₦airaland Forum

Senator Ifeanyi Ararume’s fresh hopes to be declared winner of the December 5th Imo North bye-election were dashed on Thursday day following a restraining order by a High Court in Owerri.
Presiding Justice E.O. Agada issued an interim order restraining the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) from recognising Senator Ararume as the winner of the bye-election.
The suit brought by the All Progressive Grand Alliance  (APGA) and some of its members was brought pursuant to order 7 Rule 5 (1) , (2) and Order 39 Rule 1 of the High Court of Imo Court (Civil Procedure) Rules 2017.
Justice Agada further restrained INEC from issuing Ararume with Certificate of Return or any other instrument in his favour pending the hearing and determination of the Motion on Notice in the suit.
Ararume had earlier in the day obtained a court order issued by Justice Taiwo Taiwo of the Federal High Abuja declaring him as the authentic APC candidate for the December 5, 2020, Imo North Senatorial bye-election.
Thereafter, Justice Taiwo ordered INEC to issue a certificate of return to Ararume within 72 hours based on the INEC result declaring APC winner of the bye election.
Frank Ibezim had filed a notice of appeal and stay of execution at the appeal court challenging Taiwo’s judgement.
He decried the judgement declaring Ararume as the APC candidate as a travesty of justice since the Supreme Court has already decided the issue of who the APC candidate for the Imo North Senatorial bye election in his favour.
He expressed the view that it is a settled matter of law that Judges do not adjudicate further any case already before an appellate court.
On the issue of the High court disqualifying him as a candidate, Ibezim said he had already appealed the ruling before the Supreme Court.
He opined that Justice Taiwo ought to have exercised discretion and allowed the apex court to finally decide on the matter before arriving at a decision.

Justice Taiwo Taiwo of the Federal High Court Abuja has created what many judicial watchers referred to as confusion in the judiciary when he overruled the Supreme Court judgement which affirmed Sir Frank Ibezim as the authentic Senatorial candidate of the All Progressives Congress(APC) in Imo State.
Justice Taiwo today March 18, 2021
Ordered the Independent National Electoral Commission(INEC)to ignore the Supreme Court and issue Ararume Certificate of Return.
However, in a swift reaction to the judgement, Ibezim has gone ahead to file for Order of Stay of Execution at the Appeal Court.

Details shortly...

By Abba Gana

Pen merchants are unchallengeable kings in their respective domains. They operate like emperors; determining and twisting everything as it suits their evil designs. Its common to see them invent their own rules, redefine existing conventions separate from universally accepted norms and ethics of the profession.

They operate like soldiers by turning newsrooms into battle grounds against perceived enemies. Once contracted writers pencil down a word, it is to destroy a target or a stubborn client who has refused to “play ball;” a Nigerian phrasal euphemism for bribe or kick-backs.

SaharaReporters has really distinguished itself in the field of junk journalism. It publishes anything even where the verified contents or facts of the story resists or contradicts their demonic intentions. Commercialized reporters depend heavily on assumptions and sensationalism in reportage. Many of these folks have a comfortable tent in the online news portal, SaharaReporters. Every day, they come to work with knives and swords to strike any hapless person.

For some days now, an interview, the National Security Adviser (NSA) Major Gen. Babagana Monguno (rtd) granted the BBC Hausa Service generated national uproar. The top security chief falsely accused the immediate past Service Chiefs of diverting the $1 billion funds the FGN sourced from Excess Crude Account (ECA) in 2018, which he claimed was allegedly released to them for the purchase of weapons to fight terrorism and other insecurities in the country.

Within 24 hours, Gen. Monguno repudiated himself denying feverishly and vehemently of making such allegations against the past Service Chiefs. Monguno was enraged that he was misquoted or misunderstood. Yet, he had the option of claiming it as a slip of tongue. But he avoided this angle. Therefore, he replayed what he thought was his actual words at the BBC interview.

But torrents of counter-reactions to Gen. Monguno’s disease of verbal diarrhea sprouted. The Presidency was blunt that it is not possible to even contemplate embezzlement of $1billion released for the purchase of arms to fight insecurities under his watch.

Frankly, it made no enduring sense that President Muhammadu Buhari who is still prosecuting Monguno’s predecessor, Col. Sambo Dasuki (rtd) and others for diverting and embezzling $2.1 billion for the purchase of arms under the Jonathan Presidency would consent to the same act of sleaze under his Presidency. It didn’t blend with reality.

Even in President Buhari’s worse elements, it is bizarre to think he would have allowed the former Service Chiefs to embezzle $1billion for weapons procurement. And thereafter, prominent individuals and organizations publicly condemned Gen. Monguno insensitivity and naked display of incompetence on the fluid allegation.

But Nigerians have an entrenched mentality of destruction. Following the recant by Monguno, others felt he was cajoled into refuting himself. It was expected that those with such thoughts would have compelled Gen. Monguno to release details of his allegations or leak out the details to them secretly. But they were hesitant.

However, as the king of fake news in Nigeria, SaharaReporters’s publication of March 16, 2021, dazzled Nigerians with this sensational headline “REVEALED: How $1billion For Ammunition Under Buhari Was Secretly Released, Shared Among Buratai, Other Ex-Military Chiefs.” It was a captivating and attractive caption, except that the contents only derided the reputation of the medium.

On the periphery, many Nigerians thought the online publication has stumbled over amazing and exceptional facts on the “missing” $1billion arms procurement fund released to the ex-Service Chiefs under the Buhari Presidency. One expected a full disclosure of how the immediate past Service Chiefs cornered $1billion arms procurement fund silently.

Disappointingly though, a perusal of the publication showed an embarrassing emptiness and devoid of any modicum of detail. It misplaced common facts; but it was heavily embellished with fake fabrications and poorly aligned to screaming sensationalism by the constructors of the tales.

For instance, SaharaReporters wrote in the publication; “… the $1billion release, which was greeted with widespread criticisms when President Buhari announced so in April 2018, was approved by the National Assembly and shared with the military arms in 2019 without public knowledge to avoid more criticisms.” How could the money have been shared to the three arms of the Nigerian Military, in 2019?

Facts in public domain obstinately contracts the publication’s claim that the $496 million released to the Nigerian Airforce on the Super Tucano fighter jets was in 2019. Even Mr. President’s letter of anticipatory approval to the National Assembly was dated April 13, 2018; by which time, the $496 million was already paid directly into the treasury of the US Government. So, which Nigerian Airforce received the Super Tucano fighter jets funds; is it the Airforce operated by SaharaReporters?

Again, SaharaReporters defamed its corporate image by writing that the “…(former)Service chiefs received the funds but they deliberately chose not to make public knowledge of it.” What bemusing logic? How could the ex-Service Chiefs publicize funds which did not pass through their offices? This is journalist hooliganism!

And since SaharaReporters is famed for shamelessness and mercantile journalism; it quoted an unattributed source in the Defence Headquarters as saying; “The military chiefs were asked not to state to the public how the money was spent or when it was received. But it came and the three arms of the military got their shares.”

Are the news reporters in SaharaReporters telling the world that it does not know the basic channels of official communication? Is SaharaReporters expecting that the ex-Service Chiefs would have usurped the functions of the Defence spokesman? This is the personal damage blackmailing journalism does to its apostles; it keeps you blind to basic facts and trends.

SaharaReporters disgracefully pleasured in cooking and circulating imaginary figures just to force the impression that the former Service Chiefs received the $1 billion for the purchase of weapons. So, it baselessly wrote; “Also, about $381million was released to the army and navy for the purchase of critical equipment.” Why did its unnamed source in the Defence headquarters fail to disclose how the funds were released to the Army and the Navy? This vagueness only ascribes to sensational journalism.

Furthermore, the online medium narrated “… sources in the Office of the Accountant General of the Federation (said) that about $900million had since been released to the military.” So, it is no longer the whole $1 billion it initially canvassed as released to the three arms of the Armed Forces of Nigeria (AFN)? Therefore, the conjectures as replayed by SaharaReporters only to reinforce a feeble and baseless impression that the ex-Service Chiefs allegedly embezzled weapons procurement fund.

Whilst Monguno has failed to tarnish the reputation of the past Service Chiefs by his unnecessary mouthing, SaharaReporters has refused to give up on its agenda to destroy Nigeria. The online medium has chosen to launch a war against the former Service Chiefs without any weapons to support its cause. It’s a display of confounding insanity.

Once more and for clarity’s sake, no former Service Chief got any monies to buy warfare equipment and this fact can still be verified. Their briefs in office does not include procurement of weapons. It is strictly the statutory responsibility of the Ministry of Defence. How and why, they are dragged into the picture is perplexing.

SaharaReporters, its masters and acolytes who hate the ex- Service Chiefs should look elsewhere to fart the hate and hide their faces in shame thereafter. Should these same people hurling meaningless darts at the former Service Chiefs be probed today, they will come out worse than their predecessor in the Dasukigate. Even tales by moonlight in the days of yore, had more entertaining value than the trash churned out by SaharaReporters and its co-conspirators.

Gana wrote this piece from Maitama, Abuja.

By David Onmeje

“Whenever you are confronted with an opponent. Conquer him with love.” - Mahatma Gandhi (former Indian Prime Minister)

The sudden re-engagement of Nigeria’s former Chief of Army Staff (COAS) and leader of anti-insurgency operations, retired Lt. Gen. Tukur Yusuf Buratai for another national assignment was a pleasant shock to his friends and admirers. But it certainly angered his enemies and foes.

Gen. Buratai (rtd) morphed into the diplomatic scene as one of Nigeria’s non-career ambassadors barely weeks after his resignation from active military service. Surely, Gen. Buratai was also consternated with his nomination as non-career ambassador-designate. He least expected that Nigeria would reward his hard work and loyalty to the country with another appointment. His allegiance to Nigeria is unquestionably translucent.

Expectedly, life is a mixture of good and sad moments. Throughout Gen. Buratai’s military career, spanning decades, Gen. Buratai’s most difficult moments were the near six years he served as Nigeria’s number one soldier and chief armour bearer of the country’s war against organized and armed criminal gangs terrorizing the nation. Gen. Buratai fought battles; he wrestled relentlessly with Nigeria’s internal and external enemies every day of the last six years of his military service.

Gen. Buratai fought Boko Haram insurgents and the Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) terrorists in the plains, caves and mountains of the Nigeria’s Northeast region. He defiantly pulled the trigger against armed bandits and other criminal elements in the Northwest. He crippled violent and bloody secessionists in the Southeast and descended his military might on sabotaging militants in the creeks of the Niger Delta; and simultaneously, confronted ethnic warlords and armed militias elsewhere in the country.

Gen. Buratai dispensed himself as a soldier with the strength of a lion. He provided enviable leadership and direction. He was calm, focused and calculative while battling Nigeria’s enemies. Gen. Buratai maximally deployed his military intelligence and brilliance to murder sleep in the camps of Nigeria’s enemies. Every day, his life was at risk, but it never bothered him. He had only one ambition; to conquer the foes and enemies of Nigeria using his endowed military strategies and tactics. In spite of the difficulties, he posted commendable results in these assignments.

He patriotically and dedicatedly stood up for his fatherland, where others faltered. Fate confined Gen. Buratai to fighting other peoples battles so that his compatriots would live in peace and security. And he loved the job and performed his very best.

But warring in the trenches were not the only battles Gen. Buratai actively fought. He wrestled with many other forces. So, ironically, whilst he devoted his strength and life to a just cause of liberating humanity; some of the same persons he laboured to set free anointed themselves as his enemies.

The enemies attacked, disparaged and distracted Gen. Buratai. He was maligned and persecuted for no reasonable cause. Others secretly wished him death or even cursed him. They played every antic under the sun to humiliate and disgrace him. The enemies wished his progress should be guillotined. Gen. Buratai personally knew most, if not all of his enemies and adversaries. He could conveniently predict their next plot against him.

Nonetheless, the spirit of patriotism and nationalism in Gen. Buratai surpassed any other consideration. He had absolute conviction in the national assignment given to him by President Muhammadu Buhari. Therefore, Gen. Buratai was more obsessed with its success, than any contemplated failure, should he allow adversaries divert his attention. So, he never chased the shadows of his enemies, but concentrated on his job.

Gen. Buratai understood perfectly the philosophy that true success does not come on a platter of gold. There must hindrances and encumbrances on the path. It is no easy ride anywhere and anytime. Famed American novelist, director and producer Sidney Sheldon once wrote that “To be successful you need friends and to be very successful you need enemies.”

Therefore, Gen. Buratai courted and befriended his enemies to tap from their wisdom. As a devout Muslim, Gen. Buratai drew inspiration from Mahatma Gandhi’s philosophy, which said; “It is easy enough to be friendly to one's friends. But to befriend the one who regards himself as your enemy is the quintessence of true religion. The other is mere business.”

Today Gen. Buratai’s story is aptly reflective of the narrative of “grace to grace.” His Excellency, Ambassador Tukur Yusuf Buratai conquered his enemies with love and affection. He wiped their tears each time the opportunity rendered itself, instead of scolding them. He comforted them when they wailed and taught them the principles of universal brotherhood. It has been his greatest weapon of conquering or overcoming his enemies at all times.

Ambassador Buratai has mastered the act of letting his adversaries see the other side of his personage. He has enough dosage of the virtues of humaneness, kindness and compassion. Buratai is detribalized, selfless and a team player. He believes in a world which should be free for all to consummate their full potentials in fraternity.

Thus, he made friends indiscriminately all over the universe. His military training and exposure laid a template which taught him the wisdom of the British author, George Orwell who exclaimed in one of his novels “1984” that “We do not merely destroy our enemies; we change them.”

Gen. Buratai has changed his perception many souls who have personally come in contact with him. He has built bridges across tribes and religion. He has contributed immensely in cementing relationships amongst nations. But above all, Gen. Buratai is passionate about a world insulated from troubles and wherever peace is shattered, he mends broken fences. His newest assignment as Nigeria’s ambassador might just be the beginning of his further rise to greater stardom.

That’s why his words at the dinner organized in his honour by members of 29th Regular Course Association are very instructive; “It’s an honourable retirement and also an honourable appointment. I’m not a politician, so, I have no word for the opposition. I have done well.”

But most importantly, Gen. Buratai believes that whatever he achieved in his military career, every Nigerian was with him in the frontlines and in the trenches. And so, he sent his gratitude to all without exception; “I must appreciate all Nigerians, my well-wishers, the youths, elders, men and women for their continuous prayers, goodwill and support to the Nigerian Army and me in the course of our duties to bring about peace and security in our country.”

Onmeje wrote this piece from the United Kingdom.

Pan Yoruba Youth group, Igbimo Odo Yoruba has congratuled Chief Ayo Adebanjo over his emergence as the new leader of pan Yoruba socio cultural group, Afenifere. Chief Adebanjo becamethe new leader of our organization, Afenifere, after its former leader, Pa Reuben Fasoranti stepped down due to old age.

In a statement issued in Ibadan on Wednesday and signed by it's Leader, Olufemi Lawson, the group said Afenifere remains the strongest voice in advancing the interests of the Yoruba race at the national stage and Chief Adebanjo represents the needed character, to uphold such responsibility.

"We are particularly delighted that our leaders in Afenifere, have continued to demonstrate commitments to the ideals of our founding fathers, as their decisions have continually re-energize us to pursue the common good, with an unbending commitment to ensure Nigeria is governed better."

"Pa Ayo Adebanjo is a brilliant and courageous leader, his audacity is unequalled, and we are convinced in his ability to sustain the legacies of his predecessors, most importantly, the aspiration of our people for a restructured, genuinely progressive and prosperous nation." the statement concluded.

A and T global services limited and Kaita integrated services limited in conjunction with National Drug Law Enforcement Agency have called on youths in Imo North senatorial district to shun drug abuse.

The group made this call on Thursday during a sensitization And awareness campaign organised by the group within Imo North Senatorial district.

According to the organizations head, led by babatunde Micheal and sulueiman Musa, they appeal to youths to stop engaging in sales of drugs around school premises. They equally appeal led to parents to monitor there children.

“ the increasing rate of drug abuse and alcohol consumption among youths of secondary schools in the state, which is one of the problems affecting school-age teenagers.

“ such an experiment with drugs, alcohol, and tobacco times started from elementary schools and reach a peak in high schools where its adverse effect is remarkably high on the students.

“ the unrestrained abuse of drugs, alcohol, tobacco and other prohibited drugs used by students hinder the achievements of their educational attainment and leverage to vices such as gangsterism, gang rape, and cultism”, he added.

“It is also concerned about the need to embark on sensitisation campaign programmes on the dangers of drugs, alcohol, and tobacco among the students and its harmful effects as schools resumes from forced closure occasioned by COVID-19 Pandemic,” he said.

Sourvenirs like T-shirt, biro, bags and exercise books with inscriptions of " say no to drug abuse were distributed amongst the youths during the sensitization

A leading pro-Nigeria civil society group, Nigeria First, has sued for peace and calm amongst citizens in the face of ongoing negotiations on the total deregulation of Nigeria’s oil industry.

Nigeria First whilst throwing its weight behind the Federal Government in its ongoing reforms in the Oil and Gas sector, blamed fake news and misinformation for the current misunderstanding over the yet to be concluded negotiations on PMS pump price between the Federal Government and other stakeholders in the sector.

Speaking at a press conference on Sunday in Abuja, Secretary-General, Comrade Augustine Richard Adie, accused manipulators in the petroleum industry of selling an agenda to the public by refusing to accept all clarifications made by the authorities. 

According to Adie, these " detractors and saboteurs have sold the inciting dummy to gullible Nigerians and the result is panic-buying, and deliberate hoarding of petroleum products to create artificial scarcity to satisfy their excessive quest for profits". 

Adie further noted that the aim is to undermine President Muhammadu Buhari's laudable reforms in the sector, knowing fully well that he does not determine the price of PMS in the international market. 

Adie added that neither the president, petroleum ministry,  Nigeria National Petroleum Corporation or the country's oil managers have added a penny to the current price regime of petroleum products. 

"There is an unconscionable linking of the Muhammadu Buhari led Federal Government with mindless price increments on petroleum products to further inflict hardships on Nigerians. The news is false in all accuracy of the realities on the ground!," the statement read partly. 

"But for days, the manipulators in the Oil and Gas industry and speculators of the fake news have been insistent on selling this agenda to the public by refusing to accept all clarifications made by the authorities . This is despite the officially repeated refutations by the Ministry of Petroleum, the NNPC, PPPRA and other subsidiary companies in the Oil and Gas sector.

"The detractors and saboteurs have sold the inciting dummy to gullible Nigerians and the result is panic-buying, and deliberate hoarding of petroleum products to create artificial scarcity to satisfy their excessive quest for profits. The intention is to discredit President Buhari, who does not determine the price of PMS in the international market which is strictly regulated by OPEC.     

"We wish to state categorically clear to all Nigerians that neither President Muhammadu Buhari nor the Petroleum Ministry or the NNPC, Nigeria’s oil managers have added a penny to the current price regime of petroleum products. There is enough supply of PMS all over Nigeria.

"What has happened is that through a consensus of Nigeria’s think-tank/ stakeholders, particularly in the Oil and Gas industry, including high profile leaders, a tentative consensus was reached that oil subsidy be dropped in 2021."

Nigeria First, however, urged Nigerians to remain calm as there is no price increase in PMS or any other petroleum product. 

It noted that the prevailing PMS price still stands until consultations are finally concluded and the decisions reached shall be officially communicated to all .

While assuring Nigerians of PMS supply for the foreseeable future, the group hoped that the subverts and greedy profiteers shall be caught and made to face the law. 

Adie further assured Nigerians that Mr. President is ready to protect their interests at all time, taking into account his extraordinary reforms and transparency in the Oil and Gas industry. 

"The transparency and accountability in the sector as experienced now are novel to Nigerians and we must all trust and repose full confidence in Mr President who doubles as the Petroleum Minister in ensuring that marketers are monitored and no arbitrary charges or profits are adopted by marketers and stakeholders in the industry to impose hardships on Nigerians," Adie said. 

"The current artificial scarcity which is occasioned by fake news and selfish manipulators in the industry is highly regretted. It is a conduct worthy of condemnation by all Nigerians". 

The Nigeria First, however, urged the key actors in the Oil and Gas sectors not to relent, but to compliment the President’s efforts in its accountability drive to continue to protect the interest of the masses in the Oil and Gas industry.

By Philip Agbese

The advertised reality of Nigeria as a terribly endangered country is quite unfortunate.  It clear to all of us that having vociferous characters like Babagana Monguno as the Nigeria’s National Security Adviser (NSA) have laid strong pillars of the country’s path to self-perdition. It is strange and a misnomer in Nigeria’s history to consistently see the effluxions of an NSA in the media.

With due respect, I don’t think Monguno has any scant regard for the high office of NSA. He is either briefing State House Correspondents on the outcome of meetings of the National Security Council (NSC) or granting reckless media interviews or even a suspicious stealthy romance with the Nigerian media divulging top security secretes. That’s the job of politicians; but certainly, it is outside the purview of the office of the NSA.

Monguno  is always publicly mouthy and observes no restrictions. This posture tells us, we no longer need to consult soothsayers to know the tormentors of Nigeria’s security are within. With Monguno’s constant public parroting, as a topnotch security aide to Mr. President , it means the terrorists, armed bandits and the conspirators need no special technology to decode our strategy. It can be found on Google, YouTube and Facebook.

I should not be the one informing Monguno that the power and efficacy of security management   resides substantially in secrecy and confidentiality, especially in this age of insurgency being faced by Nigeria. But sadly, he pays no attention to it. 

Monguno reportedly told the world in an interview with BBC Hausa Service last Friday that large chunk of monies Mr. President approved for the purchase of arms to fight terrorism or insecurity in the country have remained unaccountable by the Nigerian Military authority. He was ostensibly referring to the $1 billion sourced from the Excess Crude Account (ECA) in 2018 to pay the US Government for the purchase of 12 Super Tucano fighter jets when the former Service Chiefs held sway.

Monguno recanted these alleged utterances almost immediately when the news went viral. I have grudgingly accepted Monguno’s afterthought refutations of the statements credited to him and his claims of being quoted out of context.  But clearly, it was a deliberate gaffe, crafted and delivered by Monguno for reasons best known to him.

But the timing of this statement was sensitive and played effectively into national psyche. Before now, some mischievous  Nigerians raised eyebrows and questioned the utilization of the $1 billion for procurement of arms. Some even blended or likened it with all falsities to something akin with the Dasukigate scandal.  

That Monguno deemed it expedient to publicly comment on the matter, told me clearly, Nigeria has a “A Long Walk To Freedom.”  The counter-reaction from the Presidency, explained it all, by stating the known facts already in public domain on the $1billion from ECA, released in 2018 for the purchase of 12 Super Tucano fighter jets from America.

Whether it was a mistake or a misquote of Monguno, I don’t know how the excitement with media presence or voice has become the obsession of the NSA. It was not the culture of preceding Nigeria’s NSAs. The NSAs usual traits known to us are reticence and invisibility in public domain. They did not transform into media freaks or pundits. 

NSAs are not supposed to be heard or seen; but basically, confine themselves strictly to the arduous task of churning out initiatives and policies for the promotion and preservation of national security. Never before have NSAs become town-criers or vuvuzelas like it catches the fancy of Monguno now.

The best actions of NSAs are seen by the President and the people in terms of practical improvement in the security situation of the nation.  But now, it looks more like, we have a third presidential "spokesman" in this case, as exemplified by Monguno's media-hoopla disposition.

We have seen Monguno’s predecessors’ in the likes of  Aliyu Gusau, famed as the most dangerous covert spy master;  Abdullahi Sarki Muktar, Kayode Are, Owoye Andrew Azazi and even  Monguno’s  immediate predecessor, Dasuki Sambo. But never at any time did they morph into Presidential spokespersons on security matters. Their briefs started and ended with advising Mr. President or aiding to formulate workable initiatives on subsisting or emerging security threats to the country.   

However, in spite of the NSA’s rebuttal, he has already bruised many souls and the psychological damage is quite enormous. He has given mischief makers and detractors another opportunity to unnecessarily upbraid the administration of President Muhammadu Buhari because the  “wrong” news went viral before his confutation came.

Monguno is fond of this indulgence. Nigerians still recount the leaked memo saga between Monguno and Abba Kyari (of blessed memory), Buhari’s former chief of staff (Cos). Monguno wrote the memo to the Presidency complaining about the usurpation of his powers as NSA by the former Chief of Staff. Soon after, the official memo on security found its way into public space and became a subject of heated national discourses.

He has probably recanted himself in this instance because of the heat his statements generated. But it has not obviated the reality that Monguno is overstretching himself and his responsibilities or enfeebled by the workload of the office of NSA.

He shows more than passing interest or glibly switches on and tenaciously holds unto the boardroom politics of close aides of the Presidency in the Villa, than concentrate on his job of germinating ideas to improve national security. Monguno’s belated denials, notwithstanding, but his outbursts conveyed a sweeping vote of no confidence in the Commander-in-Chief, President Muhammadu  in public court  or at least, it has hinted of his intention to do so very soon.

I believe it is not the brief of the   NSA to always seek to be in the news or castigating other appointees of the President in the security sector. Or is it his responsibility to always engage the media with expositions on security policies, frameworks or its operationalization?

And for public clarity to eclipse some misconceptions, the former or serving Service Chiefs have no briefs to handle any special weapons procurement fund. The $1 billion from ECA  was paid directly to the Ministry of Defence. It was the Minister of Defence that did all the payments and procurements on behalf of the FGN in conjunction with other relevant Government financial institutions. And the transaction was paid directly to the treasury of the US Government as explicitly conveyed by the letter of anticipatory approval, Mr. President forwarded to the National Assembly (NASS) dated April 13, 2018.

Disappointingly, even the Monguno public statement of rebuttal betrayed him unwittingly; It read; “We would like to state that the NSA was quoted out of context as he did not categorically say that funds meant for arms procurement were missing under the former Service Chiefs as reported or transcribed by some media outlets from the BBC interview.”

By stating that he “…did not categorically say that funds meant for arms procurement were missing under the former Service Chiefs….,” Monguno either implied or conveyed some intentional ambiguity in the rebuttal; or uttered something close to the accusations, or nursed such feelings, but only shirked from saying it expressly. 

Even by his own admittance of what he confessed as saying, what relevance were the ideas canvassed to resolving the insecurities in Nigeria? It was absolutely unnecessary and added no scintilla of value to the ongoing counter-insurgency operations. Monguno must know, serving Military chiefs are not politicians.

Monguno’s presumed submission in the BBC Hausa Service interview would have been better disgorged by a politician, like may be, the Minister of Defence.  Monguno must learn to keep his tongue in cheek and purge himself from media excitement.

And did the phrase by Monguno which pledged; “…President Buhari’s continued commitment to provide all necessary support to the Armed Forces, including the provision of arms and equipment,” an indirect indictment of Mr. President or free information to the terrorists and bandits that “all necessary support to the Armed Forces, including the provision of arms and equipment,” have not been provided already by President Buhari to security agencies?

Monguno should be more circumspect next time and avoid public political comments on national security issues. Mr. NSA, in plain terms and based on your recent unpatriotic or outrightly  confused outings in Nigeria's top echelon of security leadership, it only tells me that you are fatigued on the job.


The most viable alternative at your disposal now is to throw in the gauntlet and honourably quit the scene or seek reposting to a suitable dormant sector. Mr. President in his usual magnanimity, might repost you to one of these docile establishment to leisure yourself out! The demands of the office of the NSA are clearly beyond your competence now.

Agbese is a Publisher with TheNigerian News and wrote this piece from the United Kingdom.

Some renowned Christian and Muslim clerics in the country have approved the Oxford/Astrazeneca coronavirus vaccine for all Nigerians irrespective of faith.  

Adopting the slogan 'Covid-19 Vaccine is Safe for Health and Life', the inter-faith group, under the auspices of National Inter-Faith and Religious Organizations for Peace (NIFROP) declared the vaccines safe and effective for Nigerians. 

The group made these known on Tuesday in a communique issued at the end of its executive session on the public falsehoods and myths against the administration of the vaccines. 

In the communique co-signed by its President, Bishop Sunday Garuba and Assistant Secretary, Rev. Andelm Francis, the clerics also hailed the National Primary Health Care Development Agency (NPHCDA) for the seamless arrival and roll out of the vaccines.

According to the NIFROP, NPHCDA's leadership has shown competence and expertise so far.  

The group, therefore, urged all Nigerians to ignore conspiracy theories and support the health agency in ridding the nation of the deadly contagion. 

Declaring the vaccines "good for all citizens irrespective of religious creeds or ethnicity identity", the NIFROP added that it should be embraced by all to enhance greater public health. 

The clerics, however, implored all Nigerians to be vigilant and report any act of impropriety or sharp practices by anybody to the nearest authority for appropriate actions.  

Read full communique below:

Preamble:   

After the FGN took delivery of the first consignment of the COVAX Covid-19 vaccines and the commencement of the immunization process, NIFROP met in an executive session in Abuja, deliberated and examined the public falsehoods and myths contrived against the expected administration of the vaccines on Nigerians.  Below are the observations, resolutions and recommendations by NIFROP;  

OBSERVATIONS:

The National Inter-Faith and Religious Organizations for Peace (NIFROP) profoundly thanked and appreciated the Federal Government, under the leadership of President Muhammadu Buhari; and the Presidential Task Force on Covid-19 for the collective and tireless efforts so far to contain Covid-19 in Nigeria. These measures have assisted enormously in curtailing the spread of the deadly Covid-19 pandemic, with comparatively lesser infection and casualties in Nigeria. 

NIFROP welcomed the arrival of the 3.94 million dosages of Covid-19 vaccine into the country, which we monitored from the point of flight-landing at the airport in Abuja; the discharge of the vaccines and its storage by prescribed medical standards.  This is commendable. 

We also observed the meticulous and highly professional job/work competence as exhibited by the team of experts at the National Primary Health Care Development Agency (NPHCDA). NIFROP observed with unquestionable clarity, the thorough job done by NPHCDA in the choice of the vaccines and the transparency in handling or management of the vaccination exercise across the country so far, including the logistics. It is also very commendable. 

NIFROP glowingly commended the President and the Vice President for leading by example, in kick-starting the inoculation exercise publicly. This will certainly encourage other Nigerians who are sceptical about the vaccine based on the false conjectures and conspiracy theories are woven around it by detractors to also get immunized. 

Finally, we observed the fake campaigns on alleged inflated logistics and condemned them.  We totally disowned the rumours that 10 billion naira have been earmarked to be spent on transportation of vaccines to different parts of the country. We, therefore, pleaded with Nigerians to give the Presidential Task Force in alliance with NPHCDA the benefit of hindsight to carry out its mandate without any campaign of falsehood or distractions of any sort. 

RESOLUTIONS: 

Therefore, NIFROP unanimously adopted the slogan of “Covid-19 Vaccine is Safe for Health and Life.” It is our public appeal, awareness message and campaigns throughout the country as a stamp of our endorsement and trust in the efficacy of the Covid-19 vaccines. 

By the declaration, NIFROP hereby, unequivocally states that the Covid-19 vaccines are good for all citizens irrespective of religious creeds or ethnic identity and should be embraced by all to enhance greater public health.  

Consequently, NIFROP resolved that all its affiliates, partners and their sister-partners, as well as friends, will be activated to support the campaign by NPHCDA in helping to make sure the vaccine is taken by a majority of vulnerable citizens. 

We also recommended that all traditional and community leaders who are members of this inter-religious body also domesticate our message and campaign slogan of “Covid -19 Vaccine is Safe for Health and Life” in their respective domains and persuade subjects to key into it through adequate sensitization.  

The Headteachers and teachers of all schools owned by the various religious communities under our large umbrella also transform into automatic agents and carriers of the NIFROP-supported message of Covid-19, wherever they are domiciled in Nigeria. They should strategize on how to gently persuade their pupils and students into actively participating in the inoculation exercise.     

CONCLUSION

With the distribution and formal commencement of the Covid-19 vaccine inoculation exercise, we implore all Nigerians to be vigilant and report any act of impropriety or sharp practices by anybody to the nearest authority for appropriate actions. 

NIFROP is reminding every Nigerian that the Covid-19 vaccine immunization is free-of-charge to all Nigerians. Everyone should therefore resist the temptation of paying a kobo to be vaccinated. #TogetherLetsChaseCovid-19OutOfNigeria! 

Thank You.

ITF: Coalition passes vote of confidence on Ari, dismisses MURIC's nepotism allegation

The Coalition for Good Governance and Rule of Law (CGGRL) has passed a vote of confidence on the leadership of the Industrial Training Fund (ITF) under Sir Joseph Ari for entrenching transparency and accountability in operations. 

The group, at a press conference on Tuesday in Abuja, refuted the allegations of nepotism by the Muslims Rights Concern (MURIC) against the Executive Secretary, describing it as unsubstantiated and lacking in merit. 

In his address, National President /Convener, Comrade Isaac Ikpa, said the Muslim group, in its typical manner, is out to cause an unnecessary distraction in the operations of the agency in an attempt to malign Sari's character. 

According to Ikpa, MURIC mistook the ITF for a religious organisation where religious considerations should be the yardstick for employment as against experience, qualification and suitability. 

Ikpa noted that the ITF carries out its employment in line with the federal character principle, hence there is no iota of favouritism or nepotism as being speculated.

The coalition, however, urged the general public to disregard MURIC's statement for lacking in objectivity to cause unnecessary tension in the polity. 

Read the full statement below:

The leadership of the Coalition for Good Governance and Rule of Law welcomes you all to this press conference convoked to set the record straight with regards to the allegations of nepotism against the Executive Secretary of the Industrial Training Fund, Sir, Joseph Ari in the operations of the ITF in Nigeria. 

As a start, the allegation of nepotism in the ITF is an attempt by MURIC to cause an unnecessary distraction in the operations of the agency in an attempt to malign the character of the executive secretary, who has been reputed to have entrenched a regime of transparency and accountability in the operations of the ITF since he assumed office. 

The Coalition for Good Governance and Rule in its numerous engagements with Ministries, Departments, and Agencies in the country indeed finds it worrisome that MURIC would elect to turn the truth on its head in a most brazen and despicable manner. 

We are constrained to add our voice to this narrative for the fact that the allegations are unsubstantiated. The allegations are also lacking in merit because it is obvious from all indications that MURIC relied on hearsays before making its position known in the public space. 

MURIC for inexplicable reasons alleged that 487 staff employed by the Executive Secretary of ITF in 2019, only 90 were Muslims and that this is just 18.48 per cent, while Christians were 81.52 per cent.

This is not only uncharitable, it is also an indication that the leadership of MURIC is not in tune with reality and the operational structure of the ITF that emphasizes meritocracy due to the sensitivity of its operations. 

It is our considered view that MURIC mistook the ITF for a religious organization where religious considerations should be the yardstick for employment as against experience, qualifications, and suitability for the job. 

It's succinct to add that the Coalition for Good Governance and Rule of Law has on several occasions continuously tasked agencies of government on good governance and the rule of law and it is instructive to state that the ITF remains one of the agencies of government that has displayed a high level of compliance to the extant laws guiding its operations, including recruitment at all cadres. 

It is also on record that the ITF as an agency boast of a cosmopolitan workplace where there are mutual respect and understanding amongst staffer, all courtesy of the leadership style of the Executive Secretary, who is a known apostle of creating a level playing ground for all devoid of religious or ethnic considerations.   

We are also aware that the ITF Board is known to have carried out its employment in line with the federal character principle and there is no iota of favouritism or nepotism as being speculated. We believe that MURIC was misled into its hasty conclusion without carrying out a detailed investigation. We, therefore, implore a respected organization like MURIC to do some research before making public statements on petitions before it and will encourage MURIC to continue to carry out its roles as a respected civil society organization, or at the risk of been labelled as a tool for inciting religious tension in the country. 

We wish to inform MURIC, that the said recruitment exercise of 2019 followed all due processes and was coordinated by the Federal Character Commission, which even issued a letter of compliance to the ITF after the exercise. Unless MURIC wants to state that the Federal Character Commission as an organization is populated by Christians and responsible for giving backing to a supposed lopsided recruitment exercise. 

This is indeed a sad episode in the sense that the actions of MURIC are capable of misleading unsuspecting members of the general public into believing that the ITF is a religious intolerant organization and the attendant consequences in the polity. It consequently behoves MURIC to be circumspect in its public utterances especially on issues it is ignorant of in the interest of peace and stability in Nigeria.  

The Coalition for Good Governance and Rule of Law wishes to state that the ITF under the leadership of Sir, Joseph Ari has complied with all the necessary due process and we unanimously passed a vote of confidence on the leadership of the ITF. 

We are using this medium to call on members of the general public to kindly disregard the statement by MURIC for it is lacking in objectivity and meant to cause unnecessary tension in the polity. 

This is on the heels that under the leadership of Sir, Joseph Ari, the ITF has recorded tremendous success in its operations in fulfilment of its mandate to set, regulate training standards and provide need-based human capital development interventions using corps of highly competent professionals in line with global best practices.

We must all agree that the allegations of nepotism by MURIC remain a figment of the imagination and must be disregarded by all well-meaning Nigerians.

By Samson Aboh

By my estimation, patience is not merely one of life’s fusillade of virtues. It means much more than such simplistic conclusions to me. And maturing with each passing day, I devout considerable time to gauge the actions and postures of others before sketching conclusions or pinning down judgements from informed perspectives. Therefore, patience is an enabler of so many things to me as a person, like it does for some other deep philosophical thinkers.

I am one person who restrains comments on anything until the end is seen. I am never in a hurry because time illuminates more profoundly, the mysteries of life than the undependable euphoria or gains of ephemeral quick-actions, largely susceptible to errors in verdict.

Days have gradually rolled into weeks now. So, its good time to reflect on the erstwhile Chief of Army Staff (COAS) and foreman of Nigeria’s anti-insurgency operations, retired Lt. Gen. Tukur Yusuf Buratai, whom I fondly relish his acronym of TYB. He gloriously bowed out of active service of the Nigerian Military and specifically, the Nigerian Army in 2021.

I can boldly assert that TYB ended his years of active service to his fatherland at Nigeria’s most tormenting time of consuming national insecurity threats. But I believe, together with his able lieutenants, TYB gave his heart and soul to this national assignment until the last day he bowed out gracefully.

Whilst he served us, there were differing perspectives from a wide spectrum of Nigerians or even foreigners on their perception of his contribution to the global anti-terrorism wars. Some outrightly dismissed and belittled his efforts; others extolled and commended him glowingly.

But also observed to date, a clan of others who were simply apathetic, aloof or neutral to whatever transpired in the warfront when TYB supervised the counter-terrorism operations. They never burdened themselves with the horrors, perfections or imperfections in the frontlines. I see it as normal.

But I belong to a different league of Nigerians on this score. That is, those who preferred to see the end of TYB’s actions to the last blast of the whistle to better be armed and positioned to deduce valuable interpretations or postulate informed public commentary.

Therefore, I deliberately refused to comment on the stewardship of TYB when the stakes were high and the field actions still very explosive against Nigeria’s enemy forces in the battlefield. My preferred time and hour have come. It is now safe to discuss him without any fear of contradictions.

In 2015, I was fascinated by the unusual chants of accolades and cheers, which welcomed TYB as Nigeria’s fresh warlord against the obstinate and resilient Boko Haram insurgents and Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) terrorists in the Northeast region. TYB, an infantry combatant was relatively unpopular among Nigerians at the time of his appointment as COAS.

He had spent the best part of his military career in the trenches, fighting wars within Nigeria or in the assignments of UN Peace Keeping Missions in Angola and elsewhere. In the later years, TYB buried himself in the creeks of Niger Delta fighting incendiary militants, vandals, and economic saboteurs bred by the region in order to exculpate Nigeria from their foothold.

He was the Field Commander of the Multi-National Joint Task Force (MNJTF), the multi-nation military outfit conceptualized by Nigeria, Niger, Chad, Cameroun and later on, Benin republic to battle terrorism in the sub-region. In all these assignments, TYB bagged medals and awards for his exemplary and excellent performances. It also earned him accelerated promotions in recognition of his exceptional military exploits and results.

I am aware, it was from the MNJTF assignment that TYB earned another promotion to the rank of Lieutenant General and President Muhammadu Buhari deemed him fit to head the Nigerian Army as the numero uno soldier and chief armour bearer of the country’s war against terrorism. This was when I started to silently monitor his leadership of both the Nigerian Army and the counter-insurgency operations.

Boko Haram terrorism was a nagging national nightmare to us at the time TYB was mandated to take charge of the war. The irrational, bizarre and bloodthirsty jihadists absolutely enslaved and caged Nigeria by its confounding atrocities. We moaned and grieved endlessly. The might and hold of the terrorists group on Nigeria was choking, something, I decoded as a breathless hold on the country, a metaphor akin to the fabled tale of the Afro-American, George Floyd.

The dire situation of the country’s security at that time created excitement in the Boko Haram insurgents’ ranks and their foreign sponsors in the Middle East were also elated. Boko Haram’s internal agents and sympathizers in Nigeria also jubilantly and publicly scoffed at Nigerians. We were at the cusp of surrendering the sovereignty of Nigeria to terrorists.

The overwhelming insecurity challenges in Nigeria were complicated by a weak, docile and unwilling Army which flinched at the battlefront in the face of enemy forces. TYB’s predecessor, Gen. Ihejirika confessed this much on the day of his formal handover to Gen. Buratai (rtd).

Meanwhile, we became a bleeding country; a nation which demonstrated by the actions of its Army that it was incompetent to battle Boko Haram insurgents and the other variegated sects of terrorism feasting on Nigeria. In truth, we shamefully genuflected before terrorists unapologetically.

We endlessly screamed in blood, pains, and sorrows each time terrorists struck us. No part of Northern Nigeria was safe either for habitation or conduct of legitimate business. Nigerians dreaded traversing the North on journeys, as the phobia of terrorists engulfed the land.

Our most agonizing moments was when they turned Abuja, the nation’s capital into a chamber of serial deaths. Scared Nigerians who took refuge in Abuja eventually discovered, the notion of security in the Federal capital was merely an illusion. Frequent bombings of public buildings, security formations, the UN office, motor parks, shopping malls, and churches in the suburbs of Abuja clearly defined our most terrorizing and agonizing existential times as a nation.

We whined uncontrollably and overtly. We were helpless, ostensibly, waiting for another sound of bomb explosion, the resultant casualties and destructions to kick another round of wailing. The jihadi campaigners terribly compromised national security.

In the Northeast region where Boko Haram controlled the five states of Borno, Adamawa, Yobe, Bauchi and Gombe, it was hell for Nigerians. No fewer than 21 LGAs were coercively seized and occupied by the terrorists in their quest for territorial expansion. The jihadists established their main Caliphate administrative center in Gwoza and other areas served as its subsidiaries. Emirs and other community leaders were either deposed or killed by the insurgents, who anointed their own leaders as replacements in the places they captured.

And over 20, 000 Nigerian hostages, including the Chibok schoolgirls were scattered in different locations of Boko Haram secret camps. I boldly admit now that the Northeast region was substantially closed to public or social life for dread of the atrocities of Boko Haram insurgents. We experienced insurgents gruesomely murder hundreds of Nigerians virtually every week in different locations.

Elsewhere in the Northwest, armed bandits, cattle rustlers and other armed criminal gangs unleashed a reign of terror on Nigerians and reigned like untouchable demigods. Whole villages were sacked; farmers were forced out of farm plantations; public markets, federal highways, schools and all which defined a meaningful life to the natives were shut down by the activities of bandits.

In the Southeast, incensed and armed IPOB criminal gangs, who camouflaged in the guise of secession agitations also imposed a reign of terror on people of the region. Arbitrary arrests and extra-judicial killings of innocent Nigerians; mass looting of public businesses and other criminalities committed by IPOB members ignited excessive conflagrations and wailings.

The Niger Delta militants were also a pain in the neck. They violently howled agitations for an independent “Niger Delta republic.” They blew up oil pipelines and other facilities, massively engaged in crude oil theft among other heinous crimes like kidnapping of foreigners. In Kaduna, ethno-religious crisis resonated in loud drums of war; just like in some states in the Middle Belt, where herdsmen/farmers skirmishes as well as communal clashes snatched peace and security, as hired mercenaries and ethnic militias became overlords.

TYB was faced with these daunting security challenges, with an Army with its internal problems which dampened morale. It stimulated rampant mutinies in the frontlines, “tactical withdrawal” at the battlefront; poor weaponry base, indiscipline, unprofessional conduct, disloyalty and unpatriotic posture of soldiers towards the counter-insurgency war.

It amazed me that TYB resolved the problems of soldiers within a short time and repositioned the Nigerian Army into a responsive and responsible institution alive to its constitutional responsibilities. Soldiers begun to face squarely the counter-insurgency operations; reclaiming all territories previously under the control of Boko Haram and halted the regime of bomb explosions in Abuja and other Northern cities and towns. Almost all the five states under Boko Haram have been rescued; thousands of Boko Haram captives have regained freedom.

TYB gallantly fought insurgents, bandits, terrorists, violent secessionists, armed militants, ethnic militias and other criminal gangs unflinchingly and to a standstill until the day, he bowed out of active military service.

More pleasurable to me were the TYB’s rare initiatives which transformed the Nigerian Army into an entirely new institution with his reforms and innovations. Nigerian Army today has new specialized Army schools; old and abandoned Army institutions have been revamped.

TYB returned Nigerian Army to its past glorious days of self-dependence where it manufactured some of its warfare equipment. The indigenous MRAP “Ezeugwu” war machine stands out distinctly as the conqueror of terrorists and protector of soldiers in the theatre of war in the Northeast. He visibly changed the narratives of the anti-insurgency combats in Nigeria progressively.

In fighting terrorism in Nigeria, TYB also established far reaching synergies with the Armies of other countries of the world both in the West African sub-region and foreign nations like India, Brazil, Bangladesh, Pakistan and so forth. Sensitive knowledge sharing and exchange of experiences on combating terrorism became a regular feature of his leadership. It accounted for his success in the anti-insurgency war.

I have no scintilla of doubt that TYB bowed out of military service, leaving Nigeria on a better anti-terrorism rating than he met it. His encounters and relationships with foreign countries, especially in the Francophone bloc would assist tremendously in his new assignment as Nigeria’s non-career ambassador.

It is my utmost conviction that Nigeria can better resolve its internal problems of insurgency, if the country strikes a strong diplomatic synergy with France and the francophone countries, most of which are our neighbours. Lt. Gen. TY Buratai (rtd) stands in good stead to anchor the Jise diplomatic relations between Nigeria and these francophone countries.

I am convinced that in the fullness of time, we will all agree that TYB was a man of the people. He really and whole heartedly fought terrorism while in active military service and poised to do it even better in retirement while on the diplomatic scene as an Ambassador.

Aboh wrote this piece from Federal University Lafia.

Group hails NPHCDA over arrival, distribution and administration of Covid-19 vaccines

The National Vanguard for Vaccine Administration and Advocacy (NVVAA) has commended the management of the National Primary Healthcare Development Agency (NPHCDA) for the seamless arrival, distribution and administration of coronavirus vaccines across the nation. 

The group, in a statement by its Secretary-General, Akor Oche, on Monday, said the agency has displayed a high sense of transparency and accountability so much so that Nigerians should expect the safety of the vaccines upon administration. 

Following the arrival of the first batch of Oxford AstraZeneca COVID-19 vaccines in the country, the NPHCDA began the massive roll out on Friday with President Muhammadu Buhari and Vice-President Yemi Osinbajo subsequently receiving their first jabs. 

By setting up a website for Nigerians to register, the NVVAA noted that the health agency eradicated all forms of encumbrances that would have marred the successful rollout of the vaccines.  

The National Vanguard for Vaccine Administration and Advocacy, however, called on members of the general public to extend their support to the NPHCDA by disregarding the narratives against the suitability of the vaccine for humans. 

On its part, the group urged the NPHCDA not to relent in the task of ensuring that all Nigerians are vaccinated in the coming months. 

Read the full statement below:

The National Vanguard for Vaccine Administration and Advocacy is issuing this press statement to commend the management of the National Primary Healthcare Development Agency (NPHCDA) on the arrival and subsequent distribution and administration of the AstraZeneca COVID 19 Vaccine across the country. 

It is indeed commendable that the NPHCDA put in motion mechanisms that ensure that all states of the federation receive their doses of the vaccine in a timely and orderly manner that remains a disconnect from the norm whereby exercises such as this are always marred by poor logistics arrangements. 

The NPHCDA has by its actions in recent times displayed a high sense of transparency and accountability so much so that Nigerians should expect the safety of the vaccines upon administration. 

It is thus the considered opinion of the National Vanguard for Vaccine Administration and Advocacy that meeting the various timelines from the arrival to the country and its subsequent rollout is indicative of the sustainable efforts of the NPHCDA towards ensuring that the vaccines are safe for humans, as well as ensuring that there is an equitable distribution across the country. 

It is also commendable that the NPCHDA opened an online registration platform for Nigerians to register for vaccination. This is indeed an exemplary display of foresight by the management of the NPHCDA in the sense that it has successfully eradicated all forms of encumbrances that would have marred the successful rollout of the vaccines in Nigeria.  

The National Vanguard for Vaccine Administration and Advocacy calls on members of the general public to extend their support to the NPHCDA by disregarding the narratives against the suitability of the vaccine for humans. 

It also states that with the level of expertise displayed by the NPHCDA, Nigerians should be assured that there shall be equitable distribution of vaccines across the country and all Nigerians regardless of their status in the society shall be vaccinated in record time subject to availability. 

Nigerians are also enjoined to continue to support the efforts of the government towards ensuring that all Nigerians are vaccinated in the race to put COVID 19 behind us as quickly as possible. 

We also encourage the leadership of the NPHCDA not to relent in the task of ensuring that all Nigerians are vaccinated as the vaccines become available in large quantities in the coming months. 

The National Vanguard for Vaccine Administration and Advocacy as a critical stakeholder in the country is pledging its continuous support to the NPHCDA in ensuring that the vaccination programme is successfully implemented across the country. 

The NPHCDA has indeed displayed exemplary service to Nigeria and it behoves all mischief makers to desist from spreading negative information with regards to the safety of the COVID 19 vaccines been administered in Nigeria.

By Philip Agbese

One of Africa’s globally celebrated novelist and erudite scholar, Chinua Achebe spewed this timeless maxim in one of his novels; “The man of the people is not about Harvard or Cambridge degrees; but the man that speaks and understands the language of the people.” Achebe’s wisdom sparkles with a timeless relevance in leadership on the African continent and Nigeria today, just like yesterday when the words were uttered.

The Director-General (DG) National Youth Service Corps (NYSC), Brigadier General Shuaibu Ibrahim has indubitably discerned and applied the wisdom of Chinua Achebe wherever he has rendered service to his country. His admirable philosophy resonates in the extra premium he attaches to the people he serves. The NYSC boss is synonymous with selfless service and the development of others, a leadership trait, which hardly shadows in most Nigerian leaders.

Ibrahim, a pioneer Registrar of the Nigerian Army University, Biu is a famed Military historian, scholar, administrator, pragmatist, teacher, pacesetter, innovator and workaholic. He knows his leadership destination and how to excellently navigate his path to success. Ibrahim is a perfect example of one of Nigeria’s genuine and committed leaders.

When the ideal marksman for a job is located, it is easy to notice. Since Shuaibu Ibrahim, the Nasarawa state-born Army General sauntered on stage at NYSC headquarters Abuja, the shining ambience of performance has been inescapable and a cynosure of all eyes.

For the NYSC boss, his current assignment is merely the return to a familiar turf, having served as a Military Assistant (MA) to a former Director-General of the scheme years back. It implies, he has a vast knowledge and experience of the internal operations of the scheme, which has been converted to a rewarding leadership asset for the discharge of formidable service to young Nigerian graduates.

From North to South and from Sokoto to Bayelsa, NYSC members ululate in unanimous tongues their endearing delights and joys with Ibrahim’s persona in his barely two years leadership of the scheme. For the Nigerian youth corps members, Ibrahim is one unforgettable and outstanding administrator of the NYSC.

And like in the catchy aphorism of Achebe; the NYSC boss understands and speaks the language of the people. He does not dispense it from the prisms of bossiness; but the people are excited because he shadows in a unique servant-leader style for the present and future prosperity of the Nigerian youths.

The NYSC DG’s personage embodies a humane, kind-hearted, compassionate, loving and generous personality to a fault. He has a palpable and enduring affection for progress and development of the Nigerian youths. Barely weeks after his appointment in 2019, Brigadier Gen. Ibrahim’s instincts and passion for work manifested. He paid a surprise working visit to the NYSC’s Sagamu Permanent Orientation Camp, in Ogun state in the wee hours of the morning.

The NYSC boss inspected facilities at the camp to ensure they were up to a standard that can guarantee at least minimal comfort for corpers. He gave fatherly counsel on discipline and obedience to constituted authorities to the 2019 Batch B Stream One. But what amazed corp members most in the early morning visit by the NYSC boss was that he gifted various groups of the corps members with memorably fanciful gifts.

Ibrahim, a doctoral degree holder in history and a resourceful military researcher of repute is not a friend to failure. So, he launched a vigorous campaign to terminate the reign of temporary orientation camps for NYSC members as soon as he assumed office. He frowned at the subsisting practice of some states which have converted schools into camps.

Therefore, as part of his focus on welfare of corpers, he engaged State Governors still operating in temporary sites to build permanent, and standard NYSC Orientation Camps. Excitingly, the tide has started changing very rapidly, with NYSC permanent camps in almost 32 states of the federation now. In tandem with these campaigns, several states in the country with dilapidated structures in their Permanent Orientation Camps have had them renovated with upgraded facilities for the comfort of NYSC members.

Ibrahim has his mind fixated in attracting extra stipends for Corp members from all the states of the federation to complement what is uniformly paid all corpers by the Federal Government. He has worked assiduously to ensure; every State Government generally pays a token to corpers posted on national assignments in their respective states as incentive for the national service to fatherland.

And to smoothen the path, domesticate and deepen the campaigns, Gen. Ibrahim has persuaded and lured some Governors to crusade for better welfare for youth Corp members. The strategy is working rewardingly, as excited corpers in states that have complied endlessly glorify the NYSC boss.

Gen. Ibrahim is seen by by corpers and Nigerians as one NYSC DG, who immediately implemented a new Federal Government approved allowance for corps members, which stood at N30,000. But he also, magnanimously added an additional N3,000 on the FGN’s approved N30,000 per corper.

These welfare initiatives by Ibrahim are to provide an elaborate window for prudent serving corpers to save part of their allowances, which they could invest into productive ventures after the one-year mandatory service. It’s a very commendable philosophy and the best way of expressing fondness to secure the growth and development of young Nigerian graduates.

Also intricately linked to the welfare of serving NYSC members, Ibrahim has prioritized the security of corpers wherever they are posted in Nigeria for primary assignment. The NYSC boss is mindful of the pervading insecurities in some parts of the country and has adopted water-tight security strategies and administrative protection measures for corpers.

In Borno, like in other states, where insecurity as induced by Boko Haram insurgency is prevalent, the DG has given a standing order that no corper should be posted to volatile or potentially risky areas. He has sustained an evergreen collaboration with security agencies to ensure the safety, security of lives and property of corps members are neither threatened nor comprised in any circumstance.

To this end, the NYSC DG is very strict against night journeys by corpers and has consistently persuaded the sick to always report to the authorities for prompt medical attention by the handy Corps Medical Personnel of the scheme. He is also passionate about protection of female corpers from exploitation while serving the nation under the scheme. He has never failed to warn female corp members not to compromise their dignity and womanhood for gratifications and has contrived secret ways to monitor such blackmails which leads to abuses of the womenfolk either by NYSC staff or employers of corpers.

When the Coronavirus pandemic broke out in Nigeria and caused nationwide panic, Brigedier Gen. Ibrahim immediately swung into action to protect the beloved graduate children of Nigerians entrusted in his care. After a prolonged closure of NYSC camps; but the necessity to reopen them in order not to stagnate the future of Nigerian graduate youths, Gen. Ibrahim did the needful to secure the lives of the youths entrusted in his hands.

He immediately secured all NYSC orientation camps throughout the country by putting in place essential measures endorsed by the National Center for Disease Control (NCDC) to prevent Covid-19 from invading the camps. He traversed the country on surprise visits to ensure its implementation.

Instantly, NCDC officials were deployed to NYSC camps for testing of prospective corp members and the officials before admission into the orientation camps. Hand sanitizers and reduction in the number of admitted corpers for each stream of the orientation exercise; spacing of hostel beds in consonance with the prescribed physical distancing regulation, compulsory use of facemasks and all other ancillary protocols of Covid-19 were strictly enforced.

Undeniably, Gen. Ibrahim is demonstrating to youths of Nigeria a kind of special fatherly love, which those who passed through the scheme before now never had the luxury of the experience. Nigerian youth corp members are convinced and indeed, sing eulogies of the DG for a rare exhibition of leadership, which they have admitted as close to their hearts.

The NYSC DG speaks to corpers in a language they have clearly decoded. Only a few leaders in the ilk of Ibrahim are prodded to speak the language of the people in Nigeria. What has remained unique in Gen. Ibrahim’s leadership style is his mastery and implementation of the techniques capable of changing the life fortunes of Nigerian young graduates within a year of his encounter with them under the scheme.

Agbese is a human rights activist based in the United Kingdom.

The Centre for Public Accountability CPA, has expressed regrets over the desperate attempt by the Federal government, to politicise the security situation in Zamfara State, noting that the recent declaration of a 'No-Fly Zone' on the state coupled with a ban placed on mining activities, were targeted at further destabilizing the effort of the state government, towards, addressing the spate of insecurity in the state.

CPA in a statement signed by its Executive Secretary, Olufemi Lawson questioned why Zamfara is the testing ground for the Federal government's declaration of no-fly zone, when in actual fact, there have been previous alarms raised by Nigerians, in States across the country, most especially in the Northeast and North Central zones, about how arms and ammunition are supplied to criminal elements, with the aid of aircrafts.

"We consider the admission by the Presidency, that criminal elements now get their supplies, through the aid of aircrafts, as an indictment of those responsible for managing our airspace and national security, which further confirms our believe, that the incumbent administration has lost the capacity, to further guarantee, the security of lives and properties of Nigerians, which ordinarily should be its primary responsibility."

"We are constrained to believe, that the decision of the presidency, is a direct attack targeted at the Zamfara State Governor, Hon. Bello Matawalle, over his recent revelations, on the roles, played by some highly placed individuals, towards truncating the state government's effort at rescuing the recently abducted over 270 girls of the Government Girls Science Secondary School, Jangebe, Zamfara state."

"It is also hypocritical of the Federal government, to take such a swift decision, without consultation with Stakeholders in Zamfara state, at a speed it never took, during similar scenarios witnessed in President Buhari's home state of Katsina and of recent, Kagara in Niger State."


Rather than making this kind of unpopular action towards addressing the insecurity in Zamfara, a situation that has been largely traced to the mismanagement and maladministration of the state, under the previous administration, particularly between 2011-2019, when Mr. Abdulaziz Yari was in saddle, as the governor, We wish to remind the Federal government, that it is her primary responsibility to make sure that lives and properties of all citizens are protected, without any iota of political consideration. When this is lost, then there is nothing like governance again.”


We are therefore demanding for an immediate reversal of the Federal government's no-fly zone order, while asking that genuine nationwide inquiry be launched into the claims, that criminal elements, now get their arms and ammunition supplies, through our airspace, a situation, that should worry any serious Government, particularly, those who have been saddled with the responsibility managing our national security.

Is the FG telling us it doesn't know owners of jets in Nigeria again? There is nothing we will not see in Nigeria.

By Bukola Olasanmi

Youths of any nation globally are the foothold of a secured tomorrow for the country. Nigeria is a country blessed with agile and vibrant youths. In them, the portrait of endurance and perseverance exudes, laced in the dogged determination to conquer the challenges of life. But most times, they are not properly to arrive at the destination of a purposeful and worthy life.

Therefore, it is the first time, Nigerian youths have found a friend, an ally, a partner and boss in the incumbent Director-General (DG) of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC), Brigadier General Shuaibu Ibrahim.  Since he became NYSC’s DG, the   young Army officer has dispensed himself as a formidable plank for youths of Nigeria to realize their full potentials in order to become assets to the nation, rather than miscreants.

Brigadier Gen. Shuaibu Ibrahim has undeniably proven himself as an agent of transformation, a reformer, an innovator and pacesetter in leadership. He has spared nothing to reposition the NYSC and in ensuring corps members are genuinely guided. Now, Nigerians are delighted to see the ingenuity embedded in Nigerian youths serving in the NYSC scheme, maximally exploited for their personal development and nation-building.

A peek into the administration of Shuaibu Ibrahim as DG NYSC for these past months shows a progressive trend of solid legacies and unshakable commitment to his avowal of rescuing a pivotal scheme which was almost paralyzed. The aims and objectives of the NYSC scheme have been his sacred book and at every point and everywhere, NYSC is now noticed with the badge of a rebirthed scheme.

The welfare and social security of corps member is not only of paramount concern, but a top priority in the policies of the NYSC boss.  His consistent preachments to corps members have always been that they should consider anywhere duty beckons for the primary assignment as their birthplace and ancestral abode. To him, everywhere is the home of every Nigerian.

He has guaranteed the financial security of   Nigerian youths serving the country under the NYSC scheme. Brigadier Gen. Ibrahim fought relentlessly to ensure the   implementation of the new National Minimum Wage (NMW) of N30, 000 monthly. Every corper now collects N33,000 (thirty-three thousand) as monthly allowance and it is paid promptly, despite the economic crunch. And through subtle persuasions, the NYSC boss has been able to convince employers of the services of corps members in augmenting the Government pay package with some stipends.  And the respond has been tremendous.

A foresighted stickler to standards anywhere he serves his country, Ibrahim provides leadership for the scheme in very exceptional ways. He thinks more about a rewarding future for Nigerian youths than the realities of today and has silently launched a variety of economic empowerment programmes to assist them to become responsible citizens by utilizing it to clutch the niceties of tomorrow.

Obsessed with this agenda, as soon as he was appointed the DG NYSC, Shuaibu Ibrahim engaged the International Labour Organization’s (ILO), Abuja country office in Nigeria in mutual talks. It was in pursuit of the economic empowerment of Nigerian youths who have passed through the scheme.  His reception and outcomes of the parlays with ILO were commendable.

The mission of strengthening and deepening relations with ILO to open windows of utilizing the potentials of youths’ empowerment through employment and entrepreneurship skills development in Nigeria were not an effort in vain. These trips have yielded amazing dividends to corps members through ILO’s ‘Start and Improving Your Business (SIYB) Management Programme.’

Brigadier Gen. Ibrahim has also elevated the NYSC’s “Skills Acquisition and Entrepreneurship Development (SAED) initiative to a new realm, by utilizing the creative ingenuity and productivity of corpers. The greatest success narratives of the scheme now is that through SAED, NYSC under the leadership of Ibrahim, sought and stabilized ways of generating internal revenue to fund some of its operations. Corpers were trained and mastered various crafts within the one-year duration of the scheme.   

NYSC has reactivated its formerly silent commercial values and strength. It now operates its bread factory and table water company in Kubwa, Abuja.  And the NYSC boss has plans to replicate same in   states of the federation. It is an uncommon innovation and a gradual path to NYSC’s financial independence in the nearest future.

To further fortify and expand its investments web, some corpers are trained in fish and snail farming in NYSC farms. Most of them started practicing the skills before they were discharged from the service. So, NYSC farms across the nation are no longer dormant territories, as even rice cultivation and other agric-based businesses are undertaken by corpers, as the scheme’s response to local content policy of the FGN, in what the DG hopes to keep expanding in order “…to internally generate our revenue.”

The global outbreak of Coronavirus pandemic in 2020 was a tough period, not only for the NYSC, but Nigerians generally. But Brigadier Gen. Ibrahim provided a patriotic, astute and focused leadership when it was most needed. The greatest joy engineered by Ibrahim was that throughout the period of the raging Covd-19 pandemic, no corper’s life was risked to Covid-19 or snatched by the cold hands of death because of the epidemic.  The religiously strict enforcement of all Covid-19 social protocols in camps and other places of congregation by corps members became a golden rule.

Therefore, whilst Nigeria bled under the yoke of the Covid-19 pandemic, NYSC members were reoriented and mobilized to join the league of other Nigerians working to salvage their nation by rendering the needed sensitive services. The NYSC boss created a historic record. He ensured corps members nationwide were activated in battling the Covid-19 pandemic. So, corpers produced face masks, sanitizers, disinfectant tools, and automatic sanitizing machines as their national contribution in battling the Covid-19 pandemic.

This was in addition to a vigorous and robust public sensitization campaigns as well as active participation in distribution of Government palliatives to various communities in the country. It was the first of its kind in the annals of Nigeria’s history that corpers were mobilized to play a focal role in a national emergency.  It never happened in the days of Ebola outbreak.

It has excited everyone that corpers have marketed themselves as assets to the nation, rather than liabilities at a season of tribulations in the country, spurred by the Covid-19 epidemic.  Today, through the worthy and purposeful leadership of Brigadier General Ibrahim, the seasons of NYSC orientation camps have been fully restored throughout the country. 

And with Ibrahim still on board, even the Covid-19 phase II has posed no worrisome threat to this aspect of the scheme.  He started his leadership of the NYSC on a sound footing and has sustained the tempo; expanded the productive tentacles of corpers in unimaginable ways. By his impactful ideas, millions of Nigerian youths are assured of a brighter tomorrow and economic independence after the mandatory national service.

Olasanmi wrote this article from Abuja.

By: Dumebi Kachikwu

In another blistering editorial, Dumebi Kachikwu, Chairman of Roots TV, has called out Nigerian leaders for burying their heads in the sand while civil war looms.

He said foreign Fulani terrorists cloaked as herdsmen were a common foe to all Nigerian ethnicities including the Nigerian Fulani since they didn’t discriminate on who they killed or kidnapped. He further opined that Nigerians should not be deceived that this was a religious war between Christians and Muslims but rather it was a war between foreign terrorists who had been sold the Big Lie that Nigerian is the Fulani Capital of the World and Nigerians. In a viral video entitled The Big Lie, he enjoined all men and women of goodwill to rise up and speak up before it is too late.


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qvPih3MUB30&t=32s

The immediate past Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lieutenant General Tukur Yusufu Buratai (rtd), has reiterated his sincere gratitude to President Muhammadu Buhari, GCFR for appointing him as Chief of Army Staff and further added that he discharged his responsibilities to the best of his ability. He also showered encomiums to Nigerians from various walks of life that supported him with prayers, advises, and words of encouragement that made him achieve so much as COAS. General Buratai stated this last night while speaking at a dinner organised in his honour by members of 29th Regular Course Foundation, held at Sheraton Hotel and Towers, Abuja.

In his words, General Buratai said, “I must appreciate all Nigerians, my well-wishers, the youths, elders, men and women for their continuous prayers, goodwill and support to the Nigerian Army and me in the course of our duties to bring about peace and security in our country.” He also thanked the Borno State Governor, Professor Babagana Umara Zulum, and his northeast counterparts, who have “All worked hard to ensure that the insurgency in the northeast have reached what we have today; a manageable state and the progress have been quite tremendous so far.”

Going down memory lane earlier, the former COAS said that his appointment was a special price for his father, the late Alhaji Yusufu Buratai, a well-known staunch loyalist of President Buhari. It will be recalled that General Buratai’s father, a Second World War veteran, served as a Non-Commissioned Officer in the Royal West African Frontier Force fighting in Burma.

Speaking further, he expressed appreciation to the members of the 29th Regular Course Association for being such wonderful friends and course mates and organising such a befitting event in his honour, adding that he felt so happy to be celebrated. It means a lot to him and his family. “It is also a mark of fulfilment and pride that you have been recognised for the service you have rendered to your nation and your people,” he stated.

He also thanked President Muhammadu Buhari for nominating him for an ambassadorial appointment, reiterating that he would continue to do the nation proud and project Nigeria’s image in good light wherever he is posted.

The occasion featured the presentation of awards to Lt Gen TY Buratai (rtd) and books written on him by the 29th Regular Course Association, Nigerian Youth Organisation and the Reality Global FM.

*Buratai, other former service chiefs have passed test, ready to serve foreign missions - Nigeria First* 

The Nigeria First movement has welcomed the confirmation of former Chief of Army Staff, Lt. Gen. Tukur Buratai (rtd) and other immediate past service chiefs as ambassadors designate by the Senate. 

By their confirmation, the group noted the ex-COAS and his counterparts have passed the test, "unblemish in character and therefore fit to serve as heads of our foreign missions". 

Th group made this known on Thursday in a press statement in Abuja signed by its president, Chief Philip Agbese. 

Owing to their trackrecord from a highly professional background, Agbese expressed optimism that they will deploy their wealth of knowledge and experience to bear on their new assignments.

He, however, urged the Federal Government to ensure that the diplomats are deployed to countries where their impact will be most felt.

While commending President Muhammadu Buhari for finding the former military chiefs worthy, Chief Agbese added that he should deploy them to countries with the needed military technology relevant to Nigeria's current security situation which will help improve military cooperation between the two countries.

Read full statement below: 

On behalf of NIGERIA FIRST, May l commend the Senate for performing this important function. This is a patriotic act.

One of the important ingredients of democracy is the separation of powers.It is on this tripod of this power separation that good governance thrives. The confirmation exercise by the Senate is therefore, a confirmation that arms of the Nigerian government are working in the overall interest of national development.

Ambassadors are important in world affairs.

They represent and protect the interest and nationals of their states. They also initiate and facilitate strategic agreements ,treaties,conventions,promote information, trade and commerce, technology, friendly relations etc.Their negotiation skills and expertise are therefore significant in  meeting these functions.

Having been confirmed as Ambassadors,the next thing is posting to their respective states. By their confirmation, Lt. Gen TY Buratai (rtd) and others have passed the test as unblemish in character and therefore fit to serve as heads of our foreign missions. 

It's instructive to note that these Nigerians have been called from highly professional backgrounds for this important assignment. We are optimistic that they will  deploy their wealth of knowledge and  experience to bear on their new ssignments 

We therefore call on the federal government to ensure that our diplomats are deployed to countries where their impact will be most felt. This can be done by  taking advantage of their background to decide which country each is posted to.

For instance, our immediate past service chiefs can be deployed to such countries where their military background becomes handy in negotiating military pacts  on behalf of our country more so that our dear country is passing through security challenges. As service chiefs,their involvement in the nation's defence system must have placed them in a strategic position to further improve  our security architecture.

In view of their background, we are tempted to conclude that posting them to countries with  the needed military technology relevant to our  current security situation in the country will help improve military cooperation between the two countries.

This is why we passionately appeal that the background of the Ambassadors be used as a yardstick for their posting .This way,we will feel the impact of their representation.

Once again, we commend  the  Senate for performing this important assignment of their confirmation .

We also most humbly commend President Buhari for finding them worthy to serve as our representatives abroad .

Thanks and God bless you.

The New Initiative for Credible Leadership (NICreL) says Omoyele Sowore's attempt to incite Nigerians in the diaspora against the ambassadors designate shows that he is yet to recover from his failed insurrection bid.   

The group, in a statement on Wednesday, said the former presidential aspirant is suffering from a waned revolution hangover, one that has impaired his capacity to process ideas, thoughts, utterances and actions expected of right-thinking members of the society.

According to the statement signed by its Executive Director, Rev Steven Onwu, the NICreL urged Nigerians in the Diaspora to ignore Sowore, whom it noted, is goading them to possibly violate the laws in their countries of domicile while he shuttles between New York and Nigeria extorting high ranking persons through blackmail. 

The group further cautioned Nigerians abroad to avoid anything that would lead to their repatriation to Nigeria and eventually become hirelings and rented protesters for Sowore’s failed revolution.

While describing the former service heads as worthy ambassadors who served the nation meritoriously as military chiefs, the group urged Nigerians to actively flag and report Sowore's inciteful post. 

The NICreL, however, advised the RevolutionNow convener to voluntarily commit himself to a mental health facility especially now that mental health issues are gaining better recognition and improving attention in Nigeria.

Read the full statement below:

The New Initiative for Credible Leadership (NICreL) has noted with disgust the attempt by failed revolutionist and pro-terrorists’ activists, Omoyele Sowore to incite Nigerians in the diaspora against the ambassadors designate recently confirmed by the Senate. We recognize that Sowore is suffering from failed revolution hangover, one that has greatly impaired his capacity to process ideas, thoughts, utterances and actions on the basis expected of right-thinking members of the society.

In a new low in Sowore’s rapid descent into the irresponsible, he wrote on his Facebook page that “Dear Nigerians in the Diaspora: If Tukur Buratai or any of the criminal former Buhari service chiefs is (are) sent to your domain anywhere in the world please chase them back to Nigeria in sustained protest! Remember they are only fit to be sent to the ICC in The Hague #BuhariMustGo #OccupyNigeria #RevolutionNow”
   
Ordinarily, knowing that Sowore is mentally and reality-challenged, efforts should not be dissipated replying to his rabidity against the ambassadors designate, who served the nation meritoriously as military chiefs. However, we are concerned that unwary Nigerians in the diaspora may be misled into heeding his criminal incitement, which would ultimately lead to such hapless persons being arrested for acting in the manner Sowore suggested and they will then be prosecuted, convicted, serve jail terms before being repatriated to Nigeria while the subjects of their misdirected anger continue to excel in their new roles.

Nigerians in the diaspora should note that Sowore is goading to possibly violate the laws in their countries of domicile while he shuttles between New York and Nigeria extorting high ranking persons through blackmail. Those in the diaspora would want to check the extant rules in their locations so that they will not be repatriated to Nigeria to become hirelings and rented protesters for Sowore’s failed revolution.

This common tout appears desperate in his bid to make other Nigerians into depressed persons as he has become after his serial attempts to overthrow the government of the day through mob action have failed repeatedly. He lost at the poll, his personae tainted the #OccupyNigeria movement, his devious nature truncated his #RevolutionNow movement and even protesters of under #EndSARS chased him away from their protests in Abuja because they know that he stains anything he touches with rot. So rotten is this entity that answers are yet to be found for what to his party’s campaign money in the 2019 Presidential Election he took part in.

NICreL is pleased to note that some of the comments on his inciteful post called him out as someone desperate to destroy Nigeria for reasons known to only him. We urge those who see through his evil plans to actively flag and report his posts as inciting violence so that Facebook and other social media platforms can treat those poisonous posts according to their community standards, which do not tolerate bad behaviour. 

On the offline side, Nigerians must begin to educate each other on how there is nothing democratic about a Sowore, who refuses to acknowledge that the Senate exercised the powers bestowed on it by the Nigerian 1999 Constitution (as amended). It is tragic that this maniac once, even as a comedian, aspired to the highest position in the land. The disdain he has shown for the National Assembly and his total lack of decorum for diplomatic relations is confirmation that the 38,000 plus people who voted for him in 2019 should be held in asylums because they must constitute a risk to the country to see anything worth redeeming in Sowore.

We urge Sowore, for whatever it worth, that it is time he gives serious thoughts to voluntarily committing himself to a mental health facility especially now that mental health issues are gaining better recognition and improving attention in Nigeria.

The National leadership of the National Youth Council of Nigeria (NYCN) has met with Chairman and other Commissioners of the Federal Character Commission (FCC) where issues of job racketeering were discussed.

There have been allegations of racketeering at the Commission with report suggesting that petitions have also been submitted against the current executive of the FCC led by its Chairman Muheeba Dankaka.

At the Tuesday’s meeting held at the Commission’s headquarters, in Abuja, the National Vice President of the NYCN, Ambassador Mukhtar Akoshile told newsmen that the issues leveled against the Chairman of FCC were unfounded.

“There have been news about the commission and allegations about sale of jobs at federal agencies. At the meeting with the Chairman of the Commission and 30 other commissioners, we were told that there are seven out of 37 Commissioners who are bent on removing the Chairman.

They told us that the allegations leveled against the Chairman cannot be substantiated and we also discovered that what has been happening before the new management came on board was a mess as the commission was in the hands of syndicates who have now been transferred out of Abuja and they are trying to fight back.

“We found out that the vacuum created before the appointment of the present leadership led to the illegalities unearthed now.

“What the new leadership is doing now is in the interest of Nigerian youth and we (Youth) are resolute and in full support of the drive to terminate sale of appointment into government agencies.

“They should publicise job opportunities and let those qualified apply. It shouldn’t be about who you know anymore.

Akoshile also implored President Muhammadu Buhari not to allow in government agencies “as the vacuum at FCC before the appointment of the new leadership actually caused the mess we are witnessing today.
“If there was no vacuum, those who were not up to the level of Commissioners would not have the opportunity to use the Commission’s letterhead papers to write letters to MDAs.

“We are exonerating the current leadership of the FCC from any wrongdoing and appropriate all her innovative drive and anyone who has contrary views should come forward with their own.” He said.

One interesting thing about the 'Asiwaju', is the fact that he is perceived differently by different people. From being the new 'Awo', a bullish businessman, to a tactical politician. The streams of opinions about his persona continue to burgeon. What is very clear from the multiplicity of perceptions and opinions about him is that he is an icon and a figure to reckon with in contemporary Nigeria.

Asiwaju Bola Ahamed Tinubu is one unique Nigerian personality with imposing features, strides, and achievements. A politician, businessman and leader of thought.

He has in the last 16 years risen to become the Generalissimo of Nigerian politics.

Before becoming the National Leader of the All Progressives Congress (APC), his role as a strong opposition leader cannot be glossed over. Rather than joined the ruling party then, the Peoples Democratic Party, as it was the fad among politicians, he stood in the sun and in the rain to build the then Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN ) into a formidable national party.

Using that platform, he fought for good governance and federalism, properly called and applied. Even when as a Governor, his government was starved of fund by the Obasanjo administration due to the creation of L.C.D.A in Lagos state, he was still firm and undaunted.

Before this, along with like-minded patriots, he has put up stiff resistance against the military junta of Gen. Sanni Abacha, risking his life and everything he has worked to achieve up till that stage of his life.

Even though this patriotic fervour earned him exile, together with other patriots of his ilk, the monumental sacrifices birthed this fourth republic.

Indeed, Nigeria's political story will be incomplete without acknowledging the significant contributions of Asiwaju Bola Ahamed Tinubu.

He was a key force in the merger of his party, the Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN) with other parties like the CPC (Congress for Progressive Change), a faction of APGA ( All Progressive Grand Alliance) and the ANPP( All Nigerians People's Party) to form the All Progressives Congress (APC).

His strategic political roadmap of aligning the West with the North was key to the APC's victory in the 2015 general elections.

His sagacity made possible the emergence of General Muhammadu Buhari as the standard bearer of APC at the party's convention in 2015. His loyalty to the President has never be in doubt. He was also intrumental to the choice of Prof. Yemi Osibanjo as APC's Vice Presidential candidate

Nothing is as interesting as achieving one's dream. Senator Bola Ahmed Tinubu, will always relish the fact that his party, the APC, has broken the jinx of sit tight syndrome among political parties in Nigeria by defeating the then ruling Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) after sixteen unbroken years at the helms of affairs that can arguably pass for wasted years.

Tinubu, also referred to as the 'Jagaban', can be rated as one of the most influential politicians in Africa, in the 21st century.

Looking into the crystal ball, with the multi dimensional challenges plaguing this country, the person most suited to lead us out of the hydra headed challenges confronting the nation, into the land of promise flowing with milk and honey is Asiwaju Ahmed Tinubu, the Jagaban of Borgu Kingdom.

Sign

Abubakar Usman
Green Movement

.... decries mismanagement of resources as the bane of insecurity

The Coalition for Truth and Justice (CTJ) has charged state governors to rise to the occasion as chief security officers of their states and stop playing politics with human lives. 

The coalition, which made the call at a press conference, on Monday, in Abuja, also noted that collective action is required to end the tide of insecurity across the nation. 

In his address, the head of the secretariat, Comrade Ohene Dominic, said the lackadaisical attitude of some governors has escalated criminal activities in the country, adversely causing untold hardship on the people. 

Dominic said their failure to commit resources to security has made schools and other places of importance more susceptible to attacks by unscrupulous criminal elements. 

According to him, these governors should be treated as saboteurs whose interests is on how they can amass wealth by dipping their hands in state coffers to sustain their lavish lifestyles. 

The Coalition for Truth and Justice therefore called on all well-meaning Nigerians to henceforth begin to demand accountability from the various state governors. 

On their part, the coalition, however, urged the governors to wake up from their slumber and do the needful as this is not the time for playing to the gallery. 

Read the full statement below: 

Distinguished Ladies and Gentlemen, 

Welcome to this press conference standing on the existing protocol. 

The peculiarities of time occasioned by the unwholesome activities of criminal elements across that country have once again brought out the national question on how state governors have abdicated their responsibilities as Chief Security Officers of their states. 

It is indeed worrisome that this trend has continued unabated and largely responsible for the escalation of the activities of criminal elements across the country which has indeed caused untold hardship on the people. 

The various cases of kidnappings and armed banditry in some states are consequences of the lackadaisical attitude of some governors that have been engaged with playing politics to the detriment of human lives. 

It is unacceptable for this trend to continue because of the larger consequences which if not abated could spiral out of control and Nigeria might be engulfed with acts of criminalities, so much so that might lead the country on the path of regression.  

The Coalition for Truth and Justice as a critical stakeholder in the country is aware that some governors have deliberately allowed criminal elements to have a field day in their states because of what they aim to achieve politically. Consequently, we must ask questions hence this press conference to put issues in proper perspective before the generality of Nigeria towards making the country safe for all concerned. 

It is our considered view that if the various state governors had been alive to their responsibilities, the embarrassing incidences of kidnappings of school students in public schools would not have been possible. 

It is indeed shameful that some state governors would commit huge resources to pursue endeavours that do not have a direct impact on the lives of the citizens while ignoring the need to provide adequate security for schools and other places of importance that are susceptible to attacks by unscrupulous criminal elements. 

It is gladding that this much was highlighted by a fellow governor wherein he stated that governors have failed in providing security in their states in their capacity as Chief Security Officers. It remains despicable that the song on the lips of most governors is that they are not in charge of the security of their states; we beg to ask what they have been doing with the security votes that are accruing to states monthly. How have these monies meant for security spent by the various state governors? 

If the governors also claim not to have the required funds to provide security in their states, we also beg to ask where they get the funds with which they pursue their political agenda during times of elections. 

It remains a sad tale that this anomaly has thrived over the years and the various state governors have been playing politics with human lives and they seem to have no grouse with how innocent school children are abducted from their dormitories. They also have no grouse with how under their nose, militant groups are grouping and entrenching acts of violence that have led to scores of death and destruction of properties. 

It is thus our stand that the various state governors can be regarded as saboteurs whose interests lie in how they can amass wealth by dipping their hands in state coffers to sustain their lavish lifestyles. 

The Coalition for Truth and Justice is using this medium to call on all well-meaning Nigerians to henceforth begin to demand accountability from the various state governors with how they have been utilizing the security votes that run into billions of naira monthly. 

It is also our stance that the federal government must begin the process of holding state governors accountable for avoidable security breaches in their states and taking steps to ensure that monies meant for security are not diverted to private pockets. 

The Coalition for Truth and Justice is using this medium to appeal to the federal government to withhold allocations to states whose governors have been found wanting in the discharge of their responsibilities as Chief Security Officers of their states. 

This is our opinion would make the governors wake up to their responsibilities and ensuring that they live up to expectations in this critical task at hand because if funds are continually made available to these non-performing governors, it would be tantamount to economic waste.  

The Coalition for Truth and Justice is of the considered opinion that Nigerians must begin the process of tasking the various state governors on accountability and commitment to entrenching good governance for the task at hand requires all hands to be on deck. 

The state governors must also wake up from their slumber and do the needful as this is not the time for playing to the gallery. Nigerian Governors must wake- up to their responsibilities and stop playing politics

Thank you for your attention in this regard and we expect to see results in the coming days, weeks, and months in Nigeria. 

God bless Nigeria.

By Oche Oche

A story is told of Oedipus the King, a play written by Sophocles, a great Greek writer. Oracle of Apollos prophesied that Oedipus would kill his father and marry his mother, and so it came to be that Oedipus actually killed a man he met in the wilderness, but the same man happened to be his father, the king, and went on to marry the King’s wife (his mother, Jocasta). The summary of the story is that, Oedipus became king by solving a riddle, which helped to save the land of Thebes from all kinds of plagues affecting the land. The new king gave the order that whoever that killed the king shall go on exile. At the end however, Oedipus was exiled from Thebes, because the man he once killed in the wilderness was the king. As he went on exile, the commoners watched in disbelief, and the commentary went that, “Behold the sons and daughters of Thebes. This was Oedipus, greatest of men; he held the key to the deepest mysteries; was envied by all his fellow men for his great prosperity. Behold, what a full tide of misfortune swept over his head.” This lay credence to the words of Professor Patrick Lumumba that, “none can be called successful until the day that he or she dies and carries his or her success to the grave in peace.”
Who would have believed that such a doom would befall King Oedipus? Nevertheless, he ended up becoming a stranger among those whom he presided as a King, and whom he loved, cherished and adored. Today, the searchlight is on the life and times of Lieutenant General Tukur Yusuf Buratai, who having served as the Chief of Army Staff (COAS) for over five (5) years under President Buhari, may have recorded remarkable successes and made startling innovations in military tactics for national security. But like in the case of Oedipus, to say that he is successful is to be arrogant and misguided, because the rule is that one must die and carry his success together with him into the grave, to be considered a successful man.

While one may avoid any discussion on the success of Lt Gen TY Buratai, the fact remains that his life as COAS became a beacon of hope and practical demonstration of patriotism, loyalty and defender of the supreme document, the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria. Many a times, patriotism is understood in a narrow sense to mean one’s loyalty and service to the fatherland, especially involving those serving in the army, risking their lives and defending their fatherland. More than that, patriotism also includes civilians who serve with honesty and commitment to the ideals of the land. This is not borne out of some frenzied outbursts of emotions, but as Adlai Stevenson puts it, “patriotism involves the tranquil and steady dedication of a lifetime. It consists not in waving the flag, but in striving that the country shall be righteous as well as strong.”
Since patriotism entails a lifetime struggle for a righteous, formidable, strong and prosperous nation, needless to doubt the patriotism and constitutional loyalty of Gen TY Buratai (rtd) as COAS for over five years. Ever since he was commissioned into the infantry Corps of the Nigerian Army in 1983, he served in different administrative and operational units, moving through the ranks as Lieutenant (January 1985); Captain (January 1989); Major (January 1994); Brigadier General (January 2009); Major General (January 2012); and Lieutenant General (August 2015). He won several awards, including Forces Service Star (FSS), Meritorious Service Star (MSS), Field Command Medal, and others.
Lieutenant-General TY Buratai’s patriotism and loyalty was recognized when on July 13, 2015, President Muhammadu Buhari appointed him as Chief of Army Staff, which made him the highest military officer of the Nigerian Army, with the statutory responsibility to formulate and execute policies towards the highest attainment of national security and operational competence of the force.
As a patriotic Nigerian and COAS, TY Buratai demonstrated loyalty and kept faith with the relevant provisions of the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria. Section 217 (2) states that the federation shall, subject to an Act of the National Assembly made in that behalf, equip and maintain the armed forces as may be considered adequate and effective for the purpose of defending Nigeria from external aggression, maintaining its territorial integrity and securing its borders from violation on land, sea or air.
In the past beginning with first military intervention in Nigeria on January 15, 1966, it was fashionable to hear and witness coups and counter coups, with reasons such as corruption, abuse of power, nepotism and insecurity. Military interventions became so frequent that Afro-pessimists would say that, “coups were as frequent as breakfast.” Even the recent events of military interventions in Zimbabwe, Mali and the Sudan, were enough to sway the COAS to grab power because of man’s insatiable quest for power after power. For TY Buratai however, the constitution as a grand norm that embodies the laws of the land is sacrosanct.
There is no gain saying that Nigeria was bleeding on all fronts, providing a fertile ground for conspiracy leading ultimately to military intervention to save the ugly trend. The economy was and still structured in favour of few privileged individuals who live in affluence to the detriment of the majority of the people who live in misery and excruciating poverty, laying credence to Roberto Michel’s “Iron Law of Oligarchy,” that played out to ensure a gulf gap between the rich and the poor in Nigeria. It is amazing that the institutions of higher learning in Nigeria, with their research centres in a state of moribund, and hardly provides findings that would address the myriad challenges affecting life across the spectrum. These institutions produce medical doctors, but whenever we are sick, especially those from the political class, embark on medical tourism in foreign countries because in Nigeria, people die of even avoidable disease. Life has lost its value in the country.
Poverty is worn like breastplate in Nigeria, and this inhibits the people from exercising their volition on issues affecting their lives as daily as they live. Nigeria became the official world headquarters of poverty in 2019 based on a report from the World Poverty Clock. The same report predicts that, by the year 2030, more Nigerians would join the league of extremely poor people, making the country a home to the world poorest people.
Nigeria, the most populace nation amongst the black race has been embroiled in brutal campaigns occasioned by Boko-Haram insurgents, and accentuated by the religious extremism of the Islamic State West African Province (ISWAP). Banditry, kidnapping, and armed-robbery attacks have taken the centre stage. Climate change too, has threatened Nigeria’s food security with the consequence of increased forced migration, and rising tensions that trigger conflict, including presently herdsmen attacks nationwide.

For TY Buratai, an enduring solution to the above socioeconomic and political debacles could not be found in the desecration of Nigeria’s democracy, but through dialogue, collaboration and synergy of arms of government, tiers of government and other critical stakeholders. His stock in trade was not taking to ‘blame-game,’ casting aspersions on other institutions for poor budgetary allocation, corruption, complicity, conspiracies of some stakeholders and the likes. The task before TY Buratai as a patriot was the decimation of Boko-Haram terrorists and other elements of insecurity in Nigeria. On December 22, he led his men to the war front where they successfully took over Sambisa Forest, a ground zero for the terrorist group in Nigeria.
As a demonstration of practical patriotism, the COAS recognized the constitutional provision in 217 (2)(c) which empowers the military to act in aid of civil power. This is why he collaborated with the Civilian Joint Task Force, civil society organizations, traditional rulers and religious bodies in the fight against insecurity and terrorism in Nigeria. This disposition earned him the award of Millennium Hero conferred on him by a coalition of over 80 civil society organizations.
For TY Buratai, it must be recognized that the constitution is a supreme document that embodies the laws of the land—laws which must be respected—to midwife the enjoyment of the rights of the people and to deliver for the public good. As demonstrated in the scriptures ((Number 16:21) in the case of Korah, Dathan and Abiram, who rebelled against the laws of Moses, were consumed along with others, prompting Moses’ declaration that, “there is no freedom outside of the law, and those who do not live by the law, shall die by the law.”
For democracy-loving and public-spirited individuals, this is the story of a patriot, Lieutenant General TY Buratai (rtd) who once served as Chief of Army Staff for over five years under the President Buhari-led administration in Nigeria. Let it be known that TY Buratai was once here, and this is the legacy for which he would be remembered.

Oche wrote this piece from Enugu, Enugu State.

The Patriotic Front of Nigeria (PFN) has welcomed President Muhammadu Buhari's nomination of Abdulrasheed Bawa as Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC). 

The group said the president has again confirmed his commitment to rid the nation of corruption by entrusting a youth to lead the war. 

In a statement signed by its Secretary-General, Kolawole Emmanuel, on Wednesday, the pro-democracy group said that Bawa is tailormade for the job, assuring that as tsar, he will revamp the anti-corruption agency. 

The statement further noted that the rush with which looters and wailers set out to taint the nominee’s image even before screening by the Senate is a confirmation that Mr President got his act right as always.

The group, however, urged Nigerians to disregard the fake news promoted by Peoples Gazette, urging them to inoculate themselves against the series of other lies that those behind this campaign of calumny will attempt to use to mislead the nation in the days ahead until the Senate confirms the nominee. 

While congratulating Bawa on his nomination, the PFN assured him that "Nigerians, particularly the youth whose future corruption threatens, are with him". 

Read the full statement below: 

The Patriotic Front of Nigeria (PFN) commends President Muhammadu Buhari for strengthening the anti-corruption war with the nomination of Abdulrasheed Bawa as Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), subject to confirmation by the Senate of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.

This appointment has confirmed that Mr President never for a moment shifted his focus from ridding Nigeria of the cankerworm of corruption, which has been the greatest threat to Nigeria’s march to greatness and the root cause of the other problems besetting the country. 

Bawa’s profile as an anti-corruption investigator showed that he had consistently shown mettle for the role that has now been thrust upon him while his last posting as a Deputy Chief Detective Superintendent as the head of the Lagos zonal office of the EFCC testify to the revamp coming to the anti-graft agency.

We, therefore, see President Buhari’s choice of Bawa as EFCC Chairman as another commendable feat meant to impact the younger generation and take the anti-corruption war to the next level. It showed Mr President’s responsiveness to the demand that the younger generations in the country should be allowed to lead. 

The rush with which looters and wailers have set out to taint the nominee’s image even before the Senate has properly screened and confirmed him is confirmation that Mr President got his act right as always. This haste to disparage Mr President’s appointments has become customary for the enemies of Nigeria who persistently try to compromise anyone they see as an asset to Mr President success in fighting corruption. 

We find it reassuring that the EFCC has come out as an institution to debunk the fake news that was deployed against Bawa upon the announcement of his nomination. The lie that the nominee sold off impounded trucks to cronies became laughable the moment the EFCC was able to swiftly establish that Bawa was no longer at the Port-Harcourt office of the Commission as at the time the forfeited truck was auctioned and that even if he was still the head of that office a specialized department of the EFCC was responsible for managing impounded or forfeited assets. 

It is of note that Peoples Gazette, which published the fake news, has lately been at the forefront of a malicious campaign to malign public office holders that are positively contributing to the success of President Buhari’s government. It was therefore not surprising that the publication attempted to tarnish Bawa’s reputation with an alleged crime for which the actual culprits have been sanctioned. 

We urge Nigerians to disregard the fake news being promoted by Peoples Gazette while seeking out correct facts to inoculate themselves against the series of other lies that those behind this campaign of calumny will attempt to use to mislead the nation in the days ahead until the Senate confirms the nominee. Other platforms will be deployed to strengthen the unfolding disinformation and misinformation campaign that is meant to divert attention from the desperate attempts by looters to set the country back.

PFN remains grateful to President Buhari for the consistent manner in which he has resisted the pressure from looters and wailers that want him to abandon the war on corruption. They desire to return to the regime of business as usual, when they were able to corner the commonwealth for personal gains without anyone challenging them. We are confident that such an era is past and can never again return to Nigeria with a young person like Bawa set to entrench an anti-corruption legacy that has sight in the future. 

As we congratulate Bawa on his nomination, we assure him that Nigerians, particularly the youth whose future corruption threatens, are with him and he should not be swayed by the antics of those that are already in dread of the bite he is bringing to the anti-corruption war.

“Abdulrasheed Bawa’s Appointment As EFCC Chairman, A Plus To Anti-corruption Fight”

President Muhammadu Buhari through a letter to the Senate President seeking confirmation of the Senate has appointed a 40-year-old, Mr. Abdulrasheed Bawa to become the Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).

Speaking on the appointment, a public commentator, Mohammed Basah said the appointment of Bawa as the EFCC Chairman was always a matter of when, not if, as the man had distinguished himself over the years, rising from being a pioneer cadet of the Commission.

Though relatively young, he is a veteran of financial crime investigations expertise, having attended several specialized pieces of training in addition to his Degrees in Economics and Masters in International Relations and Diplomacy. Bawa is also currently pursuing another degree in law.

Basah said that Bawa is the brave man behind the celebrated Deziani, crude oil swap, Atlantic Energy, and Petroleum Subsidy Fraud investigations by the EFCC. While serving as zonal head of the Ibadan office of EFCC, Bawa ran notorious Yahoo boys out of town, before moving on to Port Harcourt zonal office where he tamed the oil bunkers.

Wherever there is a major case, this cerebral young man has been at the forefront. Abdulrasheed, with his wealth of experience and unflinching dedication to duty, will finally bring EFCC to its long-lost glory helping to dismantle several financial crime syndicates.

His last stint as the zonal head of the EFCC Lagos office put paid to the erroneous impression that there are untouchables in the fight against corruption as he took the anti-corruption fight right up to Bourdillon.

He rated that Bawa would certainly bring the brain and not brawn to the anti-corruption war, going by his antecedents as a cerebral officer. Having risen through the ranks as a thoroughbred EFCC man, Nigerians can rest assured that they wouldn’t be beholden to any cabal or vested interests.

This particular appointment ticks all the right boxes and it would only further serve the interest of progress the Senate to do the needful in speeding up his confirmation.

By: Philipe Agebese
The nomination of the immediate past chief of army staff, Lt Gen. Tukur Buratai ( rtd), and other former service chiefs have been hailed as a step in the right direction in galvanizing the support of the international community in the quest towards addressing the security challenges in the country.

This was stated by Dr. Thomas Uzah, the head of the department of mass communications, Kwararafa University during a media parley recently. He stated that the nominations of the former service chiefs were indeed a masterstroke by President Muhammadu Buhari towards utilizing their wealth of experience in service to the country over the years.

"The nomination of Buratai and others as ambassadors is a rare display of insight by the president because of the gains that would accrue the country in the task at hand. I am glad that Mr. President has thought it wise and expedient to nominate them as ambassadors and I have no doubt with regards their ability to deliver in the critical task before them," he stated.

He further stated that the resume of the new ambassadors is rich and replete with acts of patriotism that would make any nation green with envy.

"The new ambassadors are no strangers to us and they are well-positioned to render invaluable services wherever they find themselves. I commend the president in this regard because Nigeria would be the ultimate beneficiary in this trying period in the country. We must admit that they are assets that every nation would want to possess because of their penchant for delivering results in critical tasks as evident in their performance over the years.”

“For a fact, Buratai stands tall from the lot and I have no reservations in his nomination. I am aware of his commitment to the Nigerian cause in the course of the several engagements he has had with the members of the intelligentsia community in Nigeria. He has always been robust in his thoughts and engagements which somewhat culminated in the establishment of the Nigerian Army University, which greatly boosted scholarly engagement in ways to tackle insurgency in Nigeria"

He averred that the nomination of Buratai and others as ambassadors would not only be beneficial to Nigeria but to Africa at large because of the strategic leadership role that Nigeria plays in the African continent.

“The new ambassadors would indeed make Nigeria and Africa proud as they have done in times past evident in the countless recognition they have brought to the country from wide and far. They indeed redefined patriotism and commitment to the African cause in the global arena so much to the envy of other countries. The nominations are indeed credible, timely and a welcome development."

The university don advised the National Assembly to expedite action on their confirmation as time is of the essence in ensuring that they hit the ground running in their new national assignment.

“I am urging the National Assembly to expedite action in confirming the new ambassadors so they can hit the ground running in their new assignment as time is of the essence in this critical point of our existence. The National Assembly must rise to the occasion as the task at hand that requires a collective endeavor with the fact that the nominees are individuals of great character and love for the country.

“This is a golden opportunity that must not be subjected to the usual politicking along party lines. The emphasis must be on the national good which comes with its attendant benefits.”

It would be recalled the President Muhammadu recently accepted the retirement of Lt. Gen. Tukur Buratai and other service chiefs and consequently nominated them as ambassadors subject to the confirmation of the National Assembly.

By Philip Agbese

Unmistakably, President Muhammadu Buhari has an unquenchable obsession with the plight of the poor and vulnerable Nigerians. A pivotal aspect of his leadership of the nation is to ensure, platforms are erected for less privileged Nigerians to also have access to the nation’s commonwealth, and relish economic empowerment or be assisted through government support schemes to live meaningful lives.

It is evident in the policies and actions of his administration, which have become more pronounced especially in this journey to the #NextLevel. The pursuit of this agenda led to creation of the Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs, Disaster Management and Social Development (FMHDS), immediately he was re-elected and inaugurated into office for a second tenure.

And anytime, President Buhari puts his heart to a project, he guns for the best hands to entrust with the work. Therefore, Mr. President appointed an experienced administrative amazon, a compassionate woman, an exact replica of Mother Theresa, an amiable mother and astute manager of human beings and resources, Hajiya Sadiya Umar Farouq to oversee the affairs of the multi-tasked new ministry.

Since Sadiya Farouq took over the dais, together with her team in the ministry, ably supported by the President, they have given a special touch and a new face to the management of humanitarian affairs in the country. Nigeria is a country with multiple humanitarian challenges, from natural disasters to man-made problems. The issues are a dozen, which every day and every hour requires the attention of government to alleviate the hardships or bring succour to distressed Nigerians.

However, it is amazing that though Minister Sadiya Farouq met piles of problems when she assumed office; but she effectively combined the setting up of the structures of a new office as well as responding to both old and fresh humanitarian challenges assailing Nigeria. FMHDS merely clocked a year of operations August 2020.

But regardless of the short time of its existence, and the encumbrances, a peek into the scoresheet of the ministry, pricks anyone very strongly that Hajiya Sadiya Farouq is a special and unique personage in the #NextLevel cabinet of President Buhari. She is factually a blessing to the country and the people.

Nigerians are reaping bountifully from the Minister’s hard work, commitment, straightforwardness and impartial treatment of all Nigerians without succumbing to the temptation of greasing the nation’s faultlines in the patriotic discharge of this national assignment. She works round the clock and personally visits scenes of disasters with her team of National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) at any instance of disaster to berth succour to distressed people.

FMHDS is unarguably, one of the largest federal ministries, with several agencies under its supervision, but the Honourable Minister has proved herself impressively as an administrator who is equal to the task. To her, it is treading on a familiar terrain, and she does not dread any obstacle, but scores the goals neatly in accordance with her targets.

Whether it is in implementing the functions of NEMA in quick responses to natural or artificial disasters or partnering with the North East Development Commission (NEDC) to wipe away the tears of Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) in insurgency-ravaged communities, the workaholic Sadiya Farouq has lived her covenant with the masses of Nigeria.

Most notably, as a focal member of the Presidential Task Force on Covid -19 pandemic, Minister Sadiya excellently coordinated Governments responses to the people over the pandemic. She performed this duty in strict adherence to Presidential directives to the Ministry for interventions in providing palliatives to the poor and vulnerable groups throughout the country.

The distribution of the multiple packages of Covid-19 palliatives during the lockdown to the 36 states of the federation and Abuja, seemed an arduous task, but the Minister conquered the sabotaging demons who plotted to frustrate it and met the expectations of Mr. President in this sensitive assignment.

Each state of the federation got its exact share of the palliatives, without distortions and timely. The minister personally visited most states of the federation and supervised the humanitarian interventions and distributions of assorted palliatives packages to the most vulnerable in the society such as refugees, IDP’s, People Living with Disabilities, Older Persons, Trafficked Persons, Orphans, the poorest of the poor and the petty traders amongst others.

Sadiya Farouq has improved and added value to all the schemes domiciled in the Ministry. She has been able to graduate and discharge Batches A & B of the N-Power programme and has kick-started the Batch C of the scheme. And nearly 110, 000 beneficiaries of the dispatched N-Power jobs beneficiaries have established personal businesses.

And through the thoughtful initiatives of the Honourable Minister, thousands of the N-Power beneficiaries have been engaged as aggregators for the Home- Grown School Feeding Programme. Under her supervision, N-Power program is meeting its mandate of net reduction in youth unemployment figures and she has put modalities in place to sustain it to greater impacts.

A foresighted administrator, Sadiya Farouq has birthed the Civil Security Coordination Framework (CSCF) and in progression, also created the National Humanitarian Coordination Forum (NHCF), Humanitarian Policy Dialogue to create a seamless plank for the operations and conduct of all humanitarian interventions across the country by the ministry.

By her progressive initiatives too, the Minister is at the last stages of establishing the National Disability Commission (NDC) and the National Senior Citizens Center (NSCC) to entrench holistic means and channels of flow of Government humanitarian interventions to the targeted groups devoid of hitches. Only a gifted leader would think of durable and permanent structures in the execution of her assignment as exemplified by the Minister.

The FMHDS’s torchlight on one of the Social Investment Programme planks; the Government Enterprise & Empowerment Programme (GEEP) designed to intervene over the challenges of credit and financial inclusion for the over 37 million Nigerians has been most outstanding. It has greatly assisted countless Nigerians from the economic meltdown in the era of Covid-19 epidemic.

It has empowered over 2.3 million such micro-enterprises with interest-free loans to grow their businesses and climbed the ladder as the largest global public microcredit scheme and recognized by African Bankers with the award of the “Most Impactful Micro Credit Programmme in the whole of Africa. Owners of small businesses are loudly attesting to the Minister’s patriotic service to the nation.

And the Conditional Cash Transfers (CCT) has become the biggest fish in the pond under the direction of Sadiya Farouq in expansion and enrolment figures. She has not only brought states like Zamfara and Abia previously excluded in the scheme on board; but has also upped the enrolment capacity and number of the Poor and Vulnerable Households to incredible figures of millions of direct beneficiaries.

Presently, Minister Sadiya Farouq is disbursing Cash grant to rural women in Kwara and other states. It is a programme with the window of one-off grant to vulnerable women in rural communities and the expansive framework is projected to cover 150,000 poor rural women across the 36 states of the federation including the FCT. It is an unexpected relief to these less privileged Nigerian women at their doorsteps.

And Sadiya Farouq is the force and the shadows, propelling the marvelous rebuilding and development projects aggressively being executed by the North East Development Commission (NEDC) under the Rapid Response Intervention (RRI) plan, an integral master plan by President Buhari to rebuild the region, which is ravaged by insurgency.

With Boko Haram terrorists reduced to size in the Northeast region by the Nigerian Military and restoration of peace and security, the whole region has become a huge constructions site. About 224 developmental projects spread across 112 Local government areas across the six states of Northeast are currently ongoing; while others have been completed in the areas of education, health, social infrastructures, integrated agricultural programmes and WASH.

Through this clear-cut FMHDS’s partnership with NEDC, its Managing Director, Alhaji Mohammed Alkali, another tireless and focused administrator is providing steady back-up support to the Minister to bring solace to the troubled and traumatized peoples of the region who have suffered years of destructions to personal and public properties by rampaging terrorists campaigners. Currently, NEDC has voted N6 billion and dispensing same as annual grants on scholarship for students in the region.

So, tshose only interested in concocting falsehoods against President Buhari or who embark on the campaigns of calumny when they fail to frustrate his laudable programmes targeted at the poor of the poorest and vulnerable groups cannot blight reality. The beneficiaries drawn indiscriminately for the empowerment schemes and relief programmes express appreciations to President Buhari and the Minister of Humanitarian Affairs at the slightest opportunity.

The haters can continue to chant meaningless songs; but Minister Sadiya Farouq and her able team of subordinates at in NEDC, NEMA and other agencies under the ministry have redefined the face of humanitarian interventions and disasters management in Nigeria irrefutably.

Agbese is a human rights activist and wrote from Abuja.

Foreign mission alerted to plots by IPOB, other terrorists to blackmail Nigerian diplomats


Th Save Humanity Advocacy Centre (SHAC) has drawn the attention of foreign missions to plots by members of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) and their cohorts to blackmail the immediate past service chiefs. 

According to the group, the proscribed group and their NGO members through their petition aims to criminally malign the country's former military heads and ultimately scuttle their imminent confirmation as ambassadors. 

The SHAC raised this alarm on Monday at a press conference in Abuja. 

In his address, Comrade Ogbe Owoicho, Director, Foreign Affairs said the petition has all the handwritings of the Eastern Nigeria’s Rights and Intelligentsia Coalition. 

Owoicho noted that it is laughable that the petitioners called for the diplomatic community to disqualify the former service chiefs over falsehood.  

While disclosing that such is the responsibility of the Senate, Comrade Owoicho called on these foreign nations to disregard the rants contained in the letters that were delivered to embarrass their diplomatic missions. 

He noted that it is pertinent that thae nation profess themselves as friends of Nigeria immediately to put this coalition in its place.

The group, however, urged the Federal Government to note that complacency is no longer an option in view of the repeated diplomatic salvos that the Eastern Nigeria’s Rights and Intelligentsia Coalition has fired against the country. 

To avoid future occurrence, it further called on Nigerian authorities to slam the groups in the coalition and the people behind them.

Read full statement below:

Gentlemen of the press, you must have read or learnt about the petition reportedly written by a coalition of NGOs to the diplomatic missions of as many as 31 countries. The subject of the said petition is to criminally malign the persons and personalities of the immediate past Service Chiefs of the Armed Forces of the Federal Republic of Nigeria viz: the immediate past Chief of Army Staff, Lt Gen Tukur Buratai (retd.), his air force and navy counterparts, Air Marshal Sadique Abubakar (retd.), and Vice Admiral Ibok Ete-Ibas (retd.) and the immediate past Chief of Defence Staff, Gen Abayomi Olonisakin (retd.).

The so-called coalition requested the 31 foreign missions in Nigeria to disqualify these eminent Nigerians, who President Muhammadu Buhari has nominated as ambassadors. They also want the recipients of their letters to declare these patriotic Nigerians as persona non grata in their countries.

Save Humanity Advocacy Centre (SHAC) has taken time to review news report of the petition and made certain findings that should concern Nigerians, including you, gentlemen of the press. 

In an unusual coincidence, majority of the signatories to the petition being distributed to embassies are members of an Igbo lynch circuit that had previously described itself as the Eastern Nigeria’s Rights and Intelligentsia Coalition. The same coalition that lied about six soldiers of Igbo ethnicity were summarily court marshalled and executed just before the service chiefs retired from office. That report was promptly exposed as fake news and the intelligentsia coalition has not been able to prove otherwise, which makes their petition to the embassies another attempt at weaponizing information by twisting events and incidents out of context. 

Another interesting thing is that the coalition, which should have ordinarily been intelligent, given its name, is asking foreign countries to disqualify ambassadorial nominees of President Muhammadu Buhari, knowing that this is a role reserved exclusively for the Senate of the Federal Republic of Nigeria. Making this demand is proof that the coalition is nothing but a front for separatists, who do not believe in the corporate existence of Nigeria. It speaks to how they have no belief in their own roots and identity as Africans, inferior entities who must seek validation from imperialists before they can find semblance of purpose in life. 

A further questionable coincidence is how Sahara Reporters, an online publication that has evolved a pro-terrorists-anti-military stance, was the first to fly the kite of this poorly thought-out petition, which it branded as an “exclusive”. Please note the efforts Sahara Reporters at concealing the true identity of the petitioners by refraining to link them with the fake execution story – the publication stopped at mentioning that the coalition has 27 members but only identified International Society for Civil Liberties & Rule of Law (Intersociety), World Igbo Congress (USA), Ala-Igbo Development Foundation, a Concerned Elites for Better Society Initiative. A detailed list of the coalition would have confirmed that Nigeria is dealing with ethnic bigots who are desperate enough to operate as the NGOs’ wing of the proscribed terrorist group, the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB).

SHAC is equally calling attention to the groups against which the coalition is alleging massacres and right abuses. IPOB is a known separatist terrorist organization that has been so designated by a competent law court. The Islamic Movement in Nigeria (IMN) is another terrorist group that has been outlawed based on a white paper that emerged following a Judicial Panel of Inquiry of the Kaduna State Government. Members of both organizations are militarized and have shown repeated instances of violence against Nigerians. 

Obigbo and Lekki massacres that this ethnic coalition alluded to have proven to be perfect cases of manipulation of realities, whereby well calculated propaganda campaigns were executed to make IPOB terrorists appear like victims and the government forces that were deployed to safeguard lives are cast as aggressors. There are audio recordings that documented how IPOB fugitive leader, Nnamdi Kanu coordinated the bloodbath that produced Obigbo; the alleged Lekki Massacre has been proven to be an orchestrated precursor to the violent hijack of the #EndSARS protests by IPOB terrorists, who unleashed a reign of terror across the country. 

We will include the Eastern Security Network (ESN), the militant wing of IPOB, just so the coalition can properly take ownership of the terrorism its parent body is inflicting on Nigerians. ESN went as far as attacking the Nigerian military before being taught a lesson. We expected that the coalition would have included this in the love letter it sent to the embassies.  

It is laughable that the coalition could not even contextualize the issues at it again invoked the partisan International Criminal Court (ICC) at the same time it is asking the diplomatic community to interfere in Nigeria’s internal affairs. The group was even desperate to the point where assumed the role of the court to decide how long the jail terms for its victims should be. 

SHAC will make a little effort to educate the intelligentsia coalition in the hope that its members will put aside their fanaticism for a while, succumb to reason, and act like enlightened humans. The Diplomatic Missions they are petitioning do not have the powers to disqualify President Muhammadu Buhari’s nominees. Diplomats at these missions can only advise their home countries, assuming the claims of the coalition has basis. The power to confirm these perfect gentlemen as ambassadors designate lies with the Senate of the Federal Republic of Nigeria. The worst that can happen is for the countries to which they are posted to refuse accepting their letters of credence and it will take a country that is ready to see itself as declaring war on Nigeria to attempt such. 

Also, members of this Igbo coalition may want to take their time to study the instruments setting up the ICC again. It does not operate on the basis of beer parlour gossip as they are making it seem. Even when the ICC Prosecutor has come out as openly partisan, the Court is yet to be reduced to the level of a tool in the hands of terrorists such that it can decide to incarcerate the former military chiefs without processes and that is even assuming that they were not elevated into diplomats. 

We call on the Netherlands, Finland, Poland, Germany, France, Spain, Czech Republic, the United Kingdom, Australia, Canada, the United States, Israel, Norway, Ireland, Switzerland, Brazil, Japan, South Korea, Mexico, Italy, Belgium, Denmark, Portugal, Greece, Austria, Hungary, Bulgaria, Slovakia, and Sweden to disregard the rants contained the letters that were delivered to embarrass their diplomatic missions. The intervention needed from these countries is to offer mental health support and psychiatric rehabilitation to members of the coalition that presented such dislocated communication to them in the name of a petition. 

It is pertinent that countries that profess themselves as friends of Nigeria immediately put this coalition in its place by asking its unhinged members to come and pick up the paper litter they left behind at their diplomatic missions in the name of petitions. These countries have to show mettle by confirming that they do not collaborate with terrorists to blackmail upright citizens of their partner nations.  They must affirm that they respect Nigeria’s sovereignty and will not do anything to jeopardize Nigeria’s interest. 

We urge the Federal Government of Nigeria to note that complacency is no longer an option in view of the repeated diplomatic salvos that the Eastern Nigeria’s Rights and Intelligentsia Coalition has fired against the Federal Republic of Nigeria. It is time for corresponding deterrence to be applied on the group and other groups operating similar agenda. At the very minimum the government should slam the groups in the coalition and the people behind them. Unless firm action is taken, they will continue to engage in actions that are capable of undermining Nigeria’s sovereignty, which will not augur well.

The government must also live up to its responsibility of fighting terrorism in any form. The signatories of the petition have confirmed by their very act that they are enablers of terrorism, which is the reason they are trying to win international sympathies for IPOB, ESN and IMN. They have exposed themselves as having links to these terrorists groups and the government must act in the manner expected of it. 

Thank you for listening.

The opposition Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has been likened to a pot calling a kettle black following its criticism of the current administration. 

The Coalition of Buhari Friends and Supporters (CBFS) described the PDP's claim of collapse under the All Progressives Congress (APC) as the height of insanity and an indication that the opposition and all that they represent wants to take Nigerians for a ride in their typical manner. 

The group made these known in a statement signed by its Secretary-General, Anthony Agada, on Sunday. 

The CBFS said the PDP is attempting to force Nigerians to forget their despicable performance while they held sway.

According to the group, the opposition is economical with the truth over claims that the APC-led government has not done enough to address the security challenges in the country. 

The Buhari coalition further hailed the present administration for being outstanding in clearing the mess left behind by the PDP in the past five years, so much so that the country has witnessed tangible gains in critical sectors of the economy. 

The group, however, called on the PDP to tender an unreserved apology to Nigerians over its puerile attempt at castigating the efforts of the Buhari-led administration in setting Nigeria on the path of greatness. 

The CBFS also warned the opposition to desist from this despicable attempt at insulting the sensibilities of Nigerians still healing from the locust years brought upon the country by successive PDP administrations.  

Read the full statement below:

The Coalition of Buhari Friends and Supporters is alarmed that the People’s Democratic Party ( PDP) is in the news for the wrong reason in a most bizarre attempt to further insult the sensibilities of Nigerians in their latest diatribe against the Muhammadu Buhari led administration in Nigeria. 

The suggestion that the country is fast collapsing due to the failure of the APC-led federal government to effectively manage the economy, administer the complex political and sectional nuances of the nation as well as lack of capacity to confront terrorists, bandits, and kidnappers ravaging our country is the height of insanity and an indication that the PDP and all that they represent wants to take Nigerians for a ride in their typical manner. 

The Coalition of Buhari Friends and Supporters is constrained to lend a voice to this postulations because it smacks of derision, mischief, and gross insensitivity to Nigeria and Nigerians given the fact that our memory is still fresh with the 16 years of PDP misrule that indeed set the country back hundreds of years.  

It is our considered opinion that the PDP is indeed attempting to force Nigerians to forget in a hurry their despicable performance while they held sway that saw to the destruction of institutions of governance that led to a collapsed economy and the entrenchment of ethnoreligious suspicion amongst the various religious and ethnic groups in Nigeria. 

The PDP is indeed economical with the truth in their assertion that the APC led federal government hasn't done enough to address the security challenges in the country which were largely a result of their rudderless leadership in Nigeria from 1999 to 2015 when the people decided to take their destinies in their hands by voting overwhelmingly for President Muhammadu Buhari to rescue Nigeria from drifting further to the bottomless pit of despair. 

Nigerians must be aware that it is indeed a statement of the fact that the PDP had the golden opportunity of fixing the country yet failed in the areas of the economy, security, and infrastructure at a time that the nation witnessed an oil boom.

If this remains the case, then one wonders why the PDP would have the temerity to insult the sensibilities of Nigerians through outright falsehood and insinuations that defeats commonsense. Unless the PDP has forgotten that under watch, the Boko Haram insurgent group began a violent campaign against Nigeria that led to an uncountable loss of lives and wanton destruction of properties in North-East Nigeria, as well as other parts of the country. 

We wish to remind the PDP that under watch, large swathes of Nigerian territory were under the control of Boko Haram insurgents (over 16 local government areas). Also, major cities across Nigeria were under constant attack so much so that key government infrastructures were attacked including the headquarters of the Nigerian Police Force, as well as the headquarters of the United Nations in Nigeria.  

That no local government area in Nigeria is under the control of Boko Haram insurgents if not for anything should remind the PDP that the Muhammadu Buhari administration has displayed an unalloyed commitment to addressing the security challenges in the country. 

The Coalition of Buhari Friends and Supporters frowns at the intentional forgetfulness of the PDP, and thus failing to realize that the Muhammadu Buhari administration has been outstanding in clearing the mess left behind by the PDP in the past five years, so much so that the country has witnessed tangible gains in critical sectors of the economy, including the volatile security sector. 

We must learn to call a spade a spade as the PDP has no moral right to judge the administration of President Muhammadu Buhari even as it is evident that it left behind a country on the brink of annihilation in 2015. 

We also wish to remind the PDP that under its watch, corruption was entrenched so much so that humongous amount of monies meant for the prosecution of the war against insurgency ended in private pockets as we were regaled with tales of how billions of Naira was siphoned and the nation bleed profusely until the APC government came to the rescue through the various revelations that came to the public space. 

The state of the economy under the 16 years of PDP misrule was abysmal so much that it necessitated the international community calling for caution in the management of the economy of Nigeria at the risk of Nigeria deteriorating into a failed state.   

The Coalition of Buhari Friends and Supporters consequently views the PDP invective as a case of a pot calling kettle black because the various allusions were the hallmark of the 16 years of acute misrule while they held sway of governance in Nigeria. 

We are consequently using this medium for development.