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‘Insecurity Responsible For Economic Instability In Nigeria’
A cleric and the Chief Imam, Olabisi Onabanjo University, Ago-Iwoye, Ogun State, Dr. Abdulhakeem Akanni has attributed the rising security threats in Nigeria as factors responsible for economy instability in the country.
He also noted that kidnappings and herdsmen-farmers clashes across the country has prevented farmers to work on their farmlands, thereby forcing Nigerians to buy the few available farm produce at high rate.
Akanni, who spoke in Abeokuta, yesterday at the 14th Annual lecture of The Muslim Congress (TMC), Ogun State chapter, however, blamed Nigerians for the precarious situation.
He stressed that government’s failure to provide good roads, stable electricity, unbiased judicial system, payment of pension and gratuities, employment generation and equity in the sharing formula has forced many Nigerians to seek alternative means of sustainability.
Delivering his lecture on the topic: “Security and Economic Stability: Imperative for good governance in Nigeria”, the Islamic scholar equally blamed the citizens for their insincerity and disobedience to rule of law.
“You will observe that the precarious situation we found ourselves in this country got to this stage as a result of what both leaders and followers have done. We are all stakeholders in this and we all contributed into what this nation is today by our nefarious activities.
“We blame government officials for unemployment, bad roads, non-provision of electricity, non-payment of gratuities, non-payment of pension, non-remittance of cooperative deductions, lack of facilities in our hospitals and schools, but as Nigerians too, we also contributed to some of these problems.
“Some Nigerians support smugglers, some cheat in exams, parents enrol their children in special centres to participate in exam malpractices, teachers write answers on chalkboard for students during examinations, religious leaders don’t speak the truth anymore. These are the things that have brought our country to this precarious situation.
“For us to move Nigeria forward we need attitudinal change and for the leaders, they should be accountable to the masses and do self-assessment of their performance.
“There is too much bloodshed in the country. There is injustice in our VAT system. The federal government should stop robbing some regions to satisfy the interest of other regions. Let us stop our corrupt practices and seek the face of God,” the scholar stated
Speaking on the theme of the lecture: “Insecurity and National Unity: The Nation on trial”, Ustadh Muhammad Jamiu Tirimidhi Akano maintained that, the political instability, insecurity, and banditry were caused by tribal and religious crisis.
Akano, who is the Chairman, Committee of Experts, Zakat and Sadaqat Foundation, expressed disappointment in Nigeria political leaders, saying in spite of their religiosity, adherents have failed the nation.
He called on Nigerians to demonstrate unconditional love for one another, irrespective of religion, tribe, race and position.
According to him, merit in national appointment as against states and ethnic based nomination and inclusion of religious and moral instruction in school curriculum and constitution would return the country to the path of glory.
In his welcome address, the Waali of the Ogun State chapter of TMC, Dr. Ogunkoya Ibrahim maintained that, the theme for the lecture centred on finding the right mix of governance, leadership and political stability with particular reference to the roles of religious and political leaders.
He said the wave of overlapping security crises and political discordances rocking the nation, especially at a time the country was wallowing in the throes of economic downturn has necessitated the group to contribute its quota to the development of the country.
He expressed bitterness that, Nigeria which has once provided continental leadership in the economic sphere and in international diplomacy, including military and political leadership, was now groping in the dark, and struggling to find its feet.
Ogunkoya noted further that, the abject lack of commitment, by both the leaders and the citizens, to a united, stable, developed and prosperous Nigeria has put the country on the brink of collapse, as hard-line separatists and ethnic jingoists are springing up with agitations for separation and outright balkanization of the country.
“However, in spite of these precarious circumstances, we believe there is hope for a better tomorrow as every cloud has its silver lining. Change is indeed possible. This independence anniversary offers a veritable opportunity for us to begin a sincere process of national healing.
“First, there must be a top-down approach to a mental and moral reorientation. From the politician in the office, the faith leader in the sanctuary, to the common man on the street, we must all come to the realization that it is the wish of the Almighty Allah (SWT) that we dwell in this geographic expression called Nigeria as a people of an undivided nation and there is no other place we can rightfully call our own.
“Therefore, a good starting point for a change towards national integration is for us to disabuse ourselves of the out-dated perception of seeing ourselves as being from a part of the country before recognizing that we are Nigerians. As such, all hands must be on deck to ensure we take a clean break from our ugly past and chart a new beginning for our political and economic future”, he submitted.
The Rivers State Chief judge, Justice Simeon Chibuzor Amadi has granted pardon to six inmates standing awaiting trial at the Port Harcourt maximum correctional center.
The six lucky inmates granted pardon on Tuesday by the state Chief Judge included Nwekeala Chizoba, Samuel Emmanuel, Aniete Kelvin, Ebube Fubara and Goddey Okpara who were on awaiting trial as murder suspects and have all spent between 10 years to seven years in the custody without a proper information filed against them in the court.
Justice Amadi during a special gaol delivery exercise last Tuesday at the Port Harcourt Maximum Correctional Centre opined that the special gaol delivery was part of activities lined up to commomerate the 2024/2025 legal year in the State and restated the commitment of the state judiciary in decongesting the correctional centre and ensuring that those inmates who are not supposed to be there are removed from the custody.
The state chief judge stressed the need for all stakeholders to work together to build a society that supports rehabilitation and gives a second chance to anyone or group of people who have fallen short of the expectation of the law and have been punished accordingly.
He stressed that the National Judicial Council(NJC) encourages judges to pay more attention to criminal matters to enable them to decongests the correctional facilities, noting that since his assumption into office, his administration has been able to reduce the number of inmates in Nigerian Correctional Centres and the Port Harcourt Correctional Centre in particular, to less than 2,000 as against the over 4,000 inmates previously in the faculty.
According to him, “as they release the deserving inmates, they affirm their commitment to justice, compassion and rule of law but that they must not forget the fundamental principles of justice delivery system which is truth and fairness, integrity and equality before the law.”
I encourage you all the released inmates to return to your families and become better citizens. You must not engage in action that will return you all back to prison. Let me say that while the judges show empathy to you all, it does not absolved individuals from being held accountable for actions against individuals, corporate organisations and state which the law frowns at, ”he stated
The Chief Judge thereafter stood down the exercise to enable the DPP to intervene to case files following the fact that majority of the persons listed to benefit from the exercise are facing murder charges and adjourned to a date that will come before December.
Earlier in his goodwill message, the outgoing state Comptroller of Nigerian Correctional Centre, Port Harcourt, Felix Lawrence, who was recently promoted to the rank of Assistant Controller General, commended the state judiciary led by Chief Judge, Justice Simeon Chibuzor Amadi for their continuous effort aimed at ensuring justice and decongesting the facilities.
Other activities lined up for the event included special church service at St Paul’s Cathedral , Anglican Communion, Rebisi Port Harcourt, inspection of guard of honour by the state Chief Judge mounted by officers of the Nigerian police and a special court session held at the ceremonial court hall.
By: AkujobiAmadi
The Director General of Rivers State Bureau on Public Procurement (RBoPP), Dr. Ine Briggs, has explained that the Sir Siminalayi Fubara administration plans to enforce transparency in governance through public procurement.
Speaking at a one-day Public Procurement Enlightenment workshop organised in collaboration with the State Local Government Service Commission for newly elected chairmen, vice chairmen, secretaries and leaders of legislative assemblies, Dr. Briggs said it is key for grassroot development.
She stated that the Sir. Fubara administration plans to reduce wastage and at same time infuse efficiency in public expenditure.
The RSoPP DG said the local government political office holders remain key drivers in the new vision hence the workshop is to arm them with knowledge on how to execute projects in tandem with needs of the people.
“ Your role in the prudent management of public resources is, therefore, not just administrative it’s the cornerstone of delivering the dividends of democracy. Every procurement decision you make must reflect a commitment to fairness, transparency and accountability” Dr. Briggs submitted.
One of the key goals of the administration she further reminded the participants was to use their offices to foster economic growth through public procurement.
She warned that the law establishing the agency empowers it to penalise defaulters, but that what is more important is voluntary compliance to the laws.
In addition to that, she said urged the local government council leaders that champion the practice and implementation of public procurement law.
On his part, Acting Chairman of Local Government Service Commission, Pastor GoodLife Ben Iduoku averred that the aim of the workshop is to arm key stakeholders in the local government system to generate new ideas, innovation and strategies in tandem with government policies and programmes.
The workshop dealt on various topics on procurement planning, methods, Understanding Bid Process, including types of Construction Contracts and law.
Some participants were awarded excellence and meritorious awards as part of the programme.
By: Kevin Nengia
The 19th anniversary of the National Association of Proprietors of Private Schools (NAPPS), Rivers State Chapter, recently ended in Port Harcourt in grand style, with participants from various schools including proprietors, the academia, civil society groups and top government functionaries charting the way forward for educational improvement.
The 19th NAPPS anniversary christened, ‘Innovation and Adaptation: Transforming Challenges Into Opportunities’ was held at Casoni Hotels, Port Harcourt.
In his remarks, the Chairman of the Rivers State Chapter of the association, Dr. Jaja Adafe Sunday expressed gratitude to the members and executives for their untiring efforts towards the achievements of the body.
He sought the intervention of government on the lingering crisis on the economy as it is affecting the running of schools.
He decried high cost of things including fuel and raw materials which has adversely affected the running of schools and payment of teachers.
Dr. Sunday hinted that the current economic situation in the nation is biting hard on the operations of schools, saying inflation, removal of fuel subsidy, fuel scarcity, poor electricity supply, tariffs and lack of government grants are some of the challenges faced by schools, and urged the members to brace up to the challenges, as it is the panacea to building a brighter future.
Guest speakers from the health sector and the academia thrilled the gathering on the essence of basic education which they said is the key to national development.
Former Dean of the Ignatius Ajuru University of Education, Professor Azuru and the Chief Medical Director of Meridian Hospitals, Dr. Odo Iyke were some notable guest speakers who delivered lectures at the occasion.
Some distinguished proprietors also got special recognitions and awards.
The 19th anniversary cake was cut by the Rivers State NAPPS Chairman with representatives of the state government assisting.