O N Ngofa: 50 Garlands to The Golden Boy of Rivers State Politics @ 50

By Eze Chukwuemeka Eze,

“The arrowheads of those who want to turn me to a weeping baby are the State Chairman of the All Progressives Congress, Mr. Ojukaye Flag-Amachree, the former Commissioner of Agriculture, Mr. Emmanuel Chinda and the current Nigeria’s Ambassador to Netherlands, Ambassador Oji Ngofa”. – WIKE

Truly these three men are the terrors that have caused my brother Wike sleepless nights but this treatise is on Ambassador Oji Ngofa so I will limit my discourse on him.

Preamble

Hurray! Hurray!! Hurray!! To the glory of Almighty God, my friend, schoolmate, brother and political associate, Nigerian Ambassador to The Netherlands - Chief Oji Nyimenuate Ngofa, the golden boy of Rivers State politics - turned 50 on August 24, 2018.

Wow! I am so excited to celebrate this enigma and one of the new faces of democracy in the politics of Nigeria, an indefatigable, resolute revolutionist and, most importantly, the nightmare to Gov Nyesom Wike of Rivers State and his brand of politics. This Ambassador extraordinary has formally become golden as he reaches the magical golden age of 50.

With the birth of this shining star on a bright 24th day of August 1968, to the famous family of Chief and Mrs Nwosu Alale Ngofa of Aleto in Eleme in today’s Eleme Local Government of Rivers State, the politics of Rivers State has never been the same. That date marks the birth of this visionary and egalitarian change-agent; he is a radical but respected pragmatist, a humanist, an accomplished administrator par excellence and exemplary leader. Ngofa is a special gift from God who has maintained a remarkable, memorable, historical and epochal approach to service. In the process, he has carved an evergreen image his persona on the minds of the people of Rivers State, as his positive perception of politics has brought joy to all and sundry in Rivers State.

Chief Nwosu Alale Ngofa - the father of this great leader - himself, a renowned teacher, unionist, politician and one-time State Chairman of the Nigeria Union of Teachers (NUT). The highly respected teacher, who later became an honourable Commissioner for Education in Rivers State, can beat his chest and state: “I have given to Rivers State and, by extension, Nigeria one of the best products as far governance is concerned.”

Though both parents are of blessed memory, I am convinced that wherever they are, they will be proud that through them one of the finest and unassuming political strategists was born

Academic feats

Hon. Ngofa started his formal primary education at the Holy Trinity Anglican Primary School, Nchia in 1974 from where he obtained First School Leaving Certificate, FSLC, in 1980 before proceeding to the famous Stella Maris College, Port Harcourt for this secondary school education, obtaining the West African Schools Certificate, Ordinary Level (O/L) in 1985. Like an eagle destined for greatness beyond the peak of Mount Everest, he gained admission into the famous University of Calabar in Cross Rivers State, capping his academic prowess with Bachelor of Arts Degree in English and Literary Studies with emphasis in Comparative Literature in 1991. He later added a Post Graduate Diploma, PGD, in International Affairs in 2000 from the University of Port Harcourt.

Ngofa and his training as a leader:

Though, he learnt a lot from his godly parents who prepared him for the onerous task and challenges ahead of him from his childhood, the fact remains that, at every point of his existential evolution, Hon. Oji Ngofa had always found himself saddled with challenging leadership positions that would task his skills, and no doubt, those opportunities have prepared him for today and indeed for the future.

The following positions he held exposed him to whom he has become today –

- Captain, Jet Bombers Football Club, Aleto 1987
- Secretary, OTELGA (Okrika/Tai/Eleme Local Government Area) Youth Council 1988
- President, National Association of Eleme Students (NAES) 1989
- President, Eleme Progressive Youths Association 1985 -1990
- P. R. O, National Union of Rivers State Students (NURSS) University of Calabar chapter 1989
- President, Nigeria Union of Campus Journalists, University of Calabar chapter 1989-1990
His quest for improved standard of living and wealth of experience made him secure employment in managerial positions in hi-tech giants and blue-chip conglomerates. Some of those were:
- Personnel Manager, Dellatra Bezons Nigeria (DBN) 1993-1994.
- Personnel Manager, IPCO (NIG) Ltd.- 1994-2003

NGOFA AND HIS BRAND OF POLITICS

On the political sphere, Ambassador Oji Nyimenuate Ngofa’s name has become a brand in Eleme in particular and Rivers State in general since his divine nomination by the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, as its chairmanship candidate, including his election and subsequent swearing in as the Executive Chairman on 25th April, 2008. He has within six years in office initiated, constructed and commissioned several landmark projects, which have changed the aesthetic landscape of Eleme.
Ngofa’s brilliance performance as Council Chairman led to his elevation and election as three time Executive Chairman of Eleme Local Government Council is of course a record as it broke the aged-long jinx that nobody in Eleme was allowed to run for a second tenure in office despite what might have been his performance in office.

He was elected Vice Chairman of Association of Local Government of Nigeria (ALGON) Rivers State, until when his second tenure of Eleme Council Chairman elapsed in May 2014. His superlative performance was seen by Governor Chibuike Amaechi who graciously re-appointed and swore him into office as Chairman of Caretaker Committee, Eleme Local Government Council, on 31st May, 2014 and subsequently elected as the State Chairman of ALGON. 

His appointment as the National Deputy Secretary of APC and appointment as the Ambassador to the Netherlands
Like a golden fish that has no place to hide, amidst hearty cheers and great relish, he was elected the Deputy National Secretary of the All Progressives Congress, APC, at its first National Convention at the Eagle Square, Abuja on Saturday 14th June, 2014. 

He was nominated as an Ambassador by President Muhammadu Buhari on 20th October, 2016 with 45 others. Arrived The Netherlands with his family on 20th October, 2017 to resume duty and have since then redefined the art of his duties as an envoy.

NGOFA THE TERROR AND NIGHTMARE TO GOVERNOR WIKE OF RIVERS STATE AND THE NEW NAME OF GOV NYESOM WIKE

Governor Wike with all due respect to any contrary opinion is a deadly tactician and political strategist of note who is ready to do anything to achieve any goal he sets his mind to achieve. This notwithstanding, in the politics of Rivers State no matter the thinking in any quarter, Rt. Hon. Chibuike Rotimi Amaechi stands poles apart and has influence in almost 87 percent of key political actors in the State including Governor Wike.

When Amaechi appointed Wike as his Chief of Staff during his first tenure as the Governor of Rivers State (2007-2011), Chief Wike was allowed to run the political arm of the Amaechi’s political family until he abused the privileges accruing to him as the Head of this unit that made him to think that he has become the King. He used this opportunity with the aides of some of Amaechi’s key political strategists to sabotage the entire political family and enthroned himself as the Governor of Rivers State. Since becoming the Governor, he has been using the Rivers State finances to oil the machinery of PDP the opposition political party in Nigeria. From the look of things some remaining political strategists still loyal to Amaechi have resolved to teach Wike some part of the game he was not taught during his days as Amaechi’s political anchorman.

Mentioning the names of these Amaechi’s men that have instilled fear into Governor Wike will surely take a lot of space. These men have made Governor Wike to adopt the new name of the modern weeping Governor of Nigeria after the demise of Governor Sam Mbakwe of Imo State who was noted as the weeping Governor during his period will take much of space of this treatise but according to Wike in his recent public address to the people of Rivers State three names stand outstanding, “The arrowheads of those who want to turn me to a weeping baby are the State Chairman of the All Progressives Congress, Mr. Ojukaye Flag-Amachree, the former Commissioner of Agriculture, Mr. Emmanuel Chinda and the current Nigeria’s Ambassador to Netherlands, Ambassador Oji Ngofa”.

Truly these three men are the terrors that have caused my brother Wike sleepless nights but this treatise is on Ambassador Oji Ngofa so I will limit my discourse on him.

Ngofa a graduate of University of Calabar in Cross Rivers State of Nigeria ought to be a terror to every sign of evil which sadly Wike’s administration represents. All graduates of UNICAL are known as MALABITES (male) while our female counterpart are known as MALABRESSES and they are taught on how to confront evil without any atom of fear. This is an aspect of Ngofa not known to the world.

One could now understand why Wike was able to subdue almost all parts of Rivers State during the 2015 general elections but was unable to conquer Eleme where Ngofa holds sway. According to my recent article under the sub-title, “Strategy to Undermine the Chances of Dakuku in the 2015 General Elections Adopted”, I stated, “...If we critically observe the caliber of persons in league with Abe - Senator Ake, Elder Wehioka, Chief Allwell Onyesoh, Hon. Barry Mpigi Chief Okocha etc these are people you can’t see Amaechi without recourse to them and these are people that can match Wike in any type of political game he can think of but what happened they all lost at their various catchment areas in the gubernatorial election except Ambassador Ngofa who stood his ground and marched Wike to his type of game and got him thrashed in all the polls at Eleme during this period...”

Ngofa is not the type of politician that you feel you can pocket and dictate to about his rights and goals.

HIS VISION:

His Excellency O.N. Ngofa the Ambassador Extraordinaire to the Kingdom of Netherlands though one of the youngest Ambassadors in the world is a respected personality in the comity and college of Ambassadors. He has within a short period strengthened the bilateral and diplomatic relationship between Nigeria and the Netherlands which is a remarkable and appreciative achievement. 

On his vision for Rivers State which he reiterated during a courtesy visit to the President of Free Rivers Development Initiative (FRDI), Engr. Sampson Ngerebara at the NGO’s National Secretariat in Port Harcourt, “I am fully in support of Free Rivers Development Initiative and their lofty ideas for a free Rivers State and her people. I must stressed though regrettably, Rivers State is in a gradual State of demolition, unlike the immediate past, when all development indices points to positive and rapid development. It is sad that a state that was enjoying second position in economic development only three years ago is now budding last among 35 other States in the list of employment generating States. This scenario must change and seeing that the current leadership of the State cannot improve on the lot of the State, then the electorate should be ready to change the State Government. we can’t leave our State in the hands of mediocre leadership whose only major achievement is looting our common patrimony as a State with impunity and decimation of all the key feats of the administration of Rt. Hon. Chibuike Rotimi Amaechi.”

NGOFA HOSTS PRESIDENT MUHAMMADU BUHARI

On 15th July, 2018 Ambassador Ngofa has the singular honour of becoming the first Ambassador of Nigeria to Netherlands to host his visiting President when he hosted President Muhammadu Buhari who was on a State visit to Netherlands.

President Buhari was welcomed by Judge Chile Eboe-Osuji, President of the ICC, Vice-President of the Court, Marc Perrin de Brichambut and the Nigerian Foreign Affairs Minister, Geoffrey Onyeam. Others at the airport to welcome the Nigerian leader were Mr Oji Ngofa, Nigeria’s Ambassador to the Kingdom of the Netherlands and Mr Robert Petri, Ambassador of the Kingdom of the Netherlands to Nigeria.

Also on hand to receive the President and his delegation were Lt.Col Veenhuijzen, Aide-De-Camp to His Majesty the King of the Netherlands and senior officials of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Netherlands.

According to the Nigerian Ambassador to The Netherlands, Oji Ngofa, “the invitation of President Muhammadu Buhari to attend the commemoration of the 20th anniversary of Rome Statute of International Criminal Court, ICC, is an indication that Nigeria’s support to the court was recognised and appreciated. He said the good bilateral relationship between Nigeria and The Netherlands propelled the Dutch government to promise to expedite action to see that their embassy resumed issuance of Schengen visas in Abuja.

Ambassador Ngofa reiterated that Nigeria had always been a strong pillar of support to ICC, especially in Africa, since the adoption of the Rome Statute, which established the court on July 17, 1998 and I am happy to note that President Buhari is the only Head of State invited to this milestone event by the court, that is indicative of the high regard in which Nigeria is held. The President’s visit will be an opportunity to show Nigeria’s appreciation for the honour done to the country by electing a Nigerian as President of the court.

I am proud to note that the President of the Court, Justice Chile Eboe-Osuji, is a distinguished Nigerian jurist. His election as President by his peers in March 2018 indicates that his cerebral and leadership traits have not gone unnoticed,”.

Ambassador Ngofa went further to state that, President Buhari during his visit met with Dutch Prime Minister, Mark Rutte. And that other top government officials from Nigeria were also on hand to have bilateral meetings with their Dutch counterparts in different areas, all geared towards improving the security, economy and governance of Nigeria.

On bilateral trade between Nigeria and the Netherlands, Ngofa expressed satisfaction with the current volume of trade, which currently stands at 3 billion Euro in the first quarter of 2018. He said Nigeria was working assiduously to diversify its export base and increase the non-oil exports from Nigeria to the Netherlands, in line with the administration’s Economic Recovery and Growth Plan, ERGP. The latest figures released by the NBS (Q1) 2018 shows that the Netherlands is currently Nigeria’s largest trading partner, with trade volume of over €3 billion (N1.2 trillion). This total is composed of imports from the Netherlands worth €726 million and exports to the Netherlands of €2.29 billion. Nigeria, therefore, has a healthy trade surplus with the Netherlands. However, a majority of the value of the exports are petroleum-based,” he said.

He also spoke on the visa policy of the Embassy of the Kingdom of the Netherlands in Nigeria and according to him, In 2013, the Netherlands Embassy in Nigeria had swapped their visa application processes in Nigeria with the French Consulate-General in Lagos and the Embassy of Belgium in Abuja, This has been one recurring theme in my interactions with the Dutch authorities since my arrival as ambassador late last year. I also had to get my visa to this country from the Belgian embassy in Abuja, and upon my arrival, I have kept this issue on the front burner with host authorities. We have made series of representations and the Dutch have promised to expedite action to see that their Embassy resumes issuance of Schengen visas in Abuja. We believe that with the increasing trade relations between our countries, priority must be given by the Dutch to visa applicants in Nigeria, as this would facilitate business and people-to-people contact,’’ he said.

On other consular issues, the envoy praised the Nigerian community in the Netherlands for being generally law-abiding and contributing positively to various aspects of Dutch society. He said further: ‘’There are, however, a few Nigerians who are detained mainly for immigration and sundry offences.

Mr. President was full of praises for Ambassador Ngofa for distinguishing himself as a great envoy.

Those that accompanied President Buhari during this historical visit include Governor Simon Lalong of Plateau State; Governor Oluwarotimi Akeredolu of Ondo State; the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Geoffrey Onyeama and the Minister of Justice and Attorney-General of the Federation, Abubakar Malami. Others were the Minister of Agriculture, Audu Ogbeh; the Minister of State, Industry, Trade and Investment, Aisha Abubakar; the Group Managing Director, Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC), Maikanti Baru; and the Managing Director, Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA), Hadiza Bala-Usman.

His appreciation to Rt. Hon. Chibuike Rotimi Amaechi

“Your Excellency, I met you in the course my political struggles and you changed my political trajectomry for good. You have remained my greatest source of inspiration. Your polical Leadership, anchored on superlative vision, Courage, sagacity, Honesty, integrity and an unimpeachable commitment to the improvement of our society through the instrumentality of politics has and will always stand you out. On any day, I will like to be counted as one of your ardent followers to register my appreciation and wish you a a great future.

Conclusion 

Finally, I will like to state that 95 % of those that where opportuned to serve under this enigma both during his time in the private sector and in government are potential leaders today via the leadership dream he shared to them because he believes that dream will help his followers to know themselves and where they are going in life.

His philosophy in life is that, "for you to be big in life, you must be a dreamer." Amb. Oji Ngofa does not hesitate at any given time to display a personal relationship with his followers that is why he is loved by the good people of Eleme of Rivers State Nigeria where he hails from.

Let me conclude this eulogy by quoting Johnson Abbey one of the great minds from Rivers State, “Ambassador Ngofa is a Goal setter for growth both in politics and private sector, a committed servant, a dogged man who knows his fundamental responsibility that is why his boss Rt. Hon. Chibuike Rotimi Amaechi the undisputable leader of Rivers State politics decided to make him his political son hitherto. He is a leader that knows his people well enough even by their names no matter how populated they are. Such a man deserves to drive Rivers State to a promise land because of the leadership aura that fluffs around him.”
Hon. Oji Nyimenuate Ngofa, is an orator, a speaker extempore, speech writer, grassroots mobiliser, a fashion monger for the stronger sex, colossus, a complete man in every life’s ladder as was opined by a renowned author, Hans Christian Anderson, who in one of his books stated that, “Every man’s life is a fairy tale written by God’s finger.” With his often manicured, iconic beard, this younger Ngofa stands out in a crowd.

The future of this illustrious son of Eleme ethnic nationality can only be written by the Divine Fingers that crafted him.

Finally, I wish this my young brother, God’s stead and more fruitful years to enable him continue his services to humanity and accomplish his divine drive for a better Rivers State. Happy Birthday the great Malabite! Happy Birthday the Ambassador extraordinary!! Happy Birthday one of the best products of Amaechism!!!
He is happily married and this union is blessed with three amiable children. At his spare time, he delights in reading and playing football.

Eze Chukwuemeka Eze is a Media Consultant based in Port Harcourt and can be reached through: ezemediaconcept2020@gmail.com, 08022049770

IGP Orders Investigation Into Killing Of Osun Student

 

Osun damaged police station

The Inspector General of Police (IGP) Ibrahim Idris has ordered an immediate investigation into the killing of a student in Iwo, Osun State.

The Osun State Commissioner of Police, Fimihan Adeoye, disclosed this on Saturday, during an assessment of the facilities at the police station set ablaze by some youths who protested the killing of the student.

He said one of the major duties of the police is to protect the right of the people and the IGP is not in support of human rights violation.

“The IGP does not in any way tolerate violation of human right. The job of police officers is to protect the right of the people. The IGP has directed that the necessary internal control mechanism of the force be activated to deal with the situation.

“The officer that is suspected to have committed the act has been arrested and is currently undergoing interrogation,” Adeoye said.

He added that anyone found guilty at the end of the investigation will be duly prosecuted.

The Iwo area command headquarters was on Friday set ablaze by some youths and students who were protesting the alleged murder of a student identified as Tunde Nafiu.

Nafiu was allegedly shot dead by a police officer attached to the Special Anti-Robbery Squad (SARS) on Thursday while returning from Oluponan town in the state.

The police station was set ablaze after the youths and some students stormed the police station, forcing police officers to flee and scamper for safety. They also burnt tyres at some location in the town leaving residents in fear.

The Commissioner of Police in Osun State while addressing journalists on Saturday decried the actions of the youths. He also lamented over the destruction of properties at the police station, adding that the situation does not justify taking laws into one’s hands.

Adeoye also visited the traditional ruler of Iwo, Oba Abdulrasheed Akanbi, and the family members of the deceased student at Ileogbo, also in Osun state where he assured the family of the commitment to ensure justice on the incident.

Benue Monarch Condoles Dickson, Donates Five Hundred Thousand Naira Towards Cancer Centre Foundation

The father of the Chief Press Secretary to the Governor of Bayelsa State,  and Paramount Ruler of Ijigban Kingdom, HRH, King Christopher Onumah Agbo has commiserated with Governor Seriake Dickson of Bayelsa State and his family over the passing of the Matriarch of the Dickson family,  Mrs GoldCoast Dickson, popularly called Mama Gogo. 

He prayed God to grant the soul of mama eternal repose and give the family the fortitude to bear the loss. He urged the Governor to cry no more for Mama Gogo has passed to eternal glory, noting that it is better for a son to bury his mother than for the reverse. 

The Monarch assured the Governor of the continuous support and prayers of his family before, during and after the burial.

The monarch once more used the occasion of the visit to also thank the Governor for appointing his son as his Spokesman. 

A press statement signed  by the Governor's Chief Press Secretary,  Francis Ottah Agbo quoted the monarch as having made the remarks when he led a high powered Benue delegation to ToruOrua to pay a condolence visit to the Governor. 

While describing the Governor as the bridge between the South South and North Central, the King also commended Governor Dickson on his landmark achievements and the planned Cancer Centre Foundation envisioned to immortalize his mother. 

The monarch stated that he was overwhelmed when he learnt about the planned Foundation in the media. On behelf of his family, he made a contribution of five hundred thousand naira for the Cancer Centre.  

He said: "By the grace of God, you will complete the Cancer Centre Foundation and help humanity the more. And because of that singular effort which is meant to save the next life, God will bless you and family. I want to make a token contribution of Five Hundred Thousand Naira to the foundation. You have built a bridge between Benue, Bayelsa States and between North Central and South South and my prayer is for God to keep expanding your coast.  

"God made it possible for people to love one another and to be brothers. I thank you for your immense assistance to me through my son, especially the positions given to my son, since your ascension as governor. Your achievements have been acknowledged both inside and outside Nigeria."

 King Agbo urged the bereaved family to take solace in the worthy legacies Mama Gogo left behind and promised to participate fully in the burial ceremonies.

Responding, Governor Dickson thanked the Benue delegation for the visit, stressing that he and his CPS have come a long way. While describing Francis Agbo as "a brother from another mother,” the Governor  appreciated the family of Agbo for the donation to the Foundation and called for more support as according to him, the foundation will not be funded with government money.  

He also used the occasion of the visit to commend the King for keeping the peace of his dornain and promised to visit Ijigban community.

Ondo Commissioner Commiserates With Dickson, Says He Is A Great Leader

The Ondo State Commissioner for Land, Mr Donald Ojogo has over the weekend described Governor Seriake Dickson of Bayelsa State as a bridge builder whose uncommon political leadership spans across political and ethnic divides.

A press statement by the Governor's Chief Press Secretary Francis Ottah Agbo quoted Ojogo to have stated this when he led a high-powered delegation of Arugbo Ijaw to condole with Governor Dickson and his family over the passage of his mother, Mrs Goldcoast Dickson in ToruOrua.

Mr. Ojogo who said Governor Dickson has over the years, provided what he called, "an unusual leadership for the entire Ijaw nation," noted that he has demonstrated commitment and magnanimity towards impacting positively on their lives.

Expressing gratitude to the Governor, Mr. Ojogo said the people of Ondo State and generations yet unborn would eternally remain grateful to Governor Dickson for his benevolence, courage, vision and purposeful leadership.

According to him, "Governor Dickson has provided a platform for brilliant Ijaw students whom he has placed on scholarship at the Ijaw National Academy in which some of the beneficiaries are from Arugbo Ijaw. He said there is an ongoing health project in Arugbo as well as his appointment of Fidelis Soriwei, a son of Arugbo as Special Adviser. These gestures, he noted are geared towards advancing Ijaw national interest. 

Governor Dickson thanked the delegation for the visit. He said cancer poses existential threat to humanity, urged them to join the crusade to deepen the cancer awareness campaign.  While promising to mobilize his friends and well-wishers to donate generously to the Cancer Foundation he plans to establish to immortalize his mother and boost cancer awareness, the Governor urged all and sundry to join him to wage war against cancer. 

SARS Overhaul In The Right Direction

IGP Ibrahim K. Idris

By Adewole Kehinde

It is no longer news that the Special Anti-Robbery Squad now known as Federal Special Anti-Robbery Squad has received the attention of the Presidency via a Presidential Directive.

Before the presidential directive, it may interest the general public to know that IGP Ibrahim Idris has in December 2017 commenced the overhaul of SARS by appointing a Commissioner of Police to take charge of the new FSARS in the person of amiable CP Haliru Gwandu, to be supervised DIG Habila Joshak, Deputy Inspector General of Police, Operations Department at the Force Headquarters, Abuja.

As part of the overhaul, the IGP also directed that a FSARS Commander of the rank of Chief Superintendent of Police (CSP) and not below Superintendent of Police (SP) will be in charge of State and Zonal Commands of FSARS across the Country.

It may also interest the general public especially the agitator of #EndSARS that the Committee on the Overhaul of SARS has developed a new FSARS Organizational Policy Framework and Operational Guidelines and Procedures has been shared with the officers for strict compliance.

Also pending when a new outfit with proper identification will be made available to the personnel of FSARS, the FSARS operatives are to wear Police uniforms with full identification.

Aside the fact that FSARS Operatives are to go through rigorous medical/psychological screening and Human Rights protection orientation programmes and Processes, all new Police recruit will also go through the same process henceforth.

At a stakeholder meeting held on Friday, August 24, 2018, the Inspector General of Police, IGP Ibrahim K. Idris represented by DIG Habila Joshak, Deputy Inspector General of Police, Operations Department, along with Commissioner of Police Federal SARS, and DCP Amaechi Elumelu in charge of the IGP’s X-Squad and others senior Officers where the Media and the public were addressed on the progress made so far in the overhaul of Special Anti-Robbery Squad, now known as FSARS.

The critical Stakeholders meeting had in place Mr Segun Awosanya, Convener of #EndSARS and head of Universal Institutional Reform Advocacy Foundation and Dr Femi Amosun, Professor Olu Ogunsakin represented by Mr Ayo Omotade, Mr Asekome Oteiku, Director Legal/Admin International Human Rights Protection, Ayo Akani and his Team from Lincoln Carter Foundation and other key Stakeholders.

Addressing the gathering, DIG Joshak Habila stressed that the overhaul of SARS was beyond rhetoric and real reform was taking place. He noted among other things that Federal SARS operatives had been ordered not to attend to civil or commercial matters again but strictly look into Armed Robbery and Kidnapping cases only.

Also speaking at the stakeholder meeting, the CP FSARS, CP Habiru Gwandu informed the gathering of the creation of a Human Rights Desk in every States of the Federation to address cases of infractions against members of the public by FSARS personnel anywhere in the country in collaboration with other Human Rights organisations.

He went further to note that the Police have involved the services of psychologists and counsellors in the ongoing screening of FSARS operatives.

The head of IGP’s X-Squad, a unit with the mandate of enforcing discipline in the Nigeria Police Force, DCP Amaechi Elumelu stated that the screening and mobilization of FSARS operatives would not be business as usual again, pointing out that anyone who would become an operative would go through rigorous orientation, Human Rights training and other screening processes that will includes the evaluation of their previous records on Human Rights.

He announced the setting up of the Custody Records Management System which will be unveiled by the Inspector General of Police very soon. He explained that this system would contain the records of arrests, detentions and welfare details of suspects, noting that this system would discourage arbitrary arrest of people and ensure that suspects are charged to court within 24 hours according to the law.

The man who spearheaded the #ENDSARS campaign, Mr Segun Awosanya appreciated the President Buhari for the swift action in ordering the overhaul of SARS, noting that the government was a listening one. He called for trust between citizens and the Police noting that “if it is well with the Police, it is well with the nation.”

He further said that he would be giving all it takes to support the Police Force and promised to raise funds for the overhaul of SARS now known as FSARS.

The Trust fund will be managed by an independent body with regular auditing from reputable auditing firm.

I am using the opportunity to call on the Presidency to make adequate fund available as the overhaul of FSARS will only be effective when there is adequate funding to carry out Medical/Psychological evaluation of all FSARS personnel; new training program to be organized by the Force in collaboration with some Civil Society Organizations (CSOs), Local and International NGOs, and other Human Rights Organizations on core Police Duties, Observant of Human Rights and Handling, Care and Custody of Suspects; Redesigning of new uniform with identity name tag for all FSARS personnel throughout the Country and establishment of Human Right Desk across the 36 States and the FCT.

Adewole Kehinde is a Journalist based in Abuja. 08054328498 – SMS Only; kennyadewole@gmail.com

Tunde Nafiu's Killing: Adeleke Despatched Condolence Team to Ile-Ogbo

Senator Ademola Adeleke

The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) flagbearer in Osun state, Senator Ademola Adeleke, has offered his deepest condolences to the family and the people of Iwoland over the gruesome killing of Mr Tunde Nafiu, describing his death as sad and monumental loss of a young promising man.

A delegation from Senator Adeleke visited  the family of the deceased at Ayi compound, Ile-Ogbo, on Saturday, describing the unfortunate loss of Mr. Nafiu as “sad and painful”, 

Through the delegation led by Mr. Olawale Rasheed, Senator Adeleke strongly condemned the vicious action of the overzealous security agents,urging strict observance of rule of law by security agencies. 

"I am directed  to convey the deepest sympathy of PDP flagbearer,Senator Ademola Adeleke and to offer you his prayers and support during this dark time. We pray that God brings the family and every loved ones he left behind the much-needed peace and comfort during this sad time", the representative of the senator said.

The father of the deceased, Mr Nafiu who is also the Oluomo of Ile ogbo expressed appreciation for the visit.

SARS Reform In Progress

Deputy Inspector General of Police in Charge Operation, DIG Joshak Habila

By Adewole Kehinde

The Vice President, Professor Yemi Osinbajo few weeks ago gave a presidential directive to the Inspector General Of Police, IGP Ibrahim Idris; ordering an overhaul of the management and activities of the Special Anti-Robbery Squad (SARS), across the country.

It may interest the general public that IGP Ibrahim Idris has in December 2017 commenced the reform of Special Anti-Robbery Squad (SARS) with the appointment of CP Haliru Gwandu as the Commissioner of Police in charge of Federal SARS with supervision by the Department of Operations, Force Headquarters Abuja.

Also, the Federal Anti-Robbery Squad (FSARS) will, from now on, exist and operate in the State and Zonal Commands under the Force Headquarters. 

As part of the reorganization, the IGP also directed that a FSARS Commander of the rank of Chief Superintendent of Police (CSP) and not below Superintendent of Police (SP) will be in charge of State and Zonal Commands of FSARS across the Country.

IGP Ibrahim Idris has equally directed all Commissioners of Police to immediately carry out the new directives and warn Police personnel against posing as SARS operatives.

To ensure compliance, the IGP X-Squad and IGP Monitoring Unit has been mandated to go around the State Commands and Police formations nationwide to apprehend defaulters.

I am aware that a new training program on core police duties, respect for human rights and humane handling and care of suspects in custody is almost concluded for all FSARS operatives. The training program is to be conducted in collaboration with civil society organizations, local and international non-governmental organizations and other human rights bodies.

To complement the Presidential directives on the overhaul of the Special Anti-Robbery Squad (SARS), the Deputy Inspector General of Police in Charge Operation, DIG Joshak Habila last Saturday, 18th August, 2018 held meeting with all FSARS Commanders in Nigeria at the Peace Training Center, Police Headquarters, Abuja.

At the meeting, the Presidential directives on SARS Overhaul as issued by Prof Yemi Osinbajo and the content of the new FSARS Organizational Policy Framework and Operational Guidelines and Procedures designed by the Committee was shared with the officers for strict compliance.

The Commissioner of Police in charge of Federal SARS, CP Haliru Gwandu at the resolved that only competent officers will remain as Commanders in new FSARS, those not measuring up to acceptable standard will be redeployed and new courageous officers will be posted as replacements. Many of the personnel inherited will be posted out of FSARS.

It was also resolved that there will be an immediate commencement of physical screening and Psychiatric evaluation of all FSARS officers. FSARS personnel are to operate in full NPF uniform pending the approval of new FSARS outfit by the IGP and distribution of same in the coming days.

I am aware that the SARS Overhaul Committee will commence immediate visit to decongest SARS cells nationwide. FSARS will only handle armed robbery and kidnap cases. IGP X-Squad personnel have commenced enforcement of all new directives as issued by IGP Ibrahim Idris.

Also, the establishment Human Rights desk at all FSARS bases nationwide is in progress.

The re-organizations and management overhauls that is taking place in FSARS will only be effective when there is adequate funding to carry out Medical/Psychological evaluation of all FSARS personnel; new training program to be organized by the Force in collaboration with some Civil Society Organizations (CSOs), Local and International NGOs, and other Human Rights Organizations on core Police Duties, Observant of Human Rights and Handling, Care and Custody of Suspects; Redesigning of new uniform with identity name tag for all FSARS personnel throughout the Country and establishment of Human Right Desk across the 36 States and the FCT.  

Also, there is avenue now for members of the public who have complaints of rights violations committed by FSARS operatives to lodge reports through a variety of platforms, including telephone and social media. I am also aware that the following communication medium is already active to receive complaint and compliment for the new FSARS: DIG, Department of Operations: 08037025670; IGP X-SQUAD: 0902 690 0729, 08078662130, 08174041000 – CALLS; 0903 227 8905 – SMS, 0903 562 1377 – WhatsApp,  Email: integrityxsquad@gmail.com, IGP Monitoring Unit: igpmonotoringabj@yahoo.com, 08036242591, Commissioner of Police, FSARS:  08033476852 and Force Public Complaint Bureau, 07056792065 Calls/SMS/WhatsApp 08088450152 Calls/SMS/WhatsApp. Email: bailisfree@gmail.com, pressforabuja@gmail.com, Twitter: @PoliceNG

Adewole Kehinde is a Journalist based in Abuja. 08054328498 – SMS Only