The Minister of Police Affairs, Senator Ibrahim Gaidam, has asked for the partnership and support of the European Union to actualize Police reforms, and reiterate the efforts of the Federal Government to create a more responsive and professional police service in Nigeria, according to a statement by the Deputy Director, Information & Public Relations Unit, Mr. Bolaji Kazeem, and made available to the National Association of Online Security News Publishers (NAOSNP).

Gaidam made the observation during a courtesy visit of the European Union Embassy delegation led by Ambassador Gautier Mignot to the Headquarters of the Ministry in Abuja.

The Minister said the expertise, resources, and experience in police reform and governance could significantly contribute greatly to the efforts of the government in Nigeria.

“Your Excellency, I would like to brief you on the ongoing Nigerian Police reform exercise, which is being overseen by the Ministry of Police Affairs. This initiative aims to enhance the effectiveness, accountability, and community engagement of the Nigerian Police Force,” he said.

Gaidam posited that key areas of focus include improved training, better resource allocation, and the establishment of more robust oversight mechanisms to ensure transparency and public trust.

He recalled that European Union has been at the forefront of supporting regional security initiatives, including the West Africa Police Information System (WAPIS). This initiative, supported by INTERPOL, has significantly enhanced the ability of law enforcement agencies across West Africa to share critical police information electronically. The Minister stressed.

According to him, “By improving coordination, WAPIS has played a vital role in combating transnational crimes such as drug trafficking, human smuggling, and terrorism threats that continue to challenge our national security.

The Minister posited that, the European Union and ECOWAS have remained committed to ensuring the full rollout of WAPIS across all ECOWAS countries and Mauritania. Noting that funding was made available for the initiative from November 2017 and extended to May 2025.

He expressed the prevailing security challenges in Nigeria and the broader West African region adding that, it is imperative that they work towards securing continuous EU funding for the full implementation and sustainability of the WAPIS system.

“Additional technical assistance and capacity-building support will further enhance Nigeria’s law enforcement capabilities and ensure that we maximize the impact of this crucial initiative|”. Gaidam noted.

Earlier, the European Union Ambassador to Nigeria, Ambassador Gautier Mignot reiterated that the Ministry of Police Affairs is one of the Ministries they reach out to and one of the main partners adding that, the cooperation is base on share values and interests, respect for rule of law, human rights, democracy noting that the police is the core of the expression of these values.
He said that stability and security in Nigeria and ECOWAS is of interest to European Union and at a time that the world is evolving very quickly on issues relating to the regional environment and the need to reform and strengthen the criminal justice system, tackle gender-based violence, fight against human trafficking in person.

“Migration issues, we are addressing issues we are facing worldwide with the very powerful criminal networks, this is very so important to work hand in hand to fight the networks, dismantle them and protect the victims,” he said.

The Kaduna chapter of All Progressives Congress (APC) says it will not lose sleep over the defection of former Governor Nasir El-Rufai, to the Social Democratic Party (SDP).

El-Rufai, earlier on Monday, announced his resignation from the APC, expressing disappointment with the ruling party’s leadership style.

He accused it of straying from the progressive ideals of its founding members.

However, in its reaction, the Kaduna State chapter of the APC in a statement by its secretary, Yahaya Pate, said the party remained unperturbed by the defection of the former governor.

According to him, the APC is focused on delivering Kaduna State to President Bola Tinubu and Governor Uba Sani in 2027.

“We are unperturbed by former governor Nasir El-Rufai’s defection to another party. Our focus in Kaduna is on how to deliver the state to both President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and Governor Uba Sani come 2027.

“The APC in Kaduna State is growing day by day, judging from the calibre of politicians streaming into the party daily. So, we are not disturbed by anybody defecting to another party based on our governor’s inclusive governance in Kaduna State. We are not disturbed and we are not going to lose sleep over El-Rufai’s moves”.

El-Rufai said his defection was over the party leaders’ unwillingness to address certain issues he had raised.

“At this point in my political journey, I have come to the conclusion that I must seek another political platform for the pursuit of the progressive values I cherish,” the former governor said.

“My eight-year tenure in Kaduna State was devoted to implementing progressive policies to advance human development. These records count for little in the current APC that has castrated its organs and treated its membership with contempt in the last two years, I find this no longer acceptable.”

The former governor was a founding member of the ruling party, leading Kaduna State for eight years under it. El-Rufai was also instrumental in the APC win of the presidential election in 2015 and played a similar role in President Tinubu’s 2023 victory.

While he was shortlisted for a ministerial role following Tinubu’s win, El-Rufai did not scale the screening process, a move that fractured his relationship with the president and the ruling party.

Rivers State Governor, Sir Siminialayi Fubara has extended an olive branch to lawmakers loyal to his rival, Nyesome Wike.

The governor invited the Amaewhule-led House of Assembly members to a peace meeting, following the Supreme Court’s judgement on the state’s political unrest.

The invitation was made through a letter from Dr. Tammy Danagogo, Secretary to the State Government, to Speaker Martins Amaewhule.

The meeting is scheduled for Monday at 10 am at the Government House in Port Harcourt.

The agenda includes addressing lingering issues, presenting the 2025 state budget, and discussing payment of lawmakers’ allowances.

The letter read: “I hereby write in furtherance of His Excellency’s promise stated in my letter dated 5th March 2025 to notify you that His Excellency has received the Supreme Court Judgment, and has therefore directed me to invite you and your colleagues -the Honourable members of Rivers State House of Assembly, to a meeting to discuss:-

“Provision of a befitting space for the Assembly’s sittings. Payment of all outstanding remuneration or allowances of the Honourable members. Presentation of Budget and sundry matters;

“Any other matter(s), as may be necessary, to chart the way forward in the best interest of the State. Sequel to the above, I hereby humbly invite the Rt. Hon. Speaker, and all the Rivers State House of Assembly members to a meeting with the Governor as follows.”