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HURIWA raises alarm as bandit reportedly enlists as police recruit in Kaduna
The Human Rights Writers Association of Nigeria (HURIWA) has sounded the alarm over a concerning development unfolding in Kagarko, Kaduna State.
The civil rights group expressed distress over reports indicating that a suspected bandit, known as Abacha, has resurfaced as a police recruit in the area.
This revelation has sparked widespread outcry and raised significant questions regarding the integrity of law enforcement and the protection of citizens’ rights. In a statement released on Saturday, HURIWA, through its National Coordinator Emmanuel Onwubiko, emphasised the urgent need for transparency and accountability within Nigeria’s law enforcement agencies, particularly in light of the unfolding events in Kagarko.
The distressing situation was further highlighted by a petition filed by Y. C. Maikyau & Co. on behalf of two detained individuals, Mustapha Buhari Aliyu and Aliyu Buhari Aliyu. The petition detailed allegations against Abacha, who reportedly threatened the father of the Aliyu brothers, leading to their forceful and unexplained detention by individuals suspected to be from the Intelligence Response Team (IRT) of the Nigerian Police Force.
“According to the petition, Abacha allegedly threatened the father of the Aliyu brothers, prompting forceful and unexplained detention by individuals suspected to be from the Intelligence Response Team (IRT) of the Nigerian Police Force.
“The petition detailed the sequence of events leading to the brothers’ detention, highlighting the lack of official identification, disclosure of alleged offenses, or presentation of warrants by the arresting officers. Despite persistent efforts by legal representatives to secure the release of Mustapha and Aliyu, the police reportedly rebuffed their requests, unjustly labeling the young men as ‘criminal kidnappers.’
“Y. C. Maikyau & Co. emphasised the presumption of innocence and the constitutional right to personal liberty, urging the immediate release of their clients or their fair and prompt trial by due process. Furthermore, the solicitors called for an investigation into Abacha’s purported role as an informant for the IRT Unit of the NPF and demanded either his dismissal or initiation of legal action against him.
“Likewise, the grave complaint lodged by the Kagarko Emirate Council highlighted the alleged alarming activities of Abacha, within Kagarko Local Government Area, Kaduna State.
“According to the Emirate Council’s letter, ‘Abacha,’ purportedly an informant for the IRT unit of the Nigerian Police Force, has been implicated in various (alleged) criminal activities, including kidnapping, attempted assassinations, and gun running. The Emirate Council detailed instances where Abacha allegedly orchestrated kidnappings, participated in banditry.
“The Emirate Council emphasises the urgent need for a thorough investigation into Abacha’s actions, calling for his dismissal as an informant and prosecution to ensure peace and security prevail in Kagarko Local Government,” HURIWA narrated.
Echoing concerns for decisive action against ‘Abacha,’ stressing the importance of upholding the integrity of the Nigerian Police Force and restoring public trust in law enforcement, HURIWA further raised questions on Abacha’s alleged recruitment into the police force, despite his well-documented alleged criminal background and involvement in heinous activities.
The organisation called for full transparency regarding his rehabilitation process, qualifications for police enlistment, and the circumstances surrounding his recruitment.
In response to this flagrant violation of due process, HURIWA condemned the refusal of the IRT unit of the Nigerian Police Force to release the detained Fulani youths or provide concrete evidence to substantiate their kidnapping allegations since March 21, 2024.
The organisation called for strict adherence to due process, urging either the immediate release of the youths or their expeditious arraignment in court to ensure a fair trial and the protection of their fundamental rights.
Furthermore, HURIWA called upon the National Assembly to launch a comprehensive investigation into the alleged recruitment of known criminals into the police force even as it argued that such an inquiry is indispensable for upholding the integrity of law enforcement agencies and restoring public trust in the security apparatus.
“As the controversy continues to deepen, residents of Kagarko anxiously await justice for the detained youths and demand accountability for those responsible for their unlawful arrest. This case serves as a stark reminder of the imperative to uphold the rule of law and safeguard citizens’ rights in Nigeria’s law enforcement efforts,” HURIWA said.
News
Application deadline for management of Nigeria’s $10bn Diaspora Fund extended
The Nigerian federal government has shifted the application deadline for companies interested in managing the $10 billion Diaspora Fund.
Minister of the Federal Ministry of Industry, Trade and Investment, Doris Uzoka-Anite, disclosed this in a circular on Thursday in Abuja.
Accordingly, the deadline for May 6 has been shifted to May 13, 2024.
The minister urged prospective applicants to utilise the extra time to complete their submissions, ensuring they are thorough and competitive.
She stressed that the extension is designed to allow stakeholders additional time to adequately prepare their applications following the guidelines established for the fund.
“The Federal Ministry of Industry, Trade, and Investment wishes to inform all interested parties that the deadline for the submission of Expressions of Interest (EOI) for the Nigeria Diaspora Fund has been extended.
“The new submission deadline is May 13, 2024. This extension is intended to accommodate stakeholders who require more time to prepare their applications by the guidelines provided for the $10 billion Nigeria Diaspora Fund,” she stated.
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Sanwo-Olu, NESG harp on PPP for economic growth
Gov. Babajide Sanwo-Olu of Lagos State has emphasised the role of public-private sector partnerships in driving accelerated sustainable economic growth in Nigeria.
He made the remark at the Nigerian Economic Summit Group (NESG) Public Lecture and Founders’ Forum held at the Lagos Business School on Thursday.
The event, which marked the official launch of the 30th anniversary of the Nigerian Economic Summit (NES) has the theme: “In the National Interest: Reflecting on the Past, Reimagining the Future.”
Sanwo-Olu said it was imperative that the public sector improved on its synergy with various actors pursuing a collective agenda of service for the citizens.
The governor highlighted the significant role the NESG plays in bringing together public and private sector leaders in the country in an ongoing dialogue to shape, influence and create a thriving competitive and successful economy.
“We’re not where we should be and we must continue to set goals to inspire ourselves to do better as a nation
“We may not always achieve our targets for our vision timelines, but that should not be an excuse for not trying,” he said.
He commended the NESG for its various interventions such as the flagship annual summit, roundtable and sectorial policy commissions, technical support work and policy innovation centre.
He, however, urged NESG to explore ways of deepening linkage between policy work and public consciousness that allows engagement with the citizenry.
Delivering the lecture, Mrs Ifueko Omoigui-Okauru, Managing Partner, Compliance Professionals PLC, said that while there had been significant economic changes, more needed to be done to ensure accelerated economic growth.
Omoigui-Okauru said that there was need to build inclusive policies that reflect the realities of the nation rather than imposing replicas of other countries.
“In 30 years, we may have made some progress, but we can’t say we have radically transformed Nigeria.
“As we reflect on the NESG, there’s still a lot to be done in bridging the rural-urban divide and have an inclusive agenda.
“We see our journey as work in progress. We need to determine the parameters that would drive our success and put policies in place to move us in the direction where we need to be.
“It is important for us to move away from self interest, think of ways to use technology and other frameworks to collectively achieve the Nigeria of our dreams,” she said.
Earlier in his opening remarks, Mr Niyi Yusuf, Chairman, NESG, said the 30th Summit reaffirmed the essentiality of public-private partnerships in tackling complex economic realities.
Yusuf, however, said that the journey to embracing market mechanisms has not been without its challenges.
He reiterated unwavering commitment in driving reforms through rigorous research, economic and social programmes, and inclusive summits, all aimed at shaping the socio-economic development of our nation.
“Thirty years ago, at a critical juncture in our nation’s history, the NES was born out of a necessity when the winds of economic challenges blew fiercely, necessitating a platform for robust public-private dialogue.
“Since our inaugural summit in 1993, the NES has been a progressive economic discourse rooted deeply in collaborative efforts between government leaders and private sector visionaries.
“Each Summit has crafted policies and strategies essential for removing barriers to competitiveness, growth, and inclusive development.
“Therefore, in commemorating this 30th anniversary, it is essential to assess and discuss the role of this public-private dialogue platform in Nigeria’s socio-economic landscape to provide us insights for future engagements,” he said.
The chairman assured collaborative efforts with the three arms of federal and subnational governments and private sector communities to propel Nigeria towards a more resilient, inclusive and prosperous future.
Dr Pascal Dozie, Chairman, NESG Advisory Board, listed political, economic, education and environment sectors as pathways to reimagining Nigeria’s future
Dozie, also pioneer Chairman of NESG Board of Directors, was represented by Mr Frank Aigbogun, Chief Executive Officer of BusinessDay.
He charged NESG to adopt new strategies in providing collaborative leadership in seeking answers to the following crucial questions.
“How do we strengthen democratic institutions and rule of law, foster culture of inclusiveness and representation?
“How do we promote transparency and accountability in governance and inculcate the culture of consequences for bad behaviour in every sphere of life?
“In economic reimagining, how do we diversify Nigeria’s economy, reduce dependence on oil, foster a business friendly environment and develop the much needed infrastructure base in a coordinated nationwide approach?
“How do we repurpose the educational system to focus on science, technology, engineering and mathematics, encourage technology entrepreneurship and innovation and address unemployment?
“For the environment, how can we develop sustainable agriculture and food security, promote sustainable practices, renewable energy and eco tourism?
“It is imperative that the NESG community leads from the front in not only providing actionable answers to these questions but also making sacrifices to ensure they are implemented,” he said.
Similarly, Chief Executive Officer of NESG, Dr Tayo Aduloju, said that strong institutions, political will, accountability by all stakeholders and the willingness for the government to allow private sector to drive growth were factors needed for a successful economic development.
“The challenge for us today is how to drive the country forward over the next 30 years in a way that is not just growth but growth that creates jobs and opportunities for everyone and no one is left behind.
“We are dealing with a country that is going through macro-economic volatility and instability.
“So, the lessons here at the forum are deep reflections of what should change in our approach, a stronger priority on execution, a deeper commitment on accountability of government systems to deliver and how economic barometers impact the ordinary man on the street.
“Our resilience to hold government accountable, to keep insisting that there must be an economy that works for all Nigerians, rule of law, an environment in which free enterprise is practiced, is what we must continue to fight for,” he added.
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