By Sumaila Ogbaje

The Nigerian Army Officers Wives Association has trained and empowered a total of 948 barracks youths in various fields of Information and Communications Technology (ICT) and other skills in the last one year.

The outgoing President of NAOWA, Mrs Salamatu Yahaya, made this known at the graduation of the fourth and fifth batches of NAOWA Youth Development Projects on Thursday in Abuja.

Yahaya expressed happiness that NAOWA under her leadership had been able to train and empower the youths in ICT, fashion design and tailoring.

She said the youths were also trained in various fields of ICT, namely Get Connected, Python for Beginners, Introduction to Cybersecurity, Information and Communication Technology essentials and web design.

“Today, I am here to graduate the 4th and 5th batches of the ICT trainees and the second batch of the fashion design and tailoring trainees.

“I am indeed very fulfilled and happy to mention that this is the last graduation ceremony that I will host as the President NAOWA and our Youth Enterprise Development Projects is one of my most cherished and rewarding programme.

“I consider it so because of its resounding positive impacts on the lives of the beneficiaries, their families, the barrack community and the society at large.

“The training of these youths is indeed contributing immensely in enhancing their academic prowess as well as their productivity in various ways of life.

“From inception of the programme, we have successfully trained and graduated 695 youths in various fields and today we are graduating an additional 253 youths,” she said.

Yahaya said that out of the 253 beneficiaries, 28 would receive brand new laptop computers, including the best three graduating trainees in each of the five ICT courses.

She added that starter packs comprising of brand new industrial machines, sewing machines and weaving machines would also be presented to all graduating trainees of fashion design and tailoring.

According to her, the laptop computers to be issued is a mark of recognition of excellence and encouragement for continuous learning.

“Similarly, sewing and weaving machines would be issued as our own way of actualising the trainees’ self empowerment.”

The outgoing Chief of Army Staff, Lt.-Gen. Faruk Yahaya, represented by the Chief of Civil-Military Affairs, Maj.-Gen. Markus Kangye, commended NAOWA for for its commitment to uplifting the youths and preparing them for a better future.

He said the association has been involved in construction and provision of medical facilities and schools in support of the Nigerian army, to improve the welfare of personnel and their families.

He said the training programme was meant to promote the talents inherent in the youths, and advised the trainees to make use of the knowledge acquired effectively.

The wife of the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Defence, Mrs Zainab Kana, commended NAOWA for supporting the young generation by equipping them with skills and knowledge.

Kana said that it was important to properly train and provide the youths as future leaders, with necessary skills necessary to face the challenges of the future.

According to her, the country is veiled by a youth bulge as a result of the country’s demographic data.

“If we look at the demographic transition of Nigeria, we would see that the changing patterns of mortality, fertility, growth rates will continue to translate into an increase in youth population.

“Therefore, we as leaders of the country today have to put our mechanisms and systems in place in order to reap the demographic dividends.

“Let me refer us to a World Bank prediction for Nigeria, which projects Nigeria’s population to reach 400 million by 2050 thereby doubling the current estimates.

“This represents a demographic nightmare for the country that is already beset with several development challenges.

“This can be a time bomb, but we have the opportunity of changing the narration from doom to prosperity,” she said.

Kana encouraged the trainees to use the knowledge in productive ways to further strengthen the economy. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Maharazu Ahmed

By Sumaila Ogbaje

As part of efforts to promote stability in areas affected by insurgency, the Multinational Joint Task Force (MNJTF) has donated educational facilities and boreholes to Toumour community in Diffa Region, Niger Republic.

The Chief of Military Public Information for MNJTF, Lt.-Col. Abubakar Abdullahi, made this known in a statement on Thursday in N’Djamena Chad.

Abdullahi said the facilities, which comprise a block of three classrooms, a staff office and four boreholes, was handed over by the Force Commander, Maj.-Gen. Gold Chibuisi, who was represented by the Chief of Administration, Col. Bamouss Ngarsara.

He said the project was facilitated by the European Union through the COGINTA Non Governmental Organisation.

According to him, the projects are part of the MNJTF’s Civil-Military Activities (CIMIC) meant to strengthen the relationship between the military and civilian population in the region recovering from Boko Haram crisis.

“It symbolises the commitment of the MNJTF and its partners to promoting peace, stability, and development in the areas affected by Boko Haram.

“The MNJTF is working closely with other stakeholders to restore normalcy in the region and provide the necessary support for the humanitarian and development needs of the affected communities.”

The MNJTF commander expressed gratitude to the people of Toumour for their warm reception and contribution to the return of peace and security in their communities.

He said that education was a tool for transforming communities and building lasting peace and commended COGINTA and the EU for their efforts in the region.

The Governor of Diffa region, Smaïne Younouss represented by his Secretary General, Barde Dauda, lauded the MNJTF for working tirelessly to restore peace and security in communities affected by Boko Haram.

He expressed the commitment of the local authorities to work more closely with the MNJTF and other development partners in promoting socio-economic development in the region.

Younous said the facilities would provide enabling environment for the education of children and young people in the locality while the boreholes will help to alleviate the water shortage in the area and improve the living conditions of the people. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Maharazu Ahmed

By Sumaila Ogbaje

The newly appointed Chief of the Air Staff (CAS), Air Vice Marshal Hassan Abubakar, on Thursday, assumed office as the 22nd air chief as Air Marshal Oladayo Amao bowed out of the service.

Until his appointment, the new CAS was the Chief of Standards and Evaluation at Air Force Headquarters.

In his maiden speech, Abubakar appreciated the Almighty God for the unique privilege to lead the Nigerian Air Force at this crucial time in the life of the nation.

He said his appointment came at a time that the expectations of Nigerians towards accelerated actualisation of peace and security was high.

Abubakar said NAF under his command would reinvigorate the fight against terrorism, insurgency, banditry and a host of other challenges bedeviling the country.

He promised to sustain the cooperation and joint efforts that existed between the air force and sister services during the tenure of the outgoing service chiefs, adding that it was responsible for the successes achieved in the various theatres of operations.

“In conjunction with my colleagues, we will uphold these attributes in line with Mr President’s directive issued during the maiden National Security Council meeting.

“We shall also begin to make additional efforts and evolve measures and approaches that will continue to diminish our challenges and enhance the disposition of our various theatres of operations,” he said.

The new CAS congratulated his predecessor for his achievements and distinguished career in the military and pledged to continue to build on his legacies, as well as do more to move NAF to higher heights.

He thanked the President and Commander in Chief, President Bola Tinubu, for the honour and privilege he gave him to serve as the air chief.

In his valedictory speech, the outgone Chief of the Air Staff, Air Marshal Amao, expressed appreciation to God for the opportunity to serve the nation and lead the air force, describing it as a special privilege.

Amao said that NAF was able to attain greater heights in line with his vision for the service with recorded successes in key areas.

The areas according to him include doctrinal development, air operations, human capacity development, fleet enhancement, establishment of new units, and directorates.

Others include logistics support, system research and development, personnel management, and safety standards.

He said the capacity of NAF to conduct air operations across the full spectrum of air power employment and interdictions had significantly improved.

According to him, the Nigerian effort is now able to expeditiously conduct simultaneous combat operations, night operations, and precision strikes.

He urged the new CAS to ensure optimal operational capacity of the air force to sustain and surpass the ongoing efforts at eradicating insurgencies, terrorism, banditry, and other forms of criminality in the country.

Amao commended the support of the Federal Government in the development of capacity of personnel, which enhanced their efficiency and effectiveness.

He also appreciated the government for the acquisition of new platforms and several other major support equipment.

“These platforms include the 829 Super Tucano, Diamond 62 Surveillance aircraft, Winglet 2CH3 Unmanned Combat Aerial vehicles, and the CH4 Unmanned Combat Aerial vehicle.

“Additional platforms such as Beefcraft A360 aircraft and Diamond 62 aircraft, as well as T1229 attack aircraft and the Booster 109 Trica Montoro aircraft as well as M346 attack aircraft, are expected to further enhance Nigerian Air Force air power employment and projection capabilities.

“In the areas of human capacity development, NAF has in the last two years trained and retrained personnel for professional and operational effectiveness.

“For instance, the Nigerian Air Force conducted training for a total of 7,424 personnel out of which 5,945 were trained locally and 1,140 were trained overseas.

“This number is also inclusive of the 429 pilots and 203 UAV operators. These efforts in particular reduced the acute shortage of combat pilots that we used to have in the past,” he said.

Amao expressed confidence that the new chief would lead NAF effectively given his humility, excellent career, leadership qualities, wealth of experience, and outstanding accomplishments in previous appointments.

He said the new CAS was part of the successes recorded when he served as the Air Officer Commanding Logistic Command and Chief of Standards and Evaluation, where he contributed to the improved safety records that NAF currently has.

“Today, I want to commend your loyalty and dedication to duty. I, therefore, urge you to put in your very best to consolidate on the various achievements to further propel the NAF to greater heights.

“Let me also use this opportunity to appreciate all officers and airmen and airwomen, as well as the civilian staff, for their dutifulness, discipline, and cooperation accorded me during my tenure as the Chief of the Air Staff,” he added. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Nick Nicholas/Maharazu Ahmed

By Sumaila Ogbaje

The Naval Headquarters has dismissed as false, the allegation that the outgoing Chief of Naval Staff (CNS), Vice Adm. Awwal Gambo, had refused to handover to the newly appointed chief, Rear Adm. Emmanuel Ogalla.

The Director of Naval Information, Commodore Adedotun Ayo-Vaughan, in a statement on Wednesday, said that handing over in military was procedural.

Ayo-Vaughan said the publications by some online was malicious lies, misleading and capable of spreading falsehood to unsuspecting members of the public.

“It is therefore necessary to put the record straight.

“Suffice to state that handing and taking over ceremony in the Nigerian Navy from inception is procedural.

“Upon the announcement of the change of the ‘Watch on deck’, the outgoing CNS is expected to give detailed brief to the incoming CNS, tour key naval facilities and perform the ceremonial lowering of ensign.

“Accordingly, the programme of events leading to the formal handing and taking over ceremony has kicked off to culminate at a public ceremony on Friday June 23 in line with age-long naval tradition,” he said.

The Navy spokesman also said that sister services were also due to hand over as they had set aside specific dates for their handing and taking over ceremonies.

He urged members of the public to discountenance the “malicious publication and erroneous information” which was the figment of the reporter’s imagination. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Maharazu Ahmed

By Sumaila Ogbaje

Chief of the Naval Staff (CNS), Rear Adm. Emmanuel Ogalla, has urged Federal and State Governments to ensure sustainable development of the ocean to boost the economy of the nation.

The CNS made the call at the 2023 World Hydrography Day Celebration organised by the Nigerian Navy on Wednesday in Abuja.

Ogalla, was represented by the Chief of Training and Operations (Navy), Rear Adm. Solomon Agada.

The theme for the year’s celebration is ‘Hydrography: Underpinning the Digital Twin of the Ocean’.

He said the day was set aside to showcase the global significance of hydrography to human life and national development.

Agada said that it provides information required by ships and other waterborne craft to safely convey essential goods and services from one part of the world to another.

The CNS said that efforts were being made to seek solutions to the challenges confronting the health of the ocean and foster better understanding of the interplay between nature, human activities and the ocean.

According to him, through the integration of hydrographic and other relevant maritime data, current and future dynamics of the ocean can be replicated virtually to provide the requisite knowledge for all stakeholders to ensure sustainable development of the ocean.

“The digital twin of the ocean provides the right information to evolve measures to mitigate the effect of nature on the ocean as well as formulate sustainable policies to regulate their activities within the ocean to other ocean results.

“Adequate knowledge of the ocean through the digital twin of the ocean provokes positive responses which are not detrimental to the health of the ocean.”

Ogalla said, “in Nigeria there are knowledge gaps regarding the present and future dynamics of the maritime environment,” he said.

This, he said, has greatly affected the management and responses within Nigeria’s waters in terms of prevailing indiscriminate resource extraction and sea blindness.

“Conventional platforms cannot assess many parts of our waters due to insufficient or lack of information that will guarantee their safety.

“Thus creating a disconnect between policies, enforcement actions and the behavior of the seafarers,” he said.

The CNS however said the Nigerian navy had commenced the collection and archiving of maritime data through several hydrographic survey campaigns within the nation’s waters.

He said that already, the navy had completed survey and produced navigational charts of several rivers in Nigeria.

Ogalla added that the navy had also commenced survey of sea access route from Oguta in Imo to the Atlantic Ocean.

According to him, the navy is surveying Nigeria’s waters using its recently acquired onshore surveying vessel, NNS Larna.

“Additionally, the Nigerian navy also has in its archives, a complete hydrographic survey data of Nigeria’s onshore waters from Lagos to Calabar.

“The huge data sets collected during these surveys have been utilised to produce over 2,825 electronic charts, 24 member charts and sizable maritime use partial data sets for the development of the digital train of Nigeria’s maritime environment.

“Some of the completed and ongoing survey operations of the navy are in collaboration with some sister agencies, private sector and state governments.

“For instance, such collaboration between the navy and Ondo State government has led to the production of seven charts linking Ondo to Lagos, which will be unveiled shortly.

“Also we are expecting more collaboration soon to replicate real time and future dynamics of our maritime environment,” he added.

The Hydrographer, Nigerian Navy, Rear Adm. Chukwuemeka Okafor, said the 2023 World Hydrography Day offered opportunity to highlight application of hydrography in support of human endeavours.

Okafor said the indiscriminate dumping of harmful waste and plastics in the ocean remained a huge challenge to the health of ocean.

He said that sustainable ocean development, and development of digital twin of the ocean required integration of a wide range of historic and future data sets of a maritime environment.

According to him, hydrographic data acquired during hydrographic survey within the maritime environment always comes handy.

“As at date, coastal nations are collaborating with each other to build a digital twin of the ocean that serves their immediate and future needs.

“In Nigeria, there are several historic redundant maritime data sets domiciled in various ministries, departments and agencies of government which can be integrated with current data to create a digital twin.

“It is my utmost belief that by the end of the deliberations today, more collaboration would be taken by all of us to make available maritime data sets that are held in our various offices for the good of Nigeria,” he said. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Joy Mbachi/Maharazu Ahmed

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