Group seeks N/A approval for ECOWAS-backed Commission to check small arms, other illicit imports
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| Chief Emmanuel Okereke(middle) briefing Newsmen on Monday in Lagos on proposed Commission |
The Importers Association of Nigeria (IMAN)
has called on the National Assembly to sign into Law a Bill for a Commission
aimed at checking illicit imports including small arms and light weapons that
could jeorpadise the nation’s peace and security.
has called on the National Assembly to sign into Law a Bill for a Commission
aimed at checking illicit imports including small arms and light weapons that
could jeorpadise the nation’s peace and security.
Chief Emmanuel Okereke, The President of IMAN
and the Director General of the National Taskforce, told newsmen on Monday in
Lagos that fourteen out of the sixteen countries making up the Economic
Community of West African States (ECOWAS) already had the Commission
operational.
He disclosed that only Nigeria and The Gambia
were yet to have the commission working in their countries, for the fact that
the treaty was signed in Nigeria in 2009.
were yet to have the commission working in their countries, for the fact that
the treaty was signed in Nigeria in 2009.
“So, we want the National Assembly to approve
this Commission, because this Commission has a lot to offer. This commission is
in existence in 14 countries out of the 16 in ECOWAS.
this Commission, because this Commission has a lot to offer. This commission is
in existence in 14 countries out of the 16 in ECOWAS.
“The treaty was signed in Nigeria in 2009, and
now, Nigeria as Chairman of ECOWAS, has been given ultimatum to Nigeria to sign
this Bill, because only Nigeria and the Gambia have yet signed the Bill into
Law.
now, Nigeria as Chairman of ECOWAS, has been given ultimatum to Nigeria to sign
this Bill, because only Nigeria and the Gambia have yet signed the Bill into
Law.
“We have called on the National Assembly, on Bukola
Saraki to sign the Bill before his exit from office and we know it will be a
big credit to him,” Okereke said.
Saraki to sign the Bill before his exit from office and we know it will be a
big credit to him,” Okereke said.
He said that the proposed “National Commission
For Prohibited Imported Items, Small Arms, Light Weapons And Other Related
Offences” would ensure such dangerous weapons don’t find their way easily into
the country to endanger lives in Nigeria.
For Prohibited Imported Items, Small Arms, Light Weapons And Other Related
Offences” would ensure such dangerous weapons don’t find their way easily into
the country to endanger lives in Nigeria.
He clarified that the Bill on the National
Taskforce, which was sponsored by IMAN had suffered about seven years at the
National Assembly due to conflicting interests by people who were likely into
illegal businesses.
Taskforce, which was sponsored by IMAN had suffered about seven years at the
National Assembly due to conflicting interests by people who were likely into
illegal businesses.
Okereke also warned that “There is nothing
like IMAN National Taskforce in Nigeria. Rather, IMAN initiated the National
Taskforce which was accepted by the government and was inaugurated. Those who
called themselves IMAN Special Taskforce are criminals. So, people should be
aware.”
like IMAN National Taskforce in Nigeria. Rather, IMAN initiated the National
Taskforce which was accepted by the government and was inaugurated. Those who
called themselves IMAN Special Taskforce are criminals. So, people should be
aware.”
He gave assurance that the National Taskforce,
which “was inaugurated in 2010 with the Minister of Finance and National
Security Adviser” would only carryout its mandate of checking prohibited
imports and not delve into sealing of people’s warehouses.
which “was inaugurated in 2010 with the Minister of Finance and National
Security Adviser” would only carryout its mandate of checking prohibited
imports and not delve into sealing of people’s warehouses.
Speaking on the security situation of the
country, Okereke said the proposed commission would train and employ no fewer
than 350 indigenous in all localities across Nigeria to secure their areas,
maintain peace and order and be able to identify security threats and call on
the Police for appropriate action.
country, Okereke said the proposed commission would train and employ no fewer
than 350 indigenous in all localities across Nigeria to secure their areas,
maintain peace and order and be able to identify security threats and call on
the Police for appropriate action.
He said that such strategy would eliminate or
greatly reduce militia attacks from groups like Boko Haram and kidnappers, who
have access to assault weapons, because “there were proliferation of illicit
items including fake military uniforms” prior to the elections.
greatly reduce militia attacks from groups like Boko Haram and kidnappers, who
have access to assault weapons, because “there were proliferation of illicit
items including fake military uniforms” prior to the elections.
All importers would be duly registered with
the commission for proper identification of genuine importers, Okereke added.
the commission for proper identification of genuine importers, Okereke added.
