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  • Exit of Military Senior Officers Timely, Says CSO

    Exit of Military Senior Officers Timely, Says CSO

    A civil society organisation, Citizens Network for Security and Development (CNSD) has commended the defence headquarters for the directive on all Senior officers in the Army , Airforce and Navy to proceed on compulsory retirement from the Nigerian military saying it is a step will ensure sanity in the system.

    The CSO position is coming on the heels of media report that the chief of Defence staff issued a directive to all officers senior to the service chiefs to proceed on retirement.

    A statement signed by President of the group, Hon. Edward Etuk and made available to journalists described the decision of the chief of defence staff Gen. Leo Irabor as wise and timely decision.

    The group explained that the continued stay in the armed forces of such senior officers breeds ill feeling as they do not take orders but rather give contrary directives to Junior officers.

    It further argued that as senior officers who have boys in the military the Junior officers will tend to look up to them or obey them more than the commanding officers maintaining that junior officers will disobey the commanders knowing that they have senior officers to run to.

    “It has become the tradition in the military that when appointments of chiefs are made the senior officers immediately proceed on compulsory retirement or are retired. Leaving these officers in the armed forces would have set a dangerous precedence in the Nigerian military other senior officers would use it as a basis to violate this tradition in the army.

    “With the 2023 elections fast approaching, the officers could be willing tools in the hands of external forces or desperate politicians who are bent on getting to power using any means possible, including distabilizing the country”, the group alleged.

    It further wondered why senior officers who understand the tradition would wait for five months to be asked to retire by the defence headquarters.

    According to the statement, if the war against insurgency and criminality must be won, every decision that needs to be taken, no matter who is involved must be taken to defeat the enemies of the country.

    “Over time there has been concerns about the military policy of seniority especially with senior officers still in service when their juniors were appointed into strategic positions to head major formations in the military. This was capable of causing acrimony and even mutiny in the Nigerian Armed forces as it was not possible for senior officers to take orders from the junior officers appointed as service chiefs ”

    “Again, the continued stay of these officers delayed the promotion of some other Junior officers who are eager to get advancements in their military career. This alone is capable of leading to sabotage in the military.

    “With their retirement, deserving Junior officers would get their promotion and entitled ranks”, the statement noted.

    The group further hinted that it had raised alarm that keeping officers of a senior course would be a disservice to Nigerian military. Such officers would feel neglected and constitute a clog in the war against insurgency.

    The group task the chief of defence staff, other service chiefs and security agencies to synergize and defeat the enemies of the country who are bent on sponsoring insecurity to destabilize the Nation.

  • CSOs call for joint effort against undemocratic practices in Nigeria

    CSOs call for joint effort against undemocratic practices in Nigeria

    Civil Society Organisations has called for  a coordinated and institutionalized  efforts against  increasing cases of undemocratic practises  in  Nigeria.

    They have also expressed regret that Nigeria’s democratic structures were sliding back to the dark days of military rulership, especially in the past six years of the present administration.

    This was contained in a communique  after a two-day meeting of the Centre for Democratic Studies CDS and the Open Society Initiative for West Africa [OSIWA] which ended in Uyo yesterday.

    In the communique signed by leaders of the organization, Mr. Hassan Maina, Dr. Abiola Afolabi and Jaiye Gaskia, the group further accused the present government of  hostility to civic expressions and activities.

    “The meeting acknowledges that there is worsening fear over democratic backsliding across all levels of government in Nigeria, particularly in the past six years. The current government is increasingly becoming hostile to civic expressions and activities that are guaranteed in a democracy. 

    “Through subtle and glaring executive policies, failed and successful legislative measures, the government has sustained the attacks on fundamental democratic freedoms and the civic space. Like the dark years of military rule, Nigerians now live under the fear of authoritarianism as the noose tightens on democratic freedoms.

    “Anti-democratic actions of federal and state governments, such as using state security forces to repress protests and the unlawful Twitter ban in direct contravention of Section 39, (1) of the 1999 Constitution, have contributed to a rolling back of democratic gains. 

    “Particularly in danger is the civic space, ‘the political, legislative, social and economic environment which enables citizens to come together, share their interests and concerns and act individually and collectively to influence and shape their societies’. The meeting agrees that democracy thrives with continuous efforts to expand and not shrink the civic space.” The communique said.

    The Civil Society group whose theme of discussion centered on ‘National Intergenerational Conversation on Addressing Creeping Authoritarianism’, lamented that, the hard-fought democracy in the past 22years through pro-democratic activism was being threatened by authoritarian tendencies.

    “After 22 years of democracy in Nigeria, the culmination of bold and vibrant pro-democracy activism by Nigerians who stood in defiance of military usurpers who, until May 1999 enforced their illegitimate rule through repression, rights violations, and the proscription of democratic institutions, such as the legislature and the Constitution.

    “However, 22 years into the hard-won democracy, there is growing fear about the rise of authoritarian tendencies among those in charge of Nigeria.” It stated.

    The CDD and OSIWA however  recommended that, CSOs and Activists be mobilized to counter through legitimate means all anti- democratic forces and actions in the country.

    “CSOs and Activists will build new systems for mutual support and greater synergy in pro-democracy activism and for mobilising mass support. The newer activists remain critical to Nigeria’s democratic progress and have the right to take necessary actions, including the rights to organise and protest. Therefore, the government must respect this right.

    “This conversation shall continue at the generational and intergenerational levels to further build the momentum of socio-political organising and mobilising for the social transformation of Nigeria.

    “There is a need for a far-reaching, tailored enlightenment programme to address observed deficiencies in political awareness among young Nigerians. We propose the National Youth Political Education Programme to be designed and resourced by CSOs and other concerned private groups.” The communique concluded.

  • Surrender to State Authority Now, CSOs Tell Rebels, Criminals

    Surrender to State Authority Now, CSOs Tell Rebels, Criminals

    Following the arrest of the founder of the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Mr Nnamdi Kanu, a civil society organisation, Save Nigeria Movement has urged all those rebelling against the Nigerian state to surrender before the forces of the country gets hold of them.

    The Save Nigeria Movement in a statement signed by its convener, Solomon Semaka also commended President Muhammadu Buhari for his resolve to protect the unity and territorial integrity of Nigeria.

    It would be recalled that the leader of the proscribed leader of IPOB, Mr Nnamdi KANU who jumped bail was rearrested and kept in custody.

    Please read full text:

    ON THE REARREST OF NNAMDI KANU AND THE POWER OF ACTIONABLE INTELLIGENCE IN SECURING NIGERIA: WE THANK YOU, MR. PRESIDENT
    A STATEMENT BY SAVE NIGERIA MOVEMENT

    We at Save Nigeria Movement received with great and unquantifiable joy the cheering news of the strategic rearrest of the Founder of the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra, Mr Nnamdi Kanu. This development is not just timely but very explanatory in according meaning to the “language” characters like Nnamdi and his cohorts will definitely understand as promised by Mr. President recently. We therefore, join the vast array of patriotic and well-meaning Nigerians to register our deepest appreciation to Mr. President for strategic move to give meaning to the presidential language which many were struggling to understand. This has equally sent out very strong signals to all criminals and enemies of Nigeria both within and outside the country that there is no longer a hiding place or safe Haven for them.

    In the same vein, we wish to thank profusely the Department of State Services under the able leadership of a distinguished Nigerian, Mr. Bichi and all security agencies in Nigeria for the synergy and patriotic commitment to quell all forms of insurrections, rebellion and insurgencies so as to restore peace and order for responsible Nigerians to go about their normal and legitimate businesses without fear in the atmosphere of tranquility in pursuit of wealth creation and prosperity of our great Nation.

    We want to specially commend leaders of conscience from the South Eastern Nigeria particularly and across the Nigeria generally who disassociated themselves from Nnamdi Kanu and all that he represents and seeks to pursue in his desperation to undermine the sovereignty of Nigeria. We call on all Nigerians particularly those still standing on the fence in the face of this brutal assault by the enemies of our nation to our unity and peaceful coexistence to take a firm stand on the side of truth by supporting our President and all our security agencies in their daily fight to get rid of our enemies so that law and order will reign supreme in our land.

    This is also the widow of opportunity for those who have taken arms against our federation to surrender willingly and to embrace peace because there is no longer any room to tolerate any form of criminality no matter who is involved and where you are on the surface of this earth. Our security agencies in partnership with our international friends will smoke you out and speak to you in the “language” you will understand.

    Once again, we are very pleased with Mr. President, DSS and all our security agencies for the renewed commitment, synergy, collaborations and mobilization of actionable intelligence and we wish to encourage them to sustain the tempo and finish the fight clinically to the glory of God (Allah) and the collective prosperity, oneness and greatness of our dear country, Nigeria.

    Thanks
    Solomon Semaka
    Convener, Save Nigeria Movement
    Solomonsemaka@gmail.com
    O7033040754

  • CSO queries Gov Emmanuel over insecurity in A’Ibom

    CSO queries Gov Emmanuel over insecurity in A’Ibom

    A Civil Society Organisation COMPPART Foundation for Justice and Peace Building has lamented that Governor Udom Emmanuel of Akwa Ibom is yet to take proactive steps to address the worsening insecurity situation in the state.

    It has also challenged the State Government to show prove of the CTVV Cameras it claimed to have planted at borders across the state.

    Its Executive Director, Saviour Akpan who threw the challenge while speaking with newsmen in Uyo on Monday said such technology would have assisted the state in the fight against the current frequent attacks on security formations in the state.

    Akpan who is also National Chairman, Network of Police Reform in Nigeria blamed recent frequent attacks on stations and murder of police officers across the state on poor management of security information by the police.

    He traced the foundation of the police crisis in Nigeria to accumulated issues by successive governments whom he said failed to listen to civil liberty voices, a situation which he said alienated Nigeria security forces from the civil populace.

    “What is happening today in Nigeria did not start today. It is an accumulated lacuna which successive governments in Nigeria have failed to listen to the people’s voices with regards to matters of safety and security in Nigeria.

    “Over the years, we have been talking with the security forces, tasking them on how best they could put in place security that can endanger public trust, but that has been seriously neglected and the outcome is what we are having today, where members of the public are witnessing attacks on police formations and killings of Police officers of which I have personally started a campaign on.

    “Police officers are fellow citizens and also have a right to life. The attack on them is condemnable bit then Nigeria security apparatus has over the years been alienated from the civil populace.

    “It is becoming very difficult for members of the public who might have been part and parcel of the family before the execution of some of these nefarious act to give such information to the police for fear of reprisals because of the existence of poor crime information management within the system. That’s the problem.

    “In the case of Akwa Ibom State, the Governor of Akwa Ibom State is a liar. He has been lying to the public, telling us he has planted Close Circuit Television (CCTV) Cameras in all the border communities. Before I can say the government of Akwa Ibom State has done enough in the area of security, let the governor play the CCTV that he claims to have installed.

    “The truth of the matter is that a lot of persons in some places are joking with security. They are making security to be a mere security slogan. The state has not done enough.

    “In the case of Ini LGA, I am suggesting that the Police authority should reduce the rank of the DPO because it was very embarrassing for him to have lose guard to that extent to the point of recording such number of casualties. They should reduce his rank so that others will sit up”. He explained.

    Also a former Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, Chief Victor Iyanam while reacting to recent attacks on police stations blame the ineffectiveness of security formations in the country on lack of men on ground, adding that the few available policemen have been distributed to politicians.

    Iyanam who drummed support for agitation for state police said such would allow the states effectively control their security personnel.

    “The Federal system has failed. The police have changed focus to only operations, no more intelligence. Even the DSS should provide intelligence to the police and Army. Intelligence needs funding.” He said

    The attacks against security operatives and formations by unknown gunmen started at Ikpe Annang Junction in Essien Udim Local government area, where a police Inspector was set ablaze inside a police Van.

    Few weeks after that incident another inspector was traced to his house in Essien Udim LGA and killed by the hoodlums. Two police officers were killed and scores of cows wasted in the latest attack which occurred on Sunday in the same LGA.

    Five Police officers and a wife of an officer were early morning of Saturday May 8, 2021 killed by unknown gunmen who attacked the Divisional Police headquarters, Odoro Ikpe in Ini LGA of Akwa Ibom State

    On Sunday May 9, 2021,. there was another attack on police station in Ikot Odon Abak local government area, although no causality was recorded , vehicles parked outside and a motorcycle inside were burnt.

    In Ika, unknown gunmen on motorcycles killed two police officers attached to the Divisional Police Headquarters and also burnt a Volvo car attached to the division in a failed attempt to burn the station and cart away weapons.

    The deceased officers, a woman Lance Corporal, Esther Akpan and a Police Special Constabulary, Isonuyo Paul, were ambushed on their way home by the hoodlums who were armed with Ak-47 rifles

    In Ibiaku Ntok Okpo , headquarters of Ikono local government area of the state, two Police Officers were killed and five patrol vehicles burnt down by hoodlums who attacked the area.

    With these and many other recent attacks on security formations in the state, many have wondered what has happened to Intelligence information gathering, even as others are expecting the Governor to address the people.

  • CSO demands release of detained mother, son detained by Police in A’Ibom

    CSO demands release of detained mother, son detained by Police in A’Ibom

    A Civil Social Organization, COMMPART Foundation for Justice and Peace Building has demanded the unconditional release of Mrs Naomi Ebong of Oruk Anam local Government Area of Akwa Ibom and her son, Kufre Ebong detained at the State Police headquarters  over unknown cause of death of one Aniekan Udoh.
    Executive Director of the Organisation, Mr Saviour Akpan who made the demand in a letter addressed to the State Commissioner of Police and made available to newsmen yesterday in Uyo, described the prolonged detention of the duo since February 10, 2021 as disrespect to legal provisions of the 1999 constitution as amended and the Administration of Criminal Justice Act, 2015.
    The Director stressed that the administration of the Criminal Justice Act was propounded to ensure that the system among other things promotes speedy dispensation of justice, protection of the Society from crime, and the rights, interest of the suspect as well as the defendant and victim.
    “We write most respectfully to bring to your attention, and immediate action over the prolonged incarceration of Mrs. Naomi Ebong and Kufre Ebong of Obio Akpa clan in Oruk Anam local government area which is in total disregard for the provisions of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria as amended.
    “We hereby demand unconditional release of Mrs. Naomi Ebong and her son Kufre Ebong to a reliable surety pending investigation and in this case we recommend the family head  of Ekpuk where she is married to in Obio Akpa in the person of Chief Isreal Asuquo.
    “We also demand a stop within Akwa Ibom state police command the practice of detaining suspects at the pleasure of complainant as it seems the practice is gradually gaining grounds and if not checked will be detrimental to citizen’s access to justice.
    “It is a truism that the police can detain suspects pending conclusion of investigation but in this case scenario since the arrest was not done on the same date the incident took place , it is a believe of every reasonableness that investigation must have been carried out before the arrest and as such arraignment of the suspects wouldn’t have delayed longer than 48hours as stipulated by Law.” He explained.
    Akpan stressed that section 63(1) of the police Act provided that where  a suspect was taken into custody and it appears to the police officer that the inquiry into the case could not be completed immediately, he may discharge the suspect on his entering into a recognizance with or without sureties for a reasonable amount, to appear at the police station at a time named in the recognizance.
    He said part of the focus of his organisation was to serve as a centrepiece in defending citizen’s rights in order to build confidence in the justice and security sectors.
    “We are not in support of the sudden death of the deceased, but we believe the police have so many ways to unravel such mystery and have the perpetrator (s) brought to book including the evoking of the Corona Inquest which is properly provided for in our extant Law.” Akpan further stated.
  • CSO Knocks Yahaya Bello Over Wheelbarrow Empowerment

    CSO Knocks Yahaya Bello Over Wheelbarrow Empowerment

    As groups continue to rally support for Kogi State governor, Alhaji Yahaya Bello to vie for the exalted seat of the presidency in 2023, a civil society group, Guardians of Democracy and Development (GDD) has warned Nigerians to be retrospect about such a choice saying his antecedence as governor fell short of expectations.

    The CSO in a statement signed by its convener, Danesi Momoh Prince particularly frowned at the recent distribution of wheelbarrow and shovels to the youth in the state by the governor describing the action as not only archaic but an insult on the sensibility of the people.

    Consequently, the group urged Nigerians to be thorough in assessing people who aspire for public office rather than basing their decisions on mundane issues such as age, religion and tribe amongst others.

    According to the CSO, Nigeria has attained a height it can no longer afford mediocre leadership explaining that the social and infrastructural deficit requires someone who is scientific in his reasoning and approach to governance.

    “Majority of Nigerians are not satisfied with the state of affairs in the country and this shortfall is in all spheres of the nation’s life. What this entails is that we have not taken seriously the processes of selecting our leaders. This is why as CSO, we have taken it upon ourselves to mobilise Nigerians to get involved in the leadership selection process.

    “One of the ways of doing this is to speak against those who are eminently not qualified to occupy leadership positions. A governor who still sees wheelbarrow and shovels as empowerment implements certainly has nothing desirable to offer than returning the country to the stone age era.

    “At a time many state governors in the country are setting up highly technical institutions or sponsoring youths abroad for ICT related courses such as software engineering, animation, video editing and graphics amongst others and the beneficiaries of such overseas training are not only empowered, but also train and empower others, we have a governor who still promotes wheelbarrow pushing contrary to to building a modern economy.

    “Kogi state is an agrarian state quite alright, but other state governors are empowering their youth elsewhere with grants and modern farm implements to venture into large scale mechanised farming not wheel barrows. Such a way of thinking does not speak well of somebody who wants to be president of a country in the 21st century.

    “Recall too that it took Yahaya Bello for forever to settle staff salaries when he resumed office despite grants made available by the federal government to that effect. That singular act made Kogi state a laughing stock in the country. Governor Bello has gone a step further to redicule the state again with another ridiculous programme of youth empowerment. A man who is insensitive to the plight of the people, who has reduced Kogi youths to people only fit for wheel barrow pushing and manual labour can’t make a good president,’ the group added.

    “While we acknowledge the efforts of President Muhammadu Buhari, we make bold to say Nigeria deserves someone who will do better not one who is oblivious of the fact that machines have taken over strenuous jobs hitherto done manually”.

  • CSO Empowers 100 Widows to Honor CBN Governor

    CSO Empowers 100 Widows to Honor CBN Governor

    …Commends Corporate Department for Excellent External Relations

    As part of activities marking the end of year, a Civil Society Organisation, Save Nigeria Movement has donated grinding machines to 25 widows as well as given cash donations to 100 widows as start up grants for dry season farming of vegetables.

    Presenting the donations in makurdi the Benue state capital, leader of the CSO, Bishop Abel King said the gesture was to mark the second anniversary as well honor the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) for it’s commitment to corporate responsibilities.

    He explained that the civil society was pleased with the excellent external relations the bank has promoted in recent times adding that such is what is expected of every public institution to promote public trust between citizens and government.

    “The deputy governor of corporate affairs department has dutifully implemented the apex bank’s corporate reforms in line with the mandate of the CBN governor.

    “This is the only time in the history of the country that the civil society has access to books and transactions going on in the CBN for public scrutiny. Nigerians couldn’t have asked for more accountability and transparency such as shown by the CBN corporate affairs department.

    “We are are reaching out to the widows as a mark of honor to further encourage and commit the CBN to do more, knowing that Nigerians appreciate their sacrifice at all times.

    “We are proud of the opportunity to share with the widows as a testimony to the good social works of the apex bank.

    “This gesture also symbolizes the CBN policy of empoweing the most common Nigerians as shown in the various interventions implemented by the bank particularly, the recent COVID-19 household facility as well the SMEs packages”, the CSO noted.

    It further said the civil society task force will continue to work with the corporate department and at the same time hold the bank to task on issues that will engender positive impact to ordinary Nigerians and boost the the economy in line with the CBN ultimate goal.

    Responding on behalf of the beneficiaries, Mrs Terna Atule said she was thankful to the organization and prayed for the CBN leadership to continue to inspire more of such activities so that more less privileged will benefit from it.

  • Adamawa: FIDA Train Parliamentarian and CSOs on Monitoring and Evaluation Gender Response Utilization

    Adamawa: FIDA Train Parliamentarian and CSOs on Monitoring and Evaluation Gender Response Utilization

    By Musa Isa Ahmed

    The International Federation of Women Lawyers (FIDA)  Adamawa state chapter through Spotlight Initiative program has trained parliamentarian and CSOs on gender-responsive budgeting, monitoring and evaluation of budgeting Utilisation.

    The training which held at  the Adamawa state House of Assembly conference Hall.
    Barr. Fatima Bello Raji, Representative of the FIDA Chairperson stated that, the project intends to consider what contributes to effective targeting of women and girls in budget design and implementation and accompanying challenges, and the validity of Gender Responsive Budgeting (GRB) as a step towards gender mainstreaming and institutionalization by explaining practical ways to improve targeting in specific government processes, policies and programmes.

    However, the FIDA programme officer, Bar. Lubna Dodo explained that, the International Federation of Women Lawyers (FIDA) Nigeria’s primary role is to protect, promote, and preserve the rights of women and children in Nigeria. FIDA Nigeria is implementing a 4-year project titled United Nations Spotlight Initiative in partnership with UN Women.

    The speaker Adamawa state house of Assembly optimistic that after this training all parliament in Adamawa will make budget provisions that will carter for Sexual and Gender-Based Violence (GBV) and Harmful Practices  of women and children.

    Barr. Hapsat Abubakar lead trainer disclose that this training will sensitize and raise awareness on the concept of gender responsive budgeting and gender-responsive budgeting tools to enable participants to carry out gender-responsive budgeting analysis and to apply the tools appropriate for their purposes.

  • NDDC: CSO Alerts Public Over Alleged Plot By Akpabio To Appoint Sole Administrator

    NDDC: CSO Alerts Public Over Alleged Plot By Akpabio To Appoint Sole Administrator

    *Petitions Buhari, Lawan, Gbajabiamila, Others
    *NDDC A Huge Disappointment – Rep. Chinda

    By Doris Ferdinand

    An Abuja based Civil Society organization, Act for Positive Transformation Initiatives, has alerted the public over a threatening plot by the minister of Niger Delta Affairs, Sen. Godswill Akpabio, to appoint a sole administrator for the running of the controversial Niger Development Commission, (NDDC).

    The CSO in letters dated december 4, 2020 and addressed to the presidency, through the Office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, the Senate President, Ahmad Ibrahim Lawan, as well as the House of Representatives Speaker, Femi Gbajabiamila, stressed the urgent need to stop Sen. Akpobio from finally drowning the NDDC through the illegal appointment of a sole administration.

    The letters signed by its Head, Directorate of Research, Strategy & Planning, Kolawole Johnson, and titled: ‘Sen Godswill Akpabio Must be Stopped from Sinking the Niger Delta Development Commission Further’, the CSO said:

    “There is an urgent need to alert the government, the National Assembly and the general public on the latest sinister plot of the Minister for Niger Delta Affairs, Sen Godswill Akpabio, to plunge the Niger Delta Development Commission into another round of crisis for his selfish interest by appointing a sole administrator to run the commission against the laws setting up the interventionist agency.

    “Reports of a certain court order ‘sacking’ the present Interim Management Committee members of the NDDC surfaced in the media on Wednesday, December 2nd, 2020. It is curious to note that the said order ‘restraining the IMC members from performing the functions of the board’ of NDDC was given on the 27th day of October, 2020 but kept under wraps for over one month, only to be let out few days to the next hearing date.

    “While motives remain a source of concern, ACT has, again, stumbled on a sinister plan by Senator Godswill Akpabio to surreptitiously bring in the present Acting Executive Director of Finance, Effiong Akwa, as a Sole Administrator of the Commission using the suspicious judgement to pave way.

    “If allowed, this singular step shall sink the Commission

  • COVID-19: CSOs laud CBN’s Economic Intervention, Urge More Citizens’ Participation

    COVID-19: CSOs laud CBN’s Economic Intervention, Urge More Citizens’ Participation

    The Central Bank of Nigeria has been commended over its timely intervention programmes geared towards eradicating poverty and addressing unemployment caused by the impact of COVID-19 pandemic.

    The commendation was made by the President of Coalition of Civil Society Groups, Mr Etuk Bassey Williams, while delivering his welcome address during the 7th National Economic Summit, Monday in Abuja.

    According to Williams: “The federal government through CBN intervention programmes further demonstrated its willingness to alleviate the sufferings resulting from unemployment and poverty.”

    He added that the whole essence of CBN’s efforts is to create support for businesses in order to avert recession and headship during and post covid-19 pandemic

    While the CSOs unanimously agreed at the end of the summit, that the federal government and the apex bank should be applauded for rising to the occasion and taking proactive steps to make policies geared towards cushioning the effect of the Covid-19 pandemic.

    The summit with the THEME “POST COVID-19: UNDERSTANDING THE ECONOMIC INTERVENTIONS OF CBN & THE ROLES OF CIVIL SOCIETY GROUPS”, is meant to discuss the economic policies of the government and how it affects the populace.
    “We believe that a summit like the economic summit will generate feedback to the government on policies so as to know whether it is working or not. Most significant of this summit is that it is taking place at a time when the world is facing a very disturbing and difficult economic situation resulting from the Covid-19 pandemic,” William stressed.

    It will be recalled that major interventions by the CBN to tackle unemployment and alleviate poverty in Nigeria includes: Accelerated Agriculture Development Scheme (AADS), Agri-Business, Small and Medium Enterprise Investment Scheme (AGSMEIS)), Real Sector Support Facility (RSSF), Credit Support for Health Sector and Creative Industry Financing Initiative etc.

    Williams, however, bemoaned the fact that the vast majority of Nigerians are not fully aware of some of the CBN’s intervention programmes to address economic challenges of Nigerians post-COVID-19.
    “It is common knowledge that most people either are not aware of these interventions or do not know how to access the supports. It is our expectation that at the end of this summit we would have understood the scope and impact of the many intervention policies of the CBN on businesses and households, and also suggest to the government on how to sustain it and make it accessible,” Williams said.

    After a robust discussion, the summit which was attended by over three hundred (300) CSOs, issued communique.

    Here are issues agreed upon at the end of the summit:

    1. That it is necessary and our responsibility to interrogate government actions and policies so as to put them on the right path;
    2. That there is a need for training civil societies at the zonal level to help the government inform the citizens of government policies and intervention;
    3. That there is need for behavioral change among the citizens towards properly understanding government policies;
    4. That the civil societies should collaborate to discourage ethnic divide and promote unity;
    5. That government should utilize community based organization to enlighten people at the community levels on government policies;
    6. That the interventions of the Central Bank of Nigeria are appropriate and welcomed by all;
    7. That the federal government and the CBN Should be applauded for rising to the occasion and taken the proactive steps to make policies geared towards cushioning the effect of the Covid-19 pandemic.