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Addressing Insecurity in Northern Nigeria: The Defence Ministry, CNG Approach
By Nura Ibrahim Birnin Magaji
The recent approach by the Defence Ministry and the Coalition of Northern Groups (CNG) to address insecurity in northern Nigeria is a step in the right direction.
This approach will lead to improved, sincere and determined collaboration among the northern states Governors, the federal government, and other critical stakeholders in the region to tackle the root causes of insecurity.
It is evident that the insecurity in northern Nigeria has led to the loss of lives and property as the activities of armed bandits and other criminal elements have made lives unbearable for people within the region. Banditry, kidnapping, and terrorism have become common occurrences, and the region is in dire need of effective solutions.
There now seems to be a ray of hope with the collaboration between the Defence Ministry and the CNG which has already begun to yield positive results, aiming to permanently resolve the rising insecurity in Zamfara state and ultimately the entire northern region.
The collaboration between the government and CNG to safeguard the lives and properties of citizens, especially in the northern part of the country, is focused on bringing lasting peace to the region through rapid military response, dialogue, understanding, and mutual respect.
Though it could be a step in the right direction towards ending insecurity in Nigeria, it is important however, to note that this problem cannot be solved by this collaboration alone.
First, the northern states Governors must necessarily collaborate with the Federal Government and other critical stakeholders in the region to address the root causes of insecurity and come up with effective solutions that will benefit everyone.
It is theseccollaborative efforts between the government, security agencies, civil society organizations, and communities affected by insecurity that will ensure that everyone is involved in finding lasting solutions to this problem.
Addressing the root causes of insecurity is also crucial. Poverty, unemployment, and lack of access to education are some of the factors that contribute to insecurity in Nigeria.
It is therefore important that these issues are addressed holistically to prevent future occurrences. Furthermore, dialogue and mutual respect among all parties involved are essential for sustainable peace. It is important that everyone’s views and concerns are heard and taken into consideration during discussions aimed at resolving conflicts.
With this realization, a delegation from the Coalition of Northern Groups (CNG) was mobilized to the Zamfara State capital, Gusau, to assess the situation regarding the recent attacks on the Federal University, Gusau that resulted in the abduction of yet to be specified number of female students by heartless bandits.
While in Gusau, the CNG delegation interacted with various stakeholders, including officials from the state government, the affected families, community leaders, security agencies, and representatives from the academic community. During one of those interactions, the Gusau University authorities expressed gratitude to the Military for its commendable efforts and gallantry in response to the threats to the university community.
They emphasized the importance of strengthening security measures within the university premises to ensure the safety of students, staff, and visitors. However, they also stressed the need to strengthen security measures within the university premises to ensure the safety of students, staff, and visitors.
They acknowledged the presence of a military formation at Kwatarkwashi, approximately five kilometers from the campus, which is understaffed with very few troops deployed. Whenever they receive another distress call at Magami, Wanzamai, or Kuceri, also within their area of coverage, the University environment becomes porous and vulnerable, leaving it open to potential danger. As a solution, they proposed establishing a security outpost to replace the current mobile formation and be permanently dedicated to securing the campus and Sabon Gida community where most students reside.
The CNG team observed that the lack of fortification fencing and security ditches around the university has caused concerns among many individuals, highlighting the need for urgent measures. Similarly, the State Government also recognized the troops’ efforts in combating the attackers, despite the insufficient number of personnel available. The government suggested deploying additional contingents to reinforce the current ones and recommended establishing a commission to coordinate efforts, allocate resources, and implement development programs in Zamfara State and the entire North-West region, similar to the Niger Delta and North East Development Commissions.
While presenting their findings and recommendations regarding the security situation in Zamfara and the North-West to the Minister of State Defence, Bello Mohammed Matawale, the CNG emphasized the need for the government and security forces to combat insurgency in Zamfara with determination and adherence to legal obligations.
The group also stressed that achieving full cessation of hostilities, disarmament, demobilization, and reintegration in the entire region is imperative for declaring victory. The Minister was moved by the report and promptly instructed for a military outpost to be established near the university campus as request by the University authorities and supported by the CNG report, with the sole responsibility of securing the campus.
After receiving the report and recommendations from the CNG, Matawalle pledged to work with the federal Ministry of Education to begin and complete the fencing fortification around the university premises. He also stated that the Defence Ministry will provide ditches around the campus. Matawalle recognized Nigeria’s courageous troops and praised the new sense of collaboration between frontline states and the strong determination of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu in the battle against banditry and kidnapping in Zamfara and other North-West states.
Additionally, he applauded the CNG for its proactive approach and willingness to collaborate with the Federal Government in addressing security concerns in the North-West region, specifically in Zamfara State. It is no secret that the security situation in Zamfara state has negatively impacted agriculture, transportation, and other economic activities in the state, leading to a huge loss of revenue. Therefore, this initiative will not only bring about relief to the residents of Zamfara state but also serve as an economic boost.
It is imperative that the Zamfara state government, along with all stakeholders, key into this initiative as it offers a glimmer of hope for a region that has been constantly bleeding. The coalition’s efforts, in collaboration with the defense minister, have shown that a solution to the insecurity problem plaguing the north exists.
The initiative also has the potential to create a conducive environment for economic growth and development within the region. All stakeholders must give their support for the success of this initiative, and the Zamfara state government must lead the charge. The role of the entire northern states Governors in this initiative cannot be overemphasized. They need to work closely with the federal government and other stakeholders to identify the root causes of insecurity in their respective states and come up with effective solutions to be implemented and coordinated collectively address them.
One of the critical stakeholders in this initiative is the local communities. They are the ones directly affected by insecurity, and their input is essential in developing effective solutions. The traditional rulers, religious leaders, and civil society organizations in the region also have a vital role to play in the initiative. The federal government, on its part, needs to provide the necessary support to ensure that the initiative is successful. This support includes funding, logistics, and security personnel.
It is unfortunate that while the Ministery of Defence and the CNG were working diligently towards a common goal, the state Governor of Zamfara State Dauda Lawal was away in New York. This absence may have hindered the progress and coordination of the efforts being made. The actions of the Governor the day of the attack on the Gusau University campus are inexcusable. Abandoning the state and staying incommunicado for several days is not only irresponsible but also sends the wrong message to the people of the state.
It is insensitive for him not to stand with his people during times of crisis and work towards finding solutions to the challenges facing his state. Now that the Governor has returned, people are understandably waiting to see what he will do next. It is essential that he comes off the high horse and reach out to the Federal Government to for effective coordination of efforts to address the security concerns in the state and work towards ensuring that such attacks do not happen again. He should keep in mind that leadership comes with great responsibility, and it is imperative that he understands the gravity of his actions and how they impact the people he leads. In times of crisis, leaders must stand strong and provide reassurance to their people that they are working towards a resolution.
The Federal High Court has dismissed reports that the newly assigned judge in the case of the leader of the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra, Nnamdi Kanu, has stepped down.
The FHC, in a statement signed by the Chief Registrar, Sulaiman Hassan, on Tuesday described the report as “false and misleading.”
A publication circulating on social media had claimed that Justice John Tsoho, the Chief Judge of the Federal High Court, was the new judge in Kanu’s case and had withdrawn, citing the illegality of his arrest.
However, in the statement, the chief registrar said the claim was “entirely unfounded, fictitious, grossly mischievous, damaging in intent and should be disregarded in its entirety.”
“The attention of Management of the Federal High Court has been drawn, with great concern, to an online reportage as above captioned.
“The court unequivocally refutes the false and misleading report, alleging that the Honourable Chief Judge, Hon. Justice John T. Tsoho, OFR, has stepped down from Nnamdi Kanu’s case and made statements regarding the legality of his arrest,” the statement read.
According to Hassan, the true position is that the Justice Tsoho, in his capacity as Chief Judge, has reassigned Nnamdi Kanu’s case from Justice Binta Nyako to another (‘new’) Judge.
Hassan said, “The report referred to, is, therefore, totally spurious.
“The defence team should hence prepare to receive instructions regarding the case, as may be issued by the new judge.
“The Federal High Court strongly cautions against deliberate misinformation to mislead the public and erode confidence in the judicial system.
“We urge the general public to be wary and rely only on verified information from official court sources.
“The court remains steadfast in upholding justice through due process of the law.”
NAN reliably gathered, however, that the case between the Federal Government and Kanu had been reassigned to Justice James Omotosho, following Justice Nyako’s recusal (withdrawal).
NAN
The House of Representatives has ordered total shutdown of porn websites nationwide.
It directed the Nigerian Communications Commission to enforce the immediate shutdown of the websites in the country.
The House gave the directive during plenary on Tuesday.
The lawmakers suggested that the internet providers must block access under the new directive.
Member representing the Faskari/Kankara/Sabuwa Federal constituency, Dalhatu Tafoki, sponsored the motion, calling it a step to “protect societal values.”
He said, “I would like to move a motion for the need to block internet websites hosting pornographic content and sanction the internet service providers responsible for the posting. The House notes that cyber pornography is fast becoming a global problem, and no concrete steps have been taken to cut its phenomenon in Nigeria.
“Nigeria is a highly religious country, and all the major religions in the country forbid nudity and obscenity in any form. Also note that countries in Asia, Africa, and the Middle East have passed legislation that bans pornography in their domains.
“Renowned psychologists and sociologists around the world have issued stern warnings that there are psychological and sociological consequences for creating ponographic content.
“The immediate effects of doing ponographic content include a. promotion of adultery, prostitution, and other promiscuous behaviours, leading to addiction, escalation, and desensitisation, change of attitude towards oneself and family.”
The House adopted the motion and mandated its Committees on Communications and Legislative Compliance to ensure its implementation and report within four weeks for further legislative action.
The Speaker of the House, Tajudeen Abass, also warned that sanctions would be imposed on internet service providers that default while lawmakers put a voice vote in favour of the motion.
News
Women’s Group Apologizes to Senate President, Nigerians Over Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan’s Conduct
The Nigerian Women Crusade for Good Governance has issued a formal apology to Senate President Godswill Akpabio and Nigerians over what it described as the “gross misconduct” of Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan in the Senate chamber.
Speaking at a press conference in Abuja, the group’s National Coordinator, Dr. Mrs. Cecilia Ikechukwu, expressed deep embarrassment over the senator’s behavior, stating that it undermines the efforts of women striving for inclusion and respect in governance.
“Women have fought tirelessly for inclusion in governance, proving their competence and capability. However, Senator Natasha’s actions cast a shadow over this collective effort. Instead of contributing meaningfully with dignity, she resorted to disruptive and crude behavior,” Ikechukwu said.
The group accused Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan of engaging in a pattern of reckless conduct, which they claim has damaged the reputation of female politicians. They also referenced past controversies involving the senator, including allegations of blackmail against public figures.
Acknowledging that personal circumstances may have influenced her behavior, the group urged Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan to use her six-month suspension to reflect on her actions and seek personal and professional reform.
“While we recognize that her upbringing may have contributed to certain traits, this is no excuse for unruly behavior. As a public figure, she must uphold values of respect, integrity, and accountability,” the group stated.
The women’s organization also reaffirmed its support for Senate President Akpabio, whom they praised for his leadership and commitment to gender inclusion in governance.
“Senator Akpabio has been a strong advocate for women in leadership, appointing many to key positions throughout his career. It is ironic and unacceptable that a woman who claims to champion female representation would disrespect a leader who has done so much for women in politics,” the statement read.
Despite condemning the senator’s actions, the group emphasized that her behavior should not define women in politics. They urged female leaders to continue demonstrating excellence and integrity, ensuring that the actions of one individual do not tarnish the progress made in increasing women’s participation in governance.
The Nigerian Women Crusade for Good Governance reaffirmed its commitment to advocating for women in leadership while holding public officials accountable for their conduct.
“We remain dedicated to good governance and will not allow one individual’s behavior to overshadow the achievements of women in politics. We sincerely apologize to the Senate President and all Nigerians for this unfortunate incident,” Ikechukwu concluded.