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US, UK Delegations Visits PSC, Arase Frowns At Pre-trial

Two delegations from the United States of America and the United Kingdom were at the Corporate Headquarters of the Police Service Commission in Jabi, Abuja today, Thursday August 10th 2023 on courtesy visits to the Chairman of the Commission, Dr. Solomon Arase, CFR, a retired Inspector General of Police.

According to Ikechukwu Ani, the Head, Press and Public Relations in a press release he signed on Thursday, August 10th 2023, disclosed that the delegations also visited the Commission’s newly established Compliance Monitoring Unit (CMU), a tracking platform on public complaints against serving Nigeria Police Officers and promised to assist the Commission drastically reduce human rights abuses by the Police.

The United States Delegation was led by Jason A. Smith, Director International Narcotics and Law Enforcement Affairs while Chris Grimson of the National Agency Anti- Kidnap and Extortion Unit(AKEU) visited on behalf of the United Kingdom.

The Commission Chairman told the Visitors that what Nigerians want is a responsible Police Force that would respect the human rights of the citizenry.
Dr. Arase said the Commission decided to set up the Compliance Monitoring Unit to ensure that the rights of the citizens are protected and offending Police Officers sanctioned for misconduct. He told his visitors that the leadership of the Commission and the Police are united in the fight to stamp out human rights abuses in the Country.

The PSC Chairman assured his visitors that there would be no conflict between the Commission and the Police Management on the operations of the Compliance Monitoring Unit.

He however frowned at pre-trial detentions by the Police, noting that the Commission will no longer tolerate detentions beyond what the law provides for.

He declared that the Commission wants to track complaints against Police stressing that any Officer who has pending human rights cases will not be cleared for promotions or postings. ” Any Officer who has human rights issues not conclusively investigated by the Police Complaints Unit will be stepped down from promotion and postings” He called for assistance in the provision of more systems for the CMU as the Commission anticipates several complaints against the Police as the Unit takes shape.

Dr. Smith, leader of the United States Delegation said they are in Nigeria to assist strengthen the rule of law and especially the Police. He noted that PSC is a key stakeholder in their project to strengthen the rule of law in Nigeria and promised to work with the Commission to achieve this .

Mr. Grimson of the National Crime Agency of the British High Commission promised to partner with the Commission in the training of the personnel of the Nigeria Police.
He spoke on intelligence sharing, proper investigation so as to break down barriers between the Police and other security agencies in the country.

Chief Imam Of Abuja National Mosque Visits CDS, Calls For Religious Tolerance

The Chief Imam of Abuja National Mosque, Sheikh Professor Ibrahim Ahmad Magari today Wednesday 9 August 2023 paid a courtesy call to the Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), General Christopher Gwabin Musa at the Defence Headquarters, Abuja.

According to Gp Capt
O O Ademosu for DDI in a press release said, speaking during the visit, the Chief Imam commended the Armed Forces of Nigeria (AFN) for their contribution to nation building, while congratulating the CDS on his well deserved appointment and promotion by the Commander in Chief Armed Forces of Nigeria, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

Sheikh Professor Magari also called for religious tolerance as well as peaceful co-existence among different groups in Nigeria. He added that a peace Building Centre has been established to train Islamic clerics on promotion of peace.

Responding, the CDS thanked the Chief Imam for the visit and applauded him for his efforts in preaching the importance of peace in the country.

General Musa also acknowledged the roles of religious leaders towards building inter-faith tolerance regardless of affiliation, adding that this will promote peaceful co-existence among Nigerians.

The CDS further noted that unity and tolerance are crucial values required to ensure peace and tolerance in a multi-religious society like Nigeria. Highlight of the visit was presentation of a souvenir by the CDS to his guest.

Nigerian Army Partners NIGCOMSAT On Communication Infrastructure…As COAS pledges to sustain collaboration

By Emmanuel Daudu

The Nigerian Army
(NA) has resolved to strengthen its partnership with Nigerian Communication Satellite (NIGCOMSAT) for formidable communication infrastructure.

Brigadier General
Onyema Nwachukwu
Director Army Public Relations in a press release he made available to journalists on
9 Aug 2023, says the resolution was reached on Wednesday, 9 August 2023, when the Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lieutenant General Taoreed Lagbaja received the management team of NIGCOMSAT, led by the Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer, Engr Tukur Lawal at the Army Headquarters, Abuja.

The COAS appreciated the enduring collaboration between the Nigerian Army (NA) and NIGCOMSAT. He revealed that over the years, the agency has provided fast, reliable and secured communication to Army formations, which noted, has positively impacted on operational efficiency of the NA. The Army Chief pledged to sustain the collaboration between the NA and NIGCOMSAT, stressing that relationship with the agency has been positively rewarding.

In his remarks, the MD NIGCOMSAT, Engr Tukur Lawal commended the NA for the feedback received on NIGCOMSAT services and the mutual collaboration between the two organizations. He further pointed out, that NIGCOMSAT was established to provide seamless connectivity and satellite communication through technological innovation. He observed, that it is imperative for NA to collaborate with NIGCOMSAT to promote operational effectiveness and the territorial defence of the nation. He urged the NA to actively participate in the next satellite launch by the agency, in furtherance of national defence and security, through collaborative development of secure communication infrastructure. Both parties maintained that there were areas of challenges, which they both agreed to ameliorate to enhance productivity.

NAF Operational State Of Readiness Should Never Be In Doubt, Says Air Marshal Hasan Abubakar

By Emmanuel Daudu

The Chief of the Air Staff (CAS), Air Marshal Hasan Abubakar, has stated that as a Service subservient to the political class, the Nigerian Air Force (NAF) state of readiness and preparedness remains paramount and must never be in doubt. This, according to him, was in line with NAF’s constitutional responsibility to be ready to perform tasks that may be assigned to it by Nigeria’s political leaders.

Air Commodore Edward Gabkwet,
Director of Public Relations and Information Nigerian Air Force, in the press release he signed on 10 August 2023, disclosed that Air Marshal Abubakar stated this at his maiden meeting with Branch Chiefs, Air Officers Commanding and NAF operational commanders held earlier today, 10 August 2023, at NAF Headquarters Abuja. He however warned that even as the Service remains in the state of readiness, personnel must continue to remain apolitical, patriotic and conduct themselves in the most professional and disciplined manner. The CAS had earlier described the contemporary operating environment within the shores of Nigeria and across the West African sub-Region as diffuse and complex, with consequences on the political climate of the entire Region.

Speaking further, Air Marshal Abubakar had commended NAF operational commanders for their commitment in tackling the current security challenges facing the Nation. According to him, “I am particularly glad about the recent heightened level of air operations across all our joint operations theatres which has seen us record tremendous outcomes.” He however observed that while so much has been achieved, a lot still needed to be done to ensure the NAF fully attained its set objectives. He then implored the commanders to ensure they utilize the opportunity of the meeting to interact frankly and objectively while proffering solutions and strategies that will translate to actionable consequences on the ground.

Earlier, the CAS had unveiled his command philosophy which he said would enable NAF personnel having a clear understanding of his focus on the future direction of the Service. In framing his philosophy, Air Marshal Abubakar stated that he took cognizance of the current state of NAF fleet which has been enhanced with over 70 new aircraft types with more being expected as well as the current security environment. According to the CAS, “Only a carefully thought-out strategy guided by a strong philosophy can adequately situate the NAF to address the Nation’s security challenges.” Consequently, the CAS revealed that his command philosophy intends to, “To transform the NAF into an agile and resilient force that effectively meets the airpower demands of national security in all operational environments. To translate his philosophy into tangible gains on ground, the CAS stated that he will leverage on technology, innovation, lessons learnt as well as the personnel and fleets at his disposal to effectively checkmate the security threats confronting the nation. These are aside the 5 key enablers that he believed will drive his philosophy to fruition.

On the sideline of the meeting, the CAS also handed out brand new Hilux Toyota vehicles to 7 Air Warrant Officers in honour of their selfless services to the NAF, the Armed Forces of Nigeria and the nation at large, having attained the pinnacle of their careers. According to Air Marshal Abubakar, “This gesture was in line with one of the key enablers of my Philosophy to, ‘Maintain a highly motivated force by enhancing welfare and infrastructural renewal.’ He then hoped that the gesture would spur others to work harder and aspire towards contributing their best to the growth of the NAF.

The meeting brought together all Branch Chiefs, Air Officers Commanding as well as Commanders of Direct Reporting Units and Operation Units. Issues germane to enhancing ongoing air operations as well as welfare of NAF personnel are tops on the agenda.

MNJTF Force Commander charges troops on positive Mindset

By Emmanuel Daudu

The Force Commander of the Multinational Joint Task Force (MNJTF), Major General Ibrahim Sallau Ali, today 10 August 2023 visited Sector 3 Monguno in Nigeria to familiarise and assess the progress of the operations against Boko Haram terrorists.

According to Lieutenant Colonel Abubakar Abdullahi, Military Public Information Officer – N’djemena in a press release he signed on 10 August 2023, said, during his visit, the Force Commander commended the sector for its exceptional efforts in achieving the MNJTF mandate, praising the troops for their dedication and hard work.

Emphasizing the importance of remaining vigilant and steadfast in their mission, Major General Ali charged the troops to continue their efforts to eliminate the remaining Boko Haram terrorists. He highlighted that the recent mass surrender of Boko Haram fighters is an indication that the war against the insurgent group is nearing its end. The Force Commander advised the officers to maintain a positive mindset while carrying out their duties, stating that their efforts have significantly contributed to the progress made in the fight against the terrorists.

The Force Commander expressed his gratitude to the “Civilian Joint Task Force” for their invaluable support. He recognized the crucial role played by the local communities in providing vital information and assistance in the fight against Boko Haram. The Force Commander stressed that the cooperation of the civilian population is essential in bringing an end to the reign of terror caused by the terrorist group.

While welcoming the Force Commander to the Sector, the Sector 3 Commander, Major General Peter Okoye thanks the MNJTF Headquarters for its support and prompt response to the sector’s requests.

He assured the Force Commander of his troops readiness to dominate its Area of Responsibility in order to clear remnant terrorists marauding in the area.

As the visit concluded, Major General Ali assured the troops that their hard work and sacrifices have not gone unnoticed. He pledged to continue providing them with the necessary resources and support to carry out their tasks effectively. The visit of the Force Commander served as a morale boost for the troops, reaffirming their commitment to eliminating the remnants of the Boko Haram terrorist group and restoring peace and stability to the region.

Nigerian Army Adopting Emerging Technologies For Operational Efficiency – COAS

By Emmanuel Daudu

The Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lieutenant General Taoreed Lagbaja has advocated the sustenance of utilization of emerging technologies for operational efficiency in the Nigerian Army (NA).

Brigadier General
Onyema Nwachukwu, Director Army Public Relations in a press release, said, the COAS stated this today Tuesday 8 August 2023, at the Army Headquarters during a paper presentation, titled “Emerging Technologies and Operational Efficiency: Implications for the Nigerian Army by 2035”, presented by participants of the National Defence College (NDC) Course 31.

Commending the participants for a well researched paper, the Army Chief pointed out, that the paper presentation will revitalize the consciousness of emerging technologies and its implications for operational efficiency. The COAS disclosed, that the Nigerian Army as a sub system of the larger society is already keying into emerging technologies in its institutions and establishments, adding that the NA will sustain the development, as it cannot divorce itself completely from the dynamics of both its internal and external environments.

The COAS averred, that employing emerging technologies has provided the Nigerian Army with improved surveillance capability, enhanced communication, efficient data management, situational awareness and strategic decision-making.

Earlier, the Commandant National Defence College, Rear Admiral Olumuyiwa Olotu, stated that the presentation unveils the potentials of emerging technologies in significantly impacting on present and future operational engagements of the NA. He noted that as technologies continue to advance, the NA must continue to adopt and integrate evolving innovations, in other to maintain a competitive edge in the theatres of operations. He asserted, that the NA must continue to aspire to be a driver of technological changes, while constantly provding emerging technologies to enhance decision-making for operational efficiency.

The event was climaxed with the presentation of a hard copy of the research paper to the COAS.

NAF Resilience Hinged On Proactive Maintenance Culture And Logistics Support – CAS

By Emmanuel Daudu

The Chief of the Air Staff (CAS), Air Marshal Hassan Abubakar has reiterated the commitment of the Nigerian Air Force (NAF) to bolster the serviceability rate of its operable platforms to meet current and emerging security challenges.

According to Air Commodore Edward Gabkwet, Director of Public Relations and Information Nigerian Air Force, in a press release he signed on 9 August 2023, Air Marshal Abubakar stated this today while addressing officers and men during his maiden operational visit to Air Training Command and co-located NAF units in Kaduna. The CAS noted that the Service would enhance resilience in the conduct of its air operations within a joint and multi-agency setting. According to him, “To be resilient in our operations, we must proactively address maintenance and logistics support for all our fleet. We all have a part to play in ensuring that the NAF surpasses the current average serviceability of over 78 per cent”, he said.

The CAS commended the efforts of NAF personnel participating in Operation Whirl Punch for upholding the mandate of bringing activities of criminal elements to an end noting that their sacrifices and efforts are making positive impacts in parts of the North West and North Central geopolitical zones including the Federal Capital Territory. While unveiling his command philosophy which is “To transform the NAF into an agile and resilient force that effectively meets the airpower demands of national security in all operational environments”, Air Marshal Abubakar charged all personnel to key into the philosophy. He stated further that he would leverage on technology, innovation, lessons learnt as well as the personnel and fleets to effectively checkmate the security threats confronting the country.

On safety, the CAS charged personnel to imbibe a safety culture and persistently abide by all safety standards and regulations to prevent mishaps in all air operations noting that accidents occur due to a chain of events and therefore they should always be vigilant to break the chain. In the area of manpower development, Air Marshal Abubakar stated that overseas and local training would be deliberate and targeted to address deficiencies in needed skills and capabilities. Course nominations he said would be merit-based to ensure that only the most qualified are selected to give the NAF value for money.

Speaking about welfare, Air Marshal Abubakar assured personnel that all their entitlements would be promptly paid.

He further assured that he would intervene in priority areas to make their training and operations more efficient and ensure that personnel and their families live more comfortably considering the economic situation in the country. He charged them to embrace efficient management of scarce resources in their care. His administration, he noted would identify and prioritize the most critical needs and objectives and allocate resources where they can have the greatest impact.

Tinubu, Akpabio, Abdulrazaq, Jack-rich Others To Attend International Youth Day, Book Presentation

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and the Senate President, Sen. Godswill Akpabio are scheduled to attend the commemoration of 2023 International Youth Day on August 14 at the International Conference Centre (ICC), Abuja.

The occasion is designed to feature the Public Presentation of a Book titled, “YOUTH RISING”: Harnessing the Potentials and Aspirations of Nigerian Youth Towards a Greater Nation.

The book which is written by Ben Duntoye, Former President Pan African Youth Youth and Executive Director, African Youth Resource Centre is dedicated to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

Duntoye, also a former President of the National Youth Council of Nigeria (NYCN) stated in Abuja on Wednesday that the book was borne out of his over twenty five years work experience in various capacities as Youth Leader and Expert.

He further asserted that he was inspired to dedicate the book to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu because of his remarkable contributions to democratic development in Nigeria and for inspiring leadership excellence among many young people in both public and private sectors over decades.

The author revealed that the Kwara State Governor, Mallam AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq and Chairman of the Nigeria Governors’ Forum is expected to Chair the occasion, among other top dignitaries, such as Governors, members of the Nigerian National Assembly and Heads of MDAs.

Adding that the famous philanthropist and former Presidential aspirant, Engineer TEIN JACK-RICH will be the GUEST SPEAKER at the event

The Theme of the 2023 International Youth Day is: “Green Skills for Youth: Towards a Sustainable World’ and would be marked in collaboration with the Federal Ministry of Youth and Sports Development and major Youth and Student Bodies including the National Youth Council of Nigeria (NYCN), National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS), Nigerian Youth Parliament (NYP) and Nigerian Youth Congress (NYC).

Why Clearview TV News, Wole Soyinka Center For Investigating Journalism Trains 20 Journalists on Investigative Reporting

By Emmanuel Daudu

Clearview TV News and the Wole Soyinka Center For Investigative Journalism have realized that in a sense, investigative journalism, using the rhetoric of exposure, recasts the relationship between public and private officials and their constituents, stripping the officials of some of their power and redistributing it among the public is of great importance which is aimed at enhancing transparency and curbing corruption to it’s lowest minimum, which is of greater essence.

Investigative journalism thrives in the open atmosphere of press freedom, accessible government records, and respect for the media. The United States has led in the development of this practice.

An era of intensely adversarial journalism ensued in the late 1800s and early 1900s in which journalists exposed corruption and malfeasance by government and business.

Investigative journalists analyze information and carry out in-depth research to reveal the truth and shed light on abuses. An investigative journalist looks critically at the facts. Often, he does so for a reason; he may, for example, have received a tip from a whistleblower within a company or government agency. Or the investigative journalist himself may come across information that does not seem right and decide to investigate it.

Investigative journalism is aimed at exposing wrongdoing and hypocrisy.
Investigative journalism should call the powerful to account, and expose corruption. It is important in any democracy. It has nothing to do with prying into the private lives of celebrities – that’s a separate matter. Journalists may need some subterfuge to carry it out, but this is not the same as hacking into the telephones of individuals.

It’s supposed to give the public a ‘heads up” about certain people who are not obeying the law. They are usually getting financially rewarded to the detriment of taxpayers.

Journalism can hold individuals and institutions accountable in the way that elections every four years or AGMs do not. Its purpose should be to uncover that which others might wish to remain hidden. Preferably issues that affect society and not gossip.

Its function is to reveal the truth, to root out facts many people often want to keep hidden, to re-establish fairness, and to shine light in dark places. Good investigative journalism is journalism’s strongest suit.

Investigative journalism should be able to uncover the truth and not be selective in its revelations. It should not be tainted by people and/or organizations that do not want the truth revealed.

To bring to our attention stuff that matters. To uncover which people in power would like to keep secret for their gain and the detriment of society.

It should concentrate on exposing corruption, exploitation, illegal practices that are harmful to individuals or society, etc. Investigative journalism shouldn’t be used, as it so often is now, to find out sensational and salacious gossip about celebrities and victims of tragedies. It should be used in the public interest, not for things that are merely of interest to the public.

Investigative journalism firstly diverts resources and expertise into unmasking potential abuses of power and/or developments that stand to significantly impact the life of a proportion of society, or at the very least create a system of monitoring powerful interests that may check abuses of power with such outcomes. This is an extension of the liberal democratic/enlightenment ideal of limiting power and influence, as an informal check on the illegal or questionable activities of resourced actors Secondly, it should also draw attention to passive shortcomings in public policy that affect the public.

It should serve as a check and balance against power-hungry corporations and the government. It should inform the public rather than sensationalize.

Investigative journalism provides the truth about people from the government and other entities such as corporations who attempt to keep their often illegal activities secret. Its purpose is to expose such actions so that those involved can be held accountable.

Investigative journalism simply does in a more detailed and comprehensive way what all journalism should do, namely act as a watchdog in the public interest. In particular, it must expose abuses of power wherever it finds them – and these days these are to be found as much in the corporate sector as in the state sector.

It is base on these, the organizations saw reasons to embark on training journalists.

The 3-day Capacity Building Training on Investigative Reporting in Abuja which was funded by MacArthur Foundation held from Wednesday 12th to Friday 14th July 2023.

In his welcome remarks the C.E.O of ClearView TV News, Sam Odion Bello advised participants to concentrate on the content in order to gain relevant knowledge.
He noted that the caliber of participants in this edition is commendable. He also said that investigative journalism is the way to go for good governance as the reports hold the leaders accountable.
“In a dynamic world like ours where most professions are threatened by the advent of artificial intelligence and the rise in robotics, it is only imperative that professionals build their capacities to stay afloat. This underscores why we at Clearview TV News with the support Wole Soyinka Centre for
Investigative journalism (WSCIJ), is participating in the C- Media Project which among other things aims to build the capacity of Journalists to promote accountability and national and sub-national levels.
“At the core of the C-MEDIA Project is the desire to hold government, the organized private sector, high net-worth and network individuals, and other relevant stakeholders accountable in their daily activities that are directly connected to the good of the common man.
“With the advent of the internet, The proliferation of media outlets has affected the regular as most stories are now broken by social media such as Twitter, Instagram, Facebook, Threads, etc.

“The clamour for more investments in investigative reporting is even more justified because it can unearth the many ills and corrupt practices in government and society.

“However, if we are committed and remain resolute, there are funding opportunities that we as journalists can explore to carry out investigations”, Odion said.

In his overview of Clearview TV C- Media Project, the Lead Program Coordinator, Nten Nkpang called on Journalists to develop keen interest in Investigative journalism as it has funding opportunities for those who have good pitches.

The Lead Presentation was made by an experienced journalist, Media, and Public Relations Consultant, Ms. Romoke Ahmad on “Open-Source Intelligence In Investigative Journalism”.

She disclosed the essence of throwing light on Open- source intelligence In Investigative Journal

Hard But Necessary Reforms, Imperative To Ramp Up Tax Revenues — Muhammad Nami, Chairman Joint Tax Board

For Nigeria to attain optimum tax revenue collection capacity across the Federal, States and Local Government tax authorities, the country must make hard but necessary reforms that would yield long term benefits.

This was the position stated by the Chairman of the Joint Tax Board (JTB), Mr. Muhammad Nami, who is also the Executive Chairman of the Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS) at the 153rd Meeting of the Board which held today in Abuja with the theme: “Harmonization and codification of taxes at the National and Sub-national levels: Key to achieving a tax friendly environment in Nigeria.”

According to Johannes Oluwatobi Wojuola, Special Assistant to the Executive Chairman, FIRS
(Media & Communication), in a press release he signed on 7 August, 2023, Mr. Nami, while delivering his address to the Board stated that for progress to be made in taxation, tax authorities must continue to explore and adopt measures and innovative initiatives that will lead to the optimisation of tax revenue for all levels of government.

“As the new administrations attempt to address the many socioeconomic challenges facing the nation on many fronts, it becomes imperative for all the levers of State to shake-off any lethargic antecedents and focus on the goal of a national resurgence.

“The unique and privileged offices we occupy as drivers of the nation’s tax administration processes presents us with a rare opportunity to take hard, but necessary decisions that are expected to yield long term benefits and add immense value to our collective prosperity as a nation.

“In recent years, especially since the dawn of our current democratic dispensation, the importance of taxation has continued to be reiterated and reinforced by all, and the critical role that tax-revenue plays in funding government and governance cannot be over-emphasized.

“However, as we continue to make progress in our unique model of taxation, it is appropriate that we continue to explore and adopt measures and innovative initiatives that will lead to the optimization of tax revenue for all the levels of government, in more efficient, more effective, more inclusive, and more sustainable ways.

“It is only by achieving this, that our efforts as tax administrators can trigger the manner of activity required in the productive sectors of our economy, towards achieving the immense economic potentials that we are capable of,” Mr. Nami said.

The Chairman of the Joint Tax Board further assured Executive Chairmen of State Revenue Authorities present that given the thrust of the current administration’s tax policy direction, the country was on the pathway to eradicating multiplicity of taxes as a core of its overall economic regeneration objectives.

Mr. Taiwo Oyedele, Chairman, Presidential Fiscal Policy & Tax Reforms Committee, while delivering a presentation on the theme of the meeting highlighted that multiple taxation was causing low tax morale in the country, as well as discouraging investments, while creating room for corruption and making doing business difficult.

The Presidential Fiscal Policy and Tax Reforms Committee Chairman further noted that the solution to the country’s revenue challenges is not to introduce more taxes, but to focus on the few taxes that are high yielding, noting that with these, tax authorities would be able to collect far more than is currently being collected.

Mr. Taiwo stated that for the government to raise more revenue, it needed to get to a point where the total number of taxes collected at the Federal, State and Local government levels would be at a single digit.

“We also need to clarify on taxing rights. We need to integrate tax collection functions—that is, all revenues that are to be collected must be collected by a single revenue agency. Government must also do well to fund our tax agencies well. We also need to harmonise revenue administration and simplify our approach to tax compliance,” Mr. Taiwo stated.

He further advocated for the country’s tax authorities to use more technology, review the country’s constitution and tax laws, as well revisit Nigeria’s concept of fiscal federalism.