News
Ex-Minister Cautions Politicians Against Hate Speech
A former Senator, has cautioned politicians Prof. Jibril Aminu, against careless statements capable of throwing the country into chaos.
Aminu, who represented Adamawa Central in the Senate said while addressing journalists yesterday in Abuja that inflammatory comment in most cases had proven very detrimental to mutual coexistence.
Aminu, who was also a former Minister of Education and that of Petroleum and Mineral Resources, said recent hate speeches and careless utterances in the media could plunge the country into chaos.
He therefore urged media professionals to tread with caution, and avoid dancing to the tunes of politicians seeking to set the country on fire.
“It is only because there is no punishment for promoters of such unguarded talks; hence some people are treading this dangerous path again.
“Never again should Nigeria experience the unfortunate incident of the 1966 and 1967 coup and its aftermath, which was mainly brought upon the nation by similar careless hate talks.
“Sadly, most of the noisemakers today were not matured enough to know the sad consequences of similar statements in the past,” Aminu said.
He said that the Nigerian Civil War was triggered by lose statements of politicians and journalists, leading to a bloody strife and divisiveness that greatly stagnated the growth and development of the country.
The former lawmaker warned that if the current crop of journalists and politicians do not desist from treading the same path, it could lead to a recurrence of the sordid past.
“Those promoting hate speech should know that we don’t have another country aside Nigeria; if one goes out of the country today you cannot enjoy the kind of freedom obtainable here without interrogation.
“You cannot just say whatever you like anywhere, in some of these big nations, when you say one thing against them, they either deny you visa, fine you or put a stamp on you,” he said.
Aminu called for stronger legislation that would prescribe severe punishment to purveyors of hate and divisive utterances, so as to safeguard peace and stability 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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