₦airaland Forum

*Ortom's letter to Buhari proves penchant for stoking religious, ethnic tension - Group*

Governor Samuel Ortom of Benue State has again displayed his penchant for stoking the fire of religious and ethnic tension with his recent letter to President Muhammadu Buhari.

The Foundation for Equity and Justice (FEJ) condemned the governor's stance in a statement on Friday. 

Ortom had accused the president of not doing enough to halt the herders-farmers conflict in Benue and insecurity in the country. 

But the Foundation for Equity and Justice noted that Ortom aims to cause panic in the state and then point fingers at the Federal Government. 

In the statement signed by its Secretary-General, Raymond Oralu, the group said the governor, being a "herdsman" wants to monopolize cattle business in his state and would go to any length to secure that. 

According to the foundation, Ortom's claims that Buhari is a Fulani president is an insult to the sensibilities of Nigerians. 

The group, however, advised the Benue governor to desist from making unguarded and unsubstantiated statements in the press and concentrate on the task of governance. 

The statement further called on the Ortom to explain how he amassed assets worth over N200b in five years when it is a known fact that under him civil servants are being owed several months' salaries and arrears.  

While calling on relevant authorities to investigate Ortom, the foundation said the governor should be held responsible for the escalation of farmers-herders conflict in Benue and environs. 

Read the full statement below:

The Foundation for Equity and Justice is issuing this press statement given the statement credited to the Governor of Benue State, Samuel Ortom on the farmers-herders conflict in Benue state and other parts of the country. 

Governor Samuel Ortom with his recent statement confirmed to Nigerians that he indeed harbours sinister motive against the Muhammadu Buhari administration concerning the farmers-herders conflict in Benue State and its environs. 

What the generality of Nigerians does not know is that Governor Samuel Ortom is a herdsman who is actively involved in the cattle business since he became governor of the state. It is also common knowledge that he has been ferocious in taking control of the cattle business in Benue State and its environs hence his frequent castigation of the policies of the federal government towards the restoration of peace amongst farmers and herders in the state. 

The Foundation for Equity and Peace as a body is aware of the plot by Governor Samuel Ortom to stoke tension in Benue state and thereafter point accusing fingers at the Muhammadu Buhari administration. 

The recent statement where he posited that President Muhammadu Buhari is president only for the Fulanis is an insult to our collective sensibilities as a people for it is not only derogatory, it is an affront to our commonsense as a people. 

The performance of Governor Samuel Ortom in Benue State is indeed woeful and as such he has elected to be clever by half by stoking ethnic tension in the state and craftily shifting attention from his inadequacies. 

We wish to advise Governor Samuel Ortom to desist from making unguarded and unsubstantiated statements in the press and concentrate on the task of governance in Benue state towards availing the good people of the state the dividends of democracy. 

Governor Samuel Ortom must also do well to explain how in five years he has amassed assets worth over 200 billion Naira when it is a known fact that under him civil servants are being owed several months' salaries and arrears.  

Governor Samuel Ortom is indeed the definition of corruption and multiple pieces of evidence indicate how he has continued to divert the resources of Benue State to private pockets while the people suffer untold hardship. 

The Foundation for Equity and Justice is using this medium to call on the relevant security agencies to beam their light on Benue State towards unravelling how Governor Samuel Ortom has been fuelling insecurity in Benue State and environs. 

The security agencies must also unravel how he has been arming ethnic militia groups that have been perpetrating violence under the cover of the state government on innocent people across the state and neighbouring states. 

We know that Governor Samuel Ortom would stop at nothing to ensure that he monopolizes the cattle business in the state hence his penchant for conflict that has continued to put the lives of innocent people at risk daily. 

We find such disposition from a governor of a state who should know better that part of his responsibilities is to protect the people and not subject them to a reign of terror which has remained the hallmark of his administration. 

Governor Samuel Ortom must as a matter of necessity stop playing the gallery on the farmers-herders crisis when it is evident that he is the main instigator of the conflict in fulfilment of his selfish desires which remains a crime against humanity. 

We hereby call on all Nigerians to hold Governor Samuel Ortom responsible for the escalation of the farmers-herders conflict in Benue state and environs as we have it on credible authority that he plans to extend his nefarious activities to other states in the country. 

Nigerians must also be aware that the notoriety of Governor Samuel Ortom is legendary since his days in politics as he has been actively involved in promoting deprivation, sorrow, tears, and blood.  

The Foundation for Equity and Justice is calling on Governor Samuel Ortom to retrace his steps and seek forgiveness from the people of Benue state whose lives he has turned beggarly since he assumed leadership of the state. 

He must also realize that time is indeed running out for him as his gimmicks are now in the public domain and as such no amount of propaganda can erase the hard truths with regards to his penchant for stoking religious and ethnic tension. 

This is a statement of the fact and we stand by our position.

*Associating President Buhari with killer herdsmen a disservice to Nigeria - Northern Christian youths*

The Northern Christian Youth Forum (NCYF) has frowned at some section of Nigerians linking President Muhammadu Buhari with killer herdsmen in parts of the country. 

The group said those behind this are ignorant and are out to heat the polity unnecessarily with their despicable diatribe.

According to the group, this is the handiwork of enemies of Nigeria that are desirous of an ethnoreligious war by casting aspersion on the image of President Buhari. 

Speaking at a press conference on Thursday in Abuja, Secretary-General, Rev. Josiah Adam, said from all interactions, President Buhari is leading with the fear of God. 

Rev Adam noted that the president is not head of a religious or ethnic group but the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria and this much he has exhibited in his actions and inactions since he assumed office. 

The group, however, advised "those at the forefront of this dishonourable campaign to discontinue forthwith and seek forgiveness from Nigerians for attempting to promote religious tension in the country". 

It noted that instead, they should preoccupy their minds on how to extend support to the Buhari administration in delivering the dividends of democracy at this critical point of the country's existence. 

Read the full statement below: 

The Northern Christian Youth Forum receives calls by some segment of the country associating President Muhammadu Buhari with the activities of killer herdsmen in some parts of the country with absolute disbelief.  

The allegations are most uncharitable and an indication that indeed there is more than meets the eye in the news making the round with regards to the frequent clashes between herdsmen and farmers in parts of the country. 

The Northern Christian Youth Forum as a body of youths of Northern extraction conversant with the happenings in the region wishes to emphasize that those associating President Muhammadu Buhari with acts of violence are ignorant and out to heat the polity unnecessarily with their diatribe which from all indication is despicable and a disservice to his noble efforts in putting Nigeria on the right track. 

President Muhammadu Buhari from all indications cannot be associated with killer herdsmen in any form for the fact that it defeats common sense. It remains baffling that some individuals and associations would make such allegations in this age and time. 

The Northern Christian Youths Forum from all our interactions and engagements is aware of the efforts of Muhammadu Buhari's administration in leading with the fear of God and how he has been fair to all concerned as the President of the country. 

We wish to inform members of the unsuspecting general public that President Muhammadu is not the president of a religious group or an ethnic group, but the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria and this much he has exhibited in his actions and inactions since he assumed leadership of the country. 

The Northern Christian Youths Forums is alarmed that the slander campaign against President Muhammadu Buhari has assumed a dangerous dimension that requires sober reflection on how we got it wrong in the country. 

This is on the heels that the various instruments of governance in Nigeria provide for checks and balances and there is no way such an anomaly can stand if at all it exists. We are tempted to state further that the allegation remains a figment of the imagination. 

As a body that is conversant with the happenings in the country, we wish to state in unequivocal terms that this remains the handiwork of enemies of Nigeria that are desirous of an ethnoreligious war in the country by casting aspersion on the image of President Muhammadu Buhari and his commitment to a strong and united Nigeria for all Nigerians regardless of ethnic and religious affiliations. 

We consequently wish to advise those at the forefront of this dishonourable campaign to discontinue forthwith and seek forgiveness from Nigerians for attempting to promote religious tension in the country. 

It is our considered opinion that what should preoccupy our minds is how to extend our support to the Muhammadu Buhari administration in delivering the dividends of democracy towards achieving sustainable growth and development in this critical point of our existence as a country. 

It suffices to add that since President Muhammadu Buhari assumed leadership of the country he has through his actions displayed that he belongs to nobody and belongs to everybody and as such it behoves on all well-meaning Nigerians to continue to extend support to the efforts at making Nigeria great for all of us. 

The Northern Christian Youth Forum is aware that the plot to assassinate the character of President Muhammadu Buhari is real and as such wishes to inform the generality of Nigerians to be circumspect with the activities of individuals and groups hiding under various nomenclatures to perpetrate evil in the country. 

It remains a statement of the fact that those at the forefront of this campaign are not happy with the gains recorded in critical sectors of the Nigerian economy and as such, they have been vehement in their resolve to make the country ungovernable because it is no longer business as usual in the conduct of government business. 

The position of the Northern Christian Youth Forum is hinged on facts on the ground and we consequently encourage Nigerians from all walks of life to continue to disregard the diatribe against the Muhammadu Buhari administration. 

There is no doubt with regards to the commitment of President Muhammadu Buhari in ensuring that all acts of crime and criminalities are adequately addressed using the instrument of the law and in conformity with the relevant constitutional provisions. 

The Northern Christian Youth Forum is using the occasion of this press conference to pledge our continued support to the administration of President Muhammadu Buhari in the various reforms introduced that have been impactful and beneficial to all sectors of the economy. 

Nigerians must also do well to ensure that they continue to support the president by ensuring that acts of religious and ethnic incitement are vehemently rejected in the interest of peace and tranquillity. 

Nigeria belongs to all and as such it behoves all of us to see the progress of Nigeria as a collective concern as we march towards sustainable growth and development. We must not succumb to cheap blackmail and character assassination from any quarters. 

Thank you all and may God continue to bless us all. 

Long Live the Federal Republic of Nigeria.

*LGBTQI: Group berates US President Biden over belligerent attitude towards Nigeria, other nations*

The Centre for Africa Culture, Rights and Citizens Protection (CACRP) has expressed concern over U.S President Joe Biden's "belligerent attitude" towards Nigeria and other nations opposed to Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer and Intersex (LGBTQI).  

According to the centre, Biden's threat of sanction to Nigeria and these countries is a disregard for their democratic institutions and sovereignty. 

The centre made its displeasure known at a press conference on Thursday in Abuja.  

In a memorandum on Tuesday, Biden instructed the U.S embassy in Nigeria and other nations to push for legislation of homosexuality in their respective countries of residence. 

Nigeria, one of the nations against LGBTQ, signed a Same-Sex Marriage (Prohibition) Act into law in 2014. 

But speaking on behalf of the group, Executive Director, Comrade Adamu Kabir Matazu noted that the U.S must realise that nations across the world have the responsibility to enforce the laws that govern them internally. 

Matazu said if the U.S could take measures to save its democracy from pro-Trump protesters who stormed its Capitol, then every other nation should be allowed to do likewise. 

The centre, however, called on the Federal Government to immediately articulate areas of counter-sanctions that would be deployed against the United States if it presses ahead with its threat. 

It equally urged the FG to build and lead a “coalition of the righteous” made up of countries opposed to the degradation of human values through LGBTQI.

The group also warned that the EndSARS protests would be used to provoke security response that will then be leveraged on to launch another campaign in support of LGBTQI in Nigeria. 

Read the full statement below: 

We have noted without surprise the Memorandum issued by United States President Joe Biden in which he threatened to sanction countries that refuse to condone the abhorrent flaunting of Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender and Queer and Intersex (LGBTQI) people in the face of other law-abiding citizens of such countries. 

Ordinarily, the rant of the US President should have been ignored, his predecessor having treated the world to endless rounds of tantrums and drama. But people of conscience across the world must rise as individuals and groups to highlight the folly of President Biden.

We are also encouraged to speak out because of the threat, while omnibus, appears to be targeting Nigeria. This is because we have the Same-Sex Marriage Prohibition Act 2013 that makes it criminal for people to openly engage in abhorrent practices that the United States is attempting to promote.   

It is pertinent to point out here that have the Same-Sex Marriage Prohibition Act 2013 is not the imposition of just one random dictator, it was not signed into law by the present government but by its predecessor. It is legislation that had the touch of the three arms of government: the legislature passed the bill, the executive arm signed it into law while the judiciary has at one point or the other entertained suits about its legality. 

The implication of what the United States is asking countries to do therefore is akin to asking that they disregard their democratic institutions, discard their national sovereignties and adopt dictates from the President of the United States of America. This is a clear threat to democracies across the world because it means whatever the representatives of these countries decide for their people will be of no consequences – it is a matter of time before elected persons begin to cite the US as the basis for which they will have no regard for their constituent. 

There is also the fact that caving into President Biden’s demand would effectively mean that the whole time and efforts expended by Nigerians in making their views known on same-sex marriage issue would have been wasted.  Does it now mean that countries of the world should simply wait for the US to make laws and decisions for them? In which case, there would be no need for these nations to have presidents, parliaments and courts since President Biden has decided to take over their functions.  

A lot has been said about the desirability of LGBTQI so we will not dissipate efforts in canvassing arguments against it. But suffice to say that the tendencies that Biden’s America is trying to make Nigeria adopt would not be tolerated among the breeding herds of American cattle since it will naturally lead to decline in the farms’ output, fall in revenue and eventual collapse of the animal husbandry sub-sector when male animals fail to mate with a female in the name of LGBTQI.

One point we want the Federal Government to impress on the United States is that nations of the earth have the responsibility to enforce the laws that govern them internally. If the US thinks laws should not be enforced, then it should have demonstrated this by allowing pro-Trump protesters take over its Capitol when they invaded the place in the challenge of the alleged election fraud that sacked former President Donald Trump from office. If the US can take measures, which it claims were meant to safeguard its democracy then Nigeria by the same take reserve the right to safeguard its culture. 

We call on the Federal Government of Nigeria to immediately articulate areas of counter-sanctions that would be deployed against the United States if it presses ahead with its threat to use sanctions in forcing countries to accept the unacceptable. This should be backed up with ensuring that Nigeria’s next ambassador to the US is someone that can engage that country at the level at which it plays, an ambassador who can situate Nigeria t  relate with that country from a position of strength as an opposed to a nation that cowers at each episode of United States’ distemper. 

Nigeria should equally build and lead a “coalition of the righteous” made up countries that are opposed to the degradation of human values as embodied in the pro- LGBTQI that Biden’s America has embarked upon.

We further urge that the government immediately begin a risk assessment regime to ensure that Nigeria can ward off any campaign of destabilization that could be launched against it under the innuendo of “full range of diplomatic tools”. Nigeria should not be caught napping especially when the US has run a similar operation against the country using the #EndSARS protests as a cover – we are all aware how bank accounts linked with the LGBTQI community were used to finance the protests and how LGBTQI members manned the social media propaganda and disinformation campaign that attempted to make the government look bad. 

We want the government to note that Biden’s memo was not published in isolation. As a prelude to the memo, United States’ hirelings and urchins had activated the #Lekkitollgate hashtag as a replacement for #EndSARS protests, which they are planning to use as a means of provoking security response that will then be used as a launchpad for preventing enforcement of Same-Sexe Sex Marriage Prohibition Act 2013.

By Richard Murphy

The joke is on Nigerians who routed for a Joe Biden presidency in the country without understanding the deeper issues that shape politics in the United States of America, and indeed in any other country of the world. The reference here is to the Donald Trump-hating Nigerians, who detest the former US President for no reason other than the fact that CNN told them to do so plus the fact that it is considered “woke” to align with whatever subject the social media trend is pushing.

It was thus comical that some Nigerians went as far as making enemies of their compatriots in their desire to have Trump out of the way and Biden stepping in. Their wish came to pass and so did the worst of their nightmares. Biden’s early actions include one that may soon compel Nigerians to be in same sex relationships and other such abominations that will erase their identities.

According to Reuters, “President Joe Biden issued a presidential memorandum aimed at expanding protection of the rights of lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and queer and intersex (LGBTQI) people worldwide, including potentially through the use of financial sanctions.” This smack puts Nigeria in Biden’s crosshair because the country has the Same Sex Marriage Prohibition Act 2013.

The implication is that the US will target officials in Nigeria and other countries that are not LGBTQI-friendly with a “range of diplomatic tools, and potentially financial sanctions and visa restrictions,” as reported by the news agency. Usually, financial sanctions will include assets freeze and nationalization of companies connected to the targeted officials. Travel restriction will extend beyond the shores of the United States, which will leverage its relations with collaborating nations to squeeze targeted officials and their relations.

The folly of our ruling class has again been exposed by this threat of sanctions. Unless citizens pressure them, they will likely hop from one foot to the other looking for ways to dampen the Same Sex Marriage Prohibition Act 2013 so that they can continue to visit the United States unfettered while having unrestricted access to their assets and businesses in that country. Such capitulation will come at a higher cost to the country for what Biden is offering threatens to contaminate the land and make all Nigerians abominable before God.

Those who should fear more, however, are the ardent Biden supporters, who were deluded to the point of not realizing that evil can never bring forth good. Biden’s directive is for US “agencies working abroad to work harder to combat the criminalization by foreign governments of LGBTQ status or conduct,” which would be extended to including trawling the social media accounts of these same Biden-supporters for anti-LGBTQI content. Sadly, these same Biden supporting crowd had ignorantly loaded their social media walls and timelines with remarks that would be adjudged homophobic. Their situation is compounded by the possibility that their mobile devices could be searched for such contents upon entry into the US and that is assuming that they have not been denied visas based on their social media activities.

The foregoing possibilities are child’s play compared to the other realities that are implied and contained in the US President’s memo. From the look of things, to protect LGBTQI rights and advance their agenda, he is willing to go the extreme against countries irrespective of the fact that they are in their rights to manage their affairs in the manner they see fit. The coded expression, for US agencies “to consider appropriate responses, including the full range of diplomatic tools” encompasses devilish acts like sponsoring terrorists to unleash on Nigeria and then preventing arms sales in Nigeria.

It is not surprising that part of that devilry has played out in Nigeria. We must recall that the #EndSARS protests were first triggered by the LGBTQI, which financed the protests with sumptuous meals and transport fare being provided to those taking part. The LGBTQI community might have distanced itself from the protests after allowing them to descend into crippling violence. That violence is a prelude to what US affiliated NGOs will now do unleash on Nigerians, something that will torment Nigerians irrespective of whether they supported Biden or were for Trump.

Citizens have a responsibility to themselves, which is to put pressure on the Federal Government to come up with a comprehensive list of possible sanctions that can be imposed on the United States for being pro-LGBTQI. The sanctions should include a derecognition of all marriages contracted in the US and all other such sanctions as would force that country to reconsider its sick stand. This deterrence will ensure that Nigerians are insulated from the chain reactions that the US plots to trigger with its supposed sanctions.

Thoughts must also be given to redefining Nigeria’s foreign relations, if not its foreign policy in a manner that pivots away from over-dependence on approval of the US in whatever it is doing. It is time to adopt a firmer response where the interest of Nigeria is concerned and the country just so happens to have experienced citizens that can be assigned such duties.

For now, one can only engage in rueful headshaking about how the joke is on those who had placed much stock on the Biden presidency without realizing that his place in history is to implement the devil’s agenda of making homosexuality mainstream. The joke would further be on Biden himself because Donald Trump has somehow enlightened the world to understand that the US, even as a superpower, has its Banana Republic side, with the implications that it must also have soft spots that can be hit with well packaged sanctions from supposedly weaker countries that he is trying to bully to accept homosexuality as a way of life.

Murphy wrote this piece from Calabar, Cross River State.

*TI Report: Group accuses Transparency International, local NGOs of smear campaign to tarnish Buhari’s image*

Transparency International (TI) has been fingered at the centre of a devilish alliance with disgruntled elements in the country, parading as non-governmental organisations, to tarnish President Muhammadu Buhari's reputation. 

The National Transparency Initiative (NTI) raised the alarm on Wednesday during a press conference in Abuja. 

Addressing the media on behalf of the group, Secretary-General,
Elder Tony Odey said Transparency International's poor rating of Nigeria in its latest corruption index is aimed to undermine President Buhari's legacy on corruption. 

He noted that this is orchestrated by certain Nigerians with foreign interests to undermine the country's sovereignty and integrity. 

Odey singled out Executive Director of Civil Society Legislative Advocacy Centre (CISLAC), Auwal Musa, former ministers, Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala and Oby Ezekwesili to be chief drivers of this calumny campaign. 

According to him, the trio and their cohorts portray the country and President Buhari in a bad light in the international community for their personal agenda. 

He revealed that they begin the process by lining up respondents to provide responses that will skew the outcome of the survey in a manner that project Nigeria as a country that is exceptionally more corrupt than other nations. 

The National Transparency Initiative, though, expressed concern at the implication of such a negative reputation for the nation as it relates to investors. 

The group, however, advised TI to disambiguate its report for Nigeria and specifically show what states are responsible for the rating it is giving the country. 

It also warned the disgruntled Nigerians to call off their offensive and focus on things that would truly advance the wellbeing of Nigerians. 

Read the full statement below:

Transparency International (TI) recently published its Corruption Perception Index (CPI) for the year 2020, which placed Nigeria on the 149th position of the 180 countries it reportedly surveyed.  Because TI’s fixation of Nigeria on this slot is no longer news, its proxies in the country have resorted to dramatizing the survey by celebrating how Nigeria is now West Africa’s second most corrupt country. 

The National Transparency Initiative (NTI) finds it odd that the purveyors of this demarketing report went to town to celebrate their achievement as if a negative rating is something to be proud of. As confounding as this macabre celebration of Nigeria’s corruption rating is, it is necessary to properly situate the reason for the joy being expressed by these detractors of Nigeria. These are people with long-running contracts with foreign interests to undermine the sovereignty and integrity of Nigeria and constantly framing the country as corrupt is one of the myriad strategies they have adopted to achieve this dark objective. 

Without mincing words, NTI is specifically calling out Auwal Musa “Rafsanjani” who is the Executive Director of Civil Society Legislative Advocacy Centre (CISLAC) and Head of Transparency International Nigeria. It is pertinent to disclosed that Rafsanjani is on the board of Amnesty International (AI), another International NGO that has fully deployed to harass the Federal Government of Nigeria and government institutions to prevent them from doing their job. The deployment of Transparency International and Amnesty International is such that the former uses corruption as a basis to block Nigeria’s ability to procure critical military hardware to fight Boko Haram/ISWAP insurgency while the latter replicates the same tactic while citing human rights abuses on the part of security forces. 

World Trade Organization hopeful, Dr Ngozi Okonjo Iweala is another of the disgruntled elements that stoke TI to undermine Nigeria. In her case, it is easy to see what she stands to gain. She finds it necessary to instigate conditions that exonerate the governments she served in the past from being properly branded as corrupt. Recall the double-faced character of this woman who as Obasanjo’s Finance Minister keened endlessly that Nigeria must pay off its debts to move forward only the same person as Goodluck Jonathan’s Finance Minister to come out say Nigeria cannot survive without borrowing. What was never revealed to Nigerians is that facilitating the repayment under Obasanjo attracted commissions on the transaction amount just the loans obtained under Jonathan had incentives for those who brokered them. She definitely knows about corruption. 

We are not losing sight of Mrs Obiageli “Oby” Ezekwesili, the fanatical hater of President Muhammadu Buhari, who is fortunately awake to the fact that the likes of Oby should not be allowed anywhere near public office given the damage she can do to the country through the implementation of phantom reforms that do not endure the test of even one month of her being out of office. Like the unholy combo of TI and Amnesty international, Oby combines a dangerous mix of being an anti-corruption activist, human rights activist and security activist to hound the government at every turn. She actively suggests to the TI-AI circuit how best to undermine the government’s image and she does this without thoughts to the fact that she was once a member of the Federal Executive Council like Okonjo-Iweala and should be more circumspect where the wellbeing of the country is at stake.

There are a whole lot of these disgruntled persons with selfish interests that have been driving the campaign of calumny against Nigeria using Transparency International. They start this process by lining up respondents to provide responses that will skew the outcome of the survey in a manner that project Nigeria as a country that is exceptionally more corrupt than other nation. Whereas, if the process is conducted without being tainted with the animosity that the Rafsanjani crowd harbours against the government of the day the result will show significant improvement owing to the efforts that the government has made. 

National Transparency Initiative is concerned at the consequences that this obsession with demonizing President Muhammadu Buhari is having on the overall perception of Nigeria. President Buhari will complete his tenure and leave office but the bad reputation that has been tagged on the country will remain. This has consequences for the confidence investors repose in Nigeria as a business destination and in the contemporary business environment that is highly globalized the implication is that the demarketing of Nigeria will starve the country of business opportunity, which will lead to unemployment that will then fuel desperation and lead to actual corruption. 

Attacking the Federal Government with the blackmail of corruption each time CPI is published also distract attention from the exact spots Nigerians should focus on. The States. The bulk of the anecdotal incidences that TI uses to compile its index about Nigeria are at the state level, which means that the Federal Government is being made to take the fall for the wrongdoings committed at the state level, which the government at the centre cannot do anything about since this will amount to being dictatorial. TI and its cheerleaders are eager to push President Buhari into wielding the big stick, which he has no constitutional backing to wield, on state governors so that they can brand him a dictator.

TI and its circuit of liars must also situate the roles that individuals play in the instances of corruption being reported. It is not enough to cite how people reported giving a bribe as it is pertinent that the bribe givers should also be recognized and held accountable as enabler of corruption instead of being packaged as heroes by TI, Rafsanjani and company. They should look inwards and see how the bogus honoraria and allowances they pay participants at their brainwashing workshops and conferences are also a form of inducement that amount to corruption. The desperation of the beneficiaries of such payments to qualify for future payments is what leads them to fabricate lies about corruption, which in itself is corruption. 

Our thoughts are that if TI is serious about reporting corruption then it should disambiguate its report for Nigeria and specifically show what states are responsible for the rating it is giving the country. Since it has consistently treated Nigeria as a county if interest this should not be difficult for it to achieve. 

In the meantime, we urge the alliance of the disgruntled that is weaponizing the CPI to harass the government of President Buhari to call off their offensive and focus on things that would truly advance the wellbeing of Nigerians. Nigerians live in their own country and they can relate first-hand about how things have changed for the better in terms of how it is no longer easy for people to pocket government money and covert same to personal use. It will therefore take more than a jaundiced TI report to tarnish President Buhari’s legacy on the war against corruption.

CIVIL SOCIETIES’ COALITION COMMENDS PRESIDENT MUHAMMADU BUHARI FOR NOMINATING SUBSTANTIVE FRC CHAIR, CALLS ON SENATE TO CONFIRM THE APPOINTMENT AND STRENGTHEN COMMISSION.

The League of Civil Society Groups, a conglomeration of over 200 CSOs in Nigeria, has commended President Muhammadu Buhari for nominating a substantive Chairman for the Fiscal Responsibility Commission (FRC).

Noting that this nomination by the President is a step in the right direction and marks the movement of President Buhari’s anti-corruption war to the next level, with a substantive chair for a Commission that plays a key role on the preventive side of anticorruption.

In a statement made available by the groups President; Amb Akoshile Mukhtar, the group stated that President Buhari had made a solid choice for this position in the person of Barr. Victor Muruako, who has spent the last couple of years working to stabilize the FRC following the withdrawal of funding for the commission based on the recommendation of the Oronsaye panel.

Indeed we strongly believe that with this nomination President Buhari will give the commission greater backing and heir reports will be incorporated into the budget formulation and implementation process as stipulated in the letter of the Fiscal Responsibility Act.

We urge the Senate to give attention to the speedy consideration of this nomination on its merit as it deserves and to do the needful in the interest of protecting public interest in the budgeting process. We equally urge states to enact Fiscal responsibility laws in their states, working with the FRC at the federal level for technical support. We call on all agencies to improve their levels of compliance with the Fiscal Responsibility Act by ensuring stringent implementation of budgets and remitting their operations surpluses to the federal treasury.

Amb. Akoshilen also commend the likes of the Nigeria Deposit Insurance Corporation that have been meeting up with their remittance obligations and urge them to continue in the track of uprightness in line with President Buhari’s vision.

.... urges Senate, Nigerians to disown PDP

The Coalition for Good Governance (CGG) has welcomed the nomination of immediate past Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lt. Gen. Tukur Buratai (rtd) and other former service chiefs as ambassadors-designate, describing it as "worthy, exemplary and timely". 

According to the group, the decision is a well-deserved call for service and step in the right direction towards galvanizing the required international collaboration to wipe out terrorism in Nigeria. 

The CGG made its stance known on Monday at a press conference in Abuja. 

In a statement titled “nomination of Buratai, others will deliver required international collaboration to wipe-out terrorism", Executive Convener, Paul Aliyu said the nomination is strategic and a display of President Muhammadu Buhari's commitment towards putting an end to terrorism. 

Aliyu, therefore, charged the new nominees to put the country's interest first in their new assignment and reciprocate the confidence reposed on them by the president. 

While assuring that the former service heads would be worthy ambassadors wherever they find themselves, the coalition charged them to exhibit the same zeal and commitment with which they prosecuted the war against insurgency. 

The coalition, however, charged Nigerians and the Senate to disown the Peoples Democratic Party and speedily confirm the nomination. 

It also called on well-meaning Nigerians to see the gains that would be accrued with the calibre of the nominees and consequently encourage them to discharge their duties to the benefit of Nigeria. 

Read the full statement below:

The Coalition for Good Governance welcomes you all to this press conference to shed light on the recent nomination of the immediate past Chief of Army Staff, Lt. Gen. Tukur Buratai and other Service Chiefs as Special Envoys by President Muhammadu Buhari.

This exigency of time regarding the war against insurgency in Nigeria has indeed emphasized the need for the required international collaboration towards addressing the threats posed by the Boko Haram insurgency in the African continent. 

The Coalition for Good Governance indeed views President Muhammadu Buhari's nominations as strategic towards ensuring that the immediate past Service Chiefs uses their experience and vast network in galvanizing the much needed international collaboration in the war against insurgency not just in Nigeria, but across the African continent. 

Nigeria's strategic role in addressing the threats of terrorism in the African continent cannot be overemphasized. As such, the nominations indeed emphasize President Muhammadu Buhari's commitment towards ensuring that Nigeria and the African continent are free from the clutches of terrorism. 

It remains our firm belief that the appointments would indeed bolster the needed international collaboration needed in Nigeria towards the total defeat of terrorism in the country. It is also sufficing to add that President Muhammadu Buhari is indeed committed to seeing to an end of the Boko Haram insurgency in Nigeria within the shortest possible time. 

It is also our firm belief that with the vast experience of the nominees, they shall put to bear that needed diplomacy toward galvanizing support for Nigeria as it battles the remnants of the Boko Haram insurgent group. 

This is also on the heels that it is a statement of the fact that the activities of the Boko Haram group were indeed bolstered by support from some international actors against the interest of Nigeria through the provision of logistical support in aiding the operations of the Boko Haram insurgents. 

The Coalition for Good Governance sees the nominations as worthy, exemplary and timely by all indications. We consequently wish to state the ability of the nominees to deliver is never in doubt as their track record speaks volume of dexterity and the penchant for achieving results as evident in their efforts towards addressing the threats posed by the Boko Haram insurgents while they headed the various services of the Armed Forces. 

The Coalition for Good Governance commends President Muhammadu Buhari for this rare display of insight towards harnessing the nominees' experience to the benefit of Nigeria in winning the war against Boko Haram insurgency. 

We consequently charge the new nominees to put the country's interest first in their new assignment by ensuring that they galvanize support for Nigeria in the war against insurgency. They must also do all within their means to reciprocate the confidence reposed on them by Mr President in finding them worthy in their nomination as Ambassadors of Nigeria.  

We trust that they shall be worth ambassadors of Nigeria wherever they find themselves by keeping the flag flying high in service to the country. They should also do well to replicate the same zeal and commitment with which they prosecuted the war against Boko Haram insurgency in Nigeria. 

The Coalition for Good Governance is calling on all well-meaning Nigerians to see the gains that would be accrued to Nigeria with the calibre of the nominees and consequently applaud and encourage the new nominees to discharge their duties to the benefit of Nigeria. 

The time for collective action towards addressing the Boko Haram insurgency in now and President Muhammadu Buhari has taken the lead in this regard. It behoves on all to follow suit in our quest to see to an end of the Boko Haram insurgency in Nigeria. 

The Coalition for Good Governance commends the nominations. It pledges its support for galvanizing international collaboration towards defeating the Boko Haram insurgency in Nigeria. 

We thank you all for your time. We desire that Nigeria shall indeed defeat the Boko Haram insurgency that has festered over the years. 

Thank you, and God bless.

*Group lauds MDAs’ accountability,  probity under PMB’s administration*

The Coalition of Civil Rights Groups (CCRG) has rated ministries, parastatals and agencies under President Muhammadu Buhari's administration high on accountability, probity and transparency. 

The coalition said it made this conclusion after scrutinizing policy formulation and implementation across the various MDAs. 

Unveiling its interim report on Monday at a press conference in Abuja, President, Comrade Isaac Ikpa, said various indices indicate sustainable efforts towards building strong institutions capable of addressing corruption and other forms of societal ills that retards development. 

According to the report, the implementation of the Treasury Single Account (TSA) has ensured that finances of MDAs are subjected to the best possible accountability procedures which have greatly reduced incidence of siphoning off government funds. 

The report added that the implementation of Personnel and Payroll Information System (IPPIS) has blocked loopholes that hitherto cost the country billions of dollars. 

The coalition also noted that high-profile politicians, civil servants and retired military officers have been prosecuted for corruption, securing convictions in a handful of cases.

The Coalition of Civil Rights Groups' findings, therefore, invalidates Transparency International's report for lacking evidence and "different from reality". 

The group revealed that there are political undertones to T.I's low rating of Nigeria, noting that it is hinged on permutations towards causing a distraction for the president. 

The coalition, however, advised the Federal Government to institute measures that would keep the citizens abreast of happenings in the polity with regards to the introduction of policies and programmes that affect their lives. 

It also charged MDAs to respond to Freedom of Information request in a timely fashion and make such known to the general public in a bid to carry the citizens along at all times. 

Read the full statement below.

Introduction: 

The Coalition of Civil Rights Groups in fulfilment of its mandate of holding government accountable in governance assessed the Muhammadu Buhari administration to highlight the commitment towards good governance in delivering the dividends of democracy to the people. 

The assessment entailed detailed scrutiny of policy formulation and implementation across the country's various MDAs, emphasizing accountability, transparency, and probity. It also touched on the various programmes implemented by the Muhammadu Buhari administration regarding governance, the rule of law, and human rights.  

The various social intervention programmes of the Muhammadu Buhari administration were also scrutinized in any objectivity manner, devoid of sentiments to put issues in proper perspectives. 

The Issues: 

There have been insinuations that Nigeria’s rule of law is selective – the rich and powerful do not play by the rules, which has fuelled corruption in the polity. This has indeed questioned the sincerity of the Muhammadu Buhari administration in the fight against corruption. 

There were also insinuations that the operations of MDAs in Nigeria have been fraught with a lack of accountability and transparency, which has aided massive corruption and disregard for extant procurement laws in the conduct of government business. 

The implementation of the rule of law was also questioned through allegations that the government has displayed total disregard for the rule of law through questionable actions that undermine individuals' rights to express themselves on matters of national concern. There were also allusions to implementing a selective justice system targeted at perceived political opponents while shielding individuals and organizations with ties to the present administration from being held accountable for questionable transactions and activities that fuel acts of corruption and undermine sustainable growth and development.   

This also on the heels that Transparency International in its yearly report stated that Nigeria had dropped two places down to rank as the world’s 34th most corrupt nation. While this position has been canvassed, the factors responsible were not adequately highlighted. 

Findings: 

The assessment report's findings indeed brought up questions on how the Muhammadu Buhari administration has fared in the fight against corruption. Our findings revealed acts of political colourations that possibly influenced the perception that the Muhammadu Buhari administration is selective in the fight against corruption. 

An analysis of the institutional framework in place negates the claims. This is on the heels that the framework is not subject to manipulations as the various mechanisms in place provide for checks and balances in the conduct of government business. 

It was also discovered that the implementation of the Treasury Single Account (TSA) has ensured that finances of MDAs are subjected to the best possible accountability procedures which has greatly reduced incidence of siphoning of government funds while entrenching a regime of accountability in the disbursement of government funds for purposes intended.  

The Personnel and Payroll Information System (IPPIS) was also identified as one of the measures implemented by the Muhammadu Buhari administration in tackling corruption in the system by blocking loopholes that hitherto cost the country billions of dollars. 

Our findings also revealed the prosecution of high-profile politicians, civil servants and retired military officers for corruption and secured convictions in a handful of cases. His administration has also recovered billions of Naira in stolen assets from corrupt Nigerians.

Scores of corrupt politicians across party lines and government officials are currently undergoing trials for various forms of financial impropriety, thereby rating the Muhammadu Buhari’s campaign against corruption as the most intense the country has ever seen. 

The Realities: 

The Coalition of Civil Society Groups in the extensive analysis of the issues at stake states that what is being propagated in the public space is different from reality. The various indices indicate sustainable efforts towards building strong institutions capable of addressing corruption and other forms of societal ills that retards development. 

As discovered in the analysis of issues, there are political undertones to rating the Muhammadu Buhari’s administration low in the war against corruption. This is hinged on permutations towards causing a distraction for the administration. 

The Coalition of Civil Rights Groups' position is that there has been an entrenchment of accountability and transparency in the conduct of government business. The loopholes for siphoning government resources have been blocked. This has also brought about accountability which remains the hallmark of the Muhammadu Buhari's administration. 

It must also be stated that there hasn’t been any tangible evidence that supports the claims of selective implementation of the war against corruption from our analysis. The bulk of the insinuations are hinged on hearsays and illogical conclusions, which remains questionable by all known parameters.  

It is thus a statement of the fact that there hasn’t been an era in the annals of the country where the government has displayed an unalloyed commitment to the judicious putting use of resources of the country than now. And those in leadership positions have been tasked through various mechanisms to play by the rules. 

Our position remains that the Muhammadu Buhari's administration has not been found to promote corrupt practices. No record indicates systematic protection for individuals and organizations that runs afoul of the law. 

Recommendations: 

The Coalition for Civil Rights Groups as a result of the forgoing herby makes the following recommendations: 

That the government must institute measures that would keep the citizens abreast of happenings in the polity with regards to the introduction of policies and programmes that affect ordinary citizens' lives. 

That the government must task MDAs to respond for Freedom of Information request in a timely fashion and make such known to the general public in a bid to douse tension and carry the citizens along at all times

Through its various MDAs, the government must provide accurate information on burning issues to allow the citizens to make their independent judgment on the government's efforts in all sectors of the economy. 

That the government must engage in town hall meetings with critical stakeholders to allow them to seek clarification on areas that requires attention and collective inputs. 

That the government must address concerns in the public space in a most decorous manner without making allegations that smacks a mockery of the whole governance process. 

Conclusion: 

The Coalition of Civil Rights Groups concludes that the Muhammadu Buhari’s administration since inception has been at the vanguard of promoting accountability and transparency in the conduct of government business. 

This has consequently led to an enviable level of accountability and transparency across the MDAs. Therefore, it remains acts of sabotage activities of individuals and organizations that rate the government low in accountability and transparency in governance in Nigeria.

By David Audu

It is said that, "Transparency is the pillar of Accountability". Give me a Leader who is transparent and accountable, I will show you a nation that will birth Development, and lead other nations into the Future.

I wish to state that the crisis in North-East Nigeria that came with its attendant loss of lives, destruction of properties and displacement of millions of people has been greatly managed and subdued. The after effects are now less visible due to the magnanimous reconstruction made by the North East Development Commission (NEDC) in the coordinating, harmonizing, and overseeing the success of many intervention and initiative programmes for the NorthEast States.

It is no news that Muhammed Goni Alkali being the MD of NEDC has relentlessly prioritize his engagement in the resettlement, rehabilitation, integration and reconstruction of infrastructure for victims of terrorism as well as tackling the menace of poverty, illiteracy, ecological challenges in the North-Eastern states and other related matter.

Indeed, Muhammed Goni Alkali has impressed many Nigerians for his performance, most particularly the residents of North East states. His surpassed excellence has benefited many sectors in the North East states. Moreover, his exceptional certificates which include a first class degree certificate of Accountancy in Bayero University, Kano (BUK), and a M.Sc certificate in Accounting and Finance, London School of Economics, UK, cannot be neglected. Elements of transparency and accountability can be perceived in the roles of Muhammed Alkali as the MD of North East Development Commission.

As the Managing Director of NEDC, I must commend that Muhammed Goni Alkali is striving to redevelop the North East region of Nigeria despite all hurdles he consistently experiencing. Regardless that some fraud allegations have been previously leveled against him and NEDC, his achievements are perfectly glare to Nigerians. It must be expressed that the MD of NEDC has immensely fulfilled many of his mandates for the commission. Ever since his installment as the MD, many ineffective sectors has gained strength to fully commence operations at its peak.

Muhammed Alkali ensures that every funds that are dedicated for NEDC projects needs to be utilized for the advantage of the residents of North East states. Just last year, around August, one of Muhammed Alkali's plans for the North East region was announced. He planned to carry out 224 developmental projects in 112 LGAs all through the six North East states in Nigeria. This includes Adamawa, Bauchi, Yobe, Borno, Taraba, and Gombe. Being among the broad long-term outline of NEDC to wholly develop the North East region, the developmental projects were to be carried out under Rapid Response Intervention (RRI). They were to be carried out in regards to the needs and recommendations of the North East states. Such needs constitutes of what needed to be restored in various sectors such as the education sector, health sector, social infrastructure sector, agricultural sector, as well as in Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene (WASH) sector.

Thus, Muhammed Alkali made a reservation of #50 million so as to sort each of the requirements in the 112 LGAs. He also initiated his plans to revitalize the infrastructures in the state for the benefit of the people. The MD also declared that NEDC has made provisions of integrated agricultural programmes which was in support of newly-returned communities. He also reserved a sum of N6billion which is a fund set aside for 10% yearly grants on scholarship. Undergraduate and postgraduate students in the North East region are to benefit from the grants. This includes 5,000 undergraduates of bachelor’s degree, 336 Masters students, and 54 undergraduate of Doctorate Degree.

In regards to this, the MD has successfully executed a vast number of projects in Nguru Local Government, Yobe. Among which are drilling and installation of hybrid solar borehole in Bilalam Hausawa, Kwanar Dan Iya, renovation of classrooms, offices, and stores in various schools within the LGA.

Since the appointment of Muhammed Goni Alkali as the Managing Director (MD) and Chief Eecutive Officer of North East Development Commission on the 9th of April, 2019, the NEDC have gone on to achieve so much beyond our expectations amidst criticisms and scandals.

Since its inauguration, the NEDC has been cumbered with the responsibilities of receiving and properly allocating funds from the Federal Government and International donors for the reduction of unemployment, alleviation of poverty, provision of Basic Education, construction of roads and settlements, providing care to victims of terrorism and other challenges faced in the North-Eastern States which include Adamawa, Bauchi, Borno, Gomeb, Taraba and Yobe States.

The NEDC under the leadership of Muhammed Goni Alkali has successfully executed all of these with outstanding success. We are all aware of the many challenges the North-East is faced with. It ca only take a man who is an adept problem solver and critical thinker to spearhead a commission designed to tackle all of those challenges.

Thanks to the longsuffering of the people of the North-Eastern states, they had managed to endure the many hardships and terrorism for several years, so when President Muhammadu Buhari signed into law and act establishing the NEDC in 2017, it paved way for the development and reconstruction of the North-East and it was a huge relief for all.

The appointment of Muhammed Goni Alkali was greeted with mixed feelings and skepticisms. Many were unsure if he had the capacity to lead a commission designed for the purpose of reconstructing and developing the North-Eastern region of Nigeria. Muhammed Goni Alkali has since proved his worth with his excellent performance as the MD of the NEDC.

Muhammed Goni Alkali has made sure that while executing his mandate and the mandate of the NEDC he has stuck with one policy which is accountability and transparency. In every sector or organistaion, accountability and transparency is paramount and cannot be overlooked for the success of such sector. Muhammed Goni Alkali acknowledges that every single kobo must be utilized for the benefit of the people of the North-east, and thus he has ensured that no money is misappropriated and there is no inflated budget. If you need to cite an example of a sector in Nigeria where accountability and transparency is the order of the day, then the NEDC is top of the list, and it is all thanks to their current MD.

Looking back at past administrations, it is a norm that whenever a new commission is inaugurated to tackle a specific challenge in a particular sector or region in Nigeria, corruption erodes the project and little is ever accomplished, and this is a major contributing factor to the failures of past administrations. President Buhari foresaw this, and it is little wonder that he appointed Alkali as the MD of the NEDC, and once again, the president has shown us his formidable foresight and wisdom in choosing Mohammed.

Alkali is a man of integrity and good standing. I personally love his leadership style. It is one that many leaders in Nigeria should emulate. Stakeholders and members of International community are always full of praises for this man anytime they talk about him. That was why I knew the misappropriation of funds scandal that rocked the NEDC sometime in in July, 2020, were baseless accusations by disgruntled individuals who are seeking to put a stain on the integrity of the current administration.

The Nigerian Senate Committee on Special Duties recently praised the NEDC for its “outstanding performance” in the area of humanitarian intervention. It was cited that despite just being about a year old, the commission has “performed tremendously well”.

There have been a lot of criticisms thrown at not the NEDC boss, but also the NEDC in general, but the truth is that no matter how well a leader has performed, there must always be those who have bad things to say. In my opinion, these criticisms are just ad hominem mudslinging by members of the opposition aimed at demoralizing the NEDC and the current administration by labeling them as corrupt. The very fact that international communities have studied the success of the NEDC as an agency for development.

The NEDC boss continues to work tirelessly along with his faithful staffers to ensure that they successfully execute the mandate of the NEDC and the development of the North-East. Today, as a result of the determined efforts of these men, the North-East is undergoing rapid development as never seen before in the history of Nigeria. Many roads have been constructed, level of illiteracy in the region is being significantly reduced, many job opportunities have been created, many humanitarian interventions are being out in place and there is now a cleaner and safer environment for the people of the North-East.

From the report gotten from The Good Governance and Transparency Coalition as a
stakeholder in this critical sector that has consequently monitored the operations of the NEDC, it has stated that in the past one year of its operations, there has been entrenchment of transparency and accountability.

Therefore, i believe that we should be consequently alarmed at any spurious allegations without recourse to implicating NEDC, which by all intent we know that the purposes are of poor taste and lacking any form of credibility as there are no such infractions in the operations of the NEDC. As a matter of fact, the operational manual of the NEDC is such that is tailored to ensure accountability at all times and as such we should wonder how such infractions would have been effected with the multiple layers of checks in place.

Alkali remains my man. A man who is passionate about delivering the best results for the benefit of the people of the North-East. I do not have the slightest doubt that as long as he remains the MD of the NEDC, there are still better days ahead for the North-Eastern region of Nigeria.

Audu is a public affairs analyst and wrote this piece from Abuja.

By Solomon Olarewaju

The recent nomination of the immediate past Chief of Army Staff, Lt. Gen. Tukur Buratai (rtd) as Ambassador-Designate by President Muhammadu Buhari has indeed put the country into frenzy. In some quarters, mostly the opposition members, they have questioned the rationale for such nominations citing several issues that defeat common sense. Also in some quarters, those that are well informed on the issues at stake in Nigeria with regards to winning the war against insurgency and other acts of militancy, they have praised the president for making such a decisive move towards ensuring that the experience of the former Service Chiefs is indeed available for use by the country, especially in the international scene.

I want to join forces with those that have seen the bigger picture with the recent nomination of Lt. Gen. Tukur Buratai ( rtd) as Ambassador-Designate for the fact that Nigeria would stand to benefit significantly from his wealth of experience and the vast network he has built while in service as the Chief of Army Staff.
Lt. Gen. Tukur Buratai (rtd) is a lesson in history on what patriotism entails. His passion and energy towards the Nigerian cause cannot be questioned by any well-meaning Nigerian conversant with how he led the Nigerian Army in the prosecution of the war against insurgency and other forms of militancy.
Therefore, it remains a no-brainer for Nigerians to see the nomination of Lt. Gen Tukur Buratai as a decision that would come with its attendant benefits in our quest for building and sustaining multilateral ties with countries of the world in galvanizing international support for defeating the Boko Haram insurgency in Nigeria.

What this nomination brings is that Nigeria would be able to tell the story of the efforts at defeating the insurgency in the country through someone that understands the undercurrents that have sustained Boko Haram for a long time. It would also allow Nigeria to tell the story at it is in the international community because the bulk of the information that the international community has relied on is from third-party sources that have been doctored or diluted to suit certain interest.
This is on the heels that the period Lt. Gen. Tukur Buratai held sway as Chief of Army Staff has been regarded as one of the most productive eras in the annals of the Nigerian Army in the sense that he introduced institutional reforms that if implemented would position the Nigerian Army in better stead to confront the security challenges in the country.
It is also instructive to state that the Nigerian Army was rated high in human rights compliance by various bodies under him. It is on record that in the Armed Forces; only the Nigerian Army has in all its units and formations Human Rights desks to address issues of human rights violations by officers and soldiers.
I cannot possibly explain the gains that would be accrued to Nigeria with this nomination, but what I can say is that Nigerians in the nearest future would come to terms with the strategic import of the nomination, and also with the realization that guns and tanks are not the only potent weapons to be deployed in asymmetric warfare such as the Boko Haram insurgency.
We must also understand the role of diplomacy, which is neither the invention nor the pastime of some particular political system but is an essential element in any reasonable relation between nations. For the upkeep of the International System, diplomacy is used in every corner of the world. Without it, many countries would not be able to conduct successful negotiations.
This fact indeed summarizes President Muhammadu Buhari's position in nominating individuals such as Lt. Gen. Tukur Buratai and others, which in my opinion is intended to introduce the diplomatic dimension in the war against Boko Haram insurgency in Nigeria.
For some of us conversant with the dynamics in the international arena, this is indeed a welcome development in the sense that President Muhammadu Buhari has recognized the importance of bringing the international community on board in the war against insurgency and the best way to go about it is to ensure that individuals that are conversant with what Nigerian needs in galvanizing that support from the international community are identified and subsequently tasked with the responsibility for the benefit of the country at large.
For Ambassador Tukur Buratai, this is indeed a new beginning, and a continuation of service to Nigeria and all eyes are indeed on him to bring to bear his wealth of experience in galvanizing the needed international collaboration in addressing the threats posed by Boko Haram in Nigeria.
My advice is this: do all within your means to be worthy Ambassador of Nigeria. Do not engage in acts that would undermine Nigeria. Do not undertake endeavors that would undermine National Security in Nigeria, but instead endeavors that would bolster Nigeria's efforts at defeating the Boko Haram insurgency.
This is also cognizant that the bulk of the reasons advanced by the international community for refusing to collaborate with Nigeria in the war against Boko Haram insurgency is harped on the negative narrative propagated by despicable elements in support of the festering of the activities of the Boko Haram insurgents.
I have no doubt on the ability of Lt. Gen. Tukur Buratai to deliver in this new assignment and I can’t but commend President Muhammadu Buhari in this regard. It consequently behooves on all well-meaning Nigerians to extend their support to the new and latest Ambassadors in town.

Olarewaju is a crisis prevention expert based in the United Kingdom.

The attention of the Governor of Rivers State, Nyesom Ezenwo Wike, has been drawn to false assertions attributed to him in an article written in The Guardian by Emmanuel Ande on February 5, 2021, titled: " Tinubu cannot see presidency gate in 2023, says Wike."

We wish to affirm that it is true that Governor Wike was in Yola, the capital of Adamawa State on February 4, to inspect some projects being executed by Governor Ahmadu Umaru Fintiri. And while inspecting the Greater Interchange and Underpass in Yola , some journalists requested for an interview which he graciously obliged them.

The questions asked ranged from the purpose of his visit; the prospects of the Peoples Democratic Party winning the 2023 general election and Nigeria's rating in the global corruption index recently published by Transparency International.

At no time during the interview session that lasted about five minutes did Governor Wike mention the names of Chief Tinubu and the APC's former national chairman, Adams Oshiomhole, or even alluded to them.

We, therefore consider the report by Mr Emmanuel Ande as preposterous, fabricated, malicious and intended to inflame relationship between Governor Wike and Chief Tinubu, whom the Rivers Chief Executive holds in high esteem.

“We wish to state without equivocation, that irrespective of political affiliation, Governor Wike has enormous respect for Chief Tinubu and will never say or do anything to malign the hard earned reputation of the elder statesman. The report by Mr Ande is mischievous and aimed to discredit The Guardian.

“It is our belief that the reporter is probably acting as hireling of some treacherous political actors, who often capitalise on the susceptibility of some journalists to manipulate them to publish misleading or factually incorrect information for political purposes. We dare the reporter to provide any evidence to prove the veracity of his fabricated report.”

Kelvin Ebiri

Special Assistant on Media to the Rivers State Governor.

5th February, 2021.

*Yoruba youths hail nomination of former service chiefs as worthy ambassadors, call for speedy confirmation*

Some youths from the South-West region have welcomed President Muhammadu Buhari's nomination of the immediate past service chiefs as non-career ambassadors-designate.

Describing them as "worthy ambassadors", the group under the aegis of Congress of Progressive Yoruba Youths (CPYY) called on the National Assembly to speedily confirm their nomination. 

The Yoruba youths made these known on Friday at a press conference in Lagos. 

In a statement signed by its leader, Comrade Kolawole Salau and titled: “Ex-Service Chiefs are truly Nigeria’s Ambassadors; a reward for excellence and meritorious service”, the group extolled the virtues of the recently retired military heads. 

Salau noted that the nomination is a befitting reward for decades of patriotism, dedication and commitment to their fatherland, especially in the last five years where they courageously led and conquered acts of terrorism, insurgency and insurrection in the country.

According to the group, history will remember the quartet as the finest set of service chiefs who blighted the wildfires against peace and security at the country’s most trying moments. 

While applauding President Buhari, Salau said the development would serve as a salient tonic to bolster national service and productivity from all Nigerians holding leadership positions. 

He, however, assured that the newest ambassadorial designates would bring their wealth of experience to bear on influencing the global community in assisting Nigeria to address the scourge of terrorism permanently. 

Read the full statement below:

Ladies and Gentlemen of the Media.

May we once again, extend our good wishes to all of us for the New Year and the prayerful expectations of ceaseless goodies in our lives and that of our dear nation. We plead that all Nigerians should always bear this in mind as we enter another outstanding phase in the progressively historic match of Nigeria to the #NextLevel under the focused leadership of President Muhammadu Buhari, GCFR.

The Congress of Progressive Yoruba Youths’ (CPYY) leadership and its teeming members wish to celebrate and share the good tidings with all Nigerians. We were exceeding filled with ecstasy over the sudden news of the nomination of the erstwhile Service Chiefs as Nigeria’s non-career ambassadors -designate to serve the nation in another sensitive capacity.

These recently retired from active Military service and the very exceptional senior Military officers favoured by their classic records are former Chief of Defence Staff, (CDS) Gen. Gabriel Abayomi Olonisakin;  ex-Chief of Army Staff (COAS) and honcho of the counter-insurgency operations, Lt. Gen. Tukur Yusuf  Buratai and the former Chief of Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ibas. Others whose hard work has also attracted reward with further service includes; the former Chief of Air Staff (CAS), Air Marshal Sadique Abubakar, and the former Chief of Defence Intelligence, (CDI) Air Vice Marshal Mohammed Usman.

It’s a thing of joy that Mr. President has already forwarded to the National Assembly, names of these dedicated and committed former Military Chiefs for confirmation. These ex-Service Chiefs have rendered decades of unfaltering, patriotic and dedicated service to their fatherland at the zenith of their career, especially in the last five years they superintended over counter-insurgency operations and courageously conquered acts of insurgencies and insurrections against the country.

So, let us congratulate these worthy Ambassadors in advance in anticipation of a speedy confirmation of these ambassadorial nominees by the national parliament. Nigerians excitedly look forward to this moment with drums and songs as a reward truly befitting of these former Military Chiefs who have diligently and uncompromisingly served the country, first, as ambassadors of the trenches and now, as fit as fiddle to exemplify same at the diplomatic plane.   

Countlessly, we have sensed President Buhari’s conscious attempts to re-work and reposition Nigeria into a nation where every Nigerian who has the opportunity to serve the country in whatever capacity should be proud to discharge his duties committedly at all times, despite any difficulty.  That’s the operational philosophy and disposition of Mr. President as shadowed all through the years of his Presidency so far.

Today, the same Presidential ideology has spontaneously replicated in the success story of the Nigerian immediate past Service Chiefs in their post-service life. This is justified or finds expression in their nomination as Nigeria’s non-career ambassador-designate of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.  It gladdens the heart infinitely.

The CPYY has taken the generous liberty to speak to a Nigerian audience which is not caged by bias, partisan, ethnoreligious or religious sentiments as prevalent in contemporary times in our country. We are wittingly talking to Nigerians who recognizes that national service supersedes personal interests and the worthy sons and daughters of this great nation who have dispensed this responsibility selflessly and committedly should earn our acknowledgement afterwards.

And in the case of the ex-Service Chiefs, they discharged the very arduous or tedious national assignment, even at the risk of their lives with courage, vigour and determination.  They gave us impressive results where others failed. Therefore, they deserve appreciation and reward; but certainly not unjust vilification from the same compatriots they have spent their lives to serve. Only this can compel posterity to also emulate their commendable records in the service to our nation.

We elect upon ourselves to voice out today because as consistent as some unreasonable hardliners attempted to dwarf, diminish, blur and even rubbish the tenures of the ex-Service Chiefs; it is also equally very difficult, if not impossible to annihilate their records in curbing the hitherto widespread acts of insurgencies and insurrections in the country.

On the plaquing insecurities in Nigeria, history will remember these ex-Military Chiefs as one of the finest sets of Service Chiefs who blighted the wildfires against peace and security at the country’s most trying moments. They performed this duty determinedly and served us the best of positive results.  

Let’s recap that it has not escaped the eyes of CPYY that the ex-Service Chiefs wrecked the fires of rampaging Boko Haram/Islamic West Africa Province (ISWAP) terrorists in Abuja, Northern cities/ towns; extricated five out of the six states in the Northeast region previously under the unshakable and absolute control of insurgents.  Nigeria has reclaimed these states irreversibly to the painful realization of terrorists under the tenures of the ex-Service Chiefs.  

These ex-Military Chiefs significantly stopped bombs from frequently exploding in highbrow areas; female teenage suicide bombers were also harangued out of operations and Boko Haram has been confined to the remotest parts of Lake Chad Basin axis to the extent its leaders have kept lamenting publicly about losing the war. Insurgents previously aggressive infiltration of Southern Nigeria was also halted. Lt. Gen. Buratai (rtd) worked tirelessly in alliance with his colleagues to ensure Nigerian troops birthed peace and security in all troubled areas.

How many of us even recount the tens of thousands of Nigerians held hostage by Boko Haram, but regained their freedom under the past Service Chiefs? Armed bandits were also caged and scores neutralized in fierce combats with troops; do we even remember the subjugation of the oil thieves, armed robbers, kidnappers, vandals or the bloody secessionists’ and another armed criminal/ terror gangs of Southern Nigeria who held the region captive? They have been humbled to their knees.

This is not an attempt to flatter anybody or undermine anyone. But the ex-Military Chiefs made an inerasable difference in the counter-insurgency operations whilst they held sway. We make bold to say since 2009 when acts of insurgencies and insurrections became a national and global security challenge, the immediate past set of Service Chiefs really made Nigeria proud. Until we see, the works of the new and very equally promising Sheriffs who have taken over their responsibility, we dare say, their fond memories are still etched in our psyche.         

Therefore, the new Nigerian spirit where merit and hard work are rewarded by the country is reflected in the nomination of these former Military Chiefs. And we are excited at it; as we thank Mr. President wholeheartedly. It’s a salient tonic that would bolster national service and productivity from all Nigerians holding leadership positions and are insightful enough to see the future.

Consequently, the CPYY calls on the Senate to expediently confirm the ambassadorial nominations without any waste of time as a mark of honour for the commitment, patriotism and loyalty which the ex-Service Chiefs had infused into their work for the unity and peace of Nigeria.

We have no ounce of doubt that these Nigeria’s newest ambassadorial designates would also bring their wealth of experience to bear on influencing the global community in assisting Nigeria to address the scourge of terrorism permanently. We perceive these ex-Military Chiefs as immediately striking a filial alliance, which would persuasively extract the support of their foreign countries of accreditations to battle terrorism to its final fatal end.  

May God bless our country Nigeria; may He also bless every Nigerian and thank you.

The Centre for African Liberation and Socio-Economic Rights (CALSER) has rubbished reports of extra-judicial killing of six Igbo personnel in the Nigerian Army levelled against immediate past Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lt. Gen. Tukur Buratai (rtd). 

The centre said the allegations of ethnic cleansing in the Army was not only false but an agenda by the Eastern Nigeria’s Rights and Intelligentsia Coalition to cast aspersion on the personality of Buratai while sparking an ethnic and religious conflict in the country. 

CALSER made this revelation in a detailed investigative report signed by its President, Princess Ajibola and released on Friday. 

The centre noted that from its findings, there is no any record in the Nigerian Army that indicated such incident.

The report also established that the process of promotion and dismissal in the Army is not the prerogative of the Chief of Army Staff. 

CALSER, however, urged the Nigerian Army to begin the gathering process towards identifying individuals and groups that are out to undermine its integrity as an institution. 

It also recommended that the Army authorities seek legal redress against the Eastern Nigeria’s Rights and Intelligentsia Coalition to serve as a deterrent to other individuals and groups attempting such mission. 

Read the full statement below:

Introduction: 

The polity has been inundated with allegations of killings of Igbo personnel in the Nigerian Army in recent times. The news indeed was unpalatable. Consequently, the Centre for African Liberation and Socio-Economic Rights commissioned an investigative report to ascertain the veracity of the claims that if not addressed is capable of sparking an ethnic and religious conflict in the country. 

The Centre for African Liberation and Socio-Economic Rights as a critical stakeholder in the entrenchment of the rule of law and respect for human rights and democratic governance indeed examined all the issues at stake, interacted with a cross-section of Nigerians in the know of the issues at hand to have an objective assessment that would aid the investigative report. 

It also relied on first-hand sources from competent and credible sources. After that, information gathered was subjected to scrutiny to present a report that is devoid of ethnic and religious sentiments, sympathy and mischief. 

The Issues: 

There were insinuations that the Nigerian Army was involved in the extra-judicial killing of six Nigerian Army soldiers based on their ethnicity and religion. It was also alleged that the Nigerian Army conducted a secret trial of the soldiers and hurriedly executed them and conducted secret burial for them in an undisclosed location in Abuja. 

The allegation was made by a group named Eastern Nigeria’s Rights and Intelligentsia Coalition. It also stated that other senior serving military and police officers were privy to the atrocity, including Governors Willie Obiano and Okezie Ikpeazu of Anambra and Abia states respectively.

It alleged that the immediate past Chief of Army Staff, Lt. Gen. Tukur Buratai ordered for their execution a day before he retired from service. 

The Findings: 

The Centre for African Liberation and Socio-Economic Rights consequently launched an investigative report on the allegations which were indeed weighty and must not be wiped under the carpet as it borders on ethnic cleansing and religious discrimination. 

The investigative report involved in-depth scrutiny of the allegations made against the immediate past Chief of Army Staff, Lt. Gen. Tukur Buratai by examining the Nigerian Army as an institution regarding the laws guiding its operational conduct. 

Attention was also placed on the Nigerian Army structure to ascertain if there were any form of ethnic or religious discrimination in practice under the immediate past Chief of Army Staff. 

Our findings revealed that the allegations of killing six Igbo soldiers were grossly inaccurate as there was no record in the Nigerian Army that indicated such incident. It was also observed that the emphasis on ethnicity and religion from our findings was orchestrated to cause disquiet in the polity. 

It was also observed that Eastern Nigeria’s Rights and Intelligentsia Coalition does not have any known address in Nigeria or anywhere else in the world. The group has not been involved in any activity that has come to the public regarding promoting human rights, whether on the Igbos of any other ethnicity in Nigeria. 

From scrutiny, the only activity ascribed to the group is a press statement that was issued and was not reported by credible news mediums in Nigeria for lacking evidence to substantiate the allegations. 

The Centre for African Liberation and Socio-Economic Rights was able to identify that the bulk of the news mediums that reported the press statement were blogs with no history of credibility and notorious for promoting unverified news items in the polity. 

It was also discovered that there is no such ethnic or religious cleansing in the Nigerian Army as all those interviewed faulted the allegation that under the immediate past Chief of Army Staff, Igbo soldiers and officers were targeted for persecution. 

It was also established that the process of promotion and dismissal in the Nigerian Army is not the prerogative of the Chief of Army Staff, but rather that of the Nigerian Army Council consisting of the Minister of Defence as Chairman, the Chief of Defence Staff as Vice Chairman, the Chief of Army Staff and the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Defence as Secretary. 

From information gathered from the Defence Headquarters and the Nigerian Army Headquarters, there is no evidence indicating that the Nigerian Army Council instructed for the execution of 6 Igbo soldiers. 

It was also discovered that promotion and dismissal issues in the Nigerian Army have been consistent with the provisions of the Armed Forces Act. There hasn't been any recorded instance where the immediate past Chief of Army Staff arrogated the Nigerian Army Council's powers to himself in the issues of promotion and dismissal. 

Conclusion: 

The Centre for Africa Liberation and Socio-Economic Rights as a result of the investigative report and the consequent information gathered and analyzed, we conclude that the allegations of ethnic cleansing in the Nigerian Army is false and a ploy by some groups and individuals to discredit the Nigerian Army as an institution, as well as cast aspersion on the personality of the immediate past Chief of Army Staff. 

There is no record anywhere of the summary execution of six Igbo soldiers on the immediate past Chief of Army Staff's instruction. All the interested parties have dismissed this allegation within the Armed Forces and outside the Armed Forces.   

Recommendation: 

The Center for African Liberation and Socio-Economic Rights as a result of the above findings herby make the following recommendations: 

That the incident of fake news has reached an alarming stage due to the activities of non-state actors who have come under the scrutiny of the Nigerian Army in its various operations across the country and therefore the Nigerian Army must step up its information gathering process towards identifying individuals and groups that are out to undermine the integrity of the Nigerian Army as an institution. 

That the Nigerian Army authorities should begin the process of seeking legal redress against the Eastern Nigeria’s Rights and Intelligentsia Coalition to serve as a deterrent to other individuals and groups attempting to undermine the integrity of the Nigerian Army.

6 Soldiers: Counter Nigerian Army with facts, not fake news, group replies Igbo intelligentsia

The Coalition of Civil Rights Group (CCRG) has challenged IPOB-affiliated Eastern Nigeria’s Rights and Intelligentsia Coalition (ENRIC) to back its claim that six soldiers of Igbo extraction were killed with facts. 

According to the coalition, the ENRIC has continued to feed the unsuspecting public 'fake news' without substantial evidence to back its case, thus provoking widespread ethnic strife across the country 

The CCRG noted that ENRIC has failed to give the names of the soldiers from another ethnicity that were reportedly exonerated neither has it given the names of the military tribunal that held the court-martial that condemned the said executed soldiers. 

Speaking at a press conference in Abuja on Thursday, Executive Director, Kunle Adeyemo, said the move is intended to spike a massive defection from the Army to the "criminal" Eastern Security Network.

Adeyemo added that the allegation is another IPOB propaganda to instigate Nigerians and the international community against the Nigerian Army as an institution.

The coalition, therefore, urged Nigerians and the International community to dismiss the fake news being purveyed by the Eastern Nigeria’s Rights and Intelligentsia Coalition, describing the group as "terrorists masquerading as activists". 

It also called on the Nigerian Army to approach the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) and other professional/legal body to report its head, Barrister E.R. Okoroafor for misconduct. 

The Coalition of Civil Rights Group, however, advised the group to desist from its ill-conceived agenda of criminalizing and demonizing the Nigerian Army simply to cause defection to their terrorists Eastern Security Network.

Read the full statement below:

Gentlemen of the press, we have become aware of the ongoing criminal attempts by elements working for the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) to provoke widespread ethnic strife across the country. They are doing this by giving ethnic colouration to terrorist activities and national issues to consolidate the separatist agenda of the proscribed IPOB.

The latest of this pro-terrorist campaign is the allegation by an IPOB-affiliated Igbo group called Eastern Nigeria’s Rights and Intelligentsia Coalition that is spreading the fake news that six soldiers of Igbo extraction were executed on the eve of the retirement of former Chief of Army Staff, Lt. Gen. Tukur Buratai.

This coalition, which has International Society for Civil Liberties and Rule of Law (Intersociety) in its lead, went ahead to make the harebrained claim that soldiers of other ethnicities were shielded and exonerated from the accusation of weapons theft for which the soldiers of Igbo extraction were allegedly executed.  Intersociety is incidentally the NGO wing of the proscribed IPOB terrorist group, which clearly indicates the direction this attack on the sensibilities of Nigerians is emanating from. 

We find it disheartening that the coalition made up of people parading bogus credentials have not been able to counter the Nigerian Army with concrete proof after it dismissed their claim as FAKE NEWS. All they have done is to keep alleging that soldiers were executed on the eve of General Buratai’s departure from service. They failed to give the names of the soldiers from another ethnicity that were shielded or exonerated neither did they give the names of the military tribunal that held the court-martial that condemned the said executed soldiers. 

In what can at best be described as self-indicting, the coalition quoted one Barrister E.R. Okoroafor, a supposed international human rights lawyer, who was allegedly denied the right to defend his client at the secret trial. Okoroafor was comically aware of the secret trial going on and never raised the alarm for several weeks but instead waited for the phantom soldiers to be executed before tepidly coming out to make his claims. This beggars belief and presents the lawyer as a collaborator assuming the executions took place. But he was able to assume this disposition only because there was no such thing. 

We have since discovered that this spurious allegation was orchestrated to cause ethnic strife across the country in the long term while the short-term objective is to detract to the treasonable attack on the Nigerian Military by the element of Eastern Security Network, the militant wing of IPOB, which engaged troops in a gun battle in Imo state recently. 

On the surface, dragging General Buratai’s name into this matter tends misleading the unwary observer to conclude that the false accusations are a continuation of IPOB’s tradition of personal attacks on the retired military chief. However, IPOB’s propaganda against General Buratai has never been about his person but rather a roundabout way of undermining the credibility of the Army.

Note that affiliates of this coalition had floated another story earlier that five retired Nigerian soldiers have joined the ranks of Eastern Security Network (ESN). This is part of the attempt to create a sense of disaffection against the military institution while encouraging defection of soldiers of Igbo extraction to defect to ESN and fight for IPOB.

To further stoke ethnic strife, IPOB members took the pain of filming themselves killing cattle and burning the homestead of herders of Fulani ancestry in the hope that there would be retaliation against Igbos in other parts of the country and consequently set off a violent chain reaction that will ground the country in violence. The video was well-publicized, especially on the pro-IPOB Sahara Reporters news site. 

The farcical fake news about the execution of soldiers of Igbo ethnicity is therefore intended to spike a massive defection from the Nigerian Army to the criminal Eastern Security Network after the IPOB terrorists have learnt their lesson that they are no match for a sovereign state.

We conclude that the so-called coalition of Igbo lying that soldiers were killed because of their ethnicity is nothing but IPOB propaganda to instigate Nigerians and the international community against the Nigerian Army as an institution.

If they truly have proof, we advise them to empower their lawyers to seek appropriate channels to represent their clients instead of using the media to whip up unnecessary sentiments against a national institution like the Army. They should desist from this ill-conceived of criminalizing and demonizing the Nigerian Army simply to cause defection to their terrorists Eastern Security Network.

We, therefore, urge Nigerians and the international community to dismiss the fake news being purveyed by the Eastern Nigeria’s Rights and Intelligentsia Coalition, a group that is nothing but a government-baiting terrorist sympathizing separatists cohort masquerading as activists.  

On its part, the Nigerian Army should approach the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) and any other professional/legal association to which Barrister E.R. Okoroafor is affiliated to formally report him for misconduct such that he would be struck off their registers and prevented from further running errands capable of jeopardizing the peace of the country. His ilk should not be allowed to run amok spreading fake news that threatens the stability of the country. The same treatment should be meted out to all the known lawyers in the coalition because they pervert justice.

Thanks for listening.

By Daniel Enyi

The Boko Haram conflict in North-East Nigeria indeed came with its attendant consequences that saw countless persons' death and the destruction of properties and livelihoods worth several billions of naira. The impact of this conflict has left a sour taste in the mouth, which indeed necessitated the establishment of an interventionist agency to address the region's developmental challenges.
I recall when in 2017 the President signed into law an act establishing the North East Development Commission, it was indeed such an epoch-making event in the sense that the President put the best foot forward towards rebuilding North-East Nigeria in the aftermath of the Boko Haram carnage.
The mission of the NEDC is explicit; lead the reconstruction and development of North-East Nigeria. in my opinion, it was a display of foresight by the President that has indeed delivered on its core mandate as life gradually returns to North-East Nigeria in the past two years of operations.

The NEDC is charged with the responsibility to, “among other things, receive and manage funds from allocation of the Federal Account, international donors for the settlement, rehabilitation and reconstruction of roads, houses and business premises of victims of insurgency as well as tackling the menace of poverty, illiteracy level, ecological problems and any other related environmental or developmental challenges in the North-East states.

Having such a mandate, the question of who drives such an interventionist agency's operations comes to mind. And this is where the President got it right in Mohammed Goni Alkali's appointment as the Managing Director/CEO in January 2019. I recall that the appointment was indeed received with mixed feelings in the polity, in the sense that stakeholders wanted to know him and his capacity to deliver on a mandate as critical as driving the reconstruction and development of North-East Nigeria.

Mohammed Goni Alkali didn't not only silence the concerned stakeholders with a rich resume; he also availed them a track record of exceptional public service career. For the records, the Managing Director/CEO is a first-class degree holder in Accountancy from Bayero University, Kano. He also holds a Master of Science degree in Accounting and Finance from London School of Economics at the University of London, United Kingdom.
He is an alumnus of the prestigious Harvard Business School, Harvard University; the Booth School of Business at the University of Chicago; and the Columbia Business School at the Columbia University.

The case of the NEDC has somewhat proven different from other interventionist agencies in the country through the leadership style introduced by Mohammed Goni Alkali. One thing has remained constant; There has been a consistent drive towards achieving its core mandate in rebuilding North East Nigeria that had suffered phenomenal destruction since 2009 when the Boko Haram group began its violent campaign against Nigeria. Mohammed Goni Alkali is not just leading; he is leading with tangible examples that spelt out the role of vision and purpose and transparency and accountability in achieving set objectives.

Some of us in the knowledge of his pedigree knew that it would only be a matter of time before Nigerians would realize the full potentials of Mohammed Goni Alkali. Little wonder that in less than two years, the impact of the NEDC in North-East Nigeria remains phenomenal. The NEDC has remained focused and has churned out developmental programmes that have impacted life in North-East, Nigeria.

It suffices to add that for an interventionist agency such as this, the entrenchment of transparency in its operations remains the cardinal rule. This much has been witnessed in the NEDC with Mohammed Goni Alkali taking the lead. His appointment is a clear demonstration of a round peg in a round hole. As pioneer MD of the agency, he understands that so much will depend on him for the agency's future and why he has set the rules straight from the word go.

In my opinion, Mohammed Goni Alkali understands that every single penny allocated to the agency must be used for the benefit of the people. With him, there is no such thing as contract padding as everything must go through due process and must be accounted for. This much has been said about him by staffers who are never in short supply of praises for his leadership style.

From host communities to stakeholders, the story is the same. The song is constant on how Mohammed Goni Alkali is leading a revolution in rebuilding efforts in North-East Nigeria. for example, The Nigerian Senate Committee on Special Duties recently commended the North-East Development Commission (NEDC) for its “outstanding performance” in the area of humanitarian intervention.
The Chairman of Senate Committee on Special Duties, Sen. Yusuf, gave the commendation when he led a delegation on a three-day oversight function to appraise the Commission's one-year performance in Maiduguri. He said, “The NEDC is a baby of the federal government; it is just one year, but it has performed tremendously well in the past year; especially in the area of humanitarian intervention.”
The Senate's commendation is just one from the array of recognition that has come the way of the NEDC since inception. I recall that numerous local and international groups have undertaken studies on the NEDC model as a panacea for development. This is commendable and an indication that President Muhammadu Buhari indeed got it right with the quality of appointment at the NEDC which from all indication would be different from other interventionist agencies in the country that got it wrong from the foundation.

He is also setting the pace in terms of administration as numerous accounts indicate that the NEDC boss has put in place mechanisms that ensure that the agency's staffers deliver best results at every given time. In the NEDC, hard work is considered a norm in such a manner that the work atmosphere is always charged due to the level of activities ongoing simultaneously while making sure everything is in the right position.

And the results have been glaring and as well as impressive. I consequently wish to state that this piece is intended to challenge other public office holders towards the entrenchment of transparency in their operations using the NEDC model.

Mohammed Alkali remains my man any day with his passionate approach in the administration of the NEDC. He might not be that loud as others would want him to given his efforts so far. However, one thing you can't take away from him is the fact that he knows his onions, and he is passionate about achieving results.
His penchant for results would ultimately translate to laying a solid foundation for an agency as critical as the NEDC. He is also conscious that how well the NEDC performs in the future regarding fulfilling its mandate would be determined by his performance as the pioneer managing director.
I am glad that this is happening at the NEDC. Without mincing words, I commend the stewardship of Mohammed Goni Alkali in the NEDC so far. I am not in doubt that there would be more remarkable results in the years ahead. I can only solicit that all the stakeholders in North-East Nigeria extend their support to him as he delivers on the mandate of rebuilding North-East Nigeria.

Enyi wrote this piece from Yola, Adamawa State.

Our attention has been drawn to several attempts at blackmailing the Transparency and Accountability Group (TAG), by paid agents of the Osun State Government who are disguising as ordinary members of the public, media researchers, online media groups and other such phony identities.

We first must inform the Osun State Government that it has no need to hire such mercenaries to respond to issues that we raise, as it is in the best interest of this government and its handlers to engage us frontally and transparently respond to issues that we put forward. TAG is not an organization formed to blackmail government; we are only interested in advancing the principles of accountability, probity and transparency in government business.

We reaffirm our conviction that a project like the proposed Olaiya flyover and any other procurement process at all, must duly conform to the provisions of the Osun State Public Procurement Law of 2015 in its entirety. This is the only way such projects can be adjudged as transparent, fraud-free and with honest intents.

The attempt to rely on the provisions of Section 59 of the Public Procurement Law to justify a jaundiced Contract Award process is one that is suspicious and calls to question the integrity of actors in the government of Gov. Gboyega Oyetola.

For the sake of educating the persons behind the ignorant posture, we will quickly raise the following points of education:

1. The opening wording of Section 59(1) is “subject to the approval of the agency…” This is a presumption that, for the provision to be operational, there shall be in existence, the Agency. According to clear provisions of this same law, the Agency cannot act without being given a direction by the Board. Therefore, as long as it is not clear whether or not both the Board and the Agency are in existence, the provisions of section 59 cannot have any valid effect.

2. Furthermore, for there to be a restricted procurement, it must first be certified and satisfied that the goods and services to be procured are available from a limited number of contractors and suppliers. Even after satisfying that clause in Section 59, the section still provides that there shall still bee invitation for bids from such ‘limited suppliers and contractors.’

3. In the instance of the proposed Olaiya flyover, the State Government has to prove the existence of a Public Procurement Agency; the existence of a Board overseeing the Agency; the existence of documents certifying that the construction of a flyover is only available from a limited number of contractors; the existence of an invitation to tender, extended to such limited contractors and proof that the person to whom this construction has been or is to be awarded, is indeed the best hand available.

TAG is not an army of disgruntled politicians; we are a group with membership including legal practitioners, construction professionals, finance experts, media practitioners and great thinkers who understand the implications of every provision of a State procurement law and will act in that light to demand accountability from the Osun State Government.

The public must also take note, that we have requested from the office of the Osun State Governor, details of the membership of the State Public Procurement Board, to justify any and every procurement activity that may have been undertaken in the last two years of this administration. An acknowledged copy of the letter is attached to this release.

It is also worthy of mention, that the elements in this government, who are making attempts to blackmail TAG are also using subtle emotional blackmail to get us to keep quiet. Several mention has been made of accident figures along the Olaiya intersection and how the flyover will solve the problem. We understand that this angle to their argument is an attempt to pitch the public against our group.

We however want to put on record, that we are well aware, as are the persons behind this subtle blackmail, that road accidents are possible on every roadway in the world - be it at-grade intersections or interchanges. In fact, a 2018 study on the Cause of Car Accidents at intersections (available on the Open Access Library Journal), identified that drivers were mostly responsible for accidents at intersections.

It suffices to say that an enforcement of traffic rules, especially at signalized intersections is the surest way to prevent accidents, as there will still be accidents even if the intersection is converted to an interchange. Accident data for other cities in Nigeria also comes out to show that there is an ever-present risk of vehicular accident at intersections, no matter the kind.

In conclusion, we state as a group, that TAG is a friend of this government. We are not out to blackmail it, but to give it a chance to prove that its actions are legal and correct for a State like Osun.

We will keep the engagements going.

Comr. Ayodeji Ologun

TAG Spokesperson

Concerned Citizens lambasts Deji Adeyanju, sponsors over purported letter calling for Buratai’s probe

The Concerned Citizens Forum frowned at a petition written by the Concerned Nigerians Group led by Deji Adeyanju to the International Criminal Court (ICC) calling for the arrest and prosecution of the immediate past Chief of Army Staf, Lt. Gen. Tukur Bruatai.
CCF says it finds such posturing very worrisome and lacking in any form of objectivity as the issues canvassed by the Deji Adeyanju led group remains a figment of the imagination.
The group in a statement by its president, Comrade John Alli, advised Deji Adeyanju and “his co-travellers to stop insulting the sensibilities of Nigerians any further for the task at hand requires all the urgency that it deserves.”

It chalanged Deji and his group to provide tangible evidence that human rights were violated and the Nigerian Army committed war crimes under the stewardship of the immediate past Chief of Army Staff.
His statement reads belpw;
The Concerned Citizens Forum has over several years contributed immensely to the democratic principles in Nigeria by demanding accountability, transparency in the conduct of government business, and the protection of the human rights of all citizens of Nigeria.
Our attention has been drawn to a letter written by a shadowy and sponsored group under the nomenclature of Concerned Nigerians Group and led by one Deji Adeyanju, to the International Criminal Court, demanding for the arrest and prosecution of the immediate past Chief of Army Staff, Lt. Gen. Tukur Buratai for human rights violations and crimes against humanity while he was in office.
The Concerned Citizens Forum finds such posturing very worrisome and lacking in any form of objectivity as the issues canvassed by the Deji Adeyanju led group remains a figment of the imagination.
It is circumspect to state that Deji Adeyanju and his co-travellers would not relent in their puerile attempt at demonizing the laudable achievements of the immediate past Chief of Army Staff while he was in office in apparent exchange for a plate of porridge.
The Concerned Citizens Forum views this recent diatribe as a continuation of the grand campaign against the Muhammadu Buhari led administration despite the overwhelming commitment to addressing the country's security challenges.
The Concerned Citizens Forum does not hold brief for the immediate past Chief of Army Staff, neither have we been mandated to do such, however as a body that has been in the vanguard of the entrenchment of the tenets of democracy in Nigeria for several years, we find such actions by the Deji Adeyanju led Concerned Nigerians Groups as an insult to the sensibilities of Nigerians.

It is our considered view that well-meaning Nigerians should not entertain such anomaly because of the larger consequences on the democratic journey in Nigeria, which has been under constant attack.
A thorough scrutiny of the content of the letter written by the Deji Adeyanju led group indeed gives insight to the mischief intended, aside that it also contained outright insinuations and illogical conclusions that defeats commons sense.
By and large, the Deji Adeyanju led group is acting on behalf of some proscribed militant groups in the country such as the Islamic Movement in Nigeria (IMN) and the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) whose activities have led trails of sorrow, tears and blood in different parts of the country.
The Concerned Citizens Forum is appalled that such inaccuracy can be propagated in the public space without consideration for the impact of such in the overall psyche of the generality of the Nigerian population.
We consequently wonder where and how the Deji Adeyanju led group derives its information, if not from the promoters of these militant groups. This indeed smacks of a mockery that should be disregarded by all concerned stakeholders in Nigeria as well as the diplomatic community.
We wish to inform Nigerians that the overarching objective of this new drive by the Deji Adeyanju led group is to begin a fresh outbreak of violence in the country by systematically calling on members of the proscribed militant groups to return to the streets in the attempt to make the country ungovernable.
The Concerned Citizens Forum is indeed by this medium putting the records straight by questioning this negative narrative that is obviously coming from the camps of some of those whose egos have been bruised by the immediate past Chief of Army Staff in addressing the threats posed by terrorist and militant groups in the country.
We also wish state in unequivocal terms that Nigerians are indeed aware of the nefarious activities of the IMN, IPOB and other terrorist groups, as well as the actions taken in the country's overall interest as the case may be.
It is also instructive to state that the letter to the ICC calling for the arrest and prosecution of the immediate past Chief of Army Staff is balderdash as the issues canvased cannot be substantiated, and this is coupled with the fact that the choice of words is poor and the delivery is puerile.
It thus remains a statement of fact that under the stewardship of the immediate past Chief of Army Staff, the threats posed by these militant groups that have suddenly found a voice in the Deji Adeynaju led Concerned Nigerians Groups were indeed addressed in line with global best practices unless Deji Adeyanju and his co-travellers want to feign ignorance to the reign of terror perpetrated by the IMN in Zaria and other parts of Northern Nigeria before the timely intervention of the Nigerian Army.

Also, the Deji Adeyanju led group might also want to feign ignorance to the attack by members of the IMN on security operatives that led to their deaths, including a senior police officer DCP Umar during one of their violent protests in the Federal Capital Territory that left scores of others dead and wounded, as well as the destruction of properties.
We also wish to remind the Deji Adeyanju led group that it is indeed on record that the Nnamdi Kanu led IPOB has been credited to have incited violence in parts of South-East Nigeria that led to the burning of police stations, and the death and injury to police officers in the line of duty.
The Concerned Citizens Forum indeed challenges the Deji Adeyanju led group to provide tangible evidence that human rights were violated and the Nigerian Army committed war crimes under the stewardship of the immediate past Chief of Army Staff.
It should also do well to seek facts from credible civil society organizations and non-governmental organizations such as ours that has been devoted to the entrenchment of the tenets of democracy in Nigeria.
The Concerned Citizens Forum calls on all well-meaning Nigerians to discountenance the Deji Adeyanju led group's narrative, which remains a hatchet job for all it is worth. We consequently demand a withdrawal of the purported letter to the ICC, as well as the tendering of an unreserved apology to the immediate past Chief of Army Staff, as well as the generality of Nigerians.

Service Chiefs: Pro-Democracy group pays glowing tribute to Buratai, others on exit from service

The National Democratic Front (NDF) has penned a touching tribute to outgoing Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lt. Gen Tukur Buratai (retd) and other military chiefs following their recent retirement from service. 

In a statement titled "Service Chiefs: A Salute to Courage in Service to Nigeria", the pro-democracy group hailed the now-retired chiefs for their patriotism, commitment and zeal. 

According to its Secretary-General, Dr Bolaji Abdulkadir, the NDF applauded the quartet's numerous efforts and sacrifices in the war against insurgency and other forms of criminalities across the country.

The statement said the outgoing chiefs set lofty standards that must be sustained by the new appointees as they settle down for the business at hand. 

While congratulating the new security heads, the NDF urged them to display a similar unalloyed commitment to preserving the territorial sovereignty of the country by giving their best and building on their predecessors' efforts. 

The group advised them to desist from playing to the gallery as some disgruntled elements in the country would cause a distraction by questioning their credibility. 

The NDF, however, urged the outgoing security chiefs to make themselves available for higher service to Nigeria anytime duty calls, and also be willing to avail their wealth of experience to the incoming officers whenever the need arises. 

The statement also called on all well-meaning Nigerians to extend their support to the new service chiefs as they settle down for business. 

Read the full statement below: 

The National Democratic Front is issuing this press statement in the light of the recent announcement of the resignation of Service Chiefs and the subsequent appointment of new Service Chiefs by President Muhammadu Buhari. 

We wish to heartily congratulate Major-General LEO Irabor, Major-General Ibrahim Attahiru, Real Admiral AZ Gambo and Air Vice Marshal Isiaka Amao on their appointments into various branches of the Armed Forces of the Federal Republic of Nigeria. 

The National Democratic Front uses this medium to charge the new Service Chiefs to display an unalloyed commitment to preserving the territorial sovereignty of Nigeria by giving in the best and building on their predecessors' efforts. 

It is our considered opinion that President Muhammadu Buhari in his capacity as the Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of the Federal Republic of Nigeria have found the new Service Chiefs fit for purpose from the lot and as such it behoves on all well-meaning Nigerians to extend their support to them in the quest to make Nigeria a strong and united country. 

The National Democratic Front commends the outgoing Service Chiefs for their numerous efforts and sacrifices in the war against insurgency and other forms of criminalities across the country that indeed saw to the decimation of the Boko Haram insurgents as well as other militant groups across the country. 

The outgoing Service Chiefs indeed put the country first. They displayed an unwavering commitment and courage in service to Nigeria during their stint. They indeed set lofty standards that must be sustained and built upon by the incoming Service Chiefs as they settle down for the business at hand. 

The National Democratic Front is aware of the plan by some disgruntled elements in the country to systematically cause a distraction in the country by questioning the credibility of the incoming Service Chiefs and demonizing the efforts and sacrifices of the outgoing Service Chiefs. 

Thus, it is succinct to state that Nigerians must rebuke such individuals and organizations as they do not mean well for the country. This much they have exhibited over the years in a most ignoble manner. They must desist from playing to the gallery in this critical point of our existence. The task at hand requires all level of seriousness that it deserves.  

The National Democratic Front as critical stakeholders in the security sector in the country indeed rates the outgoing Service Chiefs in excellent terms for devotion, patriotism and sacrifices to the nation. 

We are using this medium to encourage the outgoing Service Chiefs to make themselves available for higher service to Nigeria anytime duty calls, and also be willing to avail their wealth of experience to the incoming Service Chiefs whenever the need arises. They have indeed written their names in gold and posterity would be kind to them whenever the history of Nigeria's Boko Haram insurgency is mentioned. 

The National Democratic Front also commends President Muhammadu Buhari for his commitment towards putting Nigeria on the right path towards achieving sustainable peace and progress in the country. 

We salute the courage of the President and Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces thus far. The National Democratic Front indeed pledges its support to the various initiatives deployed to address the country's security challenges. 

It consequently behoves on all well-meaning Nigerians to extend their support to the new Service Chiefs as they settle down for business.

President Muhammadu Buhari has accepted the immediate resignation of the Service Chiefs, and their retirement from service.

Those involved are the Chief of Defence Staff, General Abayomi Olonisakin; Chief of Army Staff, Lt-Gen. Tukur Buratai; Chief of Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Ibok Ekwe Ibas; and Chief of Air Staff, Air Marshal Sadique Abubakar.

President Buhari thanks the outgoing Service Chiefs for what he calls their “overwhelming achievements in our efforts at bringing enduring peace to our dear country,” wishing them well in their future endeavours.

The new Service Chiefs are: Major-General Leo Irabor, Chief of Defence Staff; Major-General I. Attahiru, Chief of Army Staff; Rear Admiral A.Z Gambo, Chief of Naval Staff; and Air-Vice Marshal I.O Amao, Chief of Air Staff.
The President congratulates the new Service Chiefs, and urges them to be loyal and dedicated in the discharge of their responsibilities.

Femi Adesina
Special Adviser to the President
(Media and Publicity)
January 26, 2021

By Charles Ibekwe

Since the onset of the Boko Haram insurgency in North-East, Nigeria in 2009, Nigeria has witnessed a period classified as one of the most trying in its history. I would say that the Boko Haram insurgency was underestimated. Consequently, conventional tactics were deployed in an asymmetric war.

And the outcome of such military deployment remains a topic for another day. However, the crux of this piece is to systematically analyze the security situation in present-day North-East Nigeria and the factors that have proved to be the game-changer in the prosecution of the war against insurgency.

There have been concerted efforts that have resulted in gains and losses. There has been realignment and strategizing towards nipping the Boko Haram scourge in the mud. This is why the focus of this piece would be centered around 2016 to date when the Nigerian Military gained ascendency over the Boko Haram insurgents.

At the front of the renewed charge is the Nigerian Army, the arm of service that has received praises and bashings in equal measures from stakeholders and other segments of the Nigerian population. Despite, all the Nigerian Army has continued in a most commendable fashion.

This much was brought to bear recently by the Governor of Borno State, Babagana Zulum at the occasion of the formal presentation of First Class Staff of Office to the Emir of Biu Emirate in Borno State, HRH, Mai Mustafa Umar Mustapha II.

Governor Babagana Zulum indeed captured the real situation of things regarding the efforts of the Nigerian Army in the prosecution of the Boko Haram insurgency that has ravished most parts of North-East Nigeria mainly Borno State. In his words, he stated thus:

"I must commend the Chief of Army Staff, Directors and Principal Staff Officers of Army Headquarters, the Theatre Commander, the General Officer Commanding, Sector Commanders, Brigade Commanders and Commanding Officers, Men and Officers of the Nigerian Army, Men and Officers of the Nigerian Police Force and other paramilitaries, Civilian Joint Task Force, hunters and vigilante for the support they have rendered in securing the territorial integrity of our nation".

This coming from the governor of a state that is regarded as the epicenter of the Boko Haram insurgency is an indication that the commendation that has poured in for the leadership of the Nigerian Army and other paramilitary agencies involved in the Boko Haram insurgency is indeed worth every inch of it. The statement has also quashed some of the negative narrative pushed by some segment of the population with regards to the commitment of the Nigerian Army in the preservation of the country's territorial integrity.

I believe that no other person is competent to comment on the Boko Haram insurgency than the governor of the state that is the epicenter of the insurgency. In my opinion, the governor has demonstrated patriotism through his actions, and I expect all those hanging on the fence to come to terms with this reality.

I don't hold brief for the Nigerian Army or any other paramilitary agency. But I am constrained to lend my voice to this debate because I am conversant with the happenings in North-East Nigeria. And I know of the tremendous sacrifices that have gone into the restoration of normalcy in the region.

I recall that on numerous occasions I had advocated that Nigerians must form the habit of appreciating the efforts of the Nigerian Army. This is especially with the fact that we were up against an ideology that is deeply rooted in mischief, politics and extremism. This is indeed what the Boko Haram insurgency is all about. Take it or leave it.

It is not a conventional war, and as such, we should not expect troops to move in and smoke out Boko Haram insurgents within a timeframe. No, that is abnormal thinking that Nigerians must avoid. And unfortunately, this has been the yardstick that has been used in measuring the Boko Haram insurgency in Nigeria. This is also aside from the conspiracies both internally and externally by some vested interest towards ensuring that the Boko Haram insurgents continue to perpetuate evil and cause untold hardship in North-East Nigeria.

If not for anything, when one makes a detailed comparison of the state of affairs in North-East Nigeria pre-2015 and post- 2015, we would realize that a lot has changed for good and the threats posed by the Boko Haram insurgents has been reduced tremendously. From controlling over 16 local government areas, to directly engaging the Nigerian Army in battles and many other daring acts which included the systematic spread of terror to other parts of the country including the Federal Capital Territory.

Today, the story has changed as the remnants of the Boko Haram insurgents have been confined to the fringes of the Lake Chad Basin region, with no territory under their control and largely carrying out offensives in Gestapo hit and run style. If this is not something that should elicit commendation, I wonder what else should do—my candid thoughts.

If not for anything, I am glad that such a statement from the Governor of Borno State would inspire the troops to work harder because their efforts have been noticed and commended. This psychological boost is what is indeed needed as we push towards ending the Boko Haram insurgency. I used the word push because this is an ideological war and not a conventional war. And as some of us may know, insurgencies the world over is not something that comes to an end with the snap of the fingers. Some historical accounts stated that insurgencies take a minimum of 15 years to be addressed entirely because insurgency is an evolving phenomenon.

The Boko Haram insurgency is not any different; we recall that the target was security agents initially. From there it moved to the establishment of caliphates. It also moved to abductions and attacks on soft targets in women and children and today; it is now focused on guerrilla warfare.

Having said all, I am also in awe as to why Governor Babagana Zulum chose to make this statement in Biu. In case we do not know, the Biu Emirate has remained one of the regions in Borno State that have shown outstanding commitment towards ending the Boko Haram insurgency in the state. The Civilian Joint Task Force that is in place in all parts of Borno state is an expansion of the Biu model that was effective in neutralizing Boko Haram threats.

As a fact, the Boko Haram insurgents found it difficult to recruit fighters from Biu. And it is on record that they always meet their waterloo whenever they attempt to infiltrate Biu. And this is largely why Biu has remained one of the most peaceful cities in Nigeria. With the benefit of hindsight, the governor indeed was strategic in the choice of Biu to make such a remarkable statement.

I am glad. I am elated, and I must not fail to use this medium to register my profound appreciation to the leadership style of the Chief of Army Staff, Lt. Gen. Tukur Buratai who has led the Nigerian Army at this historical time. He has displayed a firm conviction towards ending the Boko Haram insurgency in Nigeria. His approach and strategy are topnotch, and I won't talk about the numerous awards that have come his way for lack of space. But what I can say is that the provision of leadership in the Nigerian Army is responsible for the feats recorded in the prosecution of the Boko Haram insurgency in Nigeria.

I can only wonder what the story would have been if there had been a continuation of the pre-2015 era where troops' morale was at its lowest ebb. I dare to say that if this momentum is sustained, the Boko Haram insurgency would be a thing of the past soon. But we all have a role to play; we must continue to extend our support in ways that we can as this is not a conventional war but an asymmetric one.

I doff my hat for the Chief of Army Staff, Lt. Gen. Tukur Buratai for he is indeed the soldiers’ soldier. And one that is an epitome of hard work, resilience and passion for Nigeria. What more can I say? This is indeed a victory bell in Biu.

Ibekwe is a public affairs commentator based in Enugu.

Dear Chairman

I'm obliged to write this letter to you to express my concern over an issue that can earn us negative moral ratings as a political party and as Nigerians in general.

The prevailing Pandemic situation in Nigeria and and the fact of being a COVID-19 Survivor have compelled me to write this letter to you as a loyal and committed party member and a patriotic Nigerian.

I want to state categorically here that the contents of this letter are my personal opinions based on personal experience, interaction with people and observation of events happening around us daily.

Personally, I felt the decision to revalidate and conduct new registration of members is a laudable and commendable one. Because as we move towards another general elections in 2023, the need to update our membership register could not have come at a more opportune period.

However, laudable as the Registration plan may be, what about the TIMING of the exercise? With due respect sir, it is my considered opinion that the timing is not appropriate at this time, especially given the the renewed surge in the spread of Covid as it is being reported on daily basis by the Presidential Task Force.

Some states are already over stretched in oxygen supplies and care.

Our Government has for some time given directives to the Religious bodies to reduce congressional attendance at both Churches and Mosques. So many states have cancelled social gatherings. While others are compelling the use of face masks to reduce the rate of infection and fatalities. So why must we go into an exercise that will certainly draw large crowds across the various states?

The stage is set for the exercise and I must confess that I'm personally impressed wit the preparations and logistics put in place for the exercise. I have no doubt in my mind that it will be a resounding success for us and will be a springboard for achieving one strong, united party.

However, the situation in the country occasioned by the coronavirus pandemic have compelled me to have a rethink on the desirability of continuing with the exercise as planned.

Mr Chairman, I'm strongly of the opinon that this exercise should be postponed till a more appropriate time.

Personally, I believe this will not only shore up the image of our great party but will also save lives of Nigerians.

There is no doubt that the second wave of COVID-19 has proven to be more dangerous and deadly.

The Chairman of the Presidential Task Force on Covid-19, Mr Boss Mustapha had warned that the second wave of the pandemic would be more dangerous and deadly. Events since the beginning of the year have proven him right. Mustapha himself was struck by the deadly virus and yours truly also tested positive to the virus recently. Mustapha, Others and I are lucky to survive. But several others did not.

Mr Chairman, let me give you a grim statistics of COVID-19 in January 2021.

Between January 1st to January 22nd, a total of 196 deaths were recorded from COVID-19. This amounted to 13.2% of the whole total of 1, 485 fatalities recorded throughout the country.

This is also means that an average of nine people died daily of COVID-19 between January 1st and 22nd.

Between January 19 and 22, a total of 6, 134 people tested positive to COVID-19 and the number of infections continue to grow higher and higher prompting the Federal Government to even consider another lockdown.

Already, places of worship are operating in half capacity while in some states, most civil servants are working from home.

All these measures were put in place to control the spread of the deadly virus, my question is do we need to aggravate the situation by going ahead with our registration and revalidation exercise?

The exercise is meant to register millions of our members across the federation and I forsee two scenarios: it's either we have our members coming out in multitude to register or most deciding not to come out at all for fear of being infected. The two options are not good enough for us as a party.

If our members come out to register in high numbers, then the possibility of increase in the number of COVID-19 cases might be high and ultimately lead to increase in the number of fatalities.

If our members refuse to come out for fear of being infected, then we will have lesser numbers of members to be registered for our party. Either way, God forbid, we lose.

We are the ruling party and we must be in the forefront of promoting the welfare of our people, pushing this exercise forward will rather add to our popularity rather than reducing it. We can afford to do this because we presently don't have any particular election to deal with.

The second variant of COVID-19 is ravaging the world and most countries of the world have entered a second lockdown.

There is a Federal Government directive that we should avoid large gatherings of people and that social distancing should be maintained at all times and personally, I don't believe we can achieve adequate social distancing if the registration and validation exercise is allowed to go ahead.

I'm a survivor of COVID-19 and I knew the harrowing experience I went through which I would not wish even for my bitterest enemy.

My humble opinion and suggestion is we should postpone this exercise to a time that is conducive, when the coronavirus situation in the country would have improved.

Thank you and God bless.

Honourable James Abiodun Faleke
Member representing Ikeja Federal Constituency
Chairman, House Committee on Finance

Coalition of 87 Civil Society Organisations (CSOs) under the auspices of Civil Society Network for Good Governance (CSNGG) have attested to a new dawn at the ecological fund office as observed from an independent assessment of the ecological fund office projects and administration conducted by the Network in 2020.

The statement was made by the National President, Bar. Kamal Adefila on January 18, 2021 at a Press Conference organised by the network for membership organisations in Abuja.

In his address, he noted that in 2020, the effort of the Network doubled to ensure not only transparency and accountability of government spending but also the assurance of a viable and sustainable environment.
Since the Nigeria ecology is faced with numerous menaces as a result of human activities such as urbanisation, deforestation desertification, over population and all kinds of pollution among others, the network embarked on an independent assessment of ecological institutions and projects to take stock of progress, challenges and opportunities to mitigate the ecological issues facing Nigeria, thus the efforts of ecological fund office attracted the Network.

According to him, the report of the independent assessment on the ecological fund office projects and administration revealed the giant strides of the office since 2016, identified challenges and opportunities for improvement. He disclosed that some of the findings from the assessment are that; the Ecological Fund Office under the Leadership of Dr. Habiba Lawal has become highly responsive and responsible to the environmental concerns of Nigeria and Nigerians, the projects executed by the Ecological Fund Office has impacted significantly on lives and livelihoods across the country according testimonies of beneficial communities, Statutory processes and procedures are diligently followed through in the day to day activities of the office, Lack of proper management of some of the projects by community members, as the site inspection has shown blockage of some drainages by refuse; among others.It is against this backdrop that the President applauded the overwhelming impact of the Ecological Fund Office on live and survival of Nigerians and made the following recommendations that; the states and local governments should be transparent and accountable in expending their share of ecological fund from FAAC, Federal Government should prioritize interventions to states with verifiable commitment to address ecological challenges, communities should properly manage ecological projects to ensure environmental sustainability.

The Head of Media and Publicity of Tinubu Support Group(TSG), Oluwatosin Johnson has debunked the statement credited to the National Coordinator of Northern Patriots Assembly,Alhaji Salihu Mohammed that Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu is the sponsor of the Fulani/ Yoruba crises in Oyo state

In a statement on Monday, Oluwatosin said report against the National Leader of APC is nothing but a bunch of lies from the pit of hell, originated by an apparently sick mind.


According to him, it is impossible for a man who has always shown his commintment as detribalised leader to have sponsored such inter-ethnic crisis.

"There is a need to set the facts and record straight to avoid such a fake story may being taken seriously by some unwary and gullible minds.

" Asiwaju Tinubu believes in the right of Nigerians to reside wherever they so wish, and has always canvassed the need for people to explore peaceful channels to ventilate their views and demands.

" Lagos state is one of the few states in Nigeria where citizens of Nigeria from other geo-political zones are given opportunity to occupy political offices within the state.

" This is happening because Asiwaju is a detribalised leader who has always preached the need for one Nigeria.

Oluwatosin enjoined Nigerians to ignore the claim as it is politically motivated

" we urge Nigerians to ignore their claim. It is obvious that they are politically sponsored to lower the esteem of the Leader of our great party.

" Let us continue to support the administration of our dear President as he continues to lead the fight against insecurity in the country." Oluwatosin said

“You know, you should get a Public Relation expert for your Brand.”

“Do not undermine the position of excellent Public Relations for your brand.”

We’ve heard these statements a thousand times, yet many people do not know why they should hire a Public Relations agency for their brands.

For starters, you need to be acquainted with the knowledge of Public Relations Service: what it means and how the professionals do what they do.

A Public Relations Service is a strategic communication process that helps organizations to craft the right messages to resonate with their target customers in impactful ways.

With more people now using the internet and digital media such as Facebook, Instagram, Youtube Linkedin, and Twitter, information–both verified and unfounded–spreads like wildfire. Ordinarily, this would have been a good thing, if it weren’t as disastrous as it is great. It is for this reason that now, more than ever, your brand needs an excellent Public Relations Agency.

The most important reason why you need a solid Public Relations Agency is to protect your brand. Your brand–personal, business, or corporate–has a reputation; one you should guard jealously.

To protect your brand’s reputation, a Public Relations Agency Strives to project the positive accomplishments of your brand by pushing narratives that extol your brand. Many people say, “no publicity is bad publicity,” but the truth is, negative publicity/press can ruin your brand. However, negative press can be spun in your brand’s favor by the right Public Relations Agency, and it’s only when this is done, that we can surmise that even negative publicity isn’t bad publicity.

Public Relations Agencies realize that your brand story and how it is told is a key instrument in building brand loyalty. If your brand addresses a pain point, good Public Relations will sell a relatable story to your chosen audience; one that beyond selling your product/services, evokes the right emotions amongst your audience.

When done right, public relations can change your business for the better. Using strategic communications and networks, Public Relations services can promote your brand’s visibility and strengthen its community online and offline.

Every other day, we wake up to scandalous stories and trending hashtags calling to boycott a brand or cancel a person. Some of these calls for boycotts are so vicious, brands with no Public Relations representation get ruined in their wake. However, with the proper Public Relations representation, your brand can thrive in a raging storm calling for its head.

In the end, a Public Relations expert shapes the perception people have about you and your brand. It keeps sentiments aside, and objectively tackles issues in a way that only furthers your brand’s agenda. Public Relations strategies go a long way into building positive impressions that guarantee long-lasting brand success; you absolutely can’t do without it!


Benedict Aguele is the founder of Boapr Agency a public relations agency based in Abuja. www.boapr.ng

By Thomas Uzah PhD

Interventions on the political and economic fronts by Nigerians in the Diaspora have been anything but complimentary of our leaders, systems and policies.

It is as if once our intellectuals find their feet in other shores, they develop a contemptuous mindset towards their country and anything happening in the country is viewed from negative prisms.

These Diasporans become perpetual critics whose thirst for castigating Nigerian leaders and their policies is hardly satisfied.

This posture had made many patriotic citizens to conclude that most of these Nigerians living in foreign countries are driven by regime hate hence are not capable of critically and objectively dissecting the situation they choose to interrogate not to talk of proffering  positive solutions.

Rather than come up with ideas for the political and socioeconomic upliftment of their people, Nigerians in the Diaspora have constituted themselves into a nation of nay sayers, cynics and pessimists trying hard to drag the Nigerian state down. 

It is typical of comments from there to reduce every economic breakthrough to happenstance, every good policy to a mere mistake while challenges are elevated as the norm.

While the nationals of other countries seek ways to better their country through researches and pooling of funds from their host countries, the Nigerian Diaspora community is more interested in seeing itself as an opposition party. 

In the 70s, it was a group of Malaysians in the Diaspora who stumbled on the Nigerian palm fruits  and through researches, were able to extract pure vegetable oil from the fruit which they now export to other countries.

But decades after we have sent our sons and daughters to the most technologically advanced countries, our mothers and sisters are still using grinding stones to grind pepper while our men are still using raffia to climb palm trees.

Good and commercially viable agricultural products still perish on their ways to the market because there's no means of preserving them.

While they have failed in their patriotic duties of using their experiences to help in the development of their country, they appear unrelenting in the bid to rubbish whatever progress Nigeria is making.

This was why when Nigeria was categorised as one the fastest developing economies in the world, it did not make an impression on these set of intellectuals, neither have they said anything since our military turned the tide against terrorists and insurgents that have been disturbing the peace of the country.

Unofficial reports state that there are about 15 million Nigerians in the diaspora and can be found in most countries of the world especially the United States and the UK, followed by South Africa, UAE and other European countries such as Italy and Spain. 

The largest Nigerian Diaspora community is in the US with around followed by the UK.

A survey conducted in the US indicated that Nigerians in the US are one of the highest educated migrant groups.

The survey found that 29% of the Nigerian diaspora older than 25, held a master’s degree, Ph.D. or an advanced professional degree compared to 11% of the US population overall. 

It is said that no country in Sub-Saharan Africa receives more remittances than Nigeria, estimated by the World Bank at around 24.3B per year and 6% of GDP.

This makes Nigeria the sixth country in the world in remittance inflows. 

This ordinarily should have been celebrated as it is quite huge, but the benefits of such potentials are hardly seen at home. This id because they are only channelled towards luxurious and personal interests. Hardly are the inflows invested into the Nigerian economy with a view to ensuring a multiplier effect.

They are remittances through family ties and have not been substantial enough to jump start any aspect of the economy, let alone develop one.

Even the Nigerians in the Diaspora Commission, NIDCOM, which “has the responsibility to coordinate and organize Nigerians in and from the Diaspora to contribute human capital and material resources, including their expertise, for the development of Nigeria and its constituent states,” has not been forthcoming in that regard. 

Worse still, many of the Nigerians in the Diaspora, wreak havoc of the image of Nigeria by their involvement in crime across the continents.

A release by the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) for America in year 2020 showed that Nigerian citizens are among the leading nationals in crime.  

Clearly, they have become bad influences on their home country by becoming emergency activists who go out to ruin the peace of the country . 

It has even been alleged that some of their unpatriotic interventions are sponsored to destabilise Nigeria for which they receive financial gratification. 

But these have got to stop. Nigerians abroad must start seeing the good in their country and project same to the world. They must serve as the catalyst for technological advancement and steer clear of the underground moves to use them to destabilise their own country .

Uzah PhD is Head, Mass Communication Department, Kwararafa University Wukari.

Terrorism: Nigeria has made giant strides in human rights compliance, won’t be intimidated by ICC, Amnesty - Human Rights Group

The Coalition of Human Rights Monitoring Groups (CHRMG) says Nigeria has made significant strides in human rights compliance in the prosecution of the war against terrorism. 

The human rights group, which made this known at a press conference on Thursday in Abuja, also noted that the troops have adhered to international best practices in its various operations across the country. 

The CHRMG said it arrived at this conclusion after an appraisal of the war against terrorism in the country and the compliance to international conventions by the leadership of the Armed Forces of Nigeria. 

The coalition's position invalidates that of Amnesty International and the International Criminal Court which levelled human rights violations against the military. 

And Executive Director, Gabriel Agibi, while speaking on behalf of the group, singled out the Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lt. Gen Tukur Buratai for special praises, adding that he qualifies to be conferred with the highest Human Rights Compliance Award.  

According to Agibi, the establishment of human rights desks in all Nigerian Army units and formations to address human rights violations is an illustration of the COAS' ingenuity. 

The coalition, therefore, hailed President Muhammadu Buhari, the Armed Forces' leadership and the troops for adhering to global standards in human rights preservation. 

It, however, warned those peddling false information with regards to the human rights compliance of the military to desist as it serves only as a means of distraction and not a reflection of the reality on the ground. 

The CHRMG further urged the troops not to be discouraged by the antics of Amnesty, ICC and their likes.  

Read the full statement below:

I welcome you all to this press conference in furtherance of our mandate to give an appraisal of the government's efforts in the war against terrorism and other acts of militancy in North-East Nigeria and other parts of the country. 

The Coalition of Human Rights Monitoring Groups has been actively engaged in ensuring the adherence to international conventions in the preservation of human rights by the Nigerian government and by extension the Armed Forces in its various operations across the length and breadth of the country. 

It is indeed a fact that we have been credited to have held the government accountable through the various mechanisms introduced to ensure strict compliance to the rules of engagement in warfare and ensure Nigerians' rights and privileges are not trampled upon under whatever guise. 

It is on this strength we convoked this press conference to give a detailed appraisal of our fact-finding mission on the operations of the Nigerian Armed Forces in the preservation of human rights in its various operations. 

We wish to state in unequivocal terms that there has been a considerable improvement in the conduct of the Nigerian Armed Forces regarding human rights and compliance to international conventions, especially in the last five years. 

The Coalition of Human Rights Monitoring Groups wishes to put it on record that the Nigerian Army's operational strategies in the prosecution of the war against terrorism and other acts of criminalities have been outstanding with an excellent rating on human rights compliance. From all our ratings and feedback mechanism, the Chief of Army Staff, Lt. Gen. Tukur Buratai leads the pack of military commanders who have displayed an unalloyed commitment to upholding human rights tenets and adherence global best practices in the rules of engagement in warfare. This is on the heels that Operation Lafiya Dole's organizational composition has in place measures to curb excesses by officers and soldiers in the discharge of their duties.  

The Coalition of Human Rights Monitoring Groups also reiterates that President Muhammadu Buhari in his capacity as the Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces has been exceptional in ensuring that the Armed Forces' operations comply with international conventions. 

We are using this medium to commend President Muhammadu Buhari and the Armed Forces' leadership for the exceptional conduct regarding the adhering to global standards in human rights preservation. 

The establishment of human rights desks in all Nigerian Army units and formations to address human rights violations is another exemplary display of ingenuity by the Chief of Army Staff, Lt. Gen. Tukur Buratai who by all standards qualifies to be conferred with the Highest Human Rights Compliance Awards. 

The Coalition of Human Rights Monitoring Groups indeed applauds other Service Chiefs, such as the Chief of Defense Staff, Gen. Gabriel Olonishakin, the Chief of the Air Staff, Air Marshall Sadique Abubakar, the Inspector General of Police, Mohammed Adamu, the Chief of Defence Intelligence, AVM Mohammed Saliu Usman, the Director-General of the DSS, Yusuf Bichi and the Chief of Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ibas for their invaluable contributions in the entrenchment of human rights in Nigeria. 

We also wish to use this medium to commend officers and soldiers in the theatre of operations for exhibiting high standards of compliance with regards to the protection of human rights. Their display of professionalism even in the face of provocation is noteworthy and indeed, commendable. 

The Coalition of Human Rights Monitoring Groups' position is that the security agencies engaged in the war against terrorism in Nigeria have exhibited high regard for human rights, which is in line with global best practices. 

The Coalition of Human Rights Monitoring Groups is sending a strong message to all those that are at the forefront of peddling false information with regards to the human rights compliance of the Nigerian Armed Forces to desist from such ignoble ventures which by all intent and purposes serves only as a means of distraction and not a reflection of the reality on the ground. 

The fact remains that in the past five years, the level of human rights compliance by the Nigerian Armed Forces in the prosecution of the war against insurgency and other militants acts in Nigeria has been commendable. Credit must be given to the Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces, President Muhammadu Buhari, the Chief of Defence Staff, Gen. Abayomi Olonishakin, the Chief of Army Staff, Lt. Gen. Tukur Buratai and other heads of security agencies that have been involved directly or indirectly in the prosecution of the war against insurgency in Nigeria. 

The Coalition of Human Rights Monitoring Groups is by this medium conferring on the Chief of Army Staff, Lt. Gen. Tukur Buratai and other top commanders of the Nigerian Army and the troops the Human Rights Compliance Awards for service to country and humanity. 

We also want to use this medium to encourage the Nigerian Armed Forces' leadership not to rest on their oars and continue to preserve the tenets of human rights in their operations. 

Thank you all for your time, and God bless.

Subversive elements radicalizing Diaspora to promote destabilization of Nigeria from abroad -- CNM

Some Nigerians with questionable character in the Diaspora have indulged in malicious campaigns to radicalize their compatriots and promote destabilization back home. 

This revelation was made by the Coalition for Nigeria Movement (CNM) in a press conference on Wednesday in Abuja.  

According to the group, these subversive elements intend to tarnish the image of leaders, while ultimately activating insecurity and economic crisis that would lead to anarchy.

In his address, CNM's leader, Patriot Sabo Odeh said Nigerians must be aware of these elements who deliberately instigate problems back home and escape with their families to safe abodes.  

According to Odeh, they sponsor youths to protest under the pretext of democratic liberty and fails to speak out when it turns violent. 

The coalition recalled the role played by these Nigerians abroad in fuelling last year's EndSARS protest which eventually led to arson, unrest and bloodbath.  

The group wondered why these Nigerians who criticised the Federal Government for quelling further breakdown of law and order suddenly went mute when police were deployed at U.S. Capitol Hill. 

The Coalition for Nigeria Movement, however, advised Nigerians to wake up from slumber, before the antics and sinister plans of these elements in the diaspora would cause the total ruination of our country.

It added that the mindless assault and undermining of the peace and security of our country in the guise of the exercise of democratic rights must cease. 

Read the full statement below: 

The Coalition for Nigeria Movement (CNM) is wishing you a prosperous and happy New Year, as we welcome you most warmly to this press conference.

We are elbowed to address this press conference to speak to the generality of Nigerians over the trending mindsets and inclinations of Nigerians in the diaspora who have decided dodge the pains, discomforts and scars of nation-building, but indulges in subversive actions against the country. Whilst this clan of Nigerians have decided to hoe themselves in foreign lands, they deliberately instigate problems of frightening dimensions on insecurities, but escape to the safer abodes of other nations with their families when the conflagrations they ignite goes wild aflame. 

The troubleshooters abandon the rest of us to our fate, after making us susceptible to the problems they generate by their actions and utterances’. We are baffled at the manner these Nigerians in diaspora dubiously misinterpret and apply the doctrines of freedom of speech and the rights to public protests by the citizens in the expression of grievances against the government in a manner which projects them as blind to the discernment of peace and violence.

This tendency has become too pronounced under the administration of President Muhammadu Buhari in the last four years. These diasporan Nigerians prod and sponsor our youths to protests under the pretext of democratic liberty, but hardly know the difference between peaceful and violent protests as espoused by democratic Governments globally.  Even when such protests become violent and bloody, or marred by destructions the Nigerians in diaspora use various weapons, especially social media platforms to bolster the perpetrators of such evil against the people and the nation to continue in self-destruction.   

Whilst we are unexcited at recounting the gores of some of these recently ugly so-called “democratic” public protests in Nigeria, which did only become bloody but violated the basic doctrines of liberty under a civilian government, but it has become pertinent to use the incidents for illustration and clarity.

We are aware of the age-long aberrations’ and the nuisances inherent in members of the outlawed sect, the Islamic Movement in Nigeria (IMN) or the Shiites in Nigeria led by Sheik Ibrahim El-Zakzaky.  The sect’s devious members have repeatedly invaded Abuja with guns and other dangerous weapons under the guise of protesting what they believed in their narrowed senses as the unlawful incarceration of El-Zakzaky.  

The protests were organized at two or three separate instances; but quite sadly, the Shiites defiled all sanity, turned violent and brutally engaged security agents drafted to maintain public law and order. In one of the incidents, they crudely attacked and gruesomely murdered Nigerians including a senior police officer.

Let us again look at the violent dimension of the #EndSARS protests of last year. It was executed with the same tenor of the IMN’s protests or other such demonstrations in Nigeria under the Buhari Presidency. All of us can attest to the scary bloodbath, rape of women, cruel butcher of security agents by the protestors, the destruction of public and private properties, looting, acts of arson and vandalization which were committed.

Nigerians were subjected to this level of barbaric violence and brutality in the pretext of “democratic” protests. This is not permissible anywhere and under any system of government in the world. Unfortunately, while the incensed madness lasted, Nigerians in the diaspora shamelessly rather emboldened and encouraged the crisis-printers agents of darkness and the hoodlums.

Strangely, Nigerians in the diaspora were rather faulting the strident measures President Buhari adopted to halt the carnage and restore public peace. The Nigerians in foreign lands lectured us on how undemocratic Mr. President acted by ordering the Military to quell the insane violence. They branded President Buhari a civilian dictator and all manner of derogative sobriquets.

But we must realize that democracy is not practised in Nigeria alone or Nigeria’s brand of democracy emanates from the skies. Almost every nation on earth has embraced this system of government. And with it, the fundamental doctrines of freedom of expression and liberties as also guaranteed in other nations. But there are limitations and the citizen's exercise of these rights is also guided by the principles of decency and the consciousness of resisting the temptation on encroaching on the rights of other countrymen and women.

But most pointedly, no democratic leader allows national security to be compromised by hoodlums and miscreants in the guise of exercising democratic rights either in public protests or any other endeavour.  National interest supersedes every other consideration. Therefore, democratic protests which assume the character of bloodbath are ruthlessly crushed with the force it deserves.

Nigerians have seen it done elsewhere in recent times. We know America as the global bastion of democracy. But outgoing President Donald J. Trump could not tolerate lawless protestors. He ordered American Military out to protect America’s national heritage from abuse by vandals, looters, arsonists’ and brigands. It happened during the #BlackLivesMatter demonstrations’ over the police murder of George Floyd. No one raised an eyebrow.

And it was recently, we witnessed the episode of the violent invasion of Capitol Hill building by pro-Trump protesters. In a split-second, security agents murdered five Americans.  The venom expressed by the protestors at Capitol Hill was just an insignificant fraction of what Nigerian youths did during the #EndSARS protests in the country. Among victims of the police reaction to the enraged and violent protesters was a woman who was shot point-blank on the chest and she died instantly.

Unbelievably, CNM observed with consternation the conspiratorial silence of Nigerians in the diaspora over the brutal police encounter with protestors at Capitol Hill. None of them neither condemned nor queried the excessive application of force by the American police.  We expected to hear a public condemnatory statement from the Nigerians who administer the Abuja country office of Amnesty International, but no word has been heard from them to this moment. But these are the people who pick bones in everything Buhari.

We must understand the motive and hypocrisy in the malicious campaigns of these Nigerians in the diaspora against their country. The masterminds of the bellicose campaigns are diaspora Nigerians who are at best, outcasts and renegades who escaped or sought asylum in foreign countries after committing criminal acts in Nigeria. Many of them were school dropouts, rapists, lawbreakers, armed robbers, bank robbers, looters of our commonwealth, failed businessmen and lazy baboons. 

CNM is therefore calling on all Nigerians to wake up from slumber, before the antics and sinister plans of some Nigerians in the diaspora would cause the total ruination of our country. It appears to us now that what Nigerians who have escaped to foreign lands learn first are the tricks of how to orchestrate the destabilization and destruction of their country. This is condemnable and unacceptable. 

This is the time for us to unite to tackle these questionable characters headlong. The Diaspora Office must be revisited.  We suggest that it should be scrapped because it has lost its relevance. Those who congregate under its roof are mere opportunists. They are bringing their disappointments abroad to implant a lawless society in Nigeria that was not accommodative to them before taking a flight abroad. The Diaspora office has failed. It has become an avenue for disgruntled elements to congregate against the interests of the entire country.

The CNM is pleading with all the citizens of our country rise against the negative influence and interferences by Nigerians in the diaspora who mean no good for our beloved country. This is not the time to procrastinate in taking the appropriate action. The mindless assault and undermining of the peace and security of our country in the guise of the exercise of democratic rights must cease.

ICC/Amnesty International: Enemies of Nigeria must be prepared to meet the masses - NDF




The National Democratic Front (NDF) has warned the International Criminal Court (ICC), Amnesty International (AI) and other "enemies of Nigeria" to prepare to meet the masses, whose lives they are jeopardizing with their subversive activities.

The NDF made this known on Tuesday in reaction to the alarm that these international organisations are colluding to undermine Nigeria’s war on terrorism.

In a statement signed by its Director of Public Enlightenment, Dr Samson Ayo, the group further noted that the ICC, AI and others have allied with the opposition in a devilish pursuit of a possible regime change.

According to Dr Ayo, the Armed Forces of Nigeria is the last obstacle in their quest, hence the constant attacks on the service chiefs.

To achieve this, he added that the ICC conjured up a dubious report alleging war crimes and rights abuses against the military.

The NDF, however, urged the Federal Government to take decisive actions to counter the threats posed to Nigeria’s democracy and security by the ICC and Amnesty International.

Read the full statement below:

The National Democratic Front (NDF) is alarmed by the revelations from the Federal Government that the International Criminal Court of justice (ICC) and international NGO, Amnesty International are colluding to undermine Nigeria’s war on terrorism. There can be no greater travesty than such callous undermining of Nigeria’s right to defend its territorial integrity.

NDF is further concerned that the ICC, Amnesty International and their associates are collaborating with the opposition in this devilish pursuit, which lends credence to assertions in some quarters that these organizations are jostling for an illegal and possibly a forceful regime change to plant elements of the opposition in positions that will enable them to destroy the country from within.

The decision of this syndicate to target the leadership of the military in Nigeria with spurious and unfounded allegations of war crimes and rights abuses is one that should set the alarm bells ringing in the collective consciousness of Nigerians. This is because they recognize the Armed Forces of Nigeria as the last obstacle to their attempt with the opposition to illegally sack the government, especially since the Military Service Chiefs had serially promised to defend Nigeria’s democracy at any permissible cost.

NDF recalls that it had warned in the run-up to the 2019 General Elections that the opposition is desperate to see the removal of the military chiefs so that pliable and pro-coup replacements can be named following which they would massive and coordinate civil unrest that they will then use as a basis to overthrow the government with the backing of foreign partners that have now proven to be the ICC and Amnesty International.

We are therefore not surprised that the opposition’s frantic call for the sack of the service chiefs is now being followed by a dubious report from the ICC aimed at forcing the exit of the gallant commanders in addition to subtly blackmailing their eventual successors into doing the biddings of Nigeria’s enemies as represented by the opposition, Amnesty International and the ICC.

It is most unfortunate that the ICC and Amnesty International, institutions that have the safeguard of human rights as the core of their mandates, are the ones that have now constituted themselves into pro-terrorist organizations simply because of their desperation to implement the evil agenda they have in the country. They have also committed themselves to actively sabotaging Nigeria’s hard-won democracy, which qualified them as the country’s leading enemies.

NDF has no choice but to unequivocally demand that the Federal Government takes decisive actions to counter the threats posed to Nigeria’s democracy and security by the ICC and Amnesty International. Things have gotten to the point where these organizations, irrespective of their now abused international status, must treat in the manner they deserve.

Conscious of the fact that it had in the past expressed concerns about the dangerous activities of these organizations with unheeded warnings to them to desist, NDF is warning the ICC and Amnesty International that they must now be prepared to meet the masses of Nigeria, whose lives they are jeopardizing with their subversive activities.

By David Onmeje

Leadership is an art meant for those that understand the intricacies involved in bringing about positive change in every society. I say this for the fact that in Nigeria, one of the banes of our numerous challenges remains the lack of sound and credible leadership by those saddled with the responsibility of translating our hopes and aspirations into tangible realities.

The recent commendation of the Air Task Force, Operation Lafiya Dole by the Chief of Army Staff, Lt Gen TY Buratai for playing a decisive role in repelling the Boko Haram attack in Marte, Borno State, recently brings to fore why leaders in Nigeria must rise to the occasion when the need arises.

The action of Lt. Gen. Tukur Buratai is such that should inspire hope in Nigeria on the commitment of the security agencies towards addressing the security threats in the country. I can’t but commend this display of professionalism in the prosecution of the war against Boko Haram insurgency in Nigeria. The synergy level that has existed amongst the Armed Forces is exceptional and contrary to the insinuations in certain quarters of a lack of cooperation and other acts that undermines the winning of the war against insurgency in the country.

I know for sure that the ground troop in warfare requires air support in advancing because of its considerable advantage. The Army increasingly views airpower as indispensable to its warfighting concepts. It seeks mechanisms to ensure that it is available and responsive to the needs of the land forces. This much has been exhibited in the war against insurgency in Nigeria. Needless, I mention that the recent commendation by the Chief of Army Staff indeed buttresses this strategic alliance which is an indication that the overall operational strategy deployed is yielding the desired results.

For those of us conversant with the dynamics involved in asymmetric warfare, I say that the Chief of Army Staff's posture has indeed indicated that the Boko Haram war would come to an end sooner than we think for all the indices shows so.

I am of the firm conviction that the appointment of Lt. Gen. Tukur Buratai as Chief of Army Staff was not an accident as he has continually provided that leadership that turned the tides against the Boko Haram insurgents. And the fact that there has been no grandstanding or taking personal credit is an attribute of a leader that understands that success is a function of teamwork and not individual efforts.

This also brings to the fore that a true leader leads even within leadership. Lt. Gen. Tukur Buratai has been providing leadership even amongst equals which also confirms the Nigerian Army's contributory role to the war against insurgency. This is noble and must be emulated by others in the security sector in the prosecution of the war against insurgency in Nigeria.

What I am saying, in essence, is that credit must be given to whom it due. For example, the Inspector General of Police must commend the Nigerian Army whenever successes are recorded in internal security operations. And likewise, the Chief of Air Staff must also commend the Nigerian Army whenever successes are recorded in joint operations in the prosecution of the war against insurgency and other acts of criminalities in the country.

The Nigerian Air force case is pronounced because they must work with the Nigerian Army to address the security threats in the country. Both institutions must sustain this alliance which remains crucial to ending the Boko Haram insurgency in Nigeria. Make no mistakes; I am not by any stretch of imagination insinuating that there hasn't been that synergy between the Nigerian Army and the Nigerian Air Force. However, instead, I am bringing out the positive gains that would be attained if the present synergy is sustained and built.

This piece is consequently an appeal to the Armed Forces' leadership in Nigeria to see the task at hand as a collective endeavour rather than a solo run. There must be a synergy that leaves no room for individual glory. That has remained the norm in successful outings in warfare globally. The Air Force uses air power to clear the path for ground troops and provide that critical cover in battle.

This example provided by the Chief of Army Staff is indeed noteworthy. It must awaken us to the reality that for Nigeria to work, we must imbibe the principle of structural functionalism which requires all playing their role in the task at hand. We must also realize that the Nigerian Army cannot do it all alone. Like the Nigerian Airforce played a decisive role in repelling the Boko Haram attack in Marte to support the ground troops.

We must learn to commend the security agencies when they do well to encourage them to carry out more exploits in addressing the security challenges in the country. I can bet that if this is the order of the day, Nigeria can defeat acts of terrorism in no distant time.

At this point, my commendation goes to the leadership of the country's security agencies for their great sacrifices thus far. It can only charge them to continue to give in their best in service to our fatherland.

I also want to commend the Chief of Army Staff, Lt. Gen. Tukur Buratai who has exhibited credible leadership since he assumed office. His level of professionalism and dedication to duty has seen the numerous successes recorded in the prosecution of the war against insurgency and other criminalities acts across the country.

The leadership qualities of the Lt. Gen. Tukur Buratai were also in focus on the involvement of the Nigerian Army in internal security operations across the country in support of the efforts of the Nigerian Police Force. This is also commendable and gives us a peep that leadership entails that what you do has a far more significant impact than what you say. This is the Tukur Buratai style that should be imbibed by leaders across Nigeria in our quest for the Nigeria of our dreams.

As I mentioned earlier, the commendation by the Chief of Army Staff might seem a simple task. However, it goes beyond that for it is indeed strategic and sends a strong message to those in the business of perpetuating crime and criminalities in the country that there is a synergy amongst the country's security agencies. And no matter how hard they try; the ranks of the security agencies can’t be broken.

I can go on non-stop. But the take away is that with sound leadership, Nigeria would defeat its adversaries. The Chief of Army Staff has indeed done well so far, and I expect that other security heads would toe this path in the country's overall interest.

The war against insurgency has recorded tremendous success so far, and I am of the firm conviction that the end must be seen in our time with the efforts so far. It consequently behoves on us to see to the fact that the efforts of our security agencies are appreciated. We should do well not to join the bandwagon of mischievous elements whose actions are propelled by the support they have been receiving from crisis merchants in their despicable and desperate plot to cause Nigeria's disintegration.

Onmeje is the Managing Director, TheNigerian News and is based in London.

By Kolawole Anthony

Nigeria has quite terrible and horrible leaders. One of them is Gov. Nyesom Ezenwo Wike, the Governor of Rivers state. Wike’s soul is gravely tormented and he unswervingly finds himself in a state of perpetual restlessness.

Gov. Wike is anguished or tortured by the spirits and blood of the innocent. The blood of those he spilled in his fiendish quest for political power has been his greatest misery in life. His soul is the permanent tent of the devil. It is under him; Rivers state earned the ignoble epaulet of “Rivers of blood.”

Therefore, if Wike does not find imaginary enemies to attack, he directs his irritabilities at everyone in sight. Gov. Wike is a lawyer by training; but there are no records which shows he became famous as law practitioner by winning celebrated cases. Its doubtful whether Wike still remembers court procedures anymore as a lawyer.

Its ironic that Wike has negatively mutated into political and executive brigandage or thuggery. He is the patron of hooliganism in Nigeria’s recent political history. Sometimes, when Gov. Wike speaks, its difficult to differentiate between a garage tout or what the Youbas call an “agbero” and a leader of a state.

He is infamous for it. Of course, what sanity does anybody expects from someone whose convictions about leadership is to murder every opponent on his path? Wanton killings, assassinations’, mysterious disappearance of opponents and barefaced executive brigandage defines the leadership of Rivers people by Wike.

If anyone is convinced that Gov. Wike is not possessed; he needs to approach a Pentecostal pastor for spiritual cleansing. Wike is a character who speaks without a full prehensile of his utterances. He acts without prior rumination; he flows with tide and dangles aimlessly like a street boy.

If anyone understands that lawyer Wike does not know, it is unlawful for an executive leader to resort to self-help, he deserves empathy. How else can anyone explain that in a democracy, Wike ordered the demolition of a hotel because the owner violated Covid-19 executive directives? But that’s what happens, when “madmen” dubiously amble themselves into positions of leadership and authority.

Gov. Wike is boosted by invisible and demonic spirits beyond his control. And they are too many. In his 2019 bid for reelection alone, Gov. Wike allegedly killed no fewer than 35 persons in his state. It has been his story sad tales in life.

He allegedly killed to secure the PDP governorship ticket in 2015 and also, murdered massively to get into Rivers state Government House the same year. Therefore, those who know him intricately are rather empathetic to him each time he vibrates like a lunatic undergoing psychiatric rehabilitation. No one with such magnitude of innocent blood on his hands would find peace with his soul.

The Governor in his characteristic manner defiled the sanctity and solemnity of the 2021-Armed Forces Remembrance Day. In Port Harcourt at the wreath-laying ceremony, Gov. Wike revived and also, practiced his meaningless parroting talents. He asked the Service Chiefs to resign in order to pave the path for “fresh ideas and strategy” in tackling the country’s resurgent internal insecurity threats.

He dreamily assumed the toga of a military and security expert. Therefore, Wike felt empowered enough to advise the Federal Government of Nigeria to change its strategy in combating internal insecurities in the country. Wike was particular that the current set of Service Chiefs have been unable to diminish the fires of Boko Haram insurgency and armed banditry among other security challenges, despite years of full military engagements.

But why would anybody devote his precious time on faulting Wike over his assertions? It’s doubtful whether Wike understands what is a military strategy. This is a lawyer who has never won any celebrated case in his life, but has the guts to advise military professionals and experts on how to combat terrorism and banditry.

Gov. Wike symbolizes the hypocritic and devious clan of leaders in Nigeria today. Wike served as Minister under the Jonathan Presidency for the years of that administration. Boko Haram and armed bandits became notorious and untamable under the administration he served.

It was the time Boko Haram annexed 21 LGAs in the Northeast. It was an era nearly 25,000 Nigerians were hostages of insurgents in different secret camps in the Northeast. It was a time Wike operated in Abuja with a lot of phobia because like some Nigerians coined; “the fear of Boko Haram was the beginning of wisdom.”

Yet, Gov. Wike as a member of FEC never advised the President to change his strategy in fighting Boko Haram. But the same person mouths now, when there is a positively changed narrative in combating acts of insecurities in Nigeria. So, he became an accidental military expert. But if wishes were horses, beggars would ride and Wike’s wish that the Service Chiefs should resign is not actionable by his command. Meaningless busybody!

Nigerians do not need to consult a soothsayer to know their enemies or instigators of insecurities anymore. And some time last year, when Governors Yahaya Bello and Aminu Bello Masari asserted separately that some politicians are behind the resurgent insecurities in the country, most Nigerians failed to grasp their prophetic insights. But Wike’s utterances today are an indisputable indication of his complicity. He is privy to it.

Like many other detractors of President Muhammadu Buhari, the Rivers Governor is angered that in spite of the clandestine efforts to undermine the Buhari Presidency through organized and sponsored insecurities, the President has always broken the hurdles. The camp of opposers is baffled.

And Wike knows that the current Service Chiefs are the reason, the plots of the opposition elements to discredit the administration of Buhari is permanently met with a bulwark. The latest trick now is to cleverly goad Mr. President to sack them in order to create a window for the opposition use insecurities in feasting on Nigeria. But Buhari is smarter than all of them.

So, it was baffling that Wike desecrated the graves of the unknown soldier and those still in service. The occasion was not designed for such partisan campaigns, with the Service Chiefs as nectars. It was a ceremony and a day set aside to remember and celebrate our fallen heroes and heroines as well as those still in active service. He mocked these gallant officers and soldiers on a day, all Nigerians were celebrating their exploits and sacrifices for the nation.

A senseless Wike did not know the occasion was not designed for such partisan campaigns. Surprisingly, he turned his weird leadership activism on the Service Chiefs and the arena into a platform for the anti-Service Chiefs campaigners.

Anyway, those expecting Gov. Wike to see the Service Chiefs as friends and partners in nation-building have misfired. It’s impossible to contemplate it. Wike is a violent, bloody and loquacious election rigger. Certainly, he cannot be a friend of the Military and especially, a repositioned Nigerian Army which blocked most of his rigging tracks in the 2019 governorship elections. He succeeded, but not as easy as he envisaged.

Gov. Wike attempted to bribe everyone or group involved in the conduct and monitoring of the elections; he attempted to bribe soldiers deployed to Rivers on election duty to compromise the ballot; he attempted to bribe consulate officials of the British High Commission in Nigeria to fabricate the report of election observers. Wike is a desperately devious political fly.

Indeed, If wishes were to be horses, it is Gov. Wike who would have been sacked ab initio by President Buhari. But Mr. President is a kind leader. He allowed Wike to twice escape with an obviously stolen mandate. That’s why today, Wike, a low-class lawyer feels, he is competent to offer professional military advice to Mr. President in combating acts of insecurities.

Wike regales in the mere appellation and protocol as “chief security officer” of his state. But it does not translate into his expertise knowledge on security matters. When Mr. President is seeking for advisers on political thuggery, executive brigandage and ethnic militias, Wike would emerge as an unopposed candidate. He has no rival in today’s Nigeria.

Gov. Wike is under the misleading delusion that Nigerians are not aware of his sole sponsorship of the campaign of calumny against the Nigerian military, particularly in the South. It is his tent the street activist Deji Adeyanju frequents on a monthly basis to renew his venoms (Dollars) in nourishment.

Wike is free to keep playing the fools game with himself. But the issue of Service Chiefs is clearly outside his purview. Wike should be patient enough to wait until his rigs his way to political leadership as President of Nigeria to thereafter, depend on street counsels for the appointment or sack of his Service Chiefs. President Buhari cannot be outsmarted with such infantile antics. #

Kolawole PhD is a University teacher and wrote this piece from Keffi, Nasarawa State.