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Insurgency: Why Nigerians should support service chiefs – CSOs

Insurgency
By Emmanuel Afonne
Abuja, Feb. 7, 2020 (NAN) Some Civil Society Groups (CSGs) under the auspices of Civil Society Organisations for Peace, Security and National Development have called on Nigerians to support the country’s military as it intensifies the war on insurgents and terrorist.

The CSGs made the call in Abuja on Friday at a solidarity rally to declare support for the service chiefs amidst calls for their sack following prolonged war on insurgency.

Speaking to journalists during the rally, conveners of the group Mr Mike Msuaan and Mr Adamu Matazu, called for deep reflection about security situation in the country.

Msuaan said the dexterity deployed by the military particularly the Nigeria Army in curbing insecurity in the northeast and other parts of the country had no doubt yielded results in the fight against insurgency.

He argued that those calling for the head of the service chiefs might have based their position on career progression while ignoring the gains that have been made within the last four years.

“A lot has been achieved by this crop of services chiefs not just in taming insurgents but restructuring the military architecture for enhanced performance; today our military is highly placed in the world.

“More than ever before, the Nigeria military has prioritised training and retraining of its officers and men in modern war fare.

“Welfare of personnel has equally been given a boost as well as procurement of equipment just to mention a few.

“For those who have followed closely the trend in the fight against insurgency, we can categorically say that the military has performed beyond average.

“This is why we find it expedient to commend the military particularly the army and urge all patriotic citizens to rally round the military for the overall good of the nation.

“Agreed that the service chiefs have outlived their tenure, yet we must not be lost in the fact that in war times, retired personnel could be recalled; this is where reason has to prevail over premordial sentiments,” Msuaan said.

Matazu, on his part said Nigerians have gone through a lot and as such cannot be talking about career progression of individuals, but the survival of the nation.

He urged those calling for sack of military chiefs to do a review of the achievements recorded in securing the nation and rescind such calls.

“Today, incidences of bombs detonating in our worship places, markets and other strategic places are almost completely eliminated. The least expected of patriotic citizens at the moment is to show solidarity with the military.

“We were all witnesses to the reaction that greeted the pronouncement by the Federal Government of plans to withdraw the military from the northeast.

“The whole nation was unanimous of the need for the military to stay longer in the troubled region. This is a testimony that significant result has been recorded in the fight against insurgency.

“We call on the army to intensify this onslaught on criminals across the country and the troops must sustain their gallantry within the rules of engagement; never to allow criminals frustrate the success recorded so far.

“We therefore appeal to Nigerians not to dampen the morale of the Nigerian military especially when criminals attack; we must show solidarity with the Army believing that they are out to protect our communities,” Matazu said.

He urged Nigerians to collaborate with the Nigerian Army and other security agencies to volunteer information on the hideouts and whereabouts of these criminals as security was the concern of everyone. (NAN)
EMAF/ISMA
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Edited by Ismail Abdulaziz

General news

CSOs task NASS on improved funding for Surveyor General’s office

Coalition
By Emmanuel Afonne
Abuja, May 31, 2019 (NAN) The Coalition of Civil Society Organisations for Peace and Good Governance says the Office of the Surveyor General of the Federation (OSGOF) needs funding to effectively resolve boundary disputes in the country.

Mr Jonathan Ogwuche, the Convener of the coalition, therefore, appealed to the 9th National Assembly to give the needed attention to OSGOF to enable it resolve boundary disputes, at a news conference in Abuja on Friday.

He noted that the appeal became necessary in view of series intra/interstate boundary disputes as well as rampant spate of building collapse and other associated losses.

Ogwuche commended President Muhammadu Buhari for the attention given to OSGOF during his first tenure that gave rise to the significant milestones achieved within the last four years.

He however urged the incoming members of the National Assembly to pay attention to the OSGOF.

“Recall that Nigeria was riddled with interstate and several communities boundary disputes on one hand, while on the other matters of housing and citing of infrastructure where only shabbily attended to.

“This came with its attendant challenges including a rampant spate of building collapse and other associated losses.

“We were therefore delighted when this government decided to give proper attention to the Office of the Surveyor General of the Federation with the necessary support as fillip for success.

“Today, the surveying and mapping systems deployed by the Office of the Surveyor General are miles ahead of what hitherto obtained.”

The CSOs applauded the Surveyor General, Dr Ebisintei Awudu for his foresight and ingenuity in reengineering the wheels of the office that had brought it back from oblivion and urged him to remain resolute in the service to the nation.

The group particularly highlighted some of the achievements of the Surveyor General to include expansion of the office from six to 12 technical departments with the approval of the Head of Civil Service of the Federation.

Ogwuche said that at present, the office had Survey and Mapping Units in eight ministries where it pooled eight Resident Surveyors.

“The Surveyor General has ensured that the Schemes of Service for Surveyors, Survey Technologists, Survey Technicians and Craftsman cadres have been revised to conform to international best practices of Surveying and Mapping profession,” Ogwuche said. (NAN)
EMAF/GY
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Edited by Grace Yussuf

 

 

General news

CSOs drum more action for IDPs in N/East

CSOs drum more action for IDPs in N/East
By Yakubu Uba
IDPs
Yola, March 20, 2019 (NAN) Civil Society Organisations (CSOs) operating in the North East have called for more action by government and stakeholders in addressing the plight of Internally Displaced Person (IDPs) and their host communities in the sub-region.
The CSOs made the appeal on Wednesday in Yola after a two-day conference on IDPs facilitated by the Norwegian Refugee Council and UK Department for International Development (DfID).
The position of the CSOs from Adamawa, Borno and Yobe States was read by Mr Abdul-Aziz Mala, who urged for the domestication of Kampala Convention signed by Heads of States and Governments of member states of African Union as a major step in addressing the challenges faced by IDPs.
They also called on government to respect all relevant sections of the constitution and laws such as Child Right Act in fulfilling the rights of IDPs.
“We also call on all actors to raise awareness and educate IDPs on their rights and how to stand up for these rights. This education must start from the grassroots.”
The CSOs further called for restoration of social services and authorities in all recovered local government areas, pointing out that in some of those local government areas services were being rendered only by some international and national organisations.
While noting that there was lack of civil law to settle disputes in some local government areas, the CSOs urged government to increase the presence of the police, civil defence, courts and legal aid services in the LGAs across the affected states.
“FIDA, NBA, National Human Rights Commission should be strengthened.
“NAPTIP and institutions protecting against sexual assault and referral centres must be strengthened.
“Massive awareness campaign to make the general public and IDPs alike became aware of such institutions and relevant laws by all stakeholders should be carried out.”
They also urged for improved civilian, military coordination and increased time to time engagement between military, traditional and religious leaders.
Besides, they made case on local integration through increased focus on access to services and livelihood for both IDPs and host communities. (NAN)
YMU/MST
Edited by Muhammad Suleiman Tola

Health

Coalition tasks CSOs, journalists to hold govt accountable on MNCH

Coalition tasks CSOs, journalists to hold govt accountable on MNCH
By Mohammed Ahmed Kaigama
Accountability
Bauchi, Feb. 6, 2019 (NAN) Bauchi State Accountability Mechanism on Maternal Child Health Care (BaSAM), a Coalition, has urged Civil Society Organisations (CSOs) and journalists to hold government accountable on Maternal Newborn Child Health (MNCH) in the state.
Mr John Abu, the Secretary of the coalition, made the called at the BaSAM Biannual meeting in Bauchi on Wednesday.
According to him, any health sector reform must be complemented by a roll-out strategy, including robust support to the health systems and to their capacity building.
“Development partners must align and coordinate their strategies with government to stabilise the MNCH programme in the state.
“The quality and range of Maternal, Newborn and Child Health (MNCH) services in the state are dependent not only on the allocations for health in the budget but also on the contributions from development partners.
“Therefore, it is imperative to enhance the donor contributions for strengthening of healthcare services in rural and urban populations in the state.
“There is evidence that similar levels of health investment by donors can lead to better health outcomes in the state,” he said.
He therefore said the CSOs and journalists should have more coordination with the different tiers of government and the donors that could streamline MNCH partnership in post-reform times.
“The importance of CSOs and the journalists as watch dogs of the society cannot be over emphasised considering the strategic role they play in bringing the attention of government to emerging challenges in the health sector,” Abu said.
He enjoined journalists to embrace the new technologies and platforms, think about multiple audiences, work hard to create context for their audiences, smartly balance their time on story choices and audience interactions, spend considerable time building relationships with sources, readers and build connections and teamwork.
“CSOs, journalists you are also charged on the need to promote social accountability in the provision of Maternal Newborn and Child healthcare because you have the much-needed power to ensure citizens are well taken care of,” he said.
Abu revealed that more funding, targeting Maternal and Newborn Child Health is coming into the state.
“We know the areas in MNCH that needs attention and we should be able to advise government on those areas with a view to enhancing MNCH in Bauchi state and the country at large,” he stressed.
He also disclosed that the Global Financing Facility (GFF), that is basket fund coming from both the Federal and State Governments and donor partners, has already been earmarked for Bauchi state to target the all encompassing approach to Reproductive, Maternal, New Born, Child and Adolescent plus Nutrition (RMNCAH+N).
“It is a huge investment for the state in the health sector. The funds utilisation by the government needs to be closely monitored to ensure proper and judicious use,” he said.
The News Agency of Nigeria Reports that BaSAM is coalition of CSOs, journalists and relevant government officials championing the course of MNCHC supported by Evidence for Action E4A in Bauchi state. (NAN)
MAK/MST
Edited by Muhammad Suleiman Tola

Health

CSOs, Media tasks Bauchi Govt. on special package for PHCs

CSOs, Media tasks Bauchi Govt. on special package for PHCs
By Mohammed Ahmed Kaigama
Package
Bauchi, Oct. 3, 2018 (NAN) The Coalition of Civil Society Organisations under the aegis of Bauchi State Network of Civil Society Organisations (BASNEC) has called the State Government to implement the Minimum Service Package (MSP) for Primary Healthcare Centres (PHCs) in the state.
Mr Sukumun Ezekiel, the Lead Resource Person of the coalition, made the appeal at a stakeholders meeting on the need to call for the enactment of special package in to law, increase funding and timely releases for PHC funds on Wednesday in Bauchi.
Ezekiel reaffirmed the commitment of CSOs in supporting states in the development of the MSP that would facilitate the revitalisation and effective delivery of PHC services in the state.
According to him, the European Union (EU) and UNICEF is supporting in the preparation of the package document for the state.
“That is why we are appealing to the state Governor to sign in to law and implement the said MSP documents for the state PHCs to be effective,” he said.
He enjoined the state governments to prioritise and continue to allocate more resources towards revitalisation of PHC services which is key towards achieving Universal Healthcare Coverage (UHC).
“Health is an essential input to poverty reduction and socio-economic development. However, in principle all people are legally entitled to and should be guaranteed access to at least the minimum set of services, health professionals and resources.
“Furthermore, this entitlement must be protected and enforced by legal and regulatory measures, so that no one is prevented from seeking this minimum package of care,” he said.
He also urged governments to be committed to the provision of effective, affordable and sustainable health services to the entire population through an essential package of care.
Earlier, Mr Jinjiri Garba, the Chairman of the group, noted that efforts to strengthen PHC service delivery should be sustained towards reduction of maternal and under-five mortality rate in the state.
He appealed to the state government and other stakeholders to put in their best to towards signing the working document in to law.
Garba also charged partners to support government to assess, cost and plan the implementation of MSP to support PHC delivery.
He suggested that the PHC minimum standard should be in the areas of health infrastructure, human capacity, financial resources and provision of essential drugs.
Garba also recommended that the special package would strengthen the PHC system, staffing, equipment, service delivery, improve access and quality of services at the local government level. (NAN)
MAK/MST
Edited by Muhammad Suleiman Tola

Politics

CSOs laud peaceful conduct of Osun election

CSOs laud peaceful conduct of Osun guber poll
By Cecilia Ijuo
Election
Abuja, Sept. 22, 2018 (NAN) The Network of Civil Society Organisations of Nigeria (NCSON) has commended the electorate for conducting themselves peacefully in the ongoing governorship election in Osun State.
The National Coordinator of the group, Mr Kalu Victor, made the commendation in a telephone interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Abuja on Saturday.
He said apart from minor conflicts recorded at some polling booths which were immediately brought under control, the election had so far been peaceful.
“We are waiting for the last minute of voting. So far, it has been peaceful, although we recorded some skirmishes in a few areas like in Ward 9, Polling Unit 3 and Polling Unit 4 in Ile Ife but normalcy was later returned,’’ he said.
The coordinator also commended the presence of security agents and the Independent National Electoral Commission for equally conducting themselves well, giving the electorate the confidence to turn out en mass to vote.
He said: “We must also give it to security agencies.
“Based on observations and recommendations from various stakeholders, especially observer groups that monitored previous elections, they have to a large extent improved in their conduct.
“If they continue to reduce any form of overzealousness then we will not have fears for subsequent elections.
“INEC has also improved on some of the flaws witnessed in Ekiti State election and other previous elections.’’
On vote buying, Victor said the level of vote buying recorded in Ekiti state was not witnessed in Osun state.
He said though vote buying was not evident at the polling units, they observed people handing gift items to electorate few kilometers away from polling units.
He commended INEC for taking up the campaign against vote buying as observed by stakeholders, adding that the campaign is having positive effect.
However, he called on the electorate and other stakeholders to continue to conduct themselves peacefully during collation and announcement of results. (NAN)
CJM/MST
Edited by Muhammad Suleiman Tola

Health

Child Labour: CSOs want budgetary provision for less privileged children

Child Labour: CSOs want budgetary provision for less privileged children
By Mustapha Sumaila
Labour
Abuja, June 13, 2018 (NAN) The Network of Civil Society Organisations against Child Trafficking, Abuse and Labour (NACTAL) on Wednesday urged governments at all levels to ensure adequate budgetary allocation and funding releases for less privileged children.
The National President of the coalition, Mr Adaramola Emmanuel, made the appeal in a statement to commemorate the 2018 World Day against Child Labour.
The International Labour Organisation (ILO) in 2002 set aside the June 12 as the World Day against Child Labour to focus attention on the global extent of child labour, and the action and efforts needed to eliminate it.
Emmanuel said that poverty was the main cause of children being out of school, adding that improved government allocation will help cater for indigent children.
He said that people of reproductive age should also restrict child bearing to the exact number of children they could comfortably cater for.
“Today, Nigeria has about 16 million of her children working with about six million of them totally out of school.
“A common sight in cities and big towns in Nigeria today are children hawking during school hours. Is it that the leadership of our dear nation is unaware of this?
“The latest trend which is on the increase are children walking and working on our streets picking scrap metals, plastics, cardboards and other recyclable materials, yet we pretend that all is normal,’’ the NACTAL president said.
He called on all stakeholders to take quick, decisive and positive action at eradicating child labour in the country.
Emmanuel urged state governments to enforce and implement the Child Rights Act, and called on states that were yet to pass the law to expedite action on it to preserve the future generation.
“I urge governments not to play lip service with education but rather to make basic education affordable or totally free for all children.
“There is need to set up a task force that will remove children from streets and put them in schools, just like what happened in the United States in the mid-1990s.
“There is urgent need for labour officers to commence close monitoring of construction sites, factories and cottage industries with sanctions for anyone engaging children as workers,’’ the child advocate said.
According to him, NACTAL has been on the forefront of eradication of child labour in Nigeria, and conducted different activities including rescue and rehabilitation of child labour and abuse victims.
Emmanuel added that the coalition also engaged in awareness creation, training of actors and psychosocial support for both victims and care givers.
“This, we shall continue to do through our over 100 member organisations spread across the Nigeria,’’ he assured.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that NACTAL is the coalition of NGOs working in the thematic areas of human trafficking, abuse and labour in Nigeria. (NAN)
MS/COF/MST
Edited by Oluyinka Fadare/Muhammad Suleiman Tola

Health

Centre warns against unregistered CSOs

Centre warns against unregistered CSOs
By Olasunkanmi Onifade
CSOs
Abuja, June 11, 2018 (NAN The Executive Director, Citizen Communication and Advocacy Centre , Mr Charles Ibiang, has called on Nigerians to be wary of unregistered civil society groups claiming to be promoters of democracy.
Ibiang cautioned during a media briefing on Monday in Abuja that the unregistered groups could be sponsored and used as agents of destruction.
He said they are usually used to orchestrate falsehood, lies, and propaganda against a state or society, saying that Nigerians should not listen to them or their falsehood.
“Recently, as you are aware, the peaceful town of Offa in Kwara State was greeted by group of dare devil robbers for a bank robbery and carnage, leaving behind its trail unfortunate deaths of Offa citizens and officers of the Nigerian Police.
“The centre condemns in the strongest terms this unfortunate incident by these sons of the devil; it is ungodly, satanic and sheer wickedness.
“We extend our heartfelt condolences and commiserate with the families who lost their loved ones, the people of Offa and Kwara State,’’ he said.
Ibiang however called on security agencies and judiciary to ensure that the culprits were severely punished or prosecuted according to the laws.
He commended the police for the speedy arrest of the culprits, adding that rapid response be extended to other cases pervasive in the country.
“We are concern that the integrity of Nigerian Senate President and entire institution of the National Assembly would be tarnished and reduced to rubbles on unsubstantiated allegation of sponsoring or aiding robbers and murderers.
“The centre considered this very mundane, petty and the lowest we could degenerate as people capable of portraying us badly before the international community.
“We condemn this recent pastime of the police in fighting serious crime in our country troubling, where security operatives will attempt to frame up highly place public officers using hardened criminals,’’ he said.
Ibiang said such criminals should be given sanction by the appropriate or regulating institutions.
He said the centre warns that linking the President of the Senate to the Offa Bank robbery by the police portend a great danger to our democracy and threat to foreign investors confidence in doing business in Nigeria and with Nigerians.
“No foreign investor will want his money to be kept in a country where some of her highest ranking public servants aid bank robbery.
“This is too much to bear for our country considering also our battered image abroad.
“Citizens must insist that fairness; justice must be seen to be done not vendetta or vengeance.’’
Ibiang advised the Inspector General of Police to be professional and unbiased in handling the issues in Offa bank robbery.
He appealed to President Muhammadu Buhari not to remain aloof or being seen protecting anybody but wade into the issue because it is capable of derailing the country’s democracy. (NAN)
OEO/MST
Edited by Muhammad Suleiman Tola

Health

President Buhari urges CSOs, others to stem violence against children

President Buhari urges CSOs, others to stem violence against children
By Awayi Kuje
Violence
Lafia, May 28, 2017 (NAN) President Muhammadu Buhari has called on Civil Society Organisation (CSOs) and parents to stem the unacceptable rising cases of violence against children.
Buhari made the call on Monday in Lafia at an event to mark this year’s Children Day celebration themed “Creating Safe Spaces for Children: Our Collective Responsibility”.
Represented by the Deputy Governor of Nasarawa State, Mr Silas Agara, the president also urged families, human rights activists and the society at large to take urgent and decisive actions against child abuse.

While saying that his administration has made giant strides in the protection of the rights of the Nigerian child, Buhari said through such efforts Nigeria has been declared a path finding country on ending violence against children.
“I believe this is a collective achievement and I urge us to continue to build on the present momentum to achieve the targets of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
“In our efforts to protect our children from abuses, exploitation and trafficking as well as provide safe, non-violent inclusive and effective learning environment in our schools,
“this administration has directed the management of all Federal Government Colleges and advised all state owned schools across the country to provide adequate measures of safety and security of their students.
“I again call on all schools management committees at all levels of public and private institutions to take adequate security measures and put in place mechanism for safety of children.
“May I therefore call on the families, security agencies, traditional rulers, religious leaders, Civil Society Organisations (CSOs), human rights activists and the society at large to rise up and take urgent and decisive actions to stem the unacceptable rising cases of violence against our children,” he said.
The president also appealed to parents not to relent in their efforts to send their wards to school, especially girl child, in reducing infant and maternal mortality, and prevent early and child marriages.
Buhari congratulated Nigerian children as they celebrate their day.
Earlier, the state Commissioner for Women Affairs and Social Development, Mrs Mary Enwongulu, admonished parents to take proactive measures that would protect children against any form of violence.
“The theme for this year’s celebration, which is “Creating Safe Spaces for Children: Our collective Responsibility”, is aimed at awakening in all of us, considerations for the safety and security of children, in homes, schools and other public places.
“Children are social gifts and blessing from God. Let us recommit and rededicate ourselves to ensure their protection and wellbeing in all situations and circumstances.
“It is our role as adults to inculcate the necessary moral values, education, skills and abilities in them and provide conductive environment to enhance their social, emotional and psychological wellbeing to guarantee positive growth and development of our dear country,” she said. (NAN)
AKW/MST
Edited by Muhammad Suleiman Tola

Health

Bauchi Govt task journalists, CSOs on Health Contributory Scheme

Bauchi Govt task journalists, CSOs on Health Contributory Scheme
By Mohammed Ahmed Kaigama
Knowledge
Bauchi, April 18, 2018 (NAN) The Bauchi State Government has urged journalists and Civil Society Organisations (CSOs) to disseminate accurate knowledge to residents on the state Health Contributory Management Agency.
The state Commissioner for Health, Dr Zuwaira Ibrahim, made the call on Wednesday in Bauchi at a two-day training for the journalists and CSOs on the workability of the agency.
“I want the participants to disseminate accurate knowledge on the State Health Scheme to the teeming population as one of the financing mechanism for healthcare in the state.
“It is your responsibility to properly educate the general public on the structure of the scheme and how it works.
“And also sensitise them on the advantages of the health contributory scheme and the benefits.
“So I enjoin you to effectively sensitise the general public about the agency,” she said.
Ibrahim stressed the need for an all inclusive policy as the state was set to establish the healthcare agency.
She said the bill was passed by the House of Assembly and recently assented to by the state governor.
She said the state government has organised series of workshops to keep all stakeholders abreast about the functionality of the agency.
“To deepen the stakeholders of its understanding with a view to educating the larger society about its objectives.
“Traditional, religious rulers and community leaders as well as other voluntary associations were consulted.
“I therefore urge you to actively participate in the workshop to acquire the desired knowledge towards achieving the desired goals,” the commissioner said.
Zuwaira explained that the scheme would improve health financing using a robust mechanism to help achieve Universal Health Coverage.
She said the workshop was also designed to develop a State Health Insurance Scheme (SHIS) communication and media plan contextual to Bauchi and identify areas of media and CSOs support in reporting activities of the scheme.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the workshop was organised by state Ministry of Health with the support of USAID and Health Finance and Governance (HFG). (NAN)
MAK/MST
Edited by Muhammad Suleiman Tola