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Nigerian Police Can’t Fight Insecurity, IGP Tells Senate …Accept Responsibility For Worsening Insecurity, Atiku Tells Buhari

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The Senate, yesterday, for over two hours, grilled the Acting Inspector General of Police, Mohammed Adamu, over the deteriorating security situation across the nation.
At the closed door meeting between the upper chamber of the National Assembly and the acting police boss, the lawmakers sought answers to questions behind the increasing spread of armed banditry, kidnapping and killings, which have engulfed not only Zamfara but other states of the federation, including Katsina, Kaduna, Plateau, Benue, and some southern states.
The IGP had, last week, summoned by the Senate to brief the lawmakers on the unfortunate development, to keep them abreast of what the force was doing to bring the situation under control.
The security briefing was aimed also at enabling the lawmakers to know the possible areas through which the parliament can intervene in addressing the security challenges facing the country.
Speaking after meeting with the IGP, the Senate President, Dr Bukola Saraki, said the IG briefed the lawmakers on the security situation in Zamfara and other parts of the country.
His words, “We deliberated on armed banditry, robbery, terrorist activities and other security challenges in the country. The Nigeria Police efforts in ameliorating the situation and challenges, and hoped to address the menace squarely. He promised to address areas that have to do with discipline of officers that have been found wanting.
“He assured that efforts would be made on the situation, particularly on the Abuja-Kaduna highway, and also on the area of intelligence and security. The Senate promised and committed on areas of solving the issues.
“The Senate is ready to give adequate funding that is required in order to make the police to be able to combat the necessary stress to our security”.
Meanwhile, speaking with journalists after the closed door session, the Police IG, Mohammed Adamu, pointed out that the number of police officers in the country was not enough to deal with the increasing insecurity in the country.
“We discussed the issue of insecurity within the country, and we have expanded a lot of strategies that we put in place that is working.
“And we have reviewed the strategies in order to mitigate some of the challenges that emerged again, and they have appreciated what we presented, and also they gave suggestions on how to enhance the strategy that we are deploying. They have agreed to support us in every aspect, every area that we need in order to do our job to make the country safe.
“Policing is dynamic and you cannot give ultimatum to deal with a crime. The number of personnel we have can never be enough, and the government is doing its best, and every year, we are recruiting more policemen. This year, we have about 10,000 again to recruit.
“At least, the number is growing. Very soon, we will meet up with the required number that is needed for us to deploy to fight crime”, he said.
Responding to questions on the alleged rape of some of the arrested social sex workers in Abuja by policemen, the IGP said the force was going to set up a panel to investigate the allegation, with a view to prosecuting and disciplining any officer found guilty.
It would be recalled that the IGP, who entered the Chamber at 11.25am, immediately started a closed-door session with the senators on the security situation in the country.
Soon after he entered, the Senate President, Dr Bukola Saraki, called on the Clerk of the Senate, Nelson Ayewor, to clear the gallery for the session to commence.
The Senate had asked the IGP to appear and brief it on the rising wave of insecurity, banditry and kidnapping in the country, especially in the northern part of the country.
According to the Senate, the appearance would enable the Inspector General of Police touch on very salient and germane issues as regards insecurity, the spate of banditry and kidnappings with a view to finding a lasting solution to the problem.
The Senate took the decision when it condemned, in very strong terms, the gruesome killing of a 29-year-old Briton, Faye Mooney, and another Nigerian, and the abduction of three others on Friday, 19th of April, 2019.
Resolutions of the Senate were sequel to a motion entitled, “Senseless killing of a Briton and the abduction of three others in a Holiday Resort in Kaduna State by Armed Bandits”, sponsored by Senator Shehu Sani (PRP, Kaduna Central).
The motion was co-sponsored by Senator Joshua Dariye, who is presently in prison, and 108 senators.
Meanwhile, former Vice President and candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP in the 2019 Presidential election, Alhaji Atiku Abubakar has advised President Muhammadu Buhari and the All Progressives Congress, APC, to accept responsibility for the spate of killings going on in some parts of the country.
The PDP chieftain in a statement signed by his media adviser, Paul Ibe yesterday accused officials of the APC- led administration of doctoring a report in the name of a non-governmental organization, Centre for Diplomacy and Democracy, which apparently acknowledged the effort the Presidency is putting in place to check the menace of killings and kidnappings across the land while accusing the opposition of complicity in the sundry criminalities going on in the land.

 

Nneka Amaechi-Nnadi, Abuja

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Rivers Open To Blue Economy Investment -Fubara

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Rivers State Governor, Sir Siminalayi Fubara, has said that the State stands as the best investment destination for good economic achievement.
Fubara stated this while providing investment details to industrialists during the 3rd Nigeria-Indonesia Forum in Port Harcourt, yesterday.
He said that, as the oil and gas hub of Nigeria, Rivers State stands as the best investment destination for good economic achievement.
The governor, who was represented by the Secretary to the State Government, Dr. Tammy Danagogo, enumerated the vast opportunities Rivers State holds to potential investors in the marine and blue economy, agriculture, hospitality and tourism, health, transportation, amongst other sectors.
He commended the leadership of the Nigeria-Indonesia Commercial Association and the Port Harcourt Chambers of Commerce, Industry, Mines and Agriculture (PHCCIMA) for its continuous support to keep Rivers State at the peak for investors.
“Your decision to convoke this business forum is indeed apt. It will provide a robust platform for discussions in the areas of health, education, trade, investment, energy, environment…Vast opportunities exist in agriculture and agro-based industries, marine resources and blue economy, hospitality and tourism, transport, petroleum and other natural resources such as clay, raffia palm and textile with promising labour”, he emphasized.
He urged participants to use the forum to build partnerships for mutual economic benefits for both Rivers State and Indonesia.
“I am optimistic that this Forum will explore the investment opportunities in the State as well as harness them for our mutual benefits. I assure you that doing business in the State is strengthened by the enabling environment provided by the State Government to potential investors.
“I encourage you all to engage actively in discussions, share your insights, and learn from one another and create new collaborations and explore the investment opportunities in the State. Your ideas would no doubt spark the next big innovation or partnership that will drive meaningful change in our economy,” he stressed.
The Ambassador of the Republic of Indonesia to Nigeria, His Excellency, Dr. Ussra Hendru Harahap, gave insight into the Nigeria-Indonesia dynamic similarities and that Rivers State is host to Indonesia’s biggest investment in Nigeria.
He further indicated that Indonesia and Nigeria can mutually benefit from the diverse use of palm fruit and other businesses as he urged participants to explore new grounds for business development and expansion for both Indonesia and Rivers State.
The President of the Port Harcourt Chambers of Commerce, Industry, Mines and Agriculture, Sir Mike Elechi, said the aim of the business forum is to provide more business opportunities to the people of Rivers State in view of attracting more business opportunities that will expand and promote commercial activities and investments in the State.

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Tinubu, Buhari Mourn Ohanaeze Ndigbo President General, Iwuanyanwu

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President Bola Tinubu has extended his heartfelt commiserations to the family of Chief Emmanuel Iwuanyanwu, who passed away, yesterday.
Chief Iwuanyanwu was the President-General of Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide. He was an accomplished businessman and notable politician.
President Tinubu condoled with the Imo State Government, the friends and associates of the deceased, and Ndi Igbo over this irreparable loss.
The President in a statement by his spokesman, Chief Ajuri Ngelale, affirmed that Chief Iwuanyanwu will always be remembered for his remarkable legacy.
President Tinubu prayed for the repose of the soul of the departed elder statesman and comfort to his family.
Meanwhile, former Governor of Abia State, Senator Theodore Orji, has expressed rude shock over the demise of the President General of Ohanaeze Ndigbo, Chief Emmanuel Iwuanyanwu.
The former Chairman, South East Governors Forum described Iwuanyanwu’s death as “ a big disaster and colossal loss to the Igbo nation”.
He said Chief Iwuanyanwu sacrificed so much in the advancement of Igbo cause but regretted that he exited at a time his fatherly counsels were most needed.
Senator Orji who said Iwuanyanwu was a personal friend, said he was highly devastated by the news of the departure of the late Igbo leader.
The former Senator representing Abia Central, a statement by his former Chief Liaison Officer , Hon. Ifeanyi Umere, said the death of Iwuanyanwu, had added to the pain of the loss of some other Igbo leaders who excited in the recent times.
He said that Iwuanyanwu would always be remembered for his patriotism, sacrificial leadership and passion for the Igbo cause.
Senator Orji condoled with the family of the late Ohanaeze helmsman while praying God to grant the soul of the deceased eternal repose in heaven.
Iwuanyanwu’s death was announced by his son Jide Iwuanyanwu, in a statement made available to newsmen in Owerri, yesterday.
According to the son, “The Iwuanyanwu family of Umuohii Atta in Ikeduru Local Government Area of Imo State announced the demise of our Patriarch, Engr Chief Emmanuel Chukwuemeka Iwuanyanwu, Ahaejiagamba Ndigbo.
“Chief Iwuanyanwu died on Thursday July 25, 2024 after a brief illness. He was aged aged 82.
“Chief Iwuanyanwu, before his death, was President General of Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide and President of Owerri Peoples Assembly.
“Chief Iwuanyanwu is survived by his wife, lady Princess Iwuanyanwu, many children and grandchildren including Dr Mrs Nwadiuto Iheakanwa, Managing Director Champion Newspapers.
“Details of the burial will be announced later by the family after due consultation.”

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Nigeria Capable Of Providing Good Healthcare System -German Consul-General

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The German Consul- General, Weert Börner, has said that Nigeria was capable of providing a good healthcare system, rather than encouraging promotion of medical tourism.
Börner said this during the Africa Social Impact Summit (ASIS) yesterday, in Lagos while highlighting Germany’s role in enhancing Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) in Nigeria.
He listed some of his country’s areas of support to include Good Health and Well-being; Quality Education; and Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure.
According to him, there are discussions on how the COVID-19 pandemic still influences the SDG achievement and the challenge to overcome the gap and its impacts.
“I can assure you that Germany was very impressed how Nigeria handled the pandemic, especially Lagos State, with Health Commissioner, Prof. Akin Abayomi.
“We have been increasing our support to modernise Nigeria’s health sector.
“I can assure you the German government is not a government promoting medical tourism to Europe. We think that’s not a solution.
“The solution is to improve the healthcare system in Nigeria.
“And there is no tourism needed in the future to get good treatment because we think that Nigeria is capable to have its own good health care system,” he said.
To support the health sector, Börner said that the German government has been training medical personnel, offering scholarships to medical students and has active presence of German companies in Nigeria’s health sector.
The envoy also said that Germany offers annual scholarships for both master degrees and PhD students globally through the German Academic Exchange Service, (DAAD).
“And in 2023, for the first time ever, among sub-Saharan African nations, Nigeria ranked number one.
“The number of Nigerian scholarship receivers went up within 13 years from just 200 to 1,600. So that’s a big success for your country, but I think also for the world,” he said.
Börner emphasised that vocational training was a traditional strength of the German system, noting that it was cooperating with the government and the private sector, citing training for solar energy engineers in Nigeria.
The consul-general stressed the need for best practices and strengthened cooperation to actualise SDGs in Nigeria, Africa and globally.
The Africa Social Impact Summit is a multi-sectoral platform dedicated to accelerating action on the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) in Nigeria and across Africa.
The Summit organised by Sterling One Foundation, United Nations and the Lagos State Government has the theme: “Reimagining Progress: A New Blueprint for Sustainable Growth in Africa.”

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