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NSA Calls for Collective Action in Combating Kidnapping Menace

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Malam Nuhu Ribadu National Security Adviser

The National Security Adviser (NSA), Malam Nuhu Ribadu has urged all security, intelligence and  other relevant Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs) to take responsibilities in protecting lives and property of Nigerians.

Ribadu made the call at the briefing of Service Chiefs and Heads of Agencies on the roadmap for the establishmemt of the proposed Anti-Kidnap Fusion Cell, on Thursday in Abuja.

The NSA was represented by the National Coordinator, National Counter Terrorism Centre (NCTC), retired Rear Adm. Yaminu Musa.

This is contained in a statement by Mr Raphael Towoju of the Strategic Communications Department of NCTC-ONSA, on Thursday in Abuja.

Ribadu said it was imperative for all stakeholders to come together to find a comprehensive solution to combating the menace of kidnap-for-ransom and other related crimes bedeviling the country.

He said that the first Security and Defense Partnership dialogue between the United Kingdom (UK) and Nigeria was held in London in February 2022, as part of the concerted efforts by ONSA to address the menace of kidnapping in Nigeria.

According to him,  one of the agreements reached during the Dialogue was the need to create an Anti-Kidnap Multi-Agency Fusion Cell to help stem the threats of Kidnapping in the country.

So far, eight Workshops have been held by personnel of relevant stakeholders working with experts of the UK National Crime Agency (NCA).

“The workshops culminated in the setting up of a multi-agency writing team to contribute to the formulation of a National Anti-Kidnapping Strategy,” he said.

The NSA expressed appreciation to the UK through the High Commissioner for the support provided in the nation’s efforts to tackle the issue of Kidnapping and other crimes in Nigeria.

In his remarks, the British High Commissioner to Nigeria, Richard Montgomery, said the first duty of any government was the security of its citizens, adding that the issue of Kidnapping brings trauma to families.

Montgomery assured reiterated the commitment of the UK Government to the full implementation of the Security/Defence partnership between the two nations. (NAN)

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ECOWAS Parliament to Set Up Mediation Committee to Re-Coopt Aggrieved Members

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ECOWAs parliament extra ordinary session opening in Kano

By Abbas Yushau Yusuf

KANO, Nigeria – The ECOWAS Parliament has announced plans to establish a mediation committee aimed at re-integrating aggrieved member states.

This decision was revealed by the First Deputy Speaker of the ECOWAS Parliament, Senator Barau Jibril, while opening the second extraordinary session of the Parliament in Kano, Northwestern Nigeria.

Addressing the session, Senator Barau emphasized the critical need for Parliament’s intervention in regional issues, as highlighted by the President of the ECOWAS Commission during the Inaugural Session.

Barau said the President had called for urgent efforts to prevent the disintegration of the regional bloc, particularly with the potential departures of Mali, Niger, and Burkina Faso. He also stressed the importance of confronting non-state groups vying for control of resources and marginalizing states, which has led to severe insecurity, especially in the Sahel region.

“In consultation with my colleagues on the Bureau, I will propose the appointment of an Ad hoc Mediation Committee,” Senator Barau stated. “The committee’s mandate will be to work with all stakeholders to encourage our brothers to rescind their decision and come back, and to promote dialogue to resolve conflicts in the region. Our strength lies in unity, and there is no alternative to our collective aspirations of a united, peaceful, and secure ECOWAS.”

Senator Barau also mentioned a Parliamentary Fact-Finding mission dispatched to Togo. The delegation investigated the reasons behind the notable absence of the Togolese delegation, who, according to the Supplementary Act on the Enhancement of the Powers of the Parliament, should hold the Speakership. Discussions with national stakeholders yielded positive responses, and Senator Barau reported that Togolese authorities assured the imminent inauguration of their parliamentary representatives.

Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf of Kano State, in his remarks, urged the ECOWAS Parliament to strive for the development of West African countries and to promote economic diversification.

The session in Kano also saw the swearing-in of new members, marking another step in strengthening the legislative body’s capacity to address regional challenges.

NIGERIAN TRACKER reports that the extraordinary session underscores ECOWAS’s commitment to maintaining regional stability and fostering cooperation among member states

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ECOWAS Parliament Meeting in Kano is to Bring Legislature Closer to the People-Barau

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Senator Barau
Senator Barau Jibrin first Deputy Speaker ECOWAS parliament

Abbas Yushau Yusuf

Apart from their usual meetings in Abuja, the ECOWAS Parliament has brought its second extraordinary session to Kano.

Addressing the press after a closed-door session of the ECOWAS Parliament, the First Deputy Speaker of the Parliament, Senator Barau I. Jibrin, said the meeting will bring the legislature closer to the people and make them aware of the happenings.

Senator Barau said Kano, being the commercial nerve center of Northern Nigeria, is pertinent to hold the second extraordinary session in Kano.

Senator Barau said the ECOWAS Parliament’s session in Kano will discuss issues of economy, security, and other social happenings for the overall benefit of society.

According to the First Deputy Speaker, the legislatures of the 15 member countries of the subregion are here in Kano, and it’s meant for Kano people to know them and also for the Parliament to know Kano.

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Governor Muftwang Of Plateau State Bids Farewell To Muslim Pilgrims

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BY Asile Abel,Jos

The Governor of Plateau State Barr. Caleb Manasseh Mutfwang, has encouraged intending pilgrims from the state to embody the values of love, peace, and tolerance as they embark on the sacred journey to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia for the 2024 Hajj.

while bidding farewell to the departing pilgrims from Plateau, Governor Mutwang enjoined them to not only pray for themselves and their families but also for the restoration of lasting peace in the state.

“As you embark on the fifth pillar of Islam, you carry not only your personal aspirations but also the collective hopes and spiritual yearnings of our beloved state. The Hajj is a journey of profound reflection, steadfast faith, and a commitment to righteousness.”

He emphasized the significance of this act of worship by highlighting his administration’s unwavering support for the Plateau State Muslim Pilgrims Welfare Board and ensuring the spiritual growth and welfare of Muslims in the state.

As the Chief Security Officer of the State, Governor Mutfwang reaffirmed his dedication to upholding fairness and justice for all citizens, regardless of tribe, religion, or background. He emphasized his administration’s commitment to transparency and inclusivity, prioritizing the unity and prosperity of Plateau State.

“In your prayers and supplications, remember our dear State, not only for immediate peace but for sustained harmony and unity,” he urged.

Hon. Daiyabu Dauda, the Executive Secretary of the Muslim Pilgrims Welfare Board, commended Governor Caleb Manasseh Mutfwang for his support of the Muslim community in the state.

He noted that the Governor’s sponsorship of 540 out of 1,232 pilgrims, the approval of funds for the resettlement of backlog deposits and the procurement of a bus for the board demonstrated a deep commitment to the well-being of the Muslim Ummah.

He called on all to pray and support the efforts of Governor Mutwang in providing transformative leadership for Plateau State.

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