₦airaland Forum

2023: North will support candidate from any part of the country, CNG replies Southern governors

By Muhammad Sabiu - Kaduna

On Jul 6, 2021

The Coalition of Northern Groups (CNG) has told the Southern Governors Forum that it would only support a candidate that will unite the country irrespective of where he or she comes from.

This was even as it said the North will not be stampeded into making decisions around rotating the presidency in 2023.

This was contained in a statement issued by their spokesman on behalf of the CNG, Abdul-Azeez Suleiman on Tuesday.

It said, “the Southern Governors and their collaborators should not attempt to hoist an incompetent leadership on the nation in the name of rotation.”

According to the statement, “the North will not accept this arrangement and shall be vehemently resisted.

“We specifically warn Kashim Shettima, Nasir El-Rufai and other northern collaborators, of the futility of pursuing their personal exploits for the vice presidency through this impossible battle to hand over our future and the entire North to interests that see a united and numerically superior North as a major political obstacle.”

To this end, the statement warned northern collaborators, “one of whom led, and the other is leading administrations that have acquired the reputation of being the worst in the history of their respective states.”

It noted that “the extent of their collaboration would not go unnoticed, and in the fullness of time, they will be called to account.”

CNG also called on the Federal Government to take immediate steps to disband all militias and armed groups in Nigeria by resort to the use of force if needs be, to ensure that no group has the capacity to challenge the state in its prerogative to maintain law and order and protect citizens’ lives and properties.

On grazing law, CNG “emphatically repudiated the insistence on the passing of the anti-grazing law by the Southern Governors,” saying that it potentially jeopardises the lives and property of pastoral communities in the South.

To this end, it called on the Federal Government to ensure their right to freedom of movement is not impeded by any legislation or obstacle imposed by a state or a community.

“We invite all northerners to note that clearly, the pattern drawn from these strategies employed by the Southern Governors and elites are to achieve the results that the events of 1966 failed to realize, namely the destabilisation of the country and in particular, bringing the North down on its knees by political and economic incapacitation.”

AtikuNetwork:
Smh. This is just one of many atrocities perpetrated by Nnamdi Kanu's ESN against fellow igbos in the name of Nnamdi Kanu and his Biafra pet project.

Oyo Governor, Seyi Makinde has named the Emir of Katagum, Azare in Bauchi State, HRH Umar Faruq Umar II, as the Chancellor of the Ladoke Akintola University of Technology (LAUTECH), Ogbomoso.

Faruq, a first-class monarch, was named Emir on December 14, 2017, following the transition of his father, Muhammad Kabir Umar (CON).

A letter of appointment signed by Makinde conveyed his appointment as the 5th Chancellor of LAUTECH.

The governor said the University will be happy to benefit from his rich experience as an administrator, community leader and first-class monarch.

The letter read in part: “I wish to inform Your Royal Highness of your appointment as the Chancellor of Ladoke Akintola University of Technology (LAUTECH), Ogbomoso.

“While heartily congratulating Your Royal Highness on this well-deserved appointment, which is a call to serve humanity, the Oyo State Government expects that the University will benefit from your rich knowledge and exposure towards the realisation of the University’s unique vision.”

The Emir who holds a Bachelor of Arts Degree in History from the Bayero University, Kano, served in various capacities in the state and Federal Civil Service.

He rose to the position of Federal Permanent Secretary and served at different times as Permanent Secretary, Special Duties at the Presidency; Ministry of Youth Development; Water Resources and Solid Minerals Development and retired after 34 years of service.

July 1, 2021

By Alao Abiodun

The Soka Ibadan residence of Yoruba Nation Agitator, Chief Sunday Adeyemo aka Sunday Igboho was raided in the early hours of Thursday by yet-to-be-identified gunmen.

The incident reportedly occurred around 1:00am.

The media page of Igboho’s spokesperson, Mr Olayomi Koiki, in a live feed monitored by The Nation, alleged some men adorning military uniforms carried out the attack.

It was observed Igboho’s vehicles, including his G-wagon, Prado Jeep, some valuable properties including furniture, and windows were destroyed.

Bullet holes were found in cars parked in the premises while blood stains were seen at the premises.

It was also alleged that some persons in the house including a close ally of Igboho identified as ‘Lady K’, were whisked away.

It was learnt Igboho was not at home during the attack while some alleged he ‘mysteriously’ disappeared.

Oyo Police Command was yet to confirm the attack.

Details shortly…

Aregbesola, Ganduje, Akala, Abiodun, Dare, Folarin, Osinbajo, others converge on Ibadan for Ajimobi one-year memorial


We miss his wisdom in governance, politics ― Osinbajo

By Oluwole Ige

On Jun 25, 2021

Eminent personalities from all walks of life, on Friday converged on Ibadan, Oyo State capital for the one-year memorial firdau prayer in honour of the former governor of Oyo State, Senator Abiola Ajimobi.

The dignitaries, which included serving ministers, governors, deputy governors, former governors and top-notch of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) extolled the virtues of Ajimobi, saying he left indelible footprints in the creation of modern Oyo State through infrastructural developments.

Speaking during a reception held at the International Conference Centre of the University of Ibadan, the Vice President, Professor Yemi Osinbajo, who was represented by Governor Dapo Abiodun of Ogun State said “we miss Ajimobi’s wisdom in governance and politics.

“He had a grasp understanding of conflict resolution and he deployed his vast experience in politics and governance to bring about visible socio-economic growth of Oyo State,” Osinbajo stated.

Earlier, while delivering a sermon at the residence of Ajimobi located at Oluyole, in Ibadan, a popular Muslim cleric, Sheik Muhyideen Ajani Bello tasked political leaders and other public office holders to leave a good legacy in their respective office.

He stated: We are here remembering Late Abiola Ajimobi because he did his best in terms of governance and service to humanity when he was alive. With the memories of him, it seems as if he just died yesterday. Leaders in the country should struggle to leave a positive impression about themselves not because of today, but because of tomorrow and future.”

Describing Ajimobi as an epitome of kindness and service, Bello said “he (Ajimobi) had left good legacies behind. We should all try to do our best so that people can have a good memory of our deeds on earth.”

In his remark, former governor of Oyo State, Chief Adebayo Alao Akala underscored the need to work for the collective interest of the people, noting that “Late Ajimobi deserves to be commended for his frankness and sincerity on issues, regardless of political or religious inclinations. He would always speak his mind.”

Also speaking, the deputy governor of Oyo State, Engineer Rauf Olaniyan Olaniyan said that Ajimobi had done his best for the state, saying “the former governor before Ajimobi, Alao-Akala was here, then what do you expect us to say. He has done his best for the state.”

At the one-year memorial firdau prayers were Ajimobi’s wife, Mrs Florence Ajimobi, his son, Idris Ajimobi and other members of Ajimobi family.

Other dignitaries at the one year memorial for Ajimobi include the Minister of Interior, Mr Rauf Aregbesola; Minister for Sports and Youth Development, Mr Sunday Dare; Governor of Ogun State Dapo Abiodun; Governor of Kano State, Abdullahi Umar Ganduje; former Minister for Communication, Adebayo Shittu; wife of the Vice President, Mrs Dolapo Osinbajo, Hon Shina Peller (Iseyin, Itesiwaju, Kajola Federal Constituency; Hon Asimiyu Alarape; Professor Sola Adeyeye; Hon Bola Ilori; Senator Ayo Adeseun; Chief Adegboyega Adegoke.

The list also includes the candidate of the APC in the last governorship poll in Oyo State, Chief Adebayo Adelabu, the deputy governor of Ondo State, Mr Lucky Ayedatiwa, former governor of Oyo State, Otunba Christopher Adebayo Alao-Akala, his wife, Kemi Akala.

Chairman, Senate Committee on Land Transport, Dr Abdulfatai Buhari, Senator Teslim Folarin, former Commissioner for Finance in Oyo State, Zackeus Adelabu, Minister of Mines and Steel Development, Olamilekan Adegbite and Olasunkanmi Tegbe.

Islamic clerics who were at the event included, Sheikh Muhyideen Ajani Bello, Sheikh Habeebullahi Buhari, Dr Bashir Olanrewaju, Alhaji Mudathir Bada, Alhaji Salauddeen Adekilekun and Alhaji Abdul-Ganiyy Abdul Salam.

mugnmuffin:
First, I want to apologize for the statement insinuating that Catholic Christians are less Christian compared to Pentecostals. That was not meant to be a generalization. The reason why faith is my principal concern is because, as a Christian, there are certain ethics and codes of conduct a person adopts and practices that guide their actions and decisions. It is the crux of the matter for me.

Many of the comments are asking for elaboration especially with regards to other aspects besides spirituality. Some of the red flags in terms of his attitude and behavior that give me cause for concern are how he relates with ladies; I found that he cheated on me a couple of times. Some of my friends who are married assure me that it is nothing to worry about because “men will always be men”. However, I feel like overlooking that means ‘settling’. Also, he tends to act like we’re competing for career success. I’m a banker and he works with a company and is well paid. From comments he makes when I make attempts to pursue growth, like take courses or attend conferences to network, his response shows that he thinks it’s a waste of time and resources. I don’t always expect him to give me financial support, even if encouragement. But he feels I should be content with my current status. It scares me that he may staunch my progress after marriage.
I’m no saint myself, but I know marriage is a lifetime affair and just because I didn’t look before I leaped into the relationship doesn’t mean I shouldn’t at this point try to make amends.

By John Alechenu

23 June 2021

Former President, Goodluck Jonathan, has said the rest of Nigeria can learn something about the management of ethnic and religious diversity from the South West.

He attributed Nigeria’s current problems to its failure to properly manage its diversity in a way that gives minorities a sense of belonging.

The former president said this in an address at the 13th Joe-Kyari Gadzama Public Lecture with the theme: ‘Redefining Democracy: Yearnings of the Minority in a Democratic Setting,’ which was held virtually.

Jonathan said, “That is the only part of Nigeria where we feel has been able to manage religion and development very well.

“So, we must look at our own unique circumstances and come up with the right form of government.”

Jonathan explained that he honoured the invitation to the event out of his respect for the host, Mr. Joe-Kyari Gadzama (SAN), and the rule of law.

The former president noted that in the case of Nigeria, the complications associated with the marginalisation of minority groups and tribes were identified decades ago and that efforts were made across generations to solve the problems.

He described the setting up of the Willinks Commission by the colonial government as one of such efforts.

Jonathan expressed sadness that although the Federal Character Commission was established as part of efforts to address the issue of marginalisation, it was yet to fully achieve its set objective.

He said, “The Federal Character Commission over many decades may have been doing its best to give everyone fair representation and a fair sense of belonging, but there are still many who feel that this agency of government has not fully addressed the challenges of accommodating minorities.”

The former Imo State Chairman of Ohanaeze Ndigbo, Professor Chidi Osuagwu, is of the view that the governors of the South-East zone have not shown enough commitment to ending the issue of open grazing.

“Let me start by saying this; some of these states have not come out clearly on whether they have made the law against open grazing or not. This is part of the confusion.

“For the governors of the five states in the region, where did they make the law and when did they sign it? Again, the enforcers of any law in Nigeria are the police and other security agencies and these governors don’t have control of them even when the governors are part of the confusion. Nobody knows where they stand now.

“If they made the law, it is the police that will enforce it and police is controlled by the Federal Government. As far as we are concerned, we don’t know what they are doing.

“Alternatively, it will be the Ebubeagu which the South-East governors said they have created and that they will use to protect their people. We don’t see them doing that; what is clear is that nobody is protecting our people; not the federal and not the state government. You know if the people know that there is a law banning open grazing, they will be the ones to implement it,” Osuagwu said.

In Ebonyi State, the member representing Ivo State Constituency at the Ebonyi State House of Assembly, Hon. Oliver Osi, said that the Governor was yet to forward a bill against open grazing to the State House of Assembly.

He described the ban on open grazing in the state as a mere government policy yet to be translated into law.

“At the moment, the state government is yet to forward a bill against open grazing to the House. Ban on open grazing is still a mere government policy yet to be translated into law.

“The so-called Commissioner for Capital Territory has not seen those cows roaming the streets as nuisance but is busy destroying people’s hard earned property in the name of sanitizing the state capital.

“We need a law banning open grazing in the state. The governor has to be sincere in his policies. The law should not be discriminative.

The member representing Nsukka East Constituency in the Enugu State House of Assembly and Chairman, House Committee on Public Account and Anti-Corruption, Rt. Hon. Chinedu Nwamba said that but for the crisis that engulfed the 5th Assembly of the House, he would have succeeded in his bill to ban open grazing and establish ranching in the state.

Nwamba maintains that for the governors’ declaration against open grazing to be effective, there should be a law on that, saying at present there is no bill against ban on open grazing in the state House of Assembly. He said at this point, an executive bill would be better for the Houses of Assembly to deliberate on.

According to Nwamba, he got threats from some Igbo people, particularly those in Diaspora who accused him of plotting to give the Igbo land to herdsmen in the guise of proposal for ranching. He noted, however, that the misconception is denying the Igbo revenue of about N16 billion it would have been taking from proceeds of cattle business if pressures on him were relaxed and his bill allowed to pass through.

“I started shouting this in 2012 when I moved it as a motion. That was when we started hearing about herdsmen attacks, robbery and kidnapping and I moved a motion that these things should be monitored. When it continued, I went for making a law that will ban open grazing or movement of cows from one place to another. So I proposed that the government should develop three ranches in the three senatorial zones of Enugu State.

“I did a research then and found out that in Igbo land, over N16 billion is spent on monthly basis in buying cows for different celebrations and I did an analysis using a basis of N150, 000 per cow. It is a very big business and there are no people making such money in the country that will not have the power to cause trouble if they want to.

“But because of the pressure and harassment I was getting from people, I decided to step it down since the tension was very high and was misunderstood. It might come up as an executive bill since the Southern governors have said they are banning open grazing, it is now time for it to come up as an executive bill and we come up with contributions depending on peculiarities. I also want to thank the Governor of Enugu State who has started ranching in Eha-Alumona through the Ministry of Agriculture, where the native cattle, Efi-Igbo, are being ranched,” Nwamba said.

Former Deputy Speaker, Abia State House of Assembly, Hon. Cosmos Ndukwe attributed the non-implementation of the ban on open grazing to fear of herdsmen attack. Ndukwe who was the deputy speaker when the law was passed blamed security agents for non-enforcement of the law.

“I was a member of the sixth Assembly when we passed the law. We agreed that the Ministry of Agriculture and that of Environment would have Forest Guards on uniform to enforce the law. We went a step further to include the Civil Defence Corp and the Police in the enforcement and prosecution of those that flout the law.

“But today what has happened? You see that the police and other security agencies are not interested in enforcing the law, Ndukwe said.

Continuing, Ndukwe who also served as Commissioner for Trade and Investment in the state, said that the morbid fear of attack by herdsmen scare people from confronting them to implement the ban on open grazing law.

He called for the formation of local vigilantes by various communities to stop cows roaming their farmlands even as he tasked security agencies to wake up to their responsibilities of enforcing the law and stop being selective.

In his contribution, the traditional ruler of Oriendu autonomous community in Umuahia North Council of Abia State, Eze Philip Ajomuiwe, tasked security agents to stop being afraid of herdsmen.

Eze Ajomiwe, a well known cassava farmer who had been a victim of farm destruction by herders and their cows, said the reluctance of security agents constitutionally empowered to enforce the ban to do the needful could lead locals and farmers who are victims to take laws into their hands.

The monarch, former Vice- Chairman of Cassava Growers Association, South-East, raised the alarm that the destructive activities of herders and their cattle on farms in communities has forced prices of farm produce up.

“Farmers are getting frustrated every day. Before now, when you farm, you reap your crops but today in Nigeria, farmers plant; cows reap the fruits. This is absurd.”

In his reaction, former Nigeria Ambassador to Argentina, Ambassador Empire Kanu, charged local communities to confront any cow grazing on their farms since government has shown lack of interest in their affairs. Kanu expressed rage over the development which he said sounded too primitive to be practised in the 21st Century.

He said that the failure of government to protect the rights of farmers had left them with no choice other than to resort to self help.

“Why should cows be allowed to keep grazing on people’s farms in this modern age? The local communities should stop them. If the law banning open grazing has been passed and the security agents are not enforcing it, the local communities should form vigilantes to confront them. They should resist them and let the heavens fall. Enough is enough!

“Go to Ghana, they have ordered that any cow grazing openly should be roasted. What nonsense is going on in this country?”

The member representing Umuahia East Constituency in the Abia State House of Assembly, Hon. Chukwudi Apugo, however advised members of the public against taking laws into their hands.

Apugo who expressed worry over the menace of herdsmen and the economic injury they inflict on farmers, said as lawmakers, they had done their part by passing the law banning open grazing, and tasked the executive arm of government to ensure its enforcement. Apugo also lambasted the security agencies for their lackadaisical attitude towards enforcement of the ban, warning on the dangers of the ugly development.

In his contribution, Prof. Obasi Igwe lamented the delay in enacting law to back the ban on open grazing by the governors. Igwe urged them to adopt the template already developed by former Ekiti State governor, Fayose and Benue State governor, Samuel Ortom if they are afraid of being persecuted by Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, after their tenure.

“Despite claims to the contrary, except in the archives of lawyer friends, there are no known laws by any of the governors banning open grazing in their states. Of course, there have been a multitude of maybe perfunctory declarations of opposition to open grazing.

“If because of EFCC they are too frightened to enact any laws of their own, they ought to be free to simply adopt the template already developed by Fayose of Ekiti State and Ortom of Benue State. It is not clear that they are so inclined. If still too scared, there is a subsisting 1969 Court ruling banning open grazing anywhere within the Nigerian territory, their lawyers can provide them details.

“If anything else is needed, they can take refuge in the court of public opinion, telling those probably blackmailing them that the ban is what their people need and that registering herdsmen and other private businesses aids taxation and revenue generation, and enhances security.

“The herdsmen have evaded taxation for far too long and they should start paying now in the states they conduct their businesses.”

He accused governors of playing to the tune of the Federal Government, allowing their people to be killed by AK-47- wielding herdsmen.

The National Coordinator, Concerned Advocates for Good Governance, CAGG, Barrister Olusegun Bamgbose tasked the governors to refuse to be intimidated by the Federal Government in their bid to implement the anti- open grazing law in their states.

Vanaguard News Nigeria

SOUTH EAST VOICE

June 23, 2021

•The ban should be fully enforced — Ezeife

•Adopt Fayose, Ortom’s template if afraid of EFCC — Enugu monarch

•Ebonyi yet to forward a bill to the House of Assembly — Lawmaker

•Blame Police for not enforcing anti-open grazing law — Abia Govt

•Anambra has no law on grazing, but gentleman’s agreement exists

•Listen to the yearnings of the people — ASETU

•Govs not firm on stopping it — Osuagwu, former Ohanaeze Chairman[/i]

By Anayo Okoli, Vincent Ujumadu, Dennis Agbo, Chimaobi Nwaiwu, Ugochukwu Alaribe, Peter Okutu, Chinedu Adonu, Ikechukwu Odu, Steve Oko & Nwabueze Okonkwo

The five states of the South-East said they have banned open grazing. They even claimed that each of their states has enacted a law to give the ban a legal shelter to bite. But this has been found to be false. Apart from Abia, other state governors are yet to even send an executive bill to their Houses of Assembly let alone enact the law.

Perhaps, this is the reason cows still roam the streets of the South-East at will, even near Government Houses; they brazenly invade schools’ premises, offices, among other public establishments.

The laws are not available so there is nothing to implement; that is the reality in the zone. Hence the herders and their cattle will continue to have a field day in the farms and people’s private premises, leaving on their trail agonies on the people.

Citizens of the South-East region are angry with the governors over the situation, accusing them of abandoning their people in their time of need and succumbing to the intimidation of the Federal Government.

Reacting angrily to this, Alaigbo Development Foundation, ADF, said that the five South-East states have not passed the law banning open grazing in their states and that they have no interest in doing that. According to the foundation, “rather, what we are seeing is lip-service, falsehood and sycophancy from the leadership of the South-East Governors’ Forum.”

According to the spokesman of the Igbo elite body, Hon. Abia Onyike, “the governors have not been speaking sincerely. They have been talking individually. Only the chairman of their Forum, Governor David Umahi has been speaking, though from both sides of his mouth. They are toying with the lives of our people. It is painful and regrettable that Governor Umahi, on behalf of his colleagues, has been lying to the public that the anti-open grazing laws exist in the South-East. He knows the truth but they are never serious with the security of Ndigbo.

Umahi, ADF alleged, “has a way of manipulating his colleagues and they are also careful not to be black-mailed. The situation is so bad that they fear that they could be reported to Ask Rock as IPOB sympathisers if they dare insist on the proper things being done.

“Governor Umahi’s leadership of the Governors’ Forum at this critical moment has become a tragedy to Ndigbo. For instance, the Ebubeagu regional security outfit created by the Governors’ Forum was nothing but a smoke-screen set up to pursue the private political agenda of the governors, it has nothing to do with the security of the zone.

“In Ebonyi State, a haphazard attempt was made to put up an ill-equipped and untrained personnel which has been going about in the markets claiming to maintain law and order whereas the Fulani herdsmen still killed people in the state without any resistance.

“In the other four states of Enugu, Abia, Imo and Anambra, there is hardly any sign of Ebubeagu. So, Governor Umahi and others do not believe in the regional security project, which was why his elder brother who was the Security Adviser to the governors resigned. The governors are playing games with security in the South-East and buying time. In fact, they have, particularly their chairman, become the nemesis of Ndigbo.”

One of the leading Igbo voices and former civilian governor of Anambra State, Dr. Chukwuemeka Ezeife advised the South-East governors to ensure that the ban on open grazing is being fully enforced.

Ezeife, who spoke on the sidelines of the meeting of Anambra Elders Council, noted with regret that open grazing has caused serious problems leading to bloodbath in the South-East zone.

Flanked by Chief Mbazulike Amechi, first Republic Aviation Minister, Ezeife contended that since the ban on open grazing was announced, no meaningful measures have been taken to address the excesses of Fulani herdsmen who indulge in open grazing.

The Association of South-East Town Unions, ASETU, said the governors have been feeding the people with falsehood and deceiving them.

“As against the claims in some quarters, there is no anti-open grazing law in any state in the South-East yet. This is painful, given that our people have made it abundantly clear that the enactment of the law will be the first most effective step in curtailing the murderous activities of the armed herdsmen in our land.

“What the South-East Governors have done is to verbally proscribe open grazing. Yet, since this verbal proscription was done, there has not been any difference. The onslaughts of the herdsmen and the unbridled movement of cattle have continued unabated.

“The lawmaking process in this regard should commence with the governors sending executive bills to the respective Houses of Assembly for the laws. Anyone who claims to have made any anti-open grazing law in the South- East should then answer these fundamental questions about lawmaking: First, when was it promulgated? Second, what is the punishment for offenders?

“We therefore insist that the governors expedite action to save the lives and property of our people by making and enforcing the anti-open grazing laws,” ASETU said through its National President, Chief Emeka Diwe.

In Anambra State, there is no law banning open grazing. However, there is a gentleman’s agreement between the leadership of herdsmen and the joint task force set up by the state government on the control of cattle on farmlands in various communities. The agreement provides compensation to be paid by either parties in cases of destruction of farmlands and killing of cows.

When some communities could no longer tolerate the roaming of cattle on their farms with the attendant friction between them and the herders, hard decisions were taken and such decisions brought sanity in the communities.

Following these frequent clashes between herders and farmers in the state, Governor Willie Obiano set up Cattle Menace Committee in the state. The committee fixed payment for compensations to reflect the current market value of cows and crop items in the state.

For instance, the governor directed recently that the sum of N12 million owed farmers for damaged crops by the herders be paid to them and about N6 million be paid to the herdsmen for cows killed, while N3 million compensation be paid to families that lost their people during herders/ farmers’ clashes. At that meeting were the Speaker of the State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon Uchenna Okafor, coordinator of the State Vigilante Service, CP Ikechukwu Aduba (rtd), traditional rulers, Presidents-General of town unions, House of Assembly members, youths of affected communities and Miyetti Allah leadership in the state. They all agreed on the need to avoid friction in any part of the state.

While the state government insisted that the ban on open grazing remained in force, the South- East chairman of the Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association of Nigeria, MACBAN, Alhaji Gidado Sidikki insisted that the ban would jeopardize their businesses in the state and the entire South-East zone.

Siddiki said: “Our position is that we are not opposed to the ban on open grazing, but at least, we need an alternative. You know when somebody is doing business and you stop him from doing that business, he would be given an alternative on what to do.

When you say that you have banned open grazing, you need to tell us how we should graze our cows because what we know is grazing. If there is an alternative, there is no problem, and that is the only thing we are begging for.

Reminded that ranching has been proposed as an alternative option to open grazing, Siddiki replied: “Is there any provision for that ranching? If there is provision for ranching, we can do ranching but I don’t think there is provision for ranching. Even in Benue State that said it has banned open grazing and will do ranching; I don’t think there has been any ranching in Benue State in all these years. So, I don’t know if there is provision and that is our own problem.

Siddiki had, at the Anambra meeting against open grazing, argued that the herders require training and retraining on a modern system of grazing because most of the herders are illiterates and therefore do not have the knowledge of modern mechanized farming.

The agreement between cattle breeders and communities has drastically reduced conflicts and there is hardly any case of conflict in recent time. Also, the usual roaming of cattle along the road has almost disappeared.Cattle dealers now use trucks to convey cows to various locations in the state.

Contributing, the former National Chairman of the PDP called on all the state Houses of Assembly in the region to enact anti-grazing law to stop open grazing of cattle in the zone.

Nwodo who was governor of Enugu State told South-East Voice that it would be difficult to enforce what is not a law across the states in the South-East. He said it is when the law is enacted that violators could be prosecuted and punished according to the provisions of the law.

“The first thing is for our lawmakers to pass anti-grazing laws in their respective state Houses of Assembly. You cannot enforce something that is not a law. Having passed that, anybody who violates it runs against the law and would be prosecuted and punished according to the provisions of the law,” Nwodo said.

He described the security situation in the South-East as worrisome, but assured that the stakeholders are already putting measures in place to nip the ugly development in the bud.

However, Abia State Government has blamed the Police for failing to enforce the anti-open grazing law signed into law by Governor Okezie Ikpeazu to check the conflict between farmers and herdsmen.

The Commissioner for Information, Chief John Okiyi Kalu, told South-East Voice that the state enacted the anti-open grazing law in 2018, stressing that it is the duty of the Police to enforce the law as a federal agency.

He said: “The anti-open grazing law was enacted in Abia State in 2018. Even without the state’s anti-open grazing law signed by Governor Okezie Ikpeazu, there are other laws in this country against willful destruction of property. It is not for us to enforce; it is the duty of the Police. They should enforce the laws as they exist.

“As a responsible government, Governor Ikpeazu signed the anti-open grazing law enacted by the State House of Assembly. It is for the Police and security agencies to enforce the law. The Federal Government should do the needful.”

For the Bishop, Anglican Diocese of Amichi, Rt. Rev. Ephraim Ikeakor, open grazing is obsolete and outdated, the president and the governors should not give the impression that it must be forced on Nigerians unless they want to cause problem in the country.

According to him, Southern governors have done well to ban it and every reasonable and sensible person must accept the ban as the correct thing to be done and it must be implemented by the South-East governors, and should not be used to play party politics. It is what the people want this time, not what the parties, the president, or the governors want, rather what the people want must be done.

“We have not seen the implementation yet by any South-East governor, but we believe they will start the implementation without further delay. What the people have given them is little time to implement it. And we expect them not to look at any face, but to do the right thing and what the people want, to avoid regrets.

“Open grazing is obsolete and outdated, whether the president or the presidency likes it or not, it must be abolished. It is not practised in any modern country, and must not be practised in Nigeria, particularly in the South- East because open grazing is the main cause of the escalating insecurity crisis we have today in Nigeria; and we wonder why the President has not named the Fulani herdsmen and MACBAN who are behind them as terrorist groups.

“Instead of trying to force or impose the practice of open grazing on Nigerians, Mr. President should call the Fulani herdsmen and the Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association of Nigeria, MACBAN, to order because they are causing the problem that necessitated the call for abolishing open grazing, and he is treating them with kid gloves.

We wonder why they have not been designated as terrorist groups, what they are doing is more dangerous and more destructive than the group they have proscribed in the South-East and trying to designate as terrorist group.

“Nigeria is crucially sitting on a keg of gunpowder if open grazing should be allowed. The leaders and leadership of this country should wake up to the reality that you cannot hold down the citizenry forever.

This is the state of things among the citizens of Nigeria. They have resolved to demand and fight for their rights without looking at anybody’s face. #EndSARS is a lesson and should be a big lesson to Nigerian leaders.

“The political leaders have woefully failed Nigerians in doing what is right, they rather do things that favour them, they do not consider the interest of the people; you are not feeding the people, and yet, you cannot allow their crops they toiled to farm to grow, you want animals to eat up their crops and when they resist, you kill them, it will no longer be acceptable.

“The people’s only survival, sustenance, safety, and support is through their farms, because they have lost faith in our leaders and you cannot deny them access and proceeds of their farms with your own private business. Our leaders should know that it is no longer business as usual. They should now face the stark reality that Nigeria and Nigerians have taken their destinies in their hands and must not accept any imposition of things that negatively affect their lives.

“There is no way we can have a peaceful and satisfactory Nigeria if we continue to run this nation the way it is currently being run, those who commit crime in the name of grazing their cattle, go free, the untouchables, and those who did nothing yet they are hunted to be killed as if they are criminals that must be hunted and killed,” Bishop Ikeakor declared.

..wants Saturday's primary stopped

June 21, 2021

By Nwanosike Onu, Awka

A governorship aspirant on the platform of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, in Anambra State, Mr. Zeribe Ezeanuna, has dragged his party and the Independent National Electoral Commission INEC to Court for allegedly, forcing him to pay five million naira compliance fee before partaking in the primary

Others joined in the suit at the Federal High Court in Awka are, the National Chairman of the Party, Chief Uche Secondus, the National Organising Secretary Col Austin Akobundu (rtd) and Anambra State Chairman of the party, Sir Ndubuisi Nwobu

INEC had fixed November 6 for the governorship election in Anambra State, while PDP will hold its primary on Saturday, 26th June 2021

Ezeanuna, also, is claiming 50 million naira each, amounting to 200 million naira from the four defendants as damages for infringing on his Human Rights and discrimination on the basis of gender.

Counsel to the plaintiff, Dr. Jezie Ekejiuba, a Human Rights Lawyer, has already applied for an ex parte order of interim injunction restraining the defendants, their privies, servants, agents and those they represent from proceeding to conduct the PDP governorship primary, pending the hearing and determination of the motion on notice.

In suit No FHC/AWK/CS/29/2021, the plaintiff is asking the court presided over by Justice Nnamdi Dimgba to declare that the imposition of payment of what he called ‘commercialized and prohibitive’ fee of 5m by PDP and its officials on his client, as pre-condition for his participation in the pre-primary election was unknown to the electoral guidelines for gubernatorial elections.

Furthermore, he prayed the court to declare that the refusal by the defendants to allow his client to pay the sum of N1, 000,000.00 to obtain the PDP Expression of Interest and Nomination Forms as the female and richer aspirants was discriminatory against the plaintiff as it infringed on his fundamental right to freedom from discrimination under Section 42 (1) (a) and (b) of the 1999 Constitution of Nigeria as amended.

He argued that the discriminatory provision N1 million for women on the basis of sex and N21,000,000:00 Expression of Interest and Nomination Forms fee for men on the basis of sex was inconsistent with the provisions of Section 42(1) (a) and (b) of the 1999 Constitution of Nigeria as amended and therefore inoperative, null and void.

He said the unilateral imposition of payment totaling N26,000,000.00 by PDP and its officials against the plaintiff as a pre-condition for his participation in the pre-primary election is in conflict with the plaintiff’s constitutional right to qualification for election as Governor of Anambra State under Section 177(a) (b) (c) and (d) of the 1999 Constitution as amended.

The aspirant urged the court to set aside, nullify and void the outcome of the PDP primaries because of the wrongful exclusion and prevention of the plaintiff ab-initio from participating in it.

He prayed the court to direct INEC to exclude PDP candidate who would emerge from its primary from the list of nominated candidates for the November 6, 2021, Anambra State governorship election, for wrongfully excluding and preventing his client from participating in it.

He called for an order of perpetual injunction restraining PDP from further violating or infringing the plaintiff’s fundamental right to freedom from discrimination and constitutional right to qualification for election as Governor of Anambra State.

“The issues raised in this suit are complaints against violation of the plaintiff’s right to freedom from discrimination as well as his constitutional right protection under the 1999 Constitution of Nigeria as amended and non-compliance with the provisions.”

While Sanwo-Olu will naturally desire a second term as enshrined by the constitution, there is, how­ever, a caveat as a source in­formed Daily Independent that there was an unwritten agreement that Sanwo-Olu who is a Christian, will only serve one term in order to complete the four-year term which former governor, Akinwunmi Ambode, be­gan in 2015.

He added that by the time Sanwo-Olu completes his tenure in 2023, the two terms allocated for a gov­ernor of Christian denom­ination would have been completed, while a Muslim candidate will continue from there.

Penguin2:
Personally, since 2015, I’ve not seen a picture of road, school, hospital or social welfare program emanating from Sokoto.

Somebody can prove me wrong if he has.

Yet he wants to be president. Upon what pedigree?

Abi he’s just packing money to prosecute his presidential ambition?

Lalasticlala, mynd44

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Hishowlau:
It's very expensive.5k from lagos

The Secretary to Anambra Government, Prof. Solo Chukwulobelu says that government is unyielding on the ban on use of motorcycles, tricycles and shuttle buses for commercial transportation across Anambra.

Chukwulobelu said this in a press statement made available to newsmen on Tuesday in Awka.

He said that the ban is between 7 p.m. and 6 a.m. for one month in the first instance.

According to him, the temporary ban is aimed at improving the security situation in state and to curtail criminal activities often perpetrated using motorcycles and tricycles.

The SSG restated that the earlier ban on the use of commercial motorcycles in greater Onitsha and Awka areas during the day and night remained in force.

Chukwulobelu warned that any commercial motorcycle found within these areas would be impounded, forfeited and urged the operators to comply with the directives.

He also said that shuttle buses were banned from using tinted glasses or curtains while plying Anambra roads.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that government had ordered all other vehicles either with factory fitted tinted glasses or plain glasses to always wind down while approaching any security checkpoint to avoid embarrassment.

The government had also charged community leaders to take responsibility for the supervision and compliance to the directives.

It also directed youths and stakeholders in communities to take ownership of security in their environments to complement law enforcement agents in order restore law and order in the state.

(NAN)

superstar1:
People are moving to #K*O*O - a saner forum!

omolola100:
My mother advice me never to look for a rich man who is well do whenever i'm set to get married.
she said i should marry a man that we will both start our life from the foundation, according to my mum, she said it is better to suffer with man to acquire wealth, than to go for a ready made soup.

Looking at the way things are going now, do you think a woman will now stoop so low and marry a poor man that is trying to make ends meet? Although, money is not love, but why would a parent wish her daughter to marry a poor man, i am begining to see my mum as a bad mother who does'nt wish me well.
Is it advisable i follow my mothers advice? I should stay in SURULERE instead of OLORUNSOGO.

•Security outfit gets marching order after killing of 20, arson in Igangan

June 7, 2021

By Osagie Otabor, Akure, Bisi Oladele, Yinka Adeniran and Segun Showunmi, Ibadan

Following Saturday night attack on Igangan Community in Ibarapa area of Oyo State, governors of Southwest states have ordered the region’s security outfit to henceforth operate jointly.

In the attack by suspected herdsmen, 11 persons, according to the police, were killed. The palace of the Agangan, the community’s monarch, vehicles and a filling station were burnt down.

Ondo State Governor Rotimi Akeredolu, who conveyed the decision of the governors, said Amotekun commanders in Oyo, Ondo, Ogun, Osun and Ekiti states had been asked to meet to fine-tune the new operational arrangement.

Akeredolu, chairman of the Southwest Governors Forum, described the killings in Iganagan as horrendous, callous and highly provocative.

He said well-meaning Nigerians must condemn it because it is an assault on decency and communal harmony.

He added: “They will stop at nothing until their set goal is realised. It is, therefore, incumbent on all lovers of peace and freedom to rise against this current regression into savagery.

“We on our part, are resolved to defend our people, their property, and all legitimate means of livelihood against both internal and external aggression. On this, there will be no compromise.

“We call on our people to remain vigilant and report any suspicious movement in their communities. In addition, they must be united in the task of defending our lives and properties.

“We cannot afford to fail.”

The bloody attack came less than one week after the chairman, Oyo State Amotekun corps, Gen. Ajibola Toogun, hinted that foreign herders had surrounded Southwest with the intention to wreak havoc.

Amotekun was launched in Ibadan on January 9, 2020 as Southwest Security Network in response to continuous breakdown of law and order.

It was meant to be a joint outfit to combat crime and the growing herders attacks launched from the forest in the region. It task also included preventing destruction of farmlands by herders. The states pooled operation vehicles and other assets together.

But no sooner was the launch of the outfit than Attorney-General of the Federation and Justice Minister Abubakar Malai, described it as illegal.

He said no group of states is constitutionally empowered to use a joint security outfit.

This led to the dismantling of the operation of the outfit before yesterday’s decision.

Convener of Igangan Development Advocate(IDA), Oladokun Oladiran, disputed the death toll given by the police. He put the figure at 20. Oladiran said the attackers swooped on the community for more than four hours. Oladiran also dismissed the Police claim that they repelled the gunmen with the support of local hunters and vigilance group members.

He said policemen were not anywhere in sight during the Saturday night/early Sunday morning invasion by the gunmen who arrived on over 20 motorcycles.

Police spokesman Adewale Osifeso said Commissioner of police Ngozi Onadeko led a team to the troubled community.

Speaker of the House of Assembly Adebo Ogundoyin and Governor Seyi Makinde’s special adviser on security, Fatai Owoseni, inspected the places attacked.

Osifeso said in a statement that the 11 casualties included some of the assailants. He also confirmed that a number of vehicles and buildings were touched.

The statement added: ”Intelligence and Tactical apparatuses consisting of Police Mobile Force personnel, patrol units, and other tactical teams in concert with local hunters and vigilantes from the community were deployed (in the community) to forestall further disintegration of law and order in the area.

“While promising the prevalence of justice and registering the assurance of the command’s sincere condolences to the families of the deceased, the Commissioner of Police wishes to appeal to the good people of Igangan community to trust the system and shun self-help in obtaining justice through partnership with the police in the area of prompt sharing of intelligence relevant in the ongoing investigations.”

In an earlier statement, he said: “On Saturday at about 2310 hour, a yet to be ascertained number of unknown assailants invaded Igangan Town with dangerous weapons in a bid to create unrest in the town.

”The unscrupulous elements were, however, repelled by a combination of Police Operational and tactical assets in concert with local hunters and vigilantes.

“Normalcy has since returned, as on the spot assessment is in process. Furthermore, the situation is being closely monitored and comprehensive investigations are ongoing to apprehend the perpetrators.”

“The situation is being closely monitored and investigations are ongoing to apprehend the perpetrators.”

Igangan, a highly agrarian community 177 kilometres from Ibadan, the Oyo State capital, boiled in December following the killing of a politician and large-scale farmer, Dr. Fatai Aborode, by suspected herders.

It took the intervention of Sunday Adeyemo (aka Igboho), before normalcy, could return to the town. But that was after he issued an eviction notice to the Seriki Fulani and his kinsmen.

Governor Makinde, who described the security situation in Igangan as his biggest challenge, announced the creation of a Base for Operation Burst in the area and deployment of more Amotekun corps.

Makinde, in a statement by his Chief Press Secretary, Taiwo Adisa, said: ”I have received the shocking news of the attacks on residents of Igangan, Ibarapaland, in the early hours of this morning. I am currently being briefed on the incidents.

“I urge residents to remain calm as security operatives are now in control of the situation.”

Chairman of the council, Lateef Akorede. also said the police, local hunters and members of the Vigilante Group of Nigeria (VGN) in Igangan, succeeded in repelling the attackers after some people, including an aide of the Seriki had been killed.

Akorede, who featured on Fresh FM programme, added that the attack was a reprisal by the gunmen.

He said: ”It’s unfortunate that it happened. We knew there would be reprisal and we were prepared. Where they entered from, we still don’t know.

“The palace was targeted because of the burnt palace of the Seriki. That was why everything beside it was also razed.”

A former caretaker chairman of Ibarapa North council, Tunji Omolewu, said he “counted over 20 bodies” when he visited the community early yesterday.

He added: ”People were about retiring to bed when they sighted motorcycles entering the town. Before the people could do anything, the invaders had started shooting.

“The palace of our monarch was torched. Adolak filling station was also burnt.”

The IDA Convener, Mr. Oladiran, said efforts by the people to contact the Police and Amotekun operatives were not successful.

He added that save for the intervention of a few and poorly-equipped local hunters, the casualty figure would have been higher.

He fingered a relation of the Seriki as the mastermind of the attack.

Oladiran said: ”He had several times threatened that Igangan would be razed down. He even had the audacity to proclaim this on social media as well as on radio shows. Perhaps his words were taken as a mere threat but local vigilantes in Igangan kept receiving the news of impending danger.

“We notified the state of our fears on the 14th of April when covert information reached us of a meeting of the suspected herders for reprisal.

“Today, we lick our wounds. We suffered heavy losses and casualties. They fulfilled their pledge. I cannot say the same for those who are supposed to see to our security.

“No state security apparatus got to us during the storm. If we had not made a little cover, perhaps, Igangan would have become a dunghill of ashes.”

Ogundoyin later met with elders, heads of security agencies and other stakeholders in Ibarapaland in Ayete. .

He said: This latest attack is yet another unprovoked assault. This is a well-orchestrated attack on our people by blood-sucking vampires whom we accommodated and who are now bent on sending us out of our fatherland.

“This is sad. We need to be more united than ever before to face these rampaging bandits and blood-thirsty evils.

“Our zone is under siege to say the least. Our people were murdered in their sleep and their properties destroyed. Our traditional Institution has been desecrated by the suspected herders. Or how do we explain the burning down of the palace of the Asigangan of Igangan. This is odd and tormenting. “

The Oyo state chapter of the Oodua People’s Congress (OPC) also lamented that since a notorious warlord, Isikilu Wakili, was arrested, there had never been a day in Ibarapa land that innocent citizens were not killed,

The All Progressives Congress n (APC) in the Oyo has condemned the killings in Igangan but wondered for how long insecurity would persist in the state.

It accused Governor Makinde of playing politics with and paying lip service to security in the state. , Afenifere posited yesterday that the Igangan killings were a confirmation that Nigeria was sliding.

Afenifere said in a statement by its National Publicity SecretaryJare Ajayi, that the incident also reinforces its call for immediate restructuring.

The Yoruba Ronu Leadership Forum, lamented the killings and challenged President Muhammadu Buhari to “put on better spectacles to punish the killers.”

”The recent attacks by some barbarian hordes that took several lives and properties burnt in Igangan Oyo state will not go easily unpunished, “it said in a statement by Akin Malaolu.

Warning that an “attack on Yoruba communities on their indigenous lands is a declaration of war,” the group pointed out that “Buhari owed it as a duty to save lives.”

FreedomWinsNow:
Can you read ??

He said 3 bodies were confirmed form Lekki ( most likely more ) and the others around Lagos.

He said some of the bodies had high calibre gunshot wounds out of the 99