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CSOs querry N3B COVID-19 expenditure by A’Ibom
By Emeka Samuel, Uyo
The Forum of Civil Societies Organisation (CSO) in Akwa Ibom have demanded for a breakdown of the N3 billion said to been spent by the state government on COVID-19.
Governor Udom Emmanuel had during a recent COVID-19 update said that the government has so far spent N3 billion to fight the pandemic in the state.
But Chairman of the Forum of Civil Societies Organisation (CSO) in the state, Mr Harry Udoh has questioned how the amount spent was arrived at when only 1,103 persons have been tested for the disease in the state.
Udoh explained that a breakdown of the expenditure was necessary for third party accountability and transparency on how the money was expanded.
He added that since the government had testified to have received monetary and material donations from individuals and corporate organisations, it was expedient for the people to know if the N3 billion was part of the donations received.
He further stated that since the 2020 budget did not capture the COVID-19 expenses, and also had to be slashed because of the economic down-turn owing to the pandemic, a clear understanding of where the N3 billion was sourced from remained important.
“You know from the onset we have been asking for transparency in the COVID-19 Implementation within the State. First of all, the government has come out to mention that sum, which is commendable because that has been one of our advocacies, but the point is that we need to know exactly where the N3 billion is channeled to.
“Giving us figures like that doesn’t help the case while we commend him for telling us how much that has been spent, we need to have a breakdown of the expenditure so as to be able to provide third party accountability.
“For CSOs in the State, we need to exactly know the things that gulped the N3 billion. Was it on the building of treatment centre at Uruan. Did they buy drugs with that money? Was it on laboratory test? We are aware that testing costs between N30,000 to N40,000 as we learnt in other States. If you are spending public funds, you should be able to make the account public.
“It is after the breakdown that we will be able to say, you couldn’t have spent this on that etc. Until that is done we won’t be able to say much. So that we know what the recurrent expenditure is; don’t forget that the same day he made that statement, he announced the increment of health workers salaries and allowances. So we want to know if it is part of the N3 billion.
“You know this is extraneous expenditure because it wasn’t something that was envisaged when the 2020 budget was put together, no one envisaged COVID-19. To say you spent N3 billion, it makes it difficult to speak to it. Does that N3 billion include the donations that came which were published in Punch newspapers the other day? Without knowing exactly the details, it makes commentary on budget and expenditure quite difficult.” The Chairman explained.
July 29, 2020
You Have Taken Campaign against Army Too Far, CSOs Tell SaharaReporters
The Conference of Civil Society for Peace, Security and National Development has accused online news portal Sahara Reporters of publishing tissues of imaginations against the Nigeria military in her bid to discredit efforts to end insurgency, banditry and other forms of insecurity in the country.
The group reacting to a publication by SaharaRrporters that 10 soldiers attached to 25 Task Force Brigade, Damboa in Borno State were killed in an ambush by insurgents on Saturday, said the report was not only a figment of imagination a reveals the medium desperation for negativity.
A statement signed by Comr. Mike Msuaan and Mallam Adamu Kabir Matazu, conveners of the CSOs regretted that the news portal has made it a duty to report imaginary casualties on the part of the military even when there is none just to satisfy its paymasters.
“It is unfortunate that SaharaReporters has made it a point to report imaginary issues at the war theatre. We have noted that when the military suffers casualties, they are honourable to make known. However, SaharaReporters has made it a duty to not only report such incidence but celebrate it with a view to making a mockery of the military.
“Regrettably, the online news portal is gradually moving away from sensational reports against the military to blatant lies all in a bid to satisfy its pay masters. Just when the Chief of Army Staff, Lt. Gen. Tukur Buratai was reported to have visited Wounded Soldiers in Action (WIA) in Kaduna, a visit that elicited a lot of goodwill from both the military and the public, SaharaReporters choose to go to press with blatant lies to erode the good will and possibly dampened the moral of the troops.
“The COAS during the visit expressed delight to be among the WIAs, said their efforts in securing the nation will never go unrewarded, commending their true spirit of patriotism and professionalism. This is exactly what is expected of the leadership of the army”, the CSOs stated.
They further urged Nigeria not to relent in supporting the nation’s troops to enable them succeed in winning the war against insurgency, banditry and other forms insecurity in the country.
In the same vein, the CSOs urged the military not to be weary of the antics of SaharaReporters and its cohorts but remain resolute in defending the territorial integrity of the country.
The group also aligned with the view of Chief of Army Staff that Nigeria is safer and more secured at the moment than it was in 2014 warning that attempts at discrediting the military if allowed to prevail could plunge the nation in to more difficult times.
July 28, 2020
CSOs Demand NASS Committee Excuse Self From NDDC Probe
Following massive allegations and counter allegations with regards to contract scam rocking the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC), no fewer than 10 civil society organisations have jointly demanded that an independent probe panel be set up for better outcome.
The group wants President Muhammadu Buhari to intervene In the NDDC Probe by forming a presidential panel amidst questions of morality and loss of confidence on the National Assembly committee by Interim Management Committee (IM•C) on NDDC and Nigerians.
In a joint press statement made available to newsmen on Monday, a group, the Civil Society Joint Action Against Corruption, which embodies the 10 civil society groups came together to ask for an unbiased inquiry into the probe of NDDC.
It will be recalled that the National Assembly had already initiated investigation on activities of NDDC.
The CSOs, however, said they are concerned that the National Assembly committee investigating NDDC is not in the best position to thoroughly carry out the task over allegation on its Chairman and loss of confidence by Nigerians.
“Most important to us in the Civil society Group are the accusations on the National Assembly and particularly the allegation on the Chairman House Committee on NDDC; Honourable Olubumi Tunji Ojo. The loss of confidence expressed by the IMC, NDDC, people of the Niger Delta and Nigerians.”
The group said “having watched the activities surrounding the probe by both the Senate Committee and House of Representatives Committees on Niger Delta majorly on allegations of financial impropriety and constant exchange of accusations and counter-accusations between the chairmen of the House Committees on NDDC Honourable Olubumi Ojo and the Interim Management Committee (IM•C) on NDDC, they (Senate and Rep committee) lack morality to probe the NDDC.”
They, however, opined that the standing committees of the National Assembly being an interested party in the case, haven been accused of corruption, lack of morality and public confidence will not do justice to the issues of financial improprieties and other related wrong doings in the NDDC.
The statement further read:
“We demand that National Assembly discontinue and excuse itself from the probe considering the claim that the probe panel is set up to witch-hunt suspected members of the public and that in no time has such activities or exercise yielded any good result except wastage of public funds and resources, it will be honourable for the House Committee on Niger Delta to stop this unpatriotic, insincere and self serving exercise.
“In the interest of the nation and to disabuse the fear, perceptions, doubt of the public on the on-going probe, we therefore call for immediate stoppage of the said probe by National Assembly and call for an Independent panel of enquiry to probe the activities of the immediate IMC of NDDC.
“This call become imperative so as to avoid another witch-hunt and matter where by it will end in controversy just like many probes initiated by National Assembly. it will save the country another round of controversy and get to the root of the investigations needed in NDDC for the sake of the Niger Delta people that has been deprived of needed amenities and resources.
“We want all issues surrounding the mismanaged of funds, non-payment of scholarships, contract scams and budget inflation to be treated holistically.
“We believe this can be done only by an Independent Presidential Probe Panel, where-in all will face the committee and report back to the President, and for relevant anti corruption agencies to act on. Allowing members of National Assembly to go ahead will not produce the needed result but rather lead to waste of time and resources and only ended up in media trial.
“We frown at any effort geared towards dragging the name of Senator Godswill Akpobio to the mud by anybody or group of persons. It is unfortunate that his resolve to restore the hope of the Niger Deltans through the NDDC is construed as misconduct.
“We make bold to reaffirm the confidence reposed on him by Mr. President Muhammadu Buhari and the entire people of Niger Delta,” the statement concluded
July 20, 2020
Reported Exit of 386 Soldiers Misleading
The Conference of Civil Society for Peace, Security and National Development has said the news the three hundred and fifty-six (356) soldiers reported in some sections of the media to have formally exited from the Nigerian Army citing “loss of interest” as reason were persons who either retired due to age or other factors as well as few who had gotten other offers.
The CSOs in a statement signed by its conveners, Comr. Mike Msuaan and Mallam Adamu Kabir Matazu regretted that what is apparently a routine in the military and other disciplines could be twisted to give a negative impression of the Army adding that it was the handiwork of enemies of Nigeria who are bent on sabotaging the gains being made in the war against insurgency, banditry and other security challenges in the country.
According to the CSOs, it is curious that the instigators of the story failed to report that the military had just concluded recruitment of several young and patriotic citizens but maliciously reported about the exit of personnel most of whom have reached retirement ages in a ridiculous manner to further their campaign of calumny against the military and its heads.
“Our interest in ensuring a secured and peaceful society makes us pay particular attention in the operations of the military. This is why we speak out when we notice infractions on their part and when persons and organisations with ulterior motives make unsubstantiated allegations against them.
“That an issue as serious as over 300 soldiers willingly disengaging from service in one swoop for a particular reason would mean that there an alliance and yet no source was quoted in the story but horridly concluded that ‘loss of interest’ was occasioned by poor leadership leaves much to be desired.
“Our scrupulous findings have revealed that there is a lot of propaganda being sponsored against the military and if we fail to inform the public correctly as civil society organisations, then perhaps the security establishment may be surrendered to persons who see security as a business.
“The military like other services carry out recruitment on a yearly basis just as personnels that have either reached retirement ages or may have gotten other opportunities in other disciplines are allowed to go. This is not peculiar with the military; it is a universal norm that is applicable to every endeavour of human engagement. However, it was reported as if those exiting were doing so because they were dissatisfied with the conditions of service”, the statement noted.
The CSOs also urged the Federal Government to be alive to the antics of persons whose only duty is to malign the military and its chiefs in a bid to ensure their sack not minding the headway that is being made.
“Let it be known that our interest is not in who heads the various security outfits. Our interest is in the security and peace of the Nigerian society which should be paramount on the minds of all well-meaning citizens. The military is doing everything within the resources available to it to end insecurity and should be supported to achieve this all important task”, the CSOs added.
July 13, 2020
Insecurity: Don’t Listen to Naysayers, CSOs Tell FG
By Alade Samuel
A rights group, Conference of Civil Society for Peace, Security and National Development has cautioned the Federal government against listening to individuals and groups calling for the removal of the security chiefs in the country saying doing so could relapse efforts made in the war against insurgency.
The CSOs at a press conference held in Abuja on Wednesday and addressed by its conveners, Comrade Mike Msuaan and Mallam Adamu Kabir Matazu also accused some media establishment and civil society organisations for taking side with the insurgents with the aim of demoralising the troops.

“As stakeholders who believe in the Nigeria project, we have elected to stand for unity and peace of the nation. It is in this wise that we urge the Federal Government to disregard calls for the sacking of the current service chiefs. Those making such calls are not doing so in the interest of the nation but their pecuniary gains.

“We wish to draw the attention of the government to the fact that the calls for replacing service chiefs have become loudest now that the war is almost over. We warn as patriots that any relapse in the strategy being used now in the war theatre could embolden the terrorists. Any well meaning Nigerian or foreign observers who have followed the history of insurgency in the country would agree that retaining the service chiefs is the best option now. The coalition herein, commends President Muhammadu Buhari for his visionary decision in retaining the service chiefs”, the CSOs noted.

It further argued that the security situation has improved significantly following the coming of the current government explaining that fighting insurgency was not as simple as some people imagine.
“The situation degenerated to a point where citizens deserted the north eastern states almost completely. Average Nigerians had given up hope on the sovereignty of the country. Hope however, began to return when Gen Tukur Yusuf Buratai assumed office in July 2015 as he quickly evolved a master plan of taking war to the door steps of the terrorists, away from the reactionary approach adopted in the past. This art of war coupled with credible intelligence gathering has seen the destruction and killing of several terrorists’ leaders, camps and hide outs through a coordinated ground and aerial bombardment.

“Today, no territory in the north east nor any part for that matter is under the control of insurgents. Although the war has not been completely won, the relocation of the Chief of Army Staff to the north east where he is commanding the war has witnessed significant achievements. Now, it is no longer news that the war is near an end as the insurgents are been bombarded heavily and now scampering to safety. Since the relocation of Gen. Buratai to the war theatre zone, many top Boko Haram and Islamic States West Africa Province (ISWAP) terrorists have continued to surrender to troops of Operation Lafiya Dole (OPLD). Several others have been killed and others captured in the renewed military offensive to wipe out terrorists.

“Gentlemen of the press, it is disturbing that in the midst of these successes, the merchants of war have still found amongst us as agents to distract the efforts of our military. It is regrettable to say the least that some unscrupulous young men find it lucrative to disparage the military efforts and promote the insurgents for monetary gains. Our scrupulous findings reveal that some of these young people hide under the guise of media practise to achieve their aim. Others yet use the toga of activism to cast aspersions on our gallant troops.

“We make bold to say Sahara Reporters is notable amongst the media platforms that has shamelessly surrendered to the whims and caprices of the insurgents. We have observed over time that Sahara Reporters begins and ends its news publishing with either outright falsehood or malicious content against the army. On the other hand, anyone looking for news about the escapades of the insurgents sure knows that Sahara Reporters is a veritable platform to find such.

“Today, any youth or group who is willing to put aside patriotism is engaged by agents of terrorists in our country. One acclaimed civil society activist, Deji Adebanjo has taken a lead in this respect by either addressing the press to malign the military or calling for the replacement of service chiefs”, the CSOs alleged.
June 10, 2020
Boko Haram: Arrests of 28 Informants Confirm Military’s Claim of Sabotage- CSOs
The Conference of Civil Society Organisations for Peace, Security and National Development has said the arrest of 28 informants of local and foreign nationals alleged to have been leaking operational secrets to the Boko Haram terrorists has vindicated the military’s claim that the Transparency International (TI) and other NGOs were sabotaging its efforts.
The CSOs position is coming on the heels of media reports that the Islamic State in West Africa Province (ISWAP) recently attacked the military post in Diffa, in the Niger Republic, along a border area with Nigeria.
A statement signed by Com. Mike Msuaan and Adamu Kabir Matazu, conveners of the group expressed satisfaction with results coming out of military intelligence particularly now that the Army top brass is leading the onslaught against the insurgents.
“The military intelligence has so far arrested 28 notorious informants who were leaking troop movements to terrorists. The suspects, under interrogation, have provided useful information that could lead to major crackdown on local collaborators and supporters in that axis.
“Information available to us points to the fact that statements made by the suspected informants confirm allegations made by the military that Transparency International and other international Non-Governmental Organisations operating in the troubled region were sympathetic to the insurgents’, the statement noted.
It is pertinent to note that the local elements arrested alongside the foreign informants are not working alone but foot soldiers to their foreign paymasters. This complicates the situation for the gallant soldiers because the locals are more familiar with the terrian thereby frustrating the efforts of the army command.
The group further argued that although the insurgents released a video showing their fighters entering the military post on foot and in vehicles, taking weapons and ammunition, their claim of killing five soldiers was mere wishful thinking as the troops were out on counter-insurgency operations along the Lake Chad axis.
“Intelligence information available to us reveals that, the few soldiers on ground retreated because of the large number of terrorists. Consequently, there was no casualty as such the claim by the insurgents was a mere ploy to boost their ego. Similarly, there were no corpses in the video to buttress their claim.
May 15, 2020