Emefiele: DSS Has Robust Relationship With Other Security Agencies; Respects Judiciary

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July 27, 2023

The Department of State Services, DSS, says it regretted the clash between its men and some officials of the Nigerian Correctional Service on Tuesday during the arraignment of suspended Central Bank of Nigeria, CBN, Govrnor Godwin Emefiele.

The DSS officials had clashed with officials of the NCC in a bid to re-arrest the embattled CBN governor after he was admitted to a N20 million bail by a feral high court presided over by Justice Nicholas Weibo in Lagos on July 25.

Emefiele has since been taken to the DSS custody in what is considered a violation of the court order, an act that has been trenchantly condemned by many Nigerians who called on the secret police to respect the court ruling..

The embattled apex bank govrnor is facing charges bordering on “illegal possession of firearms”

For instance, the Nigeria Bar Association, NBA has called for a thorough investigation of the incident, describing the DSS act as a disrespect to the rule of law.

In its response to the backlash, the DSS said the scuffle between the two security agencies is unfortunate and could have been avoided. The act of the DSS officials does not reflect the professional disposition of the Service, Peter Afunanya, the spokesman of the DSS said in a statement.

The statement further stated that the DSS has a robust relationship with other security agencies in the country contrary to suggestions in some quarters, noting also that it respects the nation’s judiciary and will not do anything to undermine the judicial system in the country.

Describing the behavior of the DSS men as undue overzelousness, the agency said it has launched investigation into the matter.
The investigation, the DSS said, “is with a view to identifying the role played by specific persons as well as undertaking disciplinary actions if necessary and drawing some lessons going forward,” Afunanya said..

“For emphasis, the DSS has not broken any laws in handling the Emefiele case despite efforts by some elements to skew the narratives to the contrary.

“The service had since alerted the public of sinister plots to discredit its leadership. In pursuit of its assignments, it will strive to remain professional, maintain ethical standards and a high sense of discipline.

“The service will ensure that it will not be used for clout and fame chasing or delusional heroism. It will, however, remain focused on its national security mandate.”

Meanwhile the magazine learned that the the Director General, Yusuf Bichi is very angry over the incident and has told the DSS officials involved in the scuffle that they will be punished if they are found watching aftr the investigation is concluded.

Lukman ToTinubu: “Retract From Unjust And Illegal Acts”; Resigns From National Office; Thanks El-Rufai

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The Source

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July 27, 2023

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By Gideon Njoku

The crisis rocking the National Leadership of the All Progressives Congress, APC, which resulted in the forceful resignation of the National Chairman and National Secretary, Senators Abdullahi Adamu and Iyiola Omisore, respectively, has continued to escalate.

On Wednesday, the usually blunt National Deputy Chairman, North-West, Salihu Lukman, resigned.

In his resignation letter addressed to the Acting National Chairman, Senator Abba Kyari, Lukman said he could no longer cope with what is going on in the Party, orchestrated by some people, including President Bola Tinubu, who is the Leader of the Party.

He said: “Rather than remaining in the leadership of the Party and become a source of distraction for Leaders, and especially, for the young Government of President Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu, it is better to excuse myself and take time off from Politics.”

Lukman, however, said he would retain his membership of the Party, “in the hope that our leaders, especially, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, will retract from acts that will be unjust and illegal, which is crucial to any claim of being democratic or progressive whether as politicians or as patriotic Nigerians.

The full text of Lukman’s resignation letter reads:

“I hereby, kindly, resign my position as National Vice Chairman, North-West, of our great party, All Progressives Congress, APC. My resignation is with immediate effect, which become necessary given my conviction that the atmosphere in the Party is completely at variance with the founding vision of forming a progressive party.

“Rather than remaining in the leadership of the Party and become a source of distraction for leaders and especially, for the young Government of President Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu, it is better to excuse myself, and take time off from politics.

“I will, however, retain my membership of the party in the hope that our leaders, especially, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, will retract from acts that will be unjust and illegal which is crucial to any claim of being democratic or progressive, whether as politicians or as patriotic Nigerians.

“I wish to convey my sincere gratitude to our leaders in Kaduna, especially, Mallam Nasir Ahmad El-Rufai, for finding me worthy of nomination to serve at the highest level of the Party’s leadership. I do hope all our leaders will appreciate that I am left with no option in the circumstance.

“I wish the Party and all our leaders, especially, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, all the best, and will continue to give my modest support towards the success of the Party from the background.”

Lukman was in the forefront of those who put pressure on Senators Adamu and Omisore to resign as National Chairman and National Secretary, respectively. He accused Adamu, in particular, of incompetence and alleged corruption.

A few days ago, he had, in a statement, disagreed with President Tinubu, in his alleged choice of the immediate past Governor of Kano State, Dr Abdullahi Ganduje, as the replacement for Adamu. Lukman described it as a disruption of the zoning arrangement in the APC, and dismissed such choice as unfair and unjust to the North-Central.

The speculation is still very strong that Ganduje is Tinubu’s choice for the office of the APC National Chairman. Many believe that choice is the main reason for the resignation of Lukman as a National Officer.

Traders In Enugu Clash Over Govt’s Order To Stop Sit-At-Home; Ask Gov To Bring Original NYSC Discharge Certificate

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Ayodele Oni

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July 27, 2023

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By Ayodele Oni

Following a bloody protest at the Ogbete popular market in Enugu on Wednesday, the State Government has commenced investigation to unravel the circumstances surrounding the violent protest.

The protest enveloped the Market in the State capital and led to the death of unspecified number of persons, while several others sustained various degree of injuries.

The State Government, in a statement, signed by the Secretary to the State Government, Professor Chidiebere Onyia, expressed grave concern over the incident, and appealed to the people and residents of Enugu to remain calm, and go about their lawful businesses.

The Commissioner of Police (CP), Enugu State Command, Ahmed Ammani, has also ordered full-scale investigation into the circumstances surrounding Wednesday’s violent protest at Ogbete Main Market.

The Command in a statement signed by Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), Daniel Ndukwe, a deputy superintendent of police (DSP), said that the number of people either killed or wounded during the violent protest would be made public as soon as possible.

According to the Enugu State Government, the crisis started when traders whose shops were sealed on the orders of the Government for non-compliance with the order banning Monday sit-at-home, resorted to reopening their shops without following the rules and procedure enunciated by the Government.

The Governor similarly ordered Civil and Public Servants in the State to report for work on Mondays, just as he instructed relevant Government Agencies to seal business premises and shops which owners failed to open on Mondays.

The statement by the State Government reads: “The Enugu State Government received with grave concern the ugly incident at Ogbete Main Market, Enugu, today.

“Information available to Government shows that traders whose shops were sealed for non-compliance with Government’s order banning Monday sit-at-home, defied the instruction on how the shops should be re-opened and resorted to self-help by removing the seals.

“This led to internal squabbles between the market leadership and some of the affected traders.

“The ensuing confrontation resulted in a protest, which was infiltrated and hijacked by dangerously armed hoodlums and miscreants, who broke shops and looted traders’ wares.

“Attempt by security operatives to restore order and prevent further looting was violently resisted by the imported and armed hoodlums. Government is receiving further briefings on the development.

“In the meantime, investigation to unravel the circumstance surrounding the incident, including the reports of casualty, is already ongoing.

“Government calls on the people and residents of Enugu to remain calm and go about their lawful businesses, as adequate security measures are in place to secure lives and property in the State.

The Police statement reads “Normalcy has been restored at Ogbete Market Enugu and its surroundings, following the report of protest by some traders over the sealing of their shops by the State Government and their attempt to force others, whose shops were not sealed, to close theirs and the entire market closed. The initially peaceful protest was hijacked and made to become violent.

“Traders in the market and citizens alike have been pleaded with to remain law-abiding, peaceful and cooperative, while using approved channels to express their grievances.

“Full-scale investigation has been initiated on the orders of the Commissioner of Police, while further development, especially as it concerns reports of casualties being circulated, will be communicated as soon as possible.”

The traders whose shops – over 100 – were locked by the Government for not opening their shops, while protesting, asked the Governor what business of his it was whether they open their shops or not.

“Will you force us to go to the market? Is it your business. Leave us alone and go and produce your original NYSC Certificate.”

Those who countered them were, however, happy over the Governor’s determination to stop the evil that is the sit-at-home order.

Senate Seeks Extradition Of Simon Ekpa, Turns Down Motion For Release Of Nnamdi Kanu

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Ayodele Oni

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July 26, 2023

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By Ayodele Oni

The days of Simon Ekpa, factional leader of the Independent Peoples of Biafra, (IPOB) may be numbered as Nigeria’s Senate, has advised the Federal Government to seek for his extradition and possible prosecution.

This is just as the Senate rejected the motion for the release from detention of the IPOB leader, Nnamdi Kanu.

Both decisions were fallouts of the Wednesday sitting of the uppermost legislative chamber in Abuja.

Ekpa is reportedly behind the weekly continued sit at home being observed by people of the south east, which has led to disruption of economic activities and loss of lives.

It condemned the Monday sit-at-home in the South East geopolitical zone and asked the federal government to collaborate with the Finnish government and extradite a pro-Biafran agitator, Simon Ekpa, for prosecution.

The upper chamber also resolved to invite the Minister of Foreign Affairs (when appointed) and relevant stakeholders to carry out thorough investigation as well as bring other sponsors of the act to book.

The motion to release from the detention the leader of the proscribed IPOB, Nnamdi Kanu was moved by Senator Osita Izunaso (Imo West)believing that this will address the constant sit-at-home order enforced by unknown gunmen in the South-East.

The motion, which was co-sponsored by other lawmakers from the South-East, noted that the senators were aware that thousands of innocent lives had been lost since the action started, and properties worth over a trillion Naira had been destroyed resulting in investors leaving the region.

Izunazo said, “The sit-at-home civil disobedience actions in the South-East have led to the disruption/destruction of economic activities and immeasurable financial losses for businesses, workers, and the local economy. Because, when people are forced to stay at home and businesses remain closed, productivity declines and income is reduced, affecting livelihoods and economic growth.

“The “sit-at-home” protests disrupt the education of students, leading to missed classes and delays in academic progress.

“And such prolonged disruptions have long-term effects on students’ learning outcomes and educational development;

“Disturbed that disruption of essential public services, such as healthcare, transportation, and waste disposal, continues to have a severe impact during “sit-at-home” protests which adversely affect the well-being and safety of the general population living in the South-East.”

FIFA Women World Cup: Super Falcons Battle Ready To Conquer Host, Australia

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Akinwale Kasali

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July 26, 2023

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By Akinwale Kasali

As the Super Falcons of Nigeria gear up for their Second Group B Game against Co-host, the Matildas of Australia, the Coach Randy Waldrum-side has stated their preparedness for the match.

The Super Falcons and the Australia Ladies will set alight the Lang Park in Brisbane/Meaanjin on Thursday in what is one of the most-anticipated clashes of the group stage at this ninth edition of the FIFA Women’s World Cup finals.

With the maximum three points from their opening match against Republic of Ireland in Sydney on 20 July, the Matildas know they have a fight on their hands against nine-time African champions, Super Falcons, who refused to bow to Olympic champions Canada in Melbourne the following day.

The Super Falcons know only a win will be good enough to stand them in good stead for a place in the Round of 16, as only the two top-placed teams in each of the eight groups will make progress in a tournament that has welcomed 32 teams for the first time ever.

On Tuesday, Captain of the Team, Onome Ebi had reiterated the position of the Super Falcons: “We will go in there and play to win. There are no two ways about it. Only three points will be good enough for us.”

Ebi says their five-match unbeaten streak is one of the callipers that will keep the girls going strong on a turf much more familiar to their opponents and in front of dozens of thousands of a partisan crowd at the Lang Park.

Before the draw with Canada, the Super Falcons had pipped Costa Rica 1-0, edged Haiti 2-1, trounced New Zealand 3-0 and slayed Lions Women’s Football Club 8-1 before the World Cup.

Nigeria is one of only seven countries (the others being USA, Brazil, Germany, Sweden, Japan and Norway) to have featured in every single edition of the FIFA Women’s World Cup finals since the competition was launched in 1991. Australia missed the inaugural edition in China, but have been at every other final tournament since then.

Goalkeeper Chiamaka Nnadozie has returned to training after being excused for one day following the MVP-winning performance against Canada in Melbourne, and consistency is expected in the selection of the rearguard, with Michelle Alozie and Ashley Plumptre on the wings, and veteran Osinachi Ohale and youthful Oluwatosin Demehin at central.

The co-hosts will have to do without their talismanic captain Sam Kerr, who has been the face on most advertisements pertaining to the tournament.

Nigeria’s is bolstered with the return of the Atletico Madrid of Spain Winger, Rasheedat Ajibade, whose goal against Cameroon in the Women Africa Cup of Nations’ quarter-finals secured Nigeria’s passage to the ongoing World Cup and midfield battering ram Halimatu Ayinde from suspension.

Asisat Oshoala, who suffered a knock against the Canadians, could be excused, with Nigeria sufficiently blessed in Desire Oparanozie, Jennifer Echegini, Gift Monday and Uchenna Kanu.

President of Nigeria Football Federation, Alhaji Ibrahim Musa Gusau has charged the Super Falcons to “keep Africa’s hope alive” when they take on co-hosts Australia in their second match of the FIFA Women’s World Cup finals on Thursday.

With the first round of matches over on Tuesday, Nigeria is the only African flag-bearer yet to taste defeat.

“As nine-time champions of Africa, and one of only seven countries to have played in every edition of the FIFA Women’s World Cup, Nigeria is the real giant and hope of the African continent in Australia. While we expect Morocco, Zambia and South Africa to turn things around in their next matches, my message is that the Super Falcons must focus hard on the ball against the Australians in order to keep Africa’s song going.

“We had an impressive game against Canada, but I want the girls to put that feat out of their minds and focus on the three points against Australia. It can be done,” Gusau said.

Zambia lost 5-0 to Japan and Spain in its first two Group matches, while South Africa were edged 1-2 by Sweden, and Morocco fell 0-6 to Germany in the first round of matches.

“I am charging the girls to go all out. This is a match in which we need to score goals”, Gusau stated.

Cross River: Disquiet as Unical Expels House Of Assembly Speaker

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The Source

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July 26, 2023

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By Stanley Ekpenyong (South South Bureau Chief)

Uncertainty is currently pervading the Cross River State House of Assembly following the expulsion by the University of Calabar, Unical, of the House Speaker, Hon Elvert Ayambem.

Untill his expulsion by the University for poor academic performance, Hon. Ayambem was a 200 level Economics student of the institution.

The Speaker, who last month defeated Hon. Hilary Bisong, son of the University’s Vice Chancellor, Professor Florence Obi, to become Speaker, was among the 638 students the management of the institution withdrew their admission for failing to live up to academic expectations.

Following his expulsion, the Speaker, competent sources told the magazine on Wednesday, is under intense pressure from some political actors in the state to resign his office on moral grounds.

“Hon. Ayambem’s expulsion approximate to one thing: He has been found wanting in character and in learning”, says a chieftain of the ruling All Progressives Congress, APC from Boje in Boki, local government area, the home council of Hon. Bisong.

According to the party stalwart who asked that his identity be concealed “for political reasons”, “a sophisticated state like Cross River that boasts of avalanche of intellectuals cannot be saddled with a half baked Speaker. We will be reduced to a laughing stock. “How will it sound to the ears that our Speaker is an expelled student?

“His expulsion from Unical simply approximate to lack of character and the absence of the requisite experience, qualification and leadership qualities to lead the House”, he further said.

However, falling shot of accusing Unical management of vendetta against the Speaker for defeating “a person of interest”, Hon. Ayambem’s supporters insist he remains the Speaker and eminently qualified to lead the Cross River state House of Assembly.

They said their principal who represents Ikom 2 state constituency, is popular and well respected among his colleagues.”They know Hon. Ayambem possesses invaluable leadership qualities hence they wasted no time in electing him to lead them; note that he proved book makers wrong by defeating an anointed candidate of highly placed political actors to emerge Speaker, so what is playing out now is a fight back but it’s an exercise in futility”, one of the Speaker’s supporters told The Source.

Meanwhile, the University’s management said students, across 15 faculties and departments, were expelled from the institution over poor Cumulative Grade Point Average.

In the Faculty of Agriculture, Forestry and Resource Management, the Department of Agricultural Economics recorded 10 casualties.

In the Faculty of Allied Medical Science, 24 students were withdrawn from the Department of Medical Laboratory.

Others include Faculty of Art and Social Science Education, Department of Art Education – 29; Faculty of Art, Department of Christian Religious Studies – 86.

The Faculty of Basic Medical Science, the Department of Anatomy had 25 students on the list. In the Faculty of Biological Science, the Department of Genetics and Biotechnology, 66 students dropped.

Others included Faculty of Dentistry, Department of Dentistry – eight; Faculty of Engineering and Technology, Department of Agricultural and Bioresources Engineering – 15.

Schools Closed In Bauchi As Diphtheria Kills Students

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Ayodele Oni

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July 26, 2023

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By Ayodele Oni

Five students have been confirmed dead of suspected diphtheria in Bauchi State.

The latest incident happened at the Jamaare Local Government Area and has led to the closure of public schools in the affected area.

Diphtheria is an infection that can lead to difficulty in breathing as well as affect the heart, among other symptoms.

The Executive Chairman of the Bauchi State Primary Health Care Development Agency, (BSPHCDA), Dr Rilwanu Mohammed, who disclosed this on Wednesday confirmed that the affected schools in the local government area have been closed to avoid more outbreak.

Mohammed said out of the 28 suspected cases recorded so far in Jamaare, two others returned positive.

He, however, did not disclose the name of the affected schools nor reveal when the infection was detected.

Mohammed described the deaths of the students as unfortunate adding that vaccination would be given to prevent further outbreak of the disease.

Emefiele: DSS Investigates Federal High Court Ikoyi Incident, Calls It Unfortunate

By

Adesina Soyooye

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July 26, 2023

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By Adesina Soyooye

“While noting that the Personnel from both Agencies (DSS and NCS) exhibited undue overzealousness, the Service has further initiated detailed investigations into the matter”

The Department of State Services, DSS, has described as unfortunate, the incident which happened between its operatives and the officers of the Nigeria Correctional Services, NSC, at the premises of the Federal High Court, Lagos, on Tuesday

The Personnel of the Service and those of the NCS had had an untidy confrontation over which Service should take custody of the suspended Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria, CBN, Godwin Emefiele.

Emefiele was granted bail on Tuesday, July 25, 2023, by the Honourable Justice Nicholas Oweibo to the tune of N20m and one surety in like sum. The Judge also ordered that he be remanded in the custody of the NSC pending when he would perfect his bail.

But, apparently, the DSS which arrested Emefiele in June after his suspension from office by President Bola Tinubu, and in which custody he had been, still had other issues to sort out with Emefiele and had an order from another Court to keep him till after investigation.

When Officers of the NCS made to take Emefiele into custody, an altercation erupted between them and the personnel of the DSS who also were there to take him back into custody. The altercation degenerated into a fistcuff between personnel of the two Agencies. The DSS eventually took Emefiele away.

But reacting on Wednesday, the DSS, in a statement signed by its spokesperson, Dr. Peter Afunanya, regretted the incident and said it would thoroughly investigate it in order to prevent its reoccurrence. It also said disciplinary action would be taken, where necessary, against any of its officers found culpable.

For emphais, DSS said that its operations are rooted in the rule of law and professionalism, and that it did not support the incident of Tuesday, and would never support unruly behaviours from any of its personnel,

Following is the full text of the statement.

“The public will recall that Mr Godwin Emefiele, suspended CBN Governor was arraigned at the Federal High Court, Ikoyi, Lagos, on 25th July, 2023.

“The Service has noted the incident that took place between its staff and those of the Nigerian Correctional Service and wish to state as follows:

“i. The incident was unfortunate and does not in any way reflect the professional disposition of the Organisation;

“ii. The Service has tremendous respect for the Judiciary as an arm and institution of Government and will never undermine it. The DSS recognises the Judiciary as a critical component in nation building, national development and security management;

“iii. While noting that the personnel from both Agencies exhibited undue overzealousness, the Service has further initiated detailed investigations into the matter. This is with a view to identifying the role played by specific persons as well as undertaking disciplinary actions if necessary and drawing some lessons moving forward.

“For emphais, the Service has not broken any laws in handling the Emefiele case, (and did not, and would never, encourage the ugly incident of Tuesday) despite efforts by some elements to skew the narrarives to the contrary. The Service had since alerted the public of sinister plots to discredit its leadership.

“In pursuit of its assignments, it will strive to remain professional, maintain ethical standards and high sense of discipline. It will ensure that it will not be used for clout chasing or delusional heroism. It will, however, remain focused on its national security mandate and enjoin well-meaning Nigerians to support it in achieving the desired security goals for the nation.

“We have no other Country but Nigeria. We should join hands, with love and tolerance, to build it.

Emefiele is being prosecuted by the Federal Government on a two-count charge bordering on illegal possession of arms and firearms. He pleaded not guilty to both charges.

NIMASA To Strengthen Cooperation with Navy – Jamoh

By

James Orji

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July 26, 2023

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The Nigerian Navy says assets acquired by the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency, NIMASA under the Integrated National Security and Waterways Protection Infrastructure, otherwise known as the Deep Blue project have been deployed across the South West, Central and Eastern Zonal operations to enhance patrol of the Nigerian maritime domain.

The Acting Fleet Commander, Western Naval Command and Commander Deep Blue Project, Commodore Victor Choji made the declaration, during a working visit by the Flag Officer Commanding (FOC), Western Naval Command, Rear Admiral Mohammed Abdullahi to the Management of NIMASA. He added that the Nigerian Navy under the leadership of the Chief of Naval Staff, Rear Admiral Emmanuel Ogalla is fully committed to the success of the Deep Blue Project.

During the interactive session, he said, “The assets have already been well deployed. As we speak 5 armored vehicles are deployed in Port Harcourt and 3 in Bonny”.

Speaking further, he said the project team deployed 10 more vehicles there, in addition to a drone unit in Bonny and some personnel. He also hinted that during the last general elections in the country, the mere presence of deep blue assets alone in those locations provided the needed inference that was required.

Choji also said that in the Central Zone Command, the Navy has deployed 3 units of special mission elements in brass and two of the interceptor boats with the special intervention force elements in central command. “In Lagos, just last week, we got a directive that there is a requirement and we are about to deploy 2 interceptor boats to support the operations that are ongoing in Lagos Inland waters. I can state categorically that we have the full backing of the Nigerian Navy for the success of the Deep Blue Project”.

On his part, the Director General of NIMASA, Dr Bashir Jamoh, OFR, restated the Agency’s commitment to a robust relationship with the Nigerian Navy towards the economic development of the country.

“I want to believe that the Agency and the Nigerian Navy have a lot in common to ensure safety and security in the nation’s waters. While the Nigerian Navy takes care of the kinetic operations, NIMASA concentrates on non-kinetic operations, and the two will have to go hand in hand if we must succeed. If you look at the armed forces act, the Nigerian Navy has a role to play in ensuring the implementation and enforcement of the NIMASA and Customs & Excise act”, he said.

Jamoh expressed the desire of NIMASA to earn full value for funds invested and still investing in the operations of the Deep Blue Project. He also noted that the Agency is in constant liaison with the National Assembly to ensure an update of the nation’s maritime laws with particular reference to the Merchant Shipping Act to guarantee adequate punitive measures are in the law to deter criminalities on Nigerian waters.

While commending the Nigerian Navy for their efforts in tracking erring vessels, which switched off their Automatic Identification System, AIS in Nigerian waters, Dr Jamoh called for improved synergy amongst all organs of Government in the maritime sector. Particularly, the Nigerian Navy and the marine arm of the Nigerian Police to quickly tackle head on; pockets of recent criminalities in the Lagos anchorage and inland waters.

Earlier in his remarks, the FOC who reiterated that the Agency is his first point of call since he assumed duty as the FOC Western Naval Command, which underscores the importance the Nigerian Navy pays to her relationship with NIMASA.

“I am here in recognition of the support and cooperation the Navy enjoys with the Agency and we still have a long way to go in order to actualize the mandate of safeguarding the Nigerian maritime sector”, the FOC said.

He also used the opportunity to pledge the continuous support of the Command to the Agency, while they look forward to more cooperation in the coming years, for the overall good of the nation.

President Tinubu, Warns Niger Republic

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Ayodele Oni

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July 26, 2023

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By Ayodele Oni

Nigeria’s President and Chairman Economic Community of West African States, (ECOWAS) Bola Ahmed Tinubu is talking tough and sending signals to those behind attempt forceful take over of reign of government in Niger Republic.

Early report on Wednesday indicate that the President of that country has been put in house arrest by some suspected armed personnel.

In a statement he personally signed, the ECOWAS chairman said he is worried over the unpleasant situation around Niger’s highest political office.

”Information filtering in from the Republic of Niger indicates some unpleasant developments around the country’s highest political leadership”

President Tinubu warned that, leadership of ECOWAS and all lovers of Democracy will not tolerate any situation that incapacitates the democratically elected government of the country.

”It should be quite clear to all players in the Republic of Niger that the leadership of the ECOWAS Region and all lovers of democracy around the world will not tolerate any situation that incapacitates the democratically-elected government of the country.

”The ECOWAS leadership will not accept any action that impedes the smooth functioning of legitimate authority in Niger or any part of West Africa

”I wish to say that we are closely monitoring the situation and developments in Niger and we will do everything within our powers to ensure democracy is firmly planted, nurtured, well rooted and thrives in our region.

”As the Chairperson of ECOWAS Authority of Heads of State, I state without equivocation that Nigeria stands firmly with the elected government in Niger and equally conveys the absolute resolve of leaders in our sub-region that we shall not waiver or flinch on our stand to defend and preserve constitutional order.”