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Govt Denies Boko Haram’s Presence In Rivers …As IPSA Training Begins, Today
Th Rivers State Government has debunked the claim by the Chief of Army Staff, Lt Gen. Azubuike Ihejirika that fundamentalist Islamic Sect Boko Haram is spreading to some states including the Rivers State.
The Chief of Staff, Government House, Chief Tony Okocha disclosed this to newsmen while reacting to news report credited to the Chief of Army Staff, Lt. Gen. Azubuike Ihejirika that the sect has spread its activities to Rivers State.
The Army boss in a presentation he made before the 20-member Joint Committee on National Security and Intelligence and Judiciary, Human Rights and Legal Matters set up to investigate the alleged extra judicial killings of eight persons who were suspected of being members of Boko Haram members in the Apo Legislative Quarters, Abuja said he has convincing intelligence that Boko Haram operate in the state.
Okocha stated that it was untrue that Boko Haram has spread its activities to Rivers State adding that there is no evidence to show the presence of the sect in the state.
He said such report was a ploy to heighten military operations in the state ahead of the general election in the state.
According to him, “despite lapses on the Rivers State Police Command, to curtail increase in criminal activities as a result of its dereliction of duty and involvement in partisan politics, the state is yet to receive any report of Boko Haram’s activities in any part of the state.
He urged the Military Formation to make its finding public and not to jeopardize the relative peace in the state.
Chief Okocha equally enjoined the investing public to disregard any negative report capable of classifying the state as a security risk or operational base of Boko Haram Sect.
Meanwhile, as part of government effort on the implementation of International Public Sector Accounting Standard (IPSAS) for Rivers State, a two week training programme for Heads of Accounts in Government, Parastatals and agencies will begin on Monday December 2nd and Friday December 13th 2013.
This is another noble step by the administration of Rt. Hon. Chibuike Rotimi Amaechi to entrench accountability in public service.
The Commissioner of Finance Dr. Chamberlain Peterside said that IPSAS focuses on the accounting, auditing and financial reporting needs of national, states and local government and related agencies.
According to him, IPSAS emphasises the role of technology in accounting and budgeting as well as helps to improve financial reporting, transparency whilst delivering the dividends of democratic government.
Addressing newsmen in his office recently, Peterside reiterated the tremendous benefits of this training programme towards a seamless transition to accrual method of accounting based on international best practices in Rivers State.
He appealed to nominated attendees and participants to prepare for the training as scheduled with the first batch starting on December 2nd to December 6th while the second batch will be from December 9th 13th at Tinapa Resort in Cross River state.
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.
