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Tag: CSGGG

  • NELMCO, CSOs Hold Strategic Engagement on Power Sector Reforms

    NELMCO, CSOs Hold Strategic Engagement on Power Sector Reforms

    • Stakeholders commend Dekalu Thomas’ leadership,

    • Reaffirms commitment to transparency, collaboration, and sustainable solutions to post-privatization challenges.

    The management of the Nigeria Electricity Liability Management Company (NELMCO) held the second edition of its annual Strategic Stakeholders’ Engagement with over 40 Civil Society Organizations (CSOs), aimed at strengthening collaboration, promoting accountability, and advancing reforms in Nigeria’s power sector.

    The one-day engagement, held at the Stratton Hotel, Asokoro, Abuja on Tuesday, brought together the Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer of NELMCO, Mrs. Mojoyinoluwa Dekalu-Thomas, senior directors, special advisers, personal assistants, and representatives of civil society groups across the country. Themed “Establishing a National Power Assets Register for Nigeria’s Power Sector,” the meeting provided a platform for frank discussions on the way forward in addressing long-standing challenges in the electricity value chain.

    In her presentation, Mrs. Dekalu-Thomas emphasized that NELMCO remains central to the Federal Government’s efforts to tackle post-privatization debts and liquidity challenges that continue to impede growth in the Nigerian Electricity Supply Industry (NESI). She noted that, in alignment with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, NELMCO has been entrusted with additional responsibilities to drive measurable progress and operational efficiency across the sector.

    Referencing the President’s March 7, 2024 statement affirming NELMCO’s pivotal role in ensuring expeditious and measurable progress in managing the power sector’s liabilities, Mrs. Dekalu-Thomas stated that while the task is complex, modalities have been developed to ease, if not completely eliminate, the financial burdens that have long constrained the industry.
    She reiterated her commitment to transparent and accountable leadership, stressing that the active participation of civil society remains crucial for ensuring public confidence and fairness in the reform process.

    Speaking on behalf of the CSOs, Comrade Ogakwu commended Mrs. Dekalu-Thomas for her visionary leadership and consistency in pursuing reform within the power sector. He noted that since her appointment, NELMCO has demonstrated resilience, innovation, and a renewed sense of direction, reflecting the spirit of President Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda.
    “Mrs. Dekalu-Thomas has shown exceptional leadership and dedication in tackling long-standing sectoral challenges. Her performance has inspired confidence among stakeholders, and we believe she deserves even greater responsibilities in the service of the nation,” Ogakwu remarked.

    The session concluded on an optimistic note, with participants agreeing that sustained collaboration between NELMCO and the CSO community will strengthen transparency, enhance data management through the proposed National Power Assets Register, and accelerate Nigeria’s journey toward a more stable and efficient power sector.

  • CSOs Honor Sen. Eteng  for Outstanding Legislative and Humanitarian Contributions

    CSOs Honor Sen. Eteng  for Outstanding Legislative and Humanitarian Contributions

    •  Applauded for transformative leadership in Cross River Central
    • Recognized for impactful policies and grassroots empowerment

    A Coalition identified as Civil Society Groups for Good Governance (CSGGG), has honored Senator Eteng Jonah Williams, representing Cross River Central Senatorial District, with the “Performing Senator” award in recognition of his exceptional contributions to governance, legislative excellence, and humanitarian service.

    At the award ceremony in Abuja, the coalition’s leader, Myke Ngbe, described Senator Williams as an “emerging Pan-Nigerian statesman,” highlighting his growing influence in Cross River State and national politics. According to Ngbe, the senator’s unwavering commitment to governance and public service has positioned him as a respected opinion leader and power broker.

    Ngbe traced Williams’ political trajectory, noting that he served three consecutive terms in the Cross River State House of Assembly, where he played a crucial role in financial oversight, legislative development, and governance reforms. His tenure as Speaker of the 9th Assembly saw the passage of key legislation, including the Cross River State House of Assembly Service Commission Bill 2020 and the Judiciary Funds Management Bill 2021.

    Following his election to the Senate in 2023, Williams quickly distinguished himself by sponsoring three bills, including the Nuclear Security and Safety Bill, and moving five significant motions. His legislative expertise earned him the chairmanship of the Senate Committee on Petroleum Resources (Upstream), a remarkable feat for a first-term senator.

    Beyond his legislative contributions, Senator Williams has spearheaded several humanitarian initiatives. He awarded ₦200,000 scholarships to 21 indigent Law School students across six local government areas, organized free medical outreaches benefiting thousands, and championed agricultural and human capital development programs.

    Ngbe commended the senator’s humility and dedication to service, noting that despite his numerous achievements, Williams remains focused on delivering impactful governance rather than seeking personal accolades.

    “Senator Eteng Jonah Williams is a light set on a hill that cannot be hidden. His leadership is redefining governance, and the people now have an alternative choice,” Ngbe stated.

    The coalition urged the senator to sustain his commitment to governance and public service, emphasizing that his contributions are reshaping the political landscape of Cross River State and beyond.

     

  • CSOs Condemn Protest, Call for Resignation of NCOS Comptroller General

    CSOs Condemn Protest, Call for Resignation of NCOS Comptroller General

    The Civil Society Groups for Good Governance (CSGGG) has condemned the recent protest and calls for the resignation of Comptroller General of the Nigerian Correctional Service (NCOS) over the alleged illegal detention of Major Gen. Umaru Muazu Mohammed.

    Addressing newsmen on Wednesday, CSGGG President Chief Ogakwu Dominic stated, “We, the civil society groups for good governance and other allied well-purposed civil society organizations, condemn the sponsored protest, misinformation, and resignation campaign.

    “We believe in upholding the truth and promoting good governance. We support the NCOS’s efforts in fulfilling its mandate, as well as the military’s efforts to maintain discipline and ensure accountability within their ranks.

    ” We will not stand idly by while mischief-makers attempt to tarnish the reputation of the NCOS, its Comptroller General, and the military.”

    Dominic urged the public to be cautious of sponsored protests and misinformation campaigns, appealing to CSOs to prioritize truth and integrity in their advocacy efforts.

    He requested that the military continue ensuring transparency and accountability in their operations.

    The group aims to correct what it sees as gross misinformation regarding the alleged illegal detention of the Army General.

    Dominic emphasised the importance of discipline in the military, quoting George Washington: “Discipline is the soul of an army. It makes small numbers formidable, procures success to all of the weak, and esteem to all.”

    He noted that anyone who has erred, regardless of their standing in society, should face disciplinary actions if found culpable.

    He added that recently, a group of CSOs allegedly sponsored by interests intent on discrediting the NCOS and its leadership staged a protest requesting the resignation of Comptroller-General Haliru Nababa and the release of Maj. Gen Umaru Muazu Mohammed from Kuje Prison.

    Dominic stressed that the protest was orchestrated to distract from the genuine efforts of the NCOS in providing custodial care for inmates and the military in maintaining peace and security.

    “The NCOS does not carry out arrests. Arrests are typically performed by law enforcement agencies such as the Nigerian Police Force and the Department of State Services,” he saaid, adding that the accusations against the CG of NCOS by the George Uboh Whistle-Blowers Network are baseless.

    He clarified that Major General Umaru Muazu Mohammed was handed over to the NCOS after his conviction and sentencing by a military court-martial and is now serving his sentence at Kuje Correctional Center.

    Dominic concluded by urging the public to verify information through official channels before accepting it as true, asserting that the protest and resignation campaign aim to mislead the public and undermine the military’s authority.

  • Coalition To Call for Immediate Removal of FFS Boss, Abdulganiyu Over Allegations of Financial Infraction, Abuse of Office

    Coalition To Call for Immediate Removal of FFS Boss, Abdulganiyu Over Allegations of Financial Infraction, Abuse of Office

    •  Says Abdulganiyu Unconscionably using companies linked to staff, cronies to fleece public resources
    • Abdulganiyu has rejected several FOI Request- Ogakwu
    • Hints on Commencing Mass Protests in Coming Week

    A coalition of over 180 civil society groups in Nigeria, Civil Society Groups for Good Governance, has revealed intentions to commence what it termed a massive public protest and rally against the Controller-General of the Federal Fire Service, Jaji Olola Abdulganiyu, over alleged incidences of financial subterfuge and abuse of office.

    The coalition also seeking immediate removal of the CG, in a communique signed and made available to newsmen by its President, Comrade Ogakwu Dominic on Tuesday, accused Dr. Abdulganiyu of perpetrating a litany of financial infractions, including siphoning of public funds earmarked for procurement of equipments, vehicles, amongst others via contracts to staffs, cronies and family members and refusing to collect FOIs from concerned organisations, media seeking clarification on the subject matter.

    According to the communique, the group expressed utmost displeasure and consternation at the level of corruption and constant abuse of office existing in the agency and is calling on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to take immediate and constructive action to investigate and serve the necessary disciplinary action.

    It read: “We are greatly concerned at the level of financial recklessness, subterfuge and abysmal abuse of office in the Federal Fire Service. The level of corruption existing in the agency is one that has in recent time, sent shivers down our spine. The leadership under Dr. Abdulganiyu has failed the test of transparency and accountability especially in its continuous diversion and retirement of public funds through companies linked to staff, cronies and family members. This sharp practices with evidences, has led and still leading to a decline in the agency’s ability to respond effectively to fire emergencies thereby compromising its mandate of providing safety and security for all Nigerians.

    “The Federal Fire Service in years before now, has been mired in numerous corruption scandal, yet fresh allegations and infractions has continued to infringe its effectiveness and capacity to carryout duties. As concerned citizens and watchdog of the society, we cannot sit down and watch leaders that have been appointed to serve, neglect the oat they took before assumption, neither can we allow the malfeasance to continue.

    “We have resolved to begin a clarion call for Dr. Abdulganiyu’s immediate sack/removal from office, also in the coming weeks if nothing is done by then, we shall carryout a world press conference and public mass protest to further buttress our point and effect the desired changes we seek. The unconscionable use of companies linked to staffs and associates to siphon public funds is in violation of the Public Procurement Act, 2011 & The Code of Conduct Bureau & Tribunal Act. May we also reiterate that this isn’t just any form of unsubstantiated allegation, we have detailed evidences and we are ready to tender all of it in the public domain if need be.” It added.

     

  • TCN: Coalition Debunks Corruption Allegation Against Engr. Sule Abdulaziz

    TCN: Coalition Debunks Corruption Allegation Against Engr. Sule Abdulaziz

    A coalition of over 180 Civil Society Organisations in Nigeria, Civil Society Groups for Good Governance, CSGGG has debunked and exonerated the management of the Transmission Company of Nigeria, TCN of any corruption and underhand dealings.

    Addressing newsmen in Abuja on Tuesday, the convener of CSGGG, Comrade Ogakwu Dominic, expressed concern over the accusations circulating against the management of the Transmission Company.

    “As CSOs, we are duty-bound to investigate any information we receive and ensure none are unjustly punished without appearing sentimental, self-seeking, or unpatriotic.

    “We have engaged the management of TCN, and it is on record that the MD/CEO is a man who has instilled a standing and verifiable tradition of prudent management of scarce resources, leading to notable achievements.

    “These accomplishments will soon become visible as part of the Renewed Hope Agenda of the current administration, as the decades of rot in the sector can not be wished away overnight,” he said.

    Dominic said the allegations revolve around claims made by an online news outlet, suggesting that TCN’s managing director purchased an exotic car for the Hon. Minister of Power as a bribe.

    He, however, said TCN management clarified that the vehicle was procured as part of official responsibilities to support the minister’s office.

    He further highlighted the challenges facing TCN, including disruptions caused by bandits, gas supply shortages, and unethical conduct by generation and distribution companies.

    “We urge Nigerians to proffer solutions to the problems facing the power sector rather than politicizing them,” he said.

    Ogakwu emphasized that the continuous harassment of TCN’s management is taking an unpatriotic turn. He cautioned against unjust intimidation and harassment, advocating for transparency and adherence to due process.

    He said, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s endorsement of Engr. Sule Abdulaziz’s continuation in the office reflects a commitment to professionalism and diligence in the power sector.

    “We commend and urge the management of TCN to remain committed to fast-tracking solutions to the challenges bedevilling the power sector,” he said.

    The organisation’s stance underscores the need for collaborative efforts to address Nigeria’s power sector challenges and achieve stable electricity supply for all citizens.

  • CSOs React To Jackson Ude, Sahara Reporters False Allegations On NEMA

    CSOs React To Jackson Ude, Sahara Reporters False Allegations On NEMA

    • Says Ude’s allegations, baseless, unfounded, malicious and highly misleading
    • Commends Tinubu on Steve Oronsaye’s report.

    The Civil Society Groups for Good Governance (CSGGG) and Integrity Advocacy for Development Initiative (IADI), has reacted to reports emanating from the twitter handle of controversial journalist, Jackson Ude, where he alleged that the Director General of the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA), looted 3 billion naira via contract racketeering in one month.

    Reacting to this allegation during a press briefing, at the weekend in Abuja, the coalition led by Comrade Ogakwu Dominic, and Chris Ofomhi, described the allegations as another attempt on blackmail, campaign of calumny.

    While providing detailed explanation to the issue, they said one had to have a deeper understanding of how NEMA operates, adding that “NEMA is an interventionist organization whose major mandate is to address issues that require urgent and prompt responses and in doing so, the agency most times carries out emergency procurement in line with the stipulations of the Public Procurement Act 2007 and other extant regulations.”

    They,however, said the DG should be commended for initiatives he had brought to reshape the agency.

    They said: “The allegations that the DG of NEMA looted over N3 billion between January and February is baseless, unfounded, malicious and highly misleading.

    “Mustapha Habib Ahmed’s tenure as the Director General of the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA), has been a tenure marked by a series of commendable achievements, commitment, leadership showmanship, dedication, strategic and sterling vision in handling emergency response and disaster management in Nigeria.

    “Overtime, he has played a pivotal role in raising public awareness about disaster preparedness and mitigation whilst through commitment to innovation and collaboration, positioned NEMA as a key player in disaster management not only within Nigeria but on the global stage.

    “The DG deserves much better than to be placed on twitter if not a social media grill. Under his leadership, the Agency developed solutions to emerging challenges that will enable performance of its functions in line with international humanitarian standards.

    “In a world where integrity and sincerity can, at times, be scarce, it is crucial to note that the expository in question lacked detailed facts and credibility, as it heavily relied on hearsay and not absolute fact.

    “It therefore poses on the readers and digesters of such cancerous reportage to pose crucial questions before accepting false information as infallible truth.”

    In a related development, the coalition also frowned at a recent publication on one of the online news outlets on calls to probe NEMA over alleged failure to refund $4.8 minion unspent after Nigerians’ evacuation from Ukraine.

    “What is unknown to them is that NEMA actually refunded unspent balance of the approved fund to the tune of $648,600 USD in two batches of $450,300 and $198,300 respectively to the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN).

    “From the above finding, it is obvious that the allegation is frivolous and baseless. Instead of the frivolous allegations, the National Emergency Management Agency deserved to be commended for being diligent in carrying out the national assignment of safely bringing stranded compatriots back home, and also being prudent in the application and expending of the allocated fund for the project”.

    The coalition also in same vein, commended the President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda which came with gratifying reforms, one of which is the implementation of the Steve Oronsaye Report, an action scheduled to restructure and rationalize federal government agencies and parastatals to reduce costs of governance, streamline operations, and improve efficiency.

     

  • Stop Peddling Falsehood Against Sen.Yayi- CSGGG Cautions Yewa/Awori Youth Network

    Stop Peddling Falsehood Against Sen.Yayi- CSGGG Cautions Yewa/Awori Youth Network

    • Says Senator Yayi’s purposeful representation has no equal

    An assemblage of over 180 civil society organization in Nigeria, Civil Society Groups for Good Governance, CSGGG, has warned the socio-democratic group, Yewa/Awori Youth Network, against making false assertions, accusations and inflammable statements capable of denying their district, further benefits from the federal government.

    Reacting to a statement made by the network, accusing the Senator representing Ogun West at the National Assembly, Solomon Olamilekan Adeola, popularly known as Yayi of allegedly personalising projects funded by the federal government; the group described the statement as an unsubstantial and baseless finding politically orchestrated and sponsored to bring disrepute to the commitment and milestones attained by Yayi.

    The President of the group, Comrade Ogakwu Dominic, in a press statement made available to newsmen on Thursday, equally faulted the allegations that the senator had connived with some federal government agencies to portray projects funded by the federal government as one done from his personal coffers. He emphasized that projects introduced or executed by Yayi, should serve as a source of pride not a source of political witch-hunting.

    The statement reads: “As watchdog of the society and as first hand observers who were invited by the organizers of the three days empowerment programme of Distinguished Senator Solomon Olamilekan Adeola aka Yayi, our attention has been drawn to the recent publications by Yewa/Awori Youth Network, against Senator Solomon Yayi. While it is obvious as usual that political traducers and co-travelers are on the verge of series of campaign of calumny against a performing steward and it may not be too necessary to dignify their action, it is also equally important to put the record straight to avoid the pitfall of a poor public perception of the good intentions of what can be described as the “Mother of all empowerment” as we cannot sit back and allow their fabricated tales gain momentum for even a second.

    “Senator Yayi, has never taken personal credit for project executed, in fact if the network did their due diligence without bias or have the interest of Ogun West as they claimed, by keenly recording the empowerment schemes of Senator Adeola, they would have discovered that Yayi, has always, disclosed and given credit to the MDAs where Zonal Interventions Projects are domiciled or facilitated from. Also he openly stated that the projects were facilitated to enhance and improve the district that has suffered lack of major development for the longest time as a result of bad representation and incapable leadership.

    “For deeper understanding, in the scholarship and bursary schemes as alleged by the network, Senator Yayi indicated that it was in collaboration with the Teachers Registration Council of Nigeria (TRCN), for the ICT training on security, he facilitated for traditional rulers in Ogun West, he mentioned it was done in collaboration with the Nigeria Computer Society (NCS), and in the area of empowerment of artisans and various vocational trainings, he categorically disclosed that it was in collaboration with the Nigeria Institute of Oceanography and Marine Research.

    “We believe that the Yewa/Awori Youth Network, are just fault finders and puppets to shadow parties, that are invested in diagnosing loopholes in political positions they have interest in. May we reiterate that Senator Yayi’s empowerment programs are unprecedented in annals of National Assembly empowerment initiatives, because it takes only a transparent, committed, visionary and accountable leader like Yayi to carry out such massive initiatives. The network should take pride in the achievements not fight or work to condemn it, because such as we all know can bridge further initiative or benefits.

    “Yewa/ Awori Youth Network attack on Senator Yayi, is very inconsequential and also a sheer display of ignorance because the people have come to realize the benefits of complete entrenchment of dividends of quality representation first hand through the Adeola aka Yayi’s empowerment schemes across the five local government areas in the senatorial district. From their watery accusations, it is now a known fact that the network, lack an understanding of the workings of the National Assembly and Zonal Intervention Projects as domiciled in the MDAs.” It added.

  • Edu Gate: Coalition Fault Attempt To Link Minister Tunji-Ojo to Fradulent Allegations 

    Edu Gate: Coalition Fault Attempt To Link Minister Tunji-Ojo to Fradulent Allegations 

    . ..Urges the public, media to desist from curating opinions and false hot takes on the Minister of Interior 

    A coalition of over 180 Civil Society Organizations in Nigeria, identified as Civil Society Groups for Good Governance in solidarity, has refuted the incessant public opinion regarding the involvement of the Minister of Interior, Hon. Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo in a N438 million contract with the Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Alleviation.

    In a press briefing organised in Abuja on Wednesday, the group amid the recent media campaign, mudslinging seeking for the sack of the minister, stated that he Hon. Tunji-Ojo remains one of the best-performing cabinet ministers of the Federal Republic of Nigeria under the President Bola Ahmed government.

    The statement which was read by the President of the Coalition, Comrade Ogakwu Dominic, the coalition emphasized the need to clarify situations, maintain decorum, and discourage biased perceptions.

    ” Our attention has been drawn to the recent allegations of fraudulent activities besieging the ministry of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Alleviation and her minister, our concern however is the baton of judgement it has on other persons who are in no way connected to the allegations, hence the need for this press briefing with the above-mentioned subject matter.

    “As watchdogs of the society, we are not partisan to social media judgement, court or condemnation, we do not buy into activities of keypad warriors casting aspersions; therefore, we condemn in all its entirety the discordant public opinion regarding the Minister of Interior, Hon. Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo’ involvement in the N438 million Humanitarian Ministry Contract and we aim to set the record straight for clarity and for the avoidance of public biased perceptions and judgement.

    “It is a well-known fact that the Minister of Interior, Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, has repeatedly exonerated himself, providing evidence, from any involvement in the controversial N438 million contract scandal related to the suspended Minister of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Alleviation, Betta Edu.

    “Additionally, the Minister, Mr. Tunji-Ojo, presented a certified document from the Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC), confirming his resignation from the company five years ago. He has no business with the said company—absolutely no business—because he’s not involved in the day-to-day running of the company.

    “He also does not pursue jobs for the company, does not bid for the company, and is not a signatory to the company’s account. May we reiterate that “HE IS NOT INVOLVED AND SHOULDN’T BE ROPED IN, THOSE INVOLVED SHOULD BEAR THE CONSEQUENCES OF THEIR ACTIONS ALONE.” He added.

    Ogakwu noted Tunji-Ojo’s commendable efforts within a short tenure in office, emphasising his commitment to the Interior Ministry’s mandate and national development.

    “While social media platforms have been rife with criticism, the Minister has shown exceptional leadership by spearheading significant reforms, bringing about efficiency and progressive change across various agencies under his purview,” Dominic added.

    He urged the public to recognize the Minister’s achievements, citing instances such as the swift clearance of a passport backlog at the Nigeria Immigration Service and efforts to secure funds for prison inmates’ fines, which eased congestion in correctional facilities nationwide.

    The convener concluded by commending President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for his swift response in suspending those directly involved in the sharp practices exposed by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission EFCC, according to him, the act goes to show that the recent administration, is committed to nipping corruption in the bud to afford Nigerians and Nigeria the giant strides it deserves as part of its strategy in achieving the Renewed Hope Agenda.

     

  • Jackson Ude, a Grand Patron of Calumny, Yellow Journalism, Deceit, and Cheap Blackmails- Coalition warns

    Jackson Ude, a Grand Patron of Calumny, Yellow Journalism, Deceit, and Cheap Blackmails- Coalition warns

    A foremost coalition of Civil Society Organizations based in Abuja identified as Civil Society Groups for Good Governance CSGGG, on Wednesday, warned well-meaning Nigerians and the general public at large to disregard and desist from indulging Mr. Jackson Ude, an unverified self made journalist, according to report.

    The group in a press release signed by its President, Comr. Ogakwu Dominic, revealed that Ude has overtime used his personal media platform to form defamatory opinions, and engage in a pattern of destructive behavior capable of tarnishing reputations of highly placed persons or those he feels are vulnerable in the eye of the public.

    According to the report, Ude had recently started a campaign of calumny and character assassination against the Director General of the Department of State Services(DG) Alhaji Yusuf Magaji Bichi bothering on misconduct.

    The group reiterating the need to scrutinize sources of information before publication; buttressed that the allegation of misconduct on Alhaji Bichi is obviously the outcome of office grapevine and a total misrepresentation of intent.

    ” As Nigerians begin to get disillusioned with the anachronistic and biased journalism practiced by Jackson Ude, the Civil Society Groups for Good Governance, CSGGG, has urged all true patriots to be wary of his constant journalistic entreprise, calumny. Ude is a puppet of shadow parties that thrives on yellow journalism, blackmail and character assassination.

    ” A background check on Ude activities revealed and raised serious questions about the credibility of his accusations. This man has actively indulged in misrepresenting informations which is capable of tarnishing images and lowering the morale of performing public stewards. Bichi has committed all effort as the DG of the DSS in fighting insecurity and safeguarding the lives of Nigerians, he shouldn’t by any means be rewarded by weighty accusations without proof or evidence.

    “As a group, committed and actively involved in policy reforms, shaping public opinion and actively engaging public institutions and officials at all levels, we maintain that no amount of intimidation and coercion from politicians and paid hands will stop civil society organizations from defending credible institutions and officials who are excelling in their positions, or have contributed in the entrenchment and continuity of democracy service to his nation.

    President of the group, following a rather unprofessional and crude attack by Jackson Ude on CSOs in response to an expose of his sustained misinformation against the DSS and its incorruptible Director General (DG) Alhaji Yusuf Magaji Bichi, OFR fwc, the group insisted that no amount of blackmail can bring the integrity of Nigeria’s number one spy agency to disrepute.

    “According to the statement, “Nigerians should know that Jackson Ude is a serial blackmailer who is not only paid to blackmail the DSS but any civil society organisations (CSOs) that rise to the defense of truth. He is clearly on the payroll of failed politicians who frustrated by the uncompromising stance of the DSS during last year’s elections have vowed to take their pound of flesh. However their insistence, such politicians will continue to fail as Nigerians are well aware of the great work the DSS is doing and the amount of pressure it is getting from desperate and failed politicians.

    “Nigerians should know that Jackson Ude is a serial blackmailer who is not only paid to blackmail the DSS but any civil society organisations (CSOs) that rise to the defense of truth. He is clearly on the payroll of failed politicians who frustrated by the  uncompromising stance of the DSS during last year’s elections have vowed to take their pound of flesh. However their insistence, such politicians will continue to fail as Nigerians are well aware of the great work the DSS is doing and the amount of pressure it is getting from desperate and failed politicians.

    “Jackson Ude needs to go to court if he has a genuine case against the DSS and its management as a responsible citizen and stop hiding behind baseless, sponsored, fallacious threats to carry out the wishes of his paymasters.

    “Let us reiterate that the extreme desperation, attempts by the fugitive journalist to cast aspersions on the integrity of independent CSOs, some of which are sponsored by international agencies will not be tolerated. Nigeria’s democracy has matured with formidable civil rights group who act as watchdogs and hold government institutions and officials accountable for their actions. Insinuating that these army of dedicated and focused Nigerians are compromised is a wallow card and just another typical strategy of a deceitful conniving blackmailer.” It added.

    The group, however, again called on well-meaning Nigerians to shun all forms of campaign of calumny and ntimidation sponsored to discredit very powerful and effective institutions of state.

  • Coalition Decry Allegations of Connivance of NCoS Personnels In Terrorism Financing 

    Coalition Decry Allegations of Connivance of NCoS Personnels In Terrorism Financing 

    • Calls for inter-agency collaboration amongst government institutions

    A foremost coalition of over 180 civil society organizations in Nigeria , Civil Society Groups for Good GGovernance CSGGG, has decried in all entirety allegations of connivance in terrorism financing made against personnels of the Nigerian Correctional Service by the Chief of Defense Staff and mode of information dissemination.

    It revealed that such a public declaration of sensitive information, has raised concerns, as this could compromise ongoing security efforts against insurgency.

    The President of the group, Comrade Ogakwu Dominic, during a world press briefing in Abuja on Sunday, noted that it is imperative for the CSOs to address some sundry issues bothering on information sharing and collaboration as it concerns matter of national security, because CSOs remain a formidable stakeholder in the nation’s project.

    Recall, on Tuesday 21st November, 2023, the Chief of Defense Staff (CDS), General Christopher Gwabin Musa during a public hearing by the House of Representatives, had alleged that some personnel of the Nigeria Correctional Service (NCoS ) are conniving with inmates in terrorism financing of proscribed members of terrorist organizations.

    According to Comr. Ogakwu, courtesy of the highly intelligent nature of this information which plays a major role in the overall management of people’s security architecture, it is worrisome that the reputable Military Chief, threw caution to the wind in making such pronouncement publicly.

    He said: “One would naturally expect that as part of demonstrating inter-agency collaboration among government institutions and given the sensitive nature of such information, the CDS should have engaged the NCoS management discreetly to swing into a covert operation in fishing out the culprits rather than been influence by the gallery of the national assembly knowing fully well that divulging very sensitive information to the general public is injurious and equally a setback to the fight against insurgency. This is because coordination, management and utilization of information is very key in waging the war against terrorists and other criminals.

    “Ideally, it is expected that there should be a synergy between the military and paramilitary organizations in stemming the tide of insecurity in Nigeria. The non – kinetic approach to the fight against terrorism excludes direct or conventional military strategies and can only thrive on information warfare.

    “As a thorough technocrat, we urge General CG Musa to always refer to the National Crisis Management Doctrine (NCMD) for effective, efficient, and coordinated management of national crises to bridge the gap created by extensive deployment of security services. The NCMD is deployed by the Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA) to foster collaboration among Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs) to ensure greater success in tackling national crises. And this can only be achieved if there is a continuous healthy and robust synergy among security agencies.”he said.

    The president of the group, emphasized on the need to take security serious as it is a collective business that is anchored on collaboration among the various security agencies, civil society, the media, and the coordinating Office of the National Security Adviser.

    ” It will therefore be right to assume that this lack of inter-agency collaboration was among the reasons why the collective security forces were not able to repel terrorists when the Kuje Custodian Centre came under attack on July 05, 2022.

    “However, it is pertinent at this point to commend the Hon. Minister of Interior, Mr. Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo who quickly swung into action by launching an investigation against the officials of NCoS in order to fish out the culprits.”

    Extolling the Minister’s initiative to free 4000 inmates in various custodial centres cut across the country, Ogakwu however, called on President Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu, to support the initiative of previous administration to carryout massive infrastructural revolution of the nation’s outdated correctional facilities in line with international best practice as exemplified by the 3000 maximum facility in Kano which the Service says it is working tooth and nail to replicate same in other geo-political zones of the country.

    He noted that such development, will further reduce the pressure on the manpower of the current officers of the NCoS in order to discharge their functions excellently.

    “While we may never imagine casting aspersion on the integrity of the military knowing fully well their selfless sacrifice of ensuring internal security and the sovereignty of our fatherland, we are however obliged to call on them to come to agreement on issues of de-radicalization of repentant terrorist since our researches showed that procedures such as ‘de-radicalization’ is an exclusive right of the NCoS.” Ogakwu added.

    Finally, the coalition tasked the national assembly on the need to overhaul, remodel their approach of interfacing on issues bothering around security to avoid publicly divulging valuable information that can assist in the fight against insecurity.