Nigeria’s Inflation Drops By 0.06% In February Nairalaw

The consumer price index, which measures inflation level in the
country, dropped to 11.31 percent in February 2018 from the 11.37
percent rate recorded in January 2019.

This is according to a monthly inflation data released by the
National Bureau of Statistics (NBS), which shows a gradual increase
in the price index.

The data highlighted that on a month-on-month basis, the
headline index increased by 0.73 percent in February 2019, which is
0.01 percent rate lower than the rate recorded in January 2019
(0.74) percent.

The urban inflation rate increased by 11.59 percent
(year-on-year) in February 2019 from 11.66 percent recorded in
January 2019, while the rural inflation rate increased by 11.05
percent in February 2019 from 11.11 percent in January 2019.

However, the composite food index rose by 13.47 percent in
February compared to 13.51 percent in January 2019.

This rise in the food index, according to the released date, was
caused by increases in the prices of fish, bread and cereals,
potatoes, yam and other tubers, meat, vegetables, oils and fats,
and fruits.

In February 2019, food inflation on a year-on-year basis was
highest in Nasarawa (16.78 percent), Taraba (16.76 percent) and
Abuja (16.29 percent), while Kogi (11.68 percent), Delta (11.51
percent) and Abia (10.81 percent) recorded the slowest rise in food
inflation.

2019 Elections: Nigerian Army Constitutes Panel to
Investigate Misconduct of Personnel

As a way of ensuring that NA troops deployed for election
security duties during the 2019 General Elections conducted
themselves within laid down Rules of Engagement and the Code of
Conduct, the NA has set up a 9-member investigative committee,
headed by Maj Gen TA Gagariga with Brig Gen JM Ali, Brig Gen GO
Adeshina, Brig Gen MA Obari, Col AT Bitiyong, Col A Tanko and Col
WA Bakare as members and Lt Col PAJ Ebuk as Secretary to
investigate all allegations of misconduct against the NA during the
just concluded general elections. The committee is to submit its
report not later than 31st of March, 2019.

The committee, which has already commenced action, was
inaugurated by the Chief of Administration (Army), Major General
KAY Isiyaku on behalf of the Chief of Army Staff (COAS ) Lieutenant
General Tukur Yusuf Buratai and admonished to carry out their
duties objectively, fairly and transparently in line with its Terms
of Reference.

The committee’s Terms of Reference centered on thoroughly
investigating the activities, actions and/or inactions of NA
Personnel in all the States that alleged one infraction/wrong doing
or the other.

The Committee is also to collate and thoroughly analyze all
reports to determine the veracity of the allegations including the
alleged assassination attempt on Rivers State Governor and the
circumstances that led to the shooting to death of Lt Kurmi as well
as that leading to serious injuries to an officer and some soldiers
in the State.

The Committee is further mandated to visit all States where
issues have been raised about the conduct of NA during and after
the elections and also interact with Civil Society Organizations,
sister security agencies and State Governors with claims against
the Army.

It would be recalled that the COAS, Lt Gen TY Buratai has on
many fora, consistently (both in words and actions), soundly
indicated that, under his watch, NA personnel must remain
apolitical, respect human rights and abide by the rule of law in
all its official engagements within or outside Nigeria and in or
out of conflict situation. NA troops were deployed for the
elections under Operation SAFE CONDUCT that was set up to provide
support to the NP and other security agencies to ensure hitch free
and successful elections in the country.

The Chairman of the committee, Major General TA Gagariga has
assured the COAS and all Nigerians of the commitee’s commitment,
resolve and determination to objectively and professionally address
the major issues as contained in the Committee’s Terms of
Reference.

SAGIR MUSA
Colonel
Acting Director Army Public Relations