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Civil Society Organisations (CSOs) across Nigeria have expressed concern over the ongoing controversy surrounding the potential extension of the tenure of Inspector General of Police (IGP) Kayode Egbetokun. The CSOs are urging President Bola Tinubu to clarify the situation and ensure transparency in the decision-making process, which could have significant implications for the Nigeria Police Force (NPF) and public trust in the country’s law enforcement system.

The controversy stems from a letter, purportedly signed by the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), that suggests an extension of IGP Egbetokun’s tenure. The letter, however, has raised questions about its legitimacy and the legal grounds for the extension, especially given that the IGP has reportedly reached the mandatory retirement age under the Police Act of 2020.

In their statement, the CSOs highlighted concerns that any move to extend the IGP’s tenure without presidential assent or proper legal backing could be perceived as an unlawful action. They warned that such a move could create discontent within the NPF, particularly among officers who may feel their career progression is being stifled, leading to potential indiscipline and a decline in police morale.

The CSOs also noted that tenure extensions for senior officers could undermine efforts to reform the police force, which has been plagued by various structural issues. They stressed the importance of adhering to public service rules and appointing capable leadership within the force to promote stability and accountability.

“We believe IGP Egbetokun should be replaced in line with the provisions of the Police Act to ensure that due process is followed and that capable leadership is promoted within the force,” the statement read. The CSOs further emphasized that President Tinubu’s handling of the issue would have far-reaching consequences for governance and public trust in Nigeria’s security institutions.

The coalition of CSOs calling for transparency includes prominent organisations such as the Rule of Law and Accountability Advocacy Centre (RULAAC), Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP), Amnesty International Nigeria, and the Civil Society Legislative Advocacy Centre (CISLAC), among others.

They collectively urged the government to respect the law, ensure clarity in its decision-making, and avoid actions that could undermine the integrity of the police force.

The outcome of this controversy is likely to shape future reforms within Nigeria’s law enforcement agencies, and the CSOs are calling on President Tinubu to act decisively to protect the credibility of the NPF and uphold the principles of good governance.

The Nigerian Consumer Credit Corporation (CREDICORP) has kicked off disbursement of consumer credit to economically active Nigerians nationwide, through its growing list of participating financial institutions (PFIs).
In this first wave of institutions is Credit Direct, Nigeria’s largest lender to civil servants nationwide, and a subsidiary of the FCMB Group. At a signing event today, CREDICORP announced the partnership with Credit Direct to accelerate mass access to consumer credit starting with civil servants across the country. Beginning this September, this kickoff offers discounted direct consumer credit to over 15,000 civil servants per round. Civil servants on IPPIS now benefit from exclusive offers with reduced interest rates and flexible repayment plans for purchase of domestic goods, mobility, medical care, electronics and other household needs. The initiative is part of a much broader effort to support the well-being of Nigerians, which aligns with CREDICORP’s mission to accelerate consumer credit access to 50% of economically active Nigerians by 2030.”We are excited to partner with Credit Direct to kick off President Tinubu’s consumer credit scheme with civil servants as Mr. President had promised,” said Uzoma Nwagba, CEO of CREDICORP. “By going through Credit Direct today, and subsequently our other financial institutions coming on stream in the next days and weeks as we target 500,000 civil servants, they can access instant and affordable credit to cushion economic shocks or afford consumer goods to improve the quality of their lives. This is just the start of a long and exciting journey with many parts, and linkages that ultimately catalyse local industries as we expand consumption.”Chukwuma Nwanze, CEO of Credit Direct, emphasized the importance of the partnership in fostering financial inclusion. “Our civil servants are vital to the nation’s growth and stability, and we are committed to supporting them with accessible credit facilities. This partnership with CREDICORP allows us to extend our services to more individuals, ensuring that all civil servants can access the funds they need quickly and easily, up to N3.5 million depending on their income and need. Over the past 17 years, Credit Direct has positively impacted the lives of millions of customers across Nigeria. With a presence in all 36 states, including the Federal Capital Territory, through branches and digital channels, we continue to serve working-class Nigerians nationwide.”Key Features of the Credit Offer:- Lowest Interest Rates: Starting from September 3, 2024, civil servants will access loans at lowest interest rates on the market. Applicants can access a wide range, and up to N3.5 million, depending on their income and need.- Flexible Repayment Plans: Customized repayment schedules designed to meet the unique needs of each borrower.- Quick and Easy Application Process: Streamlined procedures ensure fast access to funds, making it easier for civil servants to manage their financial needs. For more information about the special credit offer and eligibility criteria, please visit www.creditdirect.ng or contact the customer service center at 0700CREDITDIRECT, 02014482225, 0201700512.About CREDICORPThe Nigeria Consumer Credit Corporation (CREDICORP) is a government-owned development finance institution committed to enhancing consumer credit access for Nigerians. By addressing structural barriers and providing capital, guarantees, policy support and cultural reorientation, CREDICORP works towards an economically inclusive Nigeria where every working citizen can build personal equity and access essential consumer credit to improve the quality of their lives.

The last six months have been traumatic for the family of Mrs. Rita Uche Oji, a teacher and businesswoman, who has been diagnosed with renal failure.

She has been rendered invalid by the ailment and she can no longer do anything without aid. She has been crying and begging God to rescue her from the hands of this disease that has been ravaging her.

Her family has exhausted all their resources towards her treatment and Mrs. Oji is seeking financial assistance from well-meaning Nigerians so that her life will not be cut short and she can contribute her quota to make the world a better place.

The woman, who spoke faintly in excruciating pain, told our correspondent, “I want to live. I know that I still have more than three decades to live, if only people can help me to do the kidney transplant, which will cost me N35 million, and my family cannot afford it.

“My husband is a civil servant who cannot afford such money. My family cannot afford the money either. We have sold everything, including landed property, but all that we have been able to raise ended in dialysis.”

As it is, she needs over N35 million to go for a kidney transplant in India to regain her health.

She has, therefore, sent a save-our-soul asking Delta State Governor, Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori, the First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, Senator Ned Nwoko, corporate organisations, Ubulu-Uku indigenes and all well-meaning Nigerians to come to her rescue.

Mrs. Oji, a native of Ubulu-Uku in Aniocha- South Local Government Area of Delta State, needs urgent assistance, financial support and prayers so that she will not die.

According to Mrs. Oji (nee Anene), who is now an outpatient of the Lagos State University Teaching. Hospital (LASUTH), Ikeja, Lagos, she is undergoing haemodialysis thrice a week, and will continue until she is able to raise the sum of N35,000,000 (thirty million naira) for kidney transplant.

On her hospital bed, Mrs. Oji said, “I wish to inform the good people of Nigeria that I am facing death because of lack of finance. My husband and my family have expended all we have to sustain me. I have been down since May, praying to God that succour would come, but it seems that nothing is changing. Except Nigerians help me and do not let me die. I am still very young and I know that God can use you people to make me live again. My being alive today shows that God wants me to live.

“The cost of staying alive is now way beyond my family’s means. I, therefore, seek your help, dear brothers and sisters, to surmount this terrible illness. Please, don’t let me die.

“I have been battling this chronic kidney failure since June 2023 and I have been placed on mandatory dialysis three times in the hospital a week, which costs N490,000, while a month costs N1.960 million. I am soliciting assistance from my Governor, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, Senator Nwoko, well-meaning Deltans and all Nigerians to come to my rescue.

“This death will be avoided if only you people come to my aid. Please, you can support me with any amount through account number, Anene Rita Uche, Access Bank, 0700730340.
Contact phone number, 08035727154. May God bless you as you come to my aid.

When Comptroller General of Customs, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, redeployed Comptroller Ahmadu Bello Shuaibu as the Area Controller of the Federal Operations Unit (FOU) Zone B, Kaduna, on April 17, 2024, it was part of a strategic initiative to enhance trade facilitation, increase revenue, and curb smuggling activities in the region. Since then, Comptroller Shuaibu’s leadership has made an immediate and significant impact, transforming the operational landscape of the unit.

Under his command, the FOU Zone B has become a formidable force against economic saboteurs in Northern Nigeria. Comptroller Shuaibu, now regarded as a “smugglers’ nightmare,” has led his team in executing a series of successful operations that have dealt heavy blows to the illicit trade networks in the region. His proactive and innovative strategies have not only disrupted these illegal activities but have also begun to reshape the region’s narrative, moving away from its notorious association with smuggling.

In just four months, Comptroller Shuaibu has overseen the interception of contraband goods worth over ₦3.1 billion. These seizures include 750 sacks of donkey bones and meat, 58,740 sachets of tramadol, 48,000 ampules of Analgin injection, and a variety of other prohibited items. The breakdown of the seizures is impressive: 12 vehicles used as means of conveyance, 174 bags of foreign rice (50 kg each), 234 jerry cans of PMS (25 litres each), 109 bales of second-hand clothing, and much more.

Among the high-profile seizures under his watch were consignments of pangolin scales, a protected species under international law, and other goods intended for the black market. These operations have not only protected the Nigerian economy but have also upheld global conservation efforts.

Comptroller Shuaibu’s approach has been characterized by strategic intelligence, increased patrols, and the deployment of competent officers across the unit’s operational areas. His efforts are in alignment with the CGC Adeniyi’s mission of consolidation, collaboration, and innovation within the Nigeria Customs Service. As a result, the FOU Zone B now records seizures on a weekly basis, a testament to the unit’s increased efficiency and vigilance.

Reflecting on his successes, Comptroller Shuaibu emphasized the importance of compliance as a legal obligation and a strategic choice that ensures the smooth and efficient flow of goods across Nigeria’s borders. He has consistently urged smugglers to abandon their illegal activities in favor of lawful trade, highlighting the detrimental effects of smuggling on the Nigerian economy.

“Smuggling has really affected the economy of Nigeria in several ways,” he stated. “It hinders the local industry, discourages legal imports, and reduces the volume of revenues collected from duties and levies. This unit will continue to enforce the Federal Government’s policies in line with international best practices, regardless of any campaigns of calumny against the service.”

Comptroller Shuaibu’s track record has not only brought economic saboteurs to their knees but has also reinforced the Federal Operations Unit’s role as a key player in safeguarding Nigeria’s economic interests. His continued efforts are expected to yield even greater results as he remains committed to the fight against smuggling in the region.
Source: Transitnewsng