Nigeria Returns to UN Peacekeeping Operations

Nigeria Returns to UN Peacekeeping Operations after years of absence as UNISFA marks one year of Reconfiguration into a Multinational Peacekeeping Force.

Today 15 March 23, the Nigerian Base Defence Company deployed into UNISFA to join the rest of the Multinational Peacekeeping Force. The induction of the Nigerian UN Peacekeepers completes the 8-contingent member troops contributing countries in UNISFA.

In his speech during the Parade held to commemorate the one year anniversary, the Acting Head of Mission and Force Commander, Major General Benjamin Olufemi Sawyerr stated that despite initial challenges, the Force has been able to achieve its mandate by providing protection of civilians, engage with the 2-host governments as well as the host communities to encourage dialogue, support Humanitarian Agencies to assist the people and provide support to the   two-country teams of Juba and Khartoum to implement the Programmatic Funding Activities.

He appreciated the cooperation and collaboration of the Local Administration and the Traditional  Institutions in forging peaceful dialogue that would lead to the determination of the final status of Abyei.

He commended the support of the UN Headquarters for high level visits, budgetary allocations and logistics support. He praised the AFPs, humanitarian agencies and NGOs for their support in delivering Humanitarian assistance to the communities.

General Sawyerr further praised the Military, Police and Civilian components of the Mission for working in synergy of vision. He reeled out several achievements attained by the Mission within one year and stated that the Rule of Law support strategy as well as the SOP on Detention will be strengthened to uphold the fundamental human rights of the people. He further stated that the Mission will continue to function under the UN core values of Integrity, impartiality, professionalism and respect for gender and diversity.

He acknowledged the roles being played by the Female Engagement Teams and happy that all contingents will continue to increase women participation in UN Peacekeeping. Despite the numerous achievements, the Acting Head of Mission and Force Commander stated that there are still existing challenges that must be tackled. He urged the Peacekeepers not to rest on their oars but be spurred to give their best.

He stated that Peacekeeping is a thankless job which is carried out for the purpose of global peace.

Bilateral Relations: Nigeria, China strengthens bond

By Emmanuel Daudu

The Minister of State for Foreign Affairs Foreign Affairs Ambassador Zubairu Dada has assured China of Nigeria’s reciprocal support at bilateral and multilateral levels.

According to Ibrahim Aliyu, SA Media HMOS in a press release on
14th-03-23, said, the minister gave the assurance when he received the visiting Chinese Vice Minister of Foreign Affairs in charge of African Affairs, Mr. Deng Li in Abuja.

Ambassador Zubairu Dada who said Nigeria and China have excellent relationship for many decades, maintained that relations between the two countries had continued to grow from strength to strength due to the total commitment of leaders of both countries.

While congratulating China for a peaceful transition, Ambassador Dada said he look forward to more dynamic relationships with the People ‘s Republic of China.

He said as Nigeria is going through the same process of transition from one civilian government to another, the country needs the support of China and indeed all other friendly nations to ensure a seamless transition.

The Minister of State for Foreign Affairs commended China for embarking on fifteen  developmental projects across Nigeria which he said some have already been completed while others are at the various levels of completion.

He however expressed concern over difficulties  faced by some Nigerians who wants to reside in China in the issuance of resident permits and called for urgent steps to be taken to address the problem.

While applauding China’s resolve to allow Nigerian students return to China to continue their studies,  the Minister also said the commencement of direct flights from Nigeria to China is also a welcomed development.

Earlier, the Chinese Vice Minister of Foreign Affairs in charge of Africa, Mr. Deng Li congratulated Nigeria for a peaceful conduct of Presidential and National Assembly elections.

He described Nigeria as an important strategic partner of China in Africa.

Mr. Deng Li said his country will continue to cherish Nigeria especially for its recognition and belief in one China Policy.

He urged Nigeria to always support China at the International front especially against the United States accusations of human rights violations, which he said was not true.

The top ranking diplomat appealed to the Federal Government of Nigeria to as a matter of urgency do everything possible to protect Chinese citizens and Enterprises from attacks in Nigeria.

He said China will assist Nigeria in intelligence gathering to curb terrorism and other forms of criminality in the country as he also pledge China’s resolve to continue to embark on more developmental projects across Nigeria.

INEC Calls For Improved Performance, Synergy Among Security Agencies Ahead Of Governorship, State Assembly Elections

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has called for improved performance and synergy among security agencies involved in election security, ahead of the Governorship and State Houses of Assembly election holding this weekend, 18th March 2023.

The Commission expressed appreciation to the security agencies and other members of the Inter-agency Consultative Committee on Election Security (ICCES) for the professionalism of personnel and the generally peaceful conduct of the elections, the Presidential and National Assembly held on the 25th of February 2023, but called for more coordinated deployment plan in among ICCES members.

Chairman of INEC, Prof. Mahmood Yakubu made the call at an ICCES meeting  convened at the INEC Headquarters in Abuja on Tuesday to review preparations for the Governorship and State Houses of Assembly elections holding this Saturday.

Confirming the Commission’s readiness for the election. Prof. Yakubu said “the Governorship election will hold in 28 States of the Federation. As you are aware, Governorship elections in eight States (Anambra, Bayelsa, Edo, Ekiti, Imo, Kogi, Ondo and Osun States) are held off-cycle and therefore not conducted during the General Election.” 

“However, elections will be conducted for all the 993 State constituencies nationwide. Our state offices have made available to the Nigeria Police Force, being the lead agency in election security, the delimitation details for both the Governorship and State Assembly elections, including locations of Polling Units and Collation Centres. On that basis, we expect a coordinated deployment plan in synergy with other security, intelligence, law enforcement and safety agencies,” Chairman said.

Speaking further on preparations for the Saturday election, the INEC Chairman explained that “only yesterday, the Commission held a virtual meeting with all the Resident Electoral Commissioners (RECs) in which we reviewed preparations for the State elections. In addition to election technology, logistics and a host of other issues, security was also discussed. We will present some of the issues at this meeting for further discussion and, most importantly, appropriate action.”

Commenting on the huge task before the Commission and the security agencies come Saturday, Prof. Yakubu said “the Governorship and State Assembly elections this weekend involves more constituencies than the national elections held about three weeks ago. Unlike the last elections involving 470 constituencies (1 Presidential, 109 Senatorial Districts and 360 House of Representatives seats), the State elections will involve 1,021 constituencies (28 Governorship and 993 State Assembly seats).” 

The INEC Chairman used the opportunity to urge the political actors to guard their utterances and ensure their supporters conduct themselves appropriately. In his words; “there will also be more candidates involved and more collation centres to protect. They are also local elections involving keen contests. It is therefore important for parties and candidates to speak to their agents and supporters to see the elections as a contest and not war. They should refrain from acts of violence that may mar the elections or compromise the security of our personnel, observers, the media and service providers.”

He further lauded the directive of the Inspector- General of Police (IGP) to state commands to handle all cases of electoral offences expeditiously. “We look forward to receiving the case files. We will immediately set up a legal team to handle such cases in earnest”, he said.

On his part, the National Security Adviser and Co-Chairman of ICCES, Major- General Babagana Monguno (Rtd), commended the security agencies for their role in the conduct of the February 25th Presidential and NASS elections.

He however, urged them to double their efforts to up the game of securing the electoral space for the conduct of free, fair and credible election on Saturday.

Stressing why more efforts must be invested in this Saturday’s election, the NSA explained that unlike the Presidential and NASS election, this election will be conducted in more constituencies; 28 Governorship and 993 Houses of Assembly seats.

According to Gen. Monguno, “though we do not envisage any threat or issues concerning the Saturday election that is going to be terrible or violent, we must not fold our hands and do nothing at all in case of unforeseen circumstances.”

He continued “we must make sure every Nigerian exercises his or her franchise without hinderance of any kind and we must not allow anyone to undermine the electoral process”.

WE’LL PROVIDE ALL THE DOCUMENTS YOU NEED; WE HAVE NOTHING TO HIDE – INEC CHAIRMAN ASSURES LABOUR PARTY LAWYERS

Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Prof. Mahmood Yakubu, has assured Political Parties seeking to challenge the outcome of the just concluded 2023 Presidential election in court that the Commission is willing to cooperate by making available all necessary documents requested by the parties.

Prof. Yakubu who asserted that the Commission has nothing to hide, gave the assurance when the Legal team of the Labour Party (LP) led by Dr. Levy Uzoukwu, visited the INEC headquarters in Abuja on Monday.

Addressing the LP Legal team, the INEC Chairman said “I want to assure you that the Commission will not hide any document from anybody and will make available any document that they have requested for. There are two categories of documents those that are in possession of the headquarters of INEC, we will easily make these documents available to you”.

“Specifically, the Form EC8Ds from the states and the EC8DA, which is the collation at the National Collection Centre by the Commission itself. The EC8E, the declaration, so many, a total of, I think 39 documents, this we can easily certify and give you almost immediately.”

He added that; “as for other documents that we are asking for they are at state level, so we need to work out the schedule so that we know when your team is going to which state and on which date so that we can easily facilitate not just certification of documents, but also the inspection that you requested for each of these documents.”

The INEC Chairman also spoke on the Legal teams’ request for the accreditation data for the Presidential election. He said “the other one is accreditation data from the back end. This will also be made available to you. Remember that the accreditation data covers over 176,000 polling units. We have to print them physically certify them, and give them to you, so the tall and short of what I’m saying is that you will get this document speedily.”

“They will also make arrangements and notify our Resident Electoral Commissioners of your intended visit so that these documents will be made available to you, those that are at the state level, including access to inspection of any category of materials.”

He added that; “a meeting has been scheduled with all the Resident Electoral Commissioners it is going to be a virtual meeting at 3pm, today, (Monday) which we will discuss among other issues, this matter of providing CTCs not only to the Labour Party, but to all other litigants as well.”

Explaining the purpose of their visit to Journalists after the meeting, the leader of the team and also Lead Counsel to the Labour Party, Dr. Livy Uzoukwu (SAN), said that it was a follow up to their written request and the order by the Court of Appeal issued on the 3rd of March 2023.

He said: “we are here because we have not received any electoral stocks for inspection on behalf of our clients, and as you all know, election petition is time sensitive. We have 21 days to file a petition on behalf of our clients. Out of that 21 days we probably have about 10 days to go and up till now we have not received any documents”.

“We have written to INEC requesting for documents apart from that, the Court of Appeal made an order on the March 3, to INEC to release those documents to us but we haven’t received any hence we requested for a meeting with the Chairman of the Commission.”

Dr. Uzoukwu explained further that the Prof. Yakubu graciously granted them audience within a very short notice, “and he has given us assurance, concrete assurance on record that all documents we require will be made available and if possible, some of them will be made available to us today”.

“So, we believe that that will happen, and we are leaving here rest assured that by the time we leave INEC premises at least we will leave with some documents, the rest can then come from tomorrow and so on and so forth.’, he added.

Election observers calls on INEC to cancel Abia North senatorial election

By Emmanuel Daudu

It could be recalled that the Nigerian 2023 Presidential and National Assembly elections were held on the 25th of February, 2023.
A larger group of foreign and domestic observers while declaring their reports in sundry press conferences had a common tune as to how the elections weren’t credible, free, and fair, and how it falls below international standards.

Today in Abuja, at the Zoological Garden, Area 1, the Coalition of the 2023 Election Observers has called for the cancellation or rerun of the Abia North senatorial election stating that electorates didn’t exercise their political franchise in over one hundred polling units across the senatorial district, while where elections held, it was characterized with electoral violence and other malpractices.

The Head of the Coalition for Abia North 2023 Election, Rasheed Shuaib, while addressing the press alongside others from several organizations accredited by INEC to observe the 2023 general elections in the Abia North Senatorial District pointed out that its advice to INEC going by what they observed is to cancel or have a rerun of the Abia North senatorial election.
“The Abia North Senatorial District covers Arochukwu, Bende, Isuikwuato, Ohafia, and Umu Nneochi LGAs. And 11 candidates from 11 political parties vied for the senatorial seat in that election. They are:
Martins Emetu- ADC, Orji Uzor Kalu-APC, Carol Dike-okafor-APGA, Nnenna Emmanuela Nwosu-APM, Ifeanyichukwu Kingsley Adijeh- APP, Nnamdi Iro Oji- LP, Saidu Ahmed- NNPP, Chinonyerem Wogu-NRM, Mao Ohuabunwa-PDP, Uche Brown Echewie- SDP, and Ahanna Orji Igwe- YPP

“About 500 Accredited INEC Domestic Observers were deployed by The Coalition of Observers to all the 5 Local Government Areas (LGAs) in Abia North Senatorial District for the February 25th General Election.
As Observers, it’s important to begin by saying that the Senatorial election that took place in Abia North on 25th February 2023 was below the standard and unacceptable electoral practice, contrary to INEC electoral Acts and guidelines, and against the wishes and expectations of the electorates/constituents.
According to the INEC Electoral Guidelines for the election, the Official opening of the polling units is by 8:30 am. But this was not the case in all the polling units visited by our field observers in the Senatorial District as there were almost general reports of the late arrival of INEC Ad-hoc Staff and electoral materials.
There was late distribution of Electoral materials to the various RAC Centers across the 5 LGAs in Abia North, especially in Arochukwu and Ohafia LGAs; where some candidates have to volunteer by releasing their vehicles to convey the INEC Materials to the various polling units.
In some instances, there were no attached law enforcement agencies that will escort the INEC Materials to the various polling units. As a result, a greater number of INEC Ad-hoc Staff could not proceed to their place of primary assignment on Election Day since the election time was almost up.

“A special case is Bende LGA, where election materials moved from the LGA headquarters early but took some time to reach most polling units, while voters were waiting. Some polling units received their election materials between the hours of 2:30 pm and 6:00 pm as reported by our field observers at the LGA.
This also led to missing or misplacement of Result Sheets in some polling units, while the voters were already in the queue ready to exercise their franchise.
Despite the late arrival of INEC Materials, the people came out en-mass in the early hours of the day to exercise their franchise. Some later went home and never came back, especially the elderly and sick ones. The youths remained till they were accredited and voted for the candidate of their choice.
The BVAS was supposed to be used to authenticate or capture the faces of the Voters in all the polling units where the elections were held, but our observers noticed that the machines were either not functioning or were not used in most of the Polling Units.

“We also observed that some INEC Officials which were originally posted to some areas were dropped and their names changed to entirely new persons as confessed by one of the Youth Corpers we interacted with.
The collation which was supposed to be done at the ward level was done at the LGA while some of the Youth Corpers disappeared with their result sheets and reappeared at the wee hours of the night with mutilated results and some never came back especially in some units in Bende LGA.

“On the election Saturday 25th February 2023 INEC returning officer after noticing some irregularities and logistic challenges announced to the observers, party agents, and others in Ohafia, after speaking with the Resident Electoral Officer in Umuahia, that there will be a rerun election on Sunday 26th February 2023 in some places in Abia North where elections didn’t hold as a result of logistics.

“We want to put it on record that there was no rerun election in those affected places. Later around 2 pm on that 26th of February, one of the officials of INEC informed us that the elections in places where elections were never held will be done on the 27th starting by 8:30 am. All the voters that turned up in their numbers were disappointed and while some were still hanging around their various polling units, information came to us that the EO and the collation Officers were about to announce the results.

“As observers, we rushed to the venue and tried to remind them of the number of voters they will disfranchise if they should go on to call the result of the unfinished election and the consequences, but it all went on deaf ears.
After every effort to appeal to them to do the needful both by the Party Agents and Security Personnel, the two collation Officers went ahead and called the result of what should have been regarded as an inconclusive election.
It took the presence of the heavy joint security officers on the ground to calm the situation before the INEC officers were squeezed out of the premises of the Presbyterian Church school in Ohafia.
We want to put on record that election didn’t hold in over 100 polling units across the Senatorial districts with over 80,000 registered voters.

“Again, the new electoral law makes it mandatory that counting and announcement of results should be made open by the presiding officer at the polling units, but this was ignored in most polling units visited at the Bende, Ohafia, Arochukwu, and Isuikwu LGAs. The Law also mandates that the results be posted in the polling units; this was also not the case in most of the Polling Units.
This action negates the transparency of the voting process across the board in most of the polling units in Abia North Senatorial District.
Also, the 2022 electoral Act provides that there should be online transmission of result sheets at the conclusion of voting through the INEC Result viewing (IRev) portal. The report we received from both CPALD Station and Roving Observers as well from other observer groups is that there is no transmission of result sheet at most of the polling units across the Abia North Senatorial District”.

While giving recommendations, he stated that INEC should as a matter of urgency helps to calm the growing agitation in these areas where elections were never held and fix a date to conduct a rerun election or cancel the elections as a result of irregularities which took place during the collation of the results which is not in line with the electoral new ACT.
“INEC should critically look into the distribution of both sensitive and non-sensitive materials ahead of the Governorship and State Assembly election. As this was a major setback in the 25th February presidential election.
There should be an adequately attached police officer that will escort both the election materials and INEC Ad-Hoc Staff as this was one of the reasons why there was no election in some of the polling units in Ohafia, Arochukwu, etc. There should be an adequate arrangement between the commission and the major transport operators on how to convey the election materials to the polling units. There should be a proper orientation to the INEC Ad-Hoc Staff not to compromise or be influenced by any political party to do their bidding. There should be proper re-training of the INEC Presiding Officers who are going to handle the BVAS. To have a hitch-free March 18th rescheduled Governorship and States Assembly elections.
“INEC should properly communicate to both the State and Non-State Actors where there is any issue that will warrant a delay in the election processes”, he added.

Sen. Orji Uzor Kalu, the perfect man for the Next Senate President of 10th Senate-Francis

A Public Affairs Analyst, strong Notable  youth leader, Francis Cosmas Ezeude has said that Sen. Orji Uzor Kalu is the perfect man for the Next Senate President of 10th Senate.

According to him, when considering Sen. Orji Uzor Kalu for the position of Nigeria Senate President, some cognate reasons that may be taken into account to include:

Regional Representation/Balance of Power: The Senate is one of the key arms of government, responsible for making laws and overseeing government activities. As such, it is important that all regions of the country are represented in the leadership of the Senate. By electing a Senate President from the South-East region, lawmakers may be able to ensure that the region’s interests and concerns are adequately represented in the Senate.

Unity and Reconciliation: Nigeria has a history of ethnic and religious tensions, which have sometimes led to conflicts and divisions. Some people may argue that electing a Senate President from the South-East region could help to promote unity and reconciliation, by giving a sense of belonging and representation to the people of the region.

Experience: Sen. Orji Uzor Kalu has served as the Governor of Abia State and is currently a Senator representing Abia North Senatorial District and the Chief Whip of the House of Senate. He has also been involved in various business ventures and has experience in managing large organisations. This experience may be viewed as an asset when it comes to leading the Senate.

Sen. Orji Uzor Kalu has a wealth of experience in politics and business, which could be seen as an asset when it comes to leading the Senate. He served as the Governor of Abia State from 1999 to 2007, during which time he initiated several development projects in the state. He was also a member of the House of Representatives from 1992 to 1993 before being elected as Governor.

As a successful businessman, Orji Uzor Kalu has also shown that he has strong management skills. He is the founder of Slok Holding, a conglomerate with interests in shipping, banking, media, and other sectors. He has been able to grow the company into one of the largest in Nigeria, which could be seen as evidence of his ability to lead and manage large organisations.

Political Connection: Sen. Orji Uzor Kalu is a member of the All Progressives Congress (APC), the ruling party in Nigeria and the current Senate Chief Whip. As such, he  have strong connection with other members of the party, which could make it easier to garner support for his candidacy and to ultimately use this to get the attention of the government to easily approving all legislative proposals targeted at directly and indirectly affecting the lives of Nigerians positively without delay or rancours.

As a stunch member of the progressive party (APC), Sen. Orji Uzor Kalu has supported central government controlled by the APC ably lead by President Muhammadu Buhari and all other cadres of the party structures in Nigeria.

Leadership Skills: Sen. Orji Uzor Kalu has been described as a charismatic leader with excellent communication skills. These qualities could be useful when it comes to leading debates and negotiations in the Senate.

Vision: Sen. Orji Uzor Kalu has previously outlined his vision for Nigeria, including plans to improve infrastructure and create jobs. If elected as Senate President, he will able to use his position to push for policies that align with this vision.

For executing massive developmental projects for his Abia North constituents, Senate Chief Whip, Orji Uzor Kalu has been honoured with the “Overall Best Constituency Projects and Human Relations Award”at the 2022 Senate Press Corps award.

Support of Colleagues: Sen. Orji Uzor Kalu will have the support of most of his colleagues in the Senate, who view him as a competent and capable leader. This support could be crucial for the position of Senate President, as he may need the backing of other lawmakers to win the election.

Support for the South-East region: The South-East region of Nigeria has faced a number of challenges in recent years, including infrastructural deficits, security concerns, and economic underdevelopment. Electing Sen. Urji Uzor Kalu as Senate President from the South-East region could help to address these challenges, by ensuring that the region’s concerns are given priority in the Senate.

Sen. Orji Uzor Kalu as a former governor of Abia State and a ranking Senator with cognate experience from South -Eastern part of the country in APC remains the best option for Senate President in the 10th assembly.

Northern community in Rivers State pledges support to Tonye Cole for Governor

By Emmanuel Daudu

…As Amaechi campaigns for Cole at Computer Village, Garrison, Oroworoko Community

According to the Rt. Hon Chibuike Rotimi Amaechi’s Media Office on the 10th of March, 2023, the Northern Community in Rivers State has thrown its weight behind the Governorship Candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Rivers State, Arch. Tonye Cole.

This was confirmed by the Chief Imam of Rivers State, Alhaji Haliru Imam when they played host to the former Minister of Transportation and former Governor, Rt Hon. Chibuike Rotimi Amaechi as part of his campaign rounds for the APC governorship candidate in Port Harcourt, Friday.

Imam said (to Amaechi), “We know Tonye Cole being a Pastor will be good like you. I remember when you were in power, people were shouting about Northerners, but you told us, ‘feel free, this is your home.’ During your tenure, the Christian Muslim Board existed, but today there is nothing like pilgrim board even to Christians, because of one man.”

The Northerners also complained about the current administration’s handling of Slaughter in Trans-Amadi and Taskforce issues. They expressed hope that Tonye Cole will do better when elected as Governor of the State.

Speaking, the Northern Youth Leader in Rivers State, Alhaji Shehu Ahmed, expressed delight over Amaechi’s visit, stating that Rivers people and party faithfuls would be better off with his presence and emboldened to reclaim the State. “Sir, your coming has emboldened us. We beg you to leave Abuja for now and stay with us in Rivers state.

Responding, Amaechi encouraged them to go all out and vote for Tonye Cole and protect their votes on election day. “All we need from you is to go out and vote, and protect your votes. Everybody should be his own policeman. When you vote, sit down there until they upload it. Even when they upload it, escort them to the Ward centre, let them upload it there. Another set of people should escort them to the Local Government centre. That’s how you become your own policeman. Me as Governor, you people can’t deny me. I made sure that as Governor, 1200 Christians went on pilgrimage, 500 Muslims also went on pilgrimage every year for 8 years and we appointed a Muslim pilgrims board, the same way we appointed a Christian welfare pilgrims board. Somebody talked about Slaughter; the reason why we did not build the Slaughter we wanted to build for you in Greater Port Harcourt was that when we came forward, you people stopped us and said you have a traditional way of killing animals and it is not the same way as the modern slaughter. So that’s how we left the Trans-Amadi Slaughter, if not we were to build one between Oyigbo and Eleme.”

On his part, the APC governorship candidate, Tonye cole, assured the Northern Community of change, urging them to come out enmasse and vote.

He said, “We are with you. Your suffering is our suffering. Rivers people are tired and are looking for change, and we will bring you that change. I want to assure you that we will do more. I have a business background and I have taken note of your complaints about taskforce and pilgrimage. Everybody is crying about it, the Muslims and the Christians.

“It is our business as government to help you succeed. That’s what government should be. We will make sure we give you the enabling environment to help you succeed. Pilgrimage, we will resuscitate the board. Please come out in your numbers to vote. What they are counting on is that you will not come out. After voting, stay there until they count the result and follow the result from the unit to the ward to the collation centre,” he said.

Amaechi also campaigned with Tonye Cole at Computer Village and other parts of Garrison axis, as well as at Oroworoko Community.

NiMet alerts public ahead of Thunderstorms, Other Hazardous Weather As Rainy Season Commences

By Emmanuel Daudu

As the rainy season commences in parts of the country, the Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMet), has warned pilots and the general public to be wary of thunderstorms and other hazardous weather events.

In a release today signed by Muntari Yusuf Ibrahim
GM/ Public Relations, he said, the Agency says this is in line with the public presentation of the Seasonal Climate Prediction made by the Agency in January this year.

“NiMet predicted rainfall onset to be earlier than the long-term average in most parts of the country during the 2023 Seasonal Climate Prediction (SCP). The onset is expected to start from the coastal states of Bayelsa, Rivers and Akwa-Ibom in early March, progressively followed by the inland states and the Central states.”. It reads.
The statement noted that the recent thunderstorms recorded over parts of the coastal and inland states showed that the Agency’s prediction is on-point, reliable and accurate.

NiMet further cautioned that for areas where thunderstorms are expected, this weather hazard can cause significant disruptions, stressing that thunderstorms can lead to turbulence, lightning strikes, strong winds, heavy rainfall, downdraught, microburst, and hailstones.
“All of these pose significant threats to safety of lives and property.

The effects of thunderstorms are more hazardous to aviation industry, particularly the aircraft operations and passengers.

Thunderstorms can also cause delays, diversion and cancellations of flights, as aircraft are often grounded in the face of severe weather”. 
The Agency assures pilots  the aviation industry and airport users that it has installed weather monitoring systems, thunder detectors, satellite receiving ground-stations and Automatic Weather System (AWS) across the airports (and other stations) nationwide as a measure to mitigate the effects of thunderstorms to the aviation industry. The Agency has also developed a variety of products and services to help track the thunderstorms and its attendant hazards. The Pilot Briefing Rooms are always available for Services, it noted.

NiMet therefore advises all Pilots and Airline Operators to exercise caution during flight operations (during this adverse weather) due to the commencement of the rainy season.

The rains which are currently prevalent in the Southern parts of Nigeria and occasionally around the Central States, are usually accompanied by severe thunderstorms which are bound to affect air navigation. The Agency reiterated.

NiMet therefore enjoins Pilots/Flight Crew members to obtain adequate departure, enroute and destination weather information and briefing from NiMet offices prior to flight operations for effective planning in their air navigation operations.

Borno Fire: Umar Farouq Sympathizes With Monday Market Traders

The Minister of Humanitarian Affairs, Disaster Management and Social Development Sadiya Umar Farouq has expressed sadness over the fire incident which gutted the Monday Market in Maiduguri, Borno state early Sunday.

The raging inferno which was said to have started at about 2 am spread to different parts of the market, destroying many shops and property worth billions of Naira.

Nneka Ikem Anibeze
SA Media to the minister in a press release on
26-02-2023, said, Umar Farouq described the incident as unfortunate and a great loss to the nation’s economy.

“We received the sad news early this morning of the fire disaster which engulfed the biggest market in Maiduguri. We understand that goods and shops worth billions of naira have been destroyed by the raging fire.

“This is a great loss to the country’s economy, especially Borno state which is just beginning to recover from the destruction and losses as a result of insurgency and banditry. We sympathize with the state government and people of Borno state, especially the traders whose livelihoods have gone up in flames following the fire incident.

“I  have directed the National Emergency Management Agency NEMA to help with Search and Rescue operations of property to see what can be salvaged and to ascertain the level of damage and loss at the Monday Market”.

The 35 year old Monday Market is the largest trading hub in the North East . Hundreds of shops and warehouses were said to be affected by the inferno.

Humanitarian Ministry Donates Food Items to Victims of Maiduguri Monday Market Fire

The Minister of Humanitarian Affairs, Disaster Management and Social Development Sadiya Umar Farouq has presented food items to victims of Maiduguri Monday Market fire incident in Borno state.

Nneka Ikem Anibeze,
SA Media to the minister in a press release on
03-03-2023, said, the Minister made the presentation to the Governor of Borno state, Prof Babagana Umara  Zulum on Thursday when she paid a condolence visit to the state government.

Among the food items presented include 20 bags of 25kg rice, 10 cartons of macaroni and Spaghetti and 5,000 gallons of vegetable oil.

The Minister who accompanied His Excellency, President Muhammadu Buhari GCFR to visit the ruins  left of the Maiduguri Monday Market,  expressed sadness at the complete destruction of the biggest trading hub in the North East region while briefing the President.

“Your Excellency, on behalf of the Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs, Disaster Management and Social Development, I deeply sympathize with the state government and people of Borno state on this unfortunate fire incident. I have directed the National Emergency Management Agency NEMA to assess the level of damage but from what we are seeing now, it appears nothing was left by the inferno. Everything here was burnt.

“After the assessment, the Ministry will submit a full report to Mr President to seek special intervention for the victims.

“We are handing over 20 bags of 25kg rice, 10 cartons of macaroni and Spagetti and 5,000 gallons of vegetable oil. Your Excellency, this is an emergency relief intervention but we will collaborate  with the Borno State Government to  provide building materials to rebuild the market”.

The Chairman of the Market Association, Awaji Bukar expressed deep appreciation to the President for the visit and appealed for more support from the Federal Government to assuage the colossal loss incurred by the traders.