National News
We can make the Commonwealth a real global power – Buhari
We can make the Commonwealth a real global power – Buhari
WE CAN MAKE THE COMMONWEALTH A REAL GLOBAL POWER
Why should our 54 countries not lend weight to each other in international bodies, compounding our influence as the EU does?
Muhammadu Buhari
What becomes of the Commonwealth should one of its 15 members that are not a republic join those 39 others which are? With Jamaica considering such a move, this question is being asked. But it is misplaced: the modern Commonwealth was constituted in 1949 specifically to accommodate a republic – newly independent India – precisely after such constitutional change.
Still, it is right to debate the Commonwealth’s future. Though perfectly sustainable in its current form, it would be a disservice to its members should current levels of co-operation be the limit of our aspirations.
For a start, we should strive to reduce trade barriers, given the unity nearly all of us hold through the English language, jurisprudence and education systems. We might explore grouping more readily together at intergovernmental forums such as the United Nations to deliver outcomes for one member individually or all collectively. We should work closer on defence interoperability and mutual support in the fight against global terrorism – now centred on Africa, and which threatens new waves of refugees into the West.
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Some will point to factors such as Commonwealth countries’ membership in regional trade blocs, UN ballots with members voting in opposite ways and a lack of military compatibility as proof that closer cooperation cannot be achieved. It is possible to prove these people wrong – but only if we attempt to do so.
The forthcoming Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM) this June should be a moment when the potential for our club is reimagined. This bi-annual senior decision-making body is being hosted by Rwanda: a republic no less, and prescient, when the largest contingent of Commonwealth countries is African.
Not far from the official agenda will be the question of how Brexit will continue to affect us all.
Already the U.K. Global Tariff (UKGT) has reduced, removed or simplified tax on thousands of imported goods, which is an important step in reconfiguring Commonwealth trade. When the club’s largest economy was unable to practice the free trade it long preached, others had little incentive to lower barriers. Association within their own trade blocs is not prohibitive. There is still much more that members can do inside their respective frameworks.
A number of the Commonwealth’s African members have now signed product-based trade agreements with the UK. But a potential deal with the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), set to become the world’s largest free trade area, heralds the greatest opportunity.
The UK signed the world’s first memorandum of understanding with the nascent bloc last year, with a future deal securing free trade simultaneously with nineteen African Commonwealth members, collectively representing the majority of Africa’s GDP. It would likely presage further agreements between AfCFTA and other members, further opening intra-Commonwealth trade.
With trade could come greater defence cooperation. African Commonwealth members are active in many theatres across the continent, whether battling ISIS-affiliated militants across the Sahel region in the West, the Horn of Africa in the East, or Mozambique in the South. Arms and defensive equipment are part of the solution.
There is no reason why one of the world’s foremost military manufacturers should not sell more widely to our association when it is a group of allies. When Britain does not, they must look elsewhere. Today we have a mosaic of incompatible systems. But particularly in Africa, where members find themselves on the same missions, interoperability would make a material impact on the ground.
And in diplomacy, when trade and defence ties are drawn closer, so too do geopolitical interests. The EU’s 27 members tend to have each other’s backs in, for instance, UN votes. Why should the 54 Commonwealth partners not similarly organise, lending weight to each other in such bodies and wielding more influence?
At CHOGM, these new opportunities can be grasped. What holds us back is only the limit of our ambition. For those who say this cannot be done, I say we will never know until we try.
Muhammadu Buhari is President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria
FG Urged to Take Over Gen Alkali’s Murder Case from Plateau Government
By Sabiu Abdullahi
Major-General U.I. Mohammed (retd), who led the operation to recover the remains of Major-General Idris Alkali, has called on the Federal Government to take over the case of the late general’s murder from the Plateau State Government.
Over six years after the discovery of Gen Alkali’s body in an abandoned well in Guchwet village, Jos South LGA, no one has been prosecuted.
Gen Mohammed, speaking in an interview, stated the need for justice and shared details of the investigation that led to the recovery of Gen Alkali’s body.
He noted that the Nigerian Army tasked him with leading the search and rescue mission in September 2018 after Gen Alkali went missing en route from Abuja to Bauchi.
“We had credible information that a vehicle was pushed into one of the ponds in the area. Following Gen Buratai’s directive, the 3 Division was ordered to conduct a search and rescue operation,” he said.
During the operation, the team relied on technology, including phone tracking provided by MTN, and human intelligence to locate Gen Alkali’s car and uncover details of his murder.
Gen Mohammed described how divers and specialized equipment were used to drain the pond where Gen Alkali’s car was found. The operation also uncovered other vehicles and led to arrests.
The investigation revealed that Gen Alkali was ambushed, forced out of his car, and killed despite offering money to spare his life.
He was later buried in “No Man’s Land,” and his remains were exhumed and moved to Abuja for burial.
Despite these efforts, Gen Mohammed expressed frustration with the lack of progress in prosecuting the case.
“Since the case started in 2018, they have kept on shifting it. I was allowed to testify only once,” he said.
He also noted recurring challenges, such as community resistance during the operation, including protests by women who attempted to obstruct the evacuation of the pond.
He urged the Plateau State Government to legislate against practices like placing large stones on roads to ambush travelers, which he described as a common tactic in the area.
FG Urged to Take Over Gen Alkali’s Murder Case from Plateau Government
Military
FORMER CDS, GENERAL IRABOR CHARGES NIGERIAN ARMY TO UPHOLD DEMOCRATIC VALUES AND NATIONAL SECURITY
FORMER CDS, GENERAL IRABOR CHARGES NIGERIAN ARMY TO UPHOLD DEMOCRATIC VALUES AND NATIONAL SECURITY
By: Our Reporter
The former Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), General Lucky Irabor (Retired), has called on personnel of the Nigerian Army (NA) to remain steadfast in upholding their constitutional responsibilities and democratic values while synergizing with other security agencies to address the nation’s security challenges. He made this appeal on Saturday, 18 January 2025, during the Army Headquarters Departments and Commands West African Social Activities (WASA) 2024 held at the Army Headquarters Garrison, Mogadishu Cantonment, Abuja.
General Irabor who was the Special Guest of Honour (SGoH), commended the sacrifices and dedication of personnel, encouraging them to remain vigilant and focused on their duties. He highlighted the richness and cultural diversity of Nigerian soldiers which he described as source of strength for effectiveness.
General Irabor averred that NA has a long history of heritage and achievements with documented victories in both World Wars, peacekeeping operations, and internal security operations across the country. General Irabor noted that the Army has made significant contributions to national growth and development, beyond their traditional defence and security duties through the dedication and sacrifices of military personnel, some of whom have paid the supreme price through service to the nation.
He urged the Army to continue synergizing with other security agencies, respect rules of law, and subordinate to civil authority. The former CDS commemorate with the officers and soldiers of the Army and urged them to remain focus as the nation looks upto the NA to keep upholding democratic values.
In his remarks, the Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lieutenant General Olufemi Oluyede emphasized the significance of WASA as a platform to celebrate national heritage and promote unity, camaraderie and esprit de corps among personnel and their families. The COAS stated further that the event also avails the command the opportunity to thank God and appreciate personnel for their individual and collective contributions peace and security of the citizens.
The COAS posited that WASA showcases the Nigerian Army’s diverse ethnic heritage, rich cultural traditions, extensive geographical representation, and huge expectations of Nigerians in NA’s commitment to addressing security challenges.
The Army Chief appreciated the continued support and cooperation of other security and sister agencies in the execution of various operations, assuring that the NA will continue to foster stronger partnerships to enhance collective capacity to address the nation’s security challenges.
The Army Chief further expressed gratitude to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for his unwavering support and strategic guidance to the Nigerian Army.
Earlier in his welcome address, Commander, Army Headquarters Garrison, Major General Koko Isoni recalled the tradition of WASA dated back to the era of the second World War, during which Officers, soldiers and their families come together to socialize in a relaxed mood to mark the end of the year’s activities.
He affirmed that the event also serves as a vehicle to enhance espirit de corps and the spirit of brotherliness within the NA.
The WASA is an annual event that brings together military personnel and their families to promote unity, camaraderie, and esprit de corps.
This year’s event was marked by various activities including Tug of War, Female Soldiers Bike Display, Band display, presentation of awards, Mega Suya/Nigerian Tradition Cuisine Competition, cultural performances showcasing Nigeria cultural diversity and lightening of burn fire by the SGoH.
FORMER CDS, GENERAL IRABOR CHARGES NIGERIAN ARMY TO UPHOLD DEMOCRATIC VALUES AND NATIONAL SECURITY
National News
Nigeria and Egypt elevate relationship to Comprehensive partnership…Waives Visa for Diplomats
Nigeria and Egypt elevate relationship to Comprehensive partnership
…Waives Visa for Diplomats
By: Michael Mike
Nigeria and Egypt have agreed to elevate their relationship to a “Comprehensive Partnership,” and placing emphasis on mutual respect for each nation’s unity, sovereignty, and territorial integrity.
This was the agreement reached between Nigeria’s Minister of Foreign Minister, Ambassador Yusuf Tuggar and his Egyptian counterpart, Badr Abdelatty, during the visit of the former to Cairo, Egypt, to participate in the third round of political consultations with the Egyptian government.
In the Nigeria’s delegation are also the Minister of Water Resources, Prof. Joseph Utsev and the Minister of Agriculture and Food Security, Senator Abubakar Kyari.
Both countries have also committed to intensify coordination on regional and international issues, aiming to strengthen the African Union’s role in addressing continental challenges and promoting integration. They also pledged to work together to advance democracy, good governance, and the objectives of Agenda 2063.
Egypt and Nigeria, while recognizing the shared threat of terrorism and extremism, agreed to enhance security cooperation by sharing experiences in implementing comprehensive counter-terrorism strategies.
They also expressed a commitment to supporting conflict resolution in Africa through peacebuilding and sustainable development initiatives.
The ministers acknowledged the potential for increased bilateral economic engagement and agreed to encourage both governmental and private sector participation in areas such as agriculture, energy, telecommunications, and infrastructure.
They also discussed plans to establish a Nigeria-Egypt Chamber of Commerce by the end of 2025, with a formal launch anticipated during the fourth round of ministerial-level consultations in Abuja in 2026.
The two foreign affairs ministers also
commended recent agreements on visa exemptions for diplomatic passport holders and the adjustment of visa fees for citizens of both countries, reflecting a mutual commitment to facilitating easier movement and stronger people-to-people connections.
The next session of the Joint Committee at the ministerial level is scheduled for the last quarter of 2025, underscoring the ongoing commitment to deepening bilateral relations.
Nigeria and Egypt elevate relationship to Comprehensive partnership
…Waives Visa for Diplomats
FG Urged to Take Over Gen Alkali’s Murder Case from Plateau Government
FORMER CDS, GENERAL IRABOR CHARGES NIGERIAN ARMY TO UPHOLD DEMOCRATIC VALUES AND NATIONAL SECURITY
NDLEA arrests India-bound nursing student over attempt to ingest 76 wraps of cocaine
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