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Insecurity: Security News Publishers Challenge FG to Action
The National Association of Online Security News Publishers (NAOSNP) has challenged the Federal Government to provide adequate security for Nigerians as the 21st year of new millennium gets underway.
The Association, in a statement signed by it’s president, Samson Oki, frowned at the increasing level of killings, terrorism, kidnapping and banditry prevalent in the country, and called on all relevant agencies to buckle up.
The Association’s statement in details:
Nigeria is beset with plethora of insecurities ranging from kidnapping, banditary and terrorism, inter-cult rivalries, attacks by herdsmen and armed robbery incidences.
These, apart from the Covid-19 that struck the country in February 28, 2020, have infested the country like a behemoth, emasculating people and depleting their economic prosperity.
In the last few months, most Nigerians have developed lack of interest in embarking on interstate travels, not because of lack of what to do in those states but afraid that they might not arrive their destinations for fear of been kidnapped, abducted by bandits and herdsmen, who brazenly block expressway and seize vehicles or the entire passengers.
Kidnapping for ransom has become one of the biggest organised crime in Nigeria and this has posed a huge national security problem in the country, sending countless victims to their early graves as any resistance always result in death of victims.
In extreme cases, some have had their lives terminated while those that are lucky enough, either forced to pay millions to regain their freedom or had the women gang raped by the bandits.
Sadly, despite been rescued, the kidnapping of over 334 students from Kankara Government Science Secondary School, Katsina on the 11th December, 2020 was a slap on the collective sensibility and sensitivity of Nigerians having had cases of students abductions at Chibok and Dapchi with some many of them still not released by the terrorists till now.
We, at the National Association of Online Security News Publishers (NAOSNP) wish to use this opportunity to call on all the security apparatuses to redouble their efforts and extricate our country from this mess we have found ourselves.
Nigeria used to be a reference point in terms of peace and security in its ambience but such enviable status cannot be held at the moment – as one of the most secured country in Africa. Unfortunately, due to self distrust, political manipulation and flagrant disregards for the sanctity of human lives, have descended to such a level that we are made a laughing stock in Africa.
As it is hitherto, nowhere seems safe in Nigeria. Even Churches and Mosques have been inflitrated by terrorist gangs and bombed them or clergymen kidnapped. Every geopolitical zone is either contending with one insecurities problem or the other leading to; in recent times, the formation by some states of regional or ethnic security Organisations. Aren’t these indexes of failed efforts of the Government to provide security and protect properties of citizens?
Pathetically, it has been observed with disdain that men of the Nigerian Police have lowered the guide at providing required security since the aftermath of #EndSARS protest. No matter what has happened, the Nigerian Police cannot shy away from its primary responsibilities.
Despite the hijack of #EndSARS protest, which was unfortunate and condemnable in its ramifications, NAOSNP urge the police to take the challenge as a bold step to change the negative narratives and prove all the doubting Thomases WRONG. It would also be an expression of their strongness, doggedness to live above their shortcomings by providing robust security to the citizenry.
As the Federal government has reassured Nigerians of robust security as espoused in President Mohammadu Buhari New Year broadcast, we, at NAOSNP appeal to the Government to invest heavily on the military by procuring necessary equipment to deal with the terrorists terrorising lives in the NorthEast and North Central with a reminder that any country that politicises security matters would bleed.
Similarly, other Paramilitary organizations need massive investment in the area of Equipment, Training and Welfare of officers to meet contemporary security hiatus. Based on those premise, the welfare of officers cannot be compromised and as such, will serve as added motivational factor that would challenge them to do more to secure the rest of us.
Lastly, 2021 holds so much in trust for all and sundry. Everyone needs to assist in intelligence gathering to aid our security agencies and the Government must begin to reevaluate its security architecture, make necessary changes at the top hierrachy, appropriate more funds and monitor its disbursement with a view to getting results but not the uncouth narratives that have kept us in this unfortunate insecurity problems.
It is only when adequate security of lives and properties are guaranteed that both foreign and local investments would be attracted. The moment this is done, the reflection on Gross National Domestic Product (GDP) would climb to the roof and by extension, Internally Generated Revenue (IGR) and infrastructural development will accelerate.
As a country, nation and people, we deserve more than this. NAOSNP declares 2021 a year of peace and hope; a year where auguish and lack will be relegated; where plenty food will replace starvation; where peace and love will replace nepotism and tribal division and where slaughtering of people will no longer become a daily identity but hopes of progress and developments for all and sundry.
By Henry Ukazu
Dear Destiny Friends,
There’s no doubt that human beings by nature are insatiable. When we get one opportunity, we always look for another. When we attain one height, we always look for another accomplishment. Isn’t it true that the end of one mountain is the beginning of another.
However, I don’t think it’s selfish for anyone to dare to succeed.
Being ambitious doesn’t make one an opportunist or disloyal. It all depends on one’s perception or outlook to life. It’s just natural for one to dream big. It’s only ugly when the process one chooses to achieve his desires becomes dirty and nasty.
According to a former Nigerian presidential candidate and seasoned Economist, Mr. Peter Obi, “if you must be referred to as “Your Excellency”, then the process through which you arrived in office must be excellent”.
If you desire to be reckoned with on the journey of existence, you must be legitimately hungry for success. One’s hunger for success will facilitate the drive to accomplish great tasks despite daunting obstacles posing as challenges.
When one has this mindset, one will not be bothered by the noise which serves as obstacles and challenges along the way. Negative and weak minds are always concerned on why something won’t work. They tend to focus their energy and reasons on the obstacles facing them. But great and productive minds always focus their energy on the reasons why it will work. This is the spirit of an insatiable mind who is a goal- getter.
It’s instructive to note that we can’t please everyone. According to Bill Cosby, a famous actor, “I don’t know the key to success, but the key to failure is trying to please everyone.” Isn’t it true that when you talk, people will still talk about you, when you don’t talk, people will talk about you, so whether you talk or not, people will still judge you, so, do what’s best for you. There’s nothing you can do to please human beings. Your best option is to live your best life.
To understand how the insatiable nature of man works, one must be oneself. You don’t have to “please” anyone. Be yourself, and don’t try to be like anyone just to curry favour. It’s important to note that when you are yourself, the people that matter will come through for you, and the people that don’t matter will gradually find the bearing in another space because those that truly care don’t bother and those that bother don’t really matter in the grand scheme of things.
Life has truly taught me to focus on the important things of life as opposed to the mundane things. It’s truly sad to see people spending more time on the little things of life, and spending little time on the important things of life. That’s just a misplaced priority.
When you are yourself, the best people can do is to copy or imitate your style. They can never imitate your creativity nor can take your originality from you.
We live in a world or society where people don’t generally care or show empathy. Most people tend to live around themselves, their family, and close associates. They generally find it hard to lift a finger to assist others for reasons best known to them. Rev. Fr. Ejike Mbaka once said, “we live in a wicked generation”, re-echoing the voices of a lot of people of the world. Some people in authority just have criminal expertise in amassing wealth of opportunities meant for the citizens without thinking of the citizens they are meant to serve.
It’s worthy of note that not everyone will like you nor support your work, but when you find people who truly care about you; please hold them tight. This is because despite having family members you have shown love and compassion, they might not still appreciate you even if you lay your life for them, they will still find something to say. Again, this is the insatiable nature of man.
It’s okay for everyone not to like you, normalize living your life for God, yourself, family and those that care about you. If everyone likes you, you have a problem.
Did you know that you can get a new family from friends, strangers, and acquaintances? These sets of people might appreciate you more than your own family members. They might not demand or under appreciate you like your family members and close friends or associates. Any little support you give them will be highly appreciated. Their focus is to see you do better.
In conclusion, as you desire to succeed in life, never give in to failure until you have made your last attempt, and never make your last attempt until you succeed. This literally means whatever you desire, dream it, think it, say it, and believe you can achieve it. This principle is generally applicable to relationships, businesses, family, personal and professional development.
Henry Ukazu writes from New York. He works with the New York City Department of Correction as the Legal Coordinator. He’s the founder of Gloemi. He’s a Transformative Human Capacity and Mindset coach. He is also a public speaker, youth advocate, creative writer and author of Design Your Destiny Design Your and Unleash Your Destiny . He can be reached via info@gloemi.com
A federal judge in the United States, on Thursday, put a temporary block on President Donald Trump’s attempt to restrict birthright citizenship.
The ruling imposes a 14-day halt on the enforcement of one of the most controversial executive orders Trump signed hours after being sworn into office for a second term.
It comes after lawsuits were filed by a total of 22 states, two cities and numerous civil rights groups.
“This is a blatantly unconstitutional order,” senior US District Judge John Coughenour was reported as saying during the hearing in Washington State.
“I’ve been on the bench for over four decades, I can’t remember another case where the question presented is as clear as this one is,” said Coughenour, who was appointed to the bench by a Republican president, Ronald Reagan.
Birthright citizenship is fundamental to America’s national identity, with the 14th Amendment to the US Constitution decreeing that anyone born on US soil is a citizen.
It says, in part: “All persons born or naturalized in the United States, and subject to the jurisdiction thereof, are citizens of the United States and of the State wherein they reside.”
Trump’s order was premised on the idea that anyone in the US illegally, or on a visa, was not “subject to the jurisdiction” of the country, and therefore excluded from this category.
AFP
The Court of Appeal sitting in Akure, Ondo State capital has upheld the death sentence of Ramon Adedoyin, a prominent businessman and hotelier, for his involvement in the murder of one Timothy Adegoke, a former postgraduate student of the Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU), Ile-Ife, Osun State.
Delivering the judgment on Thursday, the court affirmed the earlier verdict of the Osun State High Court, which had sentenced Adedoyin to death.
“The judgment of the High Court of Osun State stands. Adedoyin’s appeal is dismissed in part,” the court declared in part.
The Court of Appeal, however, set aside some aspects of the lower court’s orders, including the forfeiture of the Hilton Hotel and the order for Adedoyin to pay for the education of Adegoke’s children.
Furthermore, the court ruled that it had no jurisdiction to impose penalties outside the statutory provisions
Adegoke’s death was reported in November 2021 after his corpse was found at the Hilton Honours Hotel in Ile-Ife, Osun State, where he had lodged.
The hotelier had travelled from Abuja for an examination at a distance learning centre in Moro, Osun State on November 5 of that year.
He had checked into the hotel but was reported missing after two days. However, Adegoke’s body was found days later, leading to a probe that linked his death to Adedoyin and others.
In May 2023, Adedoyin and others were sentenced to death after they were found guilty of murder and conspiracy to murder.
But dissatisfied with the judgement, Adedoyin approached the Appeal court to dismiss the sentence and conviction.
The court of appeal, on Thursday, however, upheld the conviction and death sentence of the hotelier.
