Metro
#EndSARS: CSO Wants FG to Prosecute Erring Security Officers
Civil Society Organisation under the auspices of Action Group on Free Civic Space has called on the Federal Government to bring to book all erring security officers indicted at the various Judiciary Commission of Inquiry on the End SARS movement.The Action Group comprises Building Blocks for Peace Foundation, Spaces for Change, Youth and Environment Advocacy Centre, Foundation for Environmental Rights Advocacy, World Impact Development Foundation (WIDAF) and Entrepreneurship Initiative for African Youths.
Mr Rafiu Adeniran Lawal of Building Blocks for Peace Foundation and Mr Godwin Kingsley of WIDEF on behalf of the group, made the call at a news conference on Wednesday, in Abuja.The group recalled that in 2020, there was an eruption of one of the most powerful mass movement in the history of the country known as the #EndSARS Movement.“The National Executive Council had directed state governments to constitute Judicial Panel of Inquiry to investigate complaints against the now disbanded SARS and other police units.“Though we gathered here today to reflect on the event of last year, we should also initiate conversation that will hopefully proffer fresh ideas for reforms on the systematic challenges in law enforcement, social justice, rule of law and accountability.” However, we urge the Federal Government to recommit to its primary obligation to citizens by bringing to book all erring security officers indicted at the various Judicial Commissions of Inquiry.“We want government to restore hope to victims of police brutality by implementing the recommendations for compensation submitted by the Panel.“The government should engage in dialogue with all aggrieved parties and stakeholders to chart a new path to resolve the insecurity challenges and ethic discontent that ails the country,” they said.The group also called for the release of all #EndSARS protesters still unlawfully detained for daring to challenge police brutality.However, the group disclosed that it had started discussion with the Police in 2020, and submitted its finding to the Police Service Commission.The group stressed that they were looking forward to a peaceful dialogue with relevant authorities to resolve all the issues.The members also explained that they would use international instrument to present the issues, adding that the #EndSARS is an international movement to portray the plight of the young people in Nigeria. (NAN)Metro
Wike Approves Deployment of FCTA’s Pioneer Perm. Secs
The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Mr Nyesom Wike, has approved the deployment of the 10 pioneer Permanent Secretaries of the FCT Administration.
The FCT Head of Service, Dr Udo Atang, announced the deployment in a statement in Abuja on Thursday.
Atang said that Dr Adams Babagana was deployed to Health Services and Environment, while Wanki Ibrahim was deployed to Treasury and Budget.
He also said that Asmau Muhktar was deployed to the Social Development Secretariat, while Dogo Bodinga was deployed to Economic Planning, Revenue Generation and Public Private Partnership Secretariat.
The head of service added that Olusa Olusegun was deployed to the Area Councils Services, Adetoyi Kolawole to Women Affairs, while Grace Adayilo Agriculture and Rural Development Secretariat.
Also deployed were Olubunmi Olowookere to Legal Services Secretariat; Ibe Chukwuemeka to Education Secretariat; and Okonkwo Nonubari to Transportation Secretariat.
“The posting takes immediate effect. Thus, the affected officers should handover to their immediate subordinates in their current Secretariats, Departments and Agencies,” Atang said.
Wike had on March 18, inaugurated the permanent secretaries in line with the provisions of the FCT Civil Service Commission Law, 2018, which commenced operation. (NAN)
Metro
FG Declares March 29, April 1, Public Holiday to Mark Easter Celebration
The Federal Government has declared Friday, March 29, and Monday, April 1, as public holidays to mark the Easter celebration.This was contained in a statement by the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Interior, Dr Aishetu Ndayako on behalf of the Minister of Interior, Dr Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, on Wednesday in Abuja.
According to her, the Minister of Interior, Dr Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, made the declaration on behalf of the Federal Government. Tunji-Ojo urged Christians and all Nigerians to emulate the sacrifice and love displayed by Jesus Christ in dying for the redemption of man. The minister noted that Easter, beyond religious significance, promoted values of love, forgiveness and compassion which were essential for social cohesion and harmony.He called on Christians to imbibe these virtues as they were capable of impacting positively on the socio-economic development of Nigeria by fostering unity, reducing conflicts and encouraging cooperation among Nigerians.Tunji-Ojo further urged Nigerians to show acts of charity and generosity to help alleviate the material conditions of the less privileged amongst them.This, he said, was in tandem with the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Tinubu’s administration.He wished Christians at home and abroad a happy and blissful Easter celebration.The minister also called on Nigerians to join hands with the Tinubu’s administration in its determination to bring sustainable development and usher in prosperity to all.Metro
Wike Woos Indian Investors to Abuja
The Minister of the Federal Capital (FCT), Mr Nyesom Wike, has sought for huge investments from Indian investors, as part of strategies to fast tract the development of the capital territory, Abuja.
Wike made the call when the Indian High Commissioner to Nigeria, Mr Shri Balasubramanian, visited him in Abuja on Tuesday.
He acknowledged the presence of many Indian companies in the country, particularly petrochemicals and fertiliser companies among others.
“We would also like to have this kind of relationship in Abuja.
“You have seen improvement in security; you have seen improvement in infrastructure in Abuja. That is part of the “Renewed Hope” agenda of President Bola Tinubu.
“We will discuss other areas that will be of mutual interest between India and Nigeria, and Abuja in particular,” he said.
The minister said that it was within the purview of the FCT Administration to ensure that all Embassies in Nigeria, have an unhostile environment to enable them perform their assignments.
Earlier, Balasubramanian said that the excellent relationship between India and Nigeria was quite old.
The Ambassador explained that India began its diplomatic relationship with Nigeria two years before the country became independent in 1958, when India established a diplomatic office in Lagos.
He said that there were over 155 Indian companies in Nigeria, with more than 27 billion dollars of investments in various manufacturing areas.
He said that companies ranged from plastics to steel, oil, and pharmaceuticals among others in every sector.
According to him, Indian companies are the second largest employer of labour after the Nigerian government.
“So that is the level of engagement that we have, including wonderful political relationships.
“Culturally, we also have excellent cooperation. We have been having various groups from Nigeria going to India to participate in different exhibitions and cultural activities.
“We are very happy with all the facilities that are being extended to our Embassy.
“We are more than happy about it and would like to continue the relationship”. (NAN)