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FG Begins Post- Election Violence Report Implementation
The Federal Executive Council (FEC) on Wednesday approved the establishment of Special Election Offences Tribunal to try those involved in violence before, during and after any election in the country.
The Minister of Information, Mr Labaran Maku, disclosed this after the council meeting presided over by President Goodluck Jonathan at the State House, Abuja.
Maku said that the decision of the council was part of the key recommendations of the Sheikh Ahmed Lemu Panel on the 2011 post election violence.
Our correspondent reports that the panel was set up to investigate the remote and immediate causes of the 2011 post election violence which erupted in some states.
Maku said that a white paper committee set up by the President and chaired by the Minister of Housing and Urban Development, Ms Amal Pepple, submitted its report to the council.
“The Federal Executive Council is reviewing what happened and indeed the merit of this recommendation accepted this proposition to establish a special tribunal to try election offences in the country.
“This we believe will make it possible for speedy dispensation of justice.
“It will also ensure that all those who take liberty to spread violence, to cause mayhem in elections in this country are not only brought to book but that judicial process to try them should be such that will be quick and orderly in the dispensation of justice,’’ he said.
Maku said that council also approved the prohibition of youth groups set up by some political office holders and used as militia group during elections.
He said that the Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice was directed to liaise with the Inspector-General of Police to work out modalities to stamp out such groups.
The minister said that council also approved the recommendation by the committee that civic education be introduced in schools to educate students on the principles of democracy.
Similarly, he said INEC and other relevant agencies were mandated to carry out massive education of the electorate on political tolerance.
Speaking in the same vein, Pepple said that the committee had recommended that government should embark on employment generation programmes to engage the youths.
She said that the committee also recommended the setting up of police posts in identified volatile areas in the country.
The Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lt.-Gen. Waidi Shaibu, has tasked troops of Operation SAVANNAH SHIELD to dominate the battlespace and intensify offensive operations against kidnappers, bandits and other criminal elements in the North Central region.
Shaibu gave the directive yesterday during his maiden operational visit to the Headquarters, Joint Task Force North Central (JTF-NC), at Sobi Barracks, Ilorin.
This is contained in a statement by the Acting Director, Army Public Relations, Col. Appolonia Anele, in Abuja, yesterday.
Shaibu said the Nigerian Army would remain resolute in its constitutional responsibility of safeguarding lives and property, stressing that troops must sustain pressure to decisively deny criminal elements freedom of action.
He assured personnel of continued deployment of combat enablers and operational resources to enhance clearance operations and dismantle criminal hideouts across Kwara and Niger states.
The COAS reaffirmed his commitment to troop welfare, noting that improved welfare remained critical to sustaining morale, operational effectiveness and combat readiness.
He urged the troops to remain disciplined, professional and loyal to the Constitution and the democratically elected government.
Earlier, the Theatre Commander, JTF-NC Operation SAVANNAH SHIELD, Maj.-Gen. Yakubu Yahaya, commended the COAS for his strategic leadership and support.
Yahaya assured that troops would remain committed and steadfast in restoring peace and stability in the region.
The Nigerian Navy says it is expanding training and infrastructure to address emerging security threats and strengthen operational efficiency across formations and units nationwide.
The Chief of Naval Staff, Vice Adm. Idi Abbas, spoke during the inauguration of projects at the Nigerian Navy Basic Training School (NNBTS) in Onne, Rivers as part of activities marking the Nigerian Navy’s 70th anniversary.
Abbas, represented by the Flag Officer Commanding, Naval Training Command (NAVTRAC), Rear Adm. Ebiobowei Zipele, said the projects reflected significant progress made by the navy since its establishment in 1956 from the British Royal Navy.
“Training and infrastructure have improved significantly to meet contemporary security challenges and fulfil the navy’s constitutional responsibilities.”
According to him, the anniversary provides the navy an opportunity to reflect on its achievements and contributions over the past seven decades.
Projects inaugurated included a remodelled female trainees’ hostel accommodating more than 500 occupants and an expanded golf course upgraded from one to nine holes.
Others were the NNBTS fuel dump, Chief Boatswain’s Mate House, renovated pharmacy department and a new theatre block at the Naval Medical Centre, Onne.
Abbas described the new theatre as a major milestone for the navy’s medical services.
“Previously, injured personnel requiring surgeries were referred outside the facility.
“With this theatre, surgeries can now be conducted within the base.’’
He added that a 30KVA inverter had also been installed to guarantee uninterrupted electricity supply at the training school.
The naval chief assured officers, ratings and trainees that the navy leadership remained committed to their welfare and wellbeing.
“These infrastructure upgrades show the commitment of the Chief of Naval Staff to addressing operational and welfare challenges promptly,” he said.
In addition, NAVTRAC distributed educational materials to pupils of Community Primary Schools One and Two, Ogale, in Ebubu-Eleme area of Rivers.
Items distributed included exercise books, school bags and other writing materials as part of the navy’s civil-military engagement initiative.
Zipele said the outreach was designed to strengthen relations between the navy and host communities while supporting children’s education.
“Education remains critical to national growth and youth empowerment. Some of these pupils may eventually serve in the Nigerian Navy,” he said.
He noted that the initiative demonstrated the navy’s commitment to educational development, peace, security and sustainable community relations.
Zipele urged the pupils to remain disciplined, focused and committed to their studies while embracing patriotism, integrity and hard work.
He thanked the Ebubu community for its continued support for the naval training command headquarters and the navy.
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