Connect with us

National

DSS Boss Advocates Community Armament To Combat Insecurity

Published

on

The Director General of the Department of State Services (DSS), Oluwatosin Ajayi, has called for communities to be allowed some level of armament to defend themselves against attacks.

Speaking at the annual maiden lecture of the Alumni Association of the National Institute for Security Studies (AANISS) in Abuja, Mr Ajayi emphasized the importance of grassroots involvement in tackling insecurity.

Citing examples from Bauchi State, he referenced the ‘Siawas’ and ‘Azare’ people, who successfully repelled invaders due to their deep understanding of their environment.

“They did not only repel them, they seized their weapons. Since then, you hardly hear about Tafawa Balewa again,” he said.

He argued that relying solely on security agencies such as the army, police, and DSS to protect every Nigerian was unrealistic. Instead, he urged communities to take a more active role in their own security.

“You do not expect the Nigerian army, police, DSS to protect every Nigerian or every government. It is not going to work,” he stated.

Mr Ajayi stressed the need for a multi-layered security approach, allowing national forces to focus on organised crime and larger threats.

“It is impossible for us to deploy to every community in the country. No security agency has the resources to do it,” he said. “What we have to start experimenting with is how we can make the community the first line of defence.”

He pointed to Nigeria’s communal culture as a strength that could be harnessed in the fight against insecurity.

“We do festivals together. We do ceremonies together. So why can’t we fight some miscreants together? The community should say, ‘You cannot come here.'”

ALSO READ:  Forex Crisis: Governors Converting Monthly Allocations To Dollars, Rights Activist Alleges

In his lecture, the Director General of the Nigerian Army Resource Centre, Major General Garba Wahab (Rtd), underscored the importance of monitoring and evaluating government security policies.

He lamented that Nigeria has “paid lip service to security education” and accused elites of weaponising poverty and insecurity for personal gain.

Major General Wahab also called for greater government engagement with border communities, arguing that their neglect had worsened the country’s security situation.

Mr Ajayi’s remarks come amid ongoing security challenges in Nigeria, where attacks by armed groups, bandits, and insurgents have led to widespread displacement and loss of lives.

His call for community armament is likely to spark debate over the balance between self-defence and the risks of increased arms proliferation.

“We have to get communities to rise and defend themselves. And the time to start is now,” he concluded.

National

Kabir Akanbi confirmed as substantive Chief Registrar of Supreme Court

Published

on

The Federal Judicial Service Commission has approved the appointment of Kabir Akanbi as the Acting Chief Registrar of the Supreme Court effective Feb. 13.

The confirmation was contained in a statement issued by Dr Festus Akande, the Director of Information and Public Relations, Supreme Court on Sunday in Abuja.

The appointment followed the retirement of Hajo Bello who attained the mandatory retirement age of 60 in public service.

Prior to his appointment, Akanbi served as the Deputy Chief Registrar in charge of the Election Petition Tribunal Unit at the Court of Appeal headquarters, Abuja.

Akanbi obtained his Law Degree at the University of Ibadan in 2001, and was subsequently called to the Nigerian Bar in 2003.

In 2005, he got his LL.M Degree at the Temple University, in Philadelphia, United States of America.

He is a Fellow of the Chartered Institute of Taxation of Nigeria and the Institute of Information Management, Africa, respectively.

The Chief Justice of Nigeria, Justice Kudirat Kekere-Ekun, congratulated Akanbi on his appointment.

She urged him to apply his vast experience in legal practice, corporate advisory, and public service leadership, particularly in software development and legal technology, to further enhance the efficiency, transparency, and effectiveness of the Supreme Court.

ALSO READ:  Why Tax Reform Bills will not be withdrawn from National Assembly– Tinubu
Continue Reading

News

Atiku Backs Lagos Corper Facing Threats Over Viral Video

Published

on

The former Vice President, Atiku Abubakar, has praised National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) member Ushie Rita, who referred to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu as “terrible”, saying she embodies the spirit of a new generation of women championing political participation and advocacy.

Rita has accused the NYSC of allegedly threatening her after she complained about Nigeria’s economic struggles.

In a TikTok post, she expressed frustration over the country’s rising cost of living, lamenting that prices keep increasing, making it difficult for her to survive independently.

The corps member criticised President Tinubu, calling him a “terrible president” and questioning what his administration is doing to address the economic crisis.

Reacting on his X account, formerly known as Twitter, Atiku, who was the presidential candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in the last election, said:

“I deeply admire her boldness and wisdom—her fearless resolve to speak truth to power, undeterred by the weight of opposition.

She follows in the footsteps of formidable trailblazers like Gambo Sawaba, Funmilayo Ransom-Kuti, Margaret Ekpo, and countless other women who have stood resolute in defence of the common good.

Rather than being met with hostility, Rita deserves encouragement and support. She is a shining emblem of Nigerian youth—a testament to the long-held promise that the leaders of tomorrow are already among us, ready to shape a better future.”

ALSO READ:  INEC Chairman,REC Offices Should Be Advertised —Falana
Continue Reading

National

FG Must Stop Threatening Nigerians For Criticising Govt – Amnesty Int’l

Published

on

Amnesty International on Sunday said the Federal Government must stop threatening individuals and groups who criticise the current administration.

“The Nigerian authorities must stop responding with violence and threats to individuals and groups who express dissenting opinions — in utter disregard for Nigerian constitution and international law. Holding and voicing dissenting views is not a crime,” the organisation in a statement on its X handle.

It also condemned the alleged threats and intimidation being faced by Lagos-based National Youth Service Corps member, Ushie Uguamaye.

This followed her viral TikTok video where she criticised President Bola Tinubu’s government over hardship Nigerians face as a result of the economic reforms.

The human rights watchdog denounced the reported threats from NYSC officials, emphasizing that Uguamaye was well within her rights to express her frustration over the country’s worsening economic conditions.

“Amnesty International strongly condemns threats and intimidation directed at a lady who posted TikTok video lamenting the current escalating economic hardship. The lady alleged that NYSC officials @officialnyscng threatened her for refusing to delete the video,” the statement read.

“It is perfectly within her right to express discontent peacefully. Instead of threatening her for her opinions on rampant inflation, the authorities should prioritise addressing the country’s economic woes.

“Millions of people in Nigeria are facing extreme poverty. So far, the authorities have failed to put in place effective mitigation measures, leaving millions of people without the hope of getting out of the economic challenges and enjoying their human rights.”

Millions of people in Nigeria are facing extreme poverty. So far, the authorities have failed to put in place effective mitigation measures, leaving millions of people without the hope of getting out of the economic challenges and enjoying their human rights.

ALSO READ:  Nasaarawa Speaker Promise To Eradicate Religious, Tribal Tension

Uguamaye alleged that shortly after the video went viral, she began receiving threats, purportedly from NYSC officials, pressuring her to delete the content.

She expressed fears for her safety, stating that her personal details had been leaked and that she was being pressured to report to the NYSC office.

Continue Reading