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ECOWAS Reaffirms Commitment to Peaceful Elections in Nigeria
The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), has reaffirmed its commitment to efforts to foster peace, security and stability for Nigeria to achieve a peaceful elections in 2023.
The Director, Political Affairs of the ECOWAS Commission, Dr.
Remi Ajibewa, made this known on Friday during a sensitisation workshop in partnership with the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) in Rivers.He said that the South-South sensitisation workshop, with the theme, “Enhancing Media and Political Parties Roles in Promoting Good Participatory Process”, intended to get response from stakeholders on how to achieve a successful electioneering process in the 2023 general election.
Ajibewa, represented by Mr Emmanuel Okorodudu, the Head of Division, Democracy and Good Governance Department of Political Affairs, Peace and Regional Security at ECOWAS, said that the Commission would identify with Nigeria as ECOWAS member state during the elections.
Ajibewa said that ECOWAS would also deploy short-term and long-term observers in the six geopolitical zones of Nigeria to monitor and observe the elections.
He said that ECOWAS believed that with such support, Nigeria could achieve a peaceful and violent-free electoral process.
Ajibewa, on behalf of the President of ECOWAS Commission, also thanked the Rivers Government for being a perfect host.
He also commended the Resident Electoral Commissioner (REC) in Rivers for partnering with the Commission, the security agencies, Civil Society Organisations and the media in making the workshop a success.
He also commended the Inter-Party Advisory Committee (IPAC) for its support.
He urged IPAC to work cordially with the political parties to ensure a peaceful electioneering process in the 2023 general election.
Mr Kweku Asante, the Senior Programme Manager, Media Foundation for West Africa, Accra, Ghana, said that social media should be used as a tool during and after election.
Asante, who spoke on the topic “Upholding positive media values and Ethics during electioneering”, urged media practitioners to sustain a culture of facts checking on information emanating from social media and other sources before publication.
Asante also spoke on the topic: “Social Media and Positive Citizens’ engagement for Nigeria’s 2023 general elections, opportunities for Nigerian citizens journalists, social media practitioners and political parties”.
He advised stakeholders to be present and active on social media platforms to enable them know when issues of fake news on social media would cross the line of National peace and unity.
Mr Brenard Mornah, Former Chairman, Political Party, Human Rights Advocate and Citizens Activist, Accra, Ghana, who also spoke on the topic “The Campaign Strategy for Political Parties and Positive Citizens’ engagement for Nigeria 2023 election”, commended ECOWAS for peace building across West Africa.
Mornah urged political parties to focus on issue-based campaign, saying that the choice of candidates and their activities should reflect good governance for citizens and the nation.
Mornah, who also spoke on “Managing Thuggery and Vigilantism Group Activities”, said that much attention should be given to Vigilantism due to its importance to the nation to avoid crisis.
Mr Stanley Job Stanley, the State Chairman of the NUJ, commended INEC and ECOWAS for equipping journalists through trainings and workshops.
According to Stanley, the media are well equipped and set for the 2023 election reportage in Rivers.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the stakeholders, during the meeting, also recommended that the security agencies’ neutrality should be paramount while pledging allegiance to the people instead of parties in power or opposition.
They also stated that protection of journalists and electorates by security agencies, especially the police, should be paramount.
They said that the election entity by the police should be holistic not excluding the political parties.
They also urged the military to stick to its Constitutional roles and stay away from politics in order not to undermine participation.
They also said that sensitisation and advocacy for security agencies in terms of further operational procedures was necessary.
They also called for equitable deployment of security personnel to all areas.
They urged the security agencies, especially the police, to be proactive, especially on social media.
On the part of the media, stakeholders recommended that journalists should be professional and abide by the Code of Ethics of the profession.
They urged journalists and the media to keep to the electoral rules and regulations, adding that insurance policy should be taken out for journalists in the region.
They also recommended that journalists should be patriotic, nation builders, conflict sensitive and promote peace journalism.
They urged media organisations to use evaluation mechanisms to counter fake news, disinformation and misinformation, adding that journalists should also be security conscious and a live to report the news.
On the part of national interest and security recommendations for Civil Society Organisations (CSOs), the commission urged CSOs to be home based, obey rules and regulations and have proper understanding of the new electoral act process to be able to sensitise the public.
It urged them to promote disabilities and gender equality.
Speaking on vote buying, the commission also expressed the need for intensive education or sensitisation awareness on the disadvantage.
It urged the Economic and Financial Crime Commission (EFCC) to scale up its surveillance during the election, by having desk officers to counter fake news and misinformation.
It urged International Observers to be objective in their reports.
The commission also urged the electorates to go out in mass and cast their votes. (NAN)
By David Torough, Abuja
The Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lieutenant General Waidi Shaibu (NAM), has charged 3,439 newly trained recruits of the Nigerian Army to uphold the highest standards of loyalty, discipline and professionalism as they formally joined the service.
The recruits, drawn from the 89 Regular Intake of the Nigerian Army, passed out on Saturday after completing six months of intensive military training at Depot Nigerian Army, Zaria.
Their formal induction was marked by a colourful Passing Out Parade, which showcased the skills, discipline and esprit de corps instilled during the training period.Addressing the recruits as the Special Guest of Honour and Reviewing Officer, Lieutenant General Shaibu described the parade as a testament to their dedication, perseverance and commitment to duty.
He said their successful completion of training reflected hard work, discipline and readiness to serve the nation.The COAS said the injection of additional manpower would further strengthen the Nigerian Army’s operational capacity at a time it continues to confront evolving domestic and transnational security threats. He noted that the new soldiers would play a critical role in sustaining the Army’s combat readiness across the country.
He reminded the recruits that they had been entrusted with the sacred responsibility of safeguarding Nigeria’s territorial integrity, urging them to serve with honour, courage and professionalism. According to him, their induction underscored the Army’s resolve to ensure the safety and security of all Nigerians.
Lieutenant General Shaibu commended Depot Nigerian Army for its historic role in producing professional soldiers since its establishment in 1924, describing the institution as the backbone of the Army’s training system. He assured that the depot would continue to receive strong support in logistics, training infrastructure and personnel welfare to maintain its high standards.
The COAS further urged the new soldiers to uphold discipline, integrity and respect for human rights in all their operations, stressing that these values form the foundation of professional soldiering. He reminded them of the Oath of Allegiance they took, warning against any conduct that could tarnish the image of the Nigerian Army or the nation.
He expressed gratitude to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, the Emir of Zazzau, Mallam Ahmad Nuhu Bamalli, Kaduna State Governor, Senator Uba Sani, and other security agencies for their support to the Nigerian Army. He also praised the Commandant, instructors and staff of Depot Nigerian Army for their dedication in training the recruits.
Lieutenant General Shaibu congratulated the newly inducted soldiers, their parents and guardians, and wished them safe, exemplary and fulfilling careers as they are deployed to various Army formations across the country.
The Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) on Thursday, announced the deployment of Corps Commander (CC) Kehinde Dahunsi as new commander for the Benue Sector Command.
The announcement is contained in a statement by the Corps’ Public Relations Officer (PRO) SRC Ngozi Ahula, in Makurdi.
According to the statement, Dahunsi takes over from CC Steve Ayodele, who recently retired in line with the Corps’ administrative posting procedures.
She said that the formal handover ceremony took place on Dec. 10, at the sector’s command headquarters in Makurdi.
According to her, shortly after assuming duty, Dahunsi expressed gratitude to the Corps Marshal, for what he described as a significant vote of confidence.
She said that the new commander has pledged to prioritise enhanced operational efficiency, strengthen stakeholder collaboration, and intensify public enlightenment.
He reaffirmed the corps’ commitment to continuous sensitisation on safe road use, strict enforcement of traffic regulations, and sustained efforts to curb road traffic crashes within the state.
According to the PRO, the outgoing sector commander also thanked officers, Special Marshals, stakeholders, and the public for their cooperation throughout his tenure.
She said that Ayodele urged them to extend the same level of support given to him, to his successor to ensure continuity and improved service delivery.
She called on transport unions, sister security agencies, the media, and the general public to work closely with the new commander to promote safer road practices in the state.
By Tony Obiechina, Abuja
The Nigeria National Petroleum Corporation Limited (NNPCL) has set its targeted crude oil production for 2026 at over two million barrels per day.
Head Field Operations, Eastern Corridor, Project Monitoring Office (PMO NNPCL), Akponime Omojevwhe, made the disclosure at the monthly stakeholders meeting with host communities of the Trans Niger Pipeline (TNP) organised by Pipeline Infrastructure Nigeria Limited (PINL) in Port Harcourt.
He also said the budget for 2026 is targeted at 2.80mbpd.
Omojevwe, who noted that currently the TNP is producing optimally, credited it to communities and stakeholders’ collaboration with PINL.
He said: “I want to sincerely appreciate all our stakeholders on this corridor because right now we can see that the TNP is green and what that means is that the products are flowing uninterrupted.
“Secondly, I want to say that our budget for 2026 is targeted at 2.80mbpd and the budget begins from 1.84mbpd while our targeted projection is 2.06mbpd. So we want to say that even as we draw closer to next year 2026, as we have come together to ensure that the projection is going up, we want to crave your indulgence, please don’t relent”.
Highlighting the importance of stakeholders and communities in securing the pipelines, the NNPCL official noted that no private security company can achieve success without their collaboration.
“The communities are a vital part of this job. So anytime we find ourselves, we must always appreciate them because the community leaders such as the chiefs, CDCs, youth presidents, women leaders, if they don’t carry out our messages to the community people, there will be nothing like green as far as the pipeline is concerned. So our message is clear, we appreciate you and always assist PINL efforts just as you have been doing,” he pleaded.
In his remark, Edi Julius, who represented the Minister of State (Oil), Heineken Lokpobiri at the meeting appreciated the collaboration between the communities and PINL, stressing its impact on oil production output in the country.
“Sincerely the minister of petroleum resources appreciates what the communities are doing because without the peace from your domain, I believe production will not be up.
“Today, all of us can testify to the production level and it’s so ambitious for 2026 that we are going to hit the target of 2 million plus barrels per day production. Those things which will bring more money to the government and also, more money to PINL to be able to reach out to you,” he stated.
In his address, Dr. Akpos Mezeh, General Manager, Community and Stakeholders Relations, PINL, said the meeting gives the company the opportunity to review its progress in the fight against pipeline vandalism and crude oil theft, and also celebrate, fellowship, and appreciate critical stakeholders, especially leaders of host communities for their support and commitment, which he said have sustained the economic stability of the country.
He gave a highlight of its achievements in the outgoing year to include deepening of security operations to include all oil and gas infrastructures in proximity to the TNP, expanded community and stakeholders’ inclusion, human empowerment with focus on women and students and strengthened grassroots communication with introduction the Town Crier Initiative (TCI).
He also listed sustained consistent stakeholder engagements, zero illegal bunkering and building of greater trust between PINL and host communities as other successes.
Dr. Mezeh called for increased collaboration with the host communities even as they look ahead to 2026.
“Let us continue to protect national assets, empower our people, and strengthen the prosperity of our region and nation. As we step into 2026, may our collaboration deepen, our unity strengthened, and our shared commitment to peace and progress remain unshakable,” he appealed.
The PINL official also used the medium to announce Christmas palliatives for the 215 TNP host communities.
Meanwhile, one of the host community leaders, His Majesty, King Philip Osaro Obele, called on the Federal Government to carry out more developments in the communities now that they are benefitting by way of increased revenue output from oil production.
He also commended PINL for regularly meeting with them to update the communities on its operations.
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