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FG to build indestructible security architecture– Interior Minister
The Minister of Interior, Dr Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo says that the Federal Government is set to build an indestructible security architecture in the country.
Tunji-Ojo said this during a maiden visit to the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) Headquarters, Abuja on Thursday.
He said that the level of capacity seen in the display by security operatives of the Corps, depicted that security agencies were not far from getting it right in doing what’s needed in adequately securing the country.
L-R: Minister of Interior, Dr Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, NSCDC CG Ahmed Audi alongside officers and members of staff
“I am delighted because I wish Nigerians know a quarter of what you do, hence, you need to do more of publicity with the level of capacity seen today,” he commended.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the different special forces of the Corps; Female Squad, Counter-terrorism amongst others, displayed tactical rescue and protective operations.
He said that it was imperative for the Corps to treat Nigerians with respect, warning that, being in uniform was not an excuse to abuse citizens.
According to the Minister, the responsibility of the Corps was distinct and peculiar in relation to the ACT guiding its operations.
“ It is your responsibility to protect critical national asset and infrastructure; mining sites, hospitals, pipelines and all that makes us who we are so you have a big responsibility.
“With proper efforts, harnessing your efforts with capabilities can reduce the way our Armed Forces are being stretched.
“ The era where performance and excellence are absent is over now because when you perform exceptionally you will be recognised,” Tunji-Ojo said.
Tunji-Ojo said that it was time for the Corps to put in more efforts in ensuring the country was secured.
“Work the talk, the time for action is now and with you I know I will be a successful Minister of Interior.
“I need commitment, dedication, patriotism, in line with the agenda of this administration and we will not just be there for the Corps as your job is key,” he said.
On behalf of President Bola Tinubu, the Minister appreciated the security agency for its efforts in tackling both the asymmetric and non-asymmetric conflicts in the country in a dynamic way.
“The pace setting trend is the establishment of the female squad which is novel and one of such distinctive features Nigeria needs; dedication backed up with excellence.
The Minister of Justice, Lateef Fagbemi, SAN has warned against obstructing the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) from carrying out its lawful duty .
Fagbemi’s warning is contained in a statement in Abuja.
“This is a matter of very grave concern, it is now beyond doubt that the EFCC is given power by the law to invite any person of interest to interact with them in the course of their investigations into any matter, regardless of status.
“Therefore, the least that we can all do when invited, is not to put any obstruction in the way of EFCC, but to honourably answer their invitation.
“A situation where public officials who are themselves subject of protection by law enforcement agents will set up a stratagem of obstruction to the civil and commendable efforts of the EFCC to perform its duty is to say the least, insufferably disquieting’’.
He added that running away from the law will not resolve issues at stake but only exacerbate them.
“Nigeria has a vibrant judicial system that is capable of protecting everyone who follows the rule of law in seeking protection.
“I therefore encourage anyone who has been invited by the EFCC or any other agency to immediately toe the path of decency and civility by honouring such invitation instead of embarking on a temporising self-help and escapism.
“This can only put our country in bad light before the rest of the world’’.
He said institutions of state should be allowed to function effectively and efficiently.
“I stand for the rule of law and will promptly call EFCC, and indeed any other agency to order when there is an indication of any transgressions of the fundamental rights of any Nigerian by any of the agencies’’.
NAN reports that the EFCC had on Wednesday warned members of the public that it was a criminal offence to obstruct officers of the Commission from carrying out their lawful duties.
Section 38(2)(a(b) of the EFCC Establishment Act makes it an offence to prevent officers of the Commission from carrying out their lawful duties. Culprits risk a jail term of not less than five years.
The warning , the EFCC said, became necessary against the background of the increasing tendency by persons and groups under investigation by the Commission to take the laws into their hands by recruiting thugs to obstruct lawful operations of the EFCC.
On several occasions, the anti graft agency said, operatives of the Commission have had to exercise utmost restraint in the face of such provocation to avoid a breakdown of law and order.
Some unknown gunmen have kidnapped Joshua Rogers, the ChannelsTV reporter in Port-Harcourt, the Rivers State capital.
Politics Nigeria learnt that Rogers was picked up close to his residence at Rumuosi in Port Harcourt and to an unknown destination by the gunmen around 9pm on Thursday, April 11.
The reporter was driving his official ChannelsTV branded car when the hoodlums accosted, pointed a gun at him and took him away in the same vehicle.
Rogers was said to be returning from his official assignment in Government House after a trip to Andoni for a government event when the incident happened.
Already, the gunmen were said to have contacted his wife and demanded a N30million ransom for bis release.
His cameraman confirmed the incident and appealed to his abductors to set him free unconditionally.
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