News
Army, Police Urged To Investigate Extortion Of Farmers, Herders In Benue, Kaduna, Taraba
The Nigerian Army and Police Force have been urged to immediately launch an inquiry into the alleged extortion of farmers and herders in some conflict-ridden communities of Benue, Taraba, and Kaduna states.
A recent investigative report by Daily Trust had indicted soldiers and police officers deployed in Adaka and Wadata communities of Benue, Jalingo town in Taraba and Zangon Kataf area of Kaduna state of engaging in unprofessional conducts, and exacerbating the plight of farmers and herders through intimidation and extortion.
Security and Energy expert Kevin Eyneface led the call for Army and Police authorities to swing into action immediately during an anti-corruption radio programme, PUBLIC CONSCIENCE, produced by PRIMORG, on Wednesday in Abuja.
Kevin stated that the investigation, which also exposed the identities of some people who perpetrated the act, is valid enough for the security agencies whose personnel have been indicted to take prompt action while urging the military and police hierarchies not to ‘sweep the report under the carpet.’
Advising the Nigerian Army and Police authorities, He said that “the fact the investigation actually named names is a commendable feat to start with. Hence, it is now left for the system to heal itself, but the question is to what extent will they (Army and Police) want to go to in healing themselves,” Eyneface queried.
He added that extortion is an outcome of the corruption in the security system of Nigeria – be it the military or the police, noting that the situation is worsened by lack of consequence for bad behaviour of some security agents, flawed recruitment processes, nepotism, cronyism and poor remuneration.
“Deployment in the military, police or DSS to anywhere is backed with corruption. It has to be either based on cronyism or nepotism or some form of bigoted relationship or jingoism. From my experience, a merit window comes when you are exceptionally good.
“Why do we have a country with a multiplicity of remuneration across the board? Why do politicians earn much more than a Nigerian inspector in the Nigeria Police? The minimum salary of a counsellor in a political office is almost N500,000, with other benefits. Do we have the same salary for a police officer that carries an AK 47 to protect us or a military officer that protects us with arms – the answer is No,” Fyneface stated.
Towing the same line, Daily Trust journalist Musa Luka Muka asked the Nigerian Army and Police authorities to act on the investigative report indicting security agents of compromising standards in Benue, Taraba and Kaduna communities.
Musa urged the Federal Government “to do something urgently about extortion because people are suffering out there. People are dying in the rural areas.
“There are lots of farmers and herders in crisis; they are facing worse situations than what has been reported, but they are not ready to give out information because they are skeptical and afraid of a reprisal attack, He explained.
The investigative journalist stressed the need for ordinary Nigerians to be sensitized about intimidation and extortion by security agents.
“Sadly, the citizens fear giving out information. As such, we have to engage in sensitization. We (the government) should do something about this report because people are suffering out there. People are dying in the rural areas,” Musa said.
Public Conscience is a syndicated weekly anti-corruption radio program PRIMORG uses to draw government and citizens’ attention to corruption and integrity issues in Nigeria.
The program has the support of the MacArthur Foundation.
News
Nigeria at 66: ‘We Must Not Lose Faith in Nigeria’ — FCC Boss Omidiran
Joel Ajayi
The Executive Chairman of the Federal Character Commission (FCC), Honorable Hulayat Motunrayo Omidiran, has called on Nigerians to use the occasion of the nation’s 66th Independence Anniversary to renew their faith in Nigeria, strengthen national unity and recommit themselves to building a more inclusive and prosperous country.
In her 66th Independence Day message, Hon. Omidiran described October 1 as more than a celebration of freedom, saying the anniversary provides an opportunity for Nigerians to reflect on the country’s journey, acknowledge its progress and challenges, and renew the collective determination to build a nation where every citizen has a sense of belonging.
According to the FCC Executive Chairman, the Federal Character Principle remains particularly important to the quest for national cohesion because equitable representation promotes a sense of ownership and confidence in the Nigerian project.
“Nigeria is a nation of great diversity and
enormous potential. Our responsibility is to ensure that this diversity becomes a bridge that connects us rather than a barrier that separates us. Every Nigerian deserves to feel that he or she belongs to this country and has a role to play in its development,” Omidiran said.
The FCC boss called on government institutions at all levels to remain committed to fairness, equity, accountability and inclusive governance, while urging citizens to support efforts aimed at strengthening national institutions and promoting peaceful coexistence.
“We must not lose faith in Nigeria. The challenges before us are real, but so are the opportunities and the enormous human and natural resources available to us. Every citizen has a responsibility to contribute his or her own quota to building the Nigeria we desire,” she stated.
The FCC Executive Chairman also urged young Nigerians to remain committed to acquiring knowledge and skills, entrepreneurship, innovation, sports and other productive ventures, describing the youth as critical stakeholders in the country’s future.
“As we celebrate 66 years of independence, let us remember that the Nigeria we want cannot be built by government alone. It requires the commitment of all of us – leaders and citizens, young and old, from every part of the federation. Together, we can build a Nigeria where justice, fairness, opportunity and peace are available to all,” she said.
Omidiran reaffirmed the FCC’s commitment to the effective discharge of its constitutional mandate and to supporting efforts that promote equitable representation and inclusive national development across the federation.
The former lawmaker wished Nigerians at home and abroad a peaceful and memorable 66th Independence Anniversary, praying for continued peace, stability, prosperity and progress for the Federal Republic of Nigeria.
“Our differences should never be greater than our common identity as Nigerians. Let us continue to choose unity over division, service over self-interest and hope over despair. The Nigeria of our dreams is possible if we all play our part,” Omidiran said.
“On behalf of the Federal Character Commission, I congratulate all Nigerians on this 66th Independence Anniversary. May this occasion renew our patriotism, strengthen our unity and inspire us to work together for a stronger, more equitable and prosperous Nigeria. May God bless the Federal Republic of Nigeria,” she added.
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