By Sumaila Ogbaje

Wife of the President, Mrs Oluremi Tinubu, has promised to promote endeavors that would project and enhance the status of women in Nigeria.

The First Lady, who was represented by Prof. Nora Daduut, made the pledged at the public presentation of a book titled “Strengthening the NAOWA Narrative”, on Saturday in Abuja.

The book was authored by Mrs Salamatu Yahaya, the President of the Nigerian Army Officers’ Wives Association (NAOWA) and wife of the Chief of Army Staff, Lt.-Gen. Faruk Yahaya.

Tinubu commended Mrs Yahaya for her resilience and wisdom in writing the book, saying it was another giant step in chronicling events of army officers’ wives.

She expressed delight that the work came from the women folk, saying it had increased the need for women to continue to document their journey, experiences and accomplishments.

According to her, the well researched book came at a time when a lot of people had almost lost interest in writing and paying attention to history.

“You have not just added to the body of knowledge in Nigeria, you have renewed our interest in writing and documentation.

“It is my own opinion that this will go a long way in enriching the lives of not only members of NAOWA, but lives of our young ones who will appreciate this piece of work as a good resource in shaping their decisions and choices that they make.

“I congratulate you, Mrs Salamatu Yahaya and your association.

“It is my prayer that you will continue to grow in strength, in wisdom and vision to the glory of our dear country.

“I want to assure you that my office would not relent in promoting endeavors that will project and enhance the status of women in Nigeria,” she said.

The Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lt.-Gen. Faruk Yahaya, commended his wife for putting the idea together while at the same time providing support for him in discharging his duties.

Yahaya said the activities of NAOWA were centered in human capital development, especially women, youth, children and venerable persons and groups in barracks and the larger society.

He said the book was also centered on NAOWA as an organisation gleaming from the past experiences with some practical aspect of leadership.

According to him, it highlights the experiences garnered by the writer as she rose to the various stages and levels of NOWA from unit to brigade to division level, and now leadership position as the president.

Yahaya said leadership was always a challenging task, especially in NAOWA that was also made-up of diverse mix of people with different backgrounds, competencies and experiences.

“I therefore commend the author for successful leadership of the association so far and also for putting her thoughts to paper, which could serve as a guide to many including upcoming members.

“I believe the book is an interesting read as it gives insights into the association, its focus, aims and objectives.

“Furthermore, the principle of successful leadership, as well as many other lesson highlighted in the book, would help propel the minds of leaders towards optimal performance and achievements of leadership goals on the whole,” he said.

The author of the book, Mrs Yahaya said she wrote the book to appreciate the efforts of past leaders of NAOWA, inspire the present members and lay an enduring foundation for the future leaders.

She said the desire to impart lives especially the youth was another motivating factor that encouraged her to pen down her thoughts.

According to her, reading is a must have skill for effective leadership, adding that the book was aimed at boosting reading culture.

“The desire to write this book started when I attended a workshop comprising of participants from all military officers wives associations and in the course of the workshop, we were asked during an icebreaker exercise to mention our heroes and role models.

“Surprisingly, all of us, including myself here, were calling names such as Oprah Winfrey, Michelle Obama, Margaret Thatcher, and the rest of them.

“None of us mentioned any of the founding mothers of our various associations.

“That incident opened my eyes to the fact that the many heroic achievements and legacies of our founding mothers are not appreciated by many of us and therefore they have remained unsong heroines.

“Therefore, the book “Strengthening the NAOWA Narratives” is an attempt to recognise and celebrate NAOWA heroines who have made giant strides in the advancement of human capital and structural developments,” she said.

The Book Reviewer, Prof. Asabe Usman of Uthman Danfodio University Sokoto, described the book as a master piece and must read for all.

Usman said the book was written in simple language in spite of the author’s literary prowess with a view to communicate understanding to the readers.

She said the book was also borne out of the selfless nature of the author, adding that it was her desire to leave a legacy as a guide for her successor.

She said the pieces of advice packed in the book would be useful for both NAOWA and non-NAOWA members.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the book presentation had in attendance a number of prominent members of the society from government, business and military circles.

The Chief Launcher was the Alhaji Samad Rabiu while the former first lady and founder of NOAWA, Mrs Maryam Abacha, representative of States governors, past army chiefs and past presidents of NAOWA were in attendance.

Also, the Chief of Defence Staff and service chiefs as well as top serving and retired military officers graced the occasion. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

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Edited by Yinusa Ishola/Maharazu Ahmed

By Sumaila Ogbaje

Unity Advocacy Group, (UAG), a Non-Governmental Organisation (NGO), has condemned allegations by ex-militant, Asari Dokubo, that some Nigerian military personnel are behind most of the oil thefts in the country.

The group, in a statement by its Convener, Mr Ifeanyi Aigbedion, on Friday, accused Dokubo of being economical with the truth.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) recalls that Dokubo levelled the allegations against the military while addressing newsmen after his meeting with President Bola Tinubu on Friday.

According to Aigbedion, Dokubo could have gone ahead and lobby for political patronage without raising unfounded allegations.

“Asari Dokubo can meet President Bola Tinubu and offer suggestions on the way forward, if he has it, without raising unfounded allegations at a time the new government is trying to settle down and proffer solutions to the economic crisis in the country.

“Even volunteering to use his boys to assist in tackling oil theft raises an eye brow and is more of selfish endeavour.

“Would the military and other security agencies have come in to the region if there had been no oil theft?

“Who are the real actors that are angry with anti-crude theft operations?

“Can Asari Dokubo mention names of the culprits, if he has them?,” the group queried.

Aigbedion said the armed forces under Gen. Lucky Irabor, should be commended for its sincere approach towards unraveling oil theft in the Niger Delta.

According to him, Nigerians are aware that no other Chief of Defence Staff has visited the sites of oil-theft like the present chief.

“Asari Dokubo and other persons in the region should reciprocate the sincerity exhibited by the leadership of the armed forces and chart a way forward,” he said. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Vincent Obi

By Sumaila Ogbaje

The Nigerian Navy has described as spurious, the allegations by ex-Niger Delta militant leader, Asari Dokubo, that some cabals in the military are involved in oil theft in the region.

Dokubo made the claims when he visited President Bola Tinubu in Abuja on Friday.

Reacting to the accusation, the Director of Naval Information, Commodore Adedotun Ayo-Vaughan, challenged Dokubo to produce evidence and names of those behind the criminality.

Ayo-Vaughan spoke with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Saturday in Abuja.

Ayo-Vaughan said the Nigerian military, and the navy in particular, had been at the forefront of fighting crude oil theft at all levels in the country.

He said that while crude oil being stolen from pipelines were being refined in the creeks for the local market and the local buyers, it was also being stolen by criminals from offshore at sea.

“You remember the case of MT HEROIC IDUN that was made to pay fines to the Nigerian government after they were arrested and brought back from Guinea Bissau, Malabo Island and made to face court orders.

“It demonstrated the will of the Navy to go as far as even beyond our waters to arrest a ship that attempted to load without license, without due approval in April last year.

“I was there physically on board one of our ships at FOT in Onne when the navy launched Operation Dakatarda Barawo, which means stop the thief in Hausa language.

“Stop the thief that is stealing the nation’s natural resources, the hydrocarbons.

“Nigerian Navy has been fighting crude oil theft, taking the fight to the creeks and as I speak to you, our men are battling in the creeks.

“So, what I will just say is, Asari Dokubo is seeking some form of relevance and whatever.

“He alleges that there is a cabal of military people that are involved in crude oil theft, let him bring the names.

“Nobody is afraid of getting the names of those involved in crude oil theft.

“You cannot make such spurious allegations and think that we will just sweep it down the carpet,” he said.

Ayo-Vaughan said neither the Chief of Defense Staff nor the Chief of Naval Staff will condone such act.

According to him, the Nigerian navy will not be distracted by the allegations and will continue to be actively involved in the fight against crude oil theft and resources in the Niger Delta.

“So for anybody to say that there is a cabal of military officers, the only simple thing to do is bring the evidence, bring the names,” he stressed.

The Navy spokesman said that the efforts of the Nigerian military in the Niger Delta was the reason Nigeria regained top spot in oil production in the month of May among oil producing countries in Africa, as confirmed by OPEC, NUPRC and others. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Maharazu Ahmed

By Sumaila Ogbaje

Chief of the Naval Staff (CNS), Vice Adm. Awwal Gambo, on Friday pledged commitment to the welfare of personnel to enhance their morale and well-being.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the CNS made the commitment in Abuja when he inaugurated accommodation for officers and ratings, administrative building, Parade Ground and Special Forces Holding Bay.

The newly renovated and remodelled naval ratings accommodation is located at the National Defence College Camp Ushafa while the officers quarters is located at Gudu District of Abuja.

The Special Forces Holding Bay located at Navy Town Abuja, was named after the pioneer Commander of the Nigerian Navy Special Boat Service (SBS), retired Rear Adm. Apochi Suleiman.

Gambo said the inauguration of the projects was a milestone in the history of the Nigerian navy, and crucial to enhancing performance and operational capabilities of the navy.

He said it showcased the commitment of the navy to the welfare of personnel.

Gambo said that barracks were not just buildings but homes and sanctuaries where officers and ratings find solace and support from their families.

“By investing in the development of NN barracks and other infrastructure, we create an environment that enhances their morale, team spirit and a sense of belonging.

“Our personnel deserve nothing short of the best, and these new infrastructure demonstrate our commitment to their comfort and well-being.

“It is also in this vein that we prioritised the development of modern living spaces for rest and recreation of our special forces personnel.”

Gambo added that the SF holding bay was an  acknowledgement of the vital role they play in naval and joint military operations.

According to him, a well-maintained parade ground is not only a space of military tradition but also a symbol of discipline, precision, and unity.

“It is on this hallowed ground that our naval personnel are mustered to demonstrate their skills, rehearse their drills, and express their readiness to protect our nation’s interests.

“The commissioning of a new parade ground emphasises our dedication to upholding the highest standards of military professionalism and ensuring that navy personnel have the necessary infrastructure to train and perform at their best,” he said.

Gambo said the new administrative building of the Naval Unit would enhance operational effectiveness, providing personnel with the necessary resources and facilities required for efficient administrative responsibilities.

The CNS added that the completion of the projects reflected the collective efforts of the naval personnel, engineers, and professionals, and commended their efforts.

He charged officers and ratings to rededicate themselves to the defence and security of Nigeria and continue to work together to protect the nation’s interests and uphold the honour and integrity of the navy.

The Commander of the Naval Unit, Commodore Abdulrahman Mohammed, said the projects were in furtherance of the navy’s efforts towards providing adequate accommodation, office spaces and training facilities for its personnel.

Muhammed thanked the naval chief for conceiving and executing the projects, adding that the projects would enhance capability, efficiency and proficiency of officers and ratings of the Naval Unit.

According to him, it will also boost their morale and commitment to efficient service delivery. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Maharazu Ahmed

By Isaac Aregbesola

Some anti-corruption crusaders have urged Nigerians to reject the bill passed by the Senate to whittle down the power of the chairman of ICPC.

They also urged President Bola Tinubu to withhold assent on the amended bill.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the senate had on June 4, passed a bill to amend the law establishing the ICPC, which steeply cuts down on the power of the commission’s chairperson.

Speaking in separate interviews, with NAN, they posited that signing the bill into law would undermine the war against corruption in the country.

An anti-corruption crusader, and former Executive Secretary, Presidential Advisory Committee Against Corruption. Prof Sadiq Radda, said that passage of the bill was an issue of corruption fighting back

“My take is that Nigeria should reject it; it is corruption fighting back, most of these legislators are not happy with ICPC because it is doing an excellent job.

“The implication is that ICPC cannot perform as it is performing and Nigerians should know that is very dangerous.

“It is our duty as academics, anti-corruption agencies, as media to help anti-corruption agencies to be very strong. “

Radda, from the Department of Sociology, Bayero University Kano, said that instead of whittling down the power, efforts should be made to strengthen the office of the chairman to be independent and vibrant

“We have a problem. So we should reject what the National Assembly is doing. We should give protection to all anti-corruption agencies because they are doing a wonderful job,” he said.

Similarly, Prof. Sola Akinrinade, former Vice Chancellor of Osun State University, faulted the procedure of the bill and said that it would not serve a good purpose in the anti-corruption war.

“The only thing I will say is that they did not comply with all the normal processes, there was no public hearing, and when you are doing that kind of amendment there should be a public hearing.

“It doesn’t serve any purpose if you whittle down the power of anti-corruption agencies, particularly the chairperson because they are doing so much risky work.

“What purpose does it serve if we whittle down the power of the ICPC chair; we are actually not helping the fight against corruption

“And, it sends the wrong signal to the international community on the importance attached to the anti-corruption agencies. Instead of strengthening them; we are reducing their power to fight corruption.

“What message does that send to the international community? We need to watch out and guard against such so that we don’t end up shooting ourselves on the foot

“What I would suggest is that when it gets to the president, he should refer it to the Ministry of Justice which will take a holistic look at what is being recommended, whether it serves the purpose of its creation.”

Hamzat Lawal, Chief Executive of CODE, said that ”it would be a shame to water down the powers of the chairman, what we need is an institutional framework to strengthen the operation of the ICPC in the fight against corruption.

“If the lawmakers’ hands are clean they have no reason to be afraid of the operation of the ICPC, the commission has been doing a great job under the present leadership.

“If it has been passed, I call on Mr President to withhold assent to the bill, ” he said

A constitutional lawyer, Adegbite Adeniyi, however, said that the amendment has its positive sides.

”For instance, it will encourage and engender robust discussions by the commission before sensitive and far-reaching decisions are taken. This will prevent or at least reduce hasty and or arbitrary use of power by the chairman.”

He, however, posited that this may slow down the speed of actions expected as the chairman needs consultation with the board of the Commission before taking some sensitive decisions.

He also expressed reservation about the Bill, especially the provision of the new Section 22(3) which alters the seven years jail term and a fine of one million naira hitherto specified for bribery or official corruption.

The section also recommends a lesser fine of five hundred thousand naira without the terms of imprisonment for public officials who inflate prices or the cost of contracts during procurement processes.

He said that the details of the amendment were still sketchy and it might be too early to fully and impartially critique the same.

“ I think the speculation about “whittling” down the powers of the chairman of the Commission is being fueled by the mutual suspicion that exists between the members of parliament and the anti-graft agency,” he said. (NAN)

IAA/NNO/MZA

Edited by Nick Nicholas/Maharazu Ahmed

By Sumaila Ogbaje

Force Commander, Multinational Joint Task Force (MNJTF), Maj.-Gen. Gold Chibuisi, has urged troops to remain vigilant and ensure the safety of unarmed civilian populations in their area of responsibility.

Chibuisi gave the directive during operational visit to troops in Baga, Cross Kauwa and Bosso in Sectors 3 and 4 of MNJTF in Nigeria and Niger Republic.

The Military Public Information Officer for MNJTF, Lt.-Col. Abubakar Abdullahi, made this known in a statement on Thursday in Ndjemena, Chad.

The force commander assured the troops of MNJTF’s commitment to providing necessary support for their operations.

He also encouraged the troops to work in synergy with other security agencies and local leaders towards ensuring peace and security in the Lake Chad region.

Chibuisi also called on citizens in the region to be vigilant and report any suspicious activities to security agencies.

He added that the MNJTF remained committed to its mandate to protect the citizens, combat insurgency and promote peace and security in the region in collaboration with other security agencies.

The commander appreciated local leaders in the region for their continuous support for the MNJTF and national operations.

He also appealed for more support for MNJTF operations during a visit to the Bosso Regional Mayor, Arimi Shattima.

Chibuisi said that the support would help the MNJTF combat the threats to peace and security in the region. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Maharazu Ahmed

By Sumaila Ogbaje

Defence Headquarters says the military has eliminated several Boko Haram and Islamic States of West Africa (ISWAP) terrorists in both land and air operations in North East, in last two weeks.

The Director, Defence Media Operations, Maj.-Gen. Musa Danmadami, made the disclosure on Thursday in Abuja at the bi-weekly news conference on the operations of the armed forces.

Danmadami said the land, air and maritime component of Operation Hadin Kai had sustained the intensive efforts to decimate terrorists and other criminals in the North East zone.

He said troops conducted several operations against terrorists enclaves, hideouts, camps and training ground at villages, mountains and waterside within Borno, Adamawa and Yobe, neutralising several terrorists, captured some and recovered weapons.

He said the land troops recovered several other items and the sum of N11.04 million, neutralised 20 terrorists, captured seven, apprehended 40 suspected logistics suppliers and 15 notorious criminal gang members.

According to him, others arrested were four drug peddlers, three kidnappers and three terrorists collaborators.

“Troops equally rescued 15 kidnapped civilians, while a total of 743 terrorists and members of their families, comprising 42 adult males, 251 adult females and 452 children surrendered to troops at different locations within the theatre of operation,” he said.

Danmadami said the air component also conducted air operations at Tagoshe, observed to be active with terrorists moving under the trees with missiles.

He said the information revealed that several terrorists were neutralised and their structure destroyed in the air strike.

Danmadami added that an air interdiction operation was also conducted at Mandara mountain in Borno, over a prominent building in the general area where it was observed with several terrorists’ movement.

“Accordingly, the building was struck, neutralising several terrorists and destroying the building.

” In the same vein on June 6, an air interdiction operation was conducted at Loghpere, a Boko Haram terrorist identified hideout on the Mandara mountains, purportedly being used by terrorists as a logistics base and hideout for their technical equipment.

“Consequently, the location was struck with bombs, and feedback revealed that several terrorists were neutralised and logistics structures destroyed in the air strike,” he said. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Idowu Ariwodola/Maharazu Ahmed

By Sumaila Ogbaje

The Director, Public Relations and Information, Nigerian Air Force (NAF), Air Commodore Ayodele Famuyiwa, says the military airstrike of Jan. 24 in Nasarawa State only targeted and eliminated terrorists.

Famuyiwa said this while reacting to questions at a bi-weekly news briefing on the operations of the armed forces, on Thursday in Abuja.

He said the air strike was carried out after series of intel and surveillance, adding that innocent civilians were not killed as being speculated in some quarters.

He faulted the report by Human Rights Watch (HRW) alleging that the NAF bombarded herders who were evacuating their cattle in Kwatiri, a border community between Benue and Nasarawa.

In its report on June 7, HRW said “Nigerian authorities have provided little information and no justice” with regard to the airstrike.

“Although the authorities admitted carrying out the raid, the organisation said, they evaded “key questions” concerning the circumstances surrounding the attack.

HRW said their preliminary investigations revealed that the pastoralists had gone to Kwatiri to pay fines for the release of their cattle seized by the Benue State Livestock Guards when they were struck in the air raid.

But in his reaction to the report on Thursday, NAF spokesman challenged the organisation to produce evidence to prove the allegation that those killed in the airstrike were not terrorists.

According to him, there had been Intel from several reliable sources of the activities of terrorists in that particular area.

“You are all aware of the nefarious activities of criminal elements in that part of the country.

“We are also aware that there is an ongoing operation, that is, Operation Whirl Stroke and the Intel came from several sources and even to the commander of that operation for the air component that there was plan by terrorists within that area to carry out a massive attack.

“And then there was a secondary school in question that they also planned to kidnap students.

“To that extent, the air force carried out surveillance and the surveillance confirmed that there were terrorists and that surveillance continued for almost throughout the day until later in the evening when a truck appeared in that scene.

“The truck was suspected to have brought logistics to them and that was why approval was given by the appropriate authority that that truck be taken out and the truck was taken out.

“Now if anyone is coming around to say innocent people were killed where is the photograph of the truck that brought the cattle that they are talking about?,” he asked.

Famuyiwa said the claim that the people came there to pay for their cattle was not tenable.

He also challenged anyone accusing the military to come out with proofs such as photograph of the said truck, the cattle and dead bodies.

“The position of the air force is that terrorists were struck that day and whether it is whatever group and if they think they were innocent people, let them provide the evidence.

“If you think the military is going to give you the evidence of that operations for now, you won’t get it because there are information that cannot be declassified now.

“Let the people who said innocent citizens were killed, provide the evidence and let the press do the analysis and then the truth will come up,” he said. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Maharazu Ahmed