By Deborah Coker

Civil Society Organisations (CSOs) and the media on Wednesday met to chart ways of achieving credible general elections and ensuring the protection of journalists during the polls.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the engagement was at a Media/CSO Roundtable on the 2023 elections.

The roundtable was organised by International Press Centre (IPC) and YIAGA Africa on behalf of the cohort of European Union Support to Democratic Governance in Nigeria -Phase 2 (EU-SDGN II).

In their various remarks, the speakers stressed the need for credible polls as well as the protection of journalists covering the elections in various parts of the country.

They also raised concerns on some issues that may pose serious challenge to the conduct of the elections.

According to Mr Lanre Arogundade, Executive Director, IPC, enabling environment should be provided for the CSOs and the media to do their jobs during the elections.

Arogundade noted that insecurity and electoral violence were some of the challenges that would affect the ability of the media to perform its role effectively.

“We want to make a clarion call to save democracy. Coming from the media, we have our concerns.

“From the point of view of security, we are deeply concerned”, he said.

Arogundade therefore called on those whose actions could either help to make or mar the electoral process, especially the security and law enforcement agencies to ensure that their allegiance was to the constitution of the country.

He also said that their allegiance should be to the various electoral laws put together to ensure credible 2023 general elections.

“It will be so bad if such laws are set aside on the basis of any form of expediency.

“We look forward to adequate protection of journalists that will cover the elections, so that we will not have a repeat of molestation of journalists, even after been accredited by INEC.”

The IPC executive director, however, appealed to the media to be above board in covering and reporting the elections.

According to him, no matter the inflammatory remarks by candidates and political parties, the actions of the media should be geared towards helping achieve a credible poll.

“We don’t want a situation whereby we will be blamed in any way for any form of disruption to the electoral process.

“We should recognize that our political party as journalists is journalism,” Arogundade said.

Similarly, Dr Akin Akingbolu, Executive Director, Institute of Media and Society, urged the media to prioritise and amplify issues that affect the media and the freedom of journalists.

“We should amplify the issue that happened in Zamfara, because if not, it will have a ripple effect and trickle down to journalists.

“The mood of authoritarianism and anti transparency among politicians is a conscious effort to prevent the CSOs and the media from knowing what is happening.

“What happened in Zamfara should be amplified and condemned to send a strong message to political actors, so that we have an enabling environment to do our work during the elections,” he said.

Mr Samson Itodo, Executive Director, YIAGA Africa, raised concerns on the effect, the scarcity of fuel and the naira would have on the elections.

He also raised concern on voter migration from one polling unit to another as done by INEC, as well as judgements on electoral matters from the courts.

Mr Jake Epele, Executive Director, Albino Foundation, said that though INEC had done well in terms of inclusivity of people living with disability, he was however concerned about candidates stoking fear on the electorate.

He urged candidates to address issues rather than engaging in mudslinging one another.

In his remarks, Mr Victor Aluko, Director Voter Education, INEC, gave assurance that the commission was ready to conduct credible polls.

He disclosed that necessary materials have been deployed to states, just as the commission had commenced training for personnel for the February and March exercise.

On the migration of voters from one polling unit to another, he said INEC had launched what it called “Operation Know your Polling Unit”, to educate voters on their poling unita. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Maharazu Ahmed

By Moses Omorogieva

The new Commissioner of Police in charge of Lagos command, Idowu Owohunwa,  has warned officers and men in the command against accidental discharge.

Owohunwa said this on Wednesday during his visit to some area commands as part of his familiarisation tour to all police formations in the Lagos command.

The CP, who visited Area G Ogba and Area F Ikeja respectively, where he addressed all the DPOs in the areas, urged the officers and men to be professional in their conduct as he would deal decisively with every unprofessionalism by any one under him.

“I will not take accidental discharge from any of my officers. Infact, there is nothing like accidental discharge and it must not happen.

“Someone cocked the gun and that same person fired. You call it accidental discharged? No, I will not accept it. No one will be spared for accidental discharge in this command,” he warned.

Owohunwa requested the Area Commanders and DPOs to furnish him with all the black spots in their areas of jurisdiction and how they were being  checked.

He also requested the officers to tell him the challenges in their areas and divisions.

Earlier in the day, the police boss visited the Lagos State  Security Trust Fund, where he met with the Executive Secretary of the fund, Dr Abdulrasaq Balogun, and requested for continuous support.

Balogun, while welcoming the CP to Lagos command, said that the fund would always support the police and other security agencies in the state.

He said they had been working with all former CPs who were posted to the  state, adding that the fund would not stop during his time.

The executive secretary pointed out that the fund was established to save people and their properties in Lagos state.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that CP Idowu Owohunwa, on Tuesday, Feb. 14,  took over the leadership of police command in Lagos from CP Abiodun Alabi, now Acting AIG in charge of Zone 2.

In his speech, Owohunwa said he was going to hit the ground running immediately, stressing that he would visit many police formations under him unannounced.

He said he was motivated by the fact that the Police Command in Lagos was blessed with the most resilient, highly diligent, dedicated, and passionate police officers.

The CP said he would leverage on the strengths of the command to positively change the policing narratives in the state. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Ifeyinwa Omowole

By Ibironke Ariyo

The Comptroller General, Nigerian Correctional Service (NCoS), Mr Haliru Nababa says reformation and reintegration of inmates into the society is key to having responsible, empowered and productive citizenry.

Nababa said this during the presentation of income generating materials to 25 ex-convicts on Wednesday in Abuja.

He said that the materials were for ex-convicts who acquired vocational skills while serving their prison terms.

This, he said, was in fulfilment of the core mandate of the service of reforming offenders and reintegrating them into the society.

“Today’s symbolic distribution to 25 ex-inmates, flags off the annual aftercare programme for the year 2023 which is expected to be replicated in various Commands across the Federation.

“The essence of this scheme is to retool ex-offenders thereby encouraging them to be productive and self-sustaining.

“This remains the best way to keep them away from crime and criminality, making our communities and the country at large safe, as well as a better place for all,” he said.

The Comptroller General encouraged the beneficiaries to put the tools to good use and work hard to improve their living conditions and become employers of labour.

Nababa called on well meaning Nigerians to wholly accept the reformed citizens, patronise their businesses and desist from stigmatising them.

“Ex-offenders, if not treated with special care and support are likely to return to their old ways hence, rekindling their criminal world and endangering the society.

“The onus lies on us to break the cycle of criminality by helping ex-offenders to fully embrace better life,” he said.

Earlier, the Assistant Controller General in charge of Welfare, Mr Mustapha Attah said inmates and those who have completed their terms were facing deprivation and stigmatisation from the society and their immediate families.

“These people are products of the society and are a reflection of the society. After their terms, they are expected to return to the society but not as social misfits.

“The benefit of integration and empowering our ex-offenders are enormous, as it will enable them contribute their quota to national development,” he said.

Attah urged the beneficiaries to effectively utilise the materials in order to add value to themselves and the society.

He said that NCoS would be disappointed if the ex-offenders failed to make good use of the materials given to them.

One of the beneficiaries, Mr Friday Iyang, on behalf of other ex-inmates, commended the management of NCoS for founding them worthy of the support.

Iyang said that he was arrested in 2018 for an offense he did not commit and was in custody for five years.

“Families and Friends deserted me when they heard I was arrested and in prison, but I must say I have benefitted a lot since I entered Kuje Prison.

“I learnt carpentry and today I am here to receive my startup packs and tools for the work I have gainfully acquired skills.

“I must say the CG and the entire staff are doing well to reintegrate the inmates into the society. We will not disappoint you and we will be of good behaviour when we get out there,” he said.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that trade tools distributed to the ex-inmates covered barbing, carpentry, welding and fabrication, hair dressing, fashion design and masonry. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Benson Iziama/Maharazu Ahmed

By Jacinta Nwachukwu

PRNigeria, a non-governmental organisation has called on security agencies and other relevant stakeholders to be proactive in order to stem any violent threat to the 2023 general elections.

Mr Yushau Shuaib, the Chief Executive Officer of the organisation made the call at a news conference on Wednesday in Abuja.

Shuaib said criminal activities across the country like kidnapping, terrorism and violent separatist agitations among others might affect the peaceful conduct of the elections.

He added that these negative activities might occur, “if security agencies and other relevant stakeholders are not proactive in stemming them”.

According to Shuaib, there are reports of politically – motivated killings in some states of the federation.

“In November 2022 for instance, the National Security Adviser, Babagana Monguno, reported that there were 52 cases of political violence across 22 states in one month.

“Between 2019 and 2022, hoodlums attacked more than 50 offices of the Independent National Electoral Commission, (INEC), in 15 States.

“Also, there are cases of destruction of billboards, campaign vehicles, offices and other properties. Several campaign rallies have been violently disrupted and convoys attacked,” he said.

Speaking on PRNigeria’s investigations and findings, Mukhtar Madobi, Staff Writer, Emergency Digest, observed that the rash of unscientific opinion polls and partisan projections had heightened public anxiety.

Madobi further said that this could influence extreme optimism among candidates and their supporters, which could undermine national security.

“Since some electorates are of the view that their votes do not really count on the assumption that the outcome of most elections are predetermined, voter apathy may still be an issue in some places,” he said.

Madobi recommended that political parties and their supporters should adhere to electoral rules and be quick to embrace the spirit of sportsmanship, whenever the outcome of any election was announced.

“There is the need for political candidates to demonstrate mature and exemplary leadership by eschewing inciting utterances and actions capable of provoking social unrest.

“Also, community leaders should preach the gospel of peace and unity, while encouraging youths to shun political thuggery and other forms of violence.

“There is the need for individual communities to support the government in launching sensitisation campaigns and advocacies on tolerance and peaceful co-existence through appropriate communication channels,” he said.

Abdulsalam Mahmud, Deputy Editor PRNigeria said that the general public should at their discretion avoid any form of violence that might scuttle the successful conduct of the election and undermine national security.

Mahmud urged the security agencies to remain steadfast in discharging their constitutional mandates of protecting lives and properties before, during and after the elections.

On his part, the Force Public Relations Officer, CSP Olumuyiwa Adejobi while commending the organisation for the initiative, assured the general public of the security agencies’ readiness towards ensuring peaceful election.

Adejobi said the security apparatus would continue to sustain inter-agency collaboration and synergy to foster quick emergency response as well as effective joint operations.

PRNigeria is a subsidiary of award-winning communication firm, Image Merchants Promotions Ltd.(NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

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Edited by Yakubu Uba/Razak Owolabi

By Lucy Osuizigbo-Okechukwu

Police operatives in Anambra have rescued 15 abducted National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) members who had just completed their orientation in Imo.

The Corps members from NYSC orientation camp located in Eziama-Obaire, Nkwerre, Local Government Area of Imo, were  in a vehicle on their way to Lagos when they were abducted.

DSP Tochukwu Ikenga, the Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO) in Anambra, said this in a statement on Tuesday in Awka.

He said that the police operatives responded to a distress call along Isseke, Ihiala-Orlu expressway at 12:15.a.m. and rescued the 15 abducted corps members unhurt.

“Information reveals that the corps members finished their three weeks of orientation programme today and were en route to Lagos before their vehicle was intercepted at Total junction in Ihiala by unidentified armed men in a white Toyota Hilux.

“The corps members vehicle was diverted to Isseke, Ihiala-Orlu expressway where the gunmen kept them hostage.

“When the armed men noticed they were being followed by police operatives, they abandoned the corps members and zoomed off with the Toyota Hiace bus with Registration number EPE 353 YE,” he said.

Ikenga said that the corps members were debriefed and necessary arrangements had been made to convey them to their destinations. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Maharazu Ahmed

By Isaac Aregbesola

The Chairman, Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Abdulrasheed Bawa, on Tuesday in Abuja, alleged that persons under probe by the commission were orchestrating the call for his sack.

Bawa said this at a news conference in reaction to what he termed as sponsored campaign of calumny against him by a Civil Society Organisation.

The EFCC chairman, who spoke through the commission’s Spokesperson, Wilson Uwujaren, said he  would not be distracted by the antics of the group.

According to him, the group has through press conferences and street protests called for his sack over alleged disobedience of court orders.

He said that the campaign of calumny would fail and urged the public to disregard the group.

Bawa assured that the EFCC had never undermined the judiciary.

“Contrary to these claims, the EFCC wishes to alert the public that this group have no interest in the fight against corruption.

“And their allusion to disobedience of court orders by the EFCC chairman is an alibi to manipulate facts around judicial pronouncements and processes to pitch the public against the commission.

“Information available to the commission indicates that the group is sponsored by persons under investigation by the Commission.

“And have been mobilized and mandated by their paymaster to embarrass the person of the chairman through choreographed street protests across the country, until he is removed from office,” he said.

Bawa explained that the group found its voice after the EFCC launched an investigation into the mindless looting of the treasury of one of the states in the country.

The EFCC boss said the same group had shouted that the commission lacked the power to investigate the theft of the state’s resources.

“Their latest dance in the market square came a few hours after family members of a sitting state governor were arraigned at an Abuja court for allegedly stealing the state’s funds.

“EFCC appeals to the public to disregard the campaign by this group as they do not represent the genuine interest of millions of Nigerians who are desirous of seeing progress in the fight against corruption.”

He said that the rented crowd and CSOs being used by the group was a demonstration of how deep-seated corruption had permeated every sector of the society.

“We want to assure Nigerians that the EFCC will not be distracted by this campaign of calumny as we believe that this agenda will fail.

“It is also important to reassure Nigerians and all stakeholders that the Commission has never, and will not take any step to undermine the judiciary.

“As a law abiding institution, EFCC has conducted all its activities within the ambit of the law.

“Where judicial decisions were made against it, it has never resorted to self-help but availed itself of remedies under the law as it did in the instant case of committal orders of court,” he said.

According to him, it is important to revisit the circumstances of the two orders of committal against him so that the public will be properly informed of the cases.

He explained that the first order by an FCT High Court on Nov. 8, 2022 was issued over the failure to comply with a Nov. 21, 2018 order of the court directing the Commission to return seized assets comprising a Range Rover SUV and the sum of N40 million to the applicant.

Bawa said that it was important for the public to understand that the said order of the FCT High Court was given three years before he became EFCC Chairman.

“Also, the contempt process is quasi criminal in nature and must be served on the person involved. In this case, Bawa as Chairman of the EFCC, was neither served Form 48 nor Form 49.

“In spite of this fact, the Executive Chairman, upon being made aware of the said order of Nov. 21, 2018, had released the Range Rover in question to the Applicant on the 27th of June, 2022.

“And, had approved the process of the release of the remaining N40 million before the committal order was issued,” he said.

Bawa said his response did not show contempt for the court or the judiciary which he held in great esteem.

He added that in the case of the last order by Justice R.O. Ayoola of the Kogi High Court, the processes were still ongoing and would not make categorical statement on it.

“Suffice it to say that in invoking Form 49, the court failed to take cognizance of a pending appeal of its ruling of November 30, which directed the Commission to produce a fraud suspect, one Ali Bello.

“It also failed to transmit records of appeal to the Court of Appeal.

“The commission believes it was denied fair hearing as the alleged infringement of the rights of the applicant happened in Abuja which is outside the jurisdiction of the Kogi High court.

“As a law abiding institution, EFCC approached the appellate court, for a stay of execution. This is a valid and lawful remedy by law and does not evoke any aura of impunity or disregard for the judiciary.

“ It is therefore evident that those claiming that Bawa has a penchant for flouting court orders are simply up to mischief, which is clearly the central theme of the plot by the so-called civil society group.” (NAN)

IAA/AO/MZA

Edited by Angela Okisor/Maharazu Ahmed

By Dorcas Jonah
Mr Mike Ejiofor, President, Alumni Association of the National Institute for Security Studies (AANISS), says the association is confident that the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) will deliver on credible elections, 2023.

Ejiofor said at a news conference on Tuesday in Abuja, that in spite of series of attacks on INEC personnel and facilities, the commission would live up to expectations.

He called on the public to support INEC, while urging the commission to be open to comments from Nigerians that would help in achieving its set objectives.

The former director of Department of State Service (DSS) also urged INEC to do more to ensure that elections are won at the polls and not at the court, as a result of technicalities.

According to him, in time like this in a nation’s life, when her essence and collective patrimony is being threatened by some political gladiators, it is appropriate that patriotic Nigerians and groups speak out.

“This is with a view to assuaging frayed nerves and assisting our security agencies in bringing the situation under control, as a group of security professionals and major stakeholders in the Nigerian project.

“We will not sit down, fold our hands and watch some politicians and undemocratic groups in their activities destroy our common patrimony.

“Incidentally, today is Lovers’ Day, so let us continue to preach love for one another and our country Nigeria,’’ he said.

Ejiofor said that the executive members of AANISS had studies the recent political and security climate in the country with regards to the electioneering campaigns and the upcoming general elections.

According to him, the association condemns the unwholesome verbal and physical assaults by some political gladiators and their supports that have characterised the electioneering campaigns in recent times.

“After 23 years of unbroken democracy, it is disheartening that some politicians approach campaigns and elections in such uncivilised and unpatriotic manner.

“Security agencies as critical stakeholders should step up efforts by bringing such unpatriotic elements, whose activities have the tendencies to threaten the conduct of elections to book.

“We commend agencies that have put their lives and those of their families’ members on the line in defence of our collective wellbeing.

“We urge them to emplace more robust measures with a view to stemming this evil tide to avoid escalation,’’ he said.

Ejiofor warned Nigerians against vote selling, adding that there were consequences for our choices.

“As Nigerians, we can collect money and mortgage our future or vote our consciences for the good of our children and generations yet unborn,’’ he said.

The former director of DSS said that the association supported the naira redesign policy of the Federal Government.

He, therefore, urged the Central Bank of Nigeria to endeavour to make the new notes available to Nigerians to ameliorate the sufferings of the people.(NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

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Edited by Isaac Aregbesola