Nigeria Removed From List Of Risk Maritime Nations

February 25, 2023

The International Bargaining Forum (IBF). has removed Nigeria from the list of countries designated as risk maritime nations.
A statement by the Assistant Director, Public Relations in the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA), Osagie Edward said that the development is a confirmation of the improved global ratings of Security in Nigerian maritime domain.
He added that this has been as a result of sustained collaborative efforts of the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency, NIMASA and the Nigerian Navy.
According to him, the International Bargaining Forum (IBF), which is a body that brings together the International Transport Federation (ITF) and the international maritime employers that make up the Joint Negotiating Group (JNG(, listed five designated risk areas and applicable benefits in the event of attacks leading to deaths and disability, mentioning the Gulf of Guinea as second extended war risk zone.
The zone covers Liberia/Ivory Coast border to 00°N 005°E and the Angola/ Namibia border.
This was even as the Director General of NIMASA, Dr. Bashir Jamoh, described the Nigeria’s new status as a landmark achievement under the Administration of President Muhammadu Buhari
“This achievement is a product of a well-structured multimodal policy which has been implemented over the years to fight piracy and other criminalities in Nigerian Waters.
“The Legal instrument called SPOMO Act signed into Law by President Buhari in 2019, the full implementation of the Deep Blue Project by NIMASA, expanded assets and capacity of the Nigerian Navy, enhanced cooperation between NIMASA and the Nigerian Navy, and the regional collaborative efforts under the umbrella of SHADE Gulf of Guinea midwifed by NIMASA, are all policies of the current administration and the benefits are gradually coming to fruition.
“We are focused on ultimately improving and reducing the cost of commercial shipping in Nigeria.”
Notable maritime institutions like the International Maritime Bureau and the International Maritime Organisation, have lauded the reduction in piracy in Nigeria following enhanced patrol and relevant Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) entered by NIMASA with other security agencies.
The 2023 IBF list called for double compensation for seafarers who die or suffer disability on the date of attack on vessels in the Gulf of Guinea.

FCT PDP Chairman, 2 Others Die In Car Crash On Election Day

Greenbarge Reporters

February 25, 2023

Chairman of the the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Abuja, Sunday Zakka has died in the early hours of today, February 25 after a car crash.
Zakka’s orderly and driver died on the spot in the auto crash which occurred last night.
They were first rushed to Kuje General Hospital last night where Zakka, bleeding profusely from head, was referred to Abuja University Teaching Hospital, Gwagwalada where he died this morning.
The state party’s secretary, Bako Angulu confirmed the death in the early hours of today.
He said that Zakka along side his orderly and driver died in a ghastly motor accident off Nnamdi Azikiwe Airport- Kuje Road, Abuja yesterday.
Zakka was on his way to Kuje, his home town, in preparation for today’s presidential and National assembly elections when the accident occurred.

2023: Presidential Candidate Surrenders, Says “I Know I Can’t Win”

Greenbarge Reporters

February 25, 2023

The presidential candidate of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), Dumebi Kachikwu, has surrendered and jettisoned his presidential ambition.

According to him, while announcing his endorsement of the flag bearer of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Bola Tinubu. he has accepted the reality that he will not win Saturday, February 25 election.

Speaking to journalists in Abuja, Dumebi Kachikwu called on his supporters to divert their votes to Bola Tinubu.

He said that APC has a better chance of emerging victorious at the end of the poll, adding that those who would be most affected by the effect of the current financial constraints in the country are supporters of Peter Obi, the Labour Party presidential candidate.

“I believed then that my final argument would be a pitch on why you should vote for me but alas as we prepare to vote in the next 48hrs, I am forced to accept the sad reality that there is no pathway towards victory for Ahmed and me.”

Be Peaceful, Orderly While Voting, Minister Appeals To Abuja Residents

Editorial staff

February 24, 2023

The minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Malam Muhammad Musa Bello has appealed to the residents of the nation’s capital to be peaceful and orderly while casting their votes in tomorrow’s Presidential election.

The Minister, in a message to residents today, February 24, emphasised the need for them to perform their civic duty of voting for candidates of their choice with respect to all laid down electoral and security regulations.

“I want to appeal to residents to be peaceful, law abiding and go out enmasse to cast your votes, because it is by your votes that you will determine who will represent you in the National Assembly.

“And I have no doubt that you will all make us proud by being disciplined and obey all regulations as set by INEC as well as the security agencies.”

Muhammad Musa Bello commended the residents across all the political parties for their peaceful conduct during the electioneering campaigns over the past few months, saying that this was an indication that the culture of democracy has matured in the FCT.

“I want to commend all residents across all political parties for tremendous decorum and peaceful electioneering campaign that has taken place over the last few months in the Federal Capital Territory.

“This has continued to show that democracy has matured in the FCT, where all contestants, irrespective of political party played by the rules and campaigned with decorum, discipline and above all with respect for one another.”

He called on the residents to help further entrench the principles of democracy in the FCT.

“Everyone should go out, get accredited and vote for candidates of their choice. And by so doing, you will deepen democracy in the Federal Capital Territory.”

CBN Gets New Director In Corporate Communications, Isa Abdulmumuni

Greenbarge Reporters

February 24, 2023

The Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) has appointed Isa Abdulmumin as the Acting Director of Corporate Communications Department of the apex bank.
Isa Abdulmumin’s appointment followed the retirement of Osita Nwanisobi as the Director.
Isa Abdulmumin, a Deputy Director, who has been in the service of the bank for several years, is reputed to be a hard working and efficient professional and a media personality.
Before joining CBN, he had worked as Senior editorial staff as well as manager in the Trust group of newspapers: Daily Truth, Weekly Trust and Aminiya (the Hausa version).
Retiring Nwanisobi had taken over in October 2020 when his predecessor, Isaac Okorafor, retired from service
He had served as a special assistant to the Financial System Stability (FSS) Deputy Governor between 2009 and 2011 and also as a Special Assistant to the Corporate Services Deputy Governor from 2001 to 2009.

Insecurity: Polling Unit Officials Withdraw In Imo Less Than 24 Hours To Go

Editorial staff

February 24, 2023

Less than 24 hours to the Presidential election in the country, some essential polling unit officials have withdrawn in some areas in Imo State considered to be prone to insecurity.

Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Professor Mahmood Yakubu announced this today, February 24, at the final media briefing before the election.

“The Commission is aware of the situation in Imo State in the South Eastern part of the country where it was reported that some of the critical polling unit officials drawn from the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) have withdrawn their participation from some Local Government Areas as a result of the perennial insecurity.

“From the report we received from our State office, concerns have been expressed about the security situation in Osu Local Government Area, five Wards in Okigwe and six in Orlu.

“However, we have been assured that with enough mobilisation of security personnel to the area, it is possible for elections to hold in these locations.”

Professor Yakubu said that the Labour Party (LP) has provided satisfactory evidence of the death of its candidate for Enugu East Senatorial District and that the Commission has suspended the election in the district as provided by Law.

“We have already communicated this decision to our Enugu State office. “Therefore, there will be no senatorial election in Enugu East Senatorial District made up of six Local Government Areas, 77 Wards and 1,630 Polling Units. The election will now be combined with the Governorship and State Assembly elections holding in the next two weeks on 11th March 2023.

“Materials already delivered for the senatorial election will remain in the custody of the Central Bank in the State until the new date for election.”

INEC chairman expressed satisfaction with the progress being made on the movement of materials to the various locations around the country.

“Having deployed these materials to the Local Government Areas, we are today devolving the deployment to the Registration Area Centers (RACs) so that early morning tomorrow the polls will open as planned.

“These RACs have been activated and election duty staff have started arriving in them.

“Generally speaking, the situation nationwide is calm as far as our preparations are concerned. There has been no incident involving the personnel or huge quantities of materials deployed by the Commission. Voter enthusiasm is high and so too is our determination to conduct credible elections.

“Tomorrow is Election Day. All campaigns, rallies, processions and media advertising by candidates for Presidential, Senatorial and Federal Constituencies for Presidential and National Assembly Elections ended at midnight yesterday.

“Voting begins at 8.30am and ends at 2.30pm tomorrow. However, any voter who is on the queue before 2.30pm will be allowed to vote even if voting goes beyond the official closing time. No voter will be disenfranchised.

“I wish all Nigerians a pleasant voting experience tomorrow. We have established a Situation Room here at the National Collation Centre. Our INEC Citizens’ Contact Centre (ICCC) is already up and running. Nigerians can contact us on our well published social media handles live and direct on Election Day.”

How We Arrested PDP Lawmaker, Igwe, With $498,100 Cash In Rivers

Editorial staff

February 24, 2023

The Rivers State Police Command has confirmed the arrest of a member of the House of Representatives on the platform of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP),

Dr. Chinyere Igwe in Port Harcourt, with a total sum of 498,100 USD, in his possession.

A list of people the monies are meant to be distributed to on behalf of the PDP Presidential candidate in the tomorrow’s election was also found with him.

The Command’s spokesman, Grace Iringe-Koko, said that Igwe was nabbed during a stop and search operation by operatives deployed to the Independent National Electoral Commission office along Aba Road in Port Harcourt.

Following his arrest, Iringe-Koko said the Assistant Inspector General of Police deployed to the state for elections, AIG Abutu Yaro, has ordered swift interrogation and arraignment of the lawmaker.

Igwe, who represents Port Harcourt Federal Constituency 2 in the green chamber of the National Assembly, is a staunch supporter of the Peoples Democratic Party presidential candidate, Atiku Abubakar.

The police statement read: “Police Officers from Rivers State Command deployed to INEC Headquarters Aba Road today 24/2/2023 at about 0245hrs, while on stop and search, arrested one Hon Chinyere Igwe, member House of Representatives representing Port Harcourt II Federal Constituency with a cash sum of $498,100 USD inside a bag in his car.

“Also recovered was a list for distribution of the money. The Assistant Inspector General of Police (Election) AIG Abutu Yaro, has ordered swift interrogation and arraignment in court.

“The Command urges all contestants and political parties to comply strictly with provisions of the Electoral Act and other relevant laws.”

Iringe-Koko, a Superintendent of Police, urged residents of the state and members to take advantage of the hotlines made available by the police to report suspicious movements and situations capable of causing security breaches.

“Members of the public are encouraged to avail themselves of the available hotlines to report any observation they believe have potential to lead to crime or break down of law and order,” she said of the arrest of the member of the member of the House of Representatives with loads of dollars.

Source: The Punch

Election: Police Arrest PDP Lawmaker In Port Harcourt With $500,000 Cash

Greenbarge Reporters

February 24, 2023

A federal lawmaker in the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) operating in the House of Representatives, Dr. Chinyere Igwe, has been arrested with over $500,000 raw cash.
Report reaching us indicated that the Lawmaker, who represents Port Harcourt Federal Constituency 2, in the lower chamber of the National Assembly, was arrested early in the morning of today, February 24, along Aba Road in Port Harcourt.
Spokesperson of the Rivers State Police Command, Grace Iringe-Koko, who confirmed the arrest said: “a statement on it will be released soon.”
Igwe is said to be a staunch supporter of the Peoples Democratic Party presidential candidate, Atiku Abubakar.
Source: The PUNCH.

President Buhari Lands In Daura For Saturday Election

Editorial staff

February 23, 2023

President Muhammadu Buhari has arrived in Daura, Katsina state, in preparation for the Presidential elections scheduled for Saturday, February 25.

A statement today, February 23, by the senior special assistant on media and publicity, Garba Shehu said that the President was received by the Katsina State Governor, Aminu Bello Masari and Director General of the National Intelligence Agency (NIA), Ambassador Ahmed Rufai Abubakar.

The statement said that President Buhari will cast his vote at a polling unit close to his country home in Daura, alongside his wife, Aisha Buhari and other family members.

The statement said that President Muhammadu Buhari helicopter landed at 5:25 in Daura, preparatory to the elections.

“He will be participating, not as a candidate as he had done since 2003, but as a voter.

“Knowing the importance of every single vote, the President makes sure that all members of his family, members of the entourage, including security, protocol and other staff are registered to vote in Daura.

“Before heading home for the elections, President Buhari had actively participated in the campaigns of the All Progressives Congress (APC) and presented the flagbearer, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu, as his preferred successor, showcasing his record of statesmanship and contributions to economic development and democracy.”

Elections: Federal Govt Blocks Chances Of Cyberspace Manipulations, Sets Up Committee Of Experts

Editorial staff

February 23, 2023

The Federal Government has moved to block manipulative tendencies of politicians in the general elections, beginning with Presidential election on Saturday, February 25 across the country.

To that effect, the minister of Communications and Digital Economy, Professor Ali Ibrahim Pantami today, February 23 in Abuja, inaugurated a Committee, led by the Chairman of the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), Professor Adeolu Akande.

According to a statement by the spokesman of the NCC, Reuben Muoka, the Committee will advise the Federal Government on appropriate measures to take in protection of the nation’s cyberspace and ICT infrastructure from potential attacks, especially during the 2023 general elections.

The Minister, who represented President Mohammadu Buhari, announced that constitution of the Committee was on the directive of that President that he should put in place, a committee that will work to coordinate computer security centres in the Information and Communication Technology (ICT) industry in collaboration with other relevant institutions towards intercepting potential cyber-attacks.

He said that with the increased role of ICT in online activities, and its crucial role in the conduct of the 2023 general elections, in line with the Electoral Act, as amended, the job of the Committee will be to assist the nation in conducting a free, fair and credible elections.

He directed the Committee, to which he also belongs alongside the Executive Vice Chairman of NCC, Professor Umar Garba Danbatta, and the Director General of National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA), Kashifu Abdullahi, among other CEOs in the ministry, to work round-the-clock from Friday, February 24, 2023 till the morning of Monday, February 27, 2023.

He said that the Committee will also ensure it receives complaints around any attacks to critical infrastructure and ensure such complaints are escalated to relevant institutions, public or private, for necessary remedial actions. The CEO of Galaxy Backbone, Prof. Mohammad Abubakar, and the Special Assistant to the minister on Digital Economy, Professor Aminu Ahmad, are members of the Committee, including key directors in the agencies.

“Our main responsibilities in this Committee are more of advisory. Firstly, when it comes to intercepting potential attacks that may come to our cyberspace. The Committee will coordinate the NCC’s Computer Security Incident Response Team at NCC; the Computer Emergency Readiness and Response Team at the National Information Technology development Agency (NITDA) and the Galaxy Backbone’ National Cybersecurity Centre.

“These three centres must work together, complement each other and ensure they intercept any potential attacks on our cyberspace particularly on our Critical Infrastructure during the election so that we could either take action or provide necessary advice to the government.”

Pantami said that the Committee will work closely with institutions such as the Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA), the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), mobile network operators (MNOs), among others, to collectively safeguard the Nigeria’s cyberspace from potential attacks or cases of vandalism and fibre cuts during the election.

“The challenges of protecting our cyberspace is a collective national responsibility; it is a national assignment. As a sector, we would play our own responsibility objectively and professionally. We would work collectively rather than working individually as agencies since we are in the same sector.”

Chairman of the Advisory Committee, Professor Adeolu Akande, expressed gratitude to the Hon. Minister for finding him and others worthy to be saddled with the very important national assignment, and assured the Hon. Minister of the readiness of the Committee to work hard towards delivering on its mandates of ensuring, in advisory capacity to the Federal Government and other relevant institutions, the protection of the nation’s cyberspace and ICT infrastructure during the elections.

“The committee members will do everything in their capacity to deliver on their Terms of Reference.”

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