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Without Adequate Security, Nigeria Can’t Have Rapid Development-Chief Kenny Martins

Published

5 years ago

March 27, 2021

Editor

By Michael Effiong

Governments at all levels in Nigeria have been enjoined to take the security of lives and property seriously in order to ensure that the country reach its desired growth potentials.

The advice was given by Security expert and former National Co-ordinator, Police Equipment Foundation, Dr Kenny Martins while delivering a paper on the topic “Security Challenge and Implication on National Development as guest speaker at the 4th Annual Lecture of Integrity Reporters Newspapers at the Sheraton Hotel, Lagos.

Dr. Martins who took his audience through his own personal peace building interventions across the country including in Edo and Rivers State, stated that the present government has to do more because citizens have been doing their bit, noting that rapid development would be a mirage if the present state of insecurity persists.

Michael Effiong James, representative of Chairman of the occasion, Bashorun Dele Momodu delivering his remarks

According to him “Everyday, we are lectured that security is a collective responsibility. We are doing our bit; using tall fences and barbed wires to demarcate our houses, paying trillions of naira every year to hire security devices to protect our business, residential premises and estates. We also pay our taxes to maintain our three tiers of government, their elaborate security services and the Armed Forces. We therefore expect governments at all levels to play their part as well, in ensuring the security of lives and property in the country.

He noted that the lack of security in the country has far reaching implications on national development and he highlighted them as follows: loss of lives and properties, negative effect on the economy, rural-urban migration, rise in crime rate, wasted years (youths are forced into IDP camps or streets), loss of foreign investors, destruction of national institutions, large allocations for purchase of security and war equipment.

Michael Effiong James, Barr. Oguntimehin and Dr Kenny Martins at the launch of the special edition of Integrity Newspaper

He concluded that while we cannot completely avert all crises, especially those that arise from natural events like flooding, we should do our best to avoid activities that could lead to crises.

In his words “The organisation like the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) should be empowered and trained to take over the management of the big crisis situations in the same way as the National Guard in the United States, to allow the police concentrate on their core duties of prevention, detection and prosecution of crimes and minor fracas while the military should concentrate on defending the country against external aggression.

Adding that it is not enough to merely borrow the US presidential system but we should replicate some of the institutions that they have used to sustain their democracy. Dr Martins then rounded off thus “Crisis is an ill wind that blows nobody any good, the earlier we get that, the better for everybody.

In his comments, Chairman of the occasion, The Boss Publisher, Bashorun Dele Momodu, who was represented by Editor, Ovation International, Mr Michael Effiong James noted that without security there can be no progress. He noted that the issue of security has become this bad because of the lack of leadership and direction from the government, especially the federal government.

He urged Nigerians who are unhappy with the current situation to express their discontent with their votes, adding that it has become a vicious circle to blame the government while the people are themselves to be blamed for voting for an inefficient and unfeeling government.

He then thanked the management of Integrity Newspaper for organising the lecture series which he noted would help to bring attention to the terrible state of security in the country.

Also speaking at the event, security experts Commodore Kunle Olawunmi and Mrs Tanwa Asiru drew attention to the tactics being deployed by the administration, they affirmed that the government needs to multi-task and think outside the box to solve the problem which has become multi-faceted.

Mr Adewale Ogunniran, Mr Seun Oloketuyi & Michael Effiong James during presentation of awards

Hon. Ahmed I. Omisore, Director-General BAT Foundation who represented Speaker, Lagos State House of Assembly, Rt Hon. Mudashiru Obasa urged political office holders to realise that good governance is directly linked to the issue of security. He noted that when people in positions of responsibility fail to deliver democracy dividends, they are sowing the seed of insecurity. He urged government at all levels to pay attention to the issue of education.

In the course of the event awards were presented to some worthy Nigerians including Mr Seun Oloketuyi (Organiser, BON Awards), Mr Babatunde Fashola, SAN and Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu.

The event which had top broadcaster, Deji Balogun as compere was attended by Nigerians from all walks of life was also graced by Barrister Yinka Oguntimehin, Asoju Aare Onakakanfo of Yorubaland who represented Aare Gani Adams.

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Eid-el-Fitr: Tinubu Felicitates with Nigerian Muslims, Urges Renewed Patriotism

Published

2 days ago

March 20, 2026

Eric

As Muslims worldwide celebrate Eid-el-Fitr, marking the end of Ramadan, President Bola Tinubu has congratulated the Muslim faithful in Nigeria, urging renewed commitment to the nation and humanity.

President Tinubu enjoined Nigerian Muslims to rededicate themselves to the noble teachings of the holy month, which emphasise piety, empathy, and unity among humanity.

The President’s message was contained in a statement signed by his media aide, Bayo Onanuga, on Thursday.

“We have a lot to draw from the noble lessons of Ramadan, especially at a time like this. We must continue to abide by the virtues of piety, selflessness, perseverance, kindness and compassion beyond this period,” he said.

President Tinubu urged all Muslim faithful to extend a hand of kindness to the needy of all faiths, to further show unity and camaraderie.

The President also tasked Muslim leaders to use the occasion to offer prayers for peace and prosperity to prevail in the country.

On Wednesday, the Sultan of Sokoto and President-General of the Nigerian Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs, Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar, approved the declaration of Friday as the day for Eid-el-Fitr.

He congratulated Muslims on the successful completion of Ramadan and called for sustained prayers for national unity and development.

The Sultan’s announcement came after the Federal government of Nigeria declared Thursday, 19 March, and Friday, 20 March 2026, as public holidays to mark the celebration of Eid-el-Fitr, which signifies the end of the holy month of Ramadan.

In a statement signed by the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Interior, Magdalene Ajani, on Tuesday, the Minister of Interior, Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, who made the declaration on behalf of the Federal Government, extended warm greetings and heartfelt congratulations to the Muslim faithful on the successful completion of the holy month of Ramadan.

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2027: Peter Obi Raises Doubt About Clinching ADC Presidential Ticket

Published

3 days ago

March 19, 2026

Eric

A former Labour Party presidential candidate, Peter Obi, has expressed reservations over his ability to clinch the African Democratic Congress’ (ADC) presidential ticket for the 2027 elections.

In a video address to his followers, Obi stated that receiving the ADC’s presidential ticket is not guaranteed.

He said: “Someone asked me how I know for sure that the ADC will give me the presidential ticket. I cannot be certain. What matters is that we are committed to a cause.

I keep wondering how we ended up in this situation and what might happen if we decide to stop working on this project.”

“Obi also said he is still committed to his goals, and he hasn’t let any reported threats stop him.

The former Labour Party presidential candidate praised his supporters for their resilience, recognizing the difficulties of working within opposition politics in Nigeria.

Obi thanked everyone who stayed loyal even though they didn’t get much benefit right away.

“I thank you for your sacrifice. It’s not easy to be in the opposition in Nigeria, and I’m thankful to those who keep supporting even when there’s no clear reward,” he said.

He, however, expressed uncertainty about the future, especially concerning political alliances and commitments.

“How can we be certain that the people we’re working with right now won’t leave us behind tomorrow? I wish we could be sure, but we can’t,” he said.

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Terrorism: Tinubu Seeks UK’s Assistance Amid Challenges

Published

3 days ago

March 19, 2026

Eric

President Bola Tinubu, on Wednesday, solicited partnership with the United Kingdom to crush terrorism in the Sahel before it engulfs the region.

“Our West African region faces complex terrorism challenges with roots in the Sahel,” Tinubu told King Charles III, Queen Camilla, Prince William, and elite guests, at a state banquet.

Speaking as the first Nigerian leader at the historic venue, Tinubu said: “As one of the largest nations within the Commonwealth, Nigeria looks forward to contributing constructively to the continued growth and vitality of this global community.

“Our West African region faces complex terrorism challenges with roots in the Sahel. Nigeria carries an enormous responsibility to help safeguard regional stability. In confronting these threats, partnership with the United Kingdom remains essential and I look forward to my meeting with Prime Minister Kier Starmer tomorrow.

“Despite these challenges, Nigeria approaches the future with hope and confidence. We are a nation of diverse and vibrant people, of young people dreaming big, of entrepreneurs with a global outlook, and of a hopeful people determined to realise their full potential.”

The Nigeria’s President said it was an honour to stand before the royal family, representing the people of Nigeria to reaffirm the enduring bonds of friendship, history, and shared purpose that have united Nigeria and the United Kingdom for several centuries.

“Allow me first to express my sincere appreciation to Your Majesty and to Her Majesty, The Queen for the warmth and generosity extended to me, my wife, Oluremi, and the Nigerian delegation.

“As the first Nigerian leader to speak here at Windsor Castle, which has served the British Crown for nearly a millennium, is particularly historic. Windsor has stood as a symbol of continuity, witnessing the steady evolution of institutions that have shaped governance, culture, and public life not only in Britain but far beyond these shores.

“Nigeria and the United Kingdom have shared more than just history; our two nations share a vision of progress and resilience. Today, we continue that journey, committed to building a future rooted in partnership, mutual respect, and common values.

“Standing here in Windsor Castle, one cannot help but reflect on Britain’s impact on modern democratic governance worldwide.”

He explained further: “The Magna Carta of 1215 laid the early foundations for the rule of law and the development of parliamentary democracy, establishing enduring ideals around liberty, accountable government, and civic responsibility.

“Great British thinkers and writers such as Thomas Hobbes, John Locke, and Edmund Burke helped to propagate those democratic ideals. Their influence continues to resonate to this day.

“The literary genius of William Shakespeare and other writers such as Charles Dickens, has enriched and shaped the English language, spoken by over 1.5 billion people worldwide.

“In Nigeria, elements of these traditions continue to inform the institutional foundations of our own republic. Our courts draw upon legal traditions rooted in English common law. Our parliamentary institutions reflect constitutional practices that evolved here over centuries. Our civil service structures have also drawn upon administrative models developed in Britain and adapted to Nigeria’s own national context.

“While institutions matter greatly, our people remain the strongest bridge between our two countries.”

He said the Nigerian community in the United Kingdom has become one of the most dynamic diaspora communities worldwide, adding: “Nigerians contribute enormously to the vitality of this nation. Within the National Health Service, Nigerian doctors and nurses play an indispensable role in delivering healthcare. Nigerian-trained doctors are among the largest groups of international medical professionals serving the NHS.”

He noted the exploits of Nigerians in the country especially in sports, saying: “in sport, rugby players such as Maro Itoje, footballers including Bukayo Saka and Eberechi Eze, and champion boxer Anthony Joshua, illustrate the remarkable human connection that links Nigeria and the United Kingdom.

“Our partnership is further strengthened through the Commonwealth of Nations, which connects 56 countries under Your Majesty’s leadership.”

He expressed confidence that the friendship between Nigeria and the United Kingdom will continue to grow.

“Finally, Your Majesty, I wish to express Nigeria’s deep gratitude to this great nation for the refuge and support it extended during the dark years of military dictatorship. Like many Nigerians involved in the pro-democracy struggle, I found safety here, and I recall that my residence was placed under Metropolitan Police surveillance for protection following threats from agents of the junta.

“That solidarity remains etched in our collective memory, and it is deeply humbling for me to stand before Your Majesty today as the President of a democratic Nigeria.

“On behalf of the Government and people of Nigeria, I thank Your Majesty, Her Majesty The Queen, Prince William and Catherine, the Princess of Wales, other members of the Royal Family, and the people of the United Kingdom for their longstanding friendship.

“In the spirit of friendship and our shared destiny, I invite you all to raise a glass with me:

“To the special bond between Nigeria and the United Kingdom, and to the bright future that we shall build together.”