State Police appears to be on the way to becoming a reality after President Bola Tinubu and state governors agreed to work on the modalities to establish it.

But the clearest indication yet that the quest may translate into reality is a ‘Bill for an Act to Alter the Provisions of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria to Provide for the Establishment of State Police, and Related Matters’ currently in the works in the House of Representatives.

Meanwhile, the Bill is stoking controversy even as insecurity across the country continues to worsen.

No fewer than 500 people including schoolchildren were abducted in Borno, Kaduna and Sokoto states over the past three weeks but some of them have been freed and reunited with their families.

Only last week, Governor Dauda Lawal of Zamfara State lamented that his state was under siege and solicited President Bola Tinubu’s assistance.

Lawal spoke during a visit to the Presidential Villa in Abuja.

Whereas the Bill gives sweeping powers to the President to direct the Inspector General of the Federal Police in enforcing security, in what amounts to a bombshell, governors won’t have such sweeping powers over State Police if the Bill passes the Senate hurdle and becomes law after the President’s assent.

 

The Bill provides that the Commissioner of Police of a state, notwithstanding that he is the appointee of the state governor, may refuse to carry out the governor’s order if he deems the order to be unlawful.
In such circumstances, however, the Bill provides for intervention by the State Police Service Commission whose position shall be final.

The decision of the President and governors in favour of State Police was in response to the increasing wave of insecurity in Nigeria occasioned by the activities of kidnappers, bandits and terrorists.

Promoters of State Police believe that putting the police under governors’ control in their respective states would give them the leeway to stem insecurity.

Anarchy

But critics say that may be the road to anarchy as partisan governors could turn the police under their control into a political machine and use them against their opponents.

There is, however, a counter position: A partisan President too under the current dispensation can politically deploy the police and use them against his opponents; so if that is the case, analysts argue, there is nothing wrong in having State Police so long as insecurity is gone.

 

Under the 1999 Constitution (as Amended), the police are on the Exclusive List, that is, only under the control of the Federal Government.

Analysts say the central control of the police from Abuja impinges security in so far as the Commissioner of Police takes directives from the Inspector General of Police (IGP) in Abuja and not the Governor of his state.
In essence, they want the police in the Concurrent List.

Discussion

Information Minister and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, who disclosed Tinubu and the governors’ favourable disposition to State Police after their meeting in Abuja, late last month, said they considered “the possibility of setting up State Police.”

“Now, there is also a discussion around the issue of State Police. The federal and state governments are mulling the possibility of setting up State Police,” Idris said.

According to him, attendees at the meeting agreed on the need for State Police but more discussions are still needed on how to implement it”.

The ‘Bill for an Act to Alter the Provisions of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria to Provide for the Establishment of State Police, and for Related Matters’ recently passed second reading in the House of Representatives.
The Bill, sponsored by Hon. Benjamin Okezie Kalu and first introduced in the House on November 7, 2023, is co-sponsored by 13 other lawmakers spread across the nation’s six geo-political zones.

The co-sponsors are Hon. Julius Ihonvbere, Hon. Onanuga A. Oriyomi, Hon. Joseph Bassey, Hon. Ibe Olwara-Osonwa, Hon. Thaddeus Attah, Hon. Joshua Audu Gan, Hon. Hassan B. Shinlmfi, Hon. Chinwe Clara Nnabuife, Hon. Obed Paul Shehu, Hon. Fatima Taiba, Hon. Tolani Shagaya, Hon. Abubakar H. Nalaraba and Hon. Blessing Onuh.

Clause 13

Clause 13 of the Bill provides that Section 215 of the 1999 Constitution as amended be altered to give the President the power to appoint the Inspector General of the Federal Police on the advice of the National Police Council from among serving members of the Federal Police, subject to confirmation by the Senate, while State Police shall be headed by a Commissioner of Police who shall be appointed by the Governor of the State on the advice of the Federal Police Service Commission from among serving members of the State Police subject to confirmation by the State House of Assembly.

But while giving sweeping powers to the President to direct the Inspector General of the Federal Police without question, it provides that where the Commissioner of Police of a state has reason to question the legality of any directive by his governor, the State Police Service Commission shall intervene and its position shall be final.

Clause 13 of the Bill reads: “Section 215 of the Principal Act (1999 Constitution as Amended) is amended by deleting the existing provisions and inserting the following instead thereof as the new:

“Appointment of Inspector-General of Police and the Commissioner of Police of a State:
“215. (1) The Federal Police shall be headed by an Inspector-General of Police who shall be appointed by the President on the advice of the National Police Council from among serving members of the Federal Police, subject to confirmation by the Senate.

“(2) The Federal Police shall be under the command of the Inspector General of Police, including contingents of the Federal Police stationed in a State.

“(3) The President or such other Minister of the Government of the Federation as he may authorise on that behalf may give to the Inspector-General of Po1ice such lawful directions concerning the maintenance and securing of public safety and public order as he may consider necessary, and the Inspector-General of Police shall comply with those directions or cause them to be complied with.

“(4) A State Police shall be headed by a Commissioner of Police who shall be appointed by the Governor of the State on the advice of the Federal Police Service Commission from among serving members of the State Police subject to confirmation by the State House of Assembly.

“(5) The Governor or such other Commissioner of the Government of the State, as he may authorise on that behalf, may give to the Commissioner of Police such lawful directions concerning the maintenance and securing of public safety and order as he may consider necessary, and the Commissioner of Police shall comply with those directions or cause them to be complied with Provided that where the Commissioner of Police feels that the direction given under this subsection is unlawful or contradicts general policing standards or practice, he may request that the matter be referred to the State Police Service Commission for review and decision of the State Police Service Commission shall be final”.

Clause 12: Creation

The major highlight of the Bill in Clause 12 is the amendment of Section 214 of the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (as Amended) to create a State Police and give it roles separate from the Federal Police.

The Clause reads: “Section 214 of the Principal Act (Constitution) is amended by deleting the existing provisions and inserting the following instead thereof as the new: Section 214 – ‘Establishment of Federal and State Police’.

“214. (I) The following bodies are established:­

(a) The Federal Police; and
(b) State Police.
(2) The National Assembly shall by an Act prescribe for the structure, organisation, administration, and powers of the Federal Police and provide the framework and guidelines for the establishment of State Police.

(3) The Federal Police shall –

(a) Be responsible for the maintenance of public security, preservation of public order and security of persons and property throughout the Federation to the extent provided for under this Constitution or by an Act of the National Assembly; and

(b) Be responsible for the maintenance of public security, preservation of public order and security of persons and property within a State to the extent that the State has power to make laws under this Constitution.

(4) Subject to the provisions of this Constitution, the Federal Police shall not interface with the operations of any State Police of the internal security affairs of a State except-

(a) To contain serious threats to public order where it is shown that there is a complete breakdown of law and order within a State and the State Police is unable to contain the threat;

(b) Where the Governor of a State requests the intervention of the Federal Police to prevent or contain a breakdown of law and order in the State; and

(c) Where a State Police is unable to function owing to administrative, financial or other problems which render it inoperative at a given time: Provided that any intervention under this subsection shall only be made after approval by two-thirds majority of the Senate”.

Removal from office

Clause 14 of the Bill also proposes the amendment of Section 216 of the Constitution to outline the process through which the Inspector-General of the Federal Police and the Commissioner of State Police can be removed from office.
It says: “Section 216 of the Principal Act is amended by –
(a) Deleting the existing provisions and inserting the following instead thereof as the new Section 216 –
‘Removal of Inspector-General of Police and the Commissioner of Police of a State”
“216 (1) An Inspector-General of Police shall only be removed by the President upon the recommendation of the National Police Council praying that he be so removed on any of the following grounds –
(a) Misconduct in the discharge of his official duties;
(b) Breach of Police Act, Regulation, Code and Code of Conduct;
(c) Conviction of any offence involving fraud or dishonesty by a court of law or tribunal;
(d) Bankruptcy; or
(e) Mental incapacity.
(2) The removal under Subsection (1) of this Section shall be subject to approval by a resolution of a two third majority of the Senate.
(3) A Commissioner of Police of a State shall only be removed by the Governor upon the recommendation of the Federal Police Service Commission praying that he be so removed on any of the following grounds-
(a) Misconduct in the performance of his official duties;
(b) Breach of policing standards, law, Regulation, Code and Code of Conduct;
(c) Conviction of any offence involving fraud or dishonesty by a court of law or tribunal;
(d) Bankruptcy; or
(e) Mental incapacity.
(4) The removal under Subsection (3) of this Section shall be subject to approval by two-thirds majority of the House of Assembly of the State.”

Challenged police

In his introductory remarks to the Bill, the sponsor, Hon Kalu, had said: “In recent times, our collective security has been greatly challenged.

“Nigeria, a federation of 36 States and the Federal Capital Territory, with 774 LGAs, over 250 ethnic nationalities, more than 200 million citizens and a vast terrain spanning over 920,000 square kilometres, still sadly operates a single, centralised police system that employs less than 400,000 police officers and men.

“There is no gainsaying that the nation’s security architecture is under immense pressure and always overwhelmed.
“We must acknowledge the fact that the fabric of any democracy is woven with the threads of constant adaptation to the evolving needs of its society.

“At this point in our nationhood, State Policing is not only inevitable but urgently desired to tackle the mounting challenges of insecurity.

“This Bill emerges as a necessary response to several calls for a decentralized and community-oriented approach to law enforcement.

“It seeks to navigate the complex landscape of security challenges by empowering our states with the means to address issues unique to their localities.

“This proposed alteration represents not just a legal adjustment to our ground norm, but a visionary leap towards a safer, more secure, and harmonious Nigeria.

Key provisions

“The Bill, which comprises 18 clauses, seeks to alter Sections 34, 35, 39, 42, 84, 89 and 129 of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria 1999 (As Altered).

“It also seeks to alter Sections 153, 197, 214, 215 and 216 of the Constitution. Furthermore, the Bill seeks to alter Chapter VI Part III, Second Schedule, Part II of the Third Schedule and Part Ill o f the Third Schedule of the Constitution as well.

“Among others, some of the key innovations of this proposed alteration include –

(a) The transfer of ‘Police’ from the ‘Exclusive Legislative List’ to the ‘Concurrent Legislative List”, a move that effectively empowers States to have State controlled policing;

(b) The introduction of a comprehensive framework to ensure cohesion as well as accountability and uniform standards between the Federal Police and State Police;

(c) The provision of prescribed rigorous safeguards preventing unwarranted interference by the Federal Police in State Police affairs, emphasising collaboration and intervention only under well-defined circumstances;

(d) The establishment of State Police Service Commissions as distinct from the Federal Police Service Commission with clearly defined roles and jurisdictions;

(e) A re-calibration of the National Police Council to include the Chairmen of the State Police Service Commissions, emphasising the collaborative and consultative nature of policing in our federal system;

(f) A recognition of the possible financial challenges which may be faced by States Police, by empowering the Federal Government to provide grants or aids subject to the approval of the National Assembly, thus ensuring adequate resources for effective policing, etc”.

QUOTE: Provided that where the Commissioner of Police feels that the direction given under this subsection is unlawful or contradicts general policing standards or practice, he may request that the matter be referred to the State Police Service Commission for review and decision of the State Police Service Commission shall be final

[Vanguard]

 

Former President Olusegun Obasanjo says some of the challenges left behind by the colonial administration are still affecting Nigeria.

Obasanjo spoke on Saturday in Enugu at the public presentation of the book: “In Brotherhood We Stand: A Roadmap for the Rebirth of a Fragmented Nation”, written by Chris Okoye.

According to a statement by Kehinde Akinyemi, his special assistant on media, the former president said there is a direct correlation between economic and political reforms.

He also said the country’s historical experiences at constitution making and political reform indicate that there are structural defects that need adjustments in order to widen the nation’s democratic values and practices.

 

“The clarion call in Nigeria today is one for restructuring and a reassessment of the terms of our union as a nation. No matter how economically viable a nation is, bad governance and a wrong system of administration can bring it down,” the statement quoted him as saying.

“As a nation, our history reveals clearly that we have been through some difficult times and have missed great opportunities.

“Our historical experiences at constitution making and political reform show that we may have some structural defects that require adjustment so as not to continue to constrain the deepening, widening and consolidation of democratic values and practices.

 

“Indeed, some of the contradictions and challenges bequeathed by the colonial administration have continued to pose problems for us to this day. One of such bequest is Western Liberal Democracy.

”As things stand therefore, our constitution making efforts must go down to the grassroots to deal with the issues of inclusion, popular participation, equity ownership, legitimacy, rights and obligations with adequate compensation of African communalism; caring and sharing.”

[TheCable]

The minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, on Friday, said the commencement of direct Lagos-London flight by Air Peace would ease the pressure on the Nigerian local currency Naira.

 

In a press statement by the spokesman of Air Peace, Stanley Olisa, the Aviation Minister said the launch of the Lagos-London flight at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport (MMIA), Lagos, will reduce the demand for foreign exchange by Nigerians and foreign airlines.

Keyamo, according to the statement, said the start of the route by the local airline had also compelled some mega carriers on the Lagos-London route to drop fares.

Keyamo, who was obviously elated by the result of the hard work and commitment he and others in government had made to pave way for the airline to begin operations to London, promised that the Federal Government would continue to protect the airline and other Nigerian carriers that might want to operate international service even as he assured of government support.

 

Also speaking, the minister of Industry, Trade and Investment, Doris Uzoka-Anite, described the feat by Air Peace as the convergence of innovation, determination, and the unwavering commitment to excellence.

 

“Nigeria has needed a local airline flying directly to the UK for a number of years. Air Peace proudly wears the badge of. Made in Nigeria. It is a symbol of our collective effort to showcase our capabilities to the world. From the skilled hands that maintain the aircraft to the warm smiles of the cabin crew, every aspect of Air Peace reflects the spirit of our nation.

“Let us reflect on the economic impact of this flight. Air Peace’s presence in London is not merely about arrivals and departures; it is about trade, investment, and collaboration. By choosing Air Peace, you choose to invest in Nigeria. You choose to empower local businesses, create jobs, and strengthen our economy. In December 2023, the UK exported £185 million to Nigeria and imported £154 million, resulting in a negative trade balance of £30.8 million. This is a trend we wish to change in Nigeria’s favour and an additional trade route is a major step in the right direction,” she said.

 

She said the choice of Nigerians to fly with Air Peace was a vote of confidence, adding that the airline has a commendable safety record, holding a seven out of seven safety rating according to Airline Ratings and has successfully undergone the International Air Transport Association Operational Safety Audit (IOSA) certification four times, signifying its commitment to rigorous safety standards.

“So I entreat all potential passengers to trust them to carry you safely across continents, and remember that you are part of a movement—a movement that encourages Nigerians to patronize their own. Let us be ambassadors in the skies, sharing stories of our rich heritage, our vibrant culture, and the warmth that defines us,” Uzoka-Anite added.
 

Similarly, the Acting Director-General, Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCCA), Capt. Chris Najomo, insisted that for indigenous airlines to succeed on any international route, it was necessary for the government to adopt the ‘Fly Nigeria Act’ for public officials.

Also, he promised that the apex regulatory body would support Air Peace and other indigenous airlines to succeed on international routes, unlike in the past.

Meanwhile, Nigerians have commended Air Peace for its successful inaugural flight from Lagos to London on Saturday, March 30, 2024.

Many of the passengers on the Air Peace flight to London said the flight was long awaited and it signaled a new dawn in the travel industry in Nigeria, adding that Air Peace is a Nigerian project and Nigerians should be commended for making this possible.

 

“It’s a new dawn for travellers. We are tired of exploitative fares charged by foreign carriers. Air Peace is changing the narrative to air travel with this maiden flight. We see that fares are gradually reducing since Air Peace announced a flight to London. This is good for air travel and Nigeria,” Tony Ike, a passenger on the flight, stated.

[Leadership]

The Ogun State Police Command has announced that a member of the Celestial Church of Christ, Oriyarin Parish, Mowe in Obafemi/Owode Local Government Area of the state, Oladapo Oluwaseyifunmi, who was kidnapped on Thursday, has regained his freedom.

The police had, two days ago, confirmed the abduction of Seyifunmi and Oluboboye Abiola who were kidnapped from the church when some gunmen invaded the worship place.

Earlier, through the command’s X account, Police spokesperson in the state, Omolola Odutola, said “report at my disposal 28/3/2024 at about reveals that unidentified gunmen, invaded a Celestial Church around Oriyarin village, Mowe and abducted one Oladapo Seyifunmi, Oluboboye Abiola, and escaped through the thick forest behind the Church”.

 

Also on the command’s Facebook page, on Saturday, the command’s publicist announced that one of the two kidnapped worshippers had been freed.

She said, “We are pleased to inform members of the public that one Oladapo Oluwaseyifunmi, Shepherd of the Celestial Church kidnapped, has been rescued through the relentless combing of the forest by policemen, hunters, VGN, Amotekun. He has been reunited with his family”.

The police was, however, silent on the second abductee.

When contacted on the whereabouts of the second person, Odutola said, “The second person has not been released and we are on the trail of the kidnappers.”

[DailyPost]

 

Barring any last minute change in plans, the Third Mainland Bridge in Lagos, which has been partially closed to traffic in the last seven weeks, will be re-opened on April 4, 2024. 

Lagos Commissioner for Transportation, Oluwaseun Osiyemi, confirmed the re-opening on Saturday, March 30 in a statement. 

Osiyemi said: “Dear Lagos Residents, We’re pleased to share that the Third Mainland Bridge will resume full operations on April 4th, 2024, following extensive repairs.

 

“We sincerely thank you for your patience and cooperation, and we look forward to even smoother travels ahead.”

[TheNation]

 

A 10-year-old boy identified simply as Israel, has strangled his friend, Ezekiel, at Powerline in the Ejigbo area of Lagos State.

PUNCH Online learnt that the incident happened on Friday while they were playing football in the community.

A police source who spoke to our correspondent on Saturday said the match was ongoing when an argument ensued between the two boys.

According to the source, Israel reached for 10-year-old Ezekiel’s neck in the process and strangled him till he lost consciousness and stopped breathing.

 

The source said, “A report was received at Ejigbo Division on Friday from a complainant that stated that his son, Israel aged 10 was playing football with some boys at Oluwole Street, Powerline Ejigbo, where his mother’s shop is situated when he had an argument with one of the boys named Ezekiel aged 10, who held him on the neck and strangled him until he died.”

The late Ezekiel was said to have been rushed to the hospital where he was confirmed dead by the doctor on duty.

“A team of detectives visited the scene, where a photograph of the corpse was taken and the body was taken to the General Hospital in the Isolo area of the state where the doctor confirmed him dead,” the source added.

When contacted, the state Police Public Relations Officer, Benjamin Hundeyin, confirmed the incident.

He said, “The body has been transferred to the mortuary for post-mortem examination. The suspect is in police custody, and an investigation is in progress.”

[Punch]

The National Examinations Council (NECO) says it has concluded arrangements to conduct the Senior School Certificate Examinations (SSCE) internally in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.

This follows the successful accreditation of Nigeria International School, Jeddah, by a delegation led by the Minister of State for Education, Dr Yusuf Sununu and the Registrar of NECO, Prof. Dantani Wushishi.

 

A statement signed by the Acting Director, Directorate of Information and Digital Communication of NECO, Azeez Sani on Saturday, said during the visit, the delegation assessed the school facilities.

 

Sununu in his address, enjoined the staff and students of the school to continue to be good ambassadors of Nigeria not only in Saudi Arabia but the entire Gulf States Cooperation Council.

He said after a careful assessment of the school’s learning facilities such as the examination halls, classrooms, laboratories, library, curriculum syllabus and general security, the school was found worthy of consideration as an International Centre for NECO SSCE Internal.

He said after due assessment, the school was consequently granted full accreditation.

On his part, Registrar/Chief Executive of NECO, Prof. Wushishi, who gave a brief history of the evolution of NECO, explained to the management and staff of the School the importance of school accreditation.

Wushishi said this was to ensure that schools had adequate teaching and learning facilities conducive to examinations.

The delegation was earlier received on arrival at the school by the Consular General, Amb. Bello Kazaure and the Proprietor of the School, Alhaji Abdulkadir Maikudi and other staff.

The minister and the NECO registrar also visited the Nigeria House in Jeddah, where they interacted with the Consular General and other staff of the consulate.

 

The National Examination Council has other international examination centres in Togo, Benin Republic, Equatorial Guinea, Niger and the Republic of Gabon. 

The Nigeria Police Force (NPF) says it has arrested eight suspects in connection with the murder of its officers who were on a fact-finding mission in the Ughelli area of Delta state.

In January, gunmen abducted three mobile police officers who were responding to a distress call, at the Ohoro community in the Ughelli north LGA of the state.

A few weeks after the incident, some police officers mobilised to rescue their abducted colleagues, were ambushed and killed around the Ohoro forest in Ughelli LGA.

In a statement on March 23, Muyiwa Adejobi, force spokesperson, confirmed that six police officers were slain in the incident, adding that the bodies had been recovered while the search for another six was ongoing.

 

Giving an update on the development on Saturday, Adejobi said police operatives have arrested eight suspected criminals involved in the murder of the officers.

He said five of the suspected murderers were initially apprehended, while another three were arrested later at different locations.

Adejobi said the suspects are currently in police custody, assisting with the ongoing investigation, and would be charged to court once investigations are concluded.

 

“The arrested suspects are currently in custody and are assisting with the ongoing investigation,” Adejobi said. 

“The Nigeria Police Force is committed to ensuring that all those responsible for this reprehensible act, and many alike, are brought to justice swiftly and decisively.

“The police assure that the suspects will soon have their day in court, with credible evidence, once investigations are concluded.

“The Nigerian police is deeply saddened by the heinous act of violence against our officers who were diligently performing their duty to protect and serve the community.

“Our thoughts and prayers are with the families of the fallen officers during this difficult time.

“We wish to reiterate that killers of our officers in this extant case, and many others, have murdered peace, and none of them will go unpunished.”

[TheCable]

The Presidential candidate of the Labour Party, LP, in the 2023 general election, Peter Obi, has said hunger and famine await Nigeria if farmers are denied access to farms by bandits and terrorists.

Obi, who was reacting to publications and the international agency’s warning on the matter, said the alarm should be given adequate attention.

“I just read on the daily this morning, about the concerns being expressed by stakeholders in our agriculture sector over the worsening food insecurity in Nigeria,” he wrote on X.


“I have remained consistent in public voicing out my worries over this growing food crisis, which has even continued to claim the lives of our fellow citizens.

“I do believe that the urgency required to address these issues cannot be over-emphasized.

“The report this morning reads, in part, “The number of food-insecure Nigerians increased significantly, from 66.2 million in Q1 2023 to 100 million in Q1 2024 (WFP, 2024), with 18.6 million facing acute hunger and 43.7 million Nigerians showing crisis-level or above crisis-level hunger- coping strategies as of March 2024.

“While the above report gives an understanding of the present and impending food crisis looming large on the nation, the present realities show that we are already in a worse situation than is presented in the report.

“An earlier similar report by Cadre Harmonise stated that about 31.5 million Nigerians are projected to face acute hunger by the June-August of this year.

“What is now very worrisome is that many Nigerians have lost their lives in their quest to find food, reflecting a very acute level of hunger not yet captured in the media. We are gradually descending to the level of the survival of the fittest, where, driven by hunger and a quest for survival, one loses every sense of order to do the unthinkable.

“With the recurrent bandits and terror attacks on farmers, many of them have abandoned their farms. It is reported that in a state like Sokoto, farmers have paid an accumulated sum of N3 billion in ransom to bandits, others pay as high as N100,000 to bandits to gain access to their farmlands. About 165 farmers have reportedly lost their lives to insecurity this year alone.

“It is, therefore, a matter of urgency, for the government to solve the problems of insecurity in the country. This will in turn reduce the problems of food insecurity when farmers safely return to their farms. A New and hunger-free Nigeria is POssible.”

The Minister of Works, Dave Umahi, has said rehabilitating the Third Mainland and Carter bridges in Lagos will cost N21 billion and 25 billion, respectively.

Umahi disclosed this during a Friday tour of key infrastructure projects in Lagos with the National Assembly Joint Committee on Works.

The Minister said there is a need to declare an emergency on the two bridges to avert a reconstruction cost of N6 trillion.


He warned of the substantial financial and safety risks posed by continued delays of the rehabilitation works.

“The cost of rehabilitation of the Third Mainland Bridge is estimated at N21 billion.

“…I want the National Assembly to note that this is the worst of our challenges on these two bridges. The cost of rehabilitation of Carter Bridge is N25 billion”, he stated.