Nigerian Army Resource Centre (NARC) Weekly Subject Experts’ Presentation was held at Hall C, TY Buratai Block, Abuja. There were three presentations made by the Subject Experts on West Africa, Gulf of Guinea. , Indian Sub-Continent and Nigeria
The first presentation by Maj Gen OO Adeleke (Rtd) subject expert on West Africa and Gulf of Guinea, discussed how Togo Opposition Cries Foul As Election Vote Count Favours Government. RFI reported on 03 May 24 that Opposition groups in Togo had accused authorities of ballot-stuffing in Monday, 29 Apr 24 legislative and regional elections, where vote counting was still underway. Regional observers, however, judged the polls to be free and fair. Electoral authorities have yet to release initial results from Monday’s vote, which came after lawmakers passed a divisive constitutional reform that critics say will extend President Faure Gnassingbé’s grip on power in the small West African state.
In his analysis and lessons for Nigeria, Gen OO Adeleke (Rtd) pointed out that, United States government report stated that the Nigerian military and the State Security Services (DSS) were used for electoral malpractice and voter intimidation in 2019 general elections and that there was a widespread perception that the judiciary was corrupt and intimidated by the executive and legislative branches, making it difficult for it to function independently. Chironda observes that the 2023 general elections were highly anticipated as a crucial milestone for the nation’s democratic process. However, despite initial hopes for transparency and fairness, the elections were marred by widespread allegations of corruption, including voter suppression, vote buying, manipulation of electoral rolls, compromised officials, and the lack of accountability. The electoral process was tarnished by technical glitches and allegations of flaws, resulting in legal battles in court. However, the minimal improvements observed in the 2011 up to 2023 elections are indications that the conduct of credible elections in Nigeria is possible if the required reforms are made, especially with regard to INEC and the reorientation of the mind-set of Nigerians towards elections.
He recommended that the Federal Government of Nigeria through, the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and the Ministry of Information and National Orientation could carry out extensive political education through the mass media and other means of sensitization on the need to do away with the evils of electoral malpractice and also The Federal Ministry of Justice and the Nigerian Bar Association should ensure that the judiciary demonstrates more transparency and honesty in the discharge of its duties, by ensuring that judges dispose cases relating to election malpractices promptly and appropriately in accordance with the law.
Similarly the second presentation by Brig Gen WD Nasiru Subject Expert on Indian Sub-Continent, focused his presentation on Bangladesh’s Plea for Humanity: Charting a Course Amidst the intersection of AI and Global Security. The Bangladeshi Foreign Minister Hasan Mahmud on 30 Apr 2024, called on the international community not to apply Artificial Intelligence (AI) in weapon systems. Emphasizing that AI should rather be used in the areas of agriculture, medical science, space exploration, climate change, and job creation. The Minister issued a heartfelt plea to the international community, urging them to reject the development of any new weaponry, particularly Autonomous Weapons System, in the name of safeguarding humanity. He made the call while speaking at an international conference titled “Humanity at the Crossroads: Autonomous Weapons Systems and the Challenge of Regulation” on 29-30 Apr 2024, at the historic Hof-burg Palace in Vienna.
In his analysis and lessons for Nigeria, Brig Gen WD Nasiru , Recall that, in an era characterized by rapid technological advancements, AI has emerged as a transformative tool with the potential to revolutionize various aspects of society, including nation-building. Nigeria, as a dynamic and populous country, stands on the cusp of leveraging AI to drive development across sectors. Nigeria, as Africa’s largest economy, stands to benefit significantly from the adoption and integration of AI technologies. While the country faces numerous socio-economic challenges, AI presents opportunities for innovation, efficiency, and growth across various sectors and Nigeria has the potential to benefit from the creation of new job opportunities through the use of Artificial Intelligence.
He recommended that the federal government of Nigerian, through the National Centre for Artificial Intelligence and Robotics (NCAIR) in conjunction with NITDA, Defence Research and Development Bureau (DRDB), the Ministry of Communications, Innovations and Digital Economy intensify efforts to prioritize investment in AI research, and education by funding academic programs and supporting partnerships between academia, industry, and government and also create incentives and support mechanisms to foster AI-driven innovations and entrepreneurship. This may include, providing grants, tax breaks, and access to funding for start-ups and small businesses developing AI solutions.
Also the third presentation by Brig Gen Cc Ogbu subject expert on Nigeria discussed how Akpabio Seeks State Police Free Of Politics Religion Tribalism. On Monday 22 April 2024, Punch Newspaper reported that the Senate President, Distinguished Senator Godswill Akpabio, gave his support for the creation of state police across the country. Akpabio expressed his support in Abuja at a national policy dialogue on state policing organized by the House of Representatives Committee on Constitution Review. The event which attracted prominent Nigerians including former military Head of State, Gen Abdulsalami Abubakar (rtd), ex-President Goodluck Jonathan, Metropolitan Catholic Archbishop of Abuja, Cardinal John Onaiyekan, among others, dwelled on the theme, “Pathways to Peace: Re-imaging Policing in Nigeria.”
In his analysis and lessons for Nigeria Brig Gen Cc Ogbu pointed out that, the purposes of clarifications, State Police refers to a police force under the state authority rather than under the authority of a city/county in the state or an entire country. According to a former IGP, Sunday Ehindero, State Police does not mean the absence of a National Police Force. It means a locally controlled Police Force coexisting with the National Police Force. The police forces in the states will not be under the control or supervision of the Inspector General of Police. Rather, it will be the responsibilities of the governors of states to maintain law and order without the interference of the Inspector General of Police or the President. Hence, Section 214 of the 1999 Constitution as amended which provides for a single Police Force in Nigeria and prohibits the establishment of any other police force for Nigeria must be amended in order to accommodate state police concept.
He recommended that the Federal Government of Nigeria should continue to strengthen and equip the Nigeria Police Force alongside other security agencies to ensure the maintenance of conducive security atmosphere in the country and also The National Assembly should enact the appropriate laws encouraging the establishment, recognition and empowerment of community vigilante services or neighborhood watch groups in all communities.
