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NASS's 'Coastal Guards Bill' faces rejection – here's what you need to know

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1731650807 NASS039s 039Coastal Guards Bill039 faces rejection here039s what you

NASS's 'Coastal Guards Bill' – They argue that establishing…

They argue that establishing a separate Coast Guard would lead to redundancy and potentially underfund the Nigerian Navy, risking operational inefficiencies.

No fewer than five civil society organisations in Nigeria have sharply criticised the Coastal Guard Bill, currently under consideration by the National Assembly, as potentially harmful to Nigeria’s security and economy.

At a press conference in Abuja, the Coalition in Support of National Security Advancement (CSNSA) denounced the proposed bill, calling it a “backdoor” attempt to amend the Constitution by creating a new armed force.

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“The proposed Coast Guard contradicts Section 217 of the Nigerian Constitution, which recognises only the Army, Navy, and Air Force as branches of the Armed Forces,” said CSNSA spokespersons Okwa Dan and Bilal Abdulahi.

Is the bill an attempt to replace the Navy?

They argue that establishing a separate Coast Guard would lead to redundancy and potentially underfund the Nigerian Navy, risking operational inefficiencies.

Citing global models, CSNSA pointed to the successful performance of the Nigerian Navy in managing marine security functions, such as counter-piracy and hydrography, noting that it has received international recognition for its work.

“Rather than adding a new military entity, it would be more effective to strengthen the Navy,” the coalition stated, adding that a new Coast Guard could lead to overlapping roles and potential jurisdictional conflicts.

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READ ALSO: FG mulls creation of coastal guards to secure waterways

From an economic perspective, the coalition highlighted the financial burden of maintaining a Coast Guard, noting that the U.S. spends over $13 billion annually on its Coast Guard. Nigeria’s current economic constraints, they argue, make it impractical to add another costly security body.

“This significant cost could be better used to boost the capabilities of the Nigerian Navy,” CSNSA suggested.

The coalition instead proposed creating a civilian-controlled agency to handle non-military maritime functions, such as environmental protection, customs enforcement, and search and rescue operations. This approach, they argue, would ensure that maritime security is maintained without the complexities and constitutional conflicts a military-run Coast Guard might bring.

Call for Tinubu’s intervention

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President Bola Tinubu and the National Assembly. [Facebook/Getty Images]

Calling on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and the National Assembly to discard the bill, CSNSA stated: “Increasing support to the Nigerian Navy is a practical way to improve maritime security without adding more red tape. Nigeria’s maritime security needs can be better met with a civilian-controlled agency for non-military duties.”
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Security report, not Tinubu, blocked El-Rufai’s ministerial nomination – Omokri

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Former Kaduna State Governor Nasir el-Rufai has accused President Bola Tinubu and National Security Adviser (NSA) Nuhu Ribadu of orchestrating his failed ministerial nomination.

Speaking on Arise Television on Monday, el-Rufai alleged, “The President did not want me in his cabinet.”

However, public affairs analyst Reno Omokri has refuted the claim, asserting that security concerns, not political manoeuvring, led to el-Rufai’s exclusion.

“Nothing could be further from the truth. President Tinubu nominated him, and his name was duly sent to the National Assembly,” Omokri stated.

Omokri explained that el-Rufai failed the mandatory security clearance required for ministerial appointments.

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READ ALSO: Omokri blasts El-Rufai for attacking Ribadu

He said multiple security agencies flagged the former governor as a “diplomatic liability” due to his controversial past statements and actions.

One such incident cited was El-Rufai’s 2019 threat to European Union election observers, where he warned, “We are waiting for the person who will come and intervene. They will go back in body bags.”

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El-Rufai’s alleged role in ‘Zaria Shiite Massacre’ of 2015

Additionally, Omokri highlighted El-Rufai’s alleged role in the Zaria Shiite Massacre of 2015, where 438 civilians were killed, as well as accusations of funding violent herdsmen responsible for attacks in Southern Kaduna.

Other concerns raised included El-Rufai’s demolition of political opponents’ homes, including those of Senator Suleiman Hunkuyi and APC chieftain Inuwa Abdulkadir.

He was also criticised for authorising the demolition of Aisha Yakubu’s property over an alleged “sex party,” later proven to be a hoax.

READ ALSO: El-Rufai alleges Ribadu’s 2031 presidential ambition behind smear campaign

Religious intolerance was another factor flagged in the security report. Omokri recalled el-Rufai’s 2013 derogatory remarks about Jesus Christ and his 2019 assertion that “even if I bring the Pope, Christians will never vote for me.”

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Omokri noted that el-Rufai was not the only nominee denied clearance.

Others, such as Danladi Sani from Taraba and Stella Okotete from Delta, also failed to screen but did not blame the President or NSA.

“El-Rufai is simply bitter that his ministerial ambition was blocked, and in his frustration, he is attacking those focused on Nigeria’s progress,” Omokri concluded.


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Bandits abduct Zamfara LG vice chairman and three others

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Bandits have abducted the Vice Chairman of Bukkuyum Local Government Area of Zamfara State, Hon. Bala Muhammad Majidadi. Majidadi was abducted along with three other person on Monday evening, February 24, 2025. The incident occurred while the victims were traveling from Bukkuyum to Gusau, the state capital. Bukkuyum LG is one of the areas in Zamfara State frequently targeted by bandits, alongside Shinkafi, Maradun, Zurmi, Anka, Talatar Mafara and Tsafe LGAs. The post Bandits abduct Zamfara LG vice chairman and three others appeared first on Linda Ikeji Blog.


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PETER ODILI: Statesman, humanitarian

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Peter Odili

Born on August 15, 1948, in Ndoni, Rivers State, Dr Peter Odili, received his early education in St. Michael’s School Oguta, Sacred Heart School Onitsha, and Christ the King College (CKC), Onitsha between 1953 and 1967. He was Senior Prefect and College Captain in CKC Onitsha in 1967. While at CKC, he excelled not only in academics, but also in sports- representing the school in soccer, high jump, long jump, and lawn tennis.

After the Nigerian Civil War, he proceeded to the University of Nigeria Nsukka and Enugu Campus in 1970, and served as Speaker of the Medical Students Association of the University in 1972 and President, League of Human Affiliates (Students Humanitarian Association) between 1972 and 1974. He graduated with a Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery (MBBS) degree in 1977. In 1985 he attained a degree in Tropical Medicine and Hygiene from the University of Liverpool, United Kingdom.

He commenced his medical practice first as a House Officer with the University of Benin Teaching Hospital, Benin City, and Senior House Officer between 1977 and 1979. After his stint as a Senior House Officer, he relocated to Port Harcourt with his wife and infant daughter and secured a job as Staff Physician at the Medical Consultation Centre in Port Harcourt.

Two years later, he set up his private hospital – PAMO Clinics and served first as Resident Clinician, and subsequently as Consultant in Tropical Medicine and Venereology, Clinical Director and then Medical Director following its rapid expansion to a hospital. In 1994, he ventured into agriculture with the setting up of RockMay Farms and Industries Ltd.

Between 1981 and 1982, he served as Secretary of the Nigerian Medical association, Rivers State Branch; and Secretary, Association of Private Medical Practitioners Association, Rivers State between 1985 and 1987. Other roles he played, included Member, Medical Advisory Council Rivers State Ministry of Health; President University of Nigeria Alumni Association, Port Harcourt and National Vice President, University of Nigeria Alumni Association between 1985 and 1988.

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He was appointed to the Board of Directors of Michelin Nigeria Limited and served on the board for three years, between 1987 and 1989. He was elected as a member and leader of the Rivers State delegates at the of the Constituent Assembly of 1988 – 1989. This heralded his foray into active politics, and in 1992 he was elected Deputy Governor of Old Rivers State; a position in which he served until the coup of November 1993. He was once again elected as Delegate and Leader of the Rivers State Delegates in the National Constitutional Conference of 1994 1995, and served as the Chairman of the Committee on Creation of States and Local Government Areas at the Conference.

In furtherance of his commitment to serve humanity, he played active politics and served in leadership positions as National Vice Chairman (South-South), Democratic Party of Nigeria (DPN); Founder and Leader, Rivers Front Movement; and National Chairman, People’s Democratic Party of Nigeria (PDP) Fund-Raising Committee. He chaired the Presidential Committee on Housing and Urban Renewal in 2001 and was President of the Swimming Federation of Nigeria between 2001 and 2005.

He served as the 13th Executive Governor of Rivers State between 1999 and 2007, and in 2014 was a delegate at the National Conference. A statesman, humanitarian and avid sportsman, his hobbies and interests include reading, writing, sports and music. Odili once contested for the presidency on the platform of the Peoples Democratic Party.

The post PETER ODILI: Statesman, humanitarian appeared first on Vanguard News.

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