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Provisionary Committee of Nigeria Coast Guard commends Senate, other stakeholders, says proposed agency, a patriotic move for nation’s greatness
The Provisionary Committee of the Nigerian Coast Guard has commended the Nigerian Senate for its bold and legislative support towards establishing the Nigerian Coast Guard, saying it would be a patriotic honour divinely destined for the greatness of Nigeria.
This was contained in a statement issued by Captain Noah Ichaba and made available to CAPITAL POST on Sunday in Abuja, stating that the agency would allow citizens who are fated for superior altitudes to manifest the best for their country, thereby restoring Nigeria’s international dignity, national interest, value and prestige.
The statement was at the backdrop of a public hearing on a bill to establish the Nigerian Coast Guard by the Senate Committee on Marine and Blue Economy chaired by Senator Eshilokun Wasiu last week in Abuja.
CAPITAL POST recalled that the public hearing was well attended by lawmakers in both Chambers of the National Assembly, experts in marine and blue economy, academicians, youth groups and non-governmental organisations, where they agreed with the proposal to establish the agency, given its potential to secure the nation’s territorial waters and curb oil theft in Nigeria.
Highlighting its numerous advantages, Captain Ichaba in a statement said: “This is a God-given opportunity with enabling enthusiasm and strength to beam gracious light on this fitting, foremost and timely establishment of Coast Guard, in the best interest of Nigeria, the Maritime Domain, the Maritime International Organizations.
“Coast Guard Associations, Continent of Africa, and Stakeholders; Coast Guard, in some sensitive situations, is most appropriate Agency to represent Nigeria’s interest and authority in international situations where the presence of personnel of the Department of Defense might appear threatening or politically unacceptable, because of Coast Guard’s unique skills and qualification including its humanitarian and less threatening nature, which makes it a valuable national asset, to represent where the Defense Personnel is persona non-grata.
The Provisionary Committee of the proposed Nigerian Coast Guard, (PC-NCG) which is the proponent of the Bill, commended the Senate President Senator Godswill Akpabio, Senator Eshilokun Wasiu, the entire Senate, the Ministry of Marine & Blue Economy, the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency, the Nigerian Inland Waterway Authority, Nigerian Maritime Academy, the Nigerian Bar Association, the Stakeholders in the Maritime Sector, Industry Leaders, notable Maritime Experts and patriotic Nigerians who supported the creation of Coast Guard during public hearing on its establishment Bill.
“PC-NCG equally thank those who submitted memoranda and the general public who welcomed the move. Coast Guard is the flesh, blood and spirit of the maritime commercial businesses and activities security, that would suitably ensure optimal performance by all within the nation’s maritime commercial axis.
“Coast Guard is the real eye, ear, life and energy of the maritime market place and its transactions. Coast Guard is the pillar and engine of the maritime community that its duty is neither a duplication nor a conflict of interest, that is not consumer of national resources but a pivotal contributor to the tripod of the nation.
“Coast Guard is a child of necessity, a national asset, the cash-cow of the nation, Nigeria’s divine heritage, a huge revenue generator and a fitting occupational equalizer, among others. Nigeria stand to enjoy the highest, best and merited prestige in that her participation in any international meeting involving Coast Guard would no longer be by proxy or category ‘B’ attendee, but, would have a full-fledged presence at such forum.
“This comes with several advantages and multiplier effects for Nigeria, as establishment of Coast Guard would affect other nations and partners positively, which would strengthen better relationships between Nigeria and other nations.
“Major Global Organizations like the International Maritime Organization (IMO), World Trade Organization (WTO), United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD), International Association for Ports and Harbours and various African Trade Corridors, would step up stronger maritime alliance with Nigeria; Coast Guard been fully operational in Nigeria would be the beginning of the true development of the 54 sovereign African countries – on the Continent – and transactions would witness accelerated increase with optimal ease, and ultimately, a boom in the economies of these countries.
“Coast Guard is an instrument of/for national policy by its representational duty. It provides representatives and advisers to Nigeria delegation dealing on maritime affairs. It provides technical advice and support for negotiation of Agreements Coast Guard is to maintain active presence in coastguard international meetings.
“It provides leadership to, international bodies, such as IMO and International Lifeboat Federation (ILF) and works with many individual nations in varied ways. Coast Guard support national policy on bilateral or multilateral Agreement by providing training and assistance to foreign civil authorities, coastguards or navies.
“The PC-NCG hereby assures relevant authorities and the general public that Coast Guard would not perform below their expectation, rather, it would surpass such expectation by its efficient operation and by effectively securing the maritime domain to bring about several advantages resulting from prudent operation and greatest service delivery.
“Coast Guard would take millions of unemployed Nigerians from the labour market, by gainfully engaging and deploying them into direct and indirect jobs, which in turn, would boost national, organizational and individual’s economy. This, in turn, would improve Nigeria’s international image and prestige among other maritime nations of the world.
“The PC-NCG wishes to reaffirm that Coast Guard would establish strong inter- agency relationship and cooperation, and would uphold what is good for Nigeria’s national interest, national value and sustained prosperity. PC-NCG restates that Coast Guard is not a region Body but a national Organization to which we are dedicated to facilitating its legal existence”, it concluded.
The President of the Senate, Senator Godswill Akpabio has commended Senator Basheer Lado, for redefining the Office of the Special Adviser to the President on Senate Matters, stating that, for the first time in a long while, the office is fully meeting its expectations.
Speaking during his visit to the office of the Special Adviser to the President on Senate Matters accompanied by distinguished senators, Akpabio described the visit as a significant step in strengthening Executive-Legislative relations.
He praised the Special Adviser and his team for maintaining the confidentiality of communications between the President and Senate, and also, ensuring a seamless flow of information. He further emphasized that the office is now more result-oriented.
Additionally, he acknowledged the office’s diligent efforts in tracking all Bills passed by the Senate and assented to by the President, underscoring its critical role in legislative efficiency.
Expressing his satisfaction, Akpabio noted that he and the Senate delegation were proud of the office’s achievements and looked forward to sustaining the existing cordial and productive relationship between the Executive and the Legislature throughout the administration.
In recognition of his exemplary leadership, Senator Lado presented an Award of Excellence to Senator Akpabio.
In his remarks, Senator Lado reaffirmed his commitment to fostering a harmonious working relationship between the Executive and the Legislature. He lauded Akpabio for his unwavering dedication to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda—defending it with clarity, articulating it with passion, and advancing it through legislative action.
Ahead of the 2025 political party Congresses, Plateau State Chapter of the Labour Party (LP) stakeholders has endorsed the defection of the candidate of the party in the 2023 general elections and the leader of Justice and Rebirth, Barr Gyang Zi SAN, to the All Progressive Congress (APC) with the view to key into the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Tinubu.
They made the call in a communique issued at the end of the enlarge meeting of the stakeholders from Plateau North senatorial zone at the residence of Barr. Gyang Zi in Rayfield Jos.
The communique which was jointly signed by Dr. Ayiki Sati Director General, Justice and Rebirth and
Barr. Samuel Galadima- 2024 Chairmanship candidate of Jos East LGA among others said the call became imperative on the sideline of the leadership tussle at the National Level which violates the core principles and values for the formation of the Party as an alternative for Nigeria for the protection, sustenance of democracy and Social Justice.
They regretted that the leadership tussle has also divided the party into factions leaving party loyalists and supporters in the state of despondency and confusion not knowing where they belong.
Our correspondent reports that the gathering included LP candidates from the 2023/2024 general elections, party executives, and support groups from the six local government areas of the Northern Senatorial District.
Besides, the focus of the discussions was centered on the state of the Labour Party at both national and state levels and the need for political realignment ahead of the 2025 party congresses and conventions.
The stakeholders further frowned at the structural weaknesses in LP and resolved to advise Barr Gyang Zi, to leave the party and join the APC while expressing confidence that the APC would provide him with a platform to advance good governance in the state .
The communique also emphasized the importance of political consultations, particularly with APC leaders at both state and national levels. It called for collaboration with Plateau State APC leaders, including Minister of Humanitarian Affairs Prof. Nentawe Yilwatda Goshwe, Sen. Simon Bako Lalong, Sen. Diket Plang, and other party officials.
According to the communique, supporters of Barr Gyang Zi also pledged to mobilize grassroots support for the APC, stating that their leader’s defection would strengthen the party in the state.
They urged the APC leadership to formally receive Gyang Zi and his supporters into the party, marking their official transition from the Labour Party.
Stakeholders also reiterated the need for inclusive governance, ensuring that youths, women, and less privileged individuals are sidelined in the democratic process and accordingly officially denounced their membership in the Labour Party, declaring their support for the APC.
They assured that all LP structures aligned with Gyang Zi would follow suit, shifting their loyalty to the ruling party in the state and at the National level.
Kogi State Governor, Ahmed Usman Ododo, has extended his heartfelt felicitation to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, on the occasion of his 73rd birthday.
Governor Ododo in statement signed by his special adviser on media, Ismaila Isah described President Tinubu as a statesman whose leadership and dedication to national development continue to inspire hope and progress across Nigeria.
He commended the President’s unwavering commitment to the Renewed Hope Agenda, which is driving economic reforms, strengthening national unity, and advancing the nation’s democratic values.
“On behalf of the government and people of Kogi State, I celebrate Mr President and our father on this special day. Your resilience, visionary leadership, and patriotism have laid a strong foundation for Nigeria’s growth. We deeply appreciate your tireless efforts in repositioning our country for sustainable development,” Governor Ododo stated.
He further reaffirmed his support for President Tinubu’s administration and prayed for continued wisdom, strength, and good health for the President as he leads Nigeria toward greater prosperity, sustainable development, peace and stability.
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