₦airaland Forum

Some Christian youths have hailed Rev. Yakubu Pam's exemplary leadership since taking charge as Executive Secretary of the Nigerian Christian Pilgrims Commission (NCPC).

The group, under the aegis of Young Christians Forum of Nigeria (YCFN), said the commission has recorded tremendous progress in its operations in the last 10 months.

The Christain youths made this known in a strategic report released on Monday after a thorough appraisal of the NCPC's activities in fulfilment of its strategic mandate in the country.

A veteran preacher of over three decades, Pam's appointment in July last year was greeted with excitement owing to his deep knowledge of the commission and understanding of inter-religious harmony and conflict resolution in the country.

Among others, he was Chairman of the Plateau State Christian Pilgrims Board, Vice President, Pentecostal Fellowship of Nigeria and Chairman of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) in 19 Northern states and the FCT, a position he holds to date.

And in the report signed by its President Rev. Enya Peter, the group said Pam has entrenched transparency, accountability and probity in NCPC's operations.

In less than one year, Peter said that the respected preacher activated periodic strategic assessment and feedback mechanisms, enhanced staff welfare and also engaged relevant stakeholders irrespective of religion.

The Christian youths, therefore, admitted that Rev. Pam has so far set lofty standards and urged other government officials to emulate his lead to attain sustainable growth and development in the country.

While calling on the Executive Secretary and his team not to relent but continue to introduce more positive policies and initiatives, the body also urged relevant stakeholders to continue to extend their support to him.

Read the full report below:

Introduction:

The mission of the NCPC is to provide a conducive environment for the smooth airlifting of pilgrims to Holy sites and to ensure enhanced welfare, responsible leadership at all levels, Federal and States, for hitch-free pilgrimage exercise throughout the year; and to supervise any interested body or organisation for Christian Pilgrimage to the Holy sites globally.

On this heel, the Young Christians Forum of Nigeria undertook a strategic assessment of the NCPC, intending to identify the efforts of the present leadership toward fulfilling the mandate of the organisation.

The assessment report identified key governance indicators aimed at critically assessing the operations of the NCPC to put issues in proper perspectives for members of the general public with regards to the leadership of the organisation.

This report relied on primary sources of data that includes but not limited to interviews, distribution of questionnaires, news reports, feedback from pilgrims and other critical stakeholders.

Key Governance Indicators:

Organisational Structure:

The assessment report revealed a dynamic organisational structure at the Nigeria Christian Pilgrimage Commission led by its Executive Secretary Yakubu Pam, who, upon assumption of office, introduced far-reaching measures towards repositioning the NCPC. It was also discovered that the operations of the various zonal offices had been boasted for optimal performance through periodic strategic assessment and feedback mechanisms from intending pilgrims across the country. This much was also identified in the seamless procedures for intending pilgrims scheduled to undertake a pilgrimage to the holy land.

The Executive Secretary also introduced incentives for staffers towards enhancing their productivity in the discharge of their responsibilities, which has led to an improvement in the operations of the NCPC.

Transparency and Accountability

The report also identified transparency and accountability as the core of the operations of the NCPC. According to information gathered, the entrenchment of transparency and accountability has seen a drastic improvement in the processes of the NCPC. This much was corroborated by staffers, pilgrims, stakeholders and regulatory authorities under whose purview the NCPC falls.

The report identified that under the leadership of the Executive Secretary, the NCPC had received numerous commendation as an example in the conduct of government business that is devoid of any form of anomaly or unwholesome practices.

This much has gone a long way in the restoration of confidence regarding the judicious use of funds available to the commission for its day to day operations. The mechanism put in place to ensure transparency and accountability is also topnotch and quite commendable as there are various checks and balances to ensure that the processes and procedures of the commission are not violated at any point.

Thus, it is a statement that the NCPC ranks high in the prudent management of resources, which is lofty and should serve as an example to other government agencies.

Probity and leadership:

It was observed that the operations of the NCPC are anchored on probity, and this drive is led by the Executive Secretary, who, alongside the management team, has provided sound and exemplary leadership.

It was discovered that the NCPC has been able to record a complete turnaround in its operations in record time due to the aforementioned, which are laudable and strategic toward achieving the mandate of the NCPC.

Stakeholders Engagement

The NCPC, under the present leadership, has been noteworthy in the engagement of relevant stakeholders in Nigeria and partner countries in ensuring the success of its operations. It was identified that the various stakeholders had extended commendation to the leadership of the NCPC for recognising the importance of stakeholders’ engagement in its critical operations.

Improved Welfare:

It was observed that the leadership of the NCPC had placed a premium on the welfare of staffers, which has translated to an astronomical level of productivity in a positive workplace environment.

This much was also corroborated by the workplace ambience occasioned by mutual respect and collaboration amongst staff.

Conclusion:

The Young Christians Forum of Nigeria, as a result of the strategic assessment of the NCPC, wishes to state that under the leadership of the Executive Secretary, Yakubu Pam, the organisation has recorded tremendous progress in its operations. The entrenchment of transparency and accountability stands as one of the organisation's hallmarks and primarily responsible for its smooth operations over the years and in record time.

We consequently wish to add that the various initiatives introduced in the organisation are noteworthy and should be emulated by others in the position of leadership in the country towards attaining sustainable growth and development in the country. The Executive Secretary of the NCPC has set lofty standards that by all indication were brought about by the provision of sound leadership and a passion for service.

It is, therefore, our conclusion that the NCPC under the leadership of Yakubu Pam is well positioned towards attaining its mission of an organisation with high spiritual content capable of being translated into action for national development, security, probity and accountability, in line with the policy of the Federal Government of Nigeria.

Recommendations:

The Young Christians Forum of Nigeria, as a result of this, makes the following recommendations:

The relevant stakeholders should continue to extend their support to the leadership of the NCPC by making suggestions that would assist in fulfilling the mandate of the organisation.

That the leadership of the NCPC should not rest on its notable achievements but to continue to introduce policies and initiatives that would ultimately boost its operations in ways too numerous to mention.

The Executive Secretary and the management team should continue to provide sound and credible leadership at all times.

By Okanga Agila

At a time when one should logically take for granted that they would have become wiser and sober, considering that the wind they sowed is now being reaped as a whirlwind, detractors of Nigeria’s peace and stability, notably Sahara Reporters, are yet to learn any lesson.

The world may be perplexed today as to the nature and dynamics of the security threats that Nigeria is contending with, but note must be made of how Sahara Reporters led the charge in the assault on the military as an institution. The approach of this treasonable entity was subtle, with a paced frequency, it constantly dished out misinformation about the military. This undermined the institutions of the Military at several levels. It sought to foster dissention within the military, notably the army, while also casting the commanding officers as corrupt persons who do not have the interest and the welfare of their troops at heart.

This obsession with undermining the military through malicious attacks on the integrity and credibility of the military chiefs is one that Sahara Reporters and the hands pulling its puppet have committed to with such vengeance that one wonders if they have elevated their disdain for anything military has been elevated to the level of a religious movement, one that requires a fanatical zeal for its purveyors to find a sense of fulfillment in life.

Thus, the latest salvo from the trenches of Sahara Reporters, a hogwash titled “How Ex-Army Chief Denied Nigerian Soldiers Their Allowances Despite Buhari's Approval Since 2017” is no surprise given that it has made a career out of hounding the immediate past Chief of Army Staff (COAS), General Tukur Buratai (retired). It is interesting how these same people, who did their best at attempting to discredit and distract the former COAS think they can now achieve what they could not actualize while Buratai was in office. There was a time they were surfacing at least one baseless fresh accusation weekly against Buratai without being able to prove a shred of their malicious claims against him.

These rabblerousers are back to what they do best, inciting mass hysteria with a view to procuring a lynch mob to take down the respectability of their quarry, this case, Buratai, in the court of public opinion, which has sadly become fickle at the hands of online and social media manipulators. In the said news story, they claimed that troops are not being paid certain moneys based on the Manual of Financial Administration (MAFA) for the Armed Forces of Nigeria 2017, the official document detailing the payable allowances of the military personnel. In their usual fashion, they conveniently forgot to mention that the document, which was approved by President Buhari on November 9, 2017, has tremendous input from the former COAS as the then incumbent. It was he, who introduced boots and uniform allowance and had them in the 2017 MAFA.

As former COAS, there are several welfare packages introduced by Lt Gen Buratai (retired), which are not covered by the Manual of Financial Administration (MAFA). Such welfare initiatives are in addition to the massive infrastructural development across the various Army formations in the country as well as many community development projects and services for which he is still receiving accolades.

It is further uncharitable of Sahara Reporters or anyone who persists in peddling its propaganda content to ignore the economic realities that are not peculiar to Nigeria. Even before the COVID-19 Pandemic made landfall there was already a slow-motion kind of global economic meltdown that was later exacerbated by the pandemic. A sincere person or entity would have thus realized and properly acknowledge that the scarce skill allowance, and some other allowances reported in the news item were not implemented 100% due to funding constraints.
Even at a tokenistic level, those bankrolling Sahara Reporters and other online rags to sabotage Nigeria, should invest a little of their resources in training their foot soldiers in Reporting Governance, which would take their operatives above the impish penchant for resorting to beer-parlour kind of analysis. Anyone steeped in how government operates would have understood that although MAFA was approved 2017 there was no appropriation to give it financial backing until the year 2020 when partial funding was granted. The budget cut resulting from the impact of COVID-19 on the economy further put pressure on finances. One should then ask if Sahara Reporters, its clients and the people it spoke with in the military had expected that the former COAS would violate the Appropriation Act in each successive year to pay what was not provided for in the budget. This same pack would have bayed like wolfs at full moon had that been the case.

Had this terrorists’ sympathizing publication taken its time to genuinely investigate and balance its story, it would have at the very least give a passing mention that an implementation strategy was adopted by all the Military Services and the Defence Headquarters to ensure equity, fairness and transparency in the implementation of MAFA.

It should be noted however, that the 2017 MAFA which is the most robust welfare to the Armed Forces since inception was introduced under the able leadership of the immediate past crop of the Service Chiefs of the Armed Forces of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, a credit to the President and Commander In- Chief, Muhammadu Buhari, something that Sahara Reporters had never acknowledged until now what it is desperately searching for rocks to hurl at present the government and anyone that had served it diligently. The National Assembly most also be commended for their support in appropriation of funds despite the current tight economic environment.

Furthermore, a manual of financial administration is essentially a guide for the military’s non regular allowances subject to appropriation and does not consequently override extant legislation. There has been many MAFAs before the 2017 MAFA, however, no MAFA has succeeded in the level of implementation as the 2017 MAFA which has archived almost 80%.

One curious aspect to interrogate is the manner in which Buratai was singled out for vilification in the news report when the issues it raised cut across all the branches of the Armed Forces. Could it be because the Army under his command then was the most unforgiving in punishing the terrorists to which Sahara Reporters is exceptionally beholden?

The mischief makers behind this news story are hell bent on tarnishing the image of the former COAS with the taint of corruption. Considering that this is a mission they failed to accomplish while he was in military service, one can only assure them that General Tukur Yusuf Buratai (rtd) is not and will never be corrupt in his lifetime. His determination as a honest leader remains his greatest asset and this no one can destroy no matter the amount of propaganda. Each time they bring General Buratai under scrutiny they will only succeed in exposing the kind of sterling qualities that earned him a diplomatic assignment upon his completing his military service to the country.

Rather than waste further efforts on vilifying a man that has no skeleton in his cupboard, detractors would do well to start discussing options among themselves about how to undo the damage they have done to the once peaceful country that they have incited extremists to daily torment.

Okanga wrote this piece from Agila.

By Best Agbese

The appointment of the Plateau-born famed minister of the gospel, Rev. Dr. Yakubu Pam as the Executive Secretary, Nigerian Christian Pilgrims Commission (NCPC), on June 26th 2020 by President Muhammadu Buhari attracted loud applauses within the Christian community in Nigeria. Rev. Pam emerged leader of the commission on the hills of the unceremonious exist of his predecessor, Rev. Tor Uja following faulty leadership outings and crisis of trustworthy leadership.

The NCPC is the apex national regulatory body for Nigerian Christian pilgrimages, an exercise for spiritual rebirth and deeper understanding of the Christian faith by worshippers. Additionally, it also, has a mandate to create platforms conducive for national inter-religious dialogue, harmony, peaceful co-existence, and development in the comity of the Body of Christ in Nigeria.

Issues of religion are quite thorny, sensitive, and explosive in Nigeria. The Federal Government of Nigeria is always concerned with the constant frictions and altercations among the diverse religious sects in the country. So, it is incumbent on any leader of a national religious body to work towards vacating issues which propel disharmony and animosities in religious circles.

Therefore, the mandate of the NCPC leadership is hinged on exiting these unnecessary brawls, entrench inter-religious harmony and enhance the spiritual welfare of Christians in Nigeria. Presently, the NCPC coordinates and supervises activities of intending pilgrims to Holy Lands around the globe, including Israel, Greece, Rome, with the latest addition of Jordan by the Rev. Pam leadership in the 2021 pilgrimage exercise.

These were the onerous tasks placed on the shoulders of Rev. Pam when he mounted the saddle about a year ago, precisely in July 2020. In order to deliver to Nigerians, worthy services of a pilgrim’s commission, Rev. Pam ensconced his vision in battling corruption; rebranding the tainted image of the commission; changing the faulty perception and mindset of the people; strong synergy with the church and the establishment of an NCPC peace desk to resolve emerging disagreements.

So far, Rev. Dr. Pam who parades over 30 years of leadership experiences in the Christian community on the local and national stages, have armed him with enough wisdom to discharge his responsibilities honestly, conscientiously and with the fear of God Almighty.

In effect, Pam considered his elevation to the national leadership of the Christian community in Nigeria under the auspices of the NCPC as a golden opportunity to redeem the battered image of the commission and Christians, which also negatively affected the global reputation of the nation.

The NCPC boss has brought to the table his wealth of experience in promoting inter-religious harmony and conflict resolution, especially in Northern part of the country in the administration of the commission. These have not only been his weapons, but trusted assets in leading NCPC to its towering ambience at the moment.

Barely a year into office, Rev. Pam has admirably proved his mettle as a leader of the people. He has reorganized and repositioned the NCPC as the most organized and efficient pilgrimage body in the world, recognized for excellence in faultless services. These are driven on the principles of fairness, equity and justice as his anthem.

Ab initio, Rev. Pam was convinced that his failure to lead the NCPC on the path of glory will bring shame to the church and canvassed inclusive leadership from all stakeholders in Christendom in the country. Pam enthused that “There’s a need to bring out talents to build NCPC. The time has come to work together and collectively re-build the image of our country and the NCPC.” It has been his operative doctrine inspired by orderliness and commitment to a service which repulses all manifestations of corruption in the commission.

Pam is a team player and keeps constant touch with Executive Secretaries and Board Chairmen of States’ Christian Pilgrim Welfare Boards and other stakeholders in piloting the affairs of the commission. He has sustained synergy with disparate bodies for the smooth dispensation of the operations of the commission.

To get started, Rev. Pam trained staffers of the commission in Lagos for effective Pilgrimage operations and refreshed their memories on the discharge of official responsibilities at a three-day staff retreat in Jos. The NCPC under the leadership of Rev. Pam also organized the maiden Ministers Conference of Network of Gospel Ministers in Northern Nigeria (NOGMINN), in Jos, Plateau state as part of his deliberate policy of his inclusive administration of the commission.

This platform which assembled ministers of the gospel was utilized by Pam to sermonize to the church in Nigeria to assume complete ownership of Christian pilgrimage in Nigeria and the operations of the NCPC generally. With a mind always fixated on peace, the NCPC boss invited these ordained messengers of God to assist in restoring peace and unity in the Northern part of the country.

To his credit and the expansion of the experiences of Nigerian pilgrims, Rev. Pam has worked out modalities for the 2021 intending pilgrims to explore new Holy sites around the world, outside the routine sites. The Kingdom of Jordan has been added to the list of countries to be visited by Nigerian pilgrims because of its historic religious significance to Christian faithful.

And proactively, Rev. Pam embarked on an inspection and exploratory visit to the new sites; dialogued with the Jordanian Minister of Tourism and Antiquities in Amman and finalized the arrangements. It will be a novel experience for the 2021 pilgrims.

The NCPC executive scribe is also conscious of the Coronavirus pandemic and its effects. To ensure Nigerian pilgrims are protected from contracting the disease, Rev. Pam has kept in constant touch with the Israeli authorities to monitor and detect any unusual or awkward development that may endanger and compromise the health of Nigerian pilgrims.

And in consonance with one of his visions, Rev. Pam has introduced and vigorously pursued peace-building among religious sects in the country. His intervention in the perennial Southern Kaduna crises between Christians and Muslims tremendously assisted in brokering peace to warring factions. It terminated with a three-day peace summit, where the agenda of de-escalation of crises was extensively discussed and a report, containing recommendations on enduring peace has been forwarded to Governor Nasir El-Rufai for necessary action.

To expand the tentacles of the NCPC and bring its services closer to Northern Christians, the commissions executive secretary is currently in persuasive dialogue with the Northern governors for the establishment of pilgrim welfare boards in states with any such office. He is optimistic that the fruitful discussions would create more pilgrim boards in the North to deeply unite Christendom and generate progressive ideas for the development of the country.

Conversely, NCPC under Rev. Pam has intensified sensitization visits to State Governors as well as advocacy for sponsorship of pilgrims in Nigeria. Rev. Dr. Yakubu Pam has demonstrated in all ramifications, an impactful leadership of the commission in a short while. At the expiration of his five- year tenure, NCPC would surely be transformed into an enviable national asset for both Christians and the nation through Pam’s purposeful and focused leadership. #

Agbese is a UK based scholar and wrote from Dundee.

BY: KCU MACEBUH

There is a Daily Trust back page column article, of Monday, April 19, 2021. The article is titled "Nigeria's Next Accidental President?". It is written by Daily Trust columnist, Suleiman A. Suleiman. The columnist writes the article under the sobriquet, THE WHITE PAPER. The material, below, is our duly tailored exception to the "Suleiman Paper," as hereinafter referred.

Of the "Suleiman Paper," in which he interrogates, but without its demanding scrutiny, a paper, "Accidental Processes," by Bishop Mathew Hassan Kukah, of which its subject is similar or collateral to Suleiman's topic of "accidental presidents," the Daily Trust columnist discusses what he considers the history of Nigerian presidency, military and civilian (elected and selected), having historically been occupied by leaders, as what he terms "accidental presidents" who, according to Suleiman, were -- and still are -- not institutionally prepared, trained, tutored, or socioculturally exposed in their respectively projected governance templates to federalism, as based on multiethnic and religious pluralism of Nigeria.

We do here assume that Suleiman's "accidental presidents" include not only Nigeria's first republican President whose office was ceremonial, without executive powers, but also Nigeria's first and only Prime Minister, of federal executive powers, as the Chief Executive of the Parliamentary Government of the Federation, October 1, 1960 - January 15, 1966. We add also that among Suleiman's "accidental presidents" of Nigeria was "that one," as "Head" of that contraption termed "Interim National Government," of some months of the year, 1993.

For purposes of our interest, we proclaim that it is for us politically competent, necessary and proper to express neutrality on required interrogation toward determination of factitude or otherwise of the underlying presumptions and assumptions of Suleiman's "accidental presidents" moniker. Our self-imposed neutrality offshoots from absence in Suleiman's "accidental presidents" thesis a sampling inspection, of statistical significance, of who among Nigeria's past and present, even aspiring , presidents "are to be housed," true or false, in columnist Suleiman's categorical canopy of "accidental presidents."

Notwithstanding merit or demerit of "Accidental Presidents?", Suleiman, in roping in potentially aspiring president/s into its canopy, inveighs what amounts to encrusted geopolitical, if not distinctively ethnic sarcasm, ostensibly defanging any element of deferential weight of nationalist or federalist trustworthiness of his presumptive introspection of "accidental presidents."

In enroping into his "accidental presidents" canopy all aspiring, but yet "undeclared" contestants, Suleiman states, "What with some presidential hopefuls celebrating their birthday in Kano, making donations to victims of fire in Katsina and holding a national colloquium about the nation, all in about the same week, and all without stating clearly what everyone paradoxically knows but still don't."

Without any hindrance, every discerning mind in ongoing maneuvers on Nigeria's 2023 presidential politics knows who Suleiman is referring to. It is Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

While the thrust of Suleiman's cynicism appears covertly refuged in his apparent castigation of the impediments of the country's electoral law or laws, in its apparent fire brigade approach to presidential campaign scheduling, restricting early emergence of election aspirants on campaign husting before the electorate, it cannot in any reasonable electoral measure, by viritue of his cognizably tested political pedigree, defying enumeration hereunder, be concluded that Bola Ahmed Tinubu will emerge, if destiny so compels, an "accidental president." We stop here, for now.

KCU Macebuh
Member, Tinubu Support Group(TSG)

kcumacebuh@gmail.com

The Tinubu Support Group(TSG)on Sunday cautioned a chieftain of the Peoples Democratic Party(PDP), Chief Olabode George, to desist from fabricating lies against APC National Leader, Asiwaju Bola Tinubu.

George, had in an interview with Arise TV on Friday accused Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu of corruption in his tenure as Governor of Lagos State.

But the TSG in a statement issued by its Head of Media and Publicity, Oluwatosin Johnson, said the PDP chieftain is a “confused liar” as he lacks sense of history.

Oluwatosin said George’s criticisms of Tinubu were not based on any concrete facts but envy, jealousy and bad faith.

He said George became terribly envious of Tinubu’s unending political achievements in the nation's space while he had remained an unproductive commodity in the Nigerian electoral market.

He added, “We are aware of the fact that Chief Bode George has no other passion than to get at Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu at any time.

"The gap between Asiwaju and Chief Bode George in terms of political acceptance, leadership, achievements, followership, capacity, credibility etc is huge in favour of Asiwaju.

“ We want to remind Chief George that Asiwaju has never been convicted by any court of law but could the same be said of some people? ”.

The group while responding to Chief Bode George's claim that he would cease to be a Nigerian citizen if Asiwaju becomes President, said " It is crystal clear how much you love your country through this cheap talk.

" For a man who left office over 14years ago and was never found corrupt by the 16 years of PDP Govt and yet this old man will continue to use such gutter language without evidence shows his intelligence" he shouldn't be taken serious.

" We are sure the day will come when Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu will assume that prestigious office and we know you will eat your word that day", The group concluded.

The Executive Director Policy House International, Comrade Taiwo Akerele is set to contest the chairmanship position of Association of Nigerian Authors (ANA) FCT Chapter, Akerele released a statement in Abuja on Friday calling for members of the association to support is aspiration to becoming the chairman of the association.

Read his Statement below:

Dear colleague/ANA Abuja chapter member,

Reinstatement of aspiration to run for Chairman of FCT chapter of ANA,

Good day, my name is Taiwo F. Akerele, approximately about 12 weeks ago on 20th of February I formally declared my intention to run for the FCT chapter chairman of A.N.A i followed this up with individual messages sent to members, I have since received alot of feedback and opinions from members of this association most of which were quite encouraging and others advisory.

In the wake of the lull in the electoral process I have had to follow suit in the spirit of the moment. However following the release of the electoral guidelines and procedures I wish to appeal once again to members to give me the opportunity to lead this noble association in this very important period.

I will reproduce my 25th of February message hereunder;
_________________

I am directly reaching out to you to further deepen my personal relationship with individual members of the association to underscore my seriousness with respect to this aspiration.

I have only one dream along with other objectives to use my wealth of experience in government, civil society, development partnership and private sector to revive the Abuja chapter of the association to become the golden chapter of ANA in Nigeria.

In my last two decades of active work in Nigeria I have worked with individuals and we have become professional colleagues having brought in our individual talents to build organization we worked in, so also I desire to partner with you to build ANA Abuja chapter to an enviable height and I do hope you will support me with your vote at this critical time.

Please free feel to contact me at anytime for more constructive engagement.

I will be guided by the constitution in all my dealings because the constitution is very clear on the operational modalities to run and operate the association within the ambit of the law of the land.


Signed
Taiwo Akerele
chairmanship aspirant 2021.

... vows to defend nation’s democracy

The Nigeria First movement says it will resist any attempt by vested interests to destabilise President Muhammadu Buhari's administration.

The pan-Nigerian organisation said it is aware of the plot by disgruntled elements hiding under the nomenclature of activism to perpetrate evil in the country through the sponsorship of acts of violence along ethnic and religious lines.

Nigeria First which raised the alarm at a press conference on Thursday in Abuja, however, vowed to defend the country's democracy.

The Department of State Services (DSS) had on Sunday alerted Nigerians on sinister moves by misguided elements to wreak havoc on the government, sovereignty and corporate existence of the country.

The Presidency echoed this warning on Tuesday, adding that the intention is to eventually throw the country into a tailspin, which would compel a forceful and undemocratic change of leadership.

And speaking on behalf of the group, National Secretary,
Richard Augustine-Adie said urgent and proactive steps must be taken, else Nigeria would end up in ruins.

He, therefore, called on all well-meaning Nigerians to "stay united in one spirit, body and soul, for it is neither East nor West, South or North but One Nigeria, and the Nigeria of our dreams which is within reach if we stay united".

While commending security agencies for their efforts in addressing the security challenges in the country, the group further cautioned these "unscrupulous elements to channel their resources and time to more productive ventures".

The Nigeria First added that it would mobilise Nigerians to the streets should they continue with their despicable attempt at destabilising the country.

Read full statement below:

The leadership of Nigeria First welcomes you all to the important press conference in light of the recent happenings in the country that portends grave danger if the relevant stakeholders do not take urgent and proactive steps in the country.

Nigeria First, as a pan-Nigerian organization with membership across the country, is alarmed with the turn of events in the country regarding the activities of some disgruntled elements that are hell-bent on causing disaffection in the country through a nefarious plot to truncate our nascent democracy.

It is consequently despicable that the harbingers of violence and destruction have perfected the plot to destabilize the country to fulfil their desire to see the country burn and seize to exist.

Nigeria First is aware of the seriousness of the plot and, as such, wishes to inform members of the general public to be wary of individuals and groups hiding under the nomenclature of activism to perpetrate evil in the country through the sponsorship of acts of violence along ethnic and religious lines.

These individuals and groups have been behind the religious and ethnic tension in the country in an apparent attempt to divide the country along these lines and eventually set the country at war at this critical point of our existence.

We wish to state in unequivocal terms that should urgent and proactive steps not taken, these harbingers of violence and conflict would have their way, and Nigeria would end up in ruins to the chagrin of the vision of our founding fathers.

This is indeed the time for all well-meaning Nigerians to stay united in one spirit, body and soul, for it is neither East nor West, South or North but One Nigeria, and the Nigeria of our dreams which is within reach if we stay united and resist overtures from these unscrupulous elements to destroy the country.

Nigeria First, as an organization in the vanguard of promoting the ideals of good governance, peace and unity in Nigeria, is sending a clarion call to all religious and ethnic groups in Nigeria to see this trying period as an avenue to prove to the world that there is strength in our diversity.

This is also an avenue to send a strong message to these unscrupulous elements to channel their resources and time to more productive ventures that would have a meaningful impact on the lives of ordinary Nigerians instead of promoting and sponsoring acts of violence across the country.

Nigeria First wishes to remind Nigerians that the pledge to Nigeria our country, to be faithful, loyal and honest. To serve Nigeria with all our strength, to defend her unity and uphold her glory, is indeed sacrosanct.

It is, therefore, our considered opinion that this is indeed time to come together and defend the unity of Nigeria in this critical point of our existence. If we don't do this, nobody will do it for us. It consequently behoves us to ensure that those plotting the destabilization of Nigeria are put to shame.

Nigeria First, as an organization, is also using this medium to inform all those that have been fueling religious and ethnic tension in the country that Nigerians shall indeed expose and reject them in totality.

We shall also mobilize Nigerians to the streets should they continue with their despicable attempt at destabilizing the country. We shall march for the unity of Nigeria, and we shall ensure that Nigeria stays united as ever.

We also wish to commend the efforts of our security agencies in their efforts at addressing the security challenges in the country. It is indeed a statement that they have been proactive and doing all within their means that Nigerians are protected across the country.

We must also remind Nigerians that the task at hand requires all hands to be on deck in our quest to stay united as a people and as a country, for united we stand and divided we fall.

Nigerians must also do well to realize that the gains recorded in critical sectors of our economy have rattled some vested interests. As such, they are hell-bent on throwing the country into chaos by all means necessary.

Nigeria First shall continue to engage critical stakeholders in this regard, and we make this solemn pledge to ensure that Nigeria continues to enjoy peace and tranquillity.

Our support for the strides of the Muhammadu Buhari administration remains unflinching. This much we have demonstrated over the years, and we shall continue to in the quest to translate the hopes and aspirations of Nigerians across the country into tangible realities.

It is our firm belief that Nigeria shall overcome its adversaries, and we shall come out as one solid and indivisible entity.

We thank you all for your time and attention and implore us to take this message of peace and unity to our various constituencies.

Adaeze Emmanuella Ezissi, an anti- drug abuse campaigner has urged Nigerian youths to shun drug abuse and the violent life it leads to for the sake of their health, wellbeing and future, and for the sake of the country.

In a press statement she issued in Abuja Ms Ezissi who is currently putting finishing touches to her book on Combating Drug Abuse Among the Youth charged Nigerian youths to remember the link between drug abuse, political violence, criminal lifestyle and all manners of insecurities, including terrorism, banditry and kidnapping. In her view, “the well established connection between drug abuse and political thuggery and criminal conducts is enough warning for youths to toe the path of decency and engage in acceptable social behavior and attitudes. This is because if you fall victim to drug abuse not only will your life be totally ruined, you will also be a disgrace to your family and an embarrassment to the nation”.

Ms Ezissi who is also the Chairman of the local organizing committee of an upcoming Summit on Drug Abuse put together by CERANY which is headed by Barr Chuks Aka-Madu, lamented that Nigeria may soon have a wasted and lost generation of drug addicts if all hands are not on deck to stem this evil scourge.

While commending the Federal government in its bold and ambitious anti- drug abuse initiatives and the NDLEA for its innovative and proactive war against drug abuse and trafficking, she still believes that a lot more still need to be done. She thus called upon all stakeholders and indeed every Nigerian to join the campaign against drug abuse because it is everybody’s war and not that of the government alone.

To this end she emphasized that attention should be focused on “reaching out to very young children who are not yet exposed to drug abuse, mounting an aggressive public enlightenment campaign on the evil effects and consequences of drug abuse, counseling of vulnerable entities and those who are already drug dependent, and mapping out strategies for the treatment, rehabilitation and reintegration of those weaned out of drug abuse into society’s mainstream”.

Incorporate Buratai, other past service chiefs in security architecture, group tells Buhari

Following worsened security situation across the country, President Muhammadu Buhari has been urged to integrate Lt. Gen T.Y Buratai (rtd) and other immediate past service chiefs into the nation's security architecture.

According to the Patriotic Front of Nigeria (PFN), Buratai and other former military heads "still have a lot to offer the country in this critical point of our existence".

The group said the nation must tap into its wealth of experience now more than ever, adding that failure to do so could further exacerbate the tension in the country.

In a statement signed by Alhaji Lateef Alli, its national secretary, a former House of Reps member, the PFN said it would be uncharitable for them not to be a part of the security architecture in the country.

While admitting that the retirement of the ex-servicemen brought the nation to its current state, Alli called on President Buhari to make amends by incorporating them into the military before things get out of hand.

Read the full statement below:

The Patriotic Front of Nigeria is issuing this press statement in light of the recent happenings across the country regarding the security of lives and properties.

The situation indeed calls for concern from all well-meaning Nigerians and stakeholders. It is on the heels of this patriotic duty that the Patriotic Front of Nigerhass calling on the President and Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, President Muhammadu Buhari, to, as a matter of urgency and national interest, incorporate the immediate past service chiefs into the security architecture in the country.

We hold the firm conviction that the immediate past service still have a lot to offer the country in this critical point of our existence occasioned by the recent upsurge in acts of religious and ethnic tension across the country.

We wish to use this medium to remind President Muhammadu Buhari of the enviable track records of the former service chiefs, particularly the former Chief of Army Staff, Lt. Gen. Tukur Buratai ( Rtd).

Our position is hinged that recent events across the country have thus indicated the enormous sacrifices of the immediate past service chiefs that culminated in ways too numerous to mention in addressing the various security challenges in the country at the time.

We must consequently admit that the immediate past service chiefs know more and quite more than many know. Therefore it would be uncharitable for these individuals not to be a part of the security architecture in the country.

The danger of refusing to leverage on their wealth of experience remains that the country would continue to grapple with insecurity as experienced in most parts of the country in recent times.

The Patriotic Front of Nigeria wishes to reiterate that the change of service chiefs at a time like this was indeed a strategic error given the peculiarities of the time.

This fact we must admit and consequently do all within our means to ensure that those with the requisite knowledge, experience and capacity are incorporated into the security architecture in the country without delay.

The Patriotic Front of Nigeria calls on President Muhammadu Buhari to act in the country's overall interest before things get out of control. As the Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, he has the constitutional mandate to decide the membership of the security architecture in Nigeria.

Consequently, the Patriotic Front of Nigeria is calling on President Muhammadu Buhari to incorporate the immediate past service chiefs into security architecture to leverage their experience in addressing the security challenges across the country.

President Muhammadu Buhari wishes to be reminded that the urgency of time requires proactive actions. And this request, in our considered opinion, would be beneficial to the country at large.

Hold Senator Kashim Shettima responsible for worsening insecurity in North-East - NEPC

The North East Peace Congress (NEPC) says ex-Borno State Governor, Kashim Shettima, should be blamed for the worsening insecurity in the region.

According to the group, the Borno Central lawmaker championed the call for the removal of the immediate past Service Chiefs, a move it says has resulted in calamity.

Since the retirement of the former military heads in January, the insecurity across the nation has deteriorated.

From insurgency in the North-East, a new wave of kidnapping is the day's order in the North-West and North-Central while secessionist has taken the South-East and South-West.

But in a statement signed by its chairman, Alhaji Sadiq Ali, on Wednesday, the NEPC said all these would have been avoided had the immediate service chiefs remained in office.

Ali said Shettima spearheaded the advocacy to reshuffle the military architecture, hence should be held responsible for the implication.

The group, however, demanded that the Senator tell the world the truth behind his "agenda", knowing full well the outcome that will follow.

Read the full statement below:

North East Peace Congress is saddened by the loss of 30 Nigerian troops of the 156 Battalion in Mainok area, Borno State even as we have become increasingly worried about the growing fatalities on the side of government troops since the change of guard that ushered in the new military chiefs.

Our worry is further heightened by the rapid degeneration of the security situation across the country as seen in the ascendancy of the militant wing of the terrorist Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Eastern Security Network (ESN), which became more daring since the current Service Chiefs of the Armed Forces of the Federal Republic of Nigeria assumed duty. IPOB/ESN was never daring enough to attack anywhere in Nigeria on the scale they are now doing.

Equally on the rise and more brazen is the spate of kidnapping by foreign militias that have practically taken over the entire country. What was once limited to certain geographical locations under the predecessors of the current service chiefs has now become nationwide since they came into office.

The sense of helplessness presented by the spread of insecurity to once secured areas is worsened by the Boko Haram/Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) regrouping and unleashing casualties on the Nigerian military on a scale it has not been able to attempt in the four years preceding the coerced exit of the immediate past military chiefs.

North East Peace Congress squarely blames the continuous killings by Boko Haram/ISWAP Terrorists, IPOB/ESN, kidnappings and failing security situation, particularly in the northeast on the change of service chiefs.

We are pained that the hurried change of Service Chiefs, which was a Strategic Miscalculation and Political Suicide canvassed by some selfish and self-seeking North East Leaders, is fueling this orgy of violence while most of those that brought their region and the entire country to this sorry pass have tactically fled into safe zones in Nigeria and abroad.

For us, Senator Kashim Shettima is the face of the self-centred Borno leaders who canvassed for a change in service chiefs without thoughts for the consequences that are now being visited on the country and the northeast in double portions. Senator Kashim Shettima spearheaded the advocacy to change the service chiefs. We, therefore, hold Senator Shettima responsible, and we demand that he tell the world the true intention and agenda behind his lobby for the service chiefs to be replaced knowing fully well that this is the outcome that will follow.

We demand that Senator Kashim Shettima immediately deploys the same tactics and resources he committed to hounding the former service chiefs out of office into pressuring the incumbents to seek help from their predecessors so that the military can again have a grip on the situation.

Distinguished Guests, Our Amiable chairman members of the high table, Coordinators from the 36 states of the federation .......
Let me start this remark by thanking God Almighty for bringing this day to light. Indeed, today marks the dawn of a giant coalition, the assembly of the fans and lovers of our mentor, our father, and our leader, no other than his Excellency, Asiwaju Ahmed Bola Tinubu.
Today, We are gathered here at the instance of Asiwaju Ahmed Bola Tinubu, upholding this firm political virtue and kindling a light that will burn across Nigeria, thus setting a synergy for a better Nigeria.
The Asiwaju Fan club birthed today, the 22nd day of April 2021 Is a baby that will be nurtured to bring together all those that believe and will support the ideologies and mission of our leader.
Let me quickly mention that this assembly was borne out of a deep and genuine passion for the person of Ahmed Bola Tinibu and his leadership qualities indeed he has been a remarkable one.
In the coming weeks and months, the Asiwaju Fan club will blossom and spread through all nooks and crannies,we have successfully planted structures across the state and our state Coordinators that will be inaugurated today are people that were carefully selected based on their political pedigree and capacity. And the task before the state Coordinators is to select competent people as the local government and ward coordinators thereby taken the Asiwaju fans club to the grassroots.
In the build-up to the formation of this club, we have had so many sleepless Night, consulting and propagating the vision of this club across notable and prominent stakeholders, let me quickly thank and appreciate our options: Alhaji Ibrahim Yahaya Mohammed, The Talba Samari Nupe and The chairman sokodeke charitable foundation, RT. Hon. James Abiodun Faleke. I want to thank you for your immense support and belief in this course
Very importantly, I want to thank all our state co-coordinators from the 36 states and fact, whose out of their personal sacrifice travel from far and near to be here today. Thank you for your drive and belief in this project.
And to all our guests, you are all special and we value you a lot.
The Asiwaju Fan Club is here to stay.
We urge you all to support us as we work to build an enormous Fan support base for our leader.
Thank you all and God blessed

Hon Balogun Ade Bright,
National coordinator,
Asiwaju fan club.

The Incentive-Based Program (IBP) of Policy House International has condemned the killing of three Greenfield University students abducted by bandits in kaduna state.


Recall that that an unspecified number of students were abducted from the university located at Kasarami village off Kaduna-Abuja Road in Chikun Local Government Area on Tuesday night with a ransom demand made by the kidnappers for their release.

The Incentive-Based Program (IBP) of Policy House In its reaction,
condemned the killing, describing it as heinous and unacceptable.

While also calling on the relevant security agencies and the government to rise to the challenge and deal with the elements threatening the stability of the country.

The Incentive-Based Program (IBP) of Policy House had recently raised alarm on the rising trend of student kidnapping which is now 800 within the 1st quarter of 2021.

Schools have been shut down in most parts of the north and now 3 students have died in the kidnapper's den.

Security agencies should fish out the killers otherwise this will embolden the future attackers and discourage literacy development in the north a trend that is already frightening.

For us at Incentive-Based Program, this is the right time for a state of emergency to be declared in the entire education system in the north to ensure maximum security around schools.

It was Chibok (Borno), then Kankara (Katsina), then Kagara (Niger), then Kegere (Zamfara) and Afaka (Kaduna)

Following a wave of school closures in most part of Northern Nigeria between December of 2020 and March 2021 following an upsurge in kidnapping and abduction of students in different states such as katsina, Niger, Kaduna and Zamfara states, Incentive Based Program (IBP) of Policy House International is extremely concerned that the number of out of school children will rise to 13 million by December of 2021 as against the 2019/2021 estimates of 10.5m by UNICEF. UNICEF had then stated that one of five of out of school children in the world is in Nigeria.

While other countries are doing everything to close the gap in number of out of school children in the society, the activities of Boko Haram, kidnappers and bandits is further deepening the Nigerian figures and this is particularly worrisome and pathetic for northern Nigeria that is already considered to be averagely an educationally dis- advantaged region of Nigeria.

From our records and estimates close to 800 students have been kidnapped between December of 2020 and March 2021. This has also resulted into the closure of boarding schools in at least three states over the period and available data shows that over 60 schools with at least an average of 600 students are affected by this sudden closures which has serious implication for academic stability, domestic finance, crime among adolescents, rising illiteracy in the region and security implications, drug, cultism and general crime. While the affected states have invested in basic infrastructure and school feeding, the general insecurity in the region has dampened educational enthusiasm among parents and children of school age.

We note for instance from media reports that on the 17th of February 2021, Niger State Government shut down all boarding schools in four local governments such as Rafi, Munya, Shiroro and Manga LGAs while on the 15th of December, Zamfara state government shut down 10 schools in towns sharing borders with Katsina, Kaduna and Sokoto states following series of abductions of students during the period.
We call on the Nigerian Government to accelerate the implementation of the lofty educational intervention programs outlined under the Alternate School Program (ASP) earlier launched in January 2021 and also to call on the states government to fastrack its investment in perimeter fencing, local security arrangements and the deployment of technology in securing the schools. The 1st quarter 2021 estimates for the Nigerian educational system is not encouraging at the moment as government intervention in the area of security has not yielded the desired result and required target not met.

Finally, if this trend is not quickly tackled, Policy House International is worried that the gap between states in the north and the south education- wise will continue to widened this is because while the south is grappling with inadequate infrastructure to cater for ‘over enrolment’ so to speak in public schools in addition to the private schools, most states in the north are grappling with security for the few brave young kids of school age who have braced all odds to be in school, the implication is that while academic sessions are relatively stable in the south, it will take a generation for the children of same school age in the north to catch up.

Taiwo Akerele
Executive Director/Country Repr.
Incentive Based Program (Policy House Int’l

The death of Idris Deby, President of Chad, has been described as shocking and might bring about a twist in the war against terrorism in Nigerian and the West African sub-region. According to multiple sources interviewed for comments on the latest development, there was a unanimous agreement that the death of Idris Deby, though unfortunate, might bring about the much-needed success in the war against terrorism in Nigeria and the Lake Chad Basin region.

According to an international expert on cross-border crimes, Prof. Harem Suitzubury, he believed that Idris Deby was a major player in rebellious guerilla warfare in the African continent from the early 90s when he took power by leading a rebellion against President Hissène Habré in December 1990.

“The era of Idris Deby was eventful and one that draws on the history of the entrenchment of rebellious and insurgent activities. Of course, being a rebel himself, one could understand how he could hold power for 30 years. Even though he was president of Chad, he promoted several rebel groups to fight those he perceived as threats to his stay in power and interestingly, some of the rebels under his control breakaway and constituted a great threat to his life that eventually culminated in his death.”

He also stated that the bulk of the crisis in the Lake Chad Basin region was because of the activities of Idris Deby, who promoted rebel groups to do his bidding against groups that were opposed to his leadership style and his extended stay in power.

“When you look at the crisis in the Lake Chad Basin region, you would see traces of Idris Deby’s footprints. More recently is the Boko Haram insurgents found the fringes of the Lake Chad Basin as a haven. This was with the tactic support of Idris Deby in the sense that the bulk of the logistical support the Boko Haram group have been receiving comes from Chad. In a way, I think his death would be a major blow to the Boko Haram insurgents."

This view was corroborated by another scholar Dr Ibraheem Saloung who stated that the economic potentials in the region were a significant factor in fuelling the conflict in the region.

“One of Africa's largest freshwater bodies, the Lake Chad, has shrunk by 90 per cent. Over 10 million people across the region are in need of emergency assistance. The United Nations has termed the Lake Chad crisis as "one of the worst in the world. In the Sahel straddles Nigeria, Niger, Chad and Cameroon, Lake Chad is home to 17.4 million people. It is blessed with rich aquatic and terrestrial biodiversity. The Lake Chad basin comprises biosphere reserves, World Heritage and Ramsar sites as well as wetlands of international conservation importance.”
"At the height of these is the President of Chad, who is viewed as an ally of the French authorities whose interest in the economic potentials in the region has never been disputed. Consequently, the Boko Haram war has continued to gain traction because Idris Deby made the region a haven for the insurgents where they have training camps and retreats to whenever they come under heavy bombardment from Nigerian troops."

“Recall that in 2014, former president of Nigeria, Goodluck Jonathan visited Chad, reiterating the need for Nigeria and her neighbours to intensify joint actions and cooperation to win the war against terrorism and insurgency. Jonathan stated that if the countries do not cooperate, we will not find it easy to win the war because when the heat is strong in one country, the criminals and terrorists will go to another one and hide. This was very instructive, but again the much-needed commitment was not secured because Idris Deby was a major actor in the conflict."

This fact also reinforced that the Boko Haram group have been able to launch violent campaigns in Nigeria because Chad became their operational headquarters after their dislodgement from Camp Zero in Sambisa forest in 2016. This much has been highlighted at numerous forums by experts in conflicts that have consistently emphasized the need for regional cooperation in the war against terrorism in the African continent.

According to Alfred Dumberg, an international expert in conflict management, he opined that the lackadaisical commitment of Chad is responsible for the ineffectiveness of the Multinational Joint Task Force in carrying out its mandate.

“The Multinational Joint Task Force (MNJTF) is a combined multinational formation, comprising military units from Benin, Cameroon, Chad, Niger, and Nigeria. It is headquartered in N'Djamena and is mandated to bring an end to the Boko Haram insurgency. But the commitments of some of the member countries have been suspect, especially Chad under Idris Deby, who didn't show enough commitment even though the MNJTF was headquartered in Ndjamena.”

“In my opinion, it was a deliberate act by Idris Deby in his desire to increase his relevance level in the continent. He turned a blind eye to the activities of Boko Haram fighters in Chad, he allowed for logistical support from external sponsors of the group using the Chad route through the Baga axis, and this is where we are today."

“For some of us conversant with the operations of the Boko Haram terrorist group, Chad was meant to be the game-changer in the sense that if Idris Deby had shown commitment, the Boko Haram war conflict would have been long over.”

He further highlighted that all the support to Boko Haram had been coming from Chad, including training and logistic supplies.

“I tell you, great successes would be recorded in the war against terrorism with the death of Idris Deby, who from available information has been a major covert sponsor of the Boko Haram insurgents. There would be changes that would bring about success in the prosecution of the war. It is hoped that the relevant stakeholders use this opportunity to show commitment towards ending the Boko Haram war."

To this end, Dr Funke Adeniran, a professor of international diplomacy, opined that Lake Chad countries must fully integrate their forces into the MNJTF to boost its capacity by better sharing plans and intelligence, committing troops for more extended operations and improving troops' human rights compliance.

“MNJTF’s effectiveness has suffered from confusion over priorities, the four countries’ reluctance to cede command to the force itself, and funding and procurement delays. To make the joint force a more effective part of efforts to tackle the region’s jihadist insurgencies, Lake Chad countries should build up their planning, coordination and intelligence sharing. Governments and military leaders should lean toward sharing more information with the joint force and give senior officials greater leeway to determine what can be shared and what should be withheld for security reasons. They should commit troops for more sustained periods and clarify when national forces act under MNJTF command.”

Disregard call for Pantami's sack, CSOs tell President Buhari


The Coalition of Civil Society for Good Governance said the ongoing call and social media campaign for the resignation of the Minister of Communication and Digital Economy, Dr. Isa Pantami is a well funded program aimed at heightening insecurity in the country, by some highly placed individuals, who have continued to profit, from the security challenges, being experienced in some parts of the country.

Speaking at a Press conference in Lagos on Tuesday, the Coalition, which is an amalgamation of various Civil Society organizations, said it is alarmed, by the sustained campaign against Dr Pantami, whom it described as principled, innovative and a key member of the team, of the incumbent administration of President Muhammadu Buhari.



"We are forced to publicly condemn the ongoing well coordinated campaign of calumny against Dr Pantami, by those, whom we have discovered, are opposed, not only to the digital revolution of our economy, but also the efforts of the ministry, under his Leadership, particularly the compulsory National Identification Number NIN, which these unpatriotic Nigerians, have exploited over the years to fester insecurity in the country, when the use of mobile telecommunication devices, became a veritable tool for kidnappers, terrorists and other criminals, who operates under the cover of being anonymous to perpetrate evil unhindered." Leader of the group, Comrade Declan Ihekiare stated.

"We dare say that Dr Isa Pantami's sincere admission of once holding views, which were supposedly is support of some radical groups, during his growing up years, is an unusual display of sincerity, patriotism and we see this, has a welcome step. Dr Pantami's great work and output at the ministry of digital economy where he took a Ministry that was sleeping and upgraded it to a 21st century Ministry, have become mitigating factors, against the expectations of those who are patrons of terror groups and their accomplices in the telecom business, who have over the years, profited from the insecurities being faced by our people."

The group further asked President Muhammadu Buhari, to disregard the campaign against Dr Pantami, and not allow the government to be misled by those it described as selfish, who want Mr President to “unwittingly” fall into the trap of some individuals who are the sympathisers of terrorists groups in the country.

It also said it is also becoming a certainty, given the intensity of this campaign of calumny that the Communication Minister, that the sponsors of the campaign against Pantami are desperate to decimate persons they perceive as loyal and committed to the visions of President Muhammadu Buhari so that they can fill the resulting vacuum with their own henchmen.

"Finally, we call on Nigerians, particularly the young people with a large presence on the social media, not to be carried away, by the antics of these unpatriotic Nigerians, whose greed and penchant for ill gotten wealth knows no bounds and are ready to destroy the collective good of our people, for their selfish gains."

Tinubu’s Detribalised nature is second to none, TSG replies Abati

Pro Bola Ahmed Tinubu group, Tinubu Support Group(TSG)has launched a blistering response to allegations made against Asiwaju Tinubu by journalist and public affairs commentator, Reuben Abati.

Abati had on Monday accused Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu of having a totalitarian grip over Lagos and as well describing his presidential ambition dead on arrival.

The group who spoke through its Head of Media and Publicity, Oluwatosin Johnson, said it is unfortunate that some naysayers in the pen profession in our clime have made it a pastime to bring down any personality not in their good books at all costs no matter how good the personality is.

According to him, Tinubu’s detribalised nature is second to none, judging from the composition of his government as Lagos State Governor, which encompassed all tribes.

"If you critically take cognizance of Nigeria’s leaders and their contributions to human development, you would see that Tinubu believes that the true essence of leadership is mentoring others.

" Having served two-terms as Governor of Lagos state, Asiwaju Tinubu has the experience and expertise to restore peace in Nigeria’s troubled spots and make the country much more attractive for foreign investment.

"We understand that the thought of a formidable force as Tinubu scorned on many occasions by the haters, might have put the many camps in a panic mode, resulting into so many biased opinion by attention seekers and hack writers prowling the land.

" Tinubu has remained a unifying figure in Nigeria's political space, a fact most Nigerians know and are expectedly hoping for him to join the 2023 Presidential contest", the group declared.

An American-based Nigerian and Edo State-born Mr. Kenneth Iyobosa Osadiaye who is a Medical Practitioner in the United States of America has launched a mega filling station in Benin City Edo State Nigeria the heartbeat of the nation. 

The launch event which was held on the 3rd of April 2021,  was well attended by business mogul in the oil and gas sector and other prominent personalities in the state. 

The Chief Executive Officer Kidaye Oil Gas Limited Mr. Kenneth Iyobosa Osadiaye, while appreciating guest and well-wishers who turned out in their numbers to attend the grand opening of the mega filling station, said haven't spent so long in the United States of America it was time to also give back to his home state, he said his passion has always been to return home to contribute his quota in his state Edo and see that the residents are gainfully employed and help the youths to also shun social vices, as the grand opening of the mega filling station will see them gainfully employed.

The Chief Executive Officer Kidaye Oil Gas Limited Mr. Kenneth Iyobosa Osadiaye, while acknowledging the fact that this event was only made possible through the power of God Almighty and the hard work he has put in over the years in the United States of America.
Finally, He thanked all the guests, well-wishers, who attended the grand opening of the mega filling station.

By David Onmeje



Sometime in 2020, the Director- General of the World Health Organization (WHO), Dr. Tedros Adhanom, wisecracked; “Without health, people have nothing; without health, we have nothing as humanity.” Unmistakably, the global health specialist, again re-echoed the indispensability of an excited and happier humanity only when it is steeped in good health.

Nigeria is Africa’s most populous nation and with a population of over 200 million people, issues of public health have always been the concern of successive Governments in the country. Public healthcare delivery is also topmost on the cards of President Muhammadu Buhari’s administration. Firstly, Mr. President vowed to vacate Nigeria’s inglorious status as a nation still plagued by poliomyelitis (wild poliovirus) pandemic.

And after a painstaking search, President Buhari appointed Mr. Faisal Shuaib, a medical doctor; homebred and later, American-trained public health specialist as the Executive Director/Chief Executive Officer (CEO), National Primary Health Care Development Agency (NPHCDA) in January 2017. He parades unimpeachable records in management of public health issues globally. Dr. Shuaib spent productive time and years at the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation (BMGF) Seattle USA, as a Senior Program Officer, where he excelled.

At BMGF, Nigeria’s NPHCDA boss now, mastered the rudiments of developing and implementing strategies on polio outbreak response in Africa. So, his 2017 job in Nigeria was like walking on a familiar terrain with a wave of the hand. Frankly, dealing with Nigeria’s largely rural based population and a citizenry with diverse cultures and religious beliefs were nightmares beyond the proverbial storm in a tea cup.

But the leadership of NPHCDA fell on a seedy soil in Dr. Faisal Shuaib. He was extremely worried at the dearth of quality Primary Health Care (PHC) services in Nigeria generally. He voiced it at several fora that Nigeria only takes care of about 20%, instead of at least 70% of primary healthcare delivery to the people. So, he sought to change the narrative and today, most State Governments in Nigeria have prioritized PHC services as the fulcrum of Government, thus lessening the burden on secondary and tertiary health institutions.

In spite of the difficulties, Dr. Faisal Shuaib braved the odds very courageously with a mind fixated on success to end the plaque of wild polio in Nigeria. Therefore, in June 2020, the Africa Regional Certification Commission, an independent body mandated by WHO to oversee and certify the African region as polio-free, declared Nigeria as absolutely exculpated from the endemic poliovirus.

Nigeria was the only country on the African continent which withheld WHO’s certification of polio eradication. But Dr. Shuaib untied the knot in the collaboration with USAID by strengthening national health infrastructure systems and immunization. He faithfully and victoriously battled the scourge of poliovirus.

Upon defeat of poliovirus, Dr. Shuaib heaved a sigh of relief and excitedly exclaimed; “An amazing moment in our history…The Nigeria team led by NPHCA and partners demonstrated evidence of our polio-free status.” It was a earth-shattering point in Nigeria’s public health history.

But the eradication of the troublesome and somewhat, disgraceful wild poliovirus was merely Dr. Shuaib’s litmus test. No one, including soothsayers had an inkling of an impending and more dangerously explosive public health issue, which manifested with the outbreak of the global COVID-19 pandemic. When COVID-19 broke out, it shuddered the world, massively spreading and killing. For the first time in a long while, even developed economies and nations with sophistry in medical technology bowed to the might of a deadly health scourge.

Luckily, through Dr. Faisal Shuaib’s astuteness and leadership ingenuity at NPHCDA, Nigeria has gone down in world history books as a country, which effectively controlled and managed the outbreak of COVID-19 pandemic. It shocked other nations of the world that Nigeria had a little over 157, 000 confirmed cases of COVID-19 and less than 2,000 deaths, from the pandemic; whilst other countries around the globe recorded millions of infected people and deaths.

However, Dr. Shuaib proved his leadership mettle more translucently when COVID-19 vaccine was developed and certified by WHO for the immunization of people to curb the spread of coronavirus globally. In Nigeria, regressive partisanship, cultural and religious beliefs or prohibitions combined to frustrate or stifle the vaccination of Nigerians.

Indeed, some skeptics and doomsayers predicted a failure of the Buhari Presidency to effectively administer the initial 3.92 million doses of the Oxford/AstraZeneca vaccine on the people. Mr. Cheta Nwanze, of the Lagos-based risk consultancy firm, SBM Intelligence, bluntly proclaimed through an email; “There are quite a number of factors that work against Dr Shuaib’s hopes. We don’t have the money, and the infrastructure to distribute this amount (sic) of vaccines.”

Impressively though, the NPHCDA boss has disappointed his critics and perpetual wailers. While his adversaries mouthed all manner of insanities, it least occurred to them that a famed horse rider was on the horse in Dr. Shuaib’s personage.

In 2014, Dr. Shuaib was the main pillar of Nigeria’s successful response to the outbreak of the Ebola Virus Disease (EVD), as the Head/Coordinator of the Ebola Emergency Operation Centre (EEOC). He established comprehensive structures that provided quality diagnostic, treatment, care and monitoring of EVD patients’ contacts with friends and family members.

Therefore, superintending on the administration of the COVID-19 vaccine immunization on Nigerians was another familiar turf and merely icing of his cake, unknown to his critics. When Nigeria took delivery of the initial 3.92 million doses of the COVAX facility on March 2nd 2021, trailing after Ghana and Cote d’Ivoire, Dr. Shuaib knew, another national assignment has beckoned on him to save humanity.

Faisal Shuaib rolled out a masterplan and procedures for the COVID-19 vaccination administration. The NPHCDA boss is steadily executing it and hopes to vaccinate 40% of Nigeria’s population of over 200 million by the end of the year 2021, and to achieve the feat of 70 % by 2022, with subsequent receipt of the doses of the COVAX facility.

Storage facilities and distribution of the COVID-19 vaccines throughout the federation, especially in rural communities were the haunting nightmares of Nigerians. The vaccines require a cold storage temperature of about 70 degrees Celsius in ultra-cold chain equipments, in a country still grappling with the problem of epileptic public power supply. But Dr. Shuaib perceived it as the least among the motley of problems confronting him. So, he engaged the services of the private sector for ultra-cold storage facilities for storage and distribution of the vaccines. So, no Nigerian has complained of an expired COVID-19 vaccine administered on him.

Dr. Shuaib set his targets and priorities perfectly. His first obsession was vaccinating medical doctors and public health workers as well as other publicly exposed workers. So, with vociferous public campaigns, preachments and involvement of all public health stakeholders, the NPHCDA boss has crossed the benchmark of success in the administration of COVID-19 vaccines in the country.

Nigerians have now broken the protocols and timelines Dr. Shuaib fixed for the gradual vaccination of different categories of people, depending on the delivery of the COVAX facility. COVID-19 vaccines are now crazily sought by Nigerians in every state and everywhere. A 42-year-old medical doctor, Mr. Ngong Cyprian, exclaimed after taking the vaccine; “I want everybody to be vaccinated. I am happy to be the first and I am happy I am not the last.”

But the best part of Dr. Shuaib’s leadership of NPHCDA is that has ensured every COVID-19 vaccine landing in Nigeria is duly tested, certified and approved by relevant local and international bodies as safe and effective for use by Nigerians. The agency is actively working with NAFDAC, and other sister agencies to ensure Nigerians get the best in protection of public health.

Therefore, President Buhari never made a mistake by reappointing Dr. Faisal Shuaib for a second term in January 2021. With him at NPHCDA, the coronavirus pandemic is no longer a mystery to Nigerians. #StaySafeCoronavirusIsReal!

Onmeje is a UK based public affairs analyst. Email: daonmeje@outlook

The Coalition for Truth and Justice (CTJ) has called on the Minister of Defence, Bashir Salihi Magashi, to clear his name from the controversial purchase of security equipment. 

The group noted that Magashi must explain how his ministry expended the $1billion approved by the Federal Government in April 2018. 

Speaking at a press conference on Wednesday in Abuja, national coordinator, Timothy Charles, described the minister's silence as "unholy" and an "embarrassment" to the administration of President Muhammadu Buhari. 

Charles said the group is alarmed that the Chief of Army Staff, Lt Gen. Attahiru Ibrahim is carrying out acts to shield the minister.

The Coalition for Truth and Justice, therefore, advised the COAS to be bold enough to stand by the truth instead of being clever by half and attempting to insult the sensibilities of Nigerians. 

The group also urged all well-meaning Nigerians to demand that the minister comes out clear by providing facts and details on arms procurement under his watch. 

While absorbing the former service chiefs of any involvement, the Coalition for Truth and Justice added that Magashi must come clean for Nigerians to take the FG more seriously in its quest to address the security challenges in the country. 

Read the full statement below: 

The Coalition for Truth and Justice, a non-governmental organization in Nigeria dedicated to the entrenchment of transparency and accountability in governance in Nigeria, welcomes you all to this important press conference that is intended to address some of the pertinent issues that have surrounded the $1 billion released for the purchase of arms in the prosecution of the war against terrorism and other acts of criminalities across the country. 

We must agree that these issues are of great importance to the well-being of the country at large, given the country's security challenges in recent times as well as the government's efforts in addressing these challenges. 

It is common knowledge that the Muhammadu Buhari administration had in April 2018 approved the release of $1 billion to Nigerian Defence authorities for the purchase of security equipment to fight insecurity in the country under the purview of the Ministry of Defence. 

Thus, it is pertinent to state that since the coming of the Muhammadu Buhari administration, arms purchases have been domiciled with the Ministry of Defence and not individual services as erroneously projected in the public space. 

It is also succinct to state that the Honorable Minister of Defence, who is in charge of the Ministry of Defence, should provide answers to questions surrounding arms purchase in the country. It is thus despicable that there has been some well-orchestrated attempt by some vested interest to divert attention from the Minister of Defence. 

We are constrained to add that the statement credited to the Chief of Army Staff, Lt. Gen. Ibrahim Attahiru, during his appearance before the House of Representatives is diversionary and an indication that he is carrying out the whims and caprices of the Honorable Minister of Defence. 

The Coalition for Truth and Justice views the recent happenings as a sad development in the sense that as a high ranking officer of the Nigerian Army and one who is conversant with the operational procedures in the Nigerian Military would elect to feign ignorance to an issue as sensitive as arms purchase in the prosecution of the war against terrorism in the country. 

We are aware that the Ministry of Defence is responsible for arms purchases and the unholy silence of the Honorable Minister of Defence in this regard leaves many questions unanswered. This is also an embarrassment of unimaginable proportion to the Muhammadu Buhari administration that the Honourable Minister of Defence cannot articulate a response to the questions surrounding the monies meant for arms purchase. 

The Coalition for Truth and Justice uses this medium to call on the Honorable Minister to come out clear by providing the much-needed information surrounding the $1billion released to purchase arms. 

If this is not the case, we then wonder why the Honorable Minister of Defence has elected to play to the gallery in a case as sensitive as this. More alarming is that the Chief of Army Staff has been carrying out acts that aim to shield the Honorable Minister of Defence. 

The Coalition for Truth and Justice frowns at such display and wishes to advise the Chief of Army Staff to be bold enough to stand by the truth instead of being clever by half and attempting to insult the sensibilities of Nigerians. 

We are constrained to add that if the Chief of Army Staff who has barely spent months in office would not be bold enough to call a spade a spade, we are afraid that his ability to lead the prestigious Nigerian Army is indeed questionable. 

It is also curious that the Chief of Army Staff could ask that the past service chief be invited to answer questions on arms procurement during their tenures. This is indeed an anomaly that all well-meaning Nigerians must resist.  

This also goes to the Honorable Minister of Defence, who, by his actions, has displayed that he does not have a grasp of the operational strategies of the Armed Forces of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.  

It is our considered opinion that the Honorable Minister of Defence must, as a matter of necessity and urgency, provide the general public details on how the $1billion was expended under his watch in the spirit of transparency and accountability. 

The Coalition for Truth and Justice calls on all well-meaning Nigerians to demand that the Honorable Minister of Defence come out clear by providing facts and details on arms procurement under his watch. 

Therefore, it would be inexcusable for the Honorable Minister of Defence to continue to shy away from his responsibilities by pushing a distractive narrative in the public space. And not until this is done, the government's seriousness in the prosecution of the war against terrorism would always be called to question. 

The general public must also be aware that the former service chiefs were never involved in arms procurement and must do good to ignore the well-orchestrated campaign in this regard. Consequently, the Honorable Minister of Defence must come out to clear the air if we are indeed serious in addressing the security challenges in the country.  

This is the position of the Coalition for Truth and Justice as critical stakeholders in the entrenchment of transparency and accountability in governance in Nigeria. 

We thank you for your time and charge all present to take this message to their various constituencies. 

God bless Nigeria. 

God bless the Armed Forces of the Federal Republic of Nigeria. 

Thank you.

Governor Obaseki's spurious, alarmist, untrue, and wicked claims on Nigeria's Economy

The Chairman, Caretaker Committee of the All Progressive Congress, APC, Edo State, Col David Imus has described as “spurious, alarmist, untrue and wicked”, the allegation by Governor Godwin Obaseki that Nigerians will soon wake up like the South American country, Argentina.

Col Imus in a statement by the Edo APC Assistant Publicity Secretary, Victor Osehobo also described as laughable, unwarranted, and unfounded claims, credited to Governor Obaseki last week, that the country's economic situation is more critical now because of the huge amount borrowed to service it, adding that the situation is a classic case of the Pot calling the Kettle black.

He said, " the true position is that under Governor Obaseki's watch, the economy of Edo state is in dire straits with the Governor bereft of ideas about how to get it out, with a foreign debt of $300million and a domestic debt including loans from commercial banks, the capital market, and other doubtful sources, approaching N120billion as at March this year, for non-existent projects"!

According to the Edo APC chairman, "In the past seven months, Governor Obaseki has plunged Edo state into higher debts by taking more loans which have seen a 67 percent increase in its debt profile. Edo state under Governor Obaseki has overtaken Rivers state as the state with the highest foreign and domestic debt in South-South Nigeria, and is on a steady course to displace Lagos as Nigeria's most indebted State".

Col Imuse added that Edo State now spends more money servicing debts than on education, healthcare, and infrastructure without a State Cabinet and an aged public service, whereas other states are working assiduously at reducing the debt burden on their citizens.

"Some state governments have embarked on the reduction of their domestic debts as of the end of September 2020 according to the Debt Management Office which lists Kogi state government as having reduced the state debt from a cumulative N132.5 billion it was as of December 31, 2019, to N73, 314,904,696.35", Col Imuse added

Col Imus said that the PDP Edo state government led by Governor Obaseki is right now holding tenaciously to straws, by personalizing his criticism of the Nigerian government, and urged the governor not to hide under the title of Investment Banker to earn cheap fame.

He admonished Governor Obaseki to, “use the form created by the National Economic Council, the Nigerian Governors Forum and the Nigerian Economic Summit, of which he is a member to offer useful ideas, if he has any, rather than singling himself out for pediatric applause, because the management of Nigeria's economy is not just the responsibility of one person, but that of the Nigerian government, of which he is a part".

“For the governor's puerile claims to hold water, which it cannot, it has to be backed with facts, not speaking blindly with a pocket of sycophants at his Benin office. Everybody today knows that since 2015 when APC came on the scene, Nigeria has been on the path of progress and things are much better than how PDP left it.”

The Tinubu Support Group( TSG)on Sunday, faulted and countered statements made by Farooq Kperogi, a newspaper columnist, casting aspersions on the state of health of the National Leader of the APC, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

In a statement issued in Abuja, Oluwatosin Johnson, Head Media and Publicity of TSG denied Kperogi's wild claims and urged him to uphold the ethics of journalism practice without being mischievous.

Oluwatosin condemned Kperogi's hypothetical submission, describing his narratives as fallacious and idiotic.

The group said it was shocked by Kperogi's “curious and spurious allegations” declaring that "Asiwaju Tinubu is medically sound and fit to undertake any National assignments whatsoever ".

"Kperogi appears to have his facts or information mixed up somewhere. He must be confusing someone else with Asiwaju,”
The National Leader has been enjoying and continues to enjoy sound health to the utter shame of his detractors".

While urging Nigerians to shun falsehood surrounding the state of Asiwaju's health, the group said Kperogi's mischief should be viewed from the prism of his planting of fake news about Asiwaju Tinubu's health in the cyberspace for the very intent of later citing same as the source of this information with the intent of misinforming Nigerians about Asiwaju’s health.

" We Admonish those playing evil politics with human health to repent and turn a new leaf as no human being has the key over any other's life or death except God!".

The Tinubu Support Group(TSG) has felicitated with Christians on the occasion of Easter Celebrations which commemorates the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ.

The group, in a statement by its Head Media and Publicity, Oluwatosin Johnson, urged citizens to imbibe the selfless attributes displayed by Jesus Christ.

“As we merry with friends, families and other loved ones on this occasion, we implore all and sundry to also remember the essence of Easter which is encapsulated in love, sacrifice and suffering that Jesus Christ personifies for humanity,” the group said.

The group counselled that love and tolerance should tower above violence, killings, agitations, and other divisive tendencies.

“In our collective efforts to progress as a nation, we must all rise above our perceived differences which pit brothers and sisters against themselves. Love and tolerance should be our watchwords.”

The group tasked Nigerians to use the occasion of Easter to pray for the safety and wellbeing of the Armed Forces and other security personnel that toil day and night in ensuring the safety of the citizenry.

It also used the opportunity to seek the continuous prayers and support of Nigerians for the Muhammadu Buhari-led administration.

*Lekki Massacre: Group wants Amnesty International, others sanctioned after US vindicates Nigerian Army*

Following a report by the United States Department of State on the alleged killing of protesters at the Lekki toll gate, the Centre for African Liberation and Socio-Economic Rights (CALSER) has called for sanctions on Amnesty International, Cable News Network (CNN) and others for misleading the world. 

The group said the US has vindicated the Nigerian Army of any wrongdoing during the protest in Lagos, exposing the conspiracy by Amnesty and its cohorts. 

The report tagged ‘2020 Country Reports on Human Rights Practices: Nigeria' released on March 30, 2021, said claims that Nigerian forces killed protesters were "unverified". 

It explained that accurate information on fatalities resulting from the shooting was not available at the end of the year.

And speaking on behalf of CALSER, Executive Director, Ayima Aluor, welcomed the U.S' report as it emphasises that the "bulk of the information in the public space was meant for mischief purposes and not a reflection of the events that transpired at the Lekki Tollgate". 

According to Aluor, AI acted in malaise and must be sanctioned to serve as a deterrent to others notorious for spreading fake news to the detriment of peace and unity in Nigeria. 

The group further called on the United States to identify and blacklist staff of AI behind the mischievous report, denying an entry visa to the country for the next 10 years.

While demanding an unreserved apology from the supposed human rights group to the Nigerian Army, CALSER warned sponsors of acts of political violence in Nigeria to desist from their nefarious activities. 

Read the full statement below: 

The leadership of the Centre for African Liberation and Socio-Economic Rights welcomes you all to the critical press conference in light of the United States Department of State's recent statement in its 2020 Reports on Human Rights Practices in Nigeria. 

It is instructive to state that the events that led to the infamous EndSARS protests across Nigeria indeed opened a Pandora’s Box on the various conspiracies against the Nigeria Army's efforts in protecting and preserving the nascent democracy in Nigeria. 

The Centre for African Liberation and Socio-Economic Rights views the statement as a welcome development for all lovers of democracy because it has indeed exposed the conspiracy against the Nigerian Army by Amnesty International and its cohorts. 

The report was quite elaborate and explicit. It stated that the claims made by some organizations such as Amnesty International regarding the number of casualties at the Lekki Tollgate could not be verified. 

It is thus our considered view that the Nigerian Army has been vindicated, which by and large reinforces the fact that the bulk of the information in the public space was meant for mischief purposes and not a reflection of the events that transpired at the Lekki Tollgate. 

It is said that the likes of Amnesty International indeed went to town with a disjointed narrative meant to mislead the members of the unsuspecting general public towards wiping up sentiments and discrediting the invaluable role towards addressing the mayhem that was unleashed in the polity by some vested interest. 

This is on the heels that the report explicitly stated that there is no evidence to back up the claims that, indeed, the Nigerian Army fired live bullets into the crowd of protesters at the Lekki Tollgate. We also wish to state that the conflicting numbers of casualties are the handiwork of paid political distractors hiding under human rights groups' nomenclature. 

The statement further highlighted that accurate information on fatalities resulting from the shooting was not available at year's end. Amnesty International reported ten persons died during the event, but the government disputed Amnesty's report, and no other organization was able to verify the claim.

The implication of the above stated is that Amnesty International acted in malaise and a reason why we are demanding an unreserved apology from Amnesty International and other unscrupulous groups for attempting to cause a crisis of unimaginable proportion.  

The Centre for African Liberation and Socio-Economic Rights uses this medium to call on the relevant authorities to impose sanctions on Amnesty International to deter other individuals and groups that are notorious for spreading fake news at the detriment of peace and unity in Nigeria. 

The likes of Amnesty International must be blacklisted for its mischievous narrative of a massacre at the Lekki Tollgate against the Nigerian Army. We are consequently demanding that Amnesty International and her staff and all persons behind the mischievous campaign against the Nigerian Army regarding the EndSARS protest in Nigeria be denied an entry visa to the United States of America for the next ten years.

This is especially important in light of the new revelation that has exposed the various conspiracies against the Nigerian authorities' efforts towards the preservation of nascent democracy in the country. 

The Centre for African Liberation and Socio-Economic Rights is also conscious that if such anomaly is allowed to thrive, the larger consequences might be too big for Nigeria to bear given the spate of politically motivated tension in the country. 

We also wish to use this medium to sound a note of warning to the sponsors of acts of political violence to desist from their nefarious activities as we shall not hesitate to mobilized Nigerians in their numbers to take to the street in a peaceful protest demanding an end to the activities of Amnesty International and other individuals and groups that are spreading fake news and misleading members of the unsuspecting general public. 

Thus, our desire that the United States Department of State's statement should indeed reawaken the consciousness in Nigerians that certainly Amnesty International does not mean well for the country. As such, all must be done to ensure that its highly misleading campaign against Nigeria is nipped in the bud. 

This message is also intended for all those acting as proxies for Amnesty International in the country to desist from any further campaign of deceit and illogical conclusions, as Nigerians are now more enlightened on issues of national interest. 

The Centre for African Liberation and Socio-Economic Rights would remain at the vanguard of ensuring that individuals and groups with ulterior motives are exposed in the quest for peace and sustainable growth and development. 

We thank you all for your time and attention. We desire that Nigeria shall overcome its adversaries within the shortest possible time. 

God bless Nigeria.

The National Inter-Faith Religious Organizations for Peace (NIFROP) is appalled by the anti-vaccine stance of the founder of Christ Embassy, Pastor Chris Oyakhilome, who has issued messages to discourage people from taking the COVID-19 vaccines.

NIFROP is concerned that “Oyakhilome has taken his showmanship too far without regard for how his campaign of misinformation impacts the lives of people who treat the utterances emanating from him as the dictate of God.”

According to the faith-based group, the sanctity of the pulpit should not be abused in this manner as it is totally unacceptable that persons who should minister healing are teaching rebellion.

NIFROP disclosed this in a statement by its Director of Media, Reverend Samson Edeh. It believes Oyakhilome got it wrong because COVID-19 vaccine saves lives.

The statement read, “It is our view that Jesus Christ could have healed the blind man as recounted in (Jn. 9:1-7) by merely declaring healing but still chose to use mud because the things created by God are meant for the use of mankind in all ramifications including in the restoration of health and prevention of ill health. The vaccines that Pastor Chris ignorantly canvassed against were researched, developed and produced by human beings created by God in addition to being sourced from sources created by God, so how can they be anti-faith as he proclaimed?

“We find it worrisome that Pastor Chris continues to exploit the people in Nigeria owing to the sectarian sensitivities that allow him to get away with capital murder. It is on record that the regulatory agency for broadcasting in the United Kingdom, Ofcom, slammed him with more than N65 million in fines for spreading the same falsehood through his Loveworld Television. Had the institutional framework in Nigeria being as robust as it is in the United Kingdom, this charlatan would have been slammed with fines in the vicinity of billions of naira, given the potential damage that his unsubstantiated claims would cause the populace.

“NIFROP encourages Nigerians irrespective of their creed to continue to take the vaccine and adhere to all guidelines and protocol for managing the spread of COVID-19 virus because it is right to do so.

“We appeal to the clergy not to shy away from exhorting their members to take the COVID-19 vaccine, which requires faith to be effective anyway. Those entrusted with being shepherds of the flock should not become the death of the flock entrusted to them in a bid to be populist compliant. The fact that some hardcore conspiracy theorists are demonizing vaccination against COVID-19 is not enough reason for people who call themselves men of God to go cheap.

“We further call for those who truly worship God to rise up in condemnation of the misleading campaign that Pastor Chris is waging to discourage people from being vaccinated and thus prevent themselves from falling ill or even dying. No true pastor will encourage his congregants to be suicidal irrespective of how attractive such an option appears to those who have become indoctrinated to not see the danger that their spiritual mentor poses to mankind.

“We demand that the relevant agencies in Nigeria follow the path of Ofcom and visit Pastor Chris Oyakhilome with the corresponding sanctions for all the infractions he has committed in Nigeria by putting out the wrong information about the vaccine.”

Recall that the United Kingdom government had fined Pastor Oyakhilome, £125,000 for unsubstantiated conspiracy theories about COVID-19.

In an effort to draft the National leader of the All Progressives Congress(APC), Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu into the 2023 Presidential race, a support group has started rallying support for him in Kano State and other parts of Nigeria. If you could Recal that Gazzete news blog first broke the news about the group's activities and office address situated in highbrow maitama in Abuja last year November.

The group called ‘Tinubu Support Group’(TSG) has expressed its desire to persuade the former Governor of Lagos State to heed the calls of Nigerians to serve the nation and also to rally support for him as a birthday gift.

Already, leaders of the group in Kano have appealed to all stakeholders to work and make sure that Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu is elected to Aso Rock Presidential Villa in 2023.

While demonstrating their love and support for Asiwaju, the group undertook a procession to rally support for him around Kano metropolis

The Arewa Youth Council (AYC) has expressed strong support for Governor Abdullahi Ganduje's plan to host the scheduled annual Bola Tinubu's Colloquium in Kano State Government House describing Arewa Youth Consultative Forum's (AYCF)attacks on the Governor as provocative, ill-advised and apparently sponsored.

Spokesman of the Arewa Youth Council, Mohammed Hussaini, in a statement in Abuja on Sunday affirmed that the forum was shocked to read statements from Arewa Youth Consultative Forum (AYCF) against the hosting of Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu Colloquium in Kano State Government House.

The group disssociated itself completely from the position of the AYCF.

“We reserve the right as critical stakeholders in the Northern Nigerian Project to dissociate our people from the strange position of the AYCF.
“As a people and as a movement formed to ensure, contribute and propel the development of our region, we hereby restate our unalloyed support for any personality in the mould of Asiwaju Tinubu who means so well for the North".

"It is impossible for us to be party to a sponsored campaign of calumny against such people that desire the well-being of our region just for political gains,” the group added.

COVID-19: Group clears air on Oxford/AstraZeneca vaccine, urges citizens to support NPHCDA’s efforts


The National Vanguard for Covd-19 Vaccine Administration and Advocacy says there is no need for panic over the Oxford/AstraZeneca vaccine, assuring Nigerians that it is safe and effective for the cure of the coronavirus.

The group, which gave this assurance at a press conference on Thursday in Abuja, noted that the
benefits of the vaccine outweigh the risk or any side effects it may pose.

It also hailed the National Primary Health Care Development Agency (NPHCDA), at the forefront of the distribution, administration and sensitisation of Nigerians on the vaccine.

Recall that several European countries recently stopped the administration of the vaccine over reports of blood clots in recipients.

The European Medicines Agency (EMA), World Health Organisation and other global health bodies have, however, dispelled fears against the shot which provides “100% efficacy over severe or critical disease and hospitalization.”

And after an independent analysis, the National Vanguard for Covd-19 Vaccine Administration and Advocacy also submitted that the vaccine is safe for Nigerians.

In his address, the group's Director of Publicity and Enlightenment, Nathaniel Agada, frowned at Governor Yahaya Bello of Kogi State over his approach to the contagion and vaccines.

Citing Covid-skeptic late Tanzanian President, Joseph Magufuli, as an reference, Agada said the governor is misguided and his "myopic decision" can only bring misfortune to him and his people.

While urging all patriotic citizens to show support for NPHCDA's efforts, the group added that everyone must be vaccinated for their own safety.

Read full statement below:

INTRODUCTION

Due to the effect of the Covid-19 pandemic across the globe, such concerns were raised, and lots of focus have been on the different Health sectors in expectant to come up with a resolute on tackling the threat.

The coronavirus is one of our modern day's greatest global, human challenge. Now more than ever, access to evidence about the health and socio-economic impact is key to inform the general public and decision-makers in a moment of crisis like this. The need for evidence-based decision-making has never been this greater.

The COVID-19 pandemic is presenting unprecedented challenges for us all, from its effects on our everyday lives to its impacts on the world’s economies. Beyond the tragic health hazards and human consequences of the COVID-19 pandemic, the economic uncertainties, and disruptions that have resulted come at a significant cost to the global economy concerning the demographic, social, and economic implications on the Nigerian population.

The Federal Government in partnership with the National Health Care Development Agency (NPHCDA) and other concerned Health sectors has taken a great step in saving the lives of Her citizens by administering the approved and safe Corona vaccine to every household.

Matters Arising

The arrival of the AstraZeneca vaccine into Nigeria has brought great relief upon the country that has been numbered with a load of tackling the Corona Virus epidemic. Thanks to the immense efforts of the Nigerian government, the horned demon also known as COVID-19 has been effectively arrested in the country. The mortality rate of the virus has been very low. Now, the Buhari led administration has taken the fight to another level by the importation of the COVID-19 vaccine into the country and distributing it to all the states in the country.

According to the Presidential Task Force  (PTF), no fewer than 8000 people have been vaccinated across the country. This is an incredible step towards ensuring a COVID-19 free country. We, the National Coalition for Vaccine Administration (NCVA) highly commend the president of the Federal Republic of Nigeria and his administration and the National Primary Health Care Development Agency (NPHCDA) for working tirelessly in ensuring the health and safety of the citizens of Nigeria. Now we can proudly say that Nigeria is headed in the right direction in maintaining a healthy and vibrant nation.

Several experts in the past had predicted that when the Cocid 19 pandemic hits African countries like Nigeria, it would bring with it a complete disaster. President Muhammadu led the administration and the NPHCDA worked hard to prove these experts wrong. The NCDC also contributed immensely to the fight against COVID-19.

The AstraZeneca-Oxford vaccine properly or AZD1222 vaccine is a vaccine used for the prevention of the novel Corona Virus in individuals aged 18 and above. It works by teaching the body how to fight the virus whenever it is infected.

It has been listed for emergency use by the World Health Organization and is safe and effective for use. This is based on findings from large-scale clinical trials around the world.

The AstraZeneca vaccine arrived in Nigeria on the 2nd of March and the vaccination campaign commenced on the 5th of March. The Nigerian government has stated that its goal is to vaccinate at least 70 per cent of the country's population.

Since the commencement of the vaccination campaign, a sundry of frontline health workers and government officials including President Muhammadu Buhari and several state governors have been vaccinated.

Amidst the vaccination campaign, there have been several concerns raised over the safety of the vaccine such as its effectiveness and possible side effects. These concerns have been the cause of several scepticisms thrown at the vaccine. Many people are afraid of being vaccinated including some healthcare professionals. This is a myopic mindset as it has been proven that the benefits of the vaccine far outweigh its side effects.

Since the creation of the vaccine, more than 15 countries, especially in Europe, have suspended the use of the vaccine over concerns raised of the vaccine causing blood clotting in some of its recipients.

Many Nigerians have voiced their concerns over why the Nigerian government hasn't put a stop to the use of the vaccine in the country despite the reports on side effects and the halting of the vaccination in several countries such as Germany, France, Spain and South Africa.

FINDINGS

Permit us to briefly analyze several findings and data that have proven that the worries raised over the use of the vaccine are utterly meaningless.

To clear the air, over 300 million doses of COVID-19 vaccines have been administered globally so far, and there has been no recorded death owing to the use of the vaccine.

The European Medicines Agency’s safety committee recently concluded its preliminary review of a signal of blood clots in individuals vaccinated with COVID-19 Vaccine AstraZeneca at its meeting on the 18th of March 2021.

The Committee confirmed that:

The benefits of the vaccine in combating the COVID-19 virus outweigh the risk, or any side effects it may pose.

That the vaccine is not associated with an increase in the overall risk of blood clots in those who receive it.

That there is no evidence of complications related to specific batches of the vaccine or specific manufacturing sites.

That around 20 million people in the UK and the European Economic Area had received the vaccine as of the 16th day of March 2021 and the EMA had reviewed only 7 cases of blood clots in multiple blood vessels (disseminated intravascular coagulation, DIC) and 18 cases of Cerebral venous sinus thrombosis (CVST).

As we can all see, there should be no cause for alarm regarding the possible side effects of the AstraZeneca vaccine.

It is unfortunate that all state governors, aside from Kogi State governor, have launched vaccination programs in their states. This involved the public vaccination of the state governors and strategic leaders to underscore the confidence in the safety and effectiveness of the vaccine.

The Kogi state government has rejected the use of the vaccine claiming the vaccine is dangerous and meant to kill. This a blind decision made by the governor. It is a misguided myopic decision that only aims to bring possible misfortune. It makes me question what his advisers and members of his administration are thinking. Any wise leader should fully comprehend the risks of making such a decision upon his people. The people of Kogi State like every other Nigerians deserve to be kept safe and healthy, and their vaccination would be the right step towards achieving that.

Governor Yahaya Bello should get rid of his obnoxious obduracy and accept the vaccination of the people of his state.

The misfortune that befell Magufuli of Tanzania should serve as a deterrent to the Kogi State governor. Joseph Magufuli just like the governor of Kogi state failed to heed ceaseless warnings regarding his imprudent decisions and disaster came knocking soon. Governor Yahaya Bello's unwise decision might not only lead to his misfortune but also cause harm to a lot of people involved. He has no excuse for his decision. He has shown himself to be an incompetent leader in many regards.

He has failed to put the interests of the people of Kogi State first. The people of Kogi state are at a dangerously high level of risk by not being vaccinated. If peradventure another wave of the pandemic hits Kogi State, we might get an alarming increase in infection reports and the number of deaths in the state. It might end up being a case of had I known.

The Governor of Kogi state should learn from our dear president how he has the interests of the Nigerian Citizen first in his heart. He already set an example by also taking a jab of the vaccine. Now he can rest assured that he safe from the virus. This is a good example of a leader and Yahaya Bello will do well to emulate.  The governor must turn a new leaf and strive to protect the lives of the people of Kogi State

CONCLUSION

The National Coalition for Administration is very much aware of the fact that these rumours have a political undertone, and are laced with political inclinations and grievances.

We call on every patriotic citizen to dispel the rumours about the AstraZeneca Vaccine posing any threat to Health. It is believed that no vaccine can ever be administered in a state, country, let alone Globally, without it being screened, or has undergone series of lab tests to gain approval by the necessary Health bodies, stakeholders, agencies, and Ministry.

This is a vaccine that is administered globally; by gaining its acceptance and recommendation from relevant stakeholders, including the World Health Organization (WHO). This is the major reason why the federal government has chosen this particular vaccine.

The EU’s health authority and the WHO have maintained that the benefits of the vaccine far outweigh any risk it could ever pose.

The Federal Government, through the Presidential Taskforce on COVID - 19  on March 5  2021, has flagged - off a national COVID - 19 vaccination programme at the National Hospital  Abuja after the vaccine was tested and certified to be effective and safe for use in the country by the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control ( NAFDAC).

RECOMMENDATION

We, therefore, urge every Nigerian to get vaccinated for their benefit, and the benefit of the people living around them. It is now a known fact that the health benefits outweigh any form of risk that may occur from being vaccinated, as this is known to be a deadly virus.

The National Coalition for Administration further urges the Governor of Kogi state to be a great leader to his people by not putting the life of Kogi people at risk. He advised removing the anti-political blindfold on his eyes.

Every life in this country is precious to our President. Ignorance and political hatred will not be excused or permitted to destroy President Muhammadu Buhari led administration.

God bless Nigeria,

God bless President Muhammadu Buhari.

PEF(M)B: Coalition clears Bobboi of nepotism allegations, lauds ES for transparent leadership


The Coalition of Human Rights Groups in Nigeria (CHRGN) has absolved the Executive Secretary of the Petroleum Equalization (Management) Board, Ahmed A. Bobboi of allegations of nepotism. 

The coalition noted that Bobboi has displayed an unalloyed commitment to achieving the mandate of the agency through the introduction of policies that promotes transparency and accountability. 

It said it came to this conclusion after an investigation to ascertain the veracity of the reports that border on workplace discrimination and favouritism. 

After a thorough probe, the CHRGN said it found no evidence to suggest the entrenchment of acts of nepotism and its likes in the operations of the agency. 

Speaking at a press conference on Thursday in Abuja through its President, Comrade Agibi Gabriel, the coalition also faulted the claim of lopsided recruitment in the agency. 

According to Gabriel, these allegations are acts of mischief propagated by some individuals and groups bent on puncturing the agency's smooth operation for reasons best known to them. 

Comrade Gabriel, however, warned individuals and groups bent on discrediting the ES efforts to desist from such unholy endeavours. 

He further said that the coalition shall not hesitate to identify and call out names of such individuals and organisations that are spreading mischief. 

While urging all Nigerians, particularly Civil Society Groups to back Mr Bobboi, the group urged the ES to continue to render selfless service to the country. 

Read full statement below: 

We welcome you all to the important press conference convoked to put issues in proper perspective given the recent events that suggest the entrenchment of acts of nepotism in the Petroleum Equalization (Management) Board. 

As a coalition of Human Rights Monitoring Groups in Nigeria, the various allegations levelled against the Executive Secretary of PEF (M)B attracted our attention. Consequently, we were duty-bound to examine the issues, carry out investigations to ascertain the veracity of such allegations that border on workplace discrimination and favouritism. 

The Coalition of Human Rights Groups in Nigeria sees this mandate as critical because Nigeria belongs to all and not a select few. As such, an act of nepotism and its likes would never be encouraged in all spheres of our social and economic lives. 

After a painstaking effort in analysing the issues with regards to the conduct of the executive secretary of PEF (M) B, we wish to inform the general public and other concerned stakeholders that there is no evidence to suggest the entrenchment of acts of nepotism and its likes in the operations of PEF (M) B. 

We also wish to state that there is considerable evidence indicating that the agency's recruitment processes have been founded on due process and with high regard for merit rather than religious or ethnic considerations as mischievously propagated in the media by some individuals and organisations. 

It is also instructive to mention that the agency's organisational structure is such that it cannot permit any act of nepotism as alleged. The institutional framework for recruitment and postings are such with multilayers of check and balances that involves constant scrutiny by various departments. 

We also wish to state that our findings also showed that the agency's work atmosphere is such that it speaks volumes of plurality and emphasises teamwork, accountability, and transparency. 

This much was further validated by staffer and union leaders who rated the executive secretary's leadership style as high on reward for hard work and with no room for any form of favouritism in the operations of the agency. 

The Coalition of Human Rights Monitoring Groups wishes to state in unequivocal terms that the allegations of nepotism are acts of mischief propagated by some individuals and groups bent on puncturing the agency's smooth operation for reasons best known to them. 

It is our considered opinion that such anomaly should not be allowed to thrive in Nigeria due to the country's plural nature and the consequent implication such might have on the country's overall peace and progress. 

The Coalition of Human Rights Groups in Nigeria is stating that the executive secretary of PEF(M)B has displayed an unalloyed commitment to achieving the mandate of the agency through the introduction of policies that promotes transparency and accountability, promotes cohesion amongst staffers as well as the emphasis placed on staff welfare. 

The leadership style of the executive secretary is indeed a lesson in leadership from all our findings. He is a stickler for time and one that abhors any form of ethnic or religious sentiments. He has also ensured that staffers remain productive in their work by creating an atmosphere that promotes devotion to duty by staff across all grades in the agency. 

We are consequently using this medium to warn individuals and groups that are bent on discrediting the executive secretary's efforts to desist from such unholy endeavours, which serves only to cause a distraction in the fulfilment of the strategic mandate of the agency.

The Coalition of Human Rights Groups in Nigeria shall not hesitate to identify and call out names of such individuals and organisations that are spreading mischief in the public space in the future in their puerile bid to score cheap political points. 

Our considered view is that such endeavours are unpatriotic and must be resisted by well-meaning Nigerians that are desirous of the progress of our country in all aspects of our socio-economic life. 

The Coalition of Human Rights Monitoring Groups in Nigeria is therefore calling on Nigerians to continue to extend their support to President Muhammadu Buhari's administration in that task of leading Nigeria on the path of greatness. 

It is also succinct to add that should Nigerians allow paid political distractors to thrive, we would have ourselves to blame as the task at hand requires all the concentration that it deserves. 

The Coalition of Human Rights Monitoring Groups in Nigeria wishes to encourage the executive secretary of PEF(M)B to continue to render selfless service to the country. We also encourage all relevant stakeholders in the country to extend their support to the executive secretary in this regard. 

I am thanking you all for your time and attention.

Nigeria’s military has taken delivery of VT-4 main battle tanks, SH-5 self-propelled howitzers and other equipment from China in an effort to strengthen its land forces in the battle against Boko Haram militants.

The equipment was acquired from China’s Norinco after being ordered last year under an apparent $152 million contract.

The equipment was unloaded on 8 April and included VT-4 main battle tanks, SH5 105 mm self-propelled artillery and other items.

Nigerian Army Chief of Policy and Plans Lieutenant General Lamidi Adeosun said, “The process of acquiring this has been on for some time but thank God they are coming in now. From this, you can see how serious the Federal Government of Nigeria is in making sure that the Nigerian Army is not only equipped, but contains problem of insecurity we are having across the country.

“This is being tackled with trained personnel and required equipment. What you are seeing here is just a tip of the iceberg. Others are still coming but it is very important that we all see that both the military and the government are really very serious to tackle the security problems across the nation.”

Adeosun said the delivery from China includes main battle tanks, light tanks and two types of artillery.

He added that personnel have been trained in China to operate the equipment.

According to Nigerian media, 17 vehicles were offloaded on Wednesday, including VT-4 main battle tank and ST1 light tanks.

In May 2019, Minister of Defence, Brigadier General Mansur Dan-Ali, said the Nigerian government had provided funding for the acquisition of modern equipment for the Nigerian armed forces, with some in service and others on the way.

This included 35 main battle tanks, 25 Typhoon MRAPs (mine-resistant, ambush protected vehicles), 10 Spartan armoured personnel carriers, 20 Armoured Guard Booths, five armoured mine-clearing vehicles, 50 troop-carrying vehicles and 40 Buffalo vehicles, among others for the Nigerian Army.

In addition, four Ships, 182 rigid hull inflatable and Epenal boats, four inshore patrol craft, two STAN Patrol Vessels and one helicopter were procured for the Nigerian Navy.

The Nigerian Air Force has benefited from the acquisition of 25 fixed wing aircraft and 12 helicopters, Dan-Ali said at the time.

The VT-4 (MBT-3000) main battle tank was built by Norinco for the export market and unveiled internationally in 2012.

The 52-ton vehicle has a crew of three (commander, driver and gunner – an automatic loader reduces crew numbers).

It is armed with a 125 mm smoothbore cannon, a remotely operated 12.7 mm anti-aircraft machine gun and a 7.62 mm coaxial machine gun but can also fire guided missiles.

It can be fitted with a GL5 active protection system.

The vehicle’s fire control unit also comprises roof-mounted panoramic sights, a laser warning device, and a digital gun control system designed to support day and night operation.

A 1 200 hp turbocharged diesel engine gives a maximum speed of 70km/h and range of 500 km.

The SH5 self-propelled artillery system is a development of Norinco’s SH2. It is armed with a 105 mm gun on a 6×6 platform.

The gun has an elevation of zero to 70 degrees with traverse being 30 degrees left and right. Range of the weapon is around 18 km.

The SH5 is fitted with a computerized fire-control system, including GPS navigation and positioning, targeting, and communications systems.

The SH5 has an armoured crew compartment, which is protected again small arms fire and shell splinters.

The vehicle has a top speed of 100 km/h and range of 800 km.

Ekiti State Governor, His Excellency Dr. Kayode Fayemi has pledged that his administration will do more on the security and welfare of Corps members serving in the state. He made the promise when he received the Director General of National Youth Service Corps, Brigadier General Shuaibu Ibrahim in his office in Ado Ekiti, the state capital today 23rd March, 2021.

The governor who condemned in very strong terms the violence that erupted during a bye-election last Saturday at Unit 7, Ward 7 of Omuo Ekiti in Ekiti East Local Government Area of the state, which left Corps member Saidu Mohammed Adamu (EK/20B1251) wounded tendered an unreserved apology to the Corps member and the entire NYSC family over the unfortunate incident, and stated that his administration in conjunction with security agencies are doing everything possible to fish out the papetrators of the heinous crime.

"On behalf of the government and entire people of Ekiti state, I apologize unreservedly to the affected Corps member and the NYSC Scheme. I want to assure you that we will not leave any stone unturned until we apprehend the criminals behind this ugly development, and we will ensure they are severely punished so as to serve as deterrent to others" he emphasized.

Governor Fayemi equally eulogized the Director General of NYSC for the swift actions he took when the sad event happened.

He said "I appreciate and commend your prompt response, setting aside so many critical engagements to come here and see the injured Corps member in person despite the fact that you have capable hands on ground. This is a demonstration of pragmatic leadership".

He assured that the state government will foot the bill of the Corps member's treatment.

Earlier, the NYSC helmsman thanked the governor for visiting the affected Corps member personally in hospital.

He used the occasion to call on Nigerians to always protect Corps members, especially those who volunteer to participate in the conduct of elections as adhoc staff of Independent National Electoral Commission.

"Our Corps members are apolitical and patriotic. They are not indigenes of their states of service, as such their willingness to volunteer to deliver free, fair and credible elections goes a long way to show their patriotism" he added.

He also thanked the governor for standing by the NYSC at this period of pain.

By Bridget Agada

The newest assignment in Nigeria now for the multitude of idlers, detractors and covert saboteurs is the administration of the Oxford AstraZeneca Covid-19 vaccine in the country. It swirled like harmattan breeze with every frenzy.

The Federal Government of Nigeria (FGN) took delivery of the 3.92 million doses of the highly priced and scare vaccine in the determined efforts of President Muhammadu Buhari to secure public health. Mr. President has his eyes fixated on curbing the spread of the global Coronavirus pandemic; but those who perpetually pray for misfortunes to strike the country had already perfected plans to frustrate the inoculation process.

All manner of contorted tales were churned out to incite public rejection of the AstraZeneca Covid-19 vaccine. There were those contracted to campaign against the vaccine as a killer stuff released to Africa by Western countries to cause mass deaths in the plot to reduce the over bloated population of African continent. Social media activists also aligned it to disease-causing or inducement drug which would permanently keep those who succumbed to its vaccination hospitalized to death.

Yet, others linked the AstraZeneca Covid-19 vaccine to some indiscernible prohibitive cultural practices or abominations. But all the narratives sounded plausible only to the dimwitted. In spite of the gang-up to falsely chorus the failure of the Buhari Presidency on public health care delivery, the administration of the Covid-19 vaccine is steadily on course in Nigeria. What appeared like an initial impediment in the exercise is fizzling out.

The only obstacle to the effective administration of Covid-19 vaccine in Nigeria now is the furtherance of this national sabotage by the evildoers with the manufacturing and circulation of fake Coronavirus vaccines. Those who have fallen prey to these antics by accepting Covid-19 vaccines from the black market have mortgaged their lives to the unconscionable actions of some fraudulent Nigerians. It has been timed to coincide with the administration of the World Health Organization’s (WHO) approved AstraZeneca vaccines to create confusion.

Recently, a miffed management of Nigeria’s National Agency for Food Drug and Administration Control (NAFDAC) had to issue a public caution about the largescale and disturbing presence of fake Covid-19 vaccines in circulation. NAFDAC was blunt that it has not approved any local Covid-19 vaccine as bandied in public and the varieties of fake Covid-19 vaccines in circulation are responsible for the “Covid-like illnesses or other serious diseases that could kill" in people who have used it.

That’s why it is advisable to take Oxford AstraZeneca Covid-19 vaccines only in Government designated medical facilities or institutions. To be forewarned, is to be forearmed!

Therefore, the skeptics, cynics and twisters of the reality are eventually finding themselves standing against naked truth with the fleshless propaganda. If there is a conspiracy to kill Africans through the Covid-19 vaccine, it implies that Nigeria is not the only country to fall into the trap in Africa, nay the world.

African countries like Ghana, Core d’Ivoire and other nations on the continent are massively vaccinating their citizens with the AstraZeneca Covid-19 vaccines. WHO alongside with other international health bodies have approved scores of Covid-19 vaccines certified as safe and healthy for global usage. But Oxford AstraZeneca which is in use in Nigeria is rated as one of the best from the fleet principally because it has the potency to also boost human immune system.

The British Prime Minister has also been inoculated with the Oxford AstraZeneca Covid-19 vaccine. In Nigeria, President Buhari; the Vice President, Prof. Yemi Osinbajo and other top Government functionaries have all been inoculated with the AstraZeneca Covid-19 vaccine in turns.

Nigerians are very complex people to handle on public issues. Some people tend more to embrace darkness than light. Had the Buhari Presidency failed to acquire the Covid-19 vaccines, there would have been a lot of blackmailing campaigns on his person and Government by the egoistic opposition or some disgruntled elements. Now that the vaccines have been acquired, the campaigns have tilted to dissuading Nigerians from taking the inoculations, basing the arguments on unfounded conspiracy theories.

But the Englishman says, “tough times don’t last, but tough people do.” President Buhari has found reliable allies in the Presidential Task Force on COVID-19. They are wonderful Nigerians who are spending sleepless nights in deflating the malicious campaigns against the AstraZeneca Covid-19 vaccine and, simultaneously working round the clock in ensuring effective distribution and inoculation of Nigerians against Covid-19 disease. Every member of the team has performed excellently and deserves national recognition and honours for the utmost commitment and hard work.

However, Dr. Faisal Shuaib, Executive Director/ CEO, National Primary Health Care Development Agency (NPHCDA) is an exceptional character on the team of the Presidential Task Force on COVID-19. He is a complete workman who knows how to execute the briefs of his office faultlessly in times of national public health emergency.

Dr. Shuaib is one individual who has been able to justify the mandate of his office especially in this tough time. Firstly, the choice of AstraZeneca vaccine, with zero medical complications, aside boosting body immunity and protecting the body against other diseases’ have busted the potency of the baseless conspiracy theories concocted against the vaccine from certain quarters.

It is a thing of exceeding joy that for the several weeks Nigerians are being inoculated with the AstraZeneca Covid-19 vaccine, no single incident of post-inoculation health complications to date. It is the worthiest proof of its efficacy and health guarantee. It is reason, even volunteers have enlisted in the persuasive campaigns which are fast gaining currency throughout the country.

The NPHCDA boss’s ingenuity is gleaned in the brilliant strategies he adopted to distribute the vaccines and the initial administration of the AstraZeneca on certain categories of Nigerians across the country. Dr. Faisal Shuaib, streamlined the first categories of Nigerians to be immunized to include, high profile leaders, military and paramilitary workers and health personnel whose jobs expose them to frequent contacts with multitudes every day.

The Nigeria Medical Association (NMA), the apex medical body in the country has also attested to the validity, safety and potency of the Covid-19 AstraZeneca vaccines as its members are massively inoculating themselves against the pandemic. The good tidings is that some branches of the NMA are now at the forefront of leading public awareness campaigns to dispel the misgivings and urging Nigerians to come out en masses for vaccination.

Only recently, the Chairman of the Delta state chapter of NMA, Dr. Emmanuel Nwose, led other executive members, on a ‘School COVID-19 Awareness Programme,’ at the Unity Model Secondary School, Agbarho in Ughelli North Council area of the state. Had AstraZeneca Covid-19 vaccine any defects, the medical experts and practitioners are in the best position to know and reject it; but certainly, not some roadside artisans.

And most pleasurably, the seamless distribution of the vaccine across the country by the NPHCDA in record time is an apt indication that things can rightly be done in the right manner in Nigeria under the right leadership. Dr. Shuaib has symbolized or perfectly demonstrated and expressed this leadership. Indirectly, the NPHCDA boss is messaging the generality of Nigerians that the problem of the country is not of scarce human or material resources, but of genuine and committed leadership which is ready accept the responsibility to deliver on all assignments.

Dr. Faisal Shuaib, unlike other heads of government agencies, is evidently a very brilliant physician who has deployed humility, maturity, clarity of purpose and understanding of the pandemic to convert some naysayers who never gave the NPHCDA a chance to do its job. Today, some of these earlier anti-vaccine activists are singing praises of the NPHCDA in hushed tones to cover their shame. Leadership is indeed what Nigerians need and that’s all Nigerians demand every day.

Agada is an administrator and wrote from Guzape, Abuja.

The Coalition of Oduduwa Descendants (COD) has called on the National Security Adviser (NSA) Babagana Monguno to resign with immediate effect over several allegations bordering on corruption, fraud and abuse of office. 

The South-West coalition, at a press conference on Friday in Lagos, vowed to mobilise other ethnic groups to embark on what it describes as "mother of all protests" should the NSA remain in office. 

According to COD's national secretary, Comrade Lawson Adeshina, Monguno must step aside for the country to make progress in its fight against terrorists, bandits and other criminal elements. 

Adeshina noted that the NSA is more focused on managing terrorism as a business from which he has been reaping at the expense of peace and security in Nigeria. 

Speaking further, the COD scribe revealed that Monguno allegedly marked up contracts and inflated procurements which hampered the acquisition of critical military hardware. 

Adeshina, though, admitted that the immediate service chiefs would have done even better than they did had Monguno not abused his office to deny the country the opportunities to buy weapons. 

Having shown a "lack of capacity to be decent", the group, however, urged President Muhammadu Buhari to sack Monguno who it says is "unfit to continue to occupy the office of the National Security Adviser or any other public office for that matter". 

Upon his sack, the COD further urged that Monguno be investigated and put on trial for sundry crimes committed as a result of his greed.

Read the full statement below:

Gentlemen of the press, you must have noticed how concerns have increased among Nigerians about the seeming degeneration in the nation’s security situation. This is despite the sterling efforts that the military chiefs have put into securing lives and property in the country. 

Tragically, the immediate past military chiefs were demonized by those who do not understand the intricacies and circumstances under which they served. We are afraid that the incumbent military service chiefs may just be walking into the same barrage of problems unless something drastic happens. 

These problems have a collective name called the National Security Adviser, Babagana Monguno, whom we now understand is more focused on managing terrorism as a business from which he has been profiteering at the expense of peace and security in Nigeria. 

It is most unfortunate that at a time when Monguno should have been focused on procuring weapons for prosecuting the war against Boko Haram and terrorism he was rather vested in marking up contracts and inflating procurements such that critical military hardware was not acquired as at when due. This bottleneck was responsible for many deaths as the delays or failure to get this equipment contributed to what people had thought was a lack of capacity on the part of the military. 

Gentlemen of the press, please note that the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has secured a court order to freeze the properties linked to a former Director of Finance in the Office of the NSA, Brigadier-General Jafaru Mohammed, who is a confirmed crony of Monguno.

We are worried that Monguno’s treasonous tendencies were such that he sold the entire country out to his Emirati associates at the International Golden Group (IGG), which he fronted on many occasions as the choice company to secure government contracts including, even for the supply of Hilux Pickups that local firms can handle. 

It is now glaring that the entirety of Monguno’s crimes was concealed because he can abuse his office as the National Security Adviser (NSA) to sabotage investigation and prosecution. To the extent that Jafaru Mohammed has been nailed and have an asset forfeiture order secured against him, the man he ran errands for, the NSA should have by now been in a similar situation with him.

What we saw however was a Monguno, who was trying to soil the hard-earned reputation of men who diligently served the nation, the immediate past service chiefs. With the benefit of hindsight, we now believe that these men could have done even better than they did had Monguno not abused his office to deny the country the opportunities to buy weapons. Each time he inflated or marked contracts up, he made it impossible for the military and the Nigeria Police Force to buy the equipment that was desperately needed to fight crime and secure Nigeria against terrorists. We only wish that someone had called him out earlier. 

One can thus now categorically say that the problem of inadequate or in some instances the total lack of equipment to fight terrorism is responsible for the scenario where kidnappers, bandits and terrorists have become bold and are now holding the country buy the jugular was caused and aggravated by Monguno. This is the highest travesty possible: the man who should deploy his expertise for making Nigeria secure as National Security Adviser preferred to abuse his office to make Nigeria ungovernable and into a veritable killing field.

We do not want to believe at this point the theory in some quarters that Monguno orchestrated the explosive growth of terrorism, banditry and kidnapping to create a desperate condition that will allow him to carry out the fraudulent procurements that he has been eager to do but has been persistently blocked from doing by those who have the interest at heart. But the theory remains a genuine concern because nothing about the virulence of insecurity besetting appears normal. Nothing adds up, which makes it most likely that only someone so strategically positioned could have precipitated the kind of anomaly that is now tormenting the land. 

Equally worrisome is the muted allegations that ethnic sympathies on the path of the NSA have made defeating Boko Haram/ISWAP difficult because persons of his ethnic stock are commanders of the terrorist group. The parochial manner in which Monguno is willing to make money at the expense of the country is however making one have a rethink as to the possibility of such cringe-worthy compromise on the part of someone that the nation relied on to defeat terrorists. 

We should not forget that Monguno’s first brush with integrity was the ill-fated Presidential Panel that investigated arms purchases. He was linked with several allegations of unsavoury comprises and extortion rackets manned by his associates. Given what we now know about his dealings, it is no surprise that he was able to coerce key witnesses into silence and swept that scandal under the carpet, or so he had thought. 

It is unthinkable that an appointee of President Muhammadu Buhari, who promised Nigerians improved security, could have jeopardized the military and the police force of the country with such impunity. Monguno has simply demonstrated that he has no sense of loyalty to either the country or his Commander-in-Chief. This is an untenable position.

In other climes, committing a tenth of the infractions alleged against Monguno would have seen the officeholder act honourably and resign, if only to allow for transparent investigation of the accusations made. The full array of Monguno’s infractions and their implications for national security make him. 

To the extent that he has shown a lack of capacity to be decent, we hereby demand that President Buhari immediately sacks Babagana Monguno as the National Security Adviser. He has to go for Nigeria to make progress in addressing the hydra security challenges that are daily defying the intense efforts at curtailing them simply because some dubious people have set up the system for the country to remain in trouble.  A failure to sack Monguno will see the Coalition of Oduduwa Descendants (COD) mobilizing other ethnic and community-based groups on the mother of all protests since Monguno’s greed has compromised the safety of all of us. 

We additionally demand that Monguno, upon his sack, must be further investigated and put on trial for sundry crimes he has committed as a result of his avarice. Nigeria is bigger than Monguno and it is time that he feels the full weight of the law for all the things he has done to put the country in the present dire strait it is in.