Opinion
Imaan; Two Years of Matchless Exploits At NCFRMI
By ABUBAKAR YUSUF
The National Commission for Refugees, Migrants and Internally Displaced Person’s NCRMI had made significant reforms and innovations two years down the line, under the leadership of the Hon federal commissioner, Hajiya Imaan- Suleiman Ibrahim.
Imaan redeployed from NAPTIP to reposition and transform the refugee commission in line with the present realities, tackled all the teething problems headlong using both immediate and long term solutions to achieving so much two years down the line.
She promised on assumption of duty to convert the ceremonial and annual programs into ‘projects’ which he executed without delay.
The positive development in the two years of stewardship had also affected other areas locally and internationally to address the problems of persons of concern POC’s in Nigeria.
The notable problems of managing the refugees , migrants and internally displaced persons IDPs by providing not only befitting shelter , but provisions of basic necessities that will sustain the healthy living of IDPs.
The new commissioner during the last September, 2022 United Nations General Assembly UNGA promised the the world assembly of seamless repatriation of over 500, 000 refugees and migrants across three major African countries to Nigeria.
Not done with other emergencies and matching words with action , the Hon commissioner began the process of repatriation of the refugees and migrants back to their various destinations in the country, a situation that had improved on the image and actions of the commission.
Imaan NCFRMI also played significant roles in other major and minor migration programs back to their original abode to reunite and ensure peaceful coexistence and unity by the government.
The recent leading roles by the commission in the war ton Sudan was complementary to the success recorded in the two weeks exercise that brought home over 2,5000 students and Nigerian citizens from the country.
The May crises that threw Nigerian citizens carrying out their lawful activities and the quick intervention of NCFRMI brought home safely the 1,100 from Aswan and 1,148 from Sudanese capital.
This feat showed the level of commitment, reforms and innovations been brought on board by the commission to safeguard and protect citizens both at home and in the Diaspora.
The Commission under Imaan Suleiman- Ibrahim had embarked on wholistic resettlement process for the migrants who came in their large numbers back to the country, with most of them students of various institutions of learning.
The two weeks exercise, safe returns and synergies with other agencies and private organisations that assisted in the evacuation without hitches, was an indicator of home grown and determined leadership at the commission.
Having resettled the Sudanese migrants successfully most of them mainly students, efforts have commenced to fuse them into the schools of their choices, after going through their health status and fitness to return back to schools in the country with fitness in all areas.
The major achievements was a pointer to the numerous achievements recorded in the last two years under Hajiya imaan- Suleiman Ibrahim appointed by the federal government in June 14, 2021.
Yusuf, Writes from Abuja and can be reached on yus.abubakar3@gmail.com.
Ken Nnamani, a former president of the senate, says he did not beg Elisha Abbo, a former senator representing Adamawa north, on behalf of any judge after the ex-lawmaker lost his election case in court.
In October 2023, the court of appeal sacked Abbo and declared Amos Yohanna, candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), as the winner of the Adamawa north senatorial election.
Appearing on Channels Television on Wednesday, Abbo said he was a victim of “miscarriage of justice”.
The former senator said Nnamani pleaded with him on behalf of a judge after he lost his election case in 2023.
Reacting in a statement, the former senate president described Abbo’s claim as “blatant lies”.
“My greatest surprise was to hear him state that Senator Ken Nnamani visited him to plead with him on behalf of a judge for the miscarriage of justice. This statement is a blatant lie. I do not know how Senator Abbo can boldly fabricate an event that never happened to buttress his allegation of judicial miscarriage against him,” he said.
“For the avoidance of doubt, I have never visited Senator Elisha Abbo at his house or anywhere. Up to this moment, I do not know where he lives. I have never discussed with him about his case, or any case pending or decided by any court of law in Nigeria.
“The only time I met with him was when he visited me in my house. It was more of a social visit by him. At this meeting, we never discussed his case or any case. I recall that when the matter of his political career came up, I advised him to avoid controversies as a young politician.
“The statements Senator Abbo made regarding me and his case are all fabrications. I believe I have had a sterling and distinguished public service career. I am determined to maintain my integrity and commitment to excellence till the end of my life.”
Heineken Lokpobiri, minister of state for petroleum resources, says the federal government plans to commence implementing the drill-or-drop provisions of the Petroleum Industry Act (PIA).
Section 94 of the PIA gives operators a period of three years to begin oil production or relinquish the assets to the federal government.
Speaking during the Cross Industry Group (CIG) meeting held on Tuesday in Florence, Italy, Lokpobiri said it is in the best interest of the country that all inactive wells go to work.
He said the federal government, under the leadership of President Bola Tinubu, has provided every necessary incentive to ensure international oil companies (IOCs) in Nigeria run smoothly and profitably.
“Now, it is imperative for these industry players to match the government’s efforts with increased investment by announcing final investment decisions (FIDs),” he said.
Furthermore, Lokpobiri discussed “the challenges, expectations, and measures to enhance the sector’s contributions towards domestic energy needs and regional expansion across Sub-Saharan Africa”.
He emphasised that while IOCs have highlighted engineering, procurement, and construction (EPC) contractors as a challenge, “EPCs will not come unless they see strong commitments from industry players”.
“The government has done its part to provide the requisite and investment-friendly fiscals, the ball is now in the court of the IOCs and other operators to make strategic investment decisions that will drive increased production and sustainability in the sector,” he said.
“We must also recognise that domestic crude supply is essential to national energy security. The best solution to this challenge lies in increasing production, which will ensure a balance between domestic supply obligations and external commitments.”
The minister further urged industry players to explore collaborative measures, such as shared resources for contiguous assets and the release of underutilised assets to operators ready to invest in production.
The Progressive Students Movement (PSM), a leading Pan-African student body, has commended the leadership of the Nigeria Police Force (NPF) in Ogun State under Commissioner of Police (CP) Lanre Ogunlowo, PhD, for its commitment to security and community engagement.
In a statement released on Thursday, the President of PSM Nigeria, Comrade Ambassador Okereafor Bestman, highlighted the CP’s efforts in strengthening collaboration between the police, stakeholders, and other security agencies to maintain peace and stability in the state.
“It is worthy of note that CP Lanre Ogunlowo, PhD, has further fostered a harmonious working synergy between the police, stakeholders, and other security agents aimed at ensuring peace and tranquility in Ogun State,” Okereafor said.
The student leader expressed confidence in CP Ogunlowo’s leadership, stating that Ogun State is on track to becoming one of the most peaceful states in Nigeria under his administration.
He also praised the professionalism and dedication of the Ogun State Police Command in tackling crime, regardless of its scale.
Additionally, PSM acknowledged the Ogun State government’s continued support for security agencies, particularly in providing mobility and logistics to enhance their operational efficiency.
The commendation comes at a time when security remains a top priority for residents and authorities in the state, with ongoing efforts to curb crime and ensure public safety.