Headline

Insecurity: FRSC seeks FG’s permission to bear firearms

Published

2 months ago

October 8, 2023

The Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) says there is the need for its personnel to bear firearms in discharging their duties, considering the level of security challenges across the country.

The Corps Marshal, Mr Dauda Biu, made this known on Saturday, while inaugurating 1,762 personnel of the corps who just concluded their four month basic course at the Nigerian Army Training Centre (NATRAC), Kontagora, Niger.

Biu, who was represented by Shehu Zaki, a Deputy Corps Marshal, said that the measure would ensure adequate protection for the personnel who were often attacked in the course of duty by some road users or suspected criminals who take advantage of the security challenges in the country.

“It is left to the political leaders to arm the FRSC, but what we do know is that the issue of the FRSC bearing arms has been on our status since 1992.

“What we are still waiting for is for us to be given the go ahead to start using arms.

“Right now, looking at the level of insecurity in the country, it is not out of place for the FRSC to start using arms to enable us protect ourselves when the need arise,” Biu said.

He, however, urged the cadets officers, cadet marshal assistants and road marshal assistants to be dedicated to their duties towards bringing glory to the corps and the nation.

The corps marshal urged the personnel to be patriotic and exhibit the highest level of discipline, honour, integrity, accountability, transparency, courtesy, confidentiality, decency, loyalty and team spirit in discharging their duties to ensure success.

Biu said, “As we tackle the challenges of nation building and sustainable development in a complex operational environment, where you will soon face reality.

“It has therefore become imperative that, I sound a very strong caution which is aimed at protecting and preserving your lives in the cause of discharging your duties objectively.

“You must constantly abide by the regulations which guide the work ethics as you carry out your constitutional roles.

“Without this, you will be doing a lot of damage to yourself, the corps and the nation as a whole.*

He thanked the Chief of Army Staff, Lt..-Gen. Taoreed Lagbaja for approving the use of the training facility and also commended the army trainers for their contribution in ensuring a successful exercise.

Earlier, Mr Yakubu Muhammad, Camp Commander said that among the commissioned personnel were 204 cadet Officers, 402 cadet marshal inspectors and 1,156 road marshal assistants.

Muhammad said that during the four-month training, the cadets and other trainees were trained in road safety management, physical drill and regimental ethics.

He also said that the corps recently introduced martial arts into the training to enable its personnel defend themselves in the course of duty when the need arose.

“This because we have not been authorised to carry firearms, so we should be able to defend ourselves when the need arise,” Muhammad said.

Also Cadet Chime Martin, General Parade Commander, who spoke on behalf of the commissioned cadets and others, promised to utilise the knowledge acquired to create a safe motoring environment in the country.

Headline

President Tinubu Seeks Senate Approval For Fresh $8.6billion, €100million Loans

Published

1 hour ago

November 28, 2023

Olakunle Adeniyi

The president made the request through a letter to the Senate, read during the plenary by the Senate President, GodsWill Akpabio, on Tuesday, noting that the fund was to execute critical projects in different sectors.

The President Bola Tinubu-led administration has sought the approval of the Nigerian Senate for $8.6billion and €100million borrowing plan.

The request was said to be part of the federal government 2022-2024 external borrowing plan approved by former President Muhammadu Buhari’s administration, according to the letter.

Tinubu explained that the projects to be funded with the loan cuts across different sectors of the economy, and were selected based on economic evaluation and the expected contribution to the country’s development.

The letter reads in part;, “I write in respect of the above subject and to submit the attached the federal government 2022-2024 external borrowing plan for consideration and early approval of the National Assembly to ensure prompt implementation of the projects.

“The Senate may wish to note that the past administration approved a 2022-2024 borrowing plan by the federal executive council (FEC) held on May 15, 2023.

“The project cuts across all sectors, with specific emphasis on infrastructure, agriculture, health, water supply, roads, security, and employment generation as well as financial management reforms.

“Consequently, the required approval is in the sum of $8,699,168,559 and €100 million.

“I would like to underscore the fact that the projects and programmes in the borrowing plan were selected based on economic evaluations as well as the expected contribution to the social economic development of the country, including employment generation, and skills acquisition.

“Given the nature of these facilities, and the need to return the country to normalcy it has become necessary for the Senate to consider and approve the 2022- 2024 external abridged borrowing plan to enable the government deliver its responsibility to Nigerians.”

In August, the National Assembly approved President Tinubu’s request for over $800 million loan to finance the National Social Safety Network Programme.

The National Assembly had also approved the 2022 Supplementary Appropriations Act of N819 million “for the provision of Palliatives to Nigerians to cushion the effect of fuel subsidy removal”.

Headline

Tinubu Should Review RECs Appointment – Ex-INEC Chairman, Jega

Published

11 hours ago

November 28, 2023

Ifunaya Emeka

A former Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Attahiru Jega, has called on President Bola Tinubu to review the appointments of the commission’s Resident Electoral Commissioners (RECs).

Jega said Tinubu should review their appointments due to concerns that some of the RECs are partisan.

About a month ago, Tinubu had nominated 10 RECs, with the Senate confirming their appointments.

However, some of the RECs have been accused of being involved in partisan politics.

Reacting to the criticisms, Jega said the non-review of their appointment sends the wrong signal.

Featuring on Channels Television’s Politics Today on Monday, Jega said: “I think there is no doubt that if the President were listening, my advice would be to immediately review the appointment of the Resident Electoral Commissioners that was passed by the Senate recently.

“It’s very, very important because clearly, not only does it send a wrong signal about the government’s intention to improve the integrity of elections, it also suggests, you know, that there is indifference with regards to protecting the independence and impartiality of the election management body.

“I would want to believe that Mr President was either misinformed or is not really furnished with all the necessary details with regards to these appointments.”