Front Pix
War Against Terror …The Phones’ Monitor Law
Amidst the seeming helplessness of Nigerian’s security agencies to check the now worrisome terror threats and actual attacks in the country, by the Islamic extremist Sect, Boko Haram, recent plans by the Federal Government to draft an enactment that would empower security operatives to monitor dangerous telephone conversations, require some measure of passionate scrutiny. For the singular reason that such a law, if and when enacted stands the likelihood of infringing on the citizens’ right to privacy, a lot must first be considered to ensure its workability.
On Tuesday, last week, the Federal government made public its plans to push for a legislation in the National Assembly, for a right of electronic surveillance of telephone calls by security agencies in order to stem the tide of security challenges in the country.
Branded, e-surveillance or eavesdropping, when endorsed,the process will involve wiretapping, through interception, by accessing the telephone signal itself as obtains in the United States of America (USA) even before the September 9, 2001 terror attacks on the twin Towers that once housed the World Trade Centre in New York City.
It will be like similar safe-guards put in place by Israel, China and Britain among other countries in proactive battle against criminality, particularly terrorism, drug trafficking and national felonies bordering insecurity. Generally, all such enactments are intended for effective intelligence gathering needed to check money laundering which is the key component of virtually all crimes’ sponsorship and help nip in the bud unwholesome activities of dangerous citizens and others.
In 2009, long before the 9/11 terror experience, the US had a similar low-range monitoring arrangement which recorded 2,379 authorised wiretaps, targeted mainly at drug pushing, and captured conversations of up to 133 individuals lasting about 42 days, according to media reports.
Expectedly, the volume of information gathered from the process successfully recorded 4,537 arrests resulting in, as many as 678 convictions. These figures do not include terrorism-related wiretaps or those of the National Security Agency (NSA) warrantless witetapping programme. But with the experience of 9/11, even the US, with all her love for human liberties and limitless opportunities, including of course, the very invaluable right to privacy has in tune with prevailing national concerns and realities upscaled the NSA’s electronic surveillance scheme with a mandate widened, to serve as a foil against security ships.
There however, US Federal Law enforcement officials, according to media reports, have the power to tap telephone lines only after showing “probable cause” of unlawful activity and only after obtaining a court order. Even so, such reported unlawful activity must involve specific violations, and still leave ample power to the courts to limit the requested surveillance to communications related to the unlawful activity and to a specific period of time, usually 30 days, in line with the Electronic Communications Privacy Act, 18 USC 2516.
Moving in like path, a bill, Nigerian Presidency sources revealed, last week Tuesday, is being drafted for consideration by the National Assembly as a means of boosting intelligence gathering needed to checkmate the increasing spate of violence, bombings and killings in the land. With this worrisome state of insecurity, government is optimistic that the lawmakers would show deep understanding and help fast track the passage of the law.
At the risk of sounding immodest, among all other benefits, the law, when passed, would to ensure codification of messages for easy interception by security agencies and also promote information sharing on a national security network to help check unwholesome plots likely to endanger national security.
However, to work and work well, the projection shall require the co-operation of communication service providers who have already, started foot dragging on the matter, even before the proposed enactment. They have, with a seeming touch of finality, insisted that such an anactment would compromise the privacy law currently operating in the country meant to protect telephone users.
MTN for instance, said in a statement from its head office last week Tuesday, that the plan needs to safeguard against bugging by unauthorised persons. It said. “MTN Nigeria’s network is subject to the same standard protocol that pertains across the world and cannot be intercepted by unauthorised persons. The company goes to extra ordinary lengths to protect the confidentiality of its customers and data or call information are judiciously protected in strict compliance with the relevant laws”, the statement added.
Clearly, MTN’s position is a familiar stereotype by telephone service providers at peace time and is commendable, afterall, what is the use of a telephone facility if it becomes a glorified radio station for all. No doubt, the company’s position can best be understood from the view point that such uninhibited surveillance of individuals’ telephones by all, could in itself, be a danger to the citizenry which the law seeks to protect as criminals could also use same facility to track various targets.
But the little now known of the Federal government’s attempt, and the example of the US experience, just as those of China, Isreal and Britain, may not get as bad as the telecommunication houses are wont to fear. The facility, for sure, cannot be free from all. Infact, even among the authorised users, there should be, I am minded to believe, necessary safe guards against abuses.
So, rather than kill the lofty federal government plan, even before birth, all well-meaning Nigerians, desirous to put an end to the wanton killings of innocent Nigerians and even foreigners in the land, should consider the effort as a citizen’s sacrifice necessary in times of war. Like that waged by the Boko Haram Sect.
Without doubt, a lot is indeed at stake from the individuals’ rights perspective but should we, for those reasons, remain helpless and merely watch hundreds more of human lives be lost to terror-related attacks in the hands of Boko Haram and, only recently, MEND?
But I have another worry. Letting the National Assembly to enact the law is one thing, what the security personnel do with the information to be gathered from that process is entirely another. What, for instance, has been done to fish-out security personnel known to have been compromised in the search of Boko Haram King pins? With such thorn-coats still masquerading as patriots among genuine officers, is there any way of telling what danger they could mean to the entire process? How would such fifth colummists use such information?
Yes, even in the US there are also black-legs in the security ranks but is it not also a statement of fact that a larger majority of Americans love their country and respect members of the Security and Armed Forces better? That public empathy indeed serves as a conscience booster to American Security personnel who for the same reasons after, feel eternally indebted to their nation and citizens in a way few Nigerians ever would.
These disparities must be properly considered in the entire process of law-making and ensure that rather than allow the facility open, even to all security personnel, only a trusted tiny command structure should be created for this sensitive job, who, in turn, will share such information in a manner that the plan does not end up as a curse to Nigeria and her peoples but a blessing.
My Agony is that hiding under the usual exaggerated defence of human rights, the next line of the national debates on the issue that will follow, will predictably be everything but for the passage of such a law, because it will give even the unknown sponsors of the terror groups, an escape root to express pretentious support for human freedom, which in their protracted silence, Boko Haram terrorists have denied many.
The Law has my vote!
Soye Wilson Jamabo
Rivers State Governor, Sir Siminalayi Fubara, has declared that all the policies and programmes of his administration are tailored towards the protection of interest of Rivers people, especially the youths.
This, he said, is borne out of the importance his administration attaches to youths’ development and empowerment as leaders of tomorrow.
Fubara, according to a statement by his Chief Press Secretary, Nelson Chukwudi, disclosed this when he received the youths of Emohua Local Government Area under the auspices of “Emohua Youths For SIM” on solidarity visit to Government House, Port Harcourt, last Friday.
He said that his administration has put in place modalities that will boost the livelihoods and well-being of Rivers citizens, which youths of Emohua will also benefit when they materialise.
The governor, who spoke through the Rivers State Head of Service, Dr. George Nwaeke, pointed out that the recently awarded Elele-Omudiaga-Egbeda-Ubimini-Ikiri-Omoku Road, the ongoing Emohua-Kalabari Road, reinstatement of illegally sacked workers of Emohua Local Government Area and the approval for electrification of the area, are part of deliberate measures to open up the area to make life conducive and more meaningful for the people.
According to him, “Everything about the governor is putting the interest of Rivers State first. He is looking at and taking action on those things that we need to do to restart the wheels of progress in Rivers State.
“There are many things the governor has planned and is already doing that will boost the life and welfare of every citizen of Rivers State, but most importantly the youths.
“Growing up, I learnt that Egbeda is one of the biggest communities in the whole of Ikwerre, and it’s predominantly an agrarian community. They have food in Egbeda, they have food in Ubimini, they have food in Omudiaga and other natural resources. The whole world is tilting to agriculture, and this is the way to go.
“The Elele-Umudioga-Egbeda-Ubimini-Omoku road, when completed, will open up the area for real development. Your food and everything you produce there will now have value, they will no longer be thrown away. In all these, you the youths are going to be the utmost beneficiaries.”
He added, “Same will be applicable to the Emohua-Kalabari Road which will also, trigger development in the area, and you will be the greatest beneficiaries. When the LGA is also electrified, you will be having 24 or 20 hours of electricity, and those things the youths can do with electricity, you can stay at home and create wealth for yourself and children.
“All the totality of what the governor is doing, when they are completed, or even as some are completed now, the youths are going to be utmost beneficiaries.”
While acknowledging that youths are the true leaders of tomorrow and any government that fails to carry them along in the scheme of things is doomed to fail, the governor assured them of his administration’s commitment to always address issues concerning youths and ensure that they are part of his government.
He commended the youths for toeing the path of truth by identifying with his administration, urging them to sustain the tempo and shun evil, as his government will ensure that the trend whereby politicians turn youths to beggars are over.
He said, “Youths are, indeed, the leaders of tomorrow. The time of youth is a very important time. It a time that your parents or whoever is your leader at that time have to make the greatest investment in you. And any Government that decides to only carry the elderly, chiefs aling and abandon the youths is bound to fail,” he asserted.
“But I am happy that Governor Fubara has concentrated his energy on everything that will benefit the society, especially the youths.
“And based on these, I want to thank you for recognising what is good and calling it good, for shunning what is evil, for saying the Governor is standing for you.
“Let me tell you, you are on the right direction. Let me tell you again, Rivers State is the bride of Nigeria. The whole Nigeria is looking at what will happen here. As they look here and see you standing on the path of truth, this is a very important step that you have taken to right all the wrongs of the past, to make Rivers State stand on the tripod of justice, peace and security. That is what we are going to gain through the governor, taking all the wise actions that he has already initiated.
“The projects the governor is embarking on are meant to prepare nets for the youths to fish and put food on their table, hence you should continue to follow him.
“The SIMplified Movement brought upon by the governor will ensure that Rivers youths stop the habit of going to bow down before politicians, pledging loyalty before they can eat.”
Earlier, spokesman for the Emohua Youths for SIM, Comrade Ovamale O. Ovamale, had said that the visit by youths from the 14 political wards in Emohua Local Government Area was to thank the governor for the award of the Elele-Omudiaga-Egbeda-Ubimini-Ikiri-Omoku road, the approval for electrification of the area and reinstatement of sacked workers of Emohua Local Government Council, of which the youths were mostly affected.
According to him, “Siminalayi Fubara of recent has given Emohua Local Government road that links Elele to Omoku, which comprises over four communities in the local government.”
“Emohua Local Government has also been in darkness for eight years. No community in the local government that has light. But, of recent, because of the passion and love the governor has for the people of Emohua, he has approved the electrification of the local government.
“Also, the illegal sack of Emohua Local Government workers, for which the youths were mostly affected and without the approval of the Local Government Service Commission, the governor, in his compassionate nature, has reinstated them, and that is why we said we must come and thank His Excellency”, he said.
Rivers State Governor, Sir Siminalayi Fubara, has assured that his administration will collaborate and continue to consult widely in delivering a liberated State experiencing enduring peace.
Fubara said, in doing so, he would not operate as a dictator but as a member of a team that has the best interest of the State at heart and determined to leave a lasting legacy that can be celebrated.
The governor spoke during the formal presentation of Certificate of Recognition and Staff of Office to the Amanyanabo of Okochiri Kingdom, King Ateke Michael Tom, as first class tradition ruler, at Government House in Port Harcourt, yesterday.
Fubara stated that, during the Sixth State Executive Council meeting, N80.8billion was approved with 50 percent contract value paid already as the Government awarded the construction of the Elele-Egbeda-Omoku Road.
He said the project will be funded from the savings from Internally Generated Revenue (IGR) to underscore his administration’s prudence without also borrowing to complete the project.
“We are at a crossroad in our State where we all need to stand for what is right. It happens once in a life time. So, for now, be one of those people that will be in the course to liberate and free our dear State.
“And I know strongly that having the support of a peace-loving Amanyanabo of Okochiri Kingdom, having the support of the wonderful Council of Chiefs, having the support of the great people of Rivers State, we will bring peace in our State. We will do those things that are right to develop our State.
“We will continue to consult. We will not act as dictators. We will act as people who know that one day, we will leave, and when we leave, the way we have acted will speak for us. We will not force people to talk good about us. Our legacy will be a signature for how we led”, the governor said.
Fubara explained that he acted within the ambit of the law to upgrade the traditional stool upon which King Ateke Tom sits in recognition of his efforts in promoting peace in Okrika, and indeed, the State, and urged him to continue to do justice to everyone.
In his speech, Commissioner for Chieftaincy and Community Affairs, Hon Charles Amadi, congratulated King Ateke Tom for being formally presented with the Certificate of Recognition and Staff of Office as first class traditional ruler.
Also speaking, former Transport Minister, Chief Abiye Sekibo, thanked the governor for fulfilling his promise of upgrading the traditional stool of Okochiri Kingdom, and pledged the support of Kirike Se people to his administration.
Rivers State Governor, Sir Siminalayi Fubara, has promised to give the best attention to the education sector so that standard and quality learning will never be compromised in the State.
The governor emphasised that in achieving such legacy, schools in the State will be driven with a curriculum that will equip school-aged children to become competitive, innovative and self-reliant.
Governor Fubara made the assertion while inaugurating the Governing Council of Rivers State University at Government House in Port Harcourt on Wednesday.
He said: “There is a lot of noise everywhere: people asking what we are doing; that we are not focused, and that we don’t have direction.
”But I want to tell the world that we are focused and aware that we cannot grow if our energies are not channeled to education. Not just education, but purposeful education.
”Education that is creative. Education that gives you independence. We have left the era in the world when you speak too much grammar. We are in such times when it is what you can do with your hands.
”Our purpose for education is that we should bring back our academic programmes to where, at the end of your studies, you don’t need a job but you create jobs. When one creates a job, you automatically employ others. That is what I want this council to see as their task.”
Governor Fubara noted the non-existence of public secondary schools for the male child in the Diobu axis of Port Harcourt.
He said such negligence leaves children in that area who have completed primary education, and whose parents cannot afford sending them to far away secondary schools, to roam the streets, and therefore becoming willing tools for criminality.
Governor Fubara assured that such fundamental problem will be addressed by his administration as a measure to curb the negative impression associated with Diobu axis of Port Harcourt.
The governor said he trusts in the capacity of the members of the Governing Council of Rivers State University to bring about positive change in the institution while also contributing their quota to improving the general education standard in the State.
”I charge you, not just in terms of administering the affairs of the university, but let us add something different from the normal things that we already have to see new things.”
In her response, on behalf of the other members, the Pro-Chancellor of the Governing Council of Rivers State University, Justice Mary Odili (rtd), thanked the governor for finding them worthy to serve in such capacity.
Justice Odili assured they will work assiduously as a team to solve the problems that agitate the mind of the governor and ensure their contributions form part of the legacy that will be bequeathed by his administration.
The members included Justice Mary Odili (rtd) as the Pro-Chancellor and Chairman of the Governing Council with Barrister Mela Oforibika and Chukwuma Chinwo, Esq.
Others were Adata Bio-Briggs, Esq., Dr. Jonathan Nimi Hart, Ngo Martins-Yellowe, Dr. Nancy Nwankwo, Dr. Igoni William-Park, and Mr. Ogbugbu Barisua.
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