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2023: Be Vigilant, Stay Away From Politicians, COAS Cautions Soldiers
The Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lieutenant General Faruk Yahaya, has warned officers and soldiers of the Nigerian Army to stay away from politicians and resist temptations by misguided elements to disrepute the image of the service.
The Army chief has equally warned those fuelling crises in various parts of the country to desist from their unpatriotic acts or have themselves to blame.
Yahaya has also charged commanders of the various army operations in the country to be vigilant and emplace stringent measures to maintain efficient security of arms and ammunition.
The COAS, who gave the charge at the closing of the Chief of Army Staff (COAS) third quarter conference in Abuja, said the warning has become necessary as the 2023 general election draws nearer.
He said the directive on the reviewed Nigerian Army Rules of Engagement and Code of Conduct for Operation Safe Conduct during the elections should be adhered to strictly before, during and after the elections.
“I want to enjoin all formation and unit commanders on the need to be vigilant, aware of all situations through constant monitoring and ensuring proactive solution to situations,” he said.
“Commanders are equally reminded on the need to emplace stringent measures to maintain efficient security of arms and ammunition.
“Additionally, the directive on the reviewed Nigerian Army Rules of Engagement and Code of Conduct for Operation Safe Conduct should be adhered to strictly by all during the electioneering period. Thus, commanders must ensure that subordinates are educated on the guidelines provided in the document.
“Commanders must also ensure the professional conduct of troops and resist any distraction and attempt by misguided elements to disrepute the image of the Nigerian Army. All must remain professional and apolitical in conduct all through Operation Safe Conduct.”
The Army chief, who commended officers and soldiers for their doggedness, bravery and commitment to the service of the nation, urged them to continue to protect the nation’s territorial integrity with the last drop of their blood.
He said with the tempo of operational activities in all the theatre across the country, insecurity would soon become a thing of the past.
According to him, “I expect that with the improved support we have in terms of logistics and other key combat enablers, we should strive to decisively and quickly defeat the adversaries in all theatres of operations.
“There is no doubt that with our efforts in collaboration with sister services and other security agencies, the state of security in the country will continue to improve in the days ahead. I, therefore, urge all commanders to remain committed, more so that the 2023 electioneering would soon commence.”
To those fuelling crisis in the country, the Army chief said: “Let me seize this opportunity to advise those fuelling crises in various parts of the country to desist from their unpatriotic acts. I strongly advise them to retrace their steps as the Nigerian Army, within the ambit of rule of law, will continue to ensure that all peace-loving citizens of this country go about their legitimate businesses and live their lives without fear or intimidation.
“I wish to inform the public that the Nigerian Army would continue to work closely with other security agencies to provide peaceful environment.”
The COAS said the weeklong conference has afforded the Army to appraise its activities rejuvenated towards achieving the goal of discharging its constitutional responsibilities.
According to him, “In the course of the conference, we vigorously examined issues affecting professional conduct of personnel. We equally reviewed training, operations and manpower matters as well as various projects embarked upon by the Nigerian Army. Therefore, in the last quarter of the year, I implore you all to lay emphasis on activities that would enable the Nigerian Army to consolidate on the gains so far achieved.”
He said: “As regard the massive ongoing and completed infrastructural projects in all Nigerian Army Cantonments, I urge you commanders to take responsibility and emplace effective measures for their maintenance. Still on the welfare of our troops, the NA is developing a robust programme to enhance the rehabilitation and resuscitation of our personnel that are disabled due to injuries from operations. I am sure that when this is completed, the impact on the morale and performance of our troops will speak for itself.
“I wish to once more commend you all for the optimism and commitment you have reflected during the conference which clearly showed in the quality of discussions and contributions made. I also believe that you have all noted the valuable points from the extensive deliberations that would help improve our performance in the field.
“It is important that I also reiterate that the Nigerian Army, under my leadership remains loyal to the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, and to Mr President, Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.
“On behalf of the officers and soldiers of the Nigerian Army, I wish to most respectfully reassure the people of our commitment to the defence of Nigeria. We also remain grateful to the Commander-in-Chief for his unflinching support to the Nigerian Army which has contributed immensely to the huge successes recorded against the enemies of the country.”
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.