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Civil Society Groups Reject Coastal Guard Bill Before National Assembly
The Coalition in Support of National Security Advancement (CSNSA) has rejected the Nigerian Coast Guard Bill, currently before the National Assembly, citing concerns over national security, economic implications, and constitutional conflicts.
The proposed legislation aims to establish a specialized maritime security agency.
The CSNSA which made this known at a press conference argues that creating a new Coast Guard may duplicate existing duties of the Nigerian Navy, jeopardize national security, and reduce administrative effectiveness.
In a joint address, Okwa Dan and Bilal Abdulahi also highlight the economic burden of establishing a Coast Guard, which would require significant funding, potentially diverting resources from the Nigerian Navy.
Furthermore, the CSNSA emphasized constitutional issues, noting that the proposed Coast Guard contradicts Section 217 of the Nigerian Constitution, which recognizes only the Army, Navy, and Air Force as branches of the Armed Forces.
Instead, the CSNSA proposed strengthening the Nigerian Navy and establishing a civilian-controlled maritime agency to handle non-military duties.
They urge President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and the National Assembly to reconsider the bill, emphasising the importance of constitutional adherence, effective resource allocation, and national security sensitivity.
“It is crucial to adhere to constitutional limits by making sure that any reorganization of Nigeria’s maritime security does not conflict with the 1999 Constitution,” the statement said.
“Although the Army, Navy, and Air Force are the only three branches of the armed forces recognized by the Constitution, the proposed Coast Guard would legally be an additional department under the Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy, classified as a military service.
“Adding a new branch without a constitutional amendment could lead to serious legal problems and threaten the rule of law. In Section 217 of the Nigerian Constitution, the existing framework gives the armed forces a defined structure and establishes the guidelines for Nigeria’s defense policy.
“In order to avoid any conflicts within the country’s security and military systems, establishing a fourth branch such as a militarized Coast Guard would need a careful legal scrutiny.
“In the event of a national emergency or conflict, concerns about the Coast Guard’s legal authority, responsibility allocation, and chain of command may surface in the absence of constitutional clarity.
“Furthermore, circumventing constitutional processes to create a new branch might erode the security services’ legal basis in Nigeria, which could result in disjointed command structures and inefficiencies within the armed forces .
“The Coalition in Support of National Security and Advancement believes that improving marine safety through the reinforcement of Nigeria’s current security frameworks is a more viable and long-term solution than establishing a distinct Coast Guard.
“It is imperative that this fervor is tempered with a deep understanding of the nuanced challenges facing the nation at the moment. Our position demonstrates a dedication to constitutional observance, effective resource allocation, and sensitivity to matters of national security.
“Establishing a new, independent Coast Guard may seem appealing on the surface, but the practical implications suggest that a more integrated, resource-efficient, and constitutionally aligned approach would be far more beneficial for Nigeria’s long-term security and economic stability.
“We support the Nigerian Navy and encourage all parties involved to carefully weigh these insights because today’s choices will determine the type of destiny we desire for the Nigeria of our future.”
The suspects were apprehended for selling prohibited exotic birds and wild animals contrary to the provisions of the Endangered Species Act.
The National Environmental Standards and Regulations Enforcement Agency (NESREA), in collaboration with the National Park Service, has arrested three persons over alleged illegal trade in endangered wildlife species in Abuja.
This was disclosed in a statement on Wednesday by NESREA’s Assistant Director of Press, Nwamaka Ejiofor.
The suspects, identified as Musa Usman, Samila Abdullahi, and Saidu Jagaban, were arrested in different parts of the country’s capital.
According to her, the suspects were apprehended for selling prohibited exotic birds and wild animals, contrary to the provisions of the Endangered Species Act.
She stated that Usman and Abdullahi were found with 15 Senegalese parrots and one African grey parrot, while Jagaban was arrested for hawking three dead antelopes.
“The suspects were arrested in different parts of the city for the illegal sale of prohibited exotic birds and wild animals, contrary to the provisions of the Endangered Species Act,” the statement read in part.
“The trio is to remain in custody while investigation continues.”
NESREA Director-General, Innocent Barikor, reiterated that trafficking in endangered species remained a crime under Nigerian laws, and anyone caught culpable would be prosecuted accordingly.
Barikor emphasised on the need to protect endangered species, under the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species (CITES), to which Nigeria is a signatory.
He added that all living things play different roles in ensuring biodiversity sustainability.
Former President Goodluck Jonathan on Wednesday warned against the creation of a one-party state, saying any nation that must practice it must do so carefully and with a well-planned process and projected outcome.
He stated this in Abuja while paying tribute to the late elder statesman, Edwin Clark, at a memorial lecture and day of tribute.
Jonathan warned that any attempt to bring about a one-party state through political machinations to soothe only personal aspirations will be detrimental to the country.
The former president also called on the family of the late former federal commissioner to, among other things, set up a yearly memorial lecture in his honour to continue to push his ideas and what he stood for, which is a united, equitable, and prosperous Nigeria.
On his part, the Labour Party presidential candidate in the 2023 general elections, Peter Obi, lamented that the labour of our heroes past was already in vain.
The former Anambra State governor highlighted the endemic poverty in rural areas, the state of insecurity, and the rising cost of living.
He maintained that the labour of people like Pa Edwin Clark had not paid off, as the sacrifices people like Pa Clark made were in vain today.
The chairman on the occasion and former Head of State, General Yakubu Gowon, said that the task of ensuring that Nigeria remains united and indivisible must be ensured by all, as the nation could only make progress if national interest was put before any personal interest.
Mohammed Idris, minister of information and national orientation, says media, as gatekeepers and partners in nation-building, have a crucial role to play in supporting our military’s morale by highlighting their successes and sacrifices
The minister noted the critical role of the media in shaping public perception, adding that terrorists and criminal groups often use these avenues to spread fear, propagate disinformation, and recruit followers.
He urged journalists and editors to adopt a responsible and patriotic approach to reporting these issues, by avoiding sensational headlines and refusing to serve as amplifiers of terror propaganda.
Idris stated this on Wednesday at the ministerial press briefing held at the National Press Centre in Abuja.
“The media, as gatekeepers and partners in nation-building, have a crucial role to play in supporting our military’s morale by highlighting their successes and sacrifices,” Idris said.
“We must deny these groups the undue publicity they crave. We must take them off the front pages and accurately report them as the criminals they are, without glorifying their acts or giving credence to their false narratives.
“These are not freedom fighters; they are murderers, kidnappers, and destroyers, and they must be presented as such.”
The minister also noted that federal government is “actively” investing in military capacity through the acquisition of modern equipment, enhanced intelligence, and strategic partnerships.
Idris said the press briefing series is a forum that allows ministers to update Nigerians on the key achievements, ongoing initiatives, and policy directions of their various ministries.
He commended the media for their continued support and their broader role in promoting public awareness of government initiatives.
“Through this interactive platform, which is being broadcast live on national television stations and streamed across social media platforms, we continue to demonstrate our commitment to transparency, accountability, and public engagement,” he added.