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Nigerians want stronger, independent EFCC, ICPC to tackle corruption

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Nigerians want stronger, independent EFCC, ICPC to tackle corruption

Nigerians want stronger, independent EFCC, ICPC to tackle corruption

Some Nigerians have called for strengthening of anti-corruption agencies, by ensuring their independence to enable them tackle rising cases of high profile corruption cases in the country.

They said that the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) and the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) should be allowed to function without political interference.

The EFCC is charged with enforcing laws on money laundering and other financial crimes while the ICPC is focused on tackling corruption in the public service.

The respondents made the suggestions in separate interviews with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) while assessing the performance of the two anti-graft agencies.

They said that though the anti-corruption agencies have performed relatively well, it was important to enhance their capacities in line with global best practices.

Some of the respondents said apart from making the agencies completely independent, it was important for them to be funded adequately.

They also canvassed for special courts to adjucate on corruption cases within specific time limits.

Martin Idachaba, a lecturer in the Department of Law, Kogi State University, Ayingba, said that President Muhammadu Buhari’s anti-corruption crusade had so far recorded some achievements.

He said that there were massive recovery of looted funds, blockage of treasury leakages through the Treasury Single Account and imprisonment of some corrupt public officers, including former governors.

He however alleged that politicisation of the anti-corruption fight and failure to investigate accusations involving Politically Exposed Persons had cast doubt on the anti-corruption fight.

Idachaba added that weak internal controls in Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs) has encouraged corrupt practices in the civil service.

According to him, there is still financial recklessness, abuse of budgetary processes and non compliance with due process of appropriation in the MDAs.

“The systemic corruption in the Nigeria Police Force which continues unabated, high profile convictions of politically exposed persons across political, regional and any other form of divide have fallen short of public expectations.

“Why the anti-corruption crusade has not delivered much results is because of government failure to leave the fight against corruption to independent institutions.

“This is because the independence of these agencies is more theoretical than in practice. If it is in practice, it will separate genuine anti-corruption cases from politics,” he said.

Idachaba, therefore, recommended that mechanism be put in place to reduce opportunities for corruption.

He added that government should deploy more technology to reduce direct contact, where possible, between government officials and the public, to discourage bribery and corruption.

The lecturer added that the fight against corruption require strong institutions that must be free from undue executive, legislative and judicial interference.

“The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission needs more teeth, a starting point will be to increase its budget.

“This will go a long way in enabling the commission hire more personnel.

“It must also be freed from political interference to allow it to fight corruption without fear or favour because of the role played by politically exposed persons in corruption,” he said.

Idachaba emphasised the need for the judiciary to speed up the delivery of judgment in corruption cases.

He said that it was imperative for judges to stop giving teeth to corruption through undue adjournments of corruption cases.

Idachaba said like election matters, there should be timeline for the determination of corruption cases, saying the current situation of delaying high profile cases of corruption often dampen the morale of personnel involved in the anti-graft war.

“Government should create specialised anti-corruption courts to hasten trial of corruption cases.

“Judges to serve in the specialised court should be properly incentivised to mitigate judicial corruption.

“Punishment for corruption must be certain and should equate the magnitude of offence committed,” he said.

Another legal expert, Mr Samuel Nda, also called for the strengthening of the anti-corruption agencies to ensure optimal performance.

Nda said he would not rate the anti corruption agencies in the country very low in view of the environment and circumstances in which they operate.

He said strengthening the institutions through legislation, improved funding and making them more independent would improve their performance.

The lawyer advocated for legislation that would empower the anti-corruption agencies to keep suspects, when arrested, till the completion of investigation.

“The current law, where the institutions are not allowed to detain suspects beyond 48 hours during interrogation will not allow for diligent investigation.

“For me, I think it is better they are given adequate time to carry out investigations, because prosecution is easier with good investigation,” he said.

Nda, however, advised the anti-corruption agencies to always undertake proper investigations before making arrest, in line with global best practices.

He faulted the trend among anti-corruption agencies, especially the EFCC, where suspects were arrested without proper investigation.

“Our anti corruption agencies are not getting it right in this direction. Proper home work must be done before making arrest.

“We must look at how it is being done in other developed countries, because the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) in the US cannot arrest a suspect without having concrete evidence.

“Our anti-corruption agencies must learn from FBI and others, because once proper home work is done before making arrest, the problem of keeping suspects beyond the stipulated period before charging to court is addressed,” he added.

Mr Olagunju Adetola, a civil servant, said corruption in the country had reached the level of a national emergency.

He called for a collaborative strategy involving the government and the citizens, to face the challenges posed by corruption head-on.

“The public image of the anti-corruption campaign in Nigeria is tarnished domestically and internationally with extremely slow progress on numerous anti-corruption commitments made by the government,” he asserted.

Adetola said government must continue to tighten the noose on persons corruptly enriching themselves within the system, to discourage others from the act.

Mrs Beatrice Samuel, a lawyer, said that government should demonstrate the political will to deal with any corrupt person without fear or favour.

She also canvassed for legislative and judicial support in the fight against the scourge of corruption in Nigeria.

“The belief that once an anti-corruption agency is created everything else will fall into place is patently untrue.

“If there is one lesson to be learnt from the history of anti-corruption activity, it is that there are no individual solutions but a cocktail of measures.

“No silver bullets but a mixture of successes and failures and no quick fixes but a long and hard learning process.

“But we all can come together to achieve this. Nigeria is a country with great potentials. We always take the lead on every tier of positive influence,” she said.

Other respondents like Mr Benjamin Kayode, advised that anti-corruption agencies must have strong evidence before sweeping on suspects.

Kayode, who lives in Abuja, said invasions and arrests based on suspicion was not good for the image of the anti-graft agencies.

For 28-year-old Nnamdi Agu, who claimed that his house was wrongly searched by the EFCC in 2020, the agencies must carry out proper investigation before arrest, to enhance their credibility.

He claimed that his residence was invaded by EFCC operatives in 2020 based on false information while he was at work.

Agu said that the operatives met his wife and informed her that they got information that the house was being used to harbor internet fraudsters, which they found to be erroneous.

According to him, the invasion aroused suspicion towards him from neighbours and he had to relocate to another environment.

A banker, Mrs Eunice Eweka, advised the anti-corruption agencies to make adequate background checks before confronting suspects, to prevent embarrassing confrontations that may stall credible operations.

NAN reports that the EFCC secured 2220 convictions in 2021, the highest since it was established, while the ICPC had recovered and restrained cash and assets totaling N166.51 billion from corrupt persons in two and half years.

The two agencies have been getting global support to strengthen their operations.

They recently signed agreement with the International Police Organisation to access its database for effective profiling of Politically Exposed Persons, money laundering suspects and tracking Illicit Financial Flows.

Nigerians want stronger, independent EFCC, ICPC to tackle corruption

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VP Shettima Restates FG’s Commitment To Improved Healthcare Delivery

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VP Shettima Restates FG’s Commitment To Improved Healthcare Delivery

By: Our Reporter

Vice President Kashim Shettima has restated the Federal Government’s commitment to improving healthcare delivery in Nigeria, especially in rural areas.

He specifically recognised the critical role of medical professionals in Nigeria’s healthcare ecosystem, assuring of the government’s commitment to supporting and retaining healthcare talent in the country.

Speaking during a visit by a delegation from the West African College of Physicians (WACP), VP Shettima commended healthcare professionals for their dedication to serving the nation, despite challenges.

“Yours is a very noble profession and many of the young ones are opting to leave the country but you did not. It’s not because you have not had options, but you felt a moral obligation to stay at home and serve,” he said.

The Vice President assured the delegation that the government, under the leadership of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, is committed to addressing healthcare challenges.

He highlighted the appointment of Professor Muhammadu Ali Pate as the Coordinating Minister for Health and Social Welfare, noting the Minister’s deep understanding of the health sector.

“We will treat members of our professional bodies with dignity and respect. We will provide the enabling ground for you to work in Nigeria,” VP Shettima promised.

Recalling his efforts to support healthcare education in Borno State, the Vice President said, “In 2014, as governor of Borno State, I took it upon myself to sponsor female citizens of the state to study Medicine and Surgery in Sudan.

“The students have all graduated and licensed by the Medical and Dental Council of Nigeria (MDCN) to practice medicine in Nigeria and are under the employment of the state government.”

He emphasised the government’s moral obligation to assist the people, saying, “We have a moral obligation to assist our people. In the fullness of time, we will have a course to rejoice. We will support you.”

Earlier, the leader of the delegation, Dr. Jeremiah Aboi Madaki, thanked the Vice President for his support of the 48th Annual General and Scientific Conference of the West African College of Physicians.

Madaki expressed optimism about the government’s commitment to improving healthcare systems, even as he shared the communique of the conference with the Vice President.

“We are here to thank you for your encouragement and for advancing discussions on health system revitalization under the President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda,” he said.

Dr. Madaki also assured of the College’s commitment to policy advocacy and its plans to work closely with the government to implement evidence-based policies that improve healthcare outcomes in Nigeria.

Other members of the delegation included Dr. Habibu Galadanci, Dr. Ogugua Osi-Ogbu and Dr. Tahir Umar.

VP Shettima Restates FG’s Commitment To Improved Healthcare Delivery

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A New Era for the Nigerian Army: Setting Agenda/Defining the Priorities for General Oluyede – The Gift, the General, the Legend

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A New Era for the Nigerian Army: Setting Agenda/Defining the Priorities for General Oluyede – The Gift, the General, the Legend

By Zagazola Makama

The recent appointment of Lieutenant General Olufemi Oluyede as the Acting Chief of Army Staff following the passing of Lt Gen Taoreed Abiodun Lagbaja marks a significant milestone in Nigeria’s quest for enhanced national security. With rich resume of command and staff appointments, General Oluyede is well-equipped to tackle the multiple internal/external security to defend the territorial integrity challenges assailing Nigeria.

A consummate infantry officer who has held several respective challenging positions to mention a few, Gen Oluyede’s was the Platoon Commander and adjutant at 65 Battalion, Company Commander at 177 Guards Battalion, Staff Officer Guards Brigade, Commandant Amphibious Training School and many more.

General Oluyede participated in several operations, including the Economic Community of West African States Monitoring Group (ECOMOG) Mission in Liberia, Operation HARMONY IV in Bakassi, and Operation Lafiya Dole and HADIN KAI in the North East theatre of operations, where he commanded 27 Task Force Brigade and Commander Sector 2 of the Nigerian Army at the peak of the Boko Haram insurgency in 2020. His resume speaks for itself, a resolute leadership in a time of need.

As General Officer Commanding 6 Division of the Nigerian Army, Port Harcourt, he explicitly distinguished himself as a gallant commander who gave oil thieves in the Niger Delta region a bloody nose. He was also the Commander of the elite Infantry Corps in Kaduna where stripped an indelible mark with pragmatic transparency. With great leadership skills, he served until this current appointment as the Acting Chief of Army Staff. The mantle is passed to a General of soldiers but a father to all, passionate and dedicated leader.

As he takes charge, General Oluyede has his work cut out for him at a time the country is buffeted by the multiplicity of internal and external challenges ranging from terrorism, insurgency, cross-border banditry, kidnapping, secession agitation, attacks on maritime assets, other forms of violent criminalities and transnational crimes. Being the linchpin in the country’s internal security operations, the Nigerian Army, which he now leads, is currently deploying its troops in 36 out of 36 states of the federation for one significant operation or the other. This sphere could only be a position suited for a decorated General like the new Chief of Army Staff, who no doubt will deliver.

Expectedly, Nigerians are holding their breath in anticipation as they eagerly await the new Army Chief’s plan of action and how he intends to tackle the country’s numerous security challenges. But feelers from close quarters indicate that the gallant infantry General would prefer to maintain the momentum he met ” another wise turn of leadership as others could have made changes too sudden and too gullible to begin. He is said to have decided to continue from where his late predecessor and former course mate stopped as the wise saying goes ‘building a house or bridge has its foundation:. In fact, he has adopted both the administrative and command structure put in place by Gen Lagbaja, including so worthy of emulation to include his mission, vision and command philosophy, at least for now.

This spectacular commitment to continuity and building on existing foundations is lauded by close watchers considering the current momentum steering in the entire battle against terrorism, insurgency and banditry in the country. What this translate to is that Gen Oluyede appreciates the quality of work done by his predecessor and understands the imperative of maintaining the momentum leveraging on team work, shared purpose and collective action which the Nigerian Army is well known for.

Even though his coming into the saddle was never foretold given the unexpected demise of the 23rd Chief of Army Staff, Gen Oluyede, true to type as a gallant General of the Nigerian Army, has since appointment hit the ground running. Just couple days in office, he took a trip to Sokoto State where the terrorist group aka Lakaruwas were reported to have commenced attacks on some communities. To see things himself and assesses the readiness of his troops to confront the new challenge, this spark is the beacon light of motivation, morale and high spirits needed for operatives on internal security operations in the field. During that visit, he charged up the troops to deal decisively with situation and ensure that the terrorist group are totally obliterated. Few days ago in Kaduna where he went to hand over formaly to his successor at the Infantry Corps, the Army Chief disclosed that what is uppermost in his mind were the welfare of personnel and the protection of Nigeria’s national security. Another posture of wisdom and the administration of office.

As General Oluyede begins his tenure, several key areas, in our reckoning, demand attention in order to effectively to tackle Nigeria’s internal security challenges, and this include prioritizing decisive action against the Boko Haram/ISWAP insurgency in the north east and surrenders from the group and the War against Banditry in the North West. Even though the efforts in those theatre’s of operation is up and running effectively so, it is expected that he will add more fillip to the operational effectiveness of the troops.

One key area that the new Chief was already paying close attention is interagency collaboration, synergy and liaison: Fostering seamless collaboration with sister services and other security agencies is crucial to tackling Nigeria’s complex security landscape. During his recent visit at the Nigerian Army School of Finance and Administration(NASFA), Apapa, Lagos, he charged Regimental Seargent Majors (RSM)of the Nigerian Army, Navy, Air Force and the Nigeria Police to curb inter agency rivalry and be exemplary in carrying out their statutory duties as custodians of discipline,regimentation, as well as customs and traditions of their various services.

It is good that the General has already identified welfare of his troops as one of his top priorities, we expect him to also up-build the capacity of the troops through adequate training and provision of needed equipment and combat enablers that will make the job easy for the gallant soldiers. There is no doubt that enhanced personnel welfare and capacity building will enhance morale and operational effectiveness of the troops.

Gen Oluyede should also embrace innovative strategies to address emerging security threats. This is important because there is the need for him to think outside the box and come up with ingenious ideas considering that the traditional methods may not have been effective enough to address the complex emerging security challenges that Nigeria is confronted with. He will need to adopt multi-dimensional approach community engagement – building trust with local communities to gather intelligence and prevent violent groups from taking foothold. Again, he is in a challenging spot with the activities of extremist and junta authorities in the SAHEL where the right approach or measures to intensely secure and defend Nigeria’s integrity is paramount.

By focusing on these key areas and embracing the principles of continuity, innovation, and accountability, General Oluyede will no doubt primed to lead the Nigerian Army to greater heights and ensure a safer, more secure Nigeria for all. We at Zagazola Media Network wish him a successful tour of duty.

Zagazola Makama is a counter insurgency expert and security analyst in the Lake Chad Region.

A New Era for the Nigerian Army: Setting Agenda/Defining the Priorities for General Oluyede – The Gift, the General, the Legend

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VP Shettima Launches Innovation Drive For Indigenous Healthcare Solutions

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VP Shettima Launches Innovation Drive For Indigenous Healthcare Solutions

*** Says Grand Challenges Nigeria an avenue to promote groundbreaking research, local expertise

By: Our Reporter

Vice President Kashim Shettima has launched ‘Grand Challenges Nigeria’ (GCNg), a national innovation programme aimed at revolutionising Nigeria’s healthcare landscape through locally-developed solutions.

The initiative, which is part of the global Grand Challenges network, will focus on maternal and child health challenges in the first phase.

Speaking on Monday when he launched the GCNg at the Presidential Villa, Abuja, Vice President Shettima told the audience that the initiative became necessary following an urgency occasioned by the rapid pace at which the world “is evolving in the realms of science and technology.”

He stressed the importance of contextualizing solutions to national challenges, citing this as “a cardinal message” of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration, just as he said the initiative will promote groundbreaking research and build local expertise, among others.

“This initiative is more than a response to problems; it is an avenue to promote groundbreaking research, build local expertise, form strategic partnerships, and engage communities in co-creating culturally relevant solutions,” VP Shettima said.

He explained that the programme will integrate with existing government healthcare initiatives, including the Nigeria Health Sector Renewal Investment Initiative (NHSRII) and the Nutrition 774 programme.

“What Grand Challenges Nigeria promises is transformative: a Nigeria where every child has access to proper nutrition, where every family can rely on the quality of our healthcare system, and where our public health metrics continue to improve year after year,” the VP noted.

The Vice President also announced an immediate call for proposals on “Advancing Innovative Solutions for Maternal, Newborn, and Child Health, while explaining that the initiative will address various challenges, from infectious diseases to food security and climate resilience.

“Our gateway to innovation is rooted in recognising our place within the global community,” he stated, adding that “we must believe that our progress is intertwined with the progress of the rest of the world.”

VP Shettima emphasised that the Tinubu administration is “steadfast in its resolve to provide the support needed to turn our aspirations into lifelines for our people.”

The Vice President expressed anticipation for witnessing the ingenuity of Nigeria’s best minds, “whose innovations will receive the funding and support they deserve through this initiative.”

In his keynote remarks, Minister of Innovation, Science and Technology, Chief Uche Nnaji, said the Grand Challenges Nigeria is aimed at developing local solutions to critical issues confronting Nigerians.

The Minister noted that the model aligns with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s 8-point agenda using innovation to drive prosperity and growth, and in the process, empowering researchers and innovators.

Chief Nnaji said the ministry remains committed to fostering growth, using innovation, even as he assured that the Grand Challenges Nigeria will prioritise key goals investment in education and environmentally sustainable projects, among others.

On his part, Chairman of the House of Representatives Committee on Nutrition and Food Security, Hon. Chike Okafor, commended the commitment of the Vice President and the dedication of the Federal Government to the launch of the initiative, noting that the programme would go a long way in complementing existing efforts in addressing food insecurity and malnutrition in Nigeria.

He pledged the support of the House of Representatives for the Grand Challenges Nigeria framework, especially as it impacts food security and nutrition across the country, noting that he was looking forward to a rewarding collaboration with stakeholders to deliver on its vision.

In his remarks, Chairman of the Board of Trustees, Nutrition Society of Nigeria, His Highness, Muhammad Sanusi II, said the responsibility of addressing the issues of malnutrition and food insecurity requires focused efforts and collective actions, which, according to him, the Grand Challenges Nigeria initiative is designed to contain.

He expressed hope that by adopting the framework of the Grand Challenges Nigeria, Nigerians would be at the forefront of finding solutions to problems in the country, thanking the Federal Government for believing in the efficacy of the initiative.

The chairman commended the leadership of the Vice President as chairman of the Nutrition Council of Nigeria and a key promoter of advancing nutrition and related agenda across the country.

In the same vein, the President of the Nutrition Society of Nigeria, Prof. Salisu Abubakar, commended the leadership demonstrated by the Vice President in the launch of the initiative, noting that it would help address health challenges by leveraging locally resourced and researched solutions/approaches.

He pledged the support of the society in ensuring that solutions adopted through the programme are inclusive and adaptable to Nigerians, especially in improving their health and wellbeing.

On her part, the Special Assistant to the President on Public Health, Uju Rochas-Anwulah, said the launch of the Grand Challenges Nigeria reflects the commitment of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration to reforming the economy and ensuring food security by leveraging solutions that are homegrown and rooted in the values of communities across the country.

She noted that resources and the framework for solving local problems would be harnessed from the grassroots, adopting an inclusive approach where the expertise and experience of stakeholders at all levels would be taken into cognizance.

VP Shettima Launches Innovation Drive For Indigenous Healthcare Solutions

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