The Media and Reporting of Post 2023 Elections

A News Analysis by Ismail Abdulaziz, News Agency of Nigeria (NAN)

At its last meeting on Feb. 10, the National Council of State agreed that the 2023 general elections are set to kick off with the brief it received from relevant stakeholders including security chiefs.

The February 25 date is therefore confirmed by the highest advisory body in the country which comprises the President, Vice-President, all former Presidents and Heads of the Government of the Federation, former Chief Justices of Nigeria, President of the Senate, Speaker of the House of Representatives, Governors and the Minister of Justice and Attorney General of the Federation.

At the 6^th round of the Nigeria-European Union Human Right Dialogue recently, Minister of State for Foreign Affairs Zubairu Dada gave the Federal Government commitment to a credible and fair election.

‘’On the topics for discussion today, you must have all noted the strides that the government has made in the past decade to improve the election process and integrity. The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has received needed resources from the government and is ready to conduct what will be our best elections ever.

‘’The security agencies are also working to ensure that people will be able to carry out their civic responsibility without fear. They are ready to act swiftly to protect lives and properties around the country during the election.”

Similarly, the electoral umpire, the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has expressed its readiness to conduct the elections as scheduled.

Prof. Mahmood Yakubu, INEC Chairman at an event in January, stated the readiness of the commission to conduct the 2023 general elections. He said that the commission was not contemplating any adjustment to the election timetable.

“Already, substantial quantities of sensitive and non-sensitive materials have been deployed to various locations across the country. The last batch of the Bimodal Voter Accreditation System (BVAS) has been received while the ongoing configuration of the critical technology in readiness for elections will soon be completed. In the last two days, we commenced the airlifting of other sensitive materials to states across the country.

“Already, some of the materials for 17 States in three geo-political zones have been delivered. Furthermore, 13,868,441 Permanent Voters’ Cards (PVCs) have been printed, and delivered to states and are being collected by citizens as new voters or by existing voters who applied for transfer or replacement of cards as provided by law.”

Also, recently the security agencies reiterated their dedication for the continuation of democratic governance in Nigeria.

The National Security Adviser Babagana Monguno, Chief of Defence Staff Lucky Irabor and Inspector-General of Police Usman Baba assured Nigerians of safe and rancour-free election.

During a visit of INEC boss to the trio, Monguno said although there were issues confronting the polity, agitations geared towards the conduct of 2023 elections should be dispelled as the election would hold.

“We have done a lot to put things in place. We have had meetings with INEC, Inter-Agency Consultative Committee on Elections Security (ICCES) which I chair. I know what we have put on the ground. The remaining days before the elections will be an intense period for us and I know that all security agencies are equal to the task,” he said.

Also, Irabor and Baba pledged collaboration towards ensuring free, fair and credible 2023 general elections. While Irabor said the Armed Forces would support the police as the lead agency handling the electioneering process, Baba said the Police would continue look into the agitations that have led to apprehension and uncertainty by Nigerians towards the conduct of credible polls.

These laudable commitments by critical stakeholders are enough for us to move the nation forward in terms of engendering the promotion of democratic ideals.

This is where the role of the media would be most critical as the fourth estate of the realm and watchdog of the society.

Immediately after the conduct of the general elections, the entire process would be taken over by the information sector. Nigerians and the rest of the world would recede to the background to await the outcome of their efforts at the polls.

The media, therefore, need to recommit itself to upholding the tenets of democracy by following all laid down rules and regulations guiding the conduct of the media on electoral process in their reportage of the elections.

The regulatory authorities, the Press Council of Nigeria and the National Broadcasting Commission, had outlined guidelines for election reportage that would ensure the defence of the rights of every citizen and discourage the assumption of fighting for the rights of other people without recourse to the rule of law and constitutional provisions.

The media must, therefore, play the game by the rules. After the 2023 elections, just like other previous elections in the country, the media are at spotlight to exhibit their professionalism and skills in national development through dispassionate reporting of events, actions, reactions and activities of Nigerians in order to safeguard our commonwealth.

The media must not allow itself to fall into the categories of those that work against the rule of law, since this is the first step towards sanity and continuous development of any nation. It must be seen at this critical time in the life of the nation as a sole holder of public peace and stability.

The profession does not allow the media to play to the gallery or fall into the manipulation of some unscrupulous elements in the society who are known for fomenting trouble when their selfish interests are not pampered during elections.

This is the time for the Nigerian media to rise up to their calling and show that it is truly the watchdog of the society in whom every citizen irrespective of political, religious or ethnic affiliation can depend on for credible, balanced and objective news.(NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

***If used please credit the writer and the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN)

By Kayode Adebiyi, News Agency of Nigeria (NAN)

On Dec. 24, 2022, the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) announced the commencement of bids for more than 100 forfeited properties in cities across Nigeria.

Two weeks after the advertorial, the commission commenced the sale of forfeited real estate assets by sealed bids to the highest bidders.

Secretary to the EFCC, Dr George Ekpungu, said at the auction that the commission had adopted a competitive bidding format to guarantee accountability and ensure that the government gets the right value for the assets.

Guidelines for the auction included the prohibition of staff of the EFCC and persons who have or are being prosecuted in respect of the assets from participating in the process.

The commission also said that the occupants of the properties for sale had the Right of First Refusal.

It, however, added that it would ensure that former owners of the forfeited properties do not attempt to repurchase the assets by proxy.

“If you have information about any bid by owners of the assets, please let the commission know, and we will take appropriate action, including possible prosecution,” Dr Ekpungu said during the bidding process.

Crucially, the EFCC said proceeds from the sale of the assets will be paid into the Confiscated and Forfeited Properties Account at the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN).

This is in accordance with Section 69(a) of the Proceeds of Crime (Recovery and Management) Act, 2022.

Indeed, the Proceeds of Crime (Recovery and Management) Act, 2022 stipulates that such proceeds be paid into the said account with the CBN.

However, the Act also assigns the right of forfeiture of assets to other prosecutorial agencies asides the EFCC.

Section 69 partly reads: “There shall be paid into the Confiscated and Forfeited Properties Account— (a) money realised from the proceeds of sale, management or other form of disposal of forfeited assets under this Act and other relevant laws; (b) proceeds of any property forfeited under section 23 (2) (c) of the Code of Conduct Bureau and Tribunal Act, which relates to forfeiture to the Federal Government of any property acquired in abuse or corruption of office…”

Additionally, Section 6 of the same Act called for cooperation among agencies in the sale of such forfeited assets.

“In the performance of their functions and exercise of their powers under this Act, the relevant organisation shall cooperate with other relevant entities. (2) In this section, “other relevant entities” includes any other institution or authority not listed as relevant organisation”, it said.

The EFCC said it would resist attempts by former owners of forfeited assets to reclaim the assets by proxy.

However, judging by allegations that some of its officials also buy forfeited assets by proxy, experts say the Proceeds of Crime (Recovery and Management) Act, 2022 has not gone far enough to address the fact that the prosecutor itself (in this case the EFCC) is an interested party.

Hence, there should either be a provision that would subject the EFCC to a form of check/supervision or provide for an entirely different entity to handle the forfeiture procedure given the conflict of interests.

This is similar to the point recently raised by Rep. Adejoro Adeogun, Chairman of the House of Representatives Ad Hoc Committee on Assessment and Status of All Recovered Loot Movable and Immovable Assets from 2002 to 2020 by Agencies of the Federal Government of Nigeria for Effective Efficient Management and Utilisation.

Adeogun complained that the House does not have the powers to determine how the assets should be disposed of, or to whom they should be sold.

“Then, the enabling law allows the (anti-graft) agencies to auction directly. The EFCC is supposed to auction what it seized, subject to due process,” Adeogun said.

Some stakeholders argue that due process cannot be seen as adequately adhered to if the enabling law allowing anti-graft agencies such as the EFCC to directly auction forfeited assets does not provide for an extra layer of due diligence.

In December 2022, when some forfeited assets were auctioned in Lagos, The Guardian reported that some prospective bidders for forfeited vehicles being auctioned by the EFCC accused the commission and the auction house of shady deals.

The newspaper quoted one bidder to have said: “So far, the experience has been frustrating; first of all, the whole exercise does not appear transparent because it seems some people have been selected to pay for some vehicles.”

It appears that an important step towards the transparent sale of forfeited assets is for the Proceeds of Crime (Recovery and Management) Act, 2022 to be amended.

Hoever, EFCC insists that it has been transparant and followed due process in the discharge of its responsibities and auction process.

Some stakeholders believe that  new provision, which would mandate the setting up of an independent inter-governmental commission with civil society participation should be included.

This, they argue, would ensure that a prosecuting agency like the EFCC does not enjoy absolute control over the forfeiture process.

Hopefully, such a step would curb pervasive corruption and abuse of prosecutorial and investigative powers in our clime which constitute a threat to public interest. (NANFeatures) (www.nannews.ng)

**If used please credit the writer and the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN).

The Kuwait cabinet has resigned after disputes with opposition-led parliament.

Prime Minister Sheikh Ahmed Nawaf al-Ahmed Al-Sabah submitted the cabinet’s resignation to Crown Prince Sheikh Meshal al-Ahmad al-Jaber Al-Sabah on Monday.

The resignation was sparked by a deadlock between the executive and the legislative authority, the cabinet’s said in a statement, without elaborating.

Parliament had been scheduled to convene on Tuesday.

The outgoing cabinet, which was sworn in October, was the sixth in three years in Kuwait.

In September, Kuwait held its sixth election in a decade, forming an opposition-led parliament. (Xinhua/NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

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Edited by Ummul Idris/Muhammad Suleiman Tola

By Taiye Olayemi, News Agency of Nigeria (NAN)

Nigeria continues to enjoy victory and international attention as young creatives continue to spring up in the entertainment industry which has accounted for the country’s ability to sustain victory in various entertainment-related award platforms.

This was the story from the just concluded 8th All-Africa Music Awards (AFRIMA), tagged: ‘The Teranga Edition’, held Jan.15 at the 15,000 capacity Dakar Arena, in Dakar, Senegal.

The voting period for the awards began on Sept. 25, 2022 and ended Jan. 13.

The voting procedure and results were reviewed and collated by an international auditor of great repute, Pricewaterhousecoopers (PwC) – auditors of the Oscars.

The award night had superstars across the African continent clinch trophies and Nigerian artistes were seen to be the most successful on the african soil.

Burna Boy, known as Nigeria’s surprise success story, bagged the album of the year award as well as the artiste of the year 2022 award.

With his fusion of dancehall, raggae, afrobeat and pop, Burna Boy has emerged as one of Nigeria’s fastest-rising stars.

Also, for the African fans favourite category, Oxlade emerged winner and for the best African video, T.G Omori, also from Nigeria, clinched the award.

Nigerian Afrobeats singer and songwriter, Ahmed Ololade, popularly known as “Asake” won the African breakout artiste of the year.

The artiste who coined his stage name trying to pay homage to his mother whose first name is Asake, has been able to put Nigeria on the entertainment global stage with his inspirational music which will remain evergreen due to the morals embedded in his music.

Tiwa Savage at the 8th AFRIMA, “Teranga edition” in Dakar, Senegal

The icon of Nigerian pop music and culture, David Adeleke, popularly known as “Davido”, won big during the award night as he won the best African collaborations and best artiste duo or group in African Electro, along with a South African rapper, Focalistic.

Davido also emerged winner for the best male artiste in African inspirational music as he featured the Sunday Service Choir in the music, “Stand Strong”.

He emerged winner alongside Adekunle Gold as best artistes duo or group in African pop.

Adekunle Gold also won the best artiste duo or group in African contemporary.

Omah Lay clinched the award of the best artiste duo or group in African RnB and Soul while Nigerian alternative/Pop Rock artiste, Clayrocksu, won the award as the best artiste duo or group in African Rock.

Also, the biggest and most influencial African artiste of all time, Ayodeji Balogun, popularly known as “Wizkid”, bagged the award for the best male artiste in West Africa.

Similarly, Nigerian platinum record producer, disk Jockey and Songwriter, Oluwaseyi Akerele, popularly known as “Shizzi”, won the award for the producer of the year 2022.

Nigerian highlife band, “The Cavemen”, got the award as best African band duo or group featuring Made Kuti in one of their tracks.

Nigeria’s Tems and Marvel won the award for the best soundtrack in movies, series and documentaries.

As Nigerian musicians continue to blaze the trail in projecting the nation positively, it is important that they are encouraged through certain incentives.

This can be in form of subsidising the rate for government owned properties which they intend to use for their concerts, it can be either subsidised or given free of charge.

Taking a look at the other countries that won during AFRIMA, Côte d’Ivoire’s Didi B won for song of the year award in his music “Tala”, while Iba One from Mali won the songwriter of the year 2022.

Northern African mavericks at main awards ceremony for the 8th AFRIMA in Senegal

Marwan Moussa from Egypt bagged the award for the best African rapper or lyricist, as well as the best artiste duo o group in African Hip-Hop.

Faouzia from Morocco won the best African famale act in diaspora.

For the best female artiste in African inspirational music, Irene Roberts from Tanzania won, while Ethiopia’s Teddy Afoo got the award for the best artiste duo or group in African Raggae, Ragga and dancehall music.

Gutu Abera from Ethiopia emerged winner of the best artiste duo or group in African Jazz and Azaya from Guinea won the award for the best duo or group in African traditional music.

Ans-T Crazy, also from Guinea got the award for the best artiste duo or group in African dance or choreography while Anitta from Brazil bagged the award for the best global act.

AFRIMA also looked into winners from the four African regions , this had Kassmasse from Ethiopia emerge winner as the best male artiste in Eastern Africa while Muthaka won the female category.

For the central Africa region, Fally Ipupa from the Democratic Republic of Congo won the award for the best male artiste and Vernyuy Tina from Cameroon got the female category.

A.L.A. from Tunisia bagged the award for the best male artiste in Northern Africa while Faouzia from Morocco won the female category

From Southern Africa, Winky D from Zimbabwe got the award for the best male artiste and Makhadzi won the female category.

While Nigerian Wizkid bagged the best male artiste in Western Africa, Josey from Côte d’Ivoire won the female category.

In the non-voting category, the International Executive Committee bestowed the “Legend Award” for the 8th AFRIMA to three iconic Senegalese veterans including Youssou N’dour, Baaba Maal, and Ismail Lo.

In all sense of fun, Dakar remains a city to visit in the West African region.

It is a sane city with the observation of the Senegalese residents living peacefully and hospitable with visitors.

The city is endowed with numerous beaches as it sits on the Atlantic ocean. (NANFeatures)

**If used, please credit the writer and the News Agency of Nigeria.

A news analysis by Chijioke Okoronkwo, News Agency of Nigeria (NAN)

The 2023 Armed Forces Remembrance Day celebration, which was held on Jan. 15, featured the usual and traditional activities—parades and laying of wreaths across the 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja.

In Abuja, President Muhammadu Buhari led Vice President, Yemi Osinbajo, to lay wreaths at the National Arcade, Eagle Square, Abuja, to commemorate the day.

The festival is to honour Nigeria’s fallen heroes who paid the ultimate sacrifice during the First and Second World Wars, the Nigerian Civil War, internal security operations as well as Peace Support Operations around the world.

A unique and noble initiative debuted among activities that heralded the 2023 Armed Forces Remembrance Day; it added colour and verve to the celebration.

That novel and grand event is Paintballing Festival held on Jan. 14 at The Cardboard, Three Bridges Park, Idu Industrial Layout, Abuja.

The Paintballing Festival was organised by Forest Hunters, a non-governmental organisation, in collaboration with the Nigerian Armed Forces—the Nigerian Army, Nigerian Navy, Nigerian Air Force; and Defence Headquarters.

Paintballing is a simulation of a live-combat scenario using dummy ammunition with paint bullets, among other things.

The objectives of Paintballing include capture the flag, attack and defend, total annihilation and protect the president among others.

The Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), Gen. Lucky Irabor, who presided over the ceremony, handed over awards to the navy team who emerged champions after defeating the army team in the final.

Prior to the final, there was also an exhibition game by the Professional Association of Paintballers in Nigeria.

Irabor congratulated members of the armed forces especially the veterans.

“Those we consider to be our forebears in the services of the armed forces for a very good work that have done; which has made the nation to set out Jan. 15 of every year to honour them as the Armed Forces and Remembrance Day celebration.

“This is because they have committed to the service of this nation in the manner that the sovereignty of Nigeria has been sustained.

“Many of our forebears have paid the supreme sacrifice; and they are long gone; a few others are alive and kicking.

“And in order to let them know that their services are valued, the nation has set aside the Jan. 15 of every year to remember them and indeed, honour them,” he said.

The defence chief said that as a prelude to the Armed Forces and Remembrance Day celebration, there were series of events that would lead to the climax.

According to him, Paintballing Festival is one of such innovations introduced into Remembrance Day.

“Two days ago, we had the gulf tournament which was packaged to honour our veterans.

“I am glad to announce that they were there in their numbers playing gulf; what a delight it was.

“So, tonight, the event we have witnessed is to also honour them; to let them know that their services will never be forgotten.

“So, I am proud that we have been able to put this together in partnership with the Forest Hunters who of course, came up with the idea and suggested that we partner with them,’’ Irabor said.

He commended Bayo Omoboriowo, Project Lead, Forest Hunters, for packaging the event.

He said that Omoboriowo, alongside his team in Forest Hunters, had given the armed forces a 30 per cent rebate for any use of the arena.

The CDS said that Paintballing would henceforth feature in the annual Armed Forces Remembrance Day celebration with requisite modifications.

He said: “ I will like to also say that going forward, we will do everything possible to partner with the Forest Hunters; making it an annual event as we remember our fallen heroes and of course, the armed forces every Jan. 15.

“Now, Paintballing, wherein in 1960 or thereabout, Mr Charles Nelson was forward looking enough; being a worker in a paint industry to design a programme of this nature which, over the years, has evolved to what we saw earlier this evening.

“I am delighted that here in Nigeria, we will do further modifications to suit our environment and I think that this location, where we are having the premier edition, is a very unique position that affords us the privilege.

Providing an insight into the maiden edition of the festival, Omoboriowo said it was conceived on a short notice when he met with the CDS and discussed the idea of honouring the fallen heroes.

He said he had been very passionate about the military and security of Nigeria and passionate about Nigeria as a nation.

“Forest Hunters recognises the dedication and sacrifices of the men and women of the Armed Forces of Nigeria in preserving the security the country, promoting national integration and diversity.

“This festival is to appreciate the valiant efforts of the living and fallen heroes of Nigeria, using paintball as a sport to encourage team building, strategic thinking and physical and mental fitness.

“I believe so much in the future of Nigeria; and I believe the future of Nigeria can only be possible by the efforts we make as individuals; the government cannot do it alone; the people cannot do it alone; it is synergy.

“And for me, I have come to partner and collaborate with the service chiefs and anybody that is willing and interested in building a better Nigeria,” he said.

The project leader said that future of Nigeria belonged to every Nigerian; hence the need for synergy to move the country forward.

He said that the CDS, who believed in young people and believed in Nigeria, bought into the idea and gave all the support needed to bring it to fruition.

“I want to appreciate everyone that played on that field today; that field was built in seven days; everything you are seeing here was done just in two weeks.

“We are building the future of Nigeria…we believe we can convert the history of Nigeria and turn to a story we can all celebrate,’’ he said.

A paintballer, who pleaded anonymity, said that Paintballing Festival, if incorporated into the annual Armed Forces Remembrance Day celebration, would promote team work and interpersonal relations among personnel of the armed forces.

He said it would enhance the fitness and combat readiness of Nigerian armed forces.

Observers say the introduction of Paintballing Festival as part of the annual Armed Forces Remembrance Day celebration is a quintessential mark of honour to the fallen heroes.

By Philomina Attah

Vote-buying has remained a major part of the problems of election management in Nigeria. Twenty four years since the return of democracy in the country, it has remained an obstacle to free, fair and credible elections in the country.

The issue has attracted various responses from stakeholders who mostly view it as one of the cankerworms that constitutes brazen assault on Nigeria’s democracy.

As Nigeria prepares for the 2023 general elections, the problem of vote-buying is being tackled by various stakeholders, including anti-graft agencies with a view to permanently bury the problem.

Already the Nigerian government has criminalises vote-buying and selling, thus making it easier for security agencies and the courts to deal with culprits.

One of the major stakeholders, the Chairman, Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Mr Abdulrasheed Bawa described vote-buying as continuous exploitation of large section of the society by politicians.

“Like the proverbial child who traded his future in order to satisfy his immediate, we have consistently witnessed the continuous exploitation of a large section of the society by politicians.

“The vulnerable have continued to remain oblivious of the consequence of vote-buying and selling.

“They fail to realise that when they sell their votes, they also give up their rights to demand for transparency and accountability from elected leaders.

“They sell their future and that of their unborn children for an insignificant and greatly undervalued sum,” he said.

Analysts listed some consequences of vote buying to include loss of integrity of the elections and elected officials, recruitment of bad leaders, promoting poverty and mortgaging the rights of the electorates to demand accountability.

In spite of these consequences, Nigerians have continued to engage in illegal trading of votes.

According to the Director-General, National Orientation Agency (NOA), Dr Garba Abari, survey-based evidence shows that one in five Nigerians are exposed to vote peddling while almost four in 10 Nigerians are exposed to electoral violence.

To effectively tackle the menace of vote buying, Sections 121 and 122 of the Electoral Act 2022 has made it a criminal offence in the country.

Section 121 (1) of the Act stipulates that: “any person who directly or indirectly, induced any other person to vote or refrain from voting commits an offence and is liable on conviction to a maximum fine of N500,000 or imprisonment for a term of 12 months or both.

“Section 121 (2) stipulates that: “a voter commits an offence of bribery where, before, or during an election, directly or indirectly, by himself or herself, or by any other person, on his or her behalf receives, agrees, or contracts for any money, gift, loan, or valuable consideration, office, place of employment, for his or herself, or any other person, for voting or agreeing to vote, or for refraining or agreeing to refrain from voting at any such election.’’

A recent research by Good Governance Awareness Initiative (GGAI), and NGO, identified poverty, threats by political parties, lack of proactive measures by security agencies and lack of interest in the electoral process as some of the factors encouraging vote-buying.

The Executive Director of GGAI, Ms Maureen Onwukwe said that over the years, elections in Nigeria had been marred by ballot stuffing and snatching, as well as violence.

Onwukwe, however, said that with the technological innovations introduced by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and the Electoral Act 2022, it will now be extremely difficult for political parties to rig elections in Nigeria.

“That is why politicians now devise vote-buying as another means to manipulate the supposed decision of electorate.

“This presents a fresh danger to the integrity and reliability of elections in Nigeria,” she said.

Already, INEC has taken measures to tackle the trend and ensure the sanctity of the electoral process.

Among the measures taken by INEC was going into partnership with EFCC and the Independent Corrupt Practices Commission (ICPC) to arrest and prosecute vote sellers and buyers.

According to INEC Chairman, Prof. Mahmoud Yakubu, INEC has also re-configured all polling units to bring the ballot boxes closer to voting cubicles and banned the use of mobile phones and photographic devices by voters while in the voting cubicles.

“We have also intensified our collaboration with the EFCC and ICPC to deal with both the buyers and the takers under the law,” he said.

He added that in an effort to curb the menace, the membership of the Inter-Agency Consultative Committee on Election Security was expanded to include the two anti-corruption agencies.

“The two agencies have been deploying their operatives during elections and this effort is paying off.

“For instance, following arrests made during the recent Osun Governorship election held on July 16, the EFCC made arrests and after investigation found evidence to charge the suspects to court in Osogbo.

“We are right now working with the EFCC to ensure their prosecution. I wish to commend the EFCC for this initiative and assure them of our support at all times,” Yakubu said.

Speaking at a one-day stakeholders summit on “Addressing the Influence of Money on the 2023 General Election’’ last December, Yakubu assured that INEC would not relent in its determination to prevent vote-buying during the 2023 general election.

He however called for concerted actions by citizens to reject inducements to sway their votes through vote-buying and report such cases to INEC and other agencies.

“Financial institutions, religious organisations, traditional institutions, the media, civic bodies and citizens must also join in this fight,” Yakubu said.

Also speaking at the summit, Chairman of ICPC, Prof. Bolaji Owasanoye, said vote buying has the tendency to scuttle good governance.

According to Owasanoye, a government that is purchased will have no obligation to the people.

“A faulty and corrupt electoral process emboldens incompetent and corrupt government. They do not have to care about our feelings and our complaints.

“In such situation, impunity will reign and corruption will thrive” the ICPC chairman added.

The Inspector-General of Police, Mr Usman Baba, said the police had devised strategies to arrest and prosecute politicians moving on election days with tonnes of cash to buy votes.

Baba said concerted efforts were being made by the police, as the lead agency in election security management, to ensure that the use of money was not allowed to influence the 2023 general elections.

“We will ensure that at least, this menace is brought to the barest minimum; we will achieve this in synergy with sister security agencies, anti-graft and intelligence agencies and other stakeholders”, he said.

According to Baba, a lot of arrests have been made of persons buying voter registration cards to rig the 2023 elections and some political thugs.

“We will also ensure that the Police X-Squad, intelligence officers and investigators are moved to the field to ensure that politicians moving on election days to buy votes are apprehended and dealt with according to the provisions of the law,” he added.

The IGP emphasised that with the measures being taken by stakeholders, the use of money during the 2023 elections will be greatly curtailed.

“We will do all we can within the confines of the law to bring the offenders to book.

“Some politicians spend huge sums of money to get elected to office, thus their priority is to recoup the money they spent during the election.

“The consequence of this is that, those elected provide poor governance and deny the public the benefit of good governance, as they most likely are not the best candidates.

“When elections are influenced by money, credibility of the process is questioned. This leads to rancour and the possibility of violence after the elections.” Baba said.

Beyond the arrest and prosecution of the offenders, the anti-graft agencies have also intensified efforts on awareness campaign on the need for Nigerians to shun vote trading.

To facilitate this, the EFCC has entered into partnership with the Committee of Youth on Mobilisation and Sensitisation to undertake grassroots campaigns against vote-buying, cybercrimes and other forms of corruption.

The ICPC has also gone beyond arrest to preventive measures to end vote-buying in Nigeria.

Experts believe that these measures will help to greatly stop vote-buying, ensure free and credible election and the emergence of credible leaders committed to meeting the dreams of a greater Nigeria. (NAN Features)

**If used, credit the writer and the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN)

Edited by Maharazu Ahmed

By Sumaila Ogbaje, News Agency of Nigeria (NAN)

Nigeria has continued to contend with a number of internal security challenges ranging from insurgency and terrorism in the North East, banditry and kidnapping in North West and North Central, oil theft and pipeline vandalism in the Niger Delta and separatists agitation in South East and South West.

In spite of these security challenges, Nigeria has recorded remarkable improvement in security administration in 2022.

The Armed Forces of Nigeria has remained steadfast in restringing peace and security across the country, and had deployed troops across the 36 states and Federal Capital Territory (FCT) to tackle all forms of security threats, in collaboration with other security agencies.

The strings of military operations across theatres of operations have lessened the various security threats and impacted positively on the lives of citizens and national development in general.

Although there are close to eleven thousand deaths recorded in 2022, most of the deaths have been due to military actions not from activities of non state actors.

In North Eastern Nigeria, the activities of Boko Haram and Islamic States West Africa Province (ISWAP) have been largely tamed.

The destruction caused by the 13-year insurgency in Borno, Yobe and Adamawa are being addressed, with millions of displaced persons returning home.

Since the beginning of 2022, the tempo of military operation in the North East under the Joint Task Force Operation Hadin Kai (OPHK) has escalated, leading to mass surrender of Boko Haram and ISWAP terrorists and their family members to troops in different fronts.

Available record revealed that more than 82,000 terrorists and their families have so far surrendered due to the intensity of military onslaught against them. More than 60,000 of those who surrendered did so in 2022, alongside their wives and children.

The onslaught also led to the capture of hundreds of terrorists across the region.

Today, about 900 arrested terrorists are awaiting prosecution, while thousands of the terrorists including their commanders, collaborators and logistics suppliers have been killed in land and air operations.

The successes recorded in the various operations conducted in the region by the military has facilitated the return of peace and stability in most parts of the North East.

This is attested by the fact that most Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) have returned to their ancestral homes while several farmlands hitherto inaccessible due to activities of terrorists, are now being cultivated.

According to the Theatre Command, OPHK, the operations also facilitated the rescue of 11 Chibok school girls who have been in captivity since 2014.

The first of the girls rescued, Hauwa Joseph, was intercepted along with her child at Ngazua in Bama on June 12, followed by Mary Dauda and her child rescued at Gava in Gwoza Local Government Area on June 14, while Ruth Bitrus and her child escaped from Ukuba Boko Haram terrorists camp in Sambisa and was rescued by troops in Bama on June 27.

On July 25, troops also rescued two Chibok girls named Kauna Luka and Hanatu Musa with their children at Aulari in Bama general area, while Aisha Grema who was pregnant was rescued with her four-year-old child in Bama on Aug. 21.

The seventh Chibok girl to be rescued was Falmata Lawal and her child on Aug. 30, in Bama general area.

On Sept. 1, 2022, troops also rescued Asabe Ali and her child who escaped from a terrorists’ camp in Gazuwa, Bama while the ninth Chibok girl, Jinkai Yama was rescued along with three children in Bama on Sep. 2.

Additionally, Yana Pogu and her four children became the 10th Chibok girl rescued by the military in 2022, while the eleventh was Rejoice Senki, who also had two children with her.

The eleven girls rescued in 2022 were listed on the roll of the abducted Chibok School girls as numbers 18, 46, 41, 38, 7, 11, 3, 12, 20, 19 and 70.

Similarly, the Nigerian Air Force (NAF) has had a very remarkable year in 2022, conducting a total of 1,398 sorties to counter insurgency and banditry across the country.

The Air Officer Commanding, Special Operations Command, AVM Abubakar Abdulkadir, said that NAF had flown over 1,950 hours during various operations between January and December in the North East and North West regions to tackle banditry and insurgency.

NAF intervention in the North West led to the elimination of many top terrorists and bandit commanders, while hundreds of kidnapped citizens were rescued.

There was also massive arrest of bandits’ collaborators by troops of Operation Hadarin Daji in Katsina, Zamfara, Sokoto and Kaduna States.

Similarly, there have been several air bombardments by the air component of Operation Whirl Punch on many identified terrorists hideouts in Kaduna state with scores of terrorists including their top leaders neutralised.

As the intensity of military operations increased, the Defence Headquarters in November declared 19 terrorists wanted and placed N5 million bounty on each of them.

The wanted persons are notorious bandits and terrorists that have been terrorising Katsina, Sokoto and Zamfara states.

Subsequent operational activities through land and air interdictions revealed that some of the wanted bandit kingpins were killed in Katsina and Zamfara.

In the North Central, troops of Operation Safe Haven also recorded a lot of successes in both kinetic and non-kinetic operations in Plateau and part of Kaduna states.

One of the high moment was on Oct. 29, when troops repelled an attack by Boko Haram and ISWAP terrorists on Wawa Military Cantonment in Borgu Local Government Area of Niger.

A coordinated land and air operations led to the killing of six of the terrorists and capture of 18 others while their equipment were captured and destroyed.

Also in 2022, troops of the Guards Brigade successfully apprehended about 60 hoodlums planning to cause security breach in the nation’s capital on the eve on the Independence Day celebration.

However, there were some unfortunate ambushes in the FCT in which the lives of two officers and four soldiers were lost in July, just after the attack on Kuje Custodial Centre, which created panic in the territory.

The military and other security agencies were able to quickly bring the tensed situation under control and effectively countered the fake terror alerts issued by the United States and United Kingdom embassies in Nigeria.

To underscore the seriousness with which Nigeria views the security challenges, the National Security Council met three times in July to appraise the security situation and set target for the military and other security agencies. It’s the first time in the history of the country that the council met three times in a month.

The effects have been monumental in terms of degrading insurgents, bandits and terrorists across the country.

In the Niger Delta region, the military joint task force, code-named Operation Delta Safe (OPDS), has during the year, destroyed 37 militant camps and over 1,883 illegal oil refining sites in the region.

According to the Commander, OPDS, Rear Adm. Aminu Hassan, 699 suspects were arrested in the effort to secure the operations of oil and gas companies in the Niger Delta as well as safeguard the people of the area.

The operations helped to save over N53 billion worth of crude oil, diesel, kerosene and petrol; destroyed not less than 37 militants and sea robbers camps and recovered 90 assorted illegal weapons and large caliber ammunition.

In the South East, the military has continued to confront the activities of the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra and its militant wing, the Eastern Security Network, with remarkable successes.

On the whole, the armed forces of Nigeria has largely gained the upper hand against enemies of the state across the country in 2022.

It is instructive to note that attacks on troops’ locations and ambush on their convoys have also reduced drastically in the course of the year.

These successes were propelled by enhanced joint operational planning and execution of the plans by all the three services, as well as improved synergy with other security agencies in the country.

There was also enhanced intelligence gathering and sharing as acknowledged by the Chief of Defence Intelligence, Maj.-Gen. Samuel Adebayo recently.

He said the agency has continued to carry out its mandates conscientiously with positive outcomes, adding that it prioritised technical and communication aspects of intelligence in support of armed forces operations and activities within and outside the country.

Adebayo said the DIA had also successfully dominated the threat environment with a combination of special intelligence operations and non-kinetic activities which had recorded degrees of successes and continued to deny the enemies of state, the cohesion and capabilities to operate.

“As we continue to review our activities, in 2023 the Agency intends to refocus its tactical and technical intelligence drive on all frontiers to sustain the gains.

“So far, the result across all theatres has been significantly rewarding,” the defence intelligence chief said. (NANFeatures)

** If used, please credit the writer as well as the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN)

A News Analysis by Julius Enehikhuere, News Agency of Nigeria (NAN)

Mr Abdulrasheed Bawa, 40, the Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), became a household name when he was nominated by President Muhammadu Buhari as the commission’s Chairman-Designate some weeks ago.

The question on the lips of most Nigerians is what did the president see a youth that would make him to nominate him to lead the war against corruption.

Some critics insinuate that may be the president did that to observe the Not too Young to Run act that seeks to reduce the age limit for running for public office in the country.

Irrespective of the critics’ observations, Bawa’s final screening and approval by the Senate were completed on Feb. 24.

Now that Bawa is at the helm of the activities of EFCC, Nigerians, especially concerned youths have urged him to utilise the opportunity to position the youth for leadership in future.

According them, his appointment if justified by his performance, will serve as a test passed by the youth to get appointment for any public office and excel

For instance, the Human Rights Writers Association of Nigeria (HURIWA), called on Bawa to deal with old and young thieves in government offices and to execute plans in line with the constitution.

National coordinator of the association, Emmanuel Onwubiko said Bawa should also ensure that “EFCC respects human rights in the discharge of its duties.

“The decision of President Buhari to appoint a youngster to head EFCC should be looked at from a positive dimension’’.

Similarly, during the screening, some of the senators referred to him as a brilliant young man on whose shoulders now rests the huge responsibility of fighting corruption.

Sharing similar sentiments, Citizens Awareness Against Corruption and Social Vices Initiative and other youth groups, commended Buhari for the appointment.

According to them, the development is a pointer that youths are being reckoned with in the governance of the country.

A statement was signed by Olumuyiwa Onilede on behalf of the youth said they threw their weight behind Bawa because “apart from being a young person, he has been a core detective of the organisation who knows the anti-graft job’’.

In the same vein, some concerned citizens note that Bawa’s appointment is a blessing in disguise to youths.

However, cynics fear that such an opportunity, if not handled with the wisdom will deal a bitter blow to the ambition of the youth in their quest for leadership.

Mr John Owie, a lawyer, in his view praised the courage of Bawa for accepting to serve as EFCC chairman.

He described him as an unassuming young man with a child-like character, saying “I know he knows the terrain and he has experience and age is not going to be a barrier.

`What I fear the most are the politicians and corrupt people who would try to derail him. I hope he can put in place a formidable team and avoid pitfalls’’.

Also, Mr John Abude, a public analyst, says he wants to see a restructured anti-graft agency that is fully independent and not in the winds and caprices of government.

“Bawa’s challenge should be reinvigorating the anti-graft structure and putting in place institutions.

“There is going to be two levels of Nigerians, either you are assisting in fighting crime or we are assisting Bawa and the anti-crime agency to fight you. “The choice is yours,’’ he noted.

But Bawa said during his screening that the EFCC has the legal backing to investigate unexplained wealth.

“I have been the Desk Officer of the anti-crime commission of Unexplained Wealth Order and I have also worked closely with the National Crime Agency of the United Kingdom.

“Section 7, Sub-section 1(b) of the EFCC  the commission has the powers to cause investigation to be conducted into the property of any person that appears to the commission whose lifestyle does not justify his or her source of income,’’ he said.

He, therefore, promised a total overhaul of the anti- graft agency in line with professionalism and his mandate to restructure.

When Bawa was asked by the Senate if he was going to send back the large number of policemen in the service of the commission, he said: “We shall assess the need and requirements of the commission and carry out the necessary adjustments.

“We are going to have a sweeping overhaul that will reposition the commission.

“I am going to give the young people a very good representation in the governance of this country so that more young people will be given more responsibility in this country.”

According to Bawa, the EFCC will achieve its independent objective by sharing information with its partners.

He noted that the constitution would guide his actions and that at the end of his tenure, the EFCC would be a better place than he met it because his training by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the National Crime Agency of the United States and the United Kingdom respectively would come in handy.

Bawa is a graduate from the Usmanu Danfodio University, Sokoto, with a Bachelor of Science degree in Economics (Second Class Upper) in 2001.

He joined the EFCC as an Assistant Detective Superintendent (ADS) in 2004.

He also holds a Master’s degree in International Affairs and Diplomacy which he obtained from the same university in 2012.

According to his résumé, the new anti-graft boss has spent about 16 years working with the EFCC as a detective and he is a pioneer EFCC Cadet Officers, Course One, 2005.

Bawa rose through the ranks to become a Deputy Chief Detective Superintendent (DCDS), a position he held since 2016 until his nomination as the anti-graft agency’s substantive chairman.

He has vast investigation experience and has been part of the prosecution of advance fee fraud, official corruption, bank fraud, money laundering, and other economic and financial crimes related offences.

Observers note that Bawa’s track record in EFCC as an investigator is actually intimidating as he learnt the ropes from past leaders of the commission, being a pioneer member of its academy.

They observe further that he has been involved in the investigation and prosecution of many high profile crimes in the country.

As the head of the EFCC’s investigative team handling the case of the former Minister of Petroleum Resources, Diezani Allison-Madueke from 2015 until date, his team has recovered millions of dollars’ worth of property in the country, the UK, U.S, and United Arab Emirate.

With his track record, youths say Bawa has the capacity to show to the world the ability to lead in any capacity.(NANFeatures)