NEWS
Tinubu Hails Nigerian Army, Urges Them to Brace Up to Emerging Threats
From Jude Dangwam, Jos
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has commended the Nigerian Army for safeguarding the territorial integrity of the country and paying huge sacrifices in the interest of the nation in the last 261 years.
The President expressed commitment towards building a well-equipped and truly professional army that will remain the pride of the nation.
Tinubu, represented by the Minister of Defense, Muhammed Badaru at the grand finale of the 2024 Nigeria Army Day celebration held at the parade ground of the Maxwell Khobe Cantonment Rukuba Barracks near Jos the Plateau State capital.
“As your Commander-In-Chief, my administration is committed to building a well-equipped and truly professional army that will remain the pride of the nation.
We are committed to providing you with all that you need to enable you fulfil your constitutional responsibilities,” he stated.
President Tinubu disclosed that his approval for the payment of Group Life Assurance for all members of the Nigerian Army who died in the line of duty is part of his administration’s commitment to the welfare of personnel of the Nigerian Army.
“To heighten your combat efficiency and dexterity, I also approved the purchase of attack helicopters and other necessary equipment and combat enablers for you to carry out your assignments more proficiently and effectively.”
He charged them to work towards meeting addressing emerging security threats in the country as an Institution which has justified the trust reposed in them for the defence of the territorial integrity of Nigeria.
“I feel proud as your Commander-In-Chief as I watch the array of equipment and your dexterity in handling them. I see the eagerness and pride on the faces of the young men and women as they showed their commitment to defend the country.
“We live in a complex and ever-changing world and our army must continue to evolve to meet the new challenges of the changing world.
“Nigerians must be safe in their fields, on our highways, in our markets and in their homes. The Nigerian Army remains the backbone of the security architecture that would ensure this security.
“You must sustain the progress made so far, a far and evolve strategies to ensure that violent groups do not overwhelm peaceful and law abiding Nigerians.
“As you take direct action against violent groups, you must remember to conduct yourselves in a manner to reflect your professionalism, he equally cautioned them.
While commissioning the Nigerian Army Air, the President charged them to work closely with their sister agencies for maximum results at all time.
“I would ike to encourage you to continue to work closely with your sister services, other security agencies as well as your fellow countrymen and women.
“There is no doubt, you represent the pride of the nation; an institution with history; an institution that has never failed Nigeria. Your charge now is not only to protect your Country, but to do what is right and just at all times. As your Commander-In-Chief, I know you will,” he said.
The Chief of Army Staff Lieutenant General Taoreed Abiodun Lagbaja stressed that the Nigerian Army has matured as a highly professional and potent force, and remain proud of it’s record for the past 161 years.
“The Nigerian Army under my watch is committed to improving our operational effectiveness to meet the ever-changing violent and complex threats to the nation.
“In the last year, and since the last NADCEL, the Nigerian Army has acquired 2 helicopters and numerous battle enablers. The Army has also expanded and deepened its training activities for operational effectiveness.
“These measures have enabled us to successfully contain the activities of bandits in the North-West while the heinous crimes of Boko Haram Terrorists have been brought to an all-time low.
“The incidences of farmers-herders conflict in the North-Central has equally been curtailed, and we have gained the upper hand against the criminal groups in the South East, South West as well as the South South Zones,” he state.
The COAS reiterated that they are not oblivious to how badly Nigerians required and demand security of their lives and properties across the nation and will continue to remained focused on the ultimate goal of achieving the total elimination of all threats to the nation and its people within the shortest practicable time.
“In this wise, we will continue to conduct ourselves in a manner that reflects us as a committed and professional force,” he stated.
Special Adviser on Media and Publicity to the President Chief Ajuri Ngelale has quit his job. He said in a statement in a Abuja that he would proceed on an ” indefinite leave, to deal with ” medical matters” affecting him amd hia immediate family.Hos statement reads: “On Friday, I submittd a memo to the Chief of Staff to the President informing my office that I am proceeding on an indefinite leave of absence to frontally deal with medical matters presently affecting my immediate, nuclear family.
While I fully appreciate that the ship of state waits for no man, this agonizing decision — entailing a pause of my functions as the Special Adviser to the President on Media & Publicity and Official Spokesperson of the President; Special Presidential Envoy on Climate Action, and Chairman, Presidential Steering Committee on Project Evergreen — was taken after significant consultations with my family over the past several days as a vexatious medical situation has worsened at home.I look forward to returning to full-time national service when time, healing, and fate permit.I respectfully ask for some privacy for my family and family”
By David Torough, Abuja
About 1000 Civil Society Organizations (CSOs), under the auspices of Coalition Of Civil Society Organisations (CCSOs), on Saturday Faults President Bola Tinubu’s Economic Team and called for immediate reconstitution.Expressing deep concerns over the state of the economy and escalating fuel prices compounding the hardship of Nigerians despite the recent protest, the groups said Tinubu must act now to avert disintegration.
The groups said the current situation across the country has cast doubt on the competence of the Tinubu economic team and called for urgent review. The CCSOs in a statement by its National Coordinator, Mallam Ibrahim Mohammed, pointed out that the plight of Nigerians is sinking low and their patience is wearing off following the deteriorating economy.The statement reads in part, “The Coalition of Civil Society Organisations (CSOs) is deeply concerned about the deteriorating state of the Nigerian economy, which is becoming increasingly unbearable for millions of citizens.“It is evident that the recent hike in fuel prices and the unstable exchange rate are the direct results of economic mismanagement by those responsible for overseeing our nation’s financial policies. The ripple effects of these failures are being felt in every household across the country, worsening poverty and crippling economic activity.“The floating of the Naira, which was initially sold to Nigerians as a means of stabilizing our currency, has done little to prevent the continued devaluation of the Naira. In fact, the exchange rate disparity has widened significantly, with the Naira losing value daily, impacting the cost of living, basic commodities, and inflation.“While this policy was expected to ease foreign exchange pressure, it has instead deepened economic challenges due to poor implementation and lack of strategic foresight.”The coalition also expressed concern over what it described as a death trap of indebtedness of the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL), which also they claimed had slowed down importation of Premium Motor Spirit, PMS, hence the current shortage of PMS across the country. “Of equal concern is the precarious position of the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL), which finds itself in a debt trap, with global suppliers of petroleum products losing confidence in Nigeria’s ability to honour its obligations.“Reports have shown that NNPCL has accrued debts totalling over $6 billion, causing petrol supply shortages. International suppliers are now reluctant to continue providing fuel on credit, exacerbating supply chain issues and pushing up the price of petrol at the pump”, they claimed.The CSOs also asserted that, “We hold the managers of the Nigerian economy responsible for these disturbing developments. Their inability to provide sound policies and long-term solutions has left the nation in this predicament.“It is clear that there is no cohesive strategy to address the rising debt, the growing imbalance in the foreign exchange market, or the country’s heavy reliance on importation for petrol supply. The recent hike in fuel prices reflects the collapse of responsible economic management and accountability.“Nigerians are left to bear the brunt of these failures. Businesses are shutting down, transportation costs have skyrocketed, and citizens are spending an increasingly larger percentage of their income on basic necessities. This state of affairs is unacceptable.”The group therefore placed some demands; Immediate intervention from the government: There needs to be a comprehensive and transparent plan to stabilize the Naira, restore confidence in the petroleum supply chain, and negotiate a restructuring of NNPC’s debts to ensure continuous fuel supply.“Accountability for economic mismanagement: Those responsible for the reckless management of our foreign exchange policies and NNPC’s debts must be held accountable. The government must also disclose its plan to mitigate the rising fuel costs and economic burden on Nigerians.“A return to sound financial policy: The floating of the Naira has proven ineffective under current conditions. We call for a re-evaluation of monetary and fiscal policies to stabilize the economy, reduce inflation, and attract foreign investment.“In conclusion, the Coalition of Civil Society Organisations reiterates that without immediate corrective measures, the economic situation will continue to deteriorate, leading to further hardship for the average Nigerian. The government must act decisively and responsibly to reverse this downward spiral”, they added.
There is growing tension in Ugondu community, Makurdi LGA, Benue state by young people opposed to the demolition of houses and destruction of rice farms in the area allegedly on the directives of senior Air Force officer, Air Commodore Akinbuwa Ayodele.
It was learnt that Commodore Ayodele, who is facing multiple legal actions following dispute over a plot of land located on George Akume Way Makurdi and owned in blatant disregard to the judicial process embarked on destruction of structures on the plot.
Eyewitness said when the equipment arrived no one imagined it was for destruction.
But in a militray- like operation, two flats of two units each, completely roofed, electrified and plumbing work completed were among the structures demolished as the bulldozers rolled over rice farms in the vicinity as well.
It was learnt that last year, a Makurdi High Court presided by Justice Mary Ijohor, granted an order of perpetual injunction, in the same matter, upon application by the supposed owner of the plot and awarded the sum of One Million Naira (N1,000,000.00) only, as cost. The matter, enforcement of fundamental rights, was marked as MHC/582/M/2023.
Godwin Akor whose rice farm was destroyed in a chat with newsmen said that he was shocked at the development. He however said he won’t speak more on the matter as it is still before the court.
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