₦airaland Forum

By Matthew Johnson

When President Muhammadu Buhari conceived the idea of establishing the North East Development commission (NEDC), in order to help reconstruct the North Eastern region after the damage done to the region by the Boko Haram insurgents, not many thought the commission would record the huge successes it has achieved within a short period of time it was established.   

For an interventionist agency like the NEDC, anybody heading it has to possess many undisputable qualities. As new agency inaugurated in 2019, the pioneer Managing Director had to first of all,  be competent, incorruptible, compassionate, courageous, brave and intelligent, humane, kind and must not shy away from taking critical decisions that are for the overall good of the Commission and the people it is meant to serve.

Luckily for the people of the North East, the pioneer Managing Director of the Commission, Mohammed Goni Alkali, possess all these qualities, and has deployed same to turn the story of the Commission around,  even after spending just a few years on the saddle as the Head of the Commission.

As someone thoroughly equipped with knowledge and experience, having attended several prestigious universities including Bayero University, University of London, Harvard Business School and the Columbia University, Mohammed Alkali, has shaped himself with all it takes to excel in any leadership position he is saddled with. Above all, the man has no questionable character; he is transparent and is simply a perfect gentlemen.

Mohammed Alkali, is indeed a patriotic servant and one that is more than committed to the restoration of normalcy in North-East Nigeria, in fulfillment of the strategic objective of the President Mohammadu Buhari administration for establishing the NEDC. The man, Mohammed Alkali, has so far proven to be a patriotic servant, a courageous leader, excellent manager that leads with the spirit of love, outmost concern and understanding for the victims of the Boko Haram insurgency in the North East.

The most interesting part of Mohammed Alkali, is the fact that he has been a silent achiever, delivering on his mandate with a humane face and kindness. He is a gentleman per excellence, and has been working assiduously to ensure that the people of the region forget the sorrow and the misfortune Boko Haram terrorism forced on them.

For a government agency that was inaugurated barely three years ago, the NEDC under Mohammed Alkali, has through effective and topnotch managerial skills, recorded huge and incredible successes in the intervention programmes of the Commission in the North Eastern states of Nigeria. There is no doubt that, the Commission is one of the shining lights of the President Mohammadu Buhari led administration, having achieved  a lot in fulfilling its given mandate issued to it by the president during its inauguration in 2019.  

For instance, the NEDC under Dr. Mohammed Alkali, has provided 1000 housing units to the people of Borno State alone, who were displaced by the Boko haram insurgency. The housing units consists of four blocks of well-furnished 2-bedroom detachable flats with verandas and a courtyard in a cluster arrangement. This is aside other interventions such as the provision of agricultural machinery and equipment, provision of seeds, fertilizers, agrochemicals and services under a programme tagged: Integrated Agriculture Programme (IAP), which covers all the 112 local government areas in the North Eastern States.  The Commission has also implemented the rehabilitation of drinking water and sanitation facilities in states in North-Eastern Nigeria. This project is part of the Multispectral Crisis Recovery Project (MCRP) with the support of the World Bank.

Again, the Commission under the compassionate leadership of Mohammed Alkali, has been granting scholarships to students studying in different institutions of learning. It has also at different intervals, organized entrepreneurship, vocational and skills acquisition trainings for both the youth and women in the region, with starter packs provided for the trainees. This has kept the youth and women of the zone busy, dissuading them from become willing tools in the hands of the Boko Haram insurgents and other criminal gangs. These interventions have served as a huge relief to the people of area and have also given them a sense of belonging.

Through sheer dedication and determination, the Commission has so far managed to achieve many of its set objectives. It has been able to surmount the many challenges it has been faced with, by spearheading effective rehabilitation and resettlement programmes, as well as construction and development of social and physical infrastructure in the North Eastern region of the country.

It is heartwarming to know that, while other similar government agencies in the country are always in the news over failure to achieve their mandates due to flagrant corruption, the NEDC under the leadership of Mohammed Alkali, has shown transparency by ensuring all the funds received by the Commission are put to good and proper use for the people of the North East.  Despite the huge amount of funds that passes through the NEDC, the idea of siphoning such funds has never been contemplated, solely because of the integrity of Mohammed Alkali, who is heading the Commission. His visionary leadership, unquestionable character and good standing has rubbed-off on everyone at the Commission, and it is an attestation that he means well for the people of the North East and Nigeria at large.  

Indeed, Mohammed Alkali has demonstrated that he is a man with great foresight and courage. His great intelligence and sagacity as the Managing Director of NEDC is obvious. He has proven that indeed, he is a round peg in a round hole. His humane display and compassion for the victims of the Boko Haram insurgency, is largely responsible for the massive successes the NEDC has recorded in the North-East, since its establishment to rehabilitate the region.

What differentiates him from many leaders in the country today is that, he is kind to a fault; he is a caring leader with a heart of gold. His love for humanity is unquantifiable. The NEDC Managing Director has done so well for his people, by uplifting the downtrodden through his people oriented programmes and activities. Yet, he has chosen to maintain a low profile as the arrow head of the Commission.

Although, Mohammed Alkali is not as loud as many people want him to be, the man has already proven that he knows his onions and is only passionate about achieving results. The workaholic Alkali, is a man on a mission and his passionate approach in the administration of the NEDC says it all.

Johnson wrote this piece from Abuja.

By Karen Goulding

Nothing happens in a vacuum. There must be an underlining objective. This much I learnt over time, hence my concern with the recent barrage from the French news platform Reuters. Nigeria is in their interest for inexplicable reasons.

The focus is the Nigerian Military in the prosecution of the war against terrorism in North East Nigeria. There is no other sector in Nigeria that interests Reuters. And the reason is not far-fetched. The Nigerian Military has recorded tangible gains in North East Nigeria, which has affected the French interest in the destabilization plot against Nigeria.

Some have argued that there is more than meets the eye. Some have also argued that, like other organizations against the interest of Nigeria, the French interest revolves mainly around economic interest. I say this for a reason.

North East Nigeria borders the francophone countries where France rules by proxy. The economic potential of North East Nigeria has continued to interest France. It is primarily responsible for the drive to ensure that the region stays destabilized so it can continue to exploit the enormous economic resources, especially in the Lake Chad basin region.

This recent drive by Reuters is by every stretch of imagination suspect. Reuters released three damming reports against the Nigerian Military in less than two weeks. While it is okay for a news platform to carry out investigative journalism, it is wrong when such reports are half-truths and illogical conclusions.

As mentioned earlier, there is a history. The attack by Reuters against the Nigerian Army dates back to when the Boko Haram crisis was at its peak. It was common knowledge then that whenever the Nigerian Military was making gains, Reuters was in the habit of churning out reports that would destabilize the troops and allow the Boko Haram terrorists to regroup and launch attacks against the Military.

This has been their stock in trade; therefore, the recent triple attack against the Nigerian Military didn't come as a surprise. Aside from the fact that the reports lacked objectivity, they showed a strong disdain for Nigeria.

The report on forced abortion in North East Nigeria is, at best, a miscarriage in journalism. It was a highly defective enterprise that exposed the shallowness of the promoters of Reuters. It read like a low-budget movie. That is what it is.

The second report was more of a caricature of what news reportage represents. It promoted innuendos rather than facts. It granted a flashy headline but was empty in content. It was a rehash of previous failed reports that failed. It was, at best, a story meant for kindergarten.

The third report on massacred children is not a topic for conversation. It remains one of the most illogical articles from a supposed international news agency. I am at a loss how such a story was sanctioned for release, and Reuters promoted it like an award-winning story. It was a poor plot that was laced with mischief and malice. It reinforces the hatred the promoters of Reuters have against Nigeria.

I am tempted to assume that this drive is not any different from previous failed attempts to dampen the morale of the Nigerian Military in the prosecution of the war against Boko Haram terrorism. The pertinent question is, why now?

Why did Reuters elect to release three reports consecutively against the Nigerian Military? What is it that they know that we do not know? Maybe Reuters is aware that the Boko Haram conflict in North East Nigeria is ending, which might spell doom for the French interest in its economic postulations in Nigeria.

It is time to call Reuters to order on its reportage on Nigeria. This is important to spare Nigerians the fallacies on the operations of the Nigerian Military in North East Nigeria. The promoters of the news platform must retrace its steps and give peace a chance in Nigeria. This is on the heels that its numerous attempts at unsetting the polity have failed to gain traction.

The Boko Haram conundrum is gradually ending, and no amount of negative propaganda can bring it back to life. The efforts of the Nigerian Military in addressing the Boko Haram challenge have been noteworthy and received commendations from near and far.

I would be pleasantly surprised if Nigerians take Reuters seriously. The news medium has lost credibility; it has been identified as acting against the journalism creed. And they reinforced it with this new drive to cause disintegration in the country.

In case they do not know, there is a limit to mischief. There is also a limit to the public dance of shame. Some of us are aware of the interests and strategy. Unfortunately, according to the idiom, "those whom the gods want to destroy they first make mad”. This is the case of Reuters, and it is a pity that they can’t see the handwriting on the wall.

They keep churning fallacies to their unsuspecting readership. There is nothing worse than the Reuters misinformation on Nigeria. Their credibility is on the fringes of extinction. Reuters must leave Nigeria alone. We are a strong and united country. We are not francophone and a former colony. We are Nigeria! They should learn from the Amnesty International example. A word is enough for the wise.

Goulding writes this piece from the United Kingdom.

The Centre for African Liberation and Socio- Economic Rights (CALSER) says the Armed Forces has demonstrated preparedness and zeal towards a credible, transparent and violence-free elections in 2023.

The Centre noted that the apolitical stance of the military is reassuring and enough reason for Nigerians to celebrate the protection and perseveration of their nascent democracy.

Speaking at a press conference on Wednesday in Abuja, Executive Director, Dr (Mrs) Cecilia Ikechukwu, described the Chief of Defence Staff, Gen Lucky Irabor as the gamechanger in the war against insurgents, bandits and other criminal elements.

She said as a leader, the CDS understands the value of teamwork which he has entrenched since his appointment.

"We must admit that the Armed Forces' involvement in internal security operations has indeed been the game changer in our efforts to address the threats posed by criminal elements and their sponsors across the country," Ikechukwu said.

"This much has been evident in the numerous gains recorded in the war against Boko Haram terrorists, separationist agitators, kidnappers, bandits, religious extremists and other acts of criminalities.

"The level of inter-agencies collaborations championed by the indefatigable Chief of Defence Staff, General Lucky Irabor, is worthy of commendation. It goes, therefore, to highlight that the Chief of Defence Staff as a leader, understands the value of teamwork, which he has entrenched since his appointment to lead the critical Armed Forces of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.

"As a group, we are not surprised by the exploits of the Chief of Defence Staff because of his track record, which includes but is not limited to Theatre Commander, Operation Lafiya Dole, where he led the ascendency of the military over the Boko Haram terrorist group in 2016 that saw to the recapturing of several local government areas that were hitherto under the control of the Boko Haram terrorist group, including the operational headquarters of the Boko Haram terrorist in Sambisa Forest.

"Our special commendation also goes to all heads of the various security agencies for putting the country's interest at heart in ensuring that activities of criminal elements are neutralized and we have a country.

"We are buoyed by the fact that the Armed Forces of the Federal Republic of Nigeria has risen above sentiments to give us a country by toiling night and day to ensure that we sleep with our eyes closed. This is remarkable and an indication that tough times await those planning to use the forthcoming general elections to cause unrest in the country.

"The capacity of the Armed Forces of the Federal Republic of Nigeria to deal with unscrupulous elements has never been in doubt. The apolitical stance of the Armed Forces is reassuring. It should give Nigerians a cause to celebrate in the protection and perseveration of our nascent democracy.

"As concerned stakeholders in the Nigerian Project, our position remains that the Armed Forces of the Federal Republic of Nigeria have proven to be reliable and well-positioned to defend and protect the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria."

The Centre, therefore, called on all well-meaning Nigerians to extend their support to the Armed Forces in the preservation of our democracy cannot be overemphasized.

She added: "Our commendation and appreciation are high. The Chief of Defence Staff has demonstrated that purposeful leadership is all that is required to address the country's numerous challenges.

"The Service Chiefs, the Commanders, officers, and men of the Armed Forces of the Federal Republic of Nigeria are indeed heroes of our democracy. We pledge our continued support in the country's fight against crime and criminalities."

The Centre, however, urged the Chief of Defence Staff not to rest on his oars in leading the Armed Forces in the most proactive and operationally effective manner.

By Philip Agbese

It was a tragedy for Nigeria when, on 28th March 2022, the Abuja-Kaduna train came under attack leaving some passengers dead and many kidnapped by the bandits or Boko Haram as alleged.
While ransom was paid in bits, the kidnapped victims were also being released in bits; a situation that halted the Abuja-Kaduna train from resuming operations. This development plunged the country into chaos and fear as scores were held captive.

When hope of having all of them released seemed to have been lost, the Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), General Lucky Irabor, waded into the matter and tactically brought the situation under control with the eventual release of what was left of the abducted train victims.
This particular development and special operations that involved a carefully crafted presidential think tank was made possible with the involvement of General Lucky Irabor and his show of patriotism, responsibility and desire to see that Nigerian citizens anywhere in the country are safe. It shows, in all ramifications, the mastery of the military art and craft by the gentleman General Lucky Irabor.
Hence, in General Irabor’s desire to secure the release of the train attack victims, he set up a seven-man committee, better known as the Chief of Defence Staff Action Committee, that was mandated to look into the situation and ensure the release of the remaining 23 victims that were still being held captive by the train attackers at the time.
In not mincing words, the Chief of Defence Staff Action Committee is the most efficient and effective committee so far in the country. Within a short period, the committee was able to articulate workable strategies that helped the Nigerian military achieve results in securing the release of the 23 victims that were left in the abductors' den. This committee showed high intellectual capacity and military prowess and was able to have the armed forces and the various security agencies collaborate in the clandestine operation that was initiated, carefully planned and executed.

In his nature, swiftness and artistry, the Nigerian Armed Forces, under the command of General Lucky Irabor, was able to take the Kaduna train attackers and kidnappers by surprise, dislodged them and successfully rescued the remaining 23 victims in their den without recording any casualty.
In Nigeria’s leadership of the Armed Forces of all times, the personality, character, courage, charisma and purposeful leadership being experienced by the Nigerian Armed Forces under the amiable Chief of Defence Staff, General Lucky Irabor, has not been heard of. The Armed Forces is lucky to have such a gentlemanly general dedicated to seeing an active and successful military living up to its responsibility and ensuring peace and security are restored in the country. General Irabor has repositioned the Nigerian Armed Forces to an enviable height as one of the finest militaries in the world.
The heightened insecurity that Nigeria faced before the appointment of General Lucky Irabor as Chief of Defence Staff is now a thing of the past. Aside from pockets of security threats being experienced from time to time in different parts of the country, insurgency and organized crimes, as were experienced with the activities and menace of Boko Haram and bandits, have entirely reduced if not eradicated. Thanks to General Irabor’s determination and focus on ensuring that Nigerians are safe and that their security is paramount.
General Lucky Irabotr has proven that results will always be achieved with exemplary leadership. In the fight against insecurity in Nigeria, the military has continued to pay the supreme price and has shown serious commitment to security. Therefore, there is a need to ensure that the armed forces continue to get the necessary support to keep delivering on security operations and further ensure that the peace and security that have now been restored in the country are sustained.
The Chief of Defence Staff, General Lucky Irabor, whom the country owes a debt of unalloyed gratitude for his purposeful leadership to the Armed Forces. Under his watch, the Nigerian military has brought insurgency and banditry under serious check and control. Almost nothing is heard of Boko Haram and bandits in addition to the general insecurity that almost overtook the country
earlier.
Undoubtedly, the security achieved under General Irabor is just the beginning of the security to be enjoyed by Nigeria and Nigerians. With General Lucky Irabor in charge, Nigeria’s overwhelming security threats and challenges are over. The Chief of Defence Staff is a man of competence, integrity, and capacity and an excellent military leader. He is success-oriented and has continued to push the armed forces to achieve nothing short of victory.
While we are grateful to the Nigerian military for their patriotism and commitment to tackling general insecurity in the country, we are thankful to General lucky Irabor, under whose watch; achieving security in Nigeria has been made possible. He set a standard that is worthy of commendation.

Agbese is a UK trained human rights activist and author.

Some Civic groups have dragged the Director General of the National Pension Commission PENCOM, Mrs Aisha Dahir-Uman before the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) and the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) over allegations of abuse of office and corruption.

The group led by its Executive Director, Comrade Olufemi Lawson, in a petition submitted the anti-corruption agencies on Monday, said it has taken the step, following earlier call by other patriotic Nigerians, and groups, including the Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP), which had earlier that President Nuhammadu Buhari, order a probe, into the activities of the Pension Commission.

The group is asking the EFCC and the ICPC, to conduct investigation, into allegations of several acts of corruption, particularly as related, “into several funds received by Aisha Dahir-Umar, from PENCOM for foreign trips and courses which she never attended.”



Part of the petition read “We hope to also intimate you, with the fact that after collecting those funds, Aisha Dahir-Umar, hides in her Abuja residence or outside Abuja for a few days and return to work pocketing Tens of millions of Naira and several sums of foreign currency. This act corruption, was recently repeated a few weeks ago as she was paid over Forty mllion Naira, for a foreign trip, which she never attended. ”


The group further urged the anti-corruption agencies, to carry out an audit of payments made to the PENCOM Boss, for foreign courses, requesting for attendance certificates, air tickets and boarding passes as proof of attendance.

The group called for the thorough and credible investigation of the allegation by the anti-graft bodies without minding whose ox was gored.

By Vincent Pam

A leader is not just a person that is known for his personalities, a leader is one that is remembered for the impact of the critical decisions he took while in position of authority, and this impact becomes the core element of his legacy when he’s long gone.

We say that, “The Youths are the Pillar of a Nation”, and we all know that the strength of a great nation is determined by the number of successful Youths in a nation.
It is without doubt concerning the place of the youths to lead tomorrow, and the future of this nation lies solely in the hands of our youths. Knowing that they majorly contribute to the Human capital in any nation, leading to her growth, it would have been unfair to not take their future into paramount considerations, nor put them first, not just them, but also their growth, their future, and their lives.

It is very heartwarming at this moment in time to be alive, when Nigeria is blessed with good leaders, and most especially, still in President Buhari led administration.
These are leaders that looked at the future of the nation and consider just how well our growth as a people is important to the success of governance, and how well the greater need of securing the future of the youths in this country.

It is worthy of note to state that the NYSC Trust Fund is one of the few bills passed by the National Assembly that received the highest number of memoranda from the public in support of it’s passage. This mass appeal towards the bill points to the acceptability of the trust fund chiefly because of the role the NYSC scheme has played in shaping the Nigerian economy and the lives of a average Nigerians amidst scarce resources. The Trust Fund therefore comes handy in consolidating funding lacuna in order to actualize the vision and mission of the scheme especially in the area of job creation and skill acquisition.

Our place as a nation in the continent and the world Is only further emphasized with bills such as this one, making it known who we are, and how we conduct affairs. It’s good to know that the full nation is coming to the realization of acknowledging that NYSC is the best way to imbibe the spirit of Nationalism in our youths. Now is the time for our young individuals to understand that the Nation that they’ve once thought of giving up on, actually cares about their welfare and survival. This is the time they need to understand that they are Nigerians and not just Igbos, Yorubas, Hausas and other tribes in the country. Meeting people from different parts of the country has helped many individual understand other cultures and promotes unity amongst diversity. This had NYSC made possible for our Nigerian youths. Wouldn’t it be considerate enough to engrave a life print of support in the action of the NYSC Trust Fund full acceptance by Mr President?

How then can we quickly forget the many benefits that we have enjoyed since the creation of the NYSC. Majority in this country have gone pass the obvious delusive opinion and rumors about NYSC being a time waster. We all have seen its ripple effect as an evidence which has countered ever libels against the scheme. From the mandatory COVID-19 tests are carried out on prospective corps members before their admittance into the orientation camps, to the top-notch basic amenities provided by the scheme to corps members, and top security measures being put in place by the efforts of the sagacious officials. Without also forgetting the renovations been carried out on several orientation camps across the country. This goes a long way to show that the Nigerian government and the NYSC officials have the corps members at heart and they take their health and safety as a priority. The onus is on those who disagree in the face multiple evidence.

As laudable as this piece of legislation is, one can also make haste to point out that it is one thing to make a law with far-reaching benefits as this Trust Fund is, and easily managed such a way that its aims and objectives are actualized over time. In making this assertion, one can draw attention to the urgent need to depoliticize the operations of the fund in terms of who benefits from it and not turn into a cash cow of sorts to political leaders, since NYSC scheme is itself apolitical. Mr President can have a good rest mind at its political-exclusive-political-exclusive-involvement in any corruptible participation.

I’m enchanted by the realization that the Fund and its operations will be building on the successes already established by the scheme over the years, and the Trust Fund instrument will help galvanize our youths development plans in creating sustaining growth and peace stability.

It is therefore a great step at this moment in seeing to our youth financial stability. As it is known, “Money is the answer most needs, and money can move a mountain”. No level of success can be achieved without the involvement of a functional fund/funding.

The impact and outstanding influence of the NYSC scheme in different sectors across the Nation, has made it now well-convincing and believed that recent efforts to set up the NYSC Trust Fund deserves the full support of all and sundry considering the fact that it will provide the impetus to boost the Skill and Entrepreneurship Development Programme for corps members. It is imperative if the nation must avoid the pitfalls of similar funds set up to empower targeted sections of the population.

All that is required at this time is a speedy conclusion, and a timely assent to it by the President. Assenting to this bill would see Mr President legacy designed in a plated gold in the heart of all youths, and many generations to come. The BUHARI led administration would go down in history as the trailblazers that made the world stood still. This action would create monumental history that will unaffected by time and seasons, and never to be erased from record, because such Bill would benefit every generations that ever existed to witness it.

Mr President, we implore you to create a legacy for this administration through NYSC Trust Fund bill, and history will keep smiling to our youths forever, the success of Nigerian Youth, is the success of Nigeria itself.

Pam wrote this article from Abuja.

_By Philip Agbese_

During the 2010 Jos riots and the subsequent months, international news wire service, Reuters, did a disservice to Nigeria that many people might not have noticed but which was nonetheless bad, horrible actually for a news outlet that is perpetually steeped in virtue signaling. At that time, Reuters was engaged in reporting the crisis in a manner that further pitched one side of the crisis against the others by constantly highlighting casualties on an ethno-sectarian basis, an approach that was intended to sustain a tit-for-tat killing spree as each side was engaged in constantly trying to avenge the casualty figures reported for its side by Reuters.

Being the resilient nation that it is, Nigeria weathered that storm and remained in existence despite this kind of psychological operation ((PSYOP), a war designed to undermine Nigeria and unravel the country for whatever benefit that global media operations like Reuters are after. Wikipedia described PSYOP as “operations to convey selected information and indicators to audiences to influence their emotions, motives, and objective reasoning, and ultimately the behavior of governments, organizations, groups, and individuals.”

It went on to explain that “PSYOP can encourage popular discontent with the opposition's leadership and by combining persuasion with a credible threat, degrade an adversary's ability to conduct or sustain military operations. They can also disrupt, confuse, and protract the adversary's decision-making process, undermining command, and control. When properly employed, PSYOP have the potential to save the lives of friendly or enemy forces by reducing the adversary's will to fight. By lowering the adversary's morale and then its efficiency, PSYOP can also discourage aggressive actions by creating disaffection within their ranks, ultimately leading to surrender.”
Reuters’ latest so-called investigative report against Nigeria, “The Abortion Assault: Nigerian Military ran secret mass abortion programme in war against Boko Haram” is a dangerous deployment of PSYOP that must be condemned by all right thinking persons as an irresponsible attempt at manufacture of dissent, which refers to a cause that is so unpopular that it is solely driven by money, fake news media, or rogue intelligence agencies, which Reuters is proving to be.
The opening lines of the report, which is marketed to be an investigative piece, actually read like a fiction novel, more vested in holding the reader spell-bound than conveying vital information, which ought to have been the intention of a news outlet. The writers’ style belied their confusion as they struggled to make sense of whether they are running a first person narrative, or a third person reported account. What they succeeded in doing was to largely assume the omniscient tone, a see-all-know-all format that is favoured by fiction novelists, which totally dismissed the entire report as something that should only be found on the fantasy section of fiction novels.
According to a research and policy group, Humanitarian Outcomes, “As of the end of 2019 there were 74 identified organisations working in the northeast, including 6 UN agencies plus OCHA and IOM, 28 INGOs, and 33 Nigerian national and local NGOs.” These NGOs have at various times raised alarm about issues, often accusing the Federal Government especially the military of one thing or the other but not once has any of them raised the issue of 10,000 forced abortions. Even the UN representatives interviewed in the report denied knowledge of what Reuters is insinuating.
In Reuters’ own words, “This investigation is based on interviews with 33 women and girls who say they underwent abortions while in the custody of the Nigerian Army.” This presents an interesting scenario. It reported there were 10,000 forced abortions but it was only able to sample 33 women and girls. St. Olaf College recommended that “Generally speaking, the smaller the population, the larger the sampling ratio needed. For populations under 1,000, a minimum ratio of 30 percent (300 individuals) is advisable to ensure representativeness of the sample. For larger populations, such as a population of 10,000, a comparatively small minimum ratio of 10 percent (1,000) of individuals is required to ensure representativeness of the sample.” So how come Reuters conveniently disappeared 9,977 other “victims” of the atrocity it reported and never bothered to interview them? How did speaking with 33 alleged victims become 10,000 forced abortions?
It is interesting to note that the news outlet doubted its own report and acknowledged it is part of a damaging operation targeting Nigeria. For instance, it stated that “Reuters was unable to establish who created the abortion programme or determine who in the military or government ran it. Nigerian military leaders denied the programme has ever existed and said Reuters reporting was part of a foreign effort to undermine the country’s fight against the insurgents.”
Reuters also exposed how its reported 10,000 forced abortions was a concoction of figures provided by sources that were so unreliable that they could not be named. The report is so trashy that the International Criminal Court (ICC) Office of the Prosecutor declined to comment on Reuters’ findings. The entire report was replete with phrases and clauses that hinted at uncertainty about the allegations being made, which makes one wonder why that organization proceeded to publish the report under such circumstances.
A five page statement that Director of Defence Information, Major General Jimmy Akpor, issued has totally rubbished the Reuters report for the hogwash that it is so there is no point rehashing the strong points that the military has raised about the sanctity of life and the military’s adherence to rules of engagement that ensure that even hardened terrorists are treated humanely when captured to talk less of their victims.
The tragic facing part, however, is that Reuters may succeed in its intention for publishing the report unless the Nigerian military and the Federal Government chose to be deliberately strategic and robust in their response to the propaganda attack. A critical factor to achieving this is to properly contextualize Reuters’ attack, identify its collaborators and anticipate the next moves in the PSYOP that has been revived against Nigeria. In terms of contextualizing the environment around the report, it is important to note how the publication was hastily pushed out at a time when there has been successive killing or capture of terrorists – Boko Haram/ISWAP and bandits; focusing on the publication could create distractions that would interfere with the progress of the counter-terrorism efforts.
It should equally be noted that Reuters, a news platform that ought to be neutral, openly participating in the propaganda war against Nigeria signals a desperation on the part of those that have been propping up the terrorists with propaganda support. In the past they have used groups like Amnesty International and Human Rights Watch without the kind of defining success they have in mind.
The Nigerian Army (and the Federal Government) should attenuate Reuters’ attempt to bring it into disrepute and promote terrorist propaganda against the Nigerian State. This should be done by outlining and highlighting the successes that have been recorded in dismantling the foreign-backed terror infrastructure that they want to gain root in Nigeria. The government should promote its rehabilitation and reintegration programmed for victims and repentant terrorists because these are the kind of success stories that make those running evil entities like Reuters to bristle and froth at the mouth. There is a whole lot of good things that the Nigerian Army is making to happen and that should be the focus and not wasting efforts on Reuters’ irresponsibility.

And for the records, Reuters got it wrong when it surmised that the pack of conjectures, half-truths, fictions, and the lies in its report would be swallowed by all and sundry hook, line, and sinker. Reuters got it wrong when it thought it could easily pick up with doing damage in Nigeria from where it left off in the 2010 Jos Crisis. The dynamics have changed in a manner that have left the Reuters goons behind. Its propaganda efforts will fail worse than those of its collaborators that had attempted to undermine Nigeria in the past.


Agbese is a UK trained human rights expert writing from Abuja.

The All Progressives Congress, United Kingdom (APC UK) held a private meeting with Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu immediately after his speech at Chatham House on Monday, 5th December 2022 accompanied by a high-powered delegation and dignitaries from Nigeria.

According to Jacob Ogunseye, the Publicity Secretary of the APC UK chapter, the private meeting was held next door to Chatham House at the prestigious ClubHouse located at No. 8, St. James’s Square as a gesture for Supporters of Asiwaju who couldn’t get a pass to access Chatham House had in attendance the movers and shakers of the political class seating with the in-coming President on the High Table like Rt Hon. Gbajabiamila Speaker of House of Representative; His Excellency Dr Kayode Fayemi, immediate past Governor of Ekiti State; Ogun State Governor H. E. Dapo Abiodun of Ogun State; Governor Abdullahi Umar Ganduje of Kano State; Governor Benedict Ayade of Cross River State; Gov. Simon Lalong of Plateau State; DG Tinubu/Shettima Campaign Council, APC PCC; Gov. David Nweze Umahi of Ebonyi State; Comrade Adams Aliyu Oshiomhole; and Hajia Hadiza Bala Usman.

Other important dignitaries at the shindig are Senator Musiliu Obanikoro; Senator Tokunbo Afikuyomi; Hon. Femi Pedro former Deputy Governor to Asiwaju; Hon. Dele Alake; Mr Tunde Rahman; Dr Betta Edu, APC National Women Leader and Hajia Zainab Abubakar Ibrahim, APC National Deputy Women Leader.

During the interactive session, Asiwaju encouraged Diasporans to always show interest in the politics of their fatherland and assured them that his government will look into the issue of Diaspora Voting and in Asiwaju’s typical ubiquitous style which seemed like he read the anticipation of the audience, he further gave an assurance that even if Diasporans cannot vote presently, it doesn’t stop them being appointed into government positions of their competence. This elicited thunderous applause and a standing ovation from the audience. In a nutshell, Jagaban held his audience in awe with his satirical comments.

J K Adebola, Chairman APC UK Presidential Campaign Council and member of Tinubu/Shettima Campaign Committee of APC PCC who read the welcome address eulogised Asiwaju and reeled out his traits which he said endeared him to Nigerians at home and abroad as well as his vision for Nigeria as expounded in his Action Plan titled Renewed Hope 2023 and enjoined Nigerians to obtain a copy, read and digest the content to keep themselves abreast of what Asiwaju’s government portends for the Country and its citizens scattered across the globe.

The Chairman of APC UK PCC also reeled out his Campaign Council’s activities which includes the procurement of a Helium Balloon emblazoned with pictures of Tinubu and Shettima on it which was flown at the flag-off of the APC Presidential Campaign in Jos and Lagos; the Town hall event held on Saturday 26th November 2022 at the prestigious Holiday Inn Express at Greenwich Peninsula, London.

J K Adebola further disclosed to the house that just as APC UK 4 Aketi Council did at the last gubernatorial election in Ondo State, in the run-up to the elections in 2023, APC UK PCC will conduct a mass SMS Campaign to reach about 20 million voters in Nigeria across the 6 geo-political zones in the 3 major languages in the Country with targeted messages educating the electorates to vote right by voting for Tinubu/Shettima and APC.

He concluded his welcome address that as the elections of 2023 draw closer, there is no better time than now for us in the Diaspora to demonstrate our importance to the politics and development of Nigeria. We will continue to engage with Nigerians at home and in the Diaspora about the benefits of voting for the man wey sabi road to enjoy the dividends of democracy that the Presidency of Jagaban promises to provide to Nigerians.

Prince Ade Omole, Director of Diaspora Directorate in his address which he delivered Ad-lib informed the house that he considers it a privilege that the very first leg of the campaigns outside the shores of Nigeria of our principal and APC Presidential candidate Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu is being commenced in the UK. He then implored all of Asiwaju's supporters and well-wishers in the United Kingdom, to see this visit as a privilege because there are many cities around the world with equally significant Asiwaju's supporters that the Presidential Campaign Council (PCC) could have picked for the commencement of our candidate's foreign campaigns.

He added that it is therefore against this backdrop of having been accorded this privilege that the onus is now on us as Progressives and supporters of Asiwaju who are residents in the United Kingdom to redouble our efforts in making sure that our Party's Presidential candidate win the February 2023 election.

Prince Ade Omole went further to say winning this election is extremely important not only because the stakes are high as to the trajectory that Nigeria must pursue towards her manifest destiny, but also because this is a different kind of sport in which you and I are the real players that will be on the field on February 25th and not Asiwaju. We should, therefore, see this win as not everything but the ONLY thing. Thus says the late Vince Lombardi, an American football coach.

He reminded Diasporans that our run of play on this game involves two strategic approaches; one approach is for those of us who can vote in Nigeria to prepare ourselves to be in our respective wards a few days before the match to exercise our voting franchise. The other is the serious mobilisation of our dependents such as Children and wards, Fathers and Mothers, Nephews and Nieces, and others whom we have some influence over to vote for our principal. This is what I call the "Each One, Reach Five" approach.

He further touched on the fact that our material support to further enhance this campaign in all its facets is still much needed.

He noted that with the serious commitment that Diasporans have demonstrated even before our principal won the primary election, I have no doubt in my mind that you're now more committed to the cause of Asiwaju winning this trophy come Saturday, February 25, 2023.

He concluded that I, therefore, do not doubt that victory shall be ours on this day.

During the interactive session, Hon. Ifeoma “Iyabode” Nwachukwu praised Asiwaju for his policy of inclusiveness whilst the Governor of Lagos by reaching far and wide in giving opportunities to other ethnicities to serve in his cabinet and how Lagos State has maintained that policy to date. She added that not many States in Nigeria have such policy which he pioneered.

The UK leg of Asiwaju’s campaign ended with an after-party where the incoming President and Comrade Adams Aliyu Oshiomhole had a dancing competition grooving to the globally popular Buga song. The jury is still out on who won the duel between the two dancing gladiators.

The UK leg of the Tinubu/Shettima campaign came to an end on a high. The next stop is the victory party after the 2023 elections.

Sections of the media tout some as the leading presidential candidates even though they show decline in cognitive and physical abilities, offer no solutions to our myriad problems or churn out fake numbers and statistics.

This is happening at a time when our nation is confronted with a war that has had devastating consequences on her people and economy. This is a period when over a 100 million Nigerians are said to be poor and about 50 million unemployed.

We have multifaceted problems that threaten our very existence, and this is no time for us to let primordial sentiments becloud our judgement. The next
president of Nigeria must in very clear terms tell Nigerians how he will create jobs for our youths and identify the specific industries that will anchor that employment.

Our President must tell us how he plans to bring this war to an end, protect our borders, highways and farmlands. He should tell us how he intends to manage our diversities, grow our economy and build an efficient workforce that can compete globally.

The next Nigerian President owes us all the duty of spelling out his plan to fix our infrastructural deficits, pay off our debts, grow tourism and support our small businesses.

This is what I and other presidential candidates owe the Nigerian people. This is what I am doing everyday.

By Monday Otairu

Peace is said to be an intangible commodity with a priceless tag, which once shattered, gaining it back requires huge investment in terms of human and material resources. Therefore, absence of peace implies that a given community, region or country has been inflicted with instability particularly if the nature of the conflict is overtly violent in character

In recent years, for a long time was peace seen as a luxury to be sought after in the North Eastern part of Nigeria, particularly Borno State which was hitherto been referred to as the “Home of Peace”. Getting a visitation from peace became a herculean task, and if experienced, it was in no time short-lived. This was a result of different hit caused by the activities of Boko Haram insurgency. Similarly, the issues of insurgency created a new dimension of communal and ethnic clashes between farmers and herdsmen in many regions in the North East, which raised the calls for proactive measures.

We must admit that in all human endeavors, the foundation is critical because when the foundation starts on a faulty note, it won’t stand the test of time.
Observing the toll violent conflicts in this region took on both material and human lives leaving the survivors with scars and gory tales of psychological trauma, a quest for growth and development in the NorthEastern region was set into motion, and the search for peace became a necessity. This necessity saw the birth of a perfect relief to the travailing effect; the birth of North East Development Commission (NEDC), charged with the mandated to coordinate the resettlement, rehabilitation, integration and reconstruction of infrastructure for victims.

It is worthy of note that prior to the advent of the Boko Haram insurgency in the NorthEast, other forms of conflict do occurred on both small and large scale be it communal, ethnic or religious or to a very large extent, the emerging trend of herders/farmers skirmishes which has become a defining moment of social relations between and amongst myriad of ethnic groups.

This brings our focus to the North East Development Commission (NEDC) that was established to lead the reconstruction and development of North-East Nigeria after years of conflict occasioned by the Boko Haram crisis. Many of us had reservations when the NEDC commenced operations. This was hinged on the past experiences where interventionist agencies instead of fulfilling its mandate end up as cash cows for politicians that are not shy to divert public funds to private pockets in the usual manner. Be that as it may, the phenomena of conflicts and indeed the questions of terrorism and insurgency is a global concern, owing to the fact that communities, societies, states and nation-states have experienced or are experiencing one form of conflict or the other, be it an overt or covert conflicts as the case may be.

The genesis of the NEDC success was approach the leadership of NEDC took in creating a holistic and acceptable Master Plan that can be implemented diversely and comprehensively in the North East. The Commission consulted relevant stakeholders in a bottom-up approach, by engaging them on the Master Plan in all the 112 Local Government Areas (LGAs) in the region, as well as with humanitarian, development and peacebuilding actors, representatives of member states, CSOs/CBOs, and private and federal legislators from the zone. This created a surge in the many breakthrough experienced nationwide, leaving everyone to the bewilderment of the “HOW?”.

The case of the NEDC has somewhat proven different from other interventionist agencies in the country. There has been a consistent drive towards achieving its core mandate in rebuilding North East Nigeria that had suffered phenomenal destruction since 2009 when the Boko Haram group began its violent campaign against Nigeria. They recognized transparency as one of the basic principles of good governance by giving the public wide insight in the work of public administration and bodies. It rejuvenated the trust and assurance of the North East region people, they trust of Presidential support in the person of NEDC became solidify once again.

However, one thing that I would harp on is the level of transparency entrenched in its operations, and this is not hinged on hearsay or assumptions, but rather a product of extensive scrutiny of its various interventionist programmes across the states in North-East Nigeria. The level of transparency introduced in the operations of the NEDC is tremendous as well as impressive. In my opinion, this is a function of two factors. One is the world view is on the North East and the desire for normalcy to return, and secondly the need to get things right at the foundation level for subsequent efforts in the future. Whichever of the factors that motivated the director, this shows that he has done well and has earned his price for the right appraisal.

Can a tree stand alone to be called a forest? Definitely no. Alkali, the director of NEDC is a man fill with wisdom, humility, and selflessness. At interval, he always openly acknowledged other brains of support that has been sustaining the NEDC before now. Knowing how important humanitarian duties are in the routine of his commission, he takes no time in acknowledging the support and inspirational guidance of the Minister of Humanitarian Affairs, Hajiya Sadiya Umar Farouq, which has led to numerous modest strides the Commission has accomplished, like humanitarian assistance, recovery, stabilization and peacebuilding. The NEDC is a new agency, and the fact that it has started on this note indicates that in no distance time, its impact would be felt beyond Africa as regards the rebuilding of North-East Nigeria in a well reformed habitable settlement.

It can be obviously stated that the crisis in North-East Nigeria that came with its attendant loss of lives, destruction of properties and displacement of thousands of people has been greatly managed and subdued, leaving its after effects less visible.
NEDC has set the pace of positive challenge to other public office holders in the country towards Peace- building, and the entrenchment of transparency in their operations using the NEDC model. I would implore this other public officers to take a great study of The North East Development Commission, to learn the ropes of their many strategies used in implementing groundbreaking success.

For a fact, it’s no doubt that NEDC has since become a reference point for accountability and transparency for other interventionist agency. They create the flow, while others follow.


Otairu wrote this piece from University of Maiduguri.

2023 Manifesto: Pro-democracy group berates Obi over plagiarism, unpreparedness to govern

The National Democratic Movement (NDM) has described the manifesto of the presidential candidate of the Labour Party, Peter Obi, as an old bunch of rehearsed script full of lies, falsehood, and deception which have become the trademark of the former governor.

The group which made this known at a press conference on Tuesday in Abuja noted that the manifesto is riddled with falsehood and error aimed to sway the support of Nigerians.

Speaking on behalf of the group, James Audu, however, advised every patriotic Nigerians to fight for justice and integrity.

He said: "We must not be swayed by political deceit in electing an incompetent person to head this nation. We need a man that can change reality, and not only give statistics."

In his words: "Firstly, it can be seen that the title of the manifesto leaves so much to be desired in repulsion. In the title of the manifesto is the emphasis on PO (Peter Obi - POssible) which speaks to the only “ME” mindset of Peter Obi. This is an egoistic man that put himself first before any other person. Always wanting to be at the forefront of the eulogy of every little achievement made.

"We are not surprised at the eventualities from the camp of Mr. Obi. What else do we expect from a man that boldly claimed he has no manifesto, pointing out not having a structure to lead Nigeria with? A man that is ready to lead a nation on the edge of a “Que sera sera” pillar, leading to confusion and destruction of a great historical nation.

"This is nothing but a primitive mindset of “ME”. This “ME”, that “ME”. To Obi, the presidency is all about him. The Same “ME” couldn’t change anything in Anambra. The same “ME” that was disgraceful caught in the web of Pandora papers' revelations, which has left many mouths across the world agape, and till today many of the mouths are still widely left open. The same “ME” that kept pronouncing he would take Nigeria from a consuming to a Producing Nation, But with no manifesto?

"We believe the few wise ones in his caucus later discovered the foolery in leading a nation without a written manifesto. Peter Obi had to be reminded before doing the needful. A man gunning for the presidency had to be reminded about the most basic thing in seeking an elective position, presenting your manifesto (I.e, your action plan if you get elected). Those who have overtime dressed him in the bogus toga of the most qualified Candidate would be licking their wounds now having seen that Peter is less qualified going by his shameful dealings and speech.

"The National Democratic Movement keenly warns the public to beware of many wolves in sheep’s clothing. Who openly express themselves as political orators of great change, but have no evidence to support their many claims of numerous acclaimed achievements used in masquerading their magnanimous woes and shortcomings. They are filled with shameful acts of secret investments, secret accounts, illicit funds ownership, and/or tax evasion.

"Here has Mr. Obi placed before every one of us, a manifesto which is an old bunch of rehearsed script full of lies, falsehood, and deception which have become the trademark of Peter Obi himself.
When he speaks, he attempts to make himself a God, he sounds and an image more like someone who has achieved a great fit and has done so much already. But a critical review will tell better that Obi is nothing but a singing canary who says so much but do less.

"We, therefore implore patriotic Nigerians to begin interrogating the competence of the Presidential candidates as they unveil their manifesto and share their views on key national and global issues.

"We ask every patriotic citizen, will the funds come from the chains of tax heavens where the looted treasury would be stored, or would the reformation come from different parastatals that being headed by every member of his nuclear and extended family?

"This is a man that has no right to speak on zero tolerance of corruption because if such mandate was fully seen through, the Pandora revelation should have landed him in prison, and cooling off for a long time without even giving it a thought running for the least political position. His actions against the Nigeria code of conduct should have reprimanded him in jail by now, and we are pleading with Mr. President to carefully look into that aspect also.
If elected President, at the end of Obi’s 8 years as President he would have invested all our resources for us in places where only Pandora papers can unravel.

"The National Democratic Movement is imploring every patriotic Nigerian to fight for justice and integrity. We must not be swayed by political deceit in electing an incompetent person to head this nation. We need a man that can change reality, and not only give statistics. We need a selfless and patriotic person that is not after self-aggrandizement. We want that man that puts Nigeria, and Nigerians first before himself. Peter Obi is a virus that would corrupt a functional system, he has cancer in Nigeria’s tissue, and he is all about himself. "

*Democracy: Group commends Nigerian Army's apolitical posture, urged to sustain Annual Conference for revitalization*

The Coalition against Terrorism and Banditry in Nigeria has described the Nigerian Army as a bastion of democracy through its numerous interventions, especially in internal security operations across the country.

Commending the Army for its uncompromising and apolitical posture, the Coalition said the Chief of Army Staff, Lt. Gen. Faruk Yahaya, has injected fresh ideas into the operations and welfare of troops in line with global trends in addressing security challenges.

In a statement signed by its convener,
Comr. Michael Obande, the group also hailed the leadership of the Nigerian Army for undertaking the annual Chief of Army Staff Conference held in Sokoto State.

Obande said the exercise is well-thought to
evaluate and reevaluate military strategies in line with the present-day realities regarding the dynamics of security threats in the country.

"We are impressed with the theme: 'Building a Professional Nigerian Army for the 21st Century Security Environment', which by all intent and purposes indicates that the leadership of the Nigerian Army is poised to address the various security challenges in the country," he said.

"We believe such events speak volumes of a deep-rooted culture of evaluating and reevaluating military strategies in line with the present-day realities regarding the dynamics of security threats in the country.

"It also goes a long way in serving as that avenue where the Nigerian Army refreshes all strategies hitherto deployed in the preservation of the territorial integrity of the country, as well as internal security operations.

"The Nigerian Army has remained the bastion of our democracy through its numerous interventions, especially in internal security operations across the country. The 2022 COAS Conference presents us with the fact that the Nigerian Army is not resting on its oars despite its numerous successes in addressing the various security challenges in the country.

"This is on the heels that the COAS Conference creates an opportunity for the COAS to have a face-to-face interaction with all the General Officers Commanding, field commanders, and other senior officers on enhancing the activities and operations of the Nigerian Army.

"The Coalition Against Terrorism and Banditry in Nigeria commends the Chief of Army Staff, Lt. Gen. Faruk Yahaya, for sustaining the legacy and improving it with noble introductions that are far-reaching and in line with global trends in addressing security challenges in the country.

"We agree with the position of the President and Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces that the Nigerian Army is a key element of our national power and will continue to be a significant catalyst for our development, especially by providing the needed aid to civil authority.

"The charge by President Muhammadu Buhari at the COAS Conference for the Nigerian Army to replicate the professionalism exhibited in the successful conduct of the Anambra, Osun, and Ekiti states elections should also be reflected in the 2023 general elections is instructive and an indication of the invaluable role of the Nigerian Army in the preservation of our nascent democracy.

"The Ekiti and Osun state gubernatorial elections are indeed worthy examples of the level of professionalism in the Nigerian Army under the leadership of Lt. Gen. Faruk Yahaya. It also goes a long way to assure Nigerians that the 2023 general elections will be given the required attention it deserves for peaceful and credible elections.

"The Coalition Against Terrorism and Banditry in Nigeria salutes the efforts and courage of the Chief of Army Staff, Lt. Gen. Faruk Yahaya, in positioning the Nigerian Army for optimal performance. He has indeed displayed an unalloyed commitment to entrenching discipline, nonpartisanship, and focus in the operations of the Nigerian Army.

"These and many more he has been able to achieve in a short period due to his track record of patriotism and dedication in service to the country in the course of his illustrious career in the Nigerian Army".

Assuring the Army of its continuous support, the Coalition, however, affirmed that "the troops are dedicated and positioned to assist the civil authorities in sustaining our democracy while ensuring a peaceful society in our quest for sustainable growth and development. "

By: Martins O. Itua

Preparatory to the elections in 2015, I had been quite vocal about the choices before Nigerians with respect to the candidacy of then President Jonathan and Muhammadu Buhari. I had taken time to explain to Nigerians that even though President Jonathan hadn’t performed up to standard, that he was a better candidate than Buhari. Again, in 2019, I warned Nigerians that another four years of Buhari would spell doom for the country. To support my point, I went as far as writing a book titled “Buharinomics: How President Buhari set Nigeria in reverse motion”. If you want to read the book, you will find it on Amazon. I have been proved right as 133m Nigerians have been thrown into abject poverty, according to a recent report by the National Bureau of Statistics. Today, I shall attempt to explain that politics is about personal interests and these interests always trump the national interest.

It is often easy for people to forget that politics is about interest. These interests are mostly personal interests and have nothing to do with the national interest. What makes this difficult to comprehend or accept is the fact that everyone claims that their interest is for the greater good of Nigeria. As a general rule, there are always winners and losers in every election. What makes elections unique is the fact that they are a zero sum game in the sense that there can be only one winner. Elections are sometimes compared to a battle where the winner takes it all. It is for this reason, particularly in Nigeria, that people go to great extent and do anything in order to win elections.

It is important to always bear it in mind that when you see people who are at the forefront of politicians, they are either benefiting something or looking forward to some reward. It is for this same reason that you always see an army of supporters who flock around every candidate. While majority of ordinary people genuinely support particular candidates and believe that they have the best plans for the people, there are several other people who only support particular candidates because for them, it is a job. This essentially means that while you may be busy making enemies through uncontrolled emotions and anger in showing support for a particular candidate, there are other people who are making a kill and smiling to the bank.

Broadly speaking, there are other interests that must be considered, especially in Nigeria. This is because our politics is still largely played at the local level. From the earliest times that we started voting, the primordial sentiments of religion and ethnicity have played critical roles in who becomes the leader of Nigeria or even at State levels. People look at candidates, not on the basis of what they have to offer, but purely on the basis of their faith and where they come from. So typically, a candidate from the North of Nigeria is expected to get more votes from people who are from the North. The same principle applies for all the other major tribes in Nigeria. Somehow, these people believe that they must vote for one of their own. In the same vein, people appear to be more comfortable with people who belong to the same religion. However, they often forget that there is absolutely no evidence on the ground that supports this barbaric practice. For instance, Niger State produced two of Nigeria’s former Heads of State, Katsina State produced two Presidents, Bayelsa State produced one President, Ogun State produced Olusegun Obasanjo, etc.

All these states, without exception, suffer extreme poverty, deprivation and lack of social services and infrastructure just like all the other States in Nigeria.
In all this, what many people don’t realize is that we cannot hope to build a nation as long as our decisions on who we vote for to lead us are influenced by the primordial sentiments of religion and ethnicity. We can never make real progress as a people as long as we are unable to put the national interest and greater good above our parochial self-interest. The predominance of self-interest is the main reason why Nigeria hasn’t developed compared to her potential. Everyone has been wired to think ONLY of himself or herself and many times, don’t ever think of the good of Nigeria. Many people aspire for office and many times, they are not concerned about the growth and development of your country but for purely personal reasons and enrichment. It is for this reason that the richest people in Nigeria are politicians. And the reason is simple: they all feed fat on the commonwealth of Nigeria. It is also for this reason that there is so much wealth without enterprise in Nigeria.

The most critical question that the electorates in Nigeria must ask themselves is: WHO AMONGST THE CANDIDATES CAN BE TRUSTED. All the candidates are basically saying the same thing, howbeit, using different modes of expression. They are all promising better life for Nigerians. They all want to eradicate poverty, provide jobs, fight the rampaging inflation, combat the monstrous corruption, secure Nigeria and Nigerians, diversify the economy from over dependence on oil, etc. So the issue is not necessarily about what they are saying and the promises they are making but who will you trust to deliver on their promises. Which amongst the candidates will Nigerians be able to hold accountable to his promises? Which of them will be accessible to Nigerians? Which of the candidates is more likely to turn Nigeria’s resources into personal assets and that of his friends? We must try and answer these questions honestly.

There are people who will make a lot of noise on social media and never vote. You should remember that not voting is actually voting for the wrong candidate. You have a constitutional responsibility to choose your leaders and you should never renege on this solemn duty. Just to be clear, you will be eight years older by the time the next government leaves office. You’re nearly eight years older than you were in 2015. So make no mistake, the election in February 2023 will determine the future of Nigeria and it is important that you play an active role in determining who leads Nigeria for the next eight years.

‘I have searched through the list of those who condemned Abacha’s tyrannical rule, Peter Obi’s name is missing, I have searched the list of the G-34 members who stood against the military in 1998, Peter Obi’s name is missing, I have searched the list of NADECO members who fought the military to stand still between 1993 and 1999, Peter Obi’s name is missing, I have searched through the list of financers of pro-democracy struggle in Nigeria where the likes of late billionaire Pa Alfred Rewane is standing gallantly tall, Peter Obi’s name is missing. What investment has Obi made into the Nigerian democratic project since 1993 and today apart from laying claim to been an ex Governor? The question is where was Peter Obi when men and women were fighting to restore democracy in Nigeria?

A frontline youth leader, Ambassador Akoshile Mukhtar has bagged a lifetime achievement award from the Aluta News organization, at its annual award and dinner program, scheduled to hold on 2nd December 2022 in Abuja.

The awardee has been at the forefront of the struggle for youth empowerment and capacity development, since the days he served as a leader of the National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS) before transiting his advocacy into core civil society and the National Youth Council of Nigeria (NYCN), where he now serves as the Vice President for the North Central Zone.

In a press release by the Office of the Vice President. North Central Zone of NYCN, the awardee expressed “appreciation to the organizers of the award ceremony for the recognition”, while assuring his “primary constituency of Nigerian youth and students of uninterrupted and unwavering service towards improving their lot by delivering a better society that carries everyone along”.

Aluta News was created to give voice to Nigerians, especially the youth, la, labor, and civil society spaces, where young people’s voices are usually not heard.

The Aluta awards are given to Nigerians doing well in different walks of life who have contributed to the deepening of civic spaces in Nigeria, with this year’s theme: recognizing pillars and living heroes of democracy in Nigeria.

The Other prominent Nigerians scheduled to be in attendance include the Minister of State of the FCT Hajiyya Ramatu Tijjani Aliyu and many others.

Demonstrations to demand for the removal of Mohammed Bello-Koko, as the Managing Director of the Nigerian Ports Authority are underway, as some Coalition of Civil Society Organizations, are insisting, on the implementation of the reports of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) Which found Mr Koko guilty of being involved in N829 million fraud through kickbacks, money laundering and other corruption, currently happening in the NPA, under his leadership.



In a notice, seen by our reporter on Monday, the group says, the meeting of the Coalition of Civil Society Groups Against Corruption in Nigeria, is preparatory, to the mass mobilization to the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) to demand for the arrest of the NPA Chief Executive, and subsequently demand for his removal.

The group has recently, accused the Chairman of the EFCC, Mr AbdulRasheed Bawa, of being selective, in the commission's approach to the fight against corruption, in the country, when it alleged, that the anti-graft agency, has been shielding the Director General of the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency, NIMASA, Mr Bashir Jamoh from prosecution, in a similar issue of corruption.

By Rotimi Olawepo

Harry S. Truman, the 33rd president of the United States, who served between 1945 to 1953, had a sign "The Buck Stop Here" on his desk at the White House. What this signified was that, a leader worth his salt does not shy away from taking stern and tough decisions that's in the overall national interest.

The United States styled Presidential democracy that Nigera adopted and practicing, the power centre lies with the president. In other words, the power to hire and fire....
And very much so, President Muhammadu Buhari demonstrated this with the removal of the renegade director general of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC), Brig Gen MK Fadda from office for gross incompetence and indiscipline.

Issues must be placed in proper perspectives. President Buhari is not superhuman to know how an appointee is going to behave in office, however, he takes the blame, if an appointee demonstrates lacks of capacity to deliver and he fails to fire.

With Fadda's removal, Buhari has validated Harry S Truman's assertion that the ultimate power stops with the president. He has proven, at once, what's possible, where a leader is focused on results and hence, takes no nonsense.

Buhari has for the umpteenth time demonstrated how adorable NYSC is as a national treasure. Haven being created on 22 May 1973, enabled by Decree No.51 of 16th June 1993 as an avenue for the reconciliation, reconstruction, and rehabilitation of the nation after the civil war.

So dear is NYSC to Buhari that he increased their allowance to par with the national minimum wage. Almost a 100 percent increment from 18,900 to 33,000 in 2020. After all, NYSC's has served to unite Nigeria more than any other idea before or after it.

We continue to savour our colourfully dressed Youth Corps members traverse the length and breathe of Nigera. As they learn other cultures and civilisations. Too many cross-cultural marriages have been consummated, made possible by the scheme.

The gains of the NYSC Ventures and the Skill Acquisition and Entrepreneurship Development (SAED) Programme can not be quantified. The scheme has continued to deepen the impact on rural development through the Community Development Service.

Corps members have continued to make a great impact in the area of healthcare delivery, rural infrastructure and other social services.

The NYSC has since inception, recorded numerous landmark achievements in the area of national unity and integration. It has also made a great impact in other spheres such as healthcare delivery, rural infrastructure, mass literacy education, sports, among others.

In 2014, the management of the scheme launched the NYSC Health Initiative for Rural Development (HIRD) to deepen the impact of healthcare services in the country.

The HIRD was a platform for contributions toward promoting the wellbeing of indigent persons at the grassroots by granting them easier access to free and quality healthcare.

The programme was largely implemented through medical outreaches in communities across the country. Corps Medical Volunteers carried out diagnosis treatment, including minor medical procedures and referrals of patients. In addition, drugs, eyeglasses and other medical consumables are also given to patients free of charge

So, no nation will ignore the above gains to ever go for anything less. There’s nothing wrong Fadda's appointment in the first instance. Mr. President didn’t know much about him. He is just one guy who cheated his way to the top. His removal is gone to prove that crime has no place in the land no matter how highly placed.

Brig Gen MK Fadah had formally assumed office as the 19th NYSC DG on Wednesday, May 18, this year after his appointment as replacement for his predecessor, Major Ibrahim Shuaibu.

Nigerians have continued to thump up for the president's decision to sack him, saying it is the best thing to happen to NYSC. Even NYSC insiders have lamented the fact that his headship of the scheme holds the worst recorded ever.

Fadda was said to have reduced the scheme to mockery, while staff helplessly watched it to continue go down on free fall. It was a confirmation that the position is apparently bigger than him. He is not just competent enough to head the scheme. Under that circumstance, no leader, not to talk of Buhari will fold his hands.

The arms chair critics, taking the president to the cleaners because of Fadda's appointment should give us a break. After all, he who hired still fired because he saw the man is not feat do job.

Olawepo wrote this piece from Kwara State.

The Coalition of Northern Human Rights Group (CNHRG) has applauded the prompt responses of the North-East Development Commission (NEDC) and its managing director, Mohammed Alkali to the rampaging flooding in the region.

The group made this known in its assessment report on the impact of the natural disaster in the north and efforts of intervention agencies.

According to the report signed by secretary-general, Ibrahim Ahmed, the rights group said NEDC donated relief materials to flood victims to cushion the effect on the affected communities.

CNHRG also commended the National Emergency Management Agency for equally rising up to the occasion.

"The NEDC was proactive in its response to the impact of flooding in affected communities in North East. In such a situation, intervention is expected from the government through the various intervention agencies. This was the case in the flood-ravaged states of Northern Nigeria. To cushion the flood's effect on the affected communities, the North East Development Commission (NEDC) took measures by donating relief materials to flood victims in Adamawa States," the report said.

"NEDC also extended this gesture to other affected northern states. It is imperative to note, however, that other intervention agencies, such as NEMA, were also up and doing in donating relief materials to flood-ravaged states in Northern Nigeria to cushion the effect of the flood disaster.

"It must be stated that these interventions by the NEDC proved vital in easing the pains of the victims of the flood disaster. Appreciative of the intervention efforts, it is essential to note that despite these efforts, the people can never be said to have gotten enough as there is still a need to do more.

"Properties worth millions of naira have been lost, farmlands have been eroded, food crops have been damaged, more IDPs have been created, and the environment, at large, has been affected. In some areas, roads have been washed off.

"The NEDC, among others, are highly commended for their intervention efforts. However, because the flood disaster did enough harm to the people and their environment, there is a need, therefore, for more intervention efforts to support the NEDC in ensuring that life returns to normal in affected communities.

*More so, aware of the cause of the flood, there is a need to construct dams that will help absorb water from the Lagdo Dam in Cameroon when released. This should be treated as a necessity and responsibility as it will help limit the level and effect of subsequent flood disasters in Nigeria."

The Centre for Africa Liberation and Socio-Economic Rights (CALSER) has described the call by the Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP) for the probe of the Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs, Disaster Management and Social Development as mischievous, misplaced and attention seeking.

The centre, therefore, urged President Buhari to disregard SERAP's letter.

According to a statement signed by its Executive Director, Dr (Mr) Cecilia Ikechukwu, CALSER said the ministry should rather be commended for its transparency and intervention programs that has benefitted millions of Nigerians.

"The Centre for Africa Liberation and Socio-Economic Rights (CALSER) is alarmed at the simplistic assessment of Nigeria’s poverty burden by the Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP), which resulted in its call for the probe of the Federal Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs, Disaster Management and Social Development (FMHADMSD). We urge President Muhammadu Buhari to completely disregard SERAP’s letter as mischief targeted at making the president distrust one of his best-performing Ministers," the statement said.

"CALSER views these calls for the probe of the social intervention programs under the Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs, Disaster Management and Social Development as misplaced and attention seeking considering the high level of transparency in the activity of the Ministry and the impact of these programs on Nigerians. The Ministry has proven to be one that directly impacts Nigerians through programmes that have improved the quality of life of indigent citizens.

"Instead of ordering a probe into the handling of social intervention programmes as SERAP is demanding, the Honourable Minister, Federal Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs, Disaster Management and Social Development, Sadiya Umar Farouq should rather be commended for the giant strides the ministry recorded under her watch, particularly the numerous interventions of the various agencies under the ministry.

"It is apparent that SERAP assessed FMHADMSD as if it is the Ministry of Poverty Reduction/Eradication such that it failed to reckon that part of the ministry’s funding also went into disaster management and the provision of succour to distressed and internally displaced persons (IDPs). An honest assessment of the Ministry’s activity would throw up beneficiaries of the programmes that are willing to testify as to how their lives were turned around for the better because of what the Ministry did for them.

"The group also failed to factor in the severity of poverty prior to the execution of these social safety net programmes. Had SERAP referenced a baseline study that showed that these programmes are not meeting expectations instead of cherry-picking the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS) report then it would be in a potion to pontificate in its letter to President Muhammadu Buhari.

"SERAP’s threat to take legal action if its demand for the probe of the Ministry is not met within seven days is no surprise as the group often recites this tired line like a broken record. It is a ploy that it has consistently deployed to destabilize and distract any government Ministry, Department or Agency that it is targeting. Such distraction from SERAP has proven more damaging than whatever ill it claims to be fighting. Interestingly, SERAP has never gotten anything meaningful from its proliferated litigation against government interests and public officials.

"Rather than attempting to harass FMHADMSD and its minister, SERAP should come up with ingenious solutions for amplifying the impact of the good work that the ministry is already doing. For instance, CALSER would like to see religious bodies and non-profits commit higher percentages of their disposable resources to support the government’s poverty alleviation initiatives as is the case in some other jurisdictions".

The Centre, however, urged Hajiya Sadiya Umar Farouq and FMHADMSD "not to be perturbed by SERAP’s theatrics in calling for a probe as this is a well-known modus operandi of the organization, which threatens government agencies and ministries on a weekly basis with cogent reasons."

It also urged President Buhari to "urgently consider a special class of award for the Ministry and its management in recognition of the good work they have done in contributing towards the goal of his administration to lift 100 million Nigerians out of poverty over the course of ten years."

By Taiwo Akerele

In the last few years the Buhari administration has come handy to save the states from fiscal collapse using different tools such as direct intervention through grants, direct ways and means from the Central bank of Nigeria (CBN), COVID-19 loans, SIFTAS loans, agriculture support loans otherwise referred to as Anchor Borrower program, BOI loans, food supply from the national stock and other enormous palliatives. All these where done without consideration for political party affiliation, however what is amusing is that most of the governors, particularly from the opposition states, never disclosed to their people how the APC/Buhari government has been of tremendous help to their states. Indeed, history beckons and the records shall speak for itself.

It has been quite harrowing in the last few months attempting to reconcile how Nigeria federalism seemed to have collapsed irretrievably. This is stemming from the fact that most Nigerians believe, even though erroneously that Mr President or the Federal government is the cancer that has impeded development across all sectors and institutions in Nigeria. This unfortunate narrative has been further accentuated by the virulent utterances and statements by some opposition governors and political parties ahead of the 2023 elections. Nigeria’s federalism is patterned along that of the United States where the states and counties/LGAs have enormous responsibilities assigned to them.
Clearly and from the benefit of hindsight, the constitution of the federal republic spelt out in no mean words the different arms and tiers of government and their functions. In my little research I am confident to say that the Federal government is fully vested with responsibilities around maintenance of foreign affairs, defense of the territorial integrity of the country, issues around tertiary health care, tertiary education of course with concurrent powers on secondary education as well. I have watched with amazement how state governors especially in the opposition have continuously heaped the blame of under development on the Federal government especially in the health and education sectors and in recent times the spiraling debt crisis in the country.
I stand to be corrected; however, available data indicates that 70% of the health care needs of Nigerians falls between the purview of primary health care (LGA) and secondary health care (state) while the outstanding 30% is what is referred to the tertiary centers such as teaching, and specialist hospitals mostly funded by the federal government of Nigeria.
The educational architecture in Nigeria is also designed along the health care system wherein 80% of the functionalities of the primary and secondary sectors lies with the local and states government across Nigeria. Its quite alarming to note that while the 36 states of the federation and their local governments (774 of them) have continually failed in the last 2 decades to invest in all the components that constitutes primary health care and secondary health care which easily take care of issues around infant mortality, maternal mortality, 3rd tier diseases (primary) such as malaria, dysentery, thypoid, immunization etc.
The pressure emanating from this collapse is automatically passed on to the existing tertiary health care institutions, this has led to the inevitably to their weak output simply because their focused have now been shifted to taking care of the health care needs of the wrong patients as a result of the failure of the states and LGAs.
On the issue of infrastructure such as roads networks, data from the federal ministry of works suggests that trunk A roads which are maintained by the federal government account for less than 40% of the entire road network across the country, while the remaining belongs to the states and local government, however, the collapse of inter and intra state roads which ordinarily should carry no less than 60% of the load pressure in the country have been invariably transferred to the federal roads (Trunk A roads) leading to wear and tier and eventual collapse.
On the issue of national debt overhang, a governor in one of the south south states was recently quoted to have said that nigeria’s debt is inching close to 60 Trillion Naira (about $134bn), and concluded that Nigeria has failed already. It is not my responsibility as a policy analyst to confirm or contradict the governors’ claims as the debt management office and the CBN have such responsibility vested in them, however, I had thought that the same governor will go ahead to state in equivocal terms his own state share of the debt overhang and what it has achieved with it for the purpose they were approved for, this was not to be as he again played the ostrich.
The statistics from debt management office (DMO) shows very clearly that only 35% of the total federation debts belongs to the federal government, about 35% is owned by the 36 states while the outstanding debt of 30% is jointly owned especially loans that have to do with immunization and COVID-19 recovery and budget support instruments. If this is the case, on what grounds should a state governor (an opposition at that) squarely place the debt crisis on the foot of the federal government for growing the Nigerian?
As a seasoned Project Manager/Advisor of World bank funded projects of close to 15 years now, I know the enormous pressure states government put on relevant federal institutions such as the national assembly, debt management office, office of the attorney general of the federation, office of the accountant general of the federation and the Federal Executive Council (FEC) to get their several loans requests approved even when sometimes it is obvious that their fiscal outlook does not support such loan request at the time.
In some circumstance some of them resort to sheer blackmail to get their loans approved and the former minister for finance for Nigeria Ngozi Okonjo Iweala stated part of this unfortunate trend in her book ‘Fighting corruption is dangerous: the story behind the headlines” I therefore advise the opposition Governors to disclose to Nigerians there own share of the national debt and also display the results/output for citizens scrutiny.
On governance and transparency in the management of resources, most states in Nigeria especially the opposition-controlled states, local governments system have completely collapsed including the conduct of periodic elections which is a violation of the Nigerian constitutions which stipulates the mode of governance in that tier of governance. Some five years ago, the supreme court outlawed the existence of the Joint Allocation Account (JAAC), but as we speak many states still maintain such accounts in a manner that is short of transparency, if this is the case, how do we expect the quality of lives of the poor rural dwellers to improve? How has this got to do with the Federal government under the leadership of the President and his party?
Nigeria can work If the governors start sitting down in their various states to truly work for the people, this country can work If the states governments design a system that ensures effectiveness in service delivery at the local government level, this country will leap significantly if the primary/basic education system is well funded, when more resources is allocated to teacher training by the state governments and increased functionality of the primary health care system across the states.
Things can work if the states starts investing in internal roads within their states and things will definitely work if the governors can stop the borrowing spree and concentrate on internal resource mobilization. All this will have significant impact on the output of states-based institutions across the country.
In the last few years, the Buhari administration has come handy to save the states from fiscal collapse using different tools such as direct intervention through grants, direct ways and means from the Central bank of Nigeria (CBN), COVID-19 loans, SIFTAS loans, agriculture support loans otherwise referred to as Anchor Borrower program, BOI loans, food supply from the national stock and other enormous palliatives. All these where done without consideration for political party affiliation, however what is amusing is that most of the governors, particularly from the opposition states, never disclosed to their people how the APC/Buhari government has been of tremendous help to their states.
Suffice to state here that, while the APC/Buhari government has not solved all of Nigeria’s problems (far from it) it has achieved some significant milestones chief of which is respect for rule of law, constitutionalism, states independence, legislative independence, electoral reforms, taxation reforms amidst all of the challenges (externally and internally induced), however, the governors in the opposition political parties who ought to sit at home and work for results, rather play up the security challenges we face as a country without letting the people know how much they pocket monthly (without accountability) in the name of security votes. Is it not contradictory to say that this is a case of someone getting paid for service not rendered? Indeed, history beckons, and the records shall speak for itself. Enough of the ostrich game in Nigeria.

Thank you

Taiwo Akerele
Former Chief of staff Edo state and Executive Director, Policy House. Wrote from Abuja, Nigeria

By Moses Adamu


Excellence can simply be defined as the quality of being outstanding or extremely good. It is not just about doing the right thing; it is about doing it exceptionally well. The truth is, the more people there are in any society who put uncommon efforts into the common everyday tasks, the more progress it makes.
Undisputedly, this best described the North East Development Commission (NEDC).

Following the inauguration of North East Development Commission (NEDC) by President Muhammadu Buhari in 2017 to coordinate all Humanitarian interventions by government Ministries, Departments and Agencies based on The Northeast stabilization and restrategizing masterplan, a lot can be said about its magnanimous achievements in the elimination and mitigation of various effects caused by terrorism in the Northeast, which has so far resulted to rapid economical growth in the affected areas.

The North East Development Commission, as we all know, is an interventionist agency. However, the existential-effect of the NEDC has proven to be different, and also further distinguished from other interventionist agencies in the country. There has been a consistent drive towards achieving its core mandate in rebuilding North East Nigeria that had suffered phenomenal destruction since 2009 when the Boko Haram group began its violent campaign against Nigeria, Thus, empowered by the FGN and other international intervention agencies, the Alhaji Mohammed Goni Alkali-led NEDC management embarked on this assignment with every seriousness and vigour , under the broad program of Rapid Response Intervention (RRI) by giving it all that is needed to be done in order to bring about normalcy in the region.

Overtime, the NEDC has influenced the peace process in the long term, via development projects. The federal government in all its wisdom seeing the many crisis faced by the North Eastern part of the country commissioned the NEDC to relieve the region of its troubles. It was a development that at the time received a lot of criticism from malcontent individuals and members of the opposition party.

However, in the wake of recent government efforts, among various initiatives that were established in actualization of the plan which is based on strengthening criminal justice responses to Terrorism in the Northeast, one unique agency of the federal government that distinguished Itself outstandingly in public leadership was The North East Development Commission (NEDC) by making lots of iconic footprints in public space.

If we could walk down memory lane, before the intervention of NEDC, we should still remember that the north Eastern region of the country attracted a lot of attention from all over the world owing to the plagues of terrorism it faced in recent years. Banditry and killings were the order of the day in that region. The calamitous effect of these many crises in the region was widespread, and people living in the region were faced with constant unrest. Families that were displaced from their homes were forced to seek refuge in other less troubled regions or in IDP camps. Children couldn’t attend schools, as these schools were no longer safe and farmers never felt safe to go out and farm, leading to the rise in the cost of many edibles that use to be transported from the northern east to other states. All these greatly affected the nation at large.

It can be obviously stated that the crisis in North-East Nigeria that came with its attendant loss of lives, destruction of properties and displacement of thousands of people has been greatly managed and subdued, leaving its after effects less visible. This is as a result of the magnanimous reconstruction, and progressive decision implementation made by the North East Development Commission (NEDC) in the coordinating, harmonizing, and overseeing the success of many intervention and initiative programmes for the Northeastern States.
The NEDC have been able to successfully step in by bringing relief and intervention to these challenges. It has been able to successfully achieve the mandate handed over to it under the leadership of its Chairman, Mohammed Alkali. Establishing the agency was a much needed development and it was clear that such a vital agency had to be headed by a sagacious individual who was more than capable of handling the agency and achieving all its goals.


In a positive note, these great achievements of the NEDC is a manifestation of great intellectual results exhibited by good Leaders through strategic plannings, and implementation of programmes with a direct impact on the people.
For the record so far, the NEDC has executed not less than 224 developmental Projects in 112 Local government areas across the Six North-East states under the Rapid Response Intervention (RRI), as part of the comprehensive Master plan to holistically rebuild the region based on the recommendations and demands of the states in the areas of education, health, social Infrastructure, agriculture and WASH.

Furthermore, according to the managing director of the NEDC, the projects were part of the early recovery actions plans by the Commission to return simple Infrastructure which included, public and Institutional structure, boreholes and culvert that were ravaged by the insurgency to function again. It is also instructive to state that before this year, the NEDC has earmarked N6 billion to replenish the 10 percent annual grants on scholarship for students in the region. Under this arrangement, the beneficiaries include; 5 000 bachelor’s degree, 336 Masters and 54 Doctorate Degree candidates. The funds would also be used for skills and acquisition training and provision of starter packs to 5 000 Information Communication Technology (ICT) skills, 5000 women and youths on entrepreneurship, and 2000 other vocational skills in each of the 1,028 wards in the Northeast.
One of the recent successful implementations was the launching of North-East Development Commission (NEDC) Education Endowment Fund (EEF) NEDC-EEF.

This is indeed brilliant and an indication that the infrastructural and economic development of North-East Nigeria is well on course.
It’s worthy of note that the operations of the NEDC fully commenced in 2019. So far, the NEDC has demonstrated Itself as an agency which has overpowered the Nigeria’s regressive cancer and exculpated itself from the cultured setbacks of non-performing federal agencies.

Concerning the recent update on the IDP’s care and responsibilities, One won’t doubt the intellect behind the handing over of the IDP wellness to be overseen by the NEDC. Putting the best hand in such position is a game changer that would see to effective transparency , collaboration, and successful actualization of the humanitarian mandate in bringing relief to the massive flood victims, because without putting NEDC in charge of such a sensitive position and situation, peace would definitely be a short-lived phenomenal in IDP Camp. This responsibility is not an alien situation to be handled by them, because it as been part of their mandate in bringing relief to victims of insurgency; by helping in resettlement, provision of basic needs and welfare, as well as their feeding.


The NEDC will continue to strive for a continual improvement in their operations, which is necessary, given the enormity of the task at hand.
No doubt that the NEDC is making life very meaningful to victims in Northeast through its interventions. The region is now wearing a better look cutting across the provision of social amenities, and exemplifying core transparency in achieving their mandate towards this great nation, Nigeria.

Adamu is a public affairs commentator wrote this piece from Yola.

The Centre for Social Justice, Equity And Transparency (CESJET) has welcomed the removal of Brig Gen MK Fadah as the Director-General of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC), describing him as unfit for the position.

The Centre, at a press conference today, in Abuja, commended President Muhammadu Buhari for acting promptly to save the Scheme from further embarrassment.

In his address, CESJET's executive director, Comrade Isaac Ikpa, said Fadah demonstrated a lack of vision and purpose for the NYSC and was rightfully shown the exit.

"As an organization dedicated to good governance in Nigeria, we welcome the decision of President Muhammadu Buhari to relieve the NYSC DG of his position, which is long overdue. Brig Gen MK Fadah has been a misfit from the first day he assumed office. He displayed a lack of vision and purpose for achieving the mandate of the critical NYSC," Ikpa said.

"It is on record that the past six months have been the most unproductive era in the annals of the NYSC as the erstwhile DG turned the NYSC into a fiefdom where his cronies took over the operations of the scheme to the detriment of directors and head of departments.

"It was an era of nepotism and backwardness on the reforms introduced in the scheme by previous leadership. It, therefore, was no surprise that the erstwhile DG engaged in acts that were unbecoming of a senior officer of the Nigerian Army.

"The era of Brig Gen MK Fadah at the NYSC was laced with forgery and incapacity to deliver results when it matters most. Instead, he went on a spending spree, diverting funds meant for corpers welfare and other sundry matters.

"We would like to inform the general public that Brig Gen. MK Fadah forged his academic qualifications and falsified his age, which an investigation by the NYSC Board revealed.
Therefore, it is a shame that such an anomaly would happen in an organization central to youth development in the country. Therefore, the decision of President Muhammadu Buhari to relieve him of his appointment is a step in the right direction in halting the decline in the NYSC.

"The Centre for Social Justice, Equity and Transparency hold the firm conviction that Brig. Gen. MK Fadah should be court marshalled for forgery and falsification of age that aided his appointment as NYSC DG.
There should be no sacred cows, and as such, we are calling on the Mr President and other relevant government agencies to act in the country's best interest if we are indeed desirous of building the country of our dreams.
Brig Gen MK Fadah was despicable in his conduct, which negatively affected the operations of the NYSC. The morale of staff and corp members were at its lowest ebb in the last six months. Consequently, we must agree that Mr President acted in the country's best interest. We salute the courage of President Muhammadu Buhari in this regard, which is a demonstration of a leader who listens and is conversant with the happenings in the country".

The Centre, therefore, called on the Chief of Army Staff to "do all necessary to reprimand Brig. Gen. MK Fadah for bringing the revered Nigerian Army into disrepute before the general public."

By Kolawole Anthony

On Thursday, November 17th, the reported dismissal of Brigadier-General Muhammad Kukah Fadah as the Director-General of the National Youth Service Corps floated the air. After six months of mediocrity, stagnancy, and incompetence, this could ultimately be the watershed moment for the Scheme.

Established in 1973 by the Federal Military Government of Gen Yakubu Gowon, the NYSC has evolved into a beacon of national unity and integration, designed to drive the process of carving a nation out of the multiplicity of ethnic nationalities making up the entity, Nigeria.

Over the past 49 years, the Scheme has pursued vigorously the lofty objectives of the founding fathers. The NYSC has grown exponentially, mobilizing over 350,000 Nigerian youths for service every year. It refocuses their mindsets, making them more patriotic, and amenable to be mobilized for national causes such as elections, census, polio eradication, and HIV/AIDS campaigns, among others.

Through the Scheme's Skill Acquisition and Entrepreneurship Development program, thousands of young Nigerians are trained to set up businesses, employing others and contributing immensely to the country's economic development.

Over the years, some great minds have led the NYSC. Col (Dr.) Ahmadu Ali, a brilliant medical doctor laid the foundation of the Scheme upon which his successors have continued to build. Col Ali, Col Edet Akpan, Col SA Sofoluwe, Brig Gen Samson Dule, Brig Gen Yusuf Bomoi, Brig Gen Maharazu Tsiga, Brig Gen NT Okore-Affia, Brig Gen Olawumi, and Major Gen Shuaibu Ibrahim all made varying degrees of outstanding contributions to the progress of the Scheme as Chief Executives, for which posterity will remember them.

However, nearly half a century of progress was hampered by Fadah. Appointed in May, the Brigadier General negates the philosophy of the Scheme with a controversial antecedent, lacking the requisite qualification and persona. It was similar to picking a neophyte for a top management job.

Fadah is a representation of all that is wrong with Nigeria. It is very surprising how the character rose to the rank of General in the Nigerian Army that has produced the likes of Gen Muhammadu Buhari, Gen Joe Garba, Gen Dambazzau, Gen Domkat Bali, Gen Tunde Idiagbon, Gen TY Danjuma mention just a few.

Even more shocking is the aberration that a man who evaded national service was rewarded as NYSC Chief Executive. One wonders how he got commissioned into the Army without the presentation of the Certificate of Service; without passing through the Scheme when he was officially within the age of service at the time he purportedly graduated.

Fadah who reflects a poor image of the Army, particularly the Education Corps took over the headship of the institution without any iota of agenda. Disappointingly, it was learned that days after he assumed office, some members of staff were able to articulate a 5 -- point agenda for him, but he couldn't elucidate it to staff and members of the public.

It is a shame that a man who can hardly string a sentence in English, a man who cannot reason properly, let alone critical reasoning was dumped to preside over the fate of millions of youths upon whose shoulders the destiny of Nigeria lies.

His main interest was to patronize marabouts whom he has in abundance virtually in every State of the Federation, whom he regularly doles out cash running in millions of Naira. This same character always sat on the floor in his office with dirty-looking marabouts eating food with his bare hands as NYSC staff members and visitors watch him in abject disappointment and disgust.

Fadah whose office became a harem of sorts for women of easy virtue from 8 pm debased the position of NYSC Director-General. His vulgarity is indescribable. A Corps Member of Zamfara origin once expressed shock at Fadah who had asked him to validate what he, Fadah heard about women of his tribe whom he said are highly promiscuous. That was a discussion that a Director-General who should be on a moral high ground had with a Corps Member whom he is supposed to be a moral compass.

He regularly brought contractors into his office, one after the other to personally negotiate his pecuniary interest on contracts already or about being executed is his past time; while staff welfare, particularly their statutory entitlements was negated.

For instance, it was learned that he once approved that some staff embarks on official assignments to as far as Bayelsa, Lagos, and Rivers, among others with a duty tour allowance of fifteen thousand Naira -- covering the cost of transportation to and fro Abuja, feeding, as well as accommodation. On the other, he spent millions of Naira in contravention of the Financial Regulations junketing around the country on journeys that do not add any value to the Scheme.

There were reports that he once had issues with mental health which hitherto remained in the realm of conjecture. However, his mannerisms, for which we sympathize with him give credence to the fact that he must have had that issue.

Otherwise, how can one explain the situations the Director-General will be walking around the office in military uniform, wearing bathroom slippers; going to the NYSC Mosque to sleep in his military uniform, going to NYSC camps in uniform to sleep in the daytime, when Orientation program is not on, sitting down on the dirty floor of NYSC Lift, because of tiredness, according to him!

NYSC Chief Executive should inspire confidence in Staff and Corps Members; be in full grasp of the NYSC Act, among others. Fadah does not even know why he was in NYSC as Chief Executive.

Thankfully, President Muhammadu Buhari has acted to save the nation from more embarrassment. The process of rebuilding the monumental damage that he has inflicted on the Scheme will begin. May we never suffer another Fadah.

Kolowole PhD wrote this piece from Abuja.

By Nkechi Odoma

The impact of flooding in communities in Yobe and Adamawa states in North East Nigeria cannot be over-emphasized. People were displaced, and farmland was submerged in what could be regarded as one of the worst floodings in North East Nigeria.

This is a trying time for communities that have experienced the effect of the Boko Haram insurgency for several years. Now that life is beginning to return to normal, the floods came in torrents, displacing many and with the potential to cause a humanitarian crisis, but for the swift intervention of the North East Development Commission (NEDC).

It is a statement of fact that since the establishment of the NEDC, among other things, to receive and manage funds from allocation of the Federal Account and international donors for the settlement, rehabilitation and reconstruction of roads, houses and business premises of victims of insurgency as well as tackling the menace of poverty, illiteracy level, ecological problems and any other related environmental or developmental challenges in the North-East states. The NEDC has so far lived up to expectations in fulfilling this mandate.

The various intervention of the NEDC in North East Nigeria has been noteworthy. The flooding in Yobe state and other parts of North East Nigeria provides us with that where the NEDC has been relentless in ensuring that life returns to normal in the region. I marvelled at the response rate of the NEDC in this regard.

It is on record that disaster victims were identified with swift and relief materials distributed to mitigate the effect of the flooding in affected communities. This is a plus for an interventionist agency working round the clock to rebuild the region to bring about a return to normalcy after the devastating effect of the Boko Haram insurgency.

Those of us in the know of the efforts of the NEDC would attest to the fact that its various activities have been notable in the North East region. This is where I rate the agency's leadership highly concerning understanding what matters most in affected communities and the urgency with which laudable policies and programmes are implemented.

Another strong point of the NEDC is its seamless collaborations with the various state governments in North East. This is strategic and little wonder the many gains recorded so far. Also, the emphasis on timly and effective interventions, especially in crises, indicates that the agency is alive to its responsibilities.

If the tempo is sustained, humanitarian crisis will be averted promptly. I commend the leadership of the NEDC for this laudable drive, as in the case of Yobe state and other states in North East. And the commendation has not been in short supply from stakeholders, members of affected communities, and development partners.

For example, The Good Governance Watch in Africa recently applauded the North East Development Commission over its reconstruction and rehabilitation efforts in the sub-region. It also commended the 10-year North East Stabilisation and Development Master Plan (NESDMP), adding that it will facilitate transformative growth and further lift citizens in the sub-region out of poverty.

Similarly, The North East Peace Foundation commended the North East Development Commission for its laudable intervention initiatives introduced in the region. According to the group, the Commission’s impact has been visible in the rehabilitation and reconstruction of roads, houses and business premises of victims of insurgency, as well as tackling the menace of poverty, illiteracy, ecological problems and any other related environmental or development challenges. It emphasized that the NEDC has shown the capacity to undertake humanitarian activities with its record of excellent service delivery.

The testimonies for the efforts of the NEDC have been that of an outpouring of appreciation for an agency that, in record time, has impacted positively in North East Nigeria. This again brings to the fore the leadership question and how sound leadership could guarantee sustainable growth and development in the country.

The NEDC example is worthy for other interventionist agencies in the country to emulate. It has entrenched transparency and accountability in its operations by giving a good account of its utilization of funds for developmental projects, which indicates an agency that means business.

The Mohammed Goni Alkali-led management team at the NEDC deserves commendation for hitting the ground running through the development and implementation of policies and programmes that address the socio-economic challenges in North East Nigeria occasioned by the Boko Haram insurgency.

It must be noted that, indeed, other communities outside Yobe state were affected by flooding and the NEDC response in this regard ensured that those affected were adequately taken care of through the prompt provision of search and rescue operations and the delivery of relief materials, and the provision of shelter to those displaced.

This is NEDC at work in North East Nigeria, and the cheering news is that it has continually elicited support from host communities who are ever appreciative of their efforts towards addressing the myriad of challenges in the region.

There is no doubt that the NEDC is one of the best interventionist agencies in the country. It has redefined the concept of addressing challenges occasioned by conflict and disasters. We must admit this was brought about by the provision of sound leadership by Mohammed Goni Alkali and his management team.

The NEDC intervention in the flooding in parts of North East is the tip of the iceberg compared to other areas the agency has been involved in North East Nigeria. I salute this rare feat and wish to encourage the NEDC not to rest on its oars. I also encourage other government agencies to emulate the NEDC example in service delivery.

Odoma is a public affairs analyst based in Abuja.

By Jacob Ezra

The flooding experienced in some parts of the country had devastating effects. People were displaced, sources of livelihood were destroyed, and in some instances, lives were lost. Indeed it was a challenging period in the country as socio-economic activities were also disrupted.

Flooding, like other natural disasters, are sometimes beyond our control; however, what is imperative is the preparedness to mitigate the effect of such disasters in affected communities, and the emphasis has always been on mitigating and minimizing the loss of lives and destruction of properties.

This brings me to the recent operations of the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA). I have had some reservations about the preparedness of NEMA to address natural disasters in the country. This is on the heels of the not-so-pleasant news that has characterized its operations in times past, where the agency was bedevilled with numerous issues that undermined its operational effectiveness.

The National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) was established via Act 12, as amended by Act 50 of 1999, to manage disasters in Nigeria by formulating policies on all activities relating to disaster management and coordinating the plans and programmes for efficient and effective response to disasters at the national level.

The recent flooding experienced in parts of the country and the response by NEMA are noteworthy. For once, we saw a well-coordinated disaster management regime that indeed buttressed the point that the leadership of NEMA got it right with how it responded to mitigate the disaster.

I recall sometime last year when Ahmed Mustapha Habib was appointed as the agency's director general. There were reservations in some quarters concerning his ability to deliver on the job considering the agency's sensitivity in the country. I also recall that one of the first decisions made was to understand the issues that hindered NEMA from carrying out its mandate effectively.

It is therefore not surprising that in a year; an agency that had been bedevilled with numerous issues is now refocused and strategically positioned to address national emergencies in the country. I gathered that this feat didn't come on a platter of gold, as much effort went into making NEMA what it is today. Of course, the transparency and accountability aspect was very critical and meant that leadership must be by example.

I believe the NEMA DG understood this complexity hence his emphasis in this regard which has paid off handsomely with the era of diversion of relief materials and other essentials for victims of disasters in the country now a thing of the past. The DG was also able to establish that it wasn't business as usual with the agency's funds.

Those in the know of the new regime in NEMA would attest that since the coming of Ahmed Mustapha Habib, the operations of NEMA, which was literally on life support, have bounced to life with structures and mechanisms that address malaise, redundancy and operational ineffectiveness.

NEMA today is a hub of activities that has bolstered confidence in stakeholders and development partners. The handling of the recent flood disaster is an example of what Nigerians should expect moving forward. This is not to say it is Uhuru. However, the indices point in the right direction with regard to our preparedness for mitigating the effects of emergencies brought about by natural and artificial disasters across the country.

What Ahmed Mustapha Habib did differently is the provision of purposeful leadership, which has consequently translated to the many gains recorded in the operations of NEMA. This also reinforces the notion that sound leadership is essential in our quest for sustainable growth and development in the country. Those in leadership positions must rise above sentiments and self-gains in discharging their duties. They must see the bigger picture, which remains in the country's interest and consequently understand that leadership is about service in every sense of it.

The Ahmed Mustapha Habib example at NEMA is a commendable one. He has displayed foresight and a solid commitment to introduce and sustain laudable reforms in emergency and disaster management in the country. This is yielding the needed results as we are all witness to how NEMA coordinated efforts towards mitigating the effect of the flood disaster.

We saw search and rescue efforts at their best. We also saw the effective distribution of relief items to affected communities very transparently, unlike in times past. We also have witnessed renewed support from the international community through the donation of relief items for flood victims across the country.

Ahmed Mustapha Habib no doubt redefined governance through his leadership strides at NEMA. The onus lies on critical stakeholders to support this visionary leader burning with a passion for service to the country.

Ezra, a public affairs commentator wrote this piece from Yenegoa.

By Philip Agbese

While necessity remains the mother of invention, experience has proven to be the soul attribute of successful leadership. The steady disruption of peace in northern Nigeria by widespread insurgency was a clarion call that needed to be answered by the best and most-effective personality who understood the severity of the challenge. This was a call for one who had led war and is used to the frontlines; a person with a clear distinction between peace and war.

Enter General Yahaya Farouk. On May 27 2021, President Muhammadu Buhari, in his usual thoughtful act of redirecting and refocusing this country along the lines of greatness appointed Gen Faruk as Chief of Army staff. The Sokoto-born General had to return from the Northeast where he was hitherto serving as the Theatre Commander of Operation Hadin Kai, which is the Boko Haram counterinsurgency operation.

General Yahaya Farouk has always imbibed the right attitude from his early days as a professional soldier. He never gave room for laxity and assumptions, dealing decisively with terrorists. He pursued them to the very end with strength, vigour and technical support until they were ultimately crushed or left with no option but surrender. He was that cruel.

His ruthlessly calculative approaches paid dividends aplenty. Troops never had it better against the terrorists who were neutralised at every instance. This made him stand out among his counterparts. As Theatre Commander, Ops Lafia Dole, he further enhanced his burgeoning reputation.

The COAS flaunts impeccable records with little or no casualties in many confrontations with terrorists. His return to the trenches was therefore not surprising as he continued to make positive efforts towards ensuring that the last terrorist in the northeast is either exterminated or arrested.

Not done yet, Gen Faruk has broken new ground as Army Chief. No surprise. Beyond his record of success, the gallant COAS is a born leader with a charming aura and intimidating fragrance for criminals. He hit the ground running, directing timely focus to troubled areas while adopting the necessary modalities to achieve his intended results. Jackpot!

In less than two years, Faruk Yahaya has attained demigod status, surpassing every benchmark. His unique skills have come to the fore being a war veteran, peacekeeper, and administrator with efficiency in maintaining order and stability in conflict-ridden areas. This General respects the boundaries of religion too, careful to avoid discrepancies in his judgements and decision-making.

But beneath the tough, no-nonsense soldier lies a compassionate and adoring man. Humane and passionate about the plight of the less privileged, Faruk is kind to a fault, humble and amiable. He is loved by all owing to his willingness to support soldiers and citizens without showing any tolerance for nepotism.

On the field, he works earnestly to implant his cheerful disposition in the Army. First, as a human being and then as a soldier, whose shadows should reflect in every army personnel, so long as he remains the COAS. He is the shining light among the current service chiefs and is reputed as the most charismatic on the continent.

Silent but wise, calm yet ferocious, jovial and decisive at the same time, Faruk has inspired men and officers alike to professionally give allegiance, patriotism and loyalty to the country. This is in spite f the enormous challenges of the 21st century.

However, in the last year, he has proven to be that crack soldier who will obey the last order. His persistent commitment has remarkably made the level of insecurity drastically reduce over time, while the alarming Book Haram insurgents have been dealt with in a pragmatic approach taken by President Muhammadu Buhari. Many successes have been recorded under his leadership as he has been steadfast in the discharge of his duty and providing aid to civil authority.

Yet the earlier we all recognise that no service can do it alone in this fight against banditry and insurgency, the better for us as Armed Forces and a Nation to surmount the current security challenges. This fight needs the support of all and sundry.
On this note, Yahaya Faruk has requested everyone to continue to partner, collaborate and cooperate with the security agencies despite daunting challenges in our collective aspiration to keep Nigeria safe, prosperous and a home for all.

Mr President got it right with the appointment of General Yahaya Faruk. Thanks to the right decision made, now, the dreaded and blood-thirsty members of the insurgent group called Boko Haram have been sacked from many villages they formerly occupied, and majority have been frustrated to flee through the borders.

Security is development, without development, there is no security and without security, there is no development. These two are what help every nation to exude unending greatness. And together, we all can sustain Nigeria’s greatness.

_Agbese is a security expert/human rights activist based in the United Kingdom_

*Purported Investigation against Asiwaju Tinubu, APC UK Threatens Court Action Against Arise TV, Others*

The United Kingdom chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC) has threatened court action against ARISE TV and other media houses that aired a piece of fake news about the Presidential candidate of the party, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu, where it was alleged that the Asiwaju Tinubu is under investigation of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) for a fraud committed in the United States some years ago.

This was contained in a statement made available to the press in the late hour of Saturday by the Chairman of the APC UK Presidential Campaign Committee, Barr. J K Adebola.

In the statement, Adebola fumed at Arise TV and other media houses regarding the allegation of drug business by Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu, the Presidential candidate of APC saying that this did not only leave Arise TV with faeces on its face but smirks of recklessness and journalistic rascality of humongous proportion.

“It is inconceivable that a news agency like Arise would air such baseless and arrant fake news without as much as basic due diligence being deployed to ascertain the veracity of a story that carries with it the propensity of maligning the character and person of Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu”.

“These incessant character assassination of our Presidential Candidate ever since he threw his hat into the ring to contest for the Presidency of Nigeria is taking on another dangerous dimension and needs to the nipped in the bud”.

“The APC UK Chapter, therefore, call on the appropriate authority saddled with the responsibility of ensuring sanity and decorum in news dissemination to stand up and do the needful now to avoid choreographed concerted efforts by a section of the news media to cause conflagration and set our nascent democracy on fire in their bid to stop Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu in his quest to becoming our next President”.

“We also call on the security agencies to keep a close watch on the fake news merchants and ensure they are brought to book before they set the country on fire”.

“We stand solidly behind and on the mandate of the Tinubu/Shetima ticket and will continue to campaign until victory is attained at the polls in 2023”.

Adebola, therefore, said that these media houses should prepare to meet them in court if necessary actions were not taken. Among his request is a formal apology to the person of Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu, the APC and the Nigerians in general.

The National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) on Friday handed over relief materials to the Bayelsa State Government.

The Director General, Ahmed Mustapha Habib, presented the items to the state government in Yenogoa.

Represented by the Director, Search & Rescue Air Cdre EK Adedokun, Habib sympathised with the state on the level of damage caused by the disaster.

Enumerating the various interventions of NEMA, he assured that the Federal Government will continue to complement the efforts of State Governments in bringing succour to flood victims in Bayelsa and other states.

Habib reiterated the collaboration between the Nigerian Air Force through the Nigerian Navy Ship (NNS) Soroh and NNS Pathfinder, Port Harcourt in rescue operations and airlifting of relief materials from Edo to Rivers and thereafter to Bayelsa.

He, therefore, encouraged the state to build capacity by equipping its emergency management agency and establishing local emergency management centres in local governments to enhance disaster control.

In his response, Governor Duoye Diri, represented by the Commissioner for Agriculture, Hon. Daud Alagor thanked NEMA for coming to their aid.

He, however, requested more items to give them a sense of belonging.

Other state officials were the Commissioner for Information Hon Ayiba Duba, Principal Secretary to the Governor, Mr Worodamie Komonibo and the Chairman of BYSEMA Hon. Walaman Sam Igrubia.

So far Items handed over to the state are 1,000 (10kg) rice; 1,000 (10kg) beans; 1,000 (10kg) maize; 75 bags of salt; 75 kegs of vegetable oil; 150 cartons of seasoning cubes; 75 cartons sachet tomato; 8,000 pieces of nylon mats; 600 cartons of bath soap; 1,000 pieces of mosquito nets; 1,000 pieces of women's wear; 1,000 pieces of children's wear; 1,000 pieces of men's wear; 2,632 (25kg) garri from the Strategic Grain Reserve.

The Young Igbo Intellectuals and Professionals says it is embarrassed by the presidential candidate of the Labour Party, Peter Obi's penchant for fake statistics.

The group said Obi is bringing shame on Ndigbo with the serial lies and distorted statistics he reels out confidently.

The group made this known today at a press conference in Awka, Anambra State.

In his address, Dr. Emeka Ugochukwu, said the situation is so dire and pathetic that a search of “Peter Obi Lies” returns a whooping 360 results while the query for “Peter Obi’s lies” has about 143 entries.

He said "this is simply not who the Ndigbo are".

Ugochukwu added: "YIIP found it pertinent to raise this alarm because it is becoming increasingly clear that the falsehood he is peddling has sent Peter Obi’s chances in next year’s Presidential Election into a downward spiral from which it may never recover unless he urgently addressed this one handicap that has now placed him at a disadvantage among the presidential candidates.

"We find it most unfortunate that our kinsman’s attempt at manipulating the electorate through the distortion of facts has now made him into someone that has to be fact-checked even when he is says the most basic things. Lying is not in the DNA of Ndigbo and it is a great disservice that Obi’s penchant for constantly resorting to this undesirable trait is now being used to stereotype us, we are afraid that such negative stereotyping may become permanent even after the election if he does not stop.

" In addition to the damage he is doing to the Igbo nation, we are further concerned that no state runs on falsehood and the kind of fake news Obi is churning out will not only destroy the country but bring about economic, social and cultural war in the country if he is mistakenly voted into office without first purging himself of this repulsive tendency".

The Young Igbo Intellectuals and Professionals, therefore, called on Peter Obi to "stop embarrassing Ndigbo with the serial lies and fake statistics he is dishing out".

Ugochukwu said: "We demand that he reassesses his participation in the Presidential Election if he is unable to desist from ridiculing Ndigbo with the lies he tells as we are worried that his lies might increase some more and further shame our people now that campaigns are getting into higher gear.

"We advise Mr. Obi to seriously consider collapsing his candidacy into that of a candidate that is acceptable to Ndigbo because it is now glaring that his entire campaign strategy is structured around the approach of telling lies. However, his campaign’s loss of traction and diminishing popularity, even in our homeland in the southeast, is pointer to how people prefer truth over falsehood.

"Finally, we urge Mr. Obi to be aware that there will be consequences if he continues to embarrass Ndigbo with his serial lies and perverted statistics; we shall make any further lies that embarrass Ndigbo expensive for him and his political future."

The Coalition of Civil Society Groups in Benue State for Good Governance has applauded President Muhammadu Buhari for the Federal Government's numerous interventions in the state through the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA).

The group said that NEMA's response to flooding has been timely, thus, ameliorating the effects of the natural disaster.

The coalition made this known in a commendation letter to President Buhari and co-signed by its convener Comrade Gajir Paul and Secretary, Apeh Onuh.

In the letter made public on Monday, the Coalition hailed NEMA Director General, Alhaji Mustapha Ahmed, for undertaking an on-the-spot assessment of the situation in Benue.

According to the group, in the case of the state, the DG empathized with the people over the flood and ensured the distribution of relief materials was timely amidst the efforts to ensure that life returned to normal in the affected communities.

"It is no surprise that Mr President, through the relevant agencies, is committed to cushioning the effect of the disaster on the people, and Benue state happens to be at the forefront of states that have benefited from the commendable leadership initiative that has been impactful on the victims of flooding in Benue state.

"May we also bring to the attention of Mr President the commendable role of the Honorable Minster of Humanitarian Affairs, Disaster Management and Social Development. Her concern for Benue State's flood victims and her role in joining other actors to ensure relief gets to the people is proof of her pro-activeness in discharging her ministry's mandate," the letter added.

"The activities of NEMA in mitigating the effect of the flooding in Benue state are top-notch. Therefore, it is our opinion that under its present leadership, NEMA has lived up to expectations in disaster management in the country.

"The DG has entrenched a regime of transparency and accountability in the operations of NEMA, which is in line with the strategic focus of the Muhammadu Buhari administration. This has reinforced the disposition of Mr President in ensuring that government business must be in the best interest of the country and not a select few.

"The Coalition of Civil Society in Benue for Good Governance is pleased with the management of the flood disaster in Benue state. It wishes to state unequivocal terms that the NEMA is under the Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs, Disaster Management and Social Development supervision.

"The Benue state example suffices. And we wish to commend Mr President on his choice of leadership of the critical National Emergency Management Agency. The stated fact implies that leaders burning with a passion for creating a difference in the lives of the citizenry are at the core of sustainable growth and development".

The Coalition, therefore, said that the DG of NEMA has justified the confidence reposed on him by rejigging the operations of NEMA towards an effective disaster management regime in the country.

"As a coalition of Civil Society groups in Benue state, our commitment to the sustained policy initiatives of this administration remains unflinching. We pledge to continue to support the laudable initiatives geared towards sustainable growth and development in the country," it added.

"Mr President, your leadership strides in the country have elicited hope in the country's citizenry. The Coalition of Civil Society for Good Governance in Benue state salutes your courage and passion towards a better Nigeria.
The professionalism NEMA has shown will be sustained and cannot, for any reason, be compromised."

Following the recent flooding incidents across the country, youths from the Niger Delta have commended President Muhammadu Buhari and the National Emergency Management Agency for the numerous humanitarian interventions in the region.

Under the aegis of the Niger Delta Progressive Youth Forum, the youths said the Buhari-led administration has shown a mindful value of life, making "sacrificial efforts to ameliorate the recent devastating effect caused by the flooding".

Speaking during a press conference on Wednesday, High Chief Richard Egbe Egbe,
President of the group, said about 5,200 victims in the Niger Delta have received grace of a new hope thanks to the interventions by NEMA.

Egbe said NEMA DG, Ahmed Habib, was on ground in the region to supervise the distribution of relief materials to affected persons.

"It could be noted that, Ahmed Habib, the director general of NEMA took it upon himself to lead and bring about to the provisions of the Niger Delta disaster victims, thereby aiding to comfort and, giving warm support to the people, while delivering a consignment of edible and non-edible materials valued at several millions of naira to the office of Delta State Emergency Management Agency (DSEMA)," he said.

"Habib, with the guidance and support of The Niger Delta Progressive Youth who were strong-willed, took up the task, getting all materials disbursed in other to see victims of the disaster comforted. He saw to the donation of relief materials being carried out in different locations mostly affected by the flood, as directed by President Muhammadu Buhari-led administration.

"The relief materials donated by NEMA are 115 Metric Tonnes of Maize, the equivalent of 6,100 bags of 70kg grains, 99.7 Metric Tones of Sorghum which is the equivalent of 2,774 bags of 60kg and 85.7 Metric Tons of Garri amounting to 2,948 bags of 20kg. Other items received by Niger from NEMA to cushion the devastating effects of floods includes Rice, Beans, Groundnut Oil, Children wears, mats and clothing materials valued at several millions of naira.

"It was further acknowledged that other items that were received and distributed were 556 bags of 12.5kg rice, 556 bags of 25kg beans, 556 bags of 12.5 kg of nails 56 kegs of palm oil, 93 cartons of warning cubes, 46 cartons of tomato paste and 3,112 pieces of blankets.
These items were recorded as well in other to show the youths that we have a supportive government come what may. Items such as, 3,112 pieces of foam mattress, 625 cartons of bath soap, 756 pieces of wax print, 800 bundles of roofing sheets, 185 bags of 3 inches nails, 670 packets of zinc nail and 3,668 pieces of ceiling boards where further distributed

"After receiving such success in the disbursement of all the relief materials received by the state, The Niger Delta Progressive Youth Forum could not contain their excitement, and giving high regards to The Presidency and NEMA for their impeccable support".

The Niger Delta Progressives Youth Forum, therefore, expressed gratitude to President Buhari for his swift intervention through the ministry of humanitarian affairs and disaster management, and NEMA.

Egbe said it is relieving to know that government can stand with the people in such a time of disastrous happenings.

He, however, appealed to the state emergency management agencies to imbibe the spirit of transparency and accountability in the discharge of their duties towards ensuring that affected citizens affected are properly taken care of.