (FOIA), 2011.
“Effective monitoring and implementation of the Beneficial Ownership register in full compliance with the provisions of CAMA for improved transparency and accountability in public procurement processes.
“Effective implementation of the provisions of the Proceeds of Crime (Recovery and Management) Act, 2022, Fiscal Responsibility Act, the Money Laundering and Prohibition Act, 2022 and OGP NAP III.”
Rafsanjani called for improved funding for ICPC and Code of Conduct Bureau as well as review by the National Assembly of the provisions of the Acts establishing the ICPC, EFCC and Code of Conduct Bureau regarding the mode of appointment of the Chairman and other key laws used to prosecute cases .
He said that these would also result in increased number of convictions of politically exposed persons (PEP) by the EFCC and ICPC.
“In amending the enabling Acts of the anti- corruption agencies, we suggest security of tenure for heads of these agencies.
“Investigation of all public officers and politically exposed persons (PEP) named in the Pandora papers, Panama Papers, Paradise Papers, Genko scandal and FinCEN Files.
“While those found guilty be made to face the full wrath of the law as a deterrent to others,” he said.
He also called for reform of financial institutions such as CBN and commercial banks, FIRS, Nigerian Ports Authority and Maritime sector. These have become money laundering gateways.
Rafsanjani said that there was the need to take concrete steps to foster great judicial independence by institutionalisng real financial autonomy for the judiciary.
He said this currently depended on disbursements that were often delayed by the executive.
He said the group demanded that anti-corruption and security agencies demonstrated greater transparency with regards to their budgets and expenditures, developing strategic capacity-building spending plans.
He urged the government to prioritise the need to ensure that information and data in the oil and gas sector was provided.
He called for the need to engage state government to align with all anti-corruption strategies and initiatives at the federal level and in particular, get all those states that have not domesticated the Freedom of Information Act to do so,
Rafsanjani said that there was need to improve and strengthen the autonomy, independence and institutional capacity of state-level anti-corrupting agencies and create better synergy between them and their counter-parts at the federal level.
“There should be respect for civil space by those in authority. Civil Society Organisations and citizens should have the liberty of expressing themselves regarding issues of governance and well-being of citizens without fear of intimidation or harassment.
“Government should see the role CSOs play as complimentary rather than antagonistic.
“For genuinely confidential procurements in the Defense Sector, we recommend that a separate legal procedure should be designed allowing for monitoring by a confidential Senate Committee.”
Rafsanjani said the group also recommended that the National Assembly should fast tracks the process of reviewing the obsolete current audit act to empower the Office of the Auditor General of the Federation in discharging his duty. (NAN)
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Edited by Isaac Aregbesola

By Sumaila Ogbaje

The North-East Peace Advocacy Group has welcomed the appointment of Maj.-Gen. Christopher Musa as the new Chief of Defence Staff (CDS).

This is contained in a statement signed by the group’s convener Malam Bukar Adamu and made available to newsmen in Abuja on Monday.

He said the appointment was an indication that Tinubu’s administration was willing to decisively deal with all forms of criminality in the country.

He explained that Musa’s tenure as Theatre Commander of Operation HADIN KAI had significantly contributed in restoring peace in the North-East region.

“Those who were displaced by insurgency in the North-east region have since started returning to their various towns and villages” he said.

“We are elated by the elevation of Maj. Gen. Musa to the highly coveted seat of the Chief of Defence Staff.

“It is a position that caps all his excellent performance in the various offices he has held in the service to his fatherland.

“During his tenure in the North-East, our people had cause to smile as he was instrumental to our safer return to our various homes.

“His period as commander has led to the surrender of thousands of terrorists who could no longer bear the intensity of the fire power.”

He commended President Tinubu for “this worthy appointment” of the the new CDS who is the winner of the highly coveted Collin Powel Meritorious Award for Soldiering for the year 2022.

Adamu prayed for the success of the new CDS and other service chiefs. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Auwalu Birnin Kudu/Maharazu Ahmed

By Sumaila Ogbaje

The Director, Personnel Management, Army, Brig.-Gen. Arogundade Oyelade, on Monday tasked soldiers to give priority to their training circles so as to bring out the best in them.

Oyelade gave the charge at the opening of the Army Headquarters Garrison Warrant Officers and Senior Non Commission Officers competition 2023, in Abuja.

“Training is a continuum in the military, for it is only through training that the best of us can be brought out,” he added.

He said that the Chief of Army Staff (COAS) had placed premium on the training of personnel, especially in the face of internal security operations.

“I do not expect to see anything short of the highest standards commensurate with your rank and status in the system.

“I will therefore employ all of you to leverage on the available training resources to bring the best to the fore in order to achieve the desires of the COAS for the Nigerian Army.

“Especially in your endurance building, discipline and team spirit as you go through the rigorous of the competition.

“I’m aware you have been on a two week training spanning obstacle crossing, swimming, drill, endurance run, weapon training and map reading which must have taken their toll on you.

“In spite of these, the standard of the command over time is very high and I’m convinced that you are all firmly aware of this and have trained accordingly,” he said.

Similarly, Acting Assistant Director, Physical Training, AHQ Garrison, Lt.-Col. Daniel Ezebuchie, said the competition was in compliance with the army forecast of event for 2023.

Ezebuchi said the competition was assembled on June 6, with a two-week pre-competition training which covered weapons handling, obstacle course, map reading, drill and swimming.

He added that the competition was an important aspect of military training aimed at enhancing troops’ physical fitness and combat readiness.

Ezebuchi added that it was also aimed at evaluating troops’ confidence as well as to promote and instill team spirit and cooperation among them.

He said that participants were drawn from Army Headquarters departments and other units within the garrison’s areas of responsibility.

“For the participants, the highest of standards will be expected in your output, not your years of experience in the Service,” he said. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Deborah Coker/Maharazu Ahmed

By Raji Rasak

The General Officer Commanding (GOC) 81 Division, Nigerian Army, Maj.-Gen. Obinna Ajunwa, has restated commitment to training and retraining of troops in operational readiness to combat security challenges confronting the nation.

Ajunwa stated this during the Opening Ceremony of 81 Division Inter-Brigade Warrant Officers (WOs) and Senior Non-Commissioned Officers (SNCOs) competition holding at 243 Recce Battalion Barracks, Ibereko Badagry, Lagos, on Monday.

The GOC, represented by Brig.-Gen. NJ Edet, Commander, 9 Brigade of 81 Division, noted that as it was often said in military circles that “ soldiers sweat in peace time through training, the less blood they shed in war”.

He said: “This old maxim is relevant today as it was relevant ages ago when it first came into existence.

“Interestingly, the letter and spirit of the maxim form the essential ingredients of the vision of the Chief of Army Staff, Lt Gen Faruk Yahaya.

“Which is `To have a Professional Nigerian Army Ready to Accomplish Assigned Missions within a Joint Environment in Defense of Nigeria’.

“The COAS had taken giant strides in areas of operational readiness of the Nigerian Army in a bid to achieve his vision,” he said.

Ajunwa further stated that in sustaining professionalism in the Nigeria Army, the WOs and SNCOs Competition amongst other aspects of training had been carefully crafted into the COAS Training Directive for the Year 2023.

“In executing the training directive, Headquarters 81 Division scheduled its Warrant Officers and Senior Non Commissioned Officers Competition from June 19 to June 23.

“The WOs and SNCOs Competition is aimed at improving the leadership qualities of the participants, improve on their level of endurance, discipline and also prepare them for higher responsibilities.

Similarly, in his opening address, the Commanding Officer, 243 Recce Battalion, Barracks Ibereko, Badagry, Col. N Akpagher, who is the host, said 120 personnel from four formations within 81 Division would be participating in the competition.

“The formations are 9 Brigade, 35 Artillery Brigade, 45 Engineer Brigade and 81 Division Garrison,” he said.

The CO said the events in which the participating formations would be competing for included Map Reading, Weapon Heading, Combat Swimming and Obstacle Crossing.

He said that general instructions containing rules and regulations governing the competition had been sent out to ensure a level playing field for all competing formations.

Akpagher urged all participating troops to go beyond their comfort zones to derive the maximum benefits from the competition and make their formations proud. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

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Edited by Ifeyinwa Okonkwo/Vivian Ihechu