By Tony Obiechina, Abuja

The Director General of the Securities and Exchange Commission, Dr. Emomotimi Agama has said that the commission is dedicated to playing its part in creating a secure, resilient digital environment that will protect investor confidence, foster economic growth, and safeguard the integrity of the nation’s financial markets.

Dr.

Agama who stated this in a Goodwill message delivered at the Central Securities Clearing System Cybersecurity conference with the theme: Cybersecurity: Synergizing Artificial Intelligence, AI and Infrastructure held in Abuja Thursday, said in today’s interconnected world, cybersecurity is no longer an isolated concern, it is foundational to the very fabric of our economic and social systems as many activities, both personal and organizational, are now conducted digitally more than ever before.

This shift, he said, has brought immense efficiencies but has also introduced a new set of risks—cyber risks—that stakeholders must not only recognize but also actively guard against.

According to him, “This became more apparent during the recent COVID-19 pandemic, which accelerated our reliance on technology, remote work, and digital platforms. The pandemic underscored the need to enhance cybersecurity measures to protect individuals, organizations, and sectors from threats lurking in cyberspace.

“At the SEC Nigeria, we understand the vital importance of cybersecurity, particularly in the financial sector. People’s hard-earned savings and investments depend on the integrity of our capital markets, which deserve robust strategies to mitigate cyber risks.

“Cyber-attacks targeting financial institutions are often aimed at gaining access to sensitive and confidential information, which can have systemic implications not just for a single institution but for the broader economy.

“Therefore, cybersecurity must be viewed as a critical component of financial stability and national security.”

Agama said AI has emerged as a powerful tool in the fight against cyber threats as AI-driven intelligence systems now offer the capability to monitor vast datasets in real-time, detect anomalies, and predict potential threats with remarkable speed and accuracy.

The SEC Boss said for Nigeria, where digitalisation is steadily advancing across sectors such as finance, healthcare, and telecommunications, AI holds the promise of not only improving efficiencies but also securing the digital economy adding that in the capital markets, AI-driven systems can enhance surveillance, detect fraud, and manage risk.

“At the SEC Nigeria, we are actively exploring ways to leverage AI technologies to safeguard investor interests and maintain market integrity.

“In addition to AI, automated response mechanisms can significantly reduce the time between the detection of a threat and the implementation of countermeasures. Automation in areas such as patch management, access control, and incident response is crucial to addressing the growing volume of threats that human teams alone cannot manage.

“As the Apex Regulator of the capital market in Nigeria, we are committed to ensuring that the capital markets are protected by robust cybersecurity frameworks that balance innovation with accountability.

“While AI offers great promise, it must be complemented by resilient infrastructure. Without a secure and adaptable digital infrastructure, even the most sophisticated AI systems can become vulnerable to cyber threats” , he stated.

Dr. Agama disclosed that in Nigeria, where digital infrastructure is still developing, security must be integrated at every layer—from communication networks to data centres adding that the SEC is committed to working with government bodies and industry players to strengthen the cybersecurity infrastructure of the capital markets, ensuring they are equipped to withstand emerging threats.

“As we deliberate today on the intersection of AI and infrastructure security, I urge us all to recognise that cybersecurity is not merely a technological issue—it is a strategic imperative. It requires collaboration, innovation, and continuous improvement in our defences” he added.

In his remarks, CSCS Managing Director Mr. Haruna Jalo-Waziri said as the nation navigates deeper into the 21st century, the evolution from the information age to the digital age presents both remarkable advancements and formidable risks.

“The emergence of new technologies reshapes how we operate, but it also brings new vulnerabilities, including sophisticated cyber threats.  collaboration is key to addressing these multifaceted challenges. By bringing together diverse expertise and perspectives, we can foster a more resilient cybersecurity framework. The ONSA’s role as Nigeria’s custodian of cybersecurity laws is crucial in guiding our collective efforts.

“As we explore these themes, let us not forget the intrinsic value of human intelligence. The more I delve into artificial intelligence, the more I appreciate our own capacity for judgment, creativity, and empathy. As we acknowledge our position, particularly in Africa, we must work to improve our understanding of these threats. We must learn, decide and act quickly and decisively. Cybersecurity is no longer just an IT issue; it is a national priority that affects our economic stability and public trust” he stated.

In his speech, Vice President Kashim Shettima emphasised the critical role that robust cyber security plays in the nation’s economy and reshaping industries and infrastructure, saying that shielding the nation’s system from increasing sophisticated cyber threats has not been more

He said, “Cyber security is not just a technical issue it is a fundamental ingredient of our economic stability and growth.

“I commend the National Security Adviser, Mallam Nuhu Ribadu and his team for their efforts in fostering a digital environment that encourages investments and innovation.

“Together, we can build a resilient framework that infrastructure and a thriving digital economy.”

By David Torough, Abuja

Former President Goodluck Jonathan has taken a swipe at the nation’s judiciary, accusing that arm of government of undermining democracy and the rule of law.

Specifically, Jonathan decried the disruptive role of the judiciary in election litigations and internal democracy of political parties in the country.

The former president spoke on Thursday in Abuja at an event organised in celebration of the birthday of a renowned lawyer and human rights activist, Chief Mike Ozekhome, SAN.

Jonathan expressed concern about the negative impact of a number of court judgements on the credibility of elections.

Warning that partisan outlook of judicial officers could destabilise the political landscape, the former president stressed the need to preserve the integrity of the judicial and electoral processes in the country.

To buttress his point, he cited a case in which a high court upheld the suspension of a national chairman of a major political party by his Ward chairman.

Even though Jonathan did not mention the parties involved, it was a veiled reference to the case of a former National Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Dr. Iyorchia Ayu.

Ayu was in March 2023 suspended by the local Igyorov Ward PDP chairman in his Gboko Local Government Area of Benue State for alleged anti party activities.

The suspension was upheld by a high court in Benue State despite the fact that the suspension order was against provisions of the PDP constitution.

He noted that such decisions of the courts tend to undermine the structural integrity essential for political stability.

“This judgment has turned the cone upside down. It fosters instability within political parties and jeopardises democratic governance,” Jonathan said.

The former president stressed the necessity for a strong and independent judiciary as a cornerstone of democracy.

He urged legal professionals and judicial officers to resist external political influences, asserting that justice must be served impartially.

“If the courts fail to address this issue, it could lead to widespread instability in the political system, affecting us all,” he added.

He expressed concern about the overwhelming volume of election-related litigations at every election cycle, saying that the development contrasts with practices in other nations where such disputes are handled more constructively.

“Most countries do not experience this level of court involvement in electoral matters,” he noted, even as he called for reforms to streamline the judiciary’s role in political processes.

He charged the political elite and other stakeholders to collectively work towards strengthening the rule of law.

The former Nigerian leader said without a stable legal foundation, political victories could easily be undermined using the instrumentality of the courts.

Echoing Jonathan, the Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara frontally attacked judges, who he alleged, were taking bribes to pervert the cause of justice in the festering political crisis in the oil rich state.

Fubara spoke yesterday at the opening of the 2024/2025 Legal Year and Re-Dedication Service at the Cathedral Church of St. Paul’s, Anglican Communion in, Diobu, Port Harcourt.

Obviously miffed by the conflicting court judgements arising from litigations in Rivers State political crisis, the governor invoked God’s judgement on some judges “for collecting bribes to twist justice.”

He spoke in the backdrop of a deluge of court pronouncements regarding the recently concluded Rivers State local government election and the crisis rocking the state’s House of Assembly.

Addressing the gathering, Fubara accused some unnamed legal luminaries of smearing their conscience by canvassing what he described as professional aberrations to please their political paymasters.

“Some of you, you say you are legal luminaries. You know the truth, but you will go on air just to pacify your paymasters to turn the law upside down.

“We all know the law when it comes to issues that have to do with the administration of governance in the state; it is within the jurisdiction of the State High Court. It doesn’t matter whether you joined INEC, or Police. It is a state’s matter. I am not a lawyer, but I know that one. And you stand and say you are doing the right thing? God will judge you,” the governor fumed.

Fubara noted that within the temple of justice, judges are seen to represent God, who must not be afraid to look at those who come to equity and dispense justice without fear or favour.

The governor warned that court judgments have far-reaching implications and as such, care must be taken in making judicial pronouncements.

“Let me say it here so that you will understand: Judges, you are the God that we are seeing. Your position is to stand and defend us. Your position is to look at whoever and tell the person the truth.

“Because if you don’t do it here, you will have a big question to answer. The preacher said it, every evil done in the course of administering justice, you will pay for it dearly.”

The governor however, commended the Rivers State Judiciary, particularly, the High Court Divisions for their sundry support, which he said, have contributed to keeping his administration going despite calculated antagonisms.

He noted that some judicial officers in the state were being threatened, physically assaulted or slammed with frivolous petitions aimed at coercing them into submission.

“I want to thank the Rivers State Judiciary, more especially, the High Court of Rivers State, for your support, for keeping this administration afloat up until this hour.

“We know quite alright that a good number of you have been threatened by way of phone calls and even physical assaults. We are also aware that some of you have been threatened professionally through petitions that are fake and frivolous.

“But one thing that you need to understand is that you must be persecuted when you are doing the right thing.

“And those of you who are doing the right thing that are being fought from all sides, be courageous. Very soon, this whole thing will be over. Nothing lasts forever,” stated.

From Anthony Nwachukwu, Lagos

Riding on the mantra of zero tolerance for smuggling, the Apapa Port Command of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) said it has foiled an attempt to smuggle illicit drugs worth approximately N1.1 billion in four 40ft containers into the country.

The command said the items included 236,783 bottles containing codeine and barkadin cough syrup packed in a total of 2,174 cartons, adding that three of the seizures were made in APM Terminals and one at Kachicares Bonded Terminal.

The Area Controller, Compt. Babatunde Olomu, explained that during a joint examination of 1×40 container number MRKU0377493 on October 11th, the officers “found prohibited CSP cough syrup in 34,800 bottles.

”

A statement from the Customs Public Relations Officer, Apapa Area Command, CSC Usman Abubakar, quoted Compt. Olomu to further disclose that “the offensive importation was also found to have expired. The smugglers packed them in 174 cartons with 200 bottles per carton.”

He added: “On the same day, during another examination in the same terminal, a 1×40 container TGBU8886020 was found to be laden with 39,700 bottles of DSP cough syrup packed in 100 bottles per carton.”

Also, on October 15th, another 1x40ft container, TCKU6800526, which was dropped at APMT Container Terminal and declared to contain essential goods, was upon examination found to contain a concealment of 19 cartons of CSJ cough syrup for throat and chesty cough with codeine 100ml packed in 200 bottles per carton.

At Kachicares Resources Terminal, a 40ft container, SUDU8579006, said to contain kitchen wares, was upon examination on October 15th discovered to have concealed Barcadin cough syrup for throat and chesty cough in 100ml, Olomu said.

“They were packed in 1,584 cartons. Another set of 83 loose bottles was also found in the container.”

He restated that “Apapa Command is committed to seamless trade facilitation powered by robust stakeholder engagement, but will not compromise on our revenue collection and anti-smuggling mandates as we facilitate trade.

“For the umpteenth time, I want to warn perpetrators of unlawful trade to steer clear from Apapa Port, as our eagle-eye officers relying on intelligence, technology and on-the-job experience are out to uncover all their smuggling antics.”

Olomu has directed further investigations into the seizures to unravel further details that could lead to the arrest of the suspect(s) involved.

It will be recalled that Federal Government banned the importation of codeine cough syrup in 2018 following its abuse and the adverse effects on many youth who get addicted to it.

Codeine abuse has been found to cause nausea or vomiting, making addicts feel sleepy, unable to concentrate or think clearly, and further behave irrationally, including spurring criminal activities and deviant behaviours capable of setting the society backward.