Coalition Calls On Pres. Buhari To Sack All Current Serving Ministers

…………. Says none of the heads of security including the Inspector General of Police and other military heads are the cause of insecurity bedeviling Nigeria.

A coalition of 92 Youth Based Groups and Non Governmental Organizations under the auspices of Centre for Credible Leadership & Citizens Awareness has called on President Buhari to immediately sack all the current serving Ministers and replace them with his choice of younger, patriotic and competent citizens who are desirous to patriotically contribute their quota to nation building.

While addressing the media in Abuja on Tuesday 29th December, 2020, Dr. Nwambu Gabriel who spoke on behalf of the coalition said that Ministers are relaxing in Abuja dwelling on lofty ideas without being in touch with their constituents or at least create an avenue for regular engagement like periodic town hall meetings with their constituents where the genuine efforts of Pres. Buhari would be made known to Nigerians on a one-on-one grass roots level.

The coalition also called on the Senate President, Senator Ahmed Lawan to immediately change the Principal Officers of the 9th Senate for a more result oriented legislations that would in turn impact positively on the yearnings and aspirations of all if not majority of Nigerians.

“The same call goes to the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Femi Gbajabiamila. We urge him to immediately relieve the current serving principal officers/leaders of the House and appoint more competent, God fearing representatives for effective, more impactful and result oriented legislations for peace, security and development of our country in line with the desire and tangible efforts of President Muhammadu Buhari, Dr. Nwambu Gabriel said.

Excerpt is the full text of the press briefing:

We the above named Organization in collaboration with 92 youth based groups and Non Governmental Organizations (NGOs), having concluded a One Day Summit titled “Origin and Root Causes of Insecurity In Nigeria; The Way Forward”, resolves as follows to be solutions and panacea to mitigating and solving the myriad of insecurity situation in Nigeria.

The Boko Haram sect emanated from the sponsorship and funding of Nigerian Politicians from the North East region of the country for their own selfish ambition. This sect is now hydra- headed and has given birth to prolong local and international terrorism, banditry, marauders, rapists, killer headsmen, cattle rustling, kidnapping, etc., with its attendant heinous crimes such as gruesome murder, rape, and the general atmosphere of insecurity in Nigeria.

In the same vein, the Niger Delta militancy which has also bedeviled the nation with serious security challenges and the attendant availability of small and light arms within the region with its attendant consequences was also originally formed by politicians within the region for their own selfish political and economic interests.

Therefore, it is clearly evident that Politicians in Nigeria are the founders, root causes, financiers and pre- cursors of insecurity in Nigeria.

Accordingly, the Dishonourable Ministers are here in Abuja dwelling on lofty ideas without being in touch with their constituents or at least create an avenue for regular engagement like periodic town- hall meetings with their constituents where the genuine efforts of President Mohammadu Buhari would be made known to Nigerians on a one-on-one grass roots level. No doubt, President Buhari has done a lot in the areas of fighting corruption, agricultural transformation, railways, road networks and fighting terrorism and insecurity in Nigeria. However, Ministers essentially are to act as deputies to the President and Commander- in- Chief by projecting the efforts of Mr President. But in Nigeria today, it is ironical that either most Ministers of the Federal Republic lack clear understanding of their functions or are completely ignorant of what to do while in office. We discovered that there is a lacuna. This gap is caused by the ineptitude and look- worm of the said so called honourable Ministers. While Mr. President is busy toiling day and night without the commensurate support from almost all the Ministers and other political appointees including the SGF. The inability of the NSA to effectively coordinate the security architecture of the country exposes a major weakness signifying the need for an urgent replacement of the sensitive position..

Some of these politicians and ex- Governors have now found the Senate of the Federal Republic as a shelter and resting place where they sit with practically nothing to contribute during plenary but rather indulge in unnecessary selfish political scheming, maneuvers and trading blames, heaping accusations on Mr President, and his security heads including the IGP and military chiefs.

Consequent to the above, for the peace, security and development of our country, we, as Nigerians and as a coalition, hereby, with utmost respect to President Buhari, urge the President and Commander- In- Chief to immediately sack all the current serving Ministers of the Federal Republic of Nigeria and replace them with his choice of younger, patriotic and competent citizens who are desirous to patriotically contribute their quota to nation building.

Again, we have also discovered the huge disconnect between members of the National Assembly and their so-called constituents. In the Senate, most of the principal officers dwell more on diversionary issues rather than embark on result oriented legislations targeting job creation for the youths and for peace, security and prosperity for Nigeria. If we may ask; how many times do some of these so called principal officers visit their constituents? Some only visit their constituents during elections times.

We, therefore, hereby, call on the Senate President, Senator Ahmed Lawan to immediately change the principal officers of the 9th Senate for a more result oriented legislations that would in turn impact positively on the yearnings and aspirations of all if not majority of Nigerians.

The same call goes to the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Femi Gbajabiamila. We urge him to immediately relieve the current serving principal officers/leaders of the House and appoint more competent, God fearing representatives for effective, more impactful and result oriented legislations for peace, security and development of our country in line with the desire and tangible efforts of President Muhammadu Buhari.

We also state categorically that none of the heads of security including the Inspector General of Police and other military heads are the cause of insecurity bedeviling Nigeria. The security, economic and political problems of our country are clearly caused by the so called political leaders which are the politicians especially those that have looted their states and now find a safe haven in the senate.

Let it be on record that in all fair minded judgement and assessment, Nigeria as a Nation, is very fortunate to have the current security chiefs at this trying moment of our country’s existence. With their experience, patriotism and commitment to duty, the nation is indeed lucky to have these officers at the helm of affairs irrespective of whatever anybody says.

Consequently, on the basis of our country’s corporate existence, peace and security, we, as a coalition, hereby soundly pass a vote of Confidence on the Heads of Security in Nigeria particularly the IGP and all the military chiefs for performing creditably well so far in the discharge of the onerous tasks of containing the myriad of security challenges confronting Nigeria.

Thank You.

Signed: Dr. Nwambu Gabriel,

For the Coalition

Federal High Court Issues Warrant Of Arrest Against A Lebanese National Mr. Rafic Saab

A Federal High Court Sitting in Lagos on Thursday 10th December, 2020 has issued a warrant of Arrest against a Lebanese National Mr. Rafic Saab, a businessman that deals in Daikin Cooling System in Nigeria.

The Order for the arrest warrant was made by Hon. Justice I.N. Oweibo of Federal High Court, Ikoyi, Lagos following the application of the prosecuting Counsel MA. Animashaun Esq.

The prosecuting Counsel’s application for arrest warrant to be issued against the Defendant Rafic Saab was consequent upon the failure of the Defendant who was bound by recognizance to appear before the Court on 10th of December, 2020 but failed to appear on three previous occasions and forcing adjournment of proceedings on 06-10-2020 and 26-11-2020.

Mr. Rafic Saab is facing a 4 count charge of Conspiracy to defraud contrary to Section 8 (a) of Advance Fee Fraud Act, 2006, false pretense and with intent to defraud, obtained the sum of $5,000,000USD and diverted same to Lebanon contrary to Section 1 (1) (a) of Advance Fee Fraud Act 2006 and punishable under Section 1 (1) of same Act 2006, fraudulent diversion of monies outside Nigeria with intention to deprive the owners of the money permanently and knowingly making false statements with intention to defraud, concealed transaction information contrary to and punishable under Section 436 of the Criminal Code Act, Cap C38 LFN 2004.

NIPOST Host Courier Stakeholders Forum

There is need for stakeholders in the Nigerian Postal Industry to come together and brainstorm on how to enhance efficiency in the industry in line with global best practices.

The Minister of Communications and Digital Economy, Dr Isa Ali Ibrahim Pantami made this known at the Courier Services Forum organized by Nigerian Postal Service, NIPOST, where he engaged stakeholders aimed at moving the industry forward for effective and efficient services to Nigerians.

The Minister emphasized Rule Making Process as the first step in stakeholders’ engagement which is lacking in most government agencies

Making reference to the just concluded United States of America general election, the Honorable Minister challenged NIPOST to brace up for the similar role the United States Postal Service (USPS) played in processing of mail-in- ballot in future, as part of efforts to enhance Nigerian Postal industry in line with Nigeria Digital Economy Policy and Strategy.

Dr. Pantami advocates reversing the zero budget status for NIPOST which has been the practice for so many years. This situation has hampered the growth of NIPOST and the postal industry. The Minister said his role is to promote NIPOST and make it work for the country and the citizens.

In his own remark, the Postmaster General of the Federation, Dr Ismail Adebayo Adewusi praised the Honorable Minister of Communications & Digital Economy for his intervention during the uproar generated with the release of the new regulation of Courier and Logistics business in Nigeria. 

Dr Ismail Adebayo Adewusi said that the challenges and grey areas between stakeholders have been ironed out through positive engagement. He commended Association of Nigeria Courier Operators (ANCO), Nigeria International Air Courier Association (NIACA), and MSMEs for their cooperation. 

Speaking on behalf of the Courier Operators, Okey Uba, President ANCO, commended the Minister and the Postmaster General for giving them audience during the issues concerning the licenses fees and creating an enabling environment for them to operate. 

He seeks the Minister’s support for development of the Postal sector and improvement of the industry, while he solicited for proper enforcement of the new regulations and to empower NIPOST to carry out Policy guidelines for the industry to thrive.

The stakeholders resolved to work harmoniously with the Ministry and NIPOST for social and digital growth of the sub sector of the economy.  

Bridging The Digital Divide Through Telecoms: Postal Service Role

By Ayo Alanamu

COVID -19 placed the world in crises, it rampaged across countries, and made our globalised world feel vulnerable, and at times, almost defenceless. Post and their partners in other economies had all faced impossible impacts with the declaration of a global pandemic; the business world took a new dimension.

The African Telecommunications Union (ATU) established on the 7th December 1977, celebrates every year its founding day to reflect and demonstrate the key role Information and Communications Technology (ICT) plays in the social and economic developments of Africa.

This year’s theme ‘’POST COVID 19: Role of Telecoms/ICT in the Resumption of socio-Economic Activities’’ is imperative because of the reality of the new normal.

Taking the whole gamut of communications including the postal service into consideration, it will be apt to conclude that telecommunication/digital advancement goes a long way to help situate and observe the social distancing protocols as the pandemic raged. The Post has played a critical role in uniting the people, providing essential services not only mails but also delivering other important services. This helped the citizens of the world to possibly curb the transmission of the virus.

Telecommunications has completely transformed how people communicate and navigate their personal and professional lives. With an ever- present need for humans to connect and communicate, this industry is slated to continue its upward growth.

Surfing the internet, placing phone calls, e-mailing and text messaging, plus ordering goods online,  and the delivery to the last man via courier services, either of private courier or government owned courier companies, are all added as part of the complete communication chain.

As a result of this, Telecommunication becomes one of the most crucial infrastructures for protection. From natural disasters to military needs, there is a wide spectrum of institutions that depend on telecoms to provide safety.

Postal Service has continued to evolve and with steady expansion of products and services, has found its place in the socio- economy space of communication. In later years after its creation, the Post has stepped into many frontiers that keep adding up its relevance to the mechanism of National and Economic development.

Communication is key to national development and it is largely premised on citizens fundamental right, economic buoyancy, rise in per capita income, rule of law, and above all, conflict resolution and security. By these templates and several other parameters, the Postal Service role has been noble.

When the scrupulous element took to the Post in the 90s to perpetuate Advance Fee Fraud, otherwise known as ‘’419’’, using it as conduit to send tonnes of documents aimed at defrauding unsuspecting Nigerians, it raised alarm, intercepted a large portion of such documents to the  credit of the country.

Telecommunications plays a critical role in communities, particularly remote regions where modern banking has not been able to reach. A recent study undertaken by Universal Postal Union, the specialised agency of the United Nations, revealed that despite the financial inclusion and deepening of teledensity efforts of various governments in integrating their citizens into the global financial networking, there are still well over half a million locations in Africa that should offer financial services using telecommunication to the teeming world population, no matter how remotely located. This is where the postal service comes in offering its vast spaces at the Post Offices to accommodate this service.

In the projection of any developing postal service, it ought to rely so much on telecommunication and information technology to make a Post Office modern, becoming a one stop- shop, where it can reintroduce mini banking services, e-government services, where citizen can access a number government services such as applying and collection of drivers’ licences, international passports, national ID cards etc. This will no doubt boost the economy.

Information Technology and the ability to connect and communicate is a fundamental part of how a society operates today’s digital ecosystem, to transform the business world, and foster operational efficiency that stimulates steady growth.

In today’s business world, many organisations employ cross functional teams to tackle new products, corporate initiatives, marketing campaigns etc. With telecom service, these teams are equipped with the technology necessary to collaborate from any location, allowing for optimal productivity, enhanced connectivity and increased teamwork.

Driven by competition and customers demand, postal operators use advanced technology for different purposes, above all to improve operational efficiency and to offer new products and services. In particular, consumer demand for faster handling of orders and more convenient delivery is driving change in the post and technological innovations are enabling e-retailers and postal operators to respond to these requirements.

In the parcel and other e-commerce item delivery business, Last-mile delivery has improved with technology such as Parcel Dimensional Scanner for signatures scanning, which have added additional security for consumers.

Educational institutions now leverage telecommunication to deliver long distance or remote education. Equally certificates are being requested online, are centre quest by West African Examination Council (WAEC) on Nigerian Postal Service to help it deliver certificates to recipients who would have requested for their certificates without having to travel long distances.

Telecommunication has become the foundation for businesses, government communities and families to seamlessly connect and share information. Therefore technology has played an overall positive role for postal services and acts as an enabler and a drive for better services for consumers. Looking ahead, technology has become and more important for postal services, and further positive benefits are expected.  

Written by Ayo Alanamu of the Corporate Communication, NIPOST Headquarters Abuja