Kenya Forces goes Kinetic, Distributes Foodstuffs To Ijara Residents

Emmanuel Daudu

In the Spirit of the holy month of Ramadhan, KDF personnel stationed at Matha Adon led by Maj Ahmed Juma have distributed clean water to Ijara GSU Camp, NPS Station, and assorted foodstuff to the local mosque and residents of Ijara.

Following the prolonged shortage of rainfall, the region is currently experiencing a shortage of clean drinking water and food scarcity. The KDF intervention was applauded by the local administration and elders, who said that KDF troops had stood with them during the dry season. “I thank the Multi-agency troops for their support to the locals and ensuring the security of this area is guaranteed.” Stated Mr. Mohamed Ali, the area chief.

He further expressed gratitude to the KDF troops for the continuous interventions to assist families in the area.

While overseeing the food and water distribution exercise, Maj Juma thanked the locals for supporting the KDF team through information sharing as it is vital in defeating all forms of terror.

“Collaboration is critical in problem-solving, an approach that requires military, Police, and the community working together, proactively, to identify underlying problems that can be addressed to reduce insecurity at its roots.”  Stated Maj Juma, who further called on well wishers to stretch their hands and alleviate human suffering, especially at this time when a lot of people go through tough economic times.

During the distribution, exercise beneficiaries received a variety of foodstuffs, including maize, wheat flour, rice, sugar, dried vegetables, milk, salt, eggs, and cooking oil. The locals thanked the KDF team for their generosity during the onset of the holy month of Ramadhan and promised to continue supporting the LAPPSET Project and other government-initiated programs that are meant to bring economic development in the region.

Present during the exercise were regional peace coordinator (Rtd chief) Muhammad Mahmoud, community leader Mohammed Dagane, and OCS IJARA, who thanked the troops for their warm gesture.

NPF Reviews 2023 Electoral Process As IGP Commends Officers For Peaceful Polls

Emmanuel Daudu

The Inspector-General of Police, IGP Usman Alkali Baba, CFR, on Monday 27th March 2023, met with Strategic Police Managers of the Nigeria Police Force comprising Deputy Inspectors-General of Police (DIGs) and members of the Force Management Team, Assistant Inspectors-General of Police (AIGs), Commissioners of Police (CPs) and other Tactical Commanders at the Goodluck Jonathan Peacekeeping Hall, Force Headquarters, Abuja, to evaluate Police performance during the 2023 General elections, highlight lessons and strengths, and dissect complex dynamics for subsequent optimal performance.

According to CSP Olumuyiwa Adejobi, mnipr, mipra, Force Public Relations Officer, Force Headquarters,
Abuja, the IGP seized the opportunity to commend the Senior Police Officers and Commanders and other ranks for their resilience, sacrifices, and professionalism which ensured the containment of the pockets of election security breaches across the country during the electioneering process and enhanced the overall credibility of the elections in line with the police reform initiatives of President Muhammadu Buhari. He equally assured of effective collaboration with the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to expeditiously and transparently prosecute the 781 electoral offenders apprehended from a total of 489 major electoral infractions across the nation, as all Commands were tasked with submitting casefiles centrally at the Electoral Offences Desk, Office of the IGP, Force Headquarters, Abuja, for coordinated processing to INEC Legal Section.

The Inspector-General of Police, therefore, charged the Strategic Police Managers to readjust strategies and operations towards ensuring a stable post-election security order and refocus policing attention on routine law enforcement duties. He similarly, and firmly, admonished all political actors and their supporters to submit to democratic norms, peaceful means, and legal procedures in advancing their interests as the Police and other security agencies shall not tolerate the resort to incitement or any act designed to threaten our national security.

British Govt trains NDLEA marine officers in Nigeria, UK

No fewer than 35 officers of the Marine Command and Seaports Operations of the National Drugs Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), have undergone diverse trainings organised by the United Kingdom Home Office International Operations, HOIO, in recent weeks. Of the number, five are currently undergoing a two-week Maritime Patrol and Tactical Coxswain training by the UKs Central Maritime Training Unit based in Southampton.

According to a press release signed by Femi Babafemi, Director, Media & Advocacy, NDLEA Headquarters Abuja, on
Saturday 25th March 2023, disclosed that the trainings, according to the HOIO, are to enhance the border control capabilities of the NDLEA by providing specialised training, mentoring and advanced drug detection equipment. Key areas covered so far include: boat handling, weapons handling, riverine operations, boarding and vessel search, among many others. Some of the trainings have been facilitated by the British Military, Nigerian Navy and the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) under the Global Maritime Crime Programme (GMCP).

The ongoing two-week training of five NDLEA marine officers including their first female coxswain will enable them to plan maritime deployments, pursue, stop and board vessels on the high seas.

While thanking the UK government for its continued support and commitment in helping the NDLEA to enhance its capacity and capabilities to tackle drug trafficking, Chairman/Chief Executive of the Agency, Brig. Gen. Mohamed Buba Marwa (Retd) urged the officers to remain steadfast in their professional calling and ensure they bring to bear the essence of the training on their formations and colleagues. He assured them that he will continue to prioritise training and retraining for all officers, men and women of the Agency.

Kris Hawksfield, the Home Office International Operations Regional Manager for West Africa in his remark during his visit to the team undergoing training in Southampton stated that HOIO was immensely proud and honoured to work with and support the work of NDLEA.

He added that the UK remains committed to strengthening the mutually beneficial work of the Agency to interdict, seize and destroy illicit substances and drugs which would otherwise harm Nigeria and the UK.

GOC 3 DIVISION COMMISSIONS NEWLY BUILT RSM HOUSE IN JOS, CHARGE TROOPS ON ADEQUATE MAINTENANCE OF ARMY FACILITIES

The General Officer Commanding (GOC) 3 Division Nigerian Army (NA) and Commander Operation SAFE HAVEN (OPSH), Major General Abdulsalami Bagudu Ibrahim has charged army personnel to develop maintenance culture and ensure adequate care of facilities placed under their care. He stated this on 24 March 2023, while commissioning a newly built three bedroom flat for the 43 Engineer Brigade Regimental Sergeant Major (RSM) in Maxwell Khobe Cantonment Jos.

While appreciating the Chief of Army Staff (COAS) Lieutenant General Faruk Yahaya for his untiring efforts towards improving the welfare of troops, General Abdulsalami noted that the lack of maintenance of equipment and facilities coupled with nonchalant attitude of some personnel has been a serious setback in infrastructural development in the barracks. He warned that such attitude will no longer be tolerated.

The GOC/Commander OPSH revealed that the commissioning of the RSM’s residence is one of the numerous welfare packages approved by the COAS towards reinvigorating the prestige, pride and good reputation associated with the office of the RSM in military profession. He further appreciated the COAS for his leadership qualities and commitment to rejuvenate the spirit of regimentation, discipline and professional soldering through the RSM.

Welcoming the GOC/Commander OPSH and dignitaries at the event, the Acting Commander 43 Engineer Brigade, Colonel Saidu Iliya revealed that the building was approved by the COAS and completed within three months. He noted that furnishing, landscaping, installation of both generator and solar power, as well as fencing and water reticulation have all been completed in the building.

Delivering the vote of thanks, the RSM 43 Engineer Brigade, Master Warrant Officer Olakunle Stephen who appreciated the COAS for acknowledging the importance of RSMs in the NA also disclosed that ‘’RSMs all over the NA units are proud of the COAS.’’ He further pledged to reciprocate the gesture by discharging his duties professionally and with a high sense of regimentation.

Kenya: Westcom Maj Gen David Tarus joins service as St Mark’s AC Sunday School Classes dedicated At 9kr Eldoret

The GOC Westcom Maj Gen David Tarus joined worshippers of Moi Barracks Eldoret for a Church service at St Mark’s Anglican Church 9 KR.

The service was preceded by the official opening of Sunday School classes by the GOC and dedication by his lordship Rt Rev Dr. Christopher Rutto Bishop of the Anglican Diocese of Eldoret on behalf of the Bishop-In-Ordinary to the KDF the Most Rev Dr Jackson Ole Sapit.

The GOC emphasized the need to empower children through Christian Education in order to mitigate lawlessnness of young people witnessed in our society. “Training children in the ways of God will go a long way in positively shaping their character for their own good and the good of our society.” He said.

The new Sunday School classes were handed over to the KDF Principal Chaplain of the AC Col Rev A K Lelei for use by the Military Episcopate.

The Principal Chaplain exibited his joy for the work KDF is doing in empowering Children through Christian teachings and mentorship. He informed the congregants that a similar event would be held across all KDF Units where AC Christians have build Sunday School classes and multi-purpose halls.

The Bishop applauded KDF Christian soldiers who served in Sierra Leone where he visited recently and was shown a permanent church built by Kenyan troops during their deployment there some years back.

He encouraged worshippers to honor God, authority, instituitions and leadership that God has ordained because the opposite breeds chaos while our creator is a God of order. He also echoed the ecumenism displayed by inviting Roman catholic Christians to the day’s ocassion.

NiMet Warns Of Possible Thermal Discomfort

By Emmanuel Daudu

The Nigerian Meteorological Agency has warned of a possible rise in temperature across some cities in Nigeria, which may lead to thermal discomfort.

According to Muntari Yusuf Ibrahim, GM/PR, in a press release signed on the 25th of March, 2023
the Agency said that observations from the source region indicates that temperature is expected to rise above 40 degrees in the next 48 hours.

According to the statement “parts of Kebbi, Sokoto, Zamfara, Taraba, and Adamawa are expected to record temperatures greater than 40°C. While most parts of the Northern cities are expected to record temperatures between 35°C to 40°C, this includes parts of Oyo, Kwara, FCT, Nasarawa, and Benue”. It reads.

The statement further warned that cities like Bauchi, Gombe, Borno, and Yola are at risk of experiencing high thermal discomfort, while the following days, parts of Kebbi, Sokoto, Zamfara, Taraba, and Adamawa are expected to experience temperatures greater than 40°C.

The Agency therefore advise people in these locations to drink a lot of fluid through this period.
NiMet assures of continuous monitoring of the weather and update Nigerians accordingly

Nasarawa Guber polls: INEC, Ishaya Tanko the reason behind crisis

…INEC And Its Influence On Derailing National Interest And Intergrity

The chaos in Nasarawa is tearing the state apart, and the man responsible for the mayhem is none other than Ishaya Tanko, Vice Chancellor of the University of Jos and the INEC State Collation and returning officer. Tanko’s actions have resulted in protests, tears, and despair.

Tanko’s complicity in the gubernatorial elections has had a profound impact on the psycheof the people and activities in the state. In local governments such as Awe and Lafia, where the government holds sway, results were deliberately delayed, causing great anxiety among the populace. In the state capital, wards such as Ciroma and Gayam were unable to complete collation in two days, while other states had already concluded their elections in a single day. The 2 wards are less than 3 minutes drive or about 10 minutes walk from the collation centre, yet, collated Polling Unit results could not be delivered. They were being delayed for the dirty job. However, the chaos was  compounded when the panel decided to proceed on break only for Gayam and Ciroma wards to be arbitrarily ruled inconclusive under suspicious circumstances. The police and other agencies appeared to be acting in cahoot with INEC and State Government officials.

The inconsistencies in the election results are also deeply troubling. For instance, the total summary in numbers of the governorship votes suspiciously rose from 540,566 to 650,357. Furthermore, in Lafia LGA, 154,677 votes were cast for the governorship, while only 70,000 votes were received for the House of Assembly election in the same election usungvthe same BVAS. It suggests that some voters only turned up at the polls to vote for the governorship, leaving the House of Assembly ballots uncollected?

The outcome of the election was undoubtedly influenced by Tanko’s tardiness. There appeared to be an extraordinary population explosion in all of the wards and local governments that were collated late, resulting in 109,791 new voters, with 91,000 of them coming from the two local governments whose announcement INEC had postponed. Tanko suspiciously reconvened the collation at 7am when PDP members and agents had already left the center as ordered and directed by INEC officilas, and declared AA Sule the winner.

The collusion between Tanko, Atiku, AA Sule, and other political heavyweights in the state is evident. Atiku allegedly supported AA Sule of the APC over David Ombagadu, the PDP candidate for governor, because of religious and ethnic sentiments and a long business history with AA Sule. Governor Yahaya Bello, Elrufai, and Tinubu’s running mate, Shettima, were also reportedly seen in Nasarawa at the time of the electoral heist, suggesting that there was more going on in the state than meets the eye.

The situation is worsened by the fact that Tanko’s wife is the secretary of the High Court in Abuja, and should the case go to court, she may have a role to play there. Even more disheartening is the fact that Professor Tanko, a native of Southern Kebbi, allowed himself to be used as a tool to subjugate other Middle Belt natives.

The outcome of the elections has left the people of Nasarawa in a state of despair. Women are protesting naked against what they call “their stolen mandate.” The tears and cries of these women reflect the pain and agony that the people of Nasarawa are experiencing. The electoral fraud has not only caused chaos but has also shattered the hopes and dreams of the people of Nasarawa.

Defence Headquarters Rounds Off 2023 Refresher Training Course

                             

The Defence Headquarters (DHQ) today, 24 March, 2023 rounded off this year  Refresher Training Course at the Army War College, Abuja. The  course which was inaugurated on the 21 March , was organized by ‘A Team’ Professionals from the DHQ to improve the staff duty skills of officers within the rank cells of Major to Colonel and equivalent drawn from DHQ, Service Headquarters and other military formations within Abuja.                                                                  

In his remarks during the graduation ceremony of the participants, the Chief of  Defence Transformation and Innovation, Air Vice Marshal OA Tuwase, represented by Rear Admiral DD Dangwel stated that the course was approved by the Chief of Defence Staff, ( CDS), General Lucky Irabor to achieve the objective of improving the inputs of officers serving within and outside DHQ whose schedules of duty also include serving as secretary of Military Boards  and Committees, composing service papers as well as correspondences and other tasking duties.

He pointed out that going by the capacity of erudite resource persons invited to coordinate the course, the participants no doubt, have gained much knowledge that will enhance their performances in their various offices . Rear Admiral Dangwel therefore commended members of the ‘A Team’ Professionals for devoting time to impact  their wealth of knowledge and experience on  the participants . He urged the participants to  apply the knowledge gained from the course in their respective offices at the DHQ and other military formations.                           

A total number of 36 officers of the ranks of Major to Colonel and equivalent participated in the course. Highpoints of the graduation ceremony featured presentation of certificates to the participants and an award to the best overall participant, Major Aderemi Adams Kasali from  Headquarters Guards Brigade.

ECOWAS-ERCA to hold a 3-days technical meeting in Senegal

By Emmanuel Daudu

The ECOWAS Regional Competition Authority (ERCA) will hold a technical meeting on a draft
communication plan which is aimed at ensuring greater visibility of the ERCA’s activities.

According to the Executive Director, ERCA, Dr. Simeon Koffi in an electronic statement to journalists during the weekend stated that the ERCA’s Communication Plan review is scheduled to take place in Dakar, Senegal from 29-31 March 2023.

“Participants are expected to review the draft document and provide input during the Working Group
meeting which aims to pool the contributions of the invited experts and recommend avenues for
possible improvement”.

Retrospectively, in 2008, ECOWAS adopted a Regional Competition Policy and in the same vein, the ECOWAS Regional Competition Authority (ERCA) was established to implement the policy. The objective of this regional initiative was to support and promote open competition within the ECOWAS region, including the protection of consumers’ economic interests, through the implementation of Community Competition Rules.

The awareness, information, and advocacy activities carried out during the second half of 2021 in eleven (11) Member States revealed a low level of knowledge of the regional competition mechanism and the ERCA among the majority of national stakeholders. Having actually started its activities in 2019, the relative operational infancy of the ERCA could partly explain the low awareness of its existence and activities. In order to strengthen dialogue and information sharing between all stakeholders, and to raise awareness of this mechanism for promoting competition within ECOWAS, the ERCA has decided to strengthen its communication activities.

Thus, the ECOWAS Regional Competition Authority (ERCA), with the support of a regional expert designed a Communication Action Plan, which is intended to be proactive, for improving knowledge of the regional competition framework and visibility of its actions in ECOWAS Region.

This plan should include information and awareness-raising activities that would significantly improve knowledge of ECOWAS and ERCA’s competition policy among all private and public economic actors operating in the regional market as well as among consumers.

In 2014, the ECOWAS Authority of Heads of State and Government designated the Republic of Gambia as the headquarters of the ERCA. The official launch of the ERCA took place in May 2019, following a meeting of the Technical Committee of Trade and Competition Experts in Banjul, The Gambia.

The ECOWAS Regional Competition Authority was therefore established to implement the regional competition rules adopted by the ECOWAS Authority in 2008. These rules essentially promote, maintain and encourage competition while improving the economic efficiency of regional production, trade and business.

ECOWAS is a regional economic space of 15 West African Member states, namely Benin, Burkina Faso, Cabo Verde, Côte d’Ivoire, Gambia, Ghana, Guinea, Guinea-Bissau, Liberia, Mali, Niger, Nigeria, Senegal, Sierra Leone, and Togo.

The ERCA is headed by an Executive Director, assisted by two Directors and the staff necessary for its proper functioning. It has the following divisions; Mergers and acquisitions, Analysis of competition and economic research, Law, investigation, compliance and enforcement, Communications and advocacy, Administration and human resources, and Finance.

The ERCA’s Consultative Competition Committee (CCC) is a thirty (30) member committee composed of two (2) competition experts from each Member state appointed for a four (4) year term. The CCC acts as an advisory body to the ERCA in the area of competition and consumer protection. In particular, the CCC: Reviews and makes recommendations on all draft policies, guidelines, directives, instruments, rules and regulations submitted to it by the ERCA; Makes recommendations requesting ERCA to undertake studies or research relevant to the formulation of competition and consumer protection policies; and
Evaluates reports on the status of implementation of competition and consumer protection principles and policies in the region submitted to it by the ERCA, intending to make the necessary recommendations.
The CCC is assisted by a Bureau elected from among its members, consisting of the Chairperson, the Vice Chairperson, and three (3) Rapporteurs.

Activist Commends Senegalese Citizens for Defending Democracy

By Maryam Aliyu, Abuja

A development activist, Professor Barika Saro-Laka, has alerted the world of a possible outbreak of civil war in Senegal, if the impunity of its President, Mr. Macky Sall is not urgently tamed.

Prof. Saro-Laka who is also the African Coordinator of Unseen Forces, an international coalition fighting against slavery and lawlessness, said Sall’s action is unpopular and evil.

He described the intimidation of his people using the Police to declare interest to run as a third term President in Senegal as illegal and dangerous for democratic governance and peace in the country.

The professor said Unseen Forces is determined to do everything to bring President Sall, to his kneels and ensure that the people are not forced into modern slavery.

He commended the progressive masses in Senegal led by the opposition leader, Ousmane Sonko, for their solidarity and patriotism towards saving Senegal’s democracy and crushing down the walls of slavery by iconoclasts.

The activist emphasized the stance of Unseen Forces to work underground in ensuring that no dictator secures Third Term leadership in Africa against their constitution and collective will.