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Military Guided By Law Of Armed Conflict -Abubakar
The Chief of Air Staff, Air Marshal Sadique Abubakar, has said that the military is being guided by the “Law of Armed Conflict (LOAC)’’ in operations during armed hostilities in the country.
Abubakar stated this yesterday in Abuja at the 2019 edition of the Armed Conflict Retreat for Nigerian Air Force Legal officers and Field Commanders.
He, therefore, explained that the retreat was aimed at providing NAF legal officers with the opportunity to interact and meet with their colleagues outside the service.
“It is pertinent to state that we are particularly guided by LOAC, which forms part of both domestic and international humanitarian laws that regulates the conduct of armed hostilities.
“LOAC covers overlapping areas which are the Hague Rule, Geneva Law, as well as the two additional protocols of 1977.
“In carrying out our tasks, we focus on the features of the protocols.
“These features borders on forbidden targets, tactics and techniques, enemy captives and detainees, civilians and private properties, and prevention of crime in theatres of war,’’ Abubakar said.
He said the protocols were designed to protect defenseless people and property that were not connected with hostilities.
“They dictate that captives are humanely treated and forbid reprisal actions/revenge, as well as use of coercion in interview or interrogation.
“More so, they forbid looting and wanton destruction of property and use of humans as shields.
“Similarly, the protocols prohibit the destruction of property and inhuman treatment of civilians,” he said.
Abubakar said in line with the protocols, the service ensure that its commanders respect and honour natives, their families, faith as well as customs.
“Our field commander also ensure adequately coordinated movement of persons to avoid making them casualties in theatres of operation, while also protecting private property from arson, looting and theft.
“In addition, we ensure that commanders and troops do not partake in illegalities when deployed on operations.
“As a service, we know that the violation of LOAC is a breach of both international laws and laws of Nigeria; as such we always endeavour to operate within its confine,’’ he said.
The air chief urged the participants to take advantage of the retreat to address issues associated with violation of human rights, adherence to LOAC in the ongoing operations.
Earlier, the Acting Chief Justice of Nigeria (CJN), Justice Ibrahim Mohammed expressed happiness to be part of the occasion.
He said: “for me nothing is more important than acting within the ambit of the laws in whichever role you find yourself.
“The Nigerian Air Force and indeed the whole armed forces were established to serve and be accountable to the Nigerian people and one way to do this in the business of defence is to adhere to your Rules of Engagement in line with the laws as well as international best practices.
“As such our troops must adhere to the laws of armed conflict during military operations.’’
The State Coordinator of the forum, Archbishop Lucky Aroh, made this known during a breakfast and thanksgiving meeting held in Port Harcourt, where leaders gathered to pray for the stability of the party and the safety of its candidates ahead of the 2027 general elections.According to him, the meeting was convened to seek divine intervention for peace, unity, and security among APC candidates across Rivers State.
“Today we are praying for APC stability in Rivers State and the security of our candidates that have been elected to contest the 2027 elections. It is a breakfast meeting,” Aroh said.
He further expressed optimism that the party’s candidates would not disappoint the people if entrusted with leadership responsibilities.
“They will not fail when elected into office. We are here as fathers of the land to let them know, and I must tell you the truth that these are the authentic people that will do well in Rivers State,” he added.
Speaking earlier, the National Chairman of the forum, Professor Olanrewaju Abraham, commended the Rivers State chapter for organizing the programme, noting that the national body of the forum believes strongly in the power of prayer.
He stated that political leadership provides an opportunity to influence society positively, including advancing moral and spiritual values, while expressing confidence that APC candidates at all levels would emerge victorious in the upcoming elections.
Also speaking, the Rivers State Women Leader of the APC, Hon. Darling Amadi, praised the forum for its commitment to prayers for peace, stability, and the protection of party candidates.
Represented by the Deputy Women Leader of the party in the state, she described the initiative as commendable and urged other political and support groups within the party to emulate the gesture in promoting unity and stability.
By: John Bibor, Menebe Emmanuel & Fortune Paibi
The colourful celebration took place at the Port Harcourt Golf Club, where friends, associates, and well-wishers converged to pay tribute to the revered elder statesman.
Chairman of the occasion, High Chief (Dr.) Ikenna Okafor, described the celebrant as a detribalised Nigerian whose generosity, humility, and commitment to humanity have earned him admiration across different communities and backgrounds.
According to Dr. Okafor, Pa Osagwe-Ogo’s impact on society and the development of his community remains unparalleled. He noted that members of the golfing community are proud to be associated with a father figure who consistently promotes the welfare and well-being of those around him.
He further stated that the history and growth of the Port Harcourt Golf Club cannot be told without acknowledging the significant role played by the celebrant, whose wisdom, encouragement, and leadership have helped sustain the club over the years.
“We are here to celebrate a man who has impacted humanity positively, a peace-loving individual and an epitome of hope for the younger generation. We pray to emulate his virtues. Today, we celebrate a bridge-builder, a trailblazer, and an iconic leader whose life continues to inspire many,” Dr. Okafor said.
He expressed delight at the large turnout of guests from various walks of life, describing it as a testament to the respect and affection Pa Osagwe-Ogo commands within and beyond Rivers State.
In his response, the celebrant, Pa Anthony Osagwe-Ogo, expressed profound gratitude to God for preserving his life and granting him the privilege of attaining the milestone age of 70.
He also thanked members of the Port Harcourt Golf Club, family members, friends, and associates for identifying with him during the celebration and for their unwavering support over the years.
The event featured the cutting of the birthday cake, presentation of awards to deserving members of the club, goodwill messages, and moments of celebration among guests.
The ceremony was attended by notable personalities from the business community, the golfing fraternity, and other sectors, all of whom joined in celebrating the life and legacy of the respected elder statesman.
The awards, which formed part of activities marking Nigeria’s Democracy Day on June 12, were formally presented on Tuesday at the Ministry of Information and Communications in Port Harcourt.
Presenting the awards was Hon. Abdul Hameed Oladipupo Alli, popularly known as “Mr. Nigeria,” Publisher of Asiwaju Trumpet Magazine and Achievers World International Magazine.
Governor Fubara was recognised for his efforts in sustaining peace, stability, and a conducive political atmospherJohn Bibor / Menebe Emmanuel / Fortune Paibie in Rivers State. The organisers noted that his administration has fostered harmony and strengthened civic participation across the state.
Dr. Sirawoo, on the other hand, was honoured for his exemplary administrative leadership and significant contributions to effective information management within the Ministry of Information and Communications.
Representing Dr. Sirawoo at the presentation ceremony, Dr. Christian Davies received the award on his behalf and expressed gratitude for the recognition. He described the honour as a reflection of Dr. Sirawoo’s unwavering commitment to professionalism, excellence, and dedicated public service.
Dr. Davies assured the organisers that the award would be formally conveyed to the Permanent Secretary.
The event also featured the presentation of commemorative publications highlighting major governance and civic milestones in Rivers State, including Easter celebrations, Workers’ Day activities, the Governor’s third anniversary in office, and Democracy Day programmes.
Organisers of the awards commended the Rivers State administration for what they described as sustained peace, political stability, and improved civic engagement, noting that these achievements have contributed significantly to the state’s continued development.
By: Jessica Sambol