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2023 : Army Flags-Off Operation Safe Conduct, Directs GOCs, Commanders to Ensure Safety Nationwide
The Chief Army Staff, Lieutenant General Faruk Yahaya has formally flagged-off the commencement of Operation SAFE CONDUCT in all Nigerian Army Divisions and formations for the successful conduct of the coming 2023 elections across the country.
In a press statement signed by Director Army Public Relations, Brigadier General Onyema Nwachukwu on Tuesday, the Army Chief also directed all General Officers Commanding (GOCs) and other Formation Commanders of the Nigerian Army (NA) to ensure conducive and secure atmosphere in their Areas of Responsibility (AOR) Nationwide.
Speaking further, the Army Chief reiterated the unwavering resolve of the Nigerian Army to strictly adhere to its constitutional role by supporting the Nigeria Police, which is the lead security agency in the 2023 elections security architecture.
He charged the Commanders to identify and dominate flash points in their AORs, adding that troops must be alert, proactive and operate jointly with sister services and other security agencies during the elections.
The COAS, while directing the Commanders to deploy requisite logistics to ensure security and safety of citizens during the elections, urged them to be professional, apolitical and adhere strictly to extant Code of conduct and Rules of Engagement guiding personnel throughout their operations.
He warned that any infraction on the provisions of the Code of conduct will not be treated with levity. The COAS maintained that all deployments must be joint and in support of the Nigeria Police. He observed that all eyes are on the security agencies, and that the citizens expect nothing short of free and fair elections.
“You must therefore refrain from hobnobbing with political gladiators and maintain your apolitical stance”, he averred.
It will be recalled that the COAS in an effort to ensure that the laws of the land and personal liberties and rights of citizens are not compromised, recently approved the Code of Conduct and Rules of Engagement for Nigerian Army personnel during Operation SAFE CONDUCT 2023.
Demands Full Disclosure on Refurbished Refineries
A coalition of lawyers and civil society organizations (CSOs) today submitted a Freedom of Information (FOI) request to the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation Limited (NNPCL), seeking full disclosure on the status of refineries refurbished during the tenure of Mele Kyari, the former Group Chief Executive Officer.
The Concerned Citizens Against Corruption, leading the coalition, demanded transparency and accountability on the reported expenditure of $4 billion on refineries repairs.
Led by Comrade Ogwuche Emmanuel, the group alleged inflation of refineries rehabilitation contracts, fraudulent allocation of crude oil proceeds, misappropriation of funds, and other questionable practices during Kyari’s tenure from July 2019 to April 2025.
The FOI request seeks specific details on payments to consultants and contractors, crude oil allocations, budgetary provisions for the AKK Pipeline Project, documentation on gasoline imports, and information on crude-backed loans and oil exploration activities.
The group emphasized the need for accountability and restoring public trust in NNPCL’s operations.
They urged the NNPCL to provide the requested information within the stipulated timeframe under the Freedom of Information Act.
“We are concerned about the growing reports of monumental Inflation of the Refineries Rehabilitation Contracts with allegations that the costs of refurbishing the refineries were significantly inflated, Fraudulent Allocation and Mismanagement of Crude Oil Proceeds, Misappropriation of Funds in the AKK Gas Pipeline Project, Fuel Subsidy Fraud, Value Review for NNPCL’s Crude-Backed Loans, and Fraudulent Oil Exploration Activities that have yielded no benefits to the nation,” the letter signed by Comrade Ogwuche Emmanuel said.
“Our findings, supported by reliable intelligence, suggest a pattern of institutionalizing of these questionable practices during Mallam Kyari’s tenure. As an organisation of law-abiding Nigerians, who are affected by these identified issues, we require information to seek judicial intervention.
“Consequently, we require the following information from July 1, 2019 to April 29, 2025: Specific details of payments to consultants and contractors, work scopes, and the justification for payments for the Port Harcourt, Warri and Kaduna Refineries.
“Information regarding crude oil allocations and financial transactions under the guise of pipeline security payments. Details of the budgetary provisions, foreign financing arrangements, and physical progress of the AKK Pipeline Project.
“Documentation including ship records, bills of lading, and discharge certificates for gasoline imports during the stated period. Information regarding the structure, terms, and purposes of crude-backed loans taken from 2019 to date.
“Documentation and feasibility outcomes of oil exploration activities in Gombe, Bauchi, Ogun, and Nasarawa states. Given the gravity of the allegations that necessitated this request, it is imperative that the NNPCL provides full transparency on the expenditures and activities undertaken during Mallam Kyari’s tenure”.
The All Progressive Congress (APC) Chairman for Zamfara State, Alhaji Tukur Umar Danfulani, has lauded Nigeria’s Minister of State for Defence, Dr Bello Muhammad Matawalle, for his unwavering support.
The commendation came as Danfulani presented his appointment letter as the new Board Chairman, Federal Medical Centre, Azare, Bauchi state, a position conferred by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
During a visit to the minister’s office, Tukur Danfulani expressed deep gratitude to President Tinubu for the trust and opportunity, pledging to execute his duties with integrity and dedication to align with the president’s expectations.
“I am profoundly grateful to His Excellency, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, for this appointment and his generosity,” Danfulani said.
He also acknowledged Dr Matawalle’s consistent backing, crediting the minister’s support as instrumental to his new role.
In response, Dr Matawalle urged Danfulani to uphold honesty, commitment, and patriotism in his leadership at the Medical Centre, emphasising the importance of serving with distinction.
The appointment marks a significant step in strengthening Nigeria’s healthcare administration, with Danfulani expected to bring his experience to enhance the operations of the Federal Medical Centre in Azare, Bauchi state.
Operatives of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) have arrested businessman Emeka Okonkwo, popularly known as E-Money, on Tuesday morning.
E-Money, who is the CEO of Emmy Cargoes Nigeria Limited and Five Star Music, was arrested in Lagos State for alleged abuse of the naira.
He is being held at the EFCC facility in Lagos, according to sources who confirmed his arrest to ELANZANEWS on Tuesday.
According to the source, E-Money is being investigated for allegedly spraying both Naira and US dollars at a party in Lagos in violation of Nigeria’s currency laws.