₦airaland Forum

By David Longpet

Henchman of the counter-insurgency operations in Nigeria and the Chief of Army Staff (COAS) Lt. Gen. Tukur Yusufu Buratai is a household name in Nigeria. Any time his identity is echoed, it reverberates with an uncommon fondness of millions of his fans.

He strikes the psyche of people in different ways. To the average Nigerian soldier, he is the best and ideal leader or boss they have ever had in recent time. He has a charming and infectious aura. He is simple, humble, amiable and hardworking. Gen. Buratai is patriotic and loyal to a fault. He is an Army General who cherishes and rewards hard work, but loathes indolence and recalcitrance.

To the Boko Haram and ISWAP terrorists, Gen. Buratai is their adversary; a tormentor, a nightmare and a fiend. And so, many times, insurgents ambushed this terrible foe and attempted to sniff life out of him. But as usual, Gen. Buratai dealt them a hard blow. He matched them with superior force. Many sprawled into their early graves, but Gen. Buratai emerged unscathed.

The international community perceives Gen. Buratai as an enigma and an indomitable hero. The Republic of Brazil sighted his military prowess and exploits especially against Boko Haram terrorists as far back as 2017. He was feted with the Brazilian Military Order of Merit, the country’s highest military honor. The wordings which accompanied the award were explicit that Gen. Buratai has earned such foreign and dignified honor for his contribution to blighting the raging fires of terrorism in Nigeria, and an ambassador of global peace and security.

To the Nigerian media, Gen. Buratai is a beautiful bride, who is courted 24 hours a day, as they seek to illuminate the Nigerian people over counter-terrorism operations. From Gen. Buratai’s countless flock of admirers, the media celebrates him more as a courageous soldier, astute administrator, a reformer, innovator and great patriot in the Nigerian project.

The media celebrates Gen. Buratai as one Army Chief who has carved a niche for himself as a strategist, tactician and goal-getter. Different media houses in Nigeria have recognized Gen. Buratai as a leader who doesn't get tired of innovations; a leader who is never tired of repressing and winning the war on insurgents.

Very often, the media writes the most captivating articles in eulogies of the Army boss as a leader who is never tired of giving his best. The COAS is adored as a leader who met an unprofessional and irresponsible Army, but restructured it into a professional, responsible and responsive Army, actively alive to its constitutional responsibilities of safeguarding the territorial integrity and sovereignty of Nigeria.

Therefore, in the last few months, an appreciative media and highly rated institutions have feted Gen. Buratai with awards. And to underscore the genuineness of the awards, each one of them dwells on the same thematic preoccupation. It locates that essential and shining quality in Gen. Buratai as the invincible emperor of the counter-insurgency operations in Nigeria. And the awards keep streaming in his honor ceaselessly.

The Society Watch Magazine celebrated Gen. Buratai as the “Most Outstanding Chief of Army Staff” for the incredible progress he has recorded against Boko Haram terrorists and armed bandits in the country. It expatiated that Gen. Buratai is so honoured because he has chased remnants of insurgents and confined them to the fringes of the Northeast; ensured peace for the return of IDPs, and reopened roads and streets in the region which were hitherto closed because of heightened insecurity.

To the Daily Asset newspaper, Gen. Buratai is its Year 2020 “Man Of The Year,” on the security plank. At a conferment ceremony in Abuja, the newspaper pointedly stated the COAS has staged out excellently “for transforming the Nigerian Army to one of the very best on the African continent.”

The Oil and Solid Mineral Producing Area Landlords’ Association of Nigeria (OMPALAN) also registered their appreciation for Gen. Buratai. They decorated him with the award of“Protector of the Environment,” as its President,Bishop Udo Azogu, endearingly said, “…we share a common ground with the Nigerian army in its uncompromising defence of the unity and sovereignty of Nigeria.”

Furthermore, the Wildlife Society of Nigeria also honoured Gen. Buratai as “Fellow Wildlife Society of Nigeria Honour’s Award” for leading the impacts Nigeria has recorded on insurgencies and insurrections. There are a dozen of such awards which Gen. Buratai has bagged to his credit and those who have seen his impactful actions will understand why the Army boss is the most celebrated COAS.

The awards keep coming to Gen. Buratai because he is a leader who gives his best in all circumstances. The Army boss is a leader who gets targeted results and a leader who gets the job done no matter the obstacles. When he promised Nigerians in July 2015 that the Army will decimate and defeat Boko Haram terrorists, he accomplished it by December of the same year.

When Gen. Buratai vowed to reclaim all the 17 local government areas seized by Boko Haram terrorists in the Northeast, he delivered them to the natives and Nigeria within record time. And similarly, he told Nigerians that he will demystify and dismantle Sambisa forest, Boko Haram’s most secured protective fortress, he delivered it to Nigerians as Christmas gift in December 2016.

Gen. Buratai has promised to completely eliminate Boko Haram /ISWAP terrorists and he is working assiduously with troops to give Nigerians the final peace and security on terrorism. He is a soldier and leader, who keeps his words sacrosanct. That is why the awards still keep coming in his honour.


Longpet wrote this piece from University of Brighton, United Kingdim.

By David Onmeje

When the reelection campaign train of President Muhammadu Buhari berthed in Lokoja, capital of Kogi, the confluence state, the President made a silent, but striking promise. He told the very jubilant Kogites that if the ambition of a second mandate to lead Nigeria scales through the electoral hurdle, the abandoned and lifeless Ajaokuta Steel Rolling Mill in the state will bounce back to full animation. God Himself sealed President Buhari’s reelection in 2019 unquestionably

Of course, development experts have always hinged Nigeria’s stunted status on the absolute neglect of the steel industry, which is the bedrock of development. Nigeria’s dependence on the importation of steel has caused the country many setbacks for years, whereas, Nigeria has the capacity to operate its own steel plants, serviced by a properly trained indigenous workforce.
The squandered opportunities have always been a pain in the heart for President Buhari. And to rejig the narrative for a better Nigeria, in January 2020, President Buhari pleasantly shocked the people of Kogi state and Nigerians when he led the FGN to sign a bilateral agreement with the Russian Government for the resuscitation, completion and commissioning of the Ajaokuta  Steel Rolling Plant to be operated on a government-to-government relationship.
Perhaps, many Nigerians failed to discern why President Buhari summoned the boldness to make such weighty declaration on Ajaokuta Steel Rolling Mill during his reelection campaigns, hence robust and functional steel plants in Nigeria requires indigenous skilled manpower to keep it afloat.

Unknown to some Nigerians, the President had laid the proverbial golden eggs for a revival and blossoming steel industry and other similar sectors a long time ago. His appointment in 2015 of  Mr. Olabode Fakuade, as the  Director/Chief Executive (Dir/CEO) of the three-decade old, Metallurgical Training Institute (MTI) Onitsha, the industrial hub of Southeast Nigeria was to set the stage for Nigeria’s  grooming of quality manpower in steel, oil and gas as well as  allied industries.
MTI was conceptualized on a promising template. But years of consistent ineptitude, leprous and degenerative leadership crumbled the otherwise priced institution. Therefore, MTI could no longer churn out students or execute its mandate of vacating Nigeria’s thirst for technological/ skilled manpower in Industrial Electrical Engineering, Steel Fabrication and Welding Engineering; Mechanical Maintenance Engineering, Instrumentation and Control Systems Engineering, Heavy Mobile Equipment Maintenance Engineering and Industrial Metallurgy and Foundry Engineering among others.
For a federal institution like MTI which had guzzled billions of naira over the years, without corresponding results to justify sinking of tax payers money, it was a difficult on multiple fronts for Mr. Fakuade to turn around the fortunes of the despised school. The portrait of MTI when Mr. Fakuade took over the institution was that of a desolate enclave which lacked everything, but consumed millions of annual national budgets and like Oliver Twist in Charles Dickens’ novel; “ kept  asking for more.”
But before 2015 and the present management, MTI failed pathetically to discharge its mandate of erecting an indigenous and certified pool of technical workforce to sustain the Nigeria’s steel and allied industries workforce. Greed, corruption and avarice permeated MTI like a bug, compelling Nigeria’s relapse back to dependence on the expensive foreign technical training of low- and middle-class workforce for the industry.
MTI reduced its mandate, which ought to smolder with regional impact to a siphoning pipe for its administrators’. It was under such frustrating circumstances, Fakuade stepped in on a rescue mission in a challenging environment.
Widely acclaimed as a consummate academic, an astute administrator and knowledgeable engineer, Mr. Fakaude’s first target was to resolve the problem of unaccredited courses in MTI. His administration immediately secured approvals from the National Board for technical Education (NBTE) and course in MTI were accredited.
Famed for transparency and accountability, a due process crusader, both staff and students of MTI soon also realized his passion as stickler for standards and excellence.  His innovations and purposefulness, earned him celebration as a leader who torments problems rather than have the problems unsettle and rankle him.
And encounter with Mr. Fakuade leaves the impression of a leader, who is very unassuming and humble, but a confounding workaholic with uncommon zeal for excellence. Its easy to steal his heart on excellence, but impossible to fascinate him to your personality, once he establishes your penchant official fraudulent acts.
Therefore, Mr. Fakuade directed focus to the dilapidated infrastructure on the campus and changed the narrative of an uninhabitable institution to the rhythms of a conducive atmosphere for learning. The Dir/CEO dealt a heavy blow on the years of menacing floods and erosion which were at the verge of sinking the campus of MTI by constructing a 600 meters drainage.
It is not surprising that under his leadership, MTI channeled every budgetary vote into productive and visible use. He looked inwards and judiciously utilized meagre funds to upgrade other facilities such as training equipment/ facilities, constructed intra-campus road network, and renovated decrepit students’ hostels.
With eyes fixated on prudence, MTI’s present management   installed   solar power system as an alternative source of energy supply. Through it, MTI is servicing  its  workshops centers, ICT laboratories, and the administrative building. The administration of Mr. Fakuade has also illuminated MTI campus with solar-powered street lights.
Therefore, when a band of self-seeking detractors, numbering three, under the auspices of alumni of the National Metallurgical Training Institute (NMTI), Onitsha, recently penciled down criticisms and frivolous allegations against Mr. Fakuade’s leadership of MTI, it attracted the ire of an old student of the institution. The student who pleaded anonymity recently graduated from MTI  under Fakaude’s administration.

He countered; “This is absolutely rubbish from the pit of hell. Pastor Olabode Fakuade is a Director you can hardly find his match since the inception of MTI. An administrative guru, an honest and humble leader, a man of integrity and eloquence. A great achiever who can build a mansion with nothing. An ever focused and innovative leader who always sees great opportunity out of any problem.  A prudent leader who manages the scarce resources he receives from federal government to build infrastructure and buy equipment for teaching of the students. “
He voiced it all on Fakuade. Sadly, the campaign of calumny on Mr. Fakuade symbolizes the leadership dilemma in Nigeria. Most people prefer to see a public system strangulated to death and its eventual extinction than see its resuscitation. The few who have taken the gauntlet to render genuine, patriotic and incorruptible leadership which bows to the tenets of honesty are often vilified. Fakuade is not the lone victim in this era.
For the over two decades when MTI lost its glory; nobody or a so-called alumni association remembered to attract public and national attention to its neglected status. It is now that the fact of its repositioning by the administration of Mr. Fakaude, under the Buhari Presidency which has renewed interest in it, that sponsored protests and fabricated lies have been crafted and marketed to susceptible minds.
The distracting merchants who have undignified themselves with such poor outing failed to reminisce that before Fakuade came on board, MTI was an institution, where reptiles and rats became tenants of its facilities, much as  floods and erosions  threatened its surviving buildings. No one dared to recollect that MTI shadowed as an institution; where staff draw salaries and allowances for merely being classified as federal civil servants.
Or that MTI was  a learning center, where parents loathed with passion, the idea of their children trained in such an institution. This was attested by the massive withdrawal of students and dropped enrolment figures which characterized its unenviable memories and sealed its retrogressive fate.
Today, Mr. Fakuade faces malicious, but overtly faint campaigns from the same clan of people he is rendering truthful and honest leadership, because of his insistence on public good and  blocking of  loopholes in exploiting MTI. It has strangely courted for him a handful of enemies for inexplicable reasons. But his traducers lack the nerve to influence him negatively.

Mr. Fakaude remains a celebrated uncompromising and transparent leader among students, staff and parents. It explains why enrolment at MTI has appreciated in the last four years with public eulogies of his administration echoing everywhere in Anambra state and beyond.
Apparently, a few are incensed by Fakuade’s strict and uncompromising nature. It is because he does not connive with dubious fellows to consent to the frivolous waste of any penny of government budgeted for MTI’s development.  Those crafting mischief and poor subterranean plots to undermine a performing administrator have a long road ahead to trek.  Mr. Fakuade’s track records of purposeful service delivery at MTI  in the last four years have been unsurpassed in the history of the institution.

Onmeje wrote this piece from the United Kingdom.

The Archbishop of the South-South Pentecostal Churches in Nigeria, Archbishop Julius Ediwe has stated that Nigerians would have a cause to celebrate the efforts of the Nigerian Army in the fight against terrorism in the country in no distant time.

The clergy, who is known for his many predictions on the state of affairs in Nigerian as regards the Boko Haram/ISWAP insurgency, stated this in an interview with journalists recently. In the interview, he emphasized the fact that there has been a strategic alliance against Nigeria by neighboring francophone countries, and this has been aiding and abetting the Boko Haram/ISWAP fighters in launching offensives in Nigeria.

"The war against terrorism in Nigeria has assumed a dangerous dimension that has seen to the fact that some of our neighbors have been carrying out acts that undermine the efforts of the Nigerian Army is ensuring that the remnants of the terrorist group are wiped out."

"This is a serious endeavor that requires not only the physical effort but also the spiritual efforts in praying and fasting for God in his infinite mercies to come to the rescue of Nigeria in this critical point of our existence."

He took a swipe at France and other francophone countries along the Lake Chad basin region for the inglorious role they have been playing that has seen to the buoyancy of the activities of the group in recent times.

"France and its allies must realize that they have not been good neighbors of Nigeria for whatever reason. A situation where the Boko Haram group have found solace in their territories from where they launch attacks in Nigeria is ungodly and against every known form of being one's brother's keeper."

"In the book of Romans 14:19, the bible stated that "So then let us pursue what makes for peace and mutual up building." They must understand that there been neighbors to Nigeria should be for good and not for evil. The instruction in the bible is explicit."

The clergy added that the South-South Pentecostal Churches have been interceding on behalf of Nigeria, and there are signs that the end of the Boko Haram/ISWAP group is near.

"As we know, there is currently some in-fighting in the Boko Haram/ISWAP camp, and this is as a result of the relentless prayers offered by well-meaning Nigerians, as well as the tremendous efforts of the Nigerian military against the insurgents."
"Remember that I mentioned earlier that with the way things are going, it is now a combination of both physical and spiritual efforts that are required to win this war completely. I am glad about the results so far and return all the praises."

"They are tired of perambulating in the bushes because they do not have any base due to the constant pressure been mounted by the Nigerian Army in operation. This is indeed a sign that their end is indeed near, and Nigerians would have cause to celebrate their defeat by the grace of God."

The fiery cleric added that there are several revelations from God concerning Nigeria, and one of them is the fact that in the coming days and weeks, many more Boko Haram members would drop their arms and surrender.

"We have heard from God concerning Nigeria and the fight against the forces of evil that have conspired against our peace and unity. God revealed to us in the book of Deuteronomy 20:4 "for the Lord your God is he who goes with you to fight for you against your enemies, to give you the victory."

"I wish to tell Nigerians that indeed great victory is coming our way because God is not a man that he should lie. He has promised, and he will never fail.

The cleric called on Nigerians not to relent in prayers in fulfillment of the prophecy of God concerning Nigeria as regards the imminent defeat of the Boko Haram group.

"I call on all Nigerians regardless of the religious or ethnic affiliations to continue to pray for Nigeria because God has revealed that the end of Boko Haram is near”

"I heard from God that Boko Haram would be defeated under President Muhammadu Buhari and what we owe him is our constant prayers and support in this regard. I call on all of us to play this all-important role that would ultimately be beneficial to all of us as Nigerians."

The cleric further assured Nigerians that God is involved and doing great things. The military must remain focused on this final push in the fight against terrorism in Nigeria. He also stated that in no distant time, Nigerians would begin to see and appreciate the efforts of the Nigerian military in the quest to keep Nigeria safe and secure.

Boko Haram/ISWAP: It is time to cheer our military to final victory - Progressives Congress


The Progressive Nigerian People's Congress (PNPC) has called on Nigerians to rally behind the military in its final push to victory in the war against terrorism.

Whilst giving special kudos to the Chief of Army Staff, Lt. Gen TY Buratai for his gallantry and leadership, PNPC passed a vote of confidence on the Service Chiefs.

The group gave the charge at a world press conference held in Lagos on Thursday, acknowledging the spate of insecurity and appreciating the efforts of the Nigerian Military.

In a statement signed by President, Desmond Abiona, the progressive Nigerians reiterated that some selfish elements are in bed with criminal gangs to perpetuate criminality in parts of the country.

The group, however, urged Nigerians resist these conspirators and show support for the military in its final walk to victory.

Read full statement below:

You are all warmly welcomed to this World Press Conference organized by the Progressive Nigerian People's Congress, a foremost Civil Society Organization dedicated to sustaining the ideals of democracy in Nigeria through the instrument of advocacy and strategic engagement with critical stakeholders in government and the organized private sector.

We are constrained to call this World Press Conference in the light of the prevailing circumstances in Nigeria concerning the politically sponsored insecurity by enemies of the Nigerian state, that have vowed to see to the disintegration of the country by all means necessary.

As a first, we must state in unequivocal terms that the Nigerian Military has been at the forefront of ensuring that the various internal security challenges bedeviling the country are curtailed. This is in addition to the arduous task of preserving the territorial integrity of our country.

We wish to state that the sacrifices of the Nigerian Military in the fight against terrorism has been outstanding and this has elicited commendations from far and near and as such it behooves on well-meaning Nigerians to imbibe a new attitude devoid of sentiments to that of patriotism towards the efforts of the Nigerian Military. It is consequently our considered opinion that such disposition by the generality of Nigerians would spur the Nigerian Military to defeat the terror gangs and their sponsors that have elected to destabilize Nigeria.

The Progressive Nigerian People's Congress, as a stakeholder in the Nigerian cause and one conversant with the dynamics involved in the security architecture in Nigeria, states that indeed some selfish elements are in bed with criminal gangs to perpetuate criminality in parts of the country.

The case of Borno state provides a vivid example of how some politicians and friends of politicians who have benefited from the Boko Haram crisis in the North East region are not happy with the gains made so far in the fight against terrorism because it is no longer business as usual. They are no longer smiling to the bank with the commonwealth of the people.

We wish to consequently encourage the people of Borno State to rally support for the operations of the Nigerian Military in the state and other parts of North-East Nigeria, which in our opinion would be in their best interest if they are indeed desirous of seeing to the return of peace and tranquility to Borno state and thus creating an atmosphere for sustainable growth and development.

They must resist those few that have been conspiring to destroy the revered Military in operation in North-East Nigeria. This is also applicable to the generality of Nigerians who must see through the gimmick of those that have refused to come to terms with the outcome of the 2019 general elections and have vowed to ensure that Nigeria does not know peace.

The Progressive Nigerian People's Congress is using this medium to acknowledge the enormous sacrifices of the Service Chiefs in Nigerian, particularly the Chief of Army Staff, who has continued to devise new strategies to curtail and ensure that the remnants of Boko Haram/ISWAP terrorist group are confined to the fringes of the Lake Chad Basin region in furtherance of final clearance operations.

Thus, it behooves on all well-meaning Nigerians to continue to appreciate the efforts of the Service Chiefs who have displayed an unalloyed commitment to the restoration of peace and tranquility in North-East Nigeria and other parts of the country. Nigerians must resist the gimmick of a few that have refused to allow peace reign and the few that are using their privileged positions to fan the embers of war.

The Progressive Nigerian People's Congress is using this medium to state in unequivocal terms that it's indeed time for Nigerians to cheer our Military to victory in the fight against Boko Haram/ISWAP terrorists and other militant and politically sponsored criminal gangs in the country.

The Progressive Nigerian People's Congress wishes to state that Nigerians are appreciative of the efforts of the Nigerian Military and would continue to extend its prayers and support to the ever-loyal and hardworking troops.

The Progressive Nigerian People's Congress as an organization would continue to extend its support to the Nigerian Military in our quest for a better, vibrant, and prosperous Nigeria.

I thank you all in attendance, and please accept the assurances of our warmest regards.

The Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Tukur Buratai, has been honoured as the "Most Outstanding Chief of Army Staff" by Society Watch Magazine.

Nigeria's Army Chief was singled out for his dogged, brave and fearless approach in containing banditry, terrorism and insurgency.

Under the leadership of President Muhammadu Buhari, Nigeria's military have recorded incredible progress in the war against the Boko Haram terrorists.

From chasing the remnants of insurgents to the fringes, reopening previously inaccessible roads to the return of Internally Displaced Persons, the Nigerian troops are gradually restoring peace to the northeast.

Society Watch Magazine appears to be utterly overwhelmed by the COAS and the Army which bagged the "Best Government Institution of the Year".

At a ceremony held at the Nigerian Army Resource Centre, Abuja, on Wednesday, the platform, however, urged the COAS to sustain the momentum.

The Army Chief was represented at the event by Brig Gen TO Olowomeye D CMA who received the awards on behalf of the COAS and the Nigerian Army.

The event was attended by personalities from different walks of life including the Governor of Nasarawa State, ably represented by the Director Strategic Communication and Press Affairs, Alhaji Yakubu Lamai.

Others present include representatives of Honourable Minister of State for Agriculture and Ministry of State for Petroleum Resources, COPP, Brig-Gen PO Ilodibia among others.

RUINING THE LEGACY OF THE NIGERIAN JUDICIARY: A CASE STUDY OF THE RECENT AGITATION OF THE DECISIONS OF THE SUPREME COURT IN PRE-ELECTION AND ELECTION.

By:- KAYODE AJULO, PhD

The recent applications by some persons to the Supreme Court for the review the decision of the apex court in the appeals which emanated from the decision of the Tribunals in the recently concluded elections is quite worrisome and disappointing to say the least.

It is disappointing in the sense that the parties involved are represented by eminent members of the bar who are than familiar with the principle of law guiding appellate jurisdiction of the Supreme Court.

It is worrisome in the sense that the grant of this strange indulgence may open a window of uncertainty and in fact and corruption of the age-long legacy of the Supreme Court as enshrined in the doctrine of finality of judgement of the court and the desirability of putting an end to litigation.

In fact, in the celebrated case of Adegoke Motors v. Adesanya, Oputa JSC, of blessed memory, stated in clear terms that while reiterating the finality of the decision of the Supreme Court on issues submitted to it for determination that like other human contraption, the justice system may be susceptible to minor imperfection in some material particular, there must still be an end to litigation.

The only interpretation which may be given to the scenario which is currently playing out is that it is an attempt to rewrite to law, cow the Supreme Court to the ill-conceived public opinion sentiment which is currently being branded out in both the print and the social media by some persons; and an attempt to ridicule the Nigerian justice system.

For the avoidance to doubts and at the risk of repetition, through the entire gamut of appellate procedure, one principle is seen to be constant, that is there must be an end to litigation.

It is recognition of this that the Apex Court in Order 2 Rule 26 and Order 8 Rule 16 of the Supreme Court Rules states as follows:
(1) An application to strike out or set aside for non-compliance with these Rules, or for any other irregularity arising from the rules of practice and procedure in this Court, any proceedings or any step taken in any proceedings or any document, judgment or order therein shall only be entertained by the Court if it is made within a reasonable time and before the party applying has taken any fresh step after becoming aware of the irregularity.
(2) An application under this rule may be made by motion and the grounds of objection must be stated therein. See Order 2 Rule 29 Supreme Court Rules
(1) The Court shall review any judgment once given and delivered by it save to correct any clerical mistake or some error arising from any accidental slip or omission, or to vary the judgment or order so as to give effect to its meaning or intention.

A judgment or order shall be varied when it correctly represents what the Court decided nor shall the operative and substantive part of it be varied and a different form substituted. See Order 8 Rule 18 of the Supreme Court Rules.

It is also important to state that the Supreme Court has the inherent powers to set aside its decision as decided in a long line of decided cases where there is fraud, mistake and where the decision is reached in the absence of or in excess of jurisdiction. All these instances have already been covered by the decision of the Supreme Court in the recent of NBA v Iteogu.

In the entire gamut of the Nigerian law, it is not provided anywhere that the Supreme Court can review its decision but rather correct mistake under the slip rule as provided in Order 8 Rule 16 of the Supreme Court Rules.

One thing is clear in the circumstances of these application for review. There is a seeming attempt by counsel to resubmit issues which have been or ought to have been submitted to the court for determination but which was not.

The law neither contemplates nor envisages a situation where a party who has every opportunity to submit to the Court all issues arising from the facts of his case but failed to do so, to now bring an application to the court to resubmit those issues under the guise of an application for review contrary to the age-long established principle of law as established in decided cases.

This, in my considered opinion, is what the influx of the application for review is all about and I still maintain the position that there must be an end to litigation and that end is reached upon the pronouncement of the judgment of the Supreme Court.

Conducting a solemn matrimony between the foregoing stated position of the law and the fact of the cases based on which the Supreme Court is currently being inundated/flooded by application for review, there is a revelation of a dark agenda by a section of the bar in cahoot with some politicians to cow the Supreme Court and to introduce public sentiment into issues which have been settled by the Court.

Flowing from the foregoing, In one of the cases, Party A contested the Election and was declared winner affecting polling the highest number of lawful votes cast and the victory was upheld by the Supreme Court.

Meanwhile before the election, there was pre-election suit challenging the candidacy of the of the Party A candidate on the ground that the deputy gave false information in form CF0001 which was submitted to INEC.

In both suit culminating to the decision to the Supreme Court parties submitted issues to the court for determination and based on those issues the Supreme Court arrived at a decision and made requite pronouncements.

In a rather surreptitious scheme by the Applicant now before the Supreme Court, the applicant is attempting to resubmit further issues after the Court had already granted them all avenue to submit all issues. If this may even be spared as a mistake of counsel, which by law cannot be, such strange indulgence will usher in an era of uncertainty in adjudication or litigation generally and also erode the long established and sacrosanct doctrine of the finality of the decisions of the Supreme Court.

I deliberating resist the temptation of delving into the facts of these cases as doing is tantamount to falling into the same pit with the applicants before the Supreme Court.

Furthermore, on the ground of public policy, entertaining an application for judicial review will open a floodgate of applications from all the 36 states of the federations. This time around, it will not be limited to election petition alone.

A distinction need to be made between a review and an appeal. An appeal is a judicial examination of the decision of a lower by a higher court. While a review is re-examination of a case previously decided with a view to correction a particular mistake and not an avenue to correct a view or substitute or abandon an earlier position. It is necessary to put it on record the law did not provide for review but rather correction pursuant to the slip rule as stated in Order 8 Rule 16 of the Supreme Court Rules.

The National Agency for the Great Green Wall will be the Center of National Attraction as the Civil Society Network for Good Governance is set to pay it an all-important visit.

this was disclosed on Tuesday by the National President of the Organization Mr. Adefila Kamal at an inspection tour of Facilities at the Lagos Airport. He said the civil Society Organizations that comprise the Coalition are desirous in knowing more about the Agency and how it operates.

He expressed displeasure at how some critical agencies of government are not doing enough to educate the populace on their activities and how it affects the living conditions of the people. He further said others are clearly going out of their mandate by adding “Youths Empowerments” to their mandates even when there are statutory agencies charged with doing that.

When asked his opinion about the performance of the Agency, he said the assessment tour of Facilities and Auditor’s opinion will decide that but generally, there is a strong relationship between Environment and food security, and if Mr. President’s agenda on food security is to be taken seriously, then enough attention should be given to the Great Green Wall.

*Boko Haram: Nigerians in Diaspora express concerns over plot to embark on non-diplomatic regional collaboration with Chad*

The Association of Nigerian Professionals in Europe (ANPE) has warned against any meditated non-diplomatic regional alliance with the Republic of Chad capable of thwarting progress in the fight against terrorism.

ANPE made this disclosure at the end of its plenary on Tuesday after critically examining the country's efforts in the war against terrorism and insurgency.

In a communique signed by President, Dr. Agwu Onyeke and representatives drawn from 13 other countries, the Nigerian professionals were particularly critical of Governor Babagana Zulum of Borno State over a pact with Chadian soldiers.

While recommending an efficient regional collaboration to defeat Boko Haram terrorists, ANPE added that it isn't the role of Zulum or any other state governor to champion such negotiations.

The group, therefore, called on the international community to strongly condemn Zulum's actions to jeopardise his country's sovereignty and suggested a thorough probe by Nigerian authorities.

ANPE, however, urged the Federal Government to engage its neighbours on fresh terms, especially as it is unaware of Zulum's terms of negotiation with the Central African nation.


Read full communique below:

INTRODUCTION

The Association of Nigerian Professionals in Europe (ANPE) met to review Nigeria’s efforts in combating terrorism and insurgency in the country at a session that was well attended by members from across the countries of Europe.

The issues raised centered on the multinational efforts at combating the menace of terrorism.

OBSERVATIONS

The meeting of ANPE members, following extensive deliberations, noted as follow:

There is an urgent need for non-compromising regional efforts in confronting the menace of Boko Haram/ISWAP in the Lake Chad Basin. Existing efforts will have to be reset such that fresh commitments are secured from Chad, Niger and Cameroon to not act against the interest of Nigeria even when rebel politicians approach them to sabotage Nigeria’s interest.

The scramble for crude oil and other mineral resources in the Lake Chad Basin remains a driving force for the Boko Haram and ISWAP insurgency, which should be a source of concerns to Nigeria’s neighbours since any instability that persists in Nigeria will ultimately wipe out these neighbouring countries. These countries have not been helping themselves as they continue to collaborate with rogue politicians from Nigeria that have criminal intention of redrawing the map of the West African sub-region.

Proliferation of arms across Nigeria's arising from borders that have been made porous through sabotage and poor cooperation from neighboring countries. Because these countries are not doing enough to stem illegal arms flow, weapons provided by ISIS in the Middle East simply cross the Mediterranean and the Libyan desert to subsequently cross these countries for terrorists to use against Nigeria. Military hardware and state of the art surveillance drones are also in possession of the terrorists because certain countries allow their territories to be used for airdrops.

Covert and overt terrorists’ financing by the French government, colonial power over Nigeria’s neighbours, towards promoting its interest ahead of Nigeria's stability. The financial muscle provided to terrorists by such third party nations has been the major source of sustenance for their destructive activities.

Time is running out for Nigeria to take firm actions against the terrorists and nations that support them to thrive. Such actions should be taken with focus on the well-being of Nigerians that must be prioritize over supranational treaties.

The urgency to deal with Nigeria’s terrorism problem has become more pressing with the discovery that governors, like Borno state’s Professor Babagana Zulum, are interfacing with sovereign nations in a manner that portray their states as sovereignties that can enter into bilateral relations.

RECOMMENDATIONS

In response to the issues raised and following from deliberations, the ANPE recommended as follows:

States and Governors in Nigeria should desist from entering alliances that are capable of jeopardizing the ongoing war by the Federal government of Nigeria. Such engagement are prone to creating conflicting loyalties in the part of the countries that are being courted by these governors.

Nigerians, Nigeria and international partners should strongly condemn in its totality the attempts by the Governor of Borno State, Professor Babagana Zulum to recruit Chadian Forces to fight on Nigerian soil. There should be an investigation into what other aliens the governor has recruited to act as proxies on Nigeria’s soil.

The Federal Government of Nigeria should engage the country’s neighbours on fresh terms. The support that Nigeria extend to these nation should be suspended until such a time that they can show that they have stopped sabotaging the country’s interests, including cessation of interaction with rogue politicians from Nigeria.

The Federal Government of Nigeria should build international support to evolve a framework that will designate any country operating against its interest in the Lake Chad Basin as a terrorist nation that should be sanctioned.

Countries that provide arms to terrorists as part of their own geo-strategic interest should be prevailed upon to be considerate of Nigeria’s long term stability.

CONCLUSION

ANPE appreciates the enormous sacrifices being made by the Nigerian government in the war against insurgency and will continue to support every effort towards ensuring that Nigeria wins the war and the civilian population is protected from threats to humanity.

Boko Haram/ISWAP: Patriots write PMB over plot by Borno Gov, Zulum to cede parts of Nigeria to Chad

The Patriots Without Borders (PWB) has urged President Muhammadu Buhari to call Governor Babagana Zulum of Borno State to order over a plot to cede Nigeria to the Republic of Chad.

The Patriots raised this alarm over potential threat to Nigeria's territorial integrity and sovereignty in an open letter to the president on Monday.

In the letter signed by President, High Chief (Hon) Jack Efetobo, the group revealed that Zulum violated the powers of the Presidency by discussing national security with foreign nationals.

According to PWB, there is already a discreet plot to “ cede part of Nigeria’s territorial lands to Chad, precisely, the oil-rich Lake Chad Basin in exchange for assistance by masked state-actors in fighting Boko Haram/ISWAP terrorists in Borno state”.

The group, however, urged President Buhari to investigate Zulum and his co-conspirators as well as take immediate actions to halt the execution of such seditious plots against Nigeria.

Read full letter below:


His Excellency,

President Muhammadu Buhari, GCFR

Executive President &

Commander- in -Chief,

Nigerian Armed Forces,

Federal Republic of Nigeria,

Aso Rock Villa,

Abuja.



Your Excellency Sir,

An open letter: “The dangerous plan by Gov. Zulum to cede part of Nigeria to the Republic of Chad”

We bring you good tidings from our numerous members. In same vein, we wish you Solomonic wisdom and strength as you continue to pilot the affairs of Nigeria in the#NextLevel.

Sir, the Patriots Without Borders (PWB) is forced to publicly draw your attention to what we consider as a potential threat to the territorial integrity and sovereignty of Nigeria. We feel, it is a patriotic duty to voice out to save posterity impending anguish; but a disservice to our country Nigeria, to maintain a conspiratorial silence.

It must have come to your official notice that on January 20, 2020, the Executive Governor of Borno state, His Excellency, Prof. Babagana Umara Zulum paid an official visit to the Republic of Chad.

Media reports elaborated that Gov. Zulum’s visit to Chad had the twine agenda of discussing the country’s withdrawal of its forces from Nigeria early January this year and negotiations with Chadian agents on how to render assistance to Borno state in fighting Boko Haram.

PWB reliably sourced that while in the Chadian capital, N’Djamena, Gov. Zulum held secret talks with the Commander, Multinational Joint Task Force (MNJTF) Maj. Gen. Ibrahim Yusuf and other stakeholders of the team at its headquarters on issues of combating Boko Haram in Borno state and agreements were sealed. The Governor also visited the headquarters of the Lake Chad Basin Commission (LCBC).

We are concerned and boldly states that matters of foreign or international relations between countries particularly on a sensitive and explosive agenda like security are not covered by the powers averred an executive governor of a state.

Gov. Zulum’s actions violates the powers of the Presidency and traduces his limitations as serving Governor. The patriots are compelled to discern from Gov. Zulum’s actions, discreet plots to likely cede part of Nigeria’s territorial lands to Chad, precisely, the oil-rich Lake Chad Basin in exchange for assistance by masked state-actors in fighting Boko Haram/ISWAP terrorists in Borno state.

No matter the justification for Zulum’s visit to Chad and the rewarding fruits of the negotiations, we hold the deal suspect for very basic reasons. Gov. Zulum has wittingly abused his executive powers by the agenda of the visit. And his actions constitute a flagrant affront to the Federal Government of Nigeria (FGN) under your leadership.

We strongly suspect that silence is not golden, as the actions of the Governor have exposed Nigeria’s part of Lake Chad Basin or even other territories to threats akin to what the country experienced with the Republic of Cameroun in the colonial times with Bakassi Peninsula in Cross River state.

Nigeria eventually lost the oil-rich Bakassi Peninsula after prolonged international litigations over the disputed territory. And Gov. Zulum’s current engagement with some leaders in Chad in the guise of soliciting for assistance to fight Boko sHaram drapes with similar tenor.

Permit us to briefly refresh your memory on the series of incidents which were animated more than a century later and culminated into Bakassi becoming a disputed territory. It was powered by certain agreements local chiefs and kings “harmlessly” signed with external forces, just like Gov. Zulum’s indulgence today.

The sequence of events on the Bakassi which is sitting on the Gulf of Guinea is as follows;- (a) At the peak of the scramble for Africa, the King and other chiefs of Akwa Akpa, the aborigines of Bakassi signed a Treaty of Protection with Queen Victoria. (b)The treaty permitted the British empire to exalt control over the entire territory and vicinities around Calabar, with Bakassi inclusive. By virtue of this power, Bakassi’s un-delineatedborder became a de factor part of Nigeria.

It was at the convenience of the British-German or Anglo-German arrangement on partitioning of African territories:- (c) In 1961 when Southern Cameroonians voted to leave Nigeria, Bakassi still existed as a territory under the Calabar administration. (d) Decades upon decades later, after the local Chiefs signed the agreement with Queen Victoria and both Nigeria and Cameroon became independent countries, a dispute sprouted over the ownership of Bakassi. (e) The claims by the two countries over who owns Bakassi lasted for years and became confrontational.

The inflammable situation caused series of armed clashes in the region:- (f) So, in 1981, Cameroon and Nigeria were at the verge of war over Bakassi and the former also extended the land grabbing of Nigerian territories to Nigeria’s part of Lake Chad in present day Northern Borno state. (g) The violent clashes repeated sustainably in the early 1990s, compelling Cameroon on March 29, 1994 to approach the International Court of Justice (ICJ) for legal redress.

Unfortunately, the documents pleaded before the ICJ by Cameroon were in conformitywith that from the archives of the British and Germans. So, the ICJ in its verdict placed the possession of Bakassi under Cameroon. It was the simple agreement signed by the traditional rulers of Akwa Akpa in 1884 with Queen Victoria that came back to haunt and deprive Nigeria of the oil-rich Bakassi Penisula.

Nigeria lost its sovereignty over Bakassi Penisula following the transfers of its ownership to the Republic of Cameroon by the ICJ’s judgment on October 10, 2002.The action by Gov. Zulum in undermining or usurping the powers of the President of the Nigerian Federation to directly negotiate assistance in fighting Boko Haram with any organ or proxies of Chad is a depiction and laying of the template for a repeat of the Bakassi palaver.

From Nigeria’s experience over the problem of Bakassi, Gov. Zulum is knowingly or otherwise plunging the entire country into a potential dispute with the neighboring Chad over Nigeria’s legitimate territories. This suspicion is further heightened by the reality that the Nigerian side of the Lake Chad area has been a beautiful bride, which neighboring countries have been eying and attempting to snatch from Nigeria because of its natural treasures.

Your Excellency, the overriding motive of security as bargained by Gov. Zulum for the negotiations notwithstanding, the move is inconsistent with extant norms and a costly mistake. We have cause to believe it is a veiled dangerous plan by Gov. Zulum to cede Nigerian territories to Chad.

PWB is convinced that ceding any part of Nigeria to Chad, especially from that axis is preposterous. It will only help the sponsors of Boko Haram to achieve their age-long ambition of stopping Nigeria’s oil exploration within the Lake Chad Basin at the detriment of Nigeria.

We plead that you invoke the powers vested in you by the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, to investigate Gov. Zulum and his co-conspirators as well as take immediate actions to halt the execution of such seditious plots against Nigeria.

Your administration has not proved helplessness in combating Boko Haram/ISWAP terrorism in Nigeria. We are equally contented with the actions taken by your Government to rein in resurgent terrorists in the country. If Nigeria requires external intervention to curtail the excesses of terrorism, your office rather than that of a state governor is empowered by law to initiate and sign an international deal with any country.

Thank you for your audience and expected action, Sir.

Service Chiefs : Security Experts Back Retention, Advices PMB To Ignore Grumblings

The tenure of the Service Chiefs in the country has received the backing of some security experts in the country who advised that letting the Service Chiefs go now would be counterproductive in the ongoing war against terrorism in the country.

In an exclusive chat, Colonel JIP Ubah (rtd), a former military administrator of Kebbi state stated that the Service Chiefs in the country had been engaged in the war against terrorism and other violent militant group and any attempt to change them now would ultimately affect the gains made so far. Colonel Ubah stated that in line with global practices, war commanders are not changed in the middle of warfare as it would be counterproductive and might lead to a setback.

“The Boko Haram war in Nigeria is a very dynamic one that requires the deployment of strategy and well-thought-through tactics. This is what the current service chiefs have done in the past years that have seen to the gains recorded so far. I believe that the tempo they have built must be sustained towards to final onslaught against the insurgents.”

“If there is indeed a change in the leadership structure now, it would afford the insurgents the time to regroup and carry out offensive because the new leadership would require time to settle down and in unconventional warfare; a minute is more than enough to wreak havoc and turn the tide.”

In a similar vein, a top security official who pleaded anonymity stated that Nigerians must understand firstly that the security challenges facing the country are such that requires an astronomical level of vigilance and that those calling for the sack of Service Chiefs are doing it out of ignorance.

“Those not conversant with military operations should desist from heating the polity by openly calling for the sack of Service Chiefs. It is wrong for anyone to want to dabble into military operations under whatever guise. I would say such calls are borne out of ignorance because they don’t belong to the security sector. If only they can have a peep into what goes on within the security architecture in the country, they would come to appreciate the efforts of the present leadership of the Armed Forces.”

A retired security chief from the eastern part of the country also corroborated this line of thought by heaping praises on the ongoing efforts to rid the country of terrorist activities. He stated that the decision of President Muhammadu Buhari to retain the Service Chiefs in the country is the rational thing to do given the enormity of the task at hand and being one who has fought wars in times past and understands the dynamics involved.

“For some of us that have passed through the system, we must admit that the present bunch has been very impressive in the discharge of their duties. We have been watching the situation in North-East Nigeria and other parts of the country closely and conclude that there is no basis for President Muhammadu Buhari to effect a change in the leadership structure of the Armed Forces.”

“Don’t forget that he is the Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces, and he oversees the security operations in the country. I think Nigerians should avoid politicizing the situation by calling for the sack of the Service Chiefs. That is the prerogative of Mr. President, and I think his grasps of issues are top-notch, and I would advise that he doesn’t tinker with the present arrangement.”

Professor Dubem Askari of the Nigerian Defence Academy, Kaduna, believed that the call for the sack of Service Chiefs was the handiwork of those not kind to the history of Nigeria. He stated that those conversant with the history of armed struggle in Nigeria would realize that the effort of the Nigerian Military in maintaining internal security in the country is indeed outstanding.

“Years of misrule, massive corruption, and squandering of development opportunities by successive governments have not only pauperized large segments of the population, but they have also left frayed nerves, forcing frustrated Nigerians to bare fangs against erstwhile peaceful neighbors at the individual and communal levels.”

“ So it is not a function of sacking the Service Chiefs, it is rather a function of understanding enormity of the task at hand and appreciating the efforts of the Nigerian Military that have been drafted into internal security operations alongside their constitutionally recognized role of preserving the territorial integrity of Nigeria.”

In a similar development, some security experts in the country have advised President Muhammadu Buhari to ignore the grumblings over his stance on retaining the Service Chiefs in the country, stating that it is one of the strategies deployed by sponsors of terrorism in Nigeria to cause a distraction.

A former director of the Department of State Security Service who didn’t want his name in print stated that, the call for the sack of Service Chiefs are aimed at distracting the troops in the battlefront so that the Boko Haram/ISWAP gang can launch a counteroffensive.

“We must understand that there is also the role of human psychology in warfare, and this is what the Boko Haram/ISWAP leadership is attempting to engage in through the propaganda for the call for the sack of Service Chiefs. This is a highly distractive exercise, and I am glad that President Muhammadu Buhari has elected to ignore and instead focus on the task at hand. The decision of President Muhammadu Buhari is the best so far as psychological warfare is concerned.”

He also added that the hierarchy of the Nigerian Military must control the narrative and engage the minds of the officers and soldiers in battle because they are indeed the target of the propaganda.

“The officers and soldiers at the war front are psychologically vulnerable, and the Nigerian Military must devise means to control the narrative, so they don’t lose concentration. This could be achieved through writing personal letters to the officers and soldiers in the war front or routine visits. This is very important because some of the officers and soldiers can engage in undermining acts that would further lend credence to the call for the sack of Service Chiefs. It is just how human psychology is configured.”

Professor Istifanus Gomwalk of the Department of General and Applied Psychology of the University of Jos was of the opinion that the Boko Haram group is skilled in the art of engaging in psychological warfare and they have been backing this up with guerrilla tactics since the Military has decimated them and hindered their operations.

“The government must understand that this push is from unlikely sources aimed at regrouping, and the government must not give in to this strategy. Echoing for the president to change his security team is one of such strategies, and it must be resisted if we are serious about winning the war against terrorism in Nigeria.”

It would be recalled that there have been calls for the sack of Service Chiefs in the country owing to the spate of insecurity in some certain parts of the country. Some concerned stakeholders in the country have questioned such calls as the handiwork of mischief makers who are not happy with the gains made so far in the fight against terrorism in Nigeria.

*Freed Shiites: Kaduna High Court Judge not one of us, belongs to IMN – Legal practitioners*

A group of lawyers, under the aegis of Lawyers United for Justice, Peace and Development (LUJPD) has disowned Justice Hajaratu Gwadah following her judgement which discharged and acquitted 91 members of the Islamic Movement of Nigeria.

The legal practitioners said the Justice of the Kaduna State High Court isn't one of them but a member of the radical Iran-backed sect and therefore rejected the ruling as “disgraceful” and “shocking”.

Speaking on behalf of the group at a press conference on Saturday, National Coordinator, Barrister Cletus Onwu wondered why a presiding Judge would hold that the prosecution did not prove its case beyond reasonable doubt.

LUJPD, therefore, vowed to monitor proceedings in the appeal to be filed days ahead by the Kaduna State Government against the judgment.

The group enjoined Nigerians to join and push for sanction against Justice Gwadah.

Read full statement below:

Gentlemen of the press, many of you must have followed the recent Kaduna High Court judgement which discharged and acquitted 91 members of the Islamic Movement of Nigeria (IMN). The Lawyers United for Justice, Peace and Development finds this judgement disgraceful, shocking and mockery of all that the judicial institution in Nigeria represents.

We are utterly disappointed that a highly-regarded colleague in Justice Hajaratu Gwadah at High Court 9, NDA Junction, Kawo in Kaduna State carelessly handled such a case bordering on Criminal Conspiracy, Unlawful Assembly, Culpable Homicide, Disturbance of Public Peace and Causing Grievous Hurt.

There are clear indications that Justice Gwadah is bias in her judgment and belongs to the terrorist organization, considering the manner she dispensed with the case at its preliminary stage. The Director of Public Prosecution who led the legal team for Kaduna State Government, Daris Bayero was able to call a total of 31 witnesses, including senior military officers who gave the court a vivid account of what happened to them on that fateful day.

In addition, the prosecution presented over 105 exhibits that were cleared and legally admitted by the court. We wonder why a sane Presiding Judge who swore by the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria to do justice to all manner of persons without fear or favour would hold that the prosecution did not prove its case beyond reasonable doubt. How can she hold that the prosecution did not present any legally admissible evidence before the court? What could be more considered as legally admissible evidence outside 31 witnesses and 105 exhibits?

The purported report of a “No Case Submission” in criminal proceedings is to test whether or not a prima facie case has been established for the accused persons to answer or defend. The procedure is preliminary in nature as far as our criminal law jurisprudence is concerned. It therefore does not give room for Justice Gwadah to make such pronouncement as “the prosecution did not prove its case beyond reasonable doubt”. The issue of whether or not the prosecution has proven its case beyond reasonable doubt is only due for consideration at the end of the whole trial when the accused persons would have completely closed their defence.

We vividly recall that fateful Saturday, 12th December, 2015, the Chief of Army Staff, Lt. Gen. Turkur Buratai together with his entourage was heading to pay homage to the Emir of Zazzau before proceeding to attend the passing out parade of 73 Regular Recruits at the Nigerian Army Depot, Zaria. Unfortunately, violent and heavily armed members of the IMN otherwise known as Shiites barricaded the Kaduna-Zaria Highway in an attempt to assassinate the Chief of Army Staff. The assassination plot was eventually foiled in a manner that was described by many eyewitnesses as divine. This led to the arrest, detention and subsequent prosecution of several members of the IMN alongside their leader, Sheikh Ibraheem El-Zakzaky and his wife.

The Lawyers United for Justice, Peace and Development will, therefore, monitor proceedings in the appeal to be filed days ahead by the Kaduna State Government against the judgment. As Ministers in the Temple of Justice, lawyers are meant to be vigilant and speak against whatever thing that is inimical to the security of Nigeria. LUJPD will mobilize ahead of time to monitor the case which is perceived to be erroneous on point of law when an appeal is lodged at the Court of Appeal.

We shall give necessary support to the Kaduna State Government as well as the Federal Government as they strive consistently to tame the terror group called Islamic Movement in Nigeria. We are convinced that if the 91 members of MNI are not innocent but were discharged based on personal interest, the Court of Appeal in its wisdom will do all that is within the ambit of our laws to upturn the judgment of Justice Gwadah.

Nigerians should join us to reject the said judgment and push for sanction against Justice Gwadah before the Kaduna State Judicial Commission for being bias. If she does not tow the path of transparency, justice and equity in handling all other IMN related cases pending in her court, then she has to be shown the way out of the Kaduna State Judiciary.

By Charles Ibekwe

In spite of the gravity of any dilemma, certain actions are incompatible with national interest. And it must be stated in black and white or plainly too. A few days ago, Borno state Governor, Prof. Babagana Umara Zulum paid an official visit to the Republic of Chad, Nigeria’s conspicuously harsh neighbours.

Media reports quoted Gov. Zulum as visiting the headquarters of the Multinational Joint Task Force (MNJTF) in the Chadian capital, N’Djamena and other places in Chad. He was also at the headquarters of the Lake Chad Basin Commission, also in N’Djamena. The Governor held a closed- door parley with the MNJTF Commander over the fight against Boko Haram in Borno State.

Gov. Zulum’s visit to Chad is coming less than two months after the country pulled out its soldiers deployed to Nigeria under the auspices of MNJTF to complement Nigerian troops in fighting Boko Haram/ISWAP terrorists. This clearly subversive action by Chad simultaneously upped the tempo of resurgent terrorism in the area.

Chad claimed its forces in Nigeria had completed the months of its mission in Nigeria and will not return. Colonel Azem Bermandoa of the Chadian forces said, “They have finished their mission…None of our soldiers remains in Nigeria. Those who have come back will return to their sector at Lake Chad.”

Many faulted the decision and claims by Chad on pulling out its forces from Nigeria. And the reality contradicts the claims of the Chadian Republic as evident in the resurgent Boko Haram/ISWAP attacks in Northeast. Its quite a delicate and sensitive security issue, which the Federal Government of Nigeria (FGN) itself is approaching with calculated steps for many reasons.

First, analysts of the Boko Haram insurgency and ISWAP terrorism posit that though MNJTF is collaborative security task force involving Nigeria, Niger, Chad and Cameroun to checkmate Boko Haram insurgency, and that the countries agreed on terms of funding and operational creeds, only Nigeria is consistent in meeting its obligations. Niger and Chad are hesitant especially on the issue of funding of the MNJTF.

Also, while Nigeria is under the intense Boko Haram insurgency and its variant of ISWAP terrorism, Niger and Chad experience relative peace and security. Virtually all the terrorists which infiltrate Nigeria’s Northeast gain ingress into the country from Niger and Chad principally.

And since the Nigerian Army destroyed Boko Haram’s safest sanctuary- Sambisa forest, Niger and Chad have allegedly willy-nilly offered terrorists who torment Nigeria abodes of respite and recuperation. Its where they gather momentum to launch fresh attacks on Nigeria. Meanwhile, despite the existence of MNJTF, very often terrorists chased by Nigerian troops, escape unmolested once they step into Chad or Niger territories.

There are several other conspiracy theories alleging unfaithfulness of some French colonies like Chad and Niger as supporting the terrorism in Nigeria covertly or overtly because of France’s dubious interest in the crude oil reserves of the Lake Chad Basin. It is open secret that these countries are not genuinely concerned about assisting Nigeria blight the fire of terrorism. The plot of these countries to annihilate the Nigerian side of the oil-rich Lake Chad Basin, actively backed by foreign countries is very potent.

In fact, France is figured in this deal and it is alleged that with the connivance of these countries, crude oil in Nigeria’s Lake Chad territory is stealthily being explored and stolen. Part of the plans is to cause permanent insecurity in the Lake Chad Basin area, to make it impossible for Nigeria to establish structures for the exploration of her crude oil.

It explains why Boko Haram/ISWAP terrorists’ atrocious acts are not only heightened, but perpetually domiciled in this area. Several Nigerian oil workers on official assignments have either been killed or abducted in the Lake Chad Basin at different times.

Added to this burden is the nightmare of trans-border trade, through the direct road linkage between Nigeria and Chad. The route has remained a main transit path for movement of illicit arms and ammunitions which service the weaponry needs of Boko Haram/ISWAP terrorists. The same thing largely applies to Niger. Both countries have made very pretentious or at best, feeble attempts to curb arms smuggling into Nigeria, with adverse effects on the country.

However, much as everyone desires peace and security in Borno and other parts of the Northeast, the aforementioned issues are international in nature and involves Nigeria’s neighbours. It is beyond the official jurisdiction of a State Governor, as conveyed by Gov. Zulum’s interference and visit to Chad. A lot of Nigerians who forget experiences of history or yesterday’s lessons and its impact would impulsively dismiss those interrogating the Borno Governor’s overstretch of his duties.

But it has dire consequences for Nigeria. Gov. Zulum held a closed-door meeting with the Commander of the MNJTF, Maj. Gen. Ibrahim Yusuf in N’Djamena. And speculations are rife that it is connected with the recent pullout of Chadian troops from Nigeria and the subsequent rise of insurgency attacks in the Borno State.

Despite his advertised good intentions, Gov. Zulum must realize that foreign affairs relation is an exclusive purview of the FGN. More so, when it concerns hostile neighbours whose aims and objectives in Nigeria’s war against terrorism is not defined and held suspect.

Only President Muhammadu Buhari at this material time can anchor such international discussions with another country or authorize any person to do so on his behest for Nigeria. Its not the case with Gov. Zulum’s visit to Chad. It is his personal initiative.

An official statement by the Borno state Governor’s spokesman Mallam Isa Gusau elucidated that leaders who met in Chad affirmed their resoluteness in finding peace against Boko Haram. In other words, it implies, a deal has been struck with Chadian forces in battling Boko Haram/ISWAP terrorists.

The reality of the implications of Gov. Zulum’s negotiations with the Republic of Chad to come and help Nigeria fight Boko Haram will not dawn on him fully now. And most Nigerians may also blindly toe his line. Given that both Chad and Niger have criminal interest in the crude oil in the Lake Chad Basin, the case is potentially explosive and leaves loopholes for possible exploitation of Nigeria.

Zulum’s actions reminds of the Bakassi Peninsula in Cross River state, Nigeria and the Republic of Cameroun. During the Scramble for Africa, Queen Victoria signed a Treaty of Protection with the King and Chiefs of Akwa Akpa, known to Europeans as Old Calabar, on September 10, 1884. This enabled the British Empire to exercise jurisdiction over the whole territory around Calabar, including Bakassi.

The simple action was the foundation of the long-drawn dispute between Nigeria and Cameroun, which almost plunged the two countries into war and the resort to the International Court of Justice (ICJ). The ICJ passed a judgement on the disputed territory on October 10, 2002 in favor of Cameroun, which ceded Bakassi to the Southern part of Cameroun. The case is popular and the rest has become history.

Gov. Zulum’s recent visit to Chad to negotiate assistance over fighting Boko Haram/ISWAP elements smacks of courting such trouble in the future. Much as terrorism is a reality in Nigeria and its force potent, it is not yet beyond the capacity of Nigerian soldiers to quench its torments.

The COAS and leader of the counter-insurgency operations, Lt. Gen. TY Buratai reechoed a few days ago that the Nigerian Army is capable and competent to defeat Boko Haram/ISWAP terrorism. They have done it before and can repeat same gallantry. There could be some operational grey areas in troops campaigns against terrorists in Nigeria, but they are being sorted out. Gov. Zulum’s action has gone beyond the threshold of his permissible official duties.

It is not belated for Gov. Zulum to retrace his steps. The Republic of Chad is also tethered by her own crippling internal security problems which it is still struggling to surmount. A drowning man cannot call another drowning man for assistance. Zulum should not provide the plank for Chad and its foreign allies to walk in actualizing their age-long ambition of cornering the Nigerian part of the oil-rich Lake Chad Basin.

It still baffles how Gov. Zulum thinks he can use fire to quench fire. Straightforwardly, Gov. Zulum, that meeting and negotiation with Chad to assist fighting Boko Haram is like a forbidden fruit and incompatible with Nigeria’s interest. Do not tempt the gods boldly.


Ibekwe is a public affairs analyst and wrote from NIJ, Lagos.

Following a visit to N’Djamena in January, the Patriotic Front of Nigeria (PFN) has cautioned Governor Babagana Zulum of Borno State against engaging Chadian soldiers.

The motive of Professor Zulum's visit, according to PFN, was to invite the country's army to come occupy Nigeria and help fight insurgency.

Speaking on behalf of the group at a press conference on Saturday in Abuja, President Dr. Tunde Olorunfemi revealed that Zulum acted as though he was Nigeria's president with the gravity of utterances he made in Chad.

The group disclosed that Zulum plans to cede a part of Nigeria under the pretext of inviting Chadian forces to help Nigeria curtail the activities of Boko Haram and ISWAP.

The Patriotic Front of Nigeria, however, warned the governor to desist from this plot, urging well meaning Nigerians and the international community to join in the condemnation.

Read full statement below:

The Patriotic Front of Nigeria (PFN) is concerned to learn about the planned ceding of Nigerian territory to the Republic of Chad or to alternatively declare an enclave nation made up of Borno state and local government areas from neighbouring states.

This nefarious plan came to light with the decision of Borno state governor, Professor Babagana Zulum, to elevate himself to the status of a president by running a diplomatic shuttle to the Republic of Chad, where he held several high level meetings in addition to making utterances that should only be attributable to a head of state or government.

It should be noted that Professor embarked on journey to Chad only after President Muhammadu Buhari upbraided the political leadership of the state for propping up terrorists to kill their own people. His visit to Chad, which he used to invite the army of that country to come and occupy Nigeria, is apparently a fall back option to escape justice for supporting terrorist by switching his state's jurisdiction to another country.

Furthermore, experts see greed at work on the part of the governor, who possibly hopes to make monetary gains from crude oil exploration in the wakes of the proven reserves that have recently been confirmed. France has been after this natural resources deposit and had undermined Nigeria’s interest through Chad; it is this same interests that the Borno state governor is now latching into to undermine Nigeria.

We see an existential urgency for caution in this development considering that Professor Zulum now appears to be acting from the same script as the Boko Haram and ISWAP terrorists that had vowed to create insurgent nation states governed by the strictest configuration of Sharia law. It is one thing for the Nigerian state and military to be the fighting to keep the nation united in spite of the terrorist insurgency but is becomes totally dangerous when a governor deploys the instrument of state to back the terrorists' quest to break up the country.

The seemingly lesser evil that Professor Zulum is out to cede a part of Nigeria to Chad under the pretext of inviting Chadian forces to help Nigeria curtail the activities of Boko Haram and ISWAP is equally unacceptable since it also undermines the integrity of Nigeria.

Even the populist posturing of the governor is not enough to atone for his treachery against Nigeria because it is most uncharitable to contemplate the invasion and occupation of any Nigerian territory by Chad on the invitation of Borno State Governor.

We urge well meaning Nigerians and the international community to join in the condemnation Professor Zulum's romance with chaos. There are clear dangers to ceding even an inch of Nigeria to Chad while a breakaway Borno will be a runway disaster.

The entire region will be destabilized even as the waning insurgency and terrorism in the Lake Chad Basin will take a turn for the worse. There also the long term stability of Nigeria that would be jeopardized.

Whilst we are still battling with our territory that was handed to Cameroon by the Gowon administration, Nigerians will not tolerate any attempt to cut off any part of their country for Chad. The Federal Government must show that it understands this sentiment among Nigerians by identifying and punishing those that accompanied the Borno state governor on his treasonous journey to Chad while his own trial for this crime should commence on the day he loses his immunity. An example should be set to discourage any over ambitious politician from threatening the territorial integrity of Nigeria.

An international counter-terrorism expert, David Otto, has advised the Government of Burkina Faso to learn from the successes recorded by the Nigerian Army under the leadership of Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Tukur Yusuf Buratai if they hope to end the menace of jihadists/terrorists in the country.

Under the leadership of Lieutenant General Buratai, the Nigerian Army has recorded tremendous progress in the fight against terrorism despite conspiracy from disgruntled politicians and foreign non-governmental organisations.

Mr Otto believes Burkina Faso have a lot to learn from Nigeria's Army chief if they are to win the war against jihadists groups in the country.

He gave the advise when granting an interview on Aljazeera.

“Burkina Faso has become weakest link due to jihadists influence. They moved towards Burkina Faso as unprepared, due to ungoverned spaces.

He said Burkina Faso was not prepared, because it is an assymetrical warfare they are fighting, which requires special skills.

He urged Burkina Faso to learn from Nigeria, which made a lot of gain against jihadists since 2015.

“From 2015 with Lieutenant Ganeral Yusuf Buratai, they made a lot of progress. They need to learn from other African countries like Nigeria that are fighting jihadists.

“Burkina Faso seems to have been run down by the jihadists and there seems to be no answers, the French are really not helping,” he submitted.

He said the Islamic State of West African Province (ISWAP) is one of the most dangerous groups operating in the region.

He further said other militia groups linked to the Fulani Herdsmen/Farmers crisis are also threatening the region.

Otto charged Burkina Faso to act fast to drive jihadists out of the region.

He described the situation as bad, but called on Burkina Faso leaders to look for a counter Insurgency strategy, which they don’t have at the moment.

The Save Humanity Advocacy Centre (SHAC) has backed the Kaduna State Government's resolve to appeal the release of 91 members of the proscribed Islamic Movement in Nigeria(IMN) by a Federal High Court.

The SHAC said the recent judgement, which freed the Shiite members after attempting to assassinate the Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lieutenant General Tukur Buratai in 2015, killing a soldier in the process is the “ most shocking and a travesty of Justice”.

Dissatisfied with the ruling in favour of Zakzaky’s disciples, the state government vowed to appeal the acquittal of the defendants in the State versus Mahdi Munkaila and 91 others, one of the cases arising from the Zaria clashes of December 2015.

According to the Attorney General and Commissioner of Justice, Aisha Dikko lamented that, ‘’a total of 36 witnesses were called including senior military officers who were with the Chief of Army Staff at the scene of the crime, Senior Police Officers, a Consultant Pathologist, Ballisticians and victims of the crime with 106 exhibits tendered”.

Despite these evidence and witnesses, the court still ruled in favour of the Iran-backed group to the dismay of the Kaduna government and SHAC.

In a statement signed by Executive Director, Joyce Ogwu, the Centre reasoned that this is a dangerous precedence which would give IMN the nerve to perpetuate further nefarious activities and encourage other militant groups to tow the same path.

The SHAC, therefore, courd the Kaduna state government not to relent towards ensuring that this anomaly is reversed by a higher and competent court of jurisdiction.

Read full statement below:

The Save Humanity Advocacy Centre wishes to inform the members of the general public that the recent judgment of a Federal High Court in Kaduna releasing 91 members of the Islamic Movement in Nigeria (IMN) over the killing of a soldier is at most shocking and a travesty of Justice. This can be best described as a mockery of all that the judicial institution in Nigeria represents.

We consequently wish to state that this is indeed dangerous precedence in the sense that the members of the IMN would be bolstered by such misgivings to continue to perpetuate their nefarious activities in Nigeria since they have found an ally in the court.

The discharge and acquittal of the IMN members that brazenly engaged in violent acts that led to the death of a soldier is an indication that the IMN might have spread its tentacles to the judicial arm of government with the active support of the Iranian authorities.

The Save Humanity Advocacy Centre wishes to state that this judgment would indeed send the wrong signal to other militant groups in Nigeria that they can always get away with their atrocities if they can compromise the integrity of the judiciary.

It is therefore appalling that a judge of high standing could base a judgment on technicalities while ignoring the main issued canvased during the trial processes.

The Save Humanity Advocacy Centre wishes to express its disappointment with the court ruling and also state that if care is not taken, such actions by the court is capable of festering acts of terrorism in Nigeria.

The judicial system must see itself as a critical partner in the war against terrorism in Nigeria. As such, it must do all possible in ensuring that Justice is served at all times, and in the interest of fairness and equity.

The Save Humanity Advocacy Centre wishes to charge the Kaduna State government to appeal the judgment as quickly as possible to ensure that the threats which the IMN constitute to the society is not allowed to graduate into a monster.

This is necessary in the light that the IMN has indeed distinguished itself as a terrorist organization whose ultimate aim is to violently turn Nigeria into their caliphate for the propagation of the extremist ideology of their sponsors (Iran) in the African region.

The Save Humanity Advocacy Centre call on all lovers of democracy in Nigeria to see this judgment as an affront to our collective sensibilities as well as an attempt to humiliate further the families of the victims of the nefarious activities of the IMN in Nigeria.

The Save Humanity Advocacy Centre frowns at such miscarriage of Justice, and it is hoped that the judiciary would see itself as that critical constituency in the preservation and entrenchment of peace and unity in Nigeria.

We urge the Kaduna state government not to relent towards ensuring that this anomaly is reversed by a higher and competent court of jurisdiction.

It must be stated that if indeed we are desirous of making progress in Nigeria; all arms of government must work in pursuit of a common goal, which is the continued growth and development in an atmosphere of peace and tranquility.

The law must indeed be on the side of truth.

By Abu Duniya

There are several clandestine plots to frustrate and blur the legacies of President Muhammadu Buhari in battling the multifaceted insecurities to a standstill in Nigeria. Some politicians who are pulling the strings are gradually exposing themselves by unguarded public exclamations.

The immediate past Governor of Borno state, and Senator representing Borno Central senatorial district, Alhaji Kashim Shettima is suspected as one of the latest entrants into this plot. He belongs to Nigeria’s league of former Governors, who transmutes into the Senate not necessarily by merit; but by crude manipulation of the people.

What is however a common denominator with these ex-governors is the vagueness of their insistence to be in the Senate. Every one of them, without exception retires from governorship into the Senate in pursuit of higher political ambitions at the national level.

One can excuse the underperformance of some of these ex-governors; but its painful to forgive them for plunging their states into insecurities, penury, hunger, poverty and disease. One becomes angrier that these former governors are also neophytes in legislative business.

The contributions of such ex-governors to debates and motions in the parliament during plenaries infuriates, lacks depth and wisdom. The national question is often thrown overboard; while patriotism is unconscionably sent on sabbatical leave.

Sen. Shettima, the Senate Committee Chairman on interior belongs to this clan of Senators contaminating the reverence of the Red Chamber. He parrots endlessly, both within and outside the Senate Chambers. What betrays him most is his glibness and the excitement to mouth inanities.

Less than a year in the Senate, Sen. Shettima divulged his motives. As guest speaker at the 17th edition of Daily Trust Dialogue held in Abuja in January 2020, Sen. Shettima unconsciously hinted of his obsession for being in Abuja. He said; If I have my way; now that I am in Abuja, I won’t mind being part of the cabals. But I would rather prefer to call it power brokers or inner caucus.”

With such outpourings, it leaves no one in doubt that Sen. Shettima migrated into the Senate in search of his personal greener pastures on the political turf. He is not in the senate to either serve the interest of his constituents or Nigeria, but someone who fits into the description of a vagabond in power.

Shettima nurses personal political dreams that’s why he is hibernating in the Senate, which is his inalienable right. But what is repugnant in his conduct is the desperation to run down personalities and institutions to achieve his ambition.

He governed Borno state for eight years -2011 to 2019. His first tenure (2011 to 2015) was the embryonic stage of Boko Haram insurgency. He was elected Governor at a time Boko Haram terrorism was at its infantile stage. But he is directly guilty as one of the leaders in the state who handled the Boko Haram insurgency with kid gloves, romanced it to fester, built safety nests for its offspring and embalmed it with kingly regalia.

Today, Boko Haram has morphed into a major national security threat, with its variant in ISWAP terrorism, terminating thousands of precious lives; destruction of properties estimated at over eight billion dollars. If there is a state in Nigeria whose memory invokes pain in Nigerians is Borno state because of Boko Haram atrocities.

That is where it started, mushroomed and grew into a national plaque. If Sen. Shettima has reason to admit now that he exited Borno state Government House, Maiduguri and left the state in a better security condition than he met it in 2011, it is because of the astuteness of President Muhammadu Buhari and the dexterity of the current Security Chiefs in taming the monster of insurgency.

Shettima has forgotten that twice in his first tenure as Governor, Boko Haram attempted to overrun Borno Government House Maiduguri. He escaped narrowly by providence or else, he would have been captured and ferried off. He would have been one of their priciest hostages by now.

President Buhari and the current Security Chiefs brought sanity in the counter-terrorism campaigns in the Northeast and Borno state in particular. As the then sitting Governor of Borno, in 2016, Sen. Shettima confessed the exceptional successes the military recorded against Boko Haram in an interview he granted News Agency of Nigeria in Maiduguri. He said; “Maiduguri is more secured than even Lagos or Abuja. There are 2 million people living in Maiduguri; we celebrated Sallah without any incident.”

Paradoxically, the same Sen. Shettima who is part of problem has the impudence to castigate and lampoon the Nigerian Military over their recent handling of Boko Haram/ISWAP terrorism in Borno state. He has embarked on campaigns to undermine the military operations against Boko Haram/ISWAP terrorists’ in Borno to tacitly rubbish the legacies’ of President Buhari on insurgency.

Perhaps, Sen. Sertima’s desperation to be noticed and probably be fingered into his concept of a “cabal” in Abuja has compelled him to make profane utterances. Shettima has marketed himself as a confounding personality in contradictions.

While seeking to shoot himself into limelight, and diminish President Buhari’s legacies on insecurity, Sen. Shettima is using the unfortunate Boko Haram attack on Auno village, near Maiduguri which terminated the lives of some travelers as his launchpad.

At one breath, Shettima appears to eulogize President Buhari’s efforts on extinguishing the fires of Boko Haram; and at the same time, he gleefully recants himself like a demented and confused man at another instance.

Between February 12 to 14, Shettima has posted different postures of the Boko Haram attacks on Auno village. After a plenary, Sen. Shettima informed journalists when asked a question on the Boko Haram attack on Auno village that; “We cannot just demonize Buhari, Buhari did his best, and we had a respite between 2015 and 2017, before we had this recent relapse.”

In a pathetic contradictory fashion Sen. Shettima, at another instance in plenary while speaking on Order 42 and 52 of the Senate rules, claimed the military showed no resistance to the attacks despite the proximity of the scene to the military formation and called for investigation of the incident.

Dissatisfied that he has not vibrated enough Sen. Shettima in another separate public statement advised the Nigerian Defence Headquarters (DHQ) to constitute a panel of inquiry into the insurgents killings in Auno village.

He said of the insurgents attacks, “Of them all, the incident at Auno on Sunday night has been the most dehumanizing and disturbing. As Senator representing Borno Central where Auno is situated, I have the option of lobbying my colleagues and sponsoring a motion for the Senate to constitute an investigative panel on the Auno incident, which clearly begs for some answers.”

This is very disingenuous; unsure and an uncertain representative of people. It’s difficult to determine what message Sen. Shettima really intended to convey on the Auno village attack by Boko Haram. Is he advising DHQs or lobbying his colleagues in the Senate to pass a resolution compelling DHQs to investigate the incident?

Sen. Shettima has a queer sense of representation of his people at the Senate. Beside the crafty and clever manner, he has attempted to shift the blame either to President Buhari or the Nigerian military has not eliminated his complicity in the problem of insurgency in Borno.

He passionately played to sentiments by endearingly referring to his constituents in trauma of terrorism. But he was mute when the 2020 defence was deliberated in the Senate and a meagre sum allocated to security agencies in the age of multiple battles with insurgencies. At the point of debates on proper funding of the Military, to effectively counter insurgency, Sen. Shettima played the lame duck role.

Shettima was a part of the cabal in the Senate which frustrated or kicked against allocation of adequate funds for procurement of weapons to battle Boko Haram and ISWAP terrorists. Today, the same Senator is shedding crocodile tears and claiming to feel for the affliction of his people.

It is hypocritic and surely, not the path to stardom in national politics. By his latest actions, Sen. Shettima has undisguisedly exposed himself as the man behind the attempt to rubbish President Buhari’s legacies on the war against insurgency. He hates Mr. President much as he hates his traumatized people.

Someone should volunteer to hint Sen. Shettima that he is on a wrong voyage. There are insinuations that Sen. Shettima is believed to be keenly interested in deputizing the incumbent Vice President, Prof. Yemi Osinbajo when he vies for the Presidency of Nigeria in 2023.

But Sen. Shettima’s greatest albatross is that he is not ready to wait or carefully navigate his path. He has begun on a faulty foundation. His desperation for national visibility has pushed him into near insane comments on sensitive issues.

It is clear to discerning minds that Sen. Shettima is plotting to use the Northeast crisis to get a bargain in same style, former President Olusegun Obasanjo in 2007 and 2011 hid under assuaging militancy in the Niger Delta region by drafting and foisting Dr. Goodluck Jonathan on Nigerians.

It’s a bad game for Sen. Shettima because Nigerians are wiser. With his present antics, he has rather courted the image of a desperate political saboteur who thinks of himself alone. He smacks of a leader who can even sacrifice or compromise the peace and security of his people for personal political ambitions. Shettima should tramp softly or else, he is bound to crash land.

Duniya is a public affairs analyst and wrote from ATBU, Bauchi..

By Kolawole Abe

A silent and resilient reminder of unforgettable events to leaders in most climes of the world is history, which has always dwarfed the power of mistiness. If men had the domineering power to stop history, and shatter the cord of leaders from lessons of history, there is no extent that the energy would be exhausted until mission is effectuated.

With history’s “nuisance,” a leader needs a superb aptitude to discern deception from falsehood, even from his volley of personal aides. None is really dependable.

Nigeria’s President Muhammadu Buhari seems to be in a quicksand of violence and killings. Nigeria has suddenly become inflammable any other day, in violence, attacks, killings and bloodletting. The veiled internal actors and devil’s advocates have fuelled the fire further by domesticating kidnappings, assassinations and armed robbery to the subsisting national burden of Boko Haram/ISWAP terrorists.

They go further afield in staging such dastardly acts of unjustified killings right at the doorstep of Mr. President. In the aftermath, their propaganda machinery picks it over and amplify. Once it is done, President Buhari earns enough abuses from Nigerians, some of whom arrogantly asks him to resign.

Upon discovery that President Buhari is adamant about his resignation, they carelessly venture into his exclusive field, by persuading him to sack his Service and Security Chiefs (SSCs). They fault every other thing with the SSCs, except their own faulty approach to Mr. President.

It has never bothered such villains for once to think why President Buhari relies on his personal experience on Service Chiefs. He publicly said, he won’t be externally prodded to sack his Service Chiefs in an emergency situation and also, accepts unreserved responsibility for their actions. There is something clearly fishy in campaigns or agitations for sack of SSCs.

Very often, the ruled hardly know leaders have a burden which keeps them awake all night. The nightmares of such leaders are what a literary Icon, Prof. Ben Okri, rummaged in the title of one of his novels - "The Landscapes Within.” No doubt the reality that the landscapes on the rostrum of leadership have several layers and faces in Nigeria. Africans say, every lizard crawls with her belly flat on the ground and so, it’s difficult to know which one suffers from bellyache.

Generally, a leader must not please everybody. But the leader hears every voice, whether remonstrative, meek or pliant. Thereafter, he speaks to his inner conscience and proudly takes a decision. The leader’s bent may not placate everyone in his kingdom. That reality alone does not deprive him of his aura as leader or the supremacy of his decisions.

Men are found everywhere! But its not every man would wear the tag of a leader. There is natural and artificial leadership whirlwind which blows strongly against leaders. The tantalizing wind can easily displace an unstable leader.

When a leader is not independently driven by the passion of his decisions to tenaciously hold unto them, while facing persecutions, he might have unconsciously dug his deepest pit of damnation. He must not trust everyone around him. If he does, it means he is nicely doomed.

The Holy Scriptures says, Jesus Christ had just 12 disciples. And by faith and his teachings, he trusted all the 12. But at the ninth hour, Judas Iscariot first betrayed him to the Chief Priest for monetary inducement as low as a price like thirty pieces of silver. And Christ’s seeming most trusted disciple, Simon Peter, who vowed to even die with Jesus Christ, denied him three times before the cock crowed when the Chips were down.

President Buhari has numerous presidential aides, and appointees. Out of the cortege of appointees, he trusts his SSCs. Does anyone expect that the President trusts every one of them to assist him in the redemption mission of Nigeria? By body and flesh, it is not possible. Why are some Nigerians having difficulties in Buhari’s trust and confidence in his SSCs?

Some Nigerians mistakenly think, President Buhari is a weakling and cannot stand by his official decisions. But same people forget that even at the peak of his reelection electioneering campaigns in 2019, the President dismissed public clamour for the sack of SSCs, because he can vouch for the trust and performance of the incumbents. He was lucid that no one knows the mindset of their successors, especially now that there is a competitive and coordinated public push for the termination of their appointments.

Buhari was insistent that; “I don’t know them on a personal basis; I followed records and thought, I picked the best then. Of course, their performance may be disappointing, but I accept responsibility for not changing them. My reason is based on my own experience.”

The short explanation provides an official insight into Mr. President’s personal rating of the SSCs. It conveys his trust, confidence and loyalty in these appointees. It speaks defiantly loud about the Commander -In-Chief’s (C-in-C) unyielding official relationship with his SSCs, tethered on the loyalty and, an inseparable cord nourished by the much they have done to quell Boko Haram/ISWAP terrorism and allied insurgencies in Nigeria.

If Nigerians cannot appreciate the reality, but it still remains that in spite of ISWAP’s additional force on Boko Haram militants, 18 LGAs in the Northeast have been reclaimed by the current crop of SSCs under the Buhari Presidency; over 20,000 Nigerian hostages including Chibok and Dapchi schoolgirls have regained freedom and reunited with their families.

And residents of Abuja, the nation’s capital and major cities in the Northern parts of the country have not experienced any terrorists bomb blasts in nearly five years or have Boko Haram attempted to transit to Southern Nigerian. Top Boko Haram commanders and foot soldiers strangulated by the same Security Chiefs have surrendered from their hideouts in thousands to the Nigerian Army or can anyone refute that rebuilding and reconstruction in the Northeast is massively rebranding the faces of devastated and ruined villages, then it is not enough reason for the doubting Thomases to hallucinate for sack of SSCs.

Every President, anywhere in the globe would ensure, he employs the best strategies overt or covert to guarantee, the armed forces are not compromised, particularly during emergency situations as Nigeria struggles with insurgencies and insurrections now. Only a confused leader will abandon his first good squad for a trial team at this stage of the world cup.

Definitely, and only simpletons would think the C-In-C would change his winning team of Security Chiefs based on public clamour. Only a thoughtless leader would acquiesce to such blackmail and history would apportion all the blames to him. How many citizens mount such pressures on the President elsewhere in the world?

But Nigerians have a wrong version of democracy and its tenets. They neither know their limits of freedom of expression on general matters nor security issues. It is not the duty of every Nigerian, lobbyists, political parties, associations, or street urchin and organizations to mount malevolent heat on the President to change his Security Chiefs.

President Buhari must be allowed to freely and without encumbrances exercise his executive powers on maintaining, elongating, renewing the tenure or sacking his SSCs. It is a liberty averred every President of Nigeria. Boko Haram started under former President Olusegun Obasanjo, and festered. But he was never pressured to sack his Security Chiefs And even under former President Umaru Yar’Adua, when it gathered momentum, there were no such public clamour for sacking of his Security Chiefs.

Former President Goodluck Jonathan (GEJ) had a pretty nice time with his Security Chiefs as from 2011 until he began to listen and comply with public agitations on rejigging his team of Security Chiefs. The moment GEJ started pandering to public wishes for a change of Security team greater problems set in. He got the drift very belatedly and by the time he was pressured to change the then COAS. Gen. A. Ihejirika, insecurity in Nigeria nosedived into the worse ditch. Even when Boko Haram abducted 276 Chibok schoolgirls and seized several LGAS in the Northeast, no public voice vibrated for sack of his Security Chiefs.

Contrastively, today Buhari has very courageous men as Security Chiefs. They are the flagship of Nigeria’s very best senior Military officers who sleep in the trenches with the troops and their convoys have been attacked severally by Boko Haram at the warfront, but they repelled all enemy ambushes, killing scores of insurgents.

The same Security Chiefs whom some selfish Nigerians wished sacked are those who personally trudge the swamps and caves of Lake Chad Basin area with troops in clearance operations; feel their pinch and fight terrorists with them together; supply them needed warfare weapons; boost the morale of troops, pay their legitimate allowances promptly and regularly, or fend for their families.

Just last week, the convoy of a Security Chief on his usual routine visits of troops in the Northeast was evacuating stranded passengers on Maiduguri-Damboa road. While he was offering this patriotic service to his country, some people sat in their cozy rooms at Abuja and were collecting bribes in dollars to lend a voice to the removal of such an extraordinary patriot and Nigerian soldier. Nigerians, the world hail thee!

Abe is former public relations officer, National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS).

In a bid to defeat Boko Haram ideology while also canvassing support for the Nigerian military, an inter-faith group is embarking on love campaigns to churches and mosques across the country.

The National Inter-Faith and Religious Organizations for Peace (NIFROP) made this known at the end of a 21-day prayer and fast for the unity and peace of Nigeria at the Unity Fountain, Abuja.

In a communique co-signed by Bishop Prince J Madaki, Bishop Lawrence Ngene, Sheik Ahmad Jiddah Umar and Sheik Ja,afaru Kantoma, the group said this direction is divine and must be strictly adhered to.

According to the clerics, the campaign is geared towards frustrating the agents of destabilization using Boko Haram to cause a religious war in the country.

The group further revealed that these terrorists have nothing to do with Christianity or Islam, hence Nigerians must enlightened.

NIFROP, however, advised every cleric in the country to join the campaign, going all out to preach the gospel of love and unity of Nigeria.

Read full communique below:

Introduction:

The National Inter-Faith and Religious Organization for Peace is an organization comprising of Christian and Muslim faithful that have elected to come together under one umbrella to pray and intercede for the common good of Nigeria.

The National Inter-Faith and Religious Organizations for Peace since inception several years ago has been in the vanguard of preaching peaceful coexistence in Nigeria, and this much has seen to the convocation of seminars and religious programmes that have brought adherents of different religions in the country under one roof and one voice for the peace and unity of Nigeria.

The Background:

The resurgence of the activities of the Boko Haram group in Borno state elicited concern from critical stakeholders, and this saw to the organization of a 21-day prayer and fasting programme by the National Inter-Faith and Religious Organizations for Peace for Gods intervention in making Nigerian a united and peaceful country in an atmosphere of love and tranquility.

The Issues:

During the 21 day prayer and fasting programme religious faithful prayed and fasted fervently for God's intervention in the crisis in North-East Nigeria and especially Borno State that has witnessed a resurgence of the activities of the Boko Haram terrorist group.

That the efforts of President Muhammadu Buhari have seen to the defeat Boko Haram and the recent acts of insecurity in Borno State is being politically motivated by enemies of the country.

Our Stance:

At the end of the 21-day prayers and fasting programme the clerics in unity herby make the following declarations:

That the recent activities of bandits and kidnappers in some parts of the north are the handiwork of evil men and women and desperate politicians who find it difficult to give up their inordinate ambitions after a convincing loss at the polls.

That the recent calls for the sack of the hardworking and patriotic Service Chiefs in the country are the handiwork of coup plotters and politicians desperate to destabilize the administration of President Muhammadu Buhari due to his stance on leading Nigeria with the fear of God.

That those that have looted the commonwealth of Nigeria in times past are angry to reverse the gains made in the war against insurgency so that they can gain control of the country through the back door.

That the act of booing President Muhammadu Buhari during his recent visit to Borno state is highly condemnable and the handiwork of the political leadership in Borno State that are not happy with the efforts of the administration of President Muhammadu Buhari in bringing to an end the activities of the Boko Haram group in North East.

Resolutions:

The National Inter-Faith and Religious Organizations for Peace as a result of the forgoing at this moment make the following resolutions:

That every cleric in Nigeria should go all out to preach the gospel of love and unity of Nigeria, as stated in the book of Romans 8:35-39 "Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? Shall trouble or hardship or persecution or famine or unclothedness or danger or sword? As it is written: "For your sake, we face death all day long; we are considered as sheep to be slaughtered." No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us. For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord.

That the Pastors and Imams who attended the 21 days of fasting and prayers should make it a duty to pray every Friday and Sunday for President Muhammadu Buhari and his cabinet to lead the nation without fear and the wisdom of God as stated in the book of Luke Chapter 1vs 50. "AND HIS MERCY IS UPON GENERATION AFTER GENERATION TOWARD THOSE WHO FEAR HIM." And in Chapter 9 vs. 19 in the Holy Koran, "Have you made the providing of water for the pilgrim and the maintenance of al-Masjid al-Haram equal to the deeds of one who believes in Allah and the Last Day and strives in the cause of Allah? They are not equal in the sight of Allah. And Allah does not guide the wrongdoing people."

That all Clerics in Nigeria should continue to pray for the leadership of the Nigerian military and other security agencies defending the nation from terrorists and their sponsors as exemplified in the book of 1 Timothy 2:1-2 – "I urge, then, first of all, that petitions, prayers, intercession, and thanksgiving be made for all people— for kings and all those in authority, that we may live peaceful and quiet lives in all godliness and holiness."

Conclusion:

The under listed conclusion were reached:

That Christian's and Muslim faithful should embark on a campaign against the agents of destabilization using Boko Haram or any other group's action to cause a religious war in the country.

That a strong message should be sent out to all and sundry that Boko Haram, kidnappers, bandits, and all terrorists' criminal groups have nothing to do with Christianity or Islam and should be ignored.

That the love of God and the love of our neighbors should continue to guide and lead us to the path of righteousness.

That a state of emergency should be declared in Borno State and any other state in Nigeria whose political leadership compromises its responsibility in providing security for the citizens.

That the leadership of the National Inter-Faith and Religious Organizations for Peace pleads with President Muhammadu Buhari as a father to forgive Governor Babagana Zullum and every other person responsible for the ugly incident in Borno State because to err is human but to forgive is divine.

That may these ungrateful elements find peace in the sight of God and turn from their evil intentions and deeds.

*CALSER writes PMB over terrorism, wants Zulum, Borno elders to appreciate military*

The Centre For African Liberation and Socio-Economic Rights (CALSER), on Wednesday, penned an emotional letter to President Muhammadu Buhari on the war against terrorism, calling on Governor Babagana Zulum and Borno elders to support the military.

In the letter signed by convener Princess Ajibola, CALSER revealed that the governor as well as the political elites in the state aren't giving enough moral support to the troops on the frontline.

At every slightest opportunity, the group disclosed that the Borno leaders criticize the military, ignoring their tremendous sacrifices for the safety and peace of his people.

While peace have been restored to neighbouring states, insurgency is on the rise in Borno and CALSER believes this is as a result of the state's elites deliberately declining in playing complementary roles to the Nigerian military.

The group, therefore, besieged on the president to intervene and ask the Borno governor and leaders to provide complementary credible intelligence information to the troops.

In situation where this fails to happen, however, CALSER called on the president to declare a state of emergency in the state.

Read full letter below:


His Excellency,
President Muhammadu Buhari, GCFR
Executive President &
Commander- in -Chief,
Nigerian Armed Forces,
Federal Republic of Nigeria,
Aso Rock Villa,
Abuja.

Your Excellency Sir,

Thee Centre for African Liberation and Socio-Economic Rights (CALSER) wishes to mourn with you, Nigerians, the Borno State Government and the families of victims of recent terrorists’ attacks in Auno, Borno state.

We deeply appreciate the overt zeal, determination and commitment on the anti-terrorism campaigns of your administration these past years.

Before your intervention in the Boko Haram terrorism scourge, insurgents raged, tormented, devastated and ruined many parts of Northern Nigeria, particularly, Borno, Adamawa and Yobe states. Even the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Abuja was not spared its fury and agonies of terrorists.

In the last near five years, your tested and vast knowledge in military welfare coupled with the carefully assembled team of Service and Security Chiefs (SSCs), Nigeria has been able to decimate and technically defeat Boko Haram terrorism.

Sir, it attracted national and international accolades to Nigeria, yourself and the Nigerian military for this wonderful feat. In fact, even the ardent critics of your Government have repeatedly applauded you on this! Respite descended everywhere including the Northeast where Boko Haram had firm roots.

The launch of the Nigerian Army’s series of clearance operations in the Northeast, the decongestion of IDPs camps and the setting up of the North East Development Commission (NEDC) by your Government are practical signs that normalcy returned to the once troubled region.

Painfully though, the unpatriotic activities of politicians in the build-up to the 2019 general elections saw the proliferation of arms and ammunitions and the resurgence of pockets of violence and killings in parts of Nigeria, terrorism inclusive.

But the FGN under your leadership has not relented in countering these fresh threats of insecurities and the Nigerian Army is also working tirelessly to rid Nigeria of all forms of terrorism. But why the Nigerian military is doing its best to ensure the country buries the ghost of terrorism, some elites in Borno are working day and night to frustrate your administration from finally eradicating terrorism.

And we have noticed that this suspected sabotage is more pronounced in Borno state, the former epicentre of terrorism and where it was birthed and nourished. The political leadership of Borno state and the elites have deliberately declined in playing complementary roles to the Nigerian Military to end terrorism.

While sister states like Yobe and Adamawa states are relatively peaceful and secured in spite of resurged Boko Haram/ISWAP terrorism; Borno state has remained a burning furnace on the altar of terrorists. The momentum Boko Haram has gained in Borno which is seriously competing with soldiers to diminish the successes recorded by your Government in combating terrorism is bothersome.

CALSER recalls the words of the Shehu of Borno, HRH Abubakar Gabai when you visited to pay condolence and commiserate with people of the state over Boko Haram’s recent massacres of travelers at Auno village. The monarch bluntly acknowledged that the security situation in the state had once improved until recently when “it has resurfaced.”

Permit us to quote the Governor’s words again; “But from May 2015, we have recovered most of the displaced local government areas. By the year 2016 and 2017, we have almost celebrated the demise of the Boko Haram insurgency. But from March 2019, we have started recording simultaneous attacks and increased activities of the insurgents which have resulted in the loss of lives of our people.”

These are confessional statements from top leaders of Borno state on the efforts of your administration in extinguishing the fires of Boko Haram and ISWAP terrorism. But the same leaders, elders and community leaders in the state have declined in reciprocating your efforts.

And like you rightly observed in your last condolence visit to Borno, their refusal to provide complementary credible intelligence information to the Nigerian Military to act on terrorism as every situation deserves.

Therefore, like you have stated, CALSER also concords with you that the leaders and elders of Borno communities are not doing enough in terms of cooperation with the military to end the Boko Haram/ISWAP terrorism, in the state. Boko Haram quite frankly cannot transit wherever they are domiciled into Borno, camp for days, finalize preparations’ and bloodily strike targets without the knowledge of community leaders.

Your Excellency sir, equally disheartening is the tendency of Gov. Zulum to blame the Military at the slightest opportunity almost each time there is a Boko Haram invasion. Like in the latest Auno incident, the Governor blamed the military for its inability to protect the people on the highways. It is an indication that the Governor and his elders have lost traction in playing complementary roles to the military on ending insurgency.

But Gov. Zulum does not remember to even thank the Nigerian Army anytime it averts or repels Boko Haram or the sacrifices they are making for the security and peace of Nigeria. Since your visit, Nigerian troops have repelled terrorist’s invasion and bloodshed at two separate instances in the state. Gov. Zulum has never mentioned it.

From the Governor’s disposition, its clear to us that he neither understands what it takes to be the Chief Security Officer of a state nor is deliberately frustrating your efforts at ending insurgency. The Governor and the elders are acting more like an enemy or antagonistic force or conspirators against the Nigerian Military operating in his state in the counter-insurgency operations.

It was very discouraging and unimpressive when Gov. Zulum again blamed the military in your presence. He unashamedly said; “We are calling on the Nigerian military to retrace their steps and replicate the successes they have recorded in 2016 and 2017 so that we can end this insurgency once and for all.”

He knows our military have the capacity to repress and completely impair terrorists. But how could they again replicate these exploits when Gov. Zulum, other elders and community leaders in Borno are discreetly frustrating their efforts? How could the Army do it without good intelligence or cooperation of the local populace?

These leaders have refused to place themselves in charge of security in their respective domains. The terrorists who struck at Auno did not assembly there in a jiffy or overnight when travelers were stranded on the road to launch the attack. The terrorists must have camped in the vicinity for long and scouting for an opportunity to strike, but no one averred intelligence report to the Military. But the only concern is to blame the FGN or soldiers when an attack is unleashed.

This conduct by Borno leaders is condemnable, self-indicting and objectionable. Outside hoarding intelligence information and courting of terrorists, Borno elders and elites, including Gov. Zulum have refused to address the massive youth economic empowerment and employment deficit to break their passion and cord with terrorism. The youths are the foot soldiers hired by terrorists.

Borno elders have never considered the option of a broad-based dialogue forum with their people to also discuss the menace of Boko Haram. No elder or leader is thinking of this initiative and collectively, as Zamfara state Gov. Bello Maradun Matawallen did in the case of banditry in the state.

CALSER has no hesitation to say, we have observed these trends in Borno and the state deserves a full declaration of a state of emergency. It is only a complete state of emergency in Borno State that can re-restore order and security to the people.

Borno Governor, elders and leaders have refused to do the needful. We have reason to agree with the postulations in your speech in Maiduguri that the political class/leaders in Borno have failed the state and the people.

Your Excellency, if Borno Governor, elders and community leaders have failed the state, but Nigerians will not fail Borno. And the first step now is to declare a full-blown state of emergency in the state.

Thank you, Sir, as we anxiously await your immediate response.

Fatal Arrogance: Book exposing El-Zakzakky, IMN as a terrorist group launched in Abuja

Towards setting the narratives straight on the issues of the Islamic Movement of Nigeria for the understanding of their nefarious plans against the unity of the nation, a book exposing the evils of Ibrahim El-Zakzakky and his shittes movement, the Islamic Movement of Nigeria has been unveiled in Abuja.


Speaking at the occasion, Chancellor of Centre for International and Strategic Studies CISS Prof Ahmed Danfulani noted that the mission and vision of IMN has not been officially stated however, El-Zakzaky has severally made statements that mirrors the missions, goals and intentions of the group. 


“Their mission as an extremist organisation has also been captured in their official websites etc. What is known about their mission and vision could be seen when a careful study of their confessions and professions is embarked upon.


“Their sole mission which is to establish an Islamic state has been politically resisted by the government and other religious groups, however the IMN have also engaged in violent acts that could be regarded as terrorism.


 "It should be noted that just like how Boko Haram started, the activities of IMN is taking to the same pattern and process.


“The Mission and vision of IMN show their disregard for the Nigerian state and deliberate intensions to overthrow the Nigerian government through violent means” he added.


The governor of Benue state, Samuel Ortom who was distinguished guest of Honour at the event described the author, Terrence Kuanum as an astute young man who has survived many battles most of which were in the interest of the peaceful coexistence of Nigeria.


 Represented by his Senior Special Assistant on Liaison, Hon Baba Acka, Governor Ortom called on Nigerians to unite with a view to fighting the common enemy of the Nation.  


In his remarks, the author of the book, Mr Terrence Kuanum emphasized that the project became necessary because some international actors have begun taking advantage of the security situation in Nigeria Which has made it difficult for citizens to coexist together as Nigerians.


He lamented the number of lives lost across the nation because of non-state actors who have continued to set the narratives to destabilise the nation through violent agitations for their own selfish interest. 


“At a point our sovereignty was questioned because someone else was setting the narratives for us” he noted.


He called on Nigerians to have confidence in the nation and trust our institutions while countering the narratives aimed at destroying the stability if the nation.


Other personalities who graced the occasion include, Professor Ahmed Danfulani, former speaker of the Benue State House of Assembly Hon Terkimbi Ikyange, Hon Nick Eworo and a host of others.


Honourable Eugene Aliegba, former Commissioner for Education and lecturer was the Chairman of the occasion.

..

*Service Chiefs: PRONECO berates legislative forum as extension of political merchants pursuing narrow interests*

The Pro-Nigeria Elders Council (PRONECO) has described the Young Parliamentarians Forum (YPF) as an extension of selfish political merchants chasing their personal interests.

PRONECO's position trails the group's call for the removal of the nation's Service Chiefs over alleged widespread insecurity.

Inaugurated by Senate President Ahmad Lawan in October, the YPF objective was to secure the inclusion and participation of youths in the process of deepening Nigeria’s democracy.

However, the Pro-Nigeria Elders Council believe the group has been hijacked by the opposition to carry out its dirty work.

Speaking at a press conference on Tuesday in Abuja, Publicity Secretary, Hon. Bala Kuta, PRONECO disclosed that the YPF is merely acting a script with its call for overhaul of the security architecture.

According to the elders, this desperation is to pave way for loyalists and sympathizers to ascend and illegally overthrow the government.

PRONECO, therefore, urged law enforcement agencies to be on red alert as these disgruntled politicians could move a step further to connive with junior officers in the military to attempt the coup they had always wanted.

The elders, however, commended Mr. President for keeping faith in the Security Chiefs “in view of the war situation that our country has found herself in with both internal and external aggressors”.

Read full statement below:

Gentlemen of the press, you must have noted the upsurge in the number of persons and organizations calling on President Muhammadu Buhari to sack the military service chiefs. This has been a long-time development with a recent twist. The recent twist to this call, which we consider criminal, is that the call has become systematic, which has prompted us to see a pattern and aggregation.

In essence, the demands from some quarters and individuals for the service chiefs to be fired from their posts is being teleguided by those that have vested interests that require that the nation’s security architecture be dismantled. Their objectives cannot be achieved as so long as the current crop of service chiefs are in office hence the desperation to force them out of office even when it is not in the interest on the country.

We have not lost sight of the fact that one Senator Eyinaya Abaribe recently demanded the resignation of President Buhari on account of these same service chiefs. It was not surprising that this same Senator is the one that has been propping up the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), a terrorist group that has been outlawed by the courts of the land.

It is no surprise that the position canvassed by Senator Abaribe has now been taken up by other federal lawmakers from other zones, particularly the north-east, which confirms the suspicion that such lawmakers have been at the root of the Boko Haram insurgency and can no longer take the heat directed at their foot soldiers under the leadership of the able service chiefs. Their demand for these fine officers and commanders to be sacked therefore becomes understandable even though unacceptable.

Even when sporting the branding of the All Progressives Congress (APC), which is a mere disguise, the fact that the bulk of these lawmakers, like the Young Parliamentarians Forum (YPF) are members of the opposition. The same opposition that threatened the country with the threat of more killings should President Buhari be re-elected. His victory at the polls became the basis on which they unleashed their killers on the rest of us. Also recall that the opposition has been desperate to have a change of guards in the entire military services so that their loyalists and sympathizers can ascend and illegally overthrow the government to pave way for a transition government that will hand over power to the opposition.

Unfortunately, these coup plotters have something hidden behind their sleeves which to all discerning minds must be viewed with a microscopic lens as people that do not mean well for the Nigerian state.

These are ploys that are well known and for which the service chiefs have made robust responses to ensure that the country remains safe hence the angst against them by the same people that want to turn the country upside down. We understand their anger in this regard although we have no sympathies for people that want to destroy our country for us.

It is most uncharitable that even when their plots have been repeatedly thwarted by the Armed Forces, these unpatriotic people have decided to carry on with the demand for the sack of Nigeria's service chiefs but have nonetheless resorted to unleashing distractions on the nation at large and the military in particular. Only persons that are interested in derailing the focus of the military would engage in such irresponsible approach of wearing down the energy of persons tasked with providing security to citizens.

Considering the extent of damage they have done to our body polity through support to terrorists in the past, we are urging law enforcement agencies to note that It is high time these persons are watched closely as their failure to bastardize the military might push them into conniving with junior officers in the military to attempt the coup they had always wanted. This of course will jeopardize our democracy and is something that must not be allowed to happen.

We also want a professional and clinical probe of the security breaches across the country. Clearly, if the growing spate of insecurity was the concern these persons, they would have by now made a fair assessment of the situation and come up with nationalistic solutions. But because the reason informed them to demand that Mr. President and the Service Chiefs should leave office are selfish in nature, they have not been able to make useful input to advance the great work being done. They are too obsessed to know that Mr President and his team are working day and night to restore peace and normalcy to the land.

PRONECO therefore wishes to commend the wise decision of Mr. President to keep the Security Chiefs in view of the war situation that our country has found herself in with both internal and external aggressors.

*Service Chiefs: Zulum, lawmakers scared secret pact with Boko Haram will be exposed – Group*

The Coalition Against Terrorism and Extremism (CATE) has reasoned that some disgruntled politicians are jittery that their evil pact with Boko Haram will be exposed should the Service Chiefs remain in office.

The group made this disclosure on Monday during a press conference in Abuja in response to a publication calling for the removal of the country's military heads.

In a statement signed by National Coordinator, Gabriel Onoja, CATE fingered Borno State governor, Babagana Zulum and his predecessor, Kasim Shettima, now in the National Assembly to be championing this agenda.

According to the group, five billion naira was budgeted by the pair with Young Parliamentarians Forum (YPF) their most recent beneficiary.

The group added that these politicians in Borno state and parts of the north-east used Boko Haram/ ISWAP terrorists as enforcers during election and are desperately trying to keep it hidden.

CATE believes this could be the major reason these politicians want the Service Chiefs sacked by whatsoever means possible.

The Coalition, however, warned that Nigerians will not fold their hands and allow a handful of misguided politicians throw the country into confusion simply to satisfy their greed and selfish desire.

Read full statement below:

The attention of the Coalition Against Terrorism and Extremism (CATE) has been drawn to a widely circulated publication by a group of disgruntled elements in the National Assembly populated majorly by politicians from the north east. The sponsored publication by the group was urging President Muhammadu Buhari to sack the service chiefs with lie that it is the only way to stem the rising insecurity in Nigeria.

The group, under the aegis of Young Parliamentarians Forum (YPF) of the House of Representatives, has been confirmed as being on the payroll of the Governor of Borno State, Babagana Umaru Zulum and his predecessor. The group’s approach to this matter follows a now well too known strategy that had failed in the past and will fail again. It is a strategy of deploying veiled men with some supposed level of respectability to do the dirty work of laundering the image of terrorists while criminalizing the military chiefs tasked with defeating the terrorists.

Whilst like every other Nigerian, CATE respects the rights of the errant lawmakers to freely express themselves as it pleases them especially in a plural democracy like ours, what they should not do is to hide under altruistic intervention in national issues to advance a criminal agenda. This evil agenda, though long suspected in the public space, was validated by President Muhammadu Buhari during his visit to Borno state where he openly confirmed that the political class in the state was responsible for the security situation there.

It is therefore unacceptable to Nigerians that some people abuse their high offices to direct deliberate falsehood at citizens with the aim of further degrading the security situation in the country. The lies being peddled by these elements and the amount of resources being deployed to execute this campaign could have been better deployed to productively engage the youths of the north east who have become susceptible to the antics of Boko Haram recruitment agents due to idleness, lack of education and sources of livelihood.

The 5 billion naira that was budgeted for this negative venture of forcing the military chiefs out office could have been deployed into the development of the north east and these lawmakers know it. But they are bowled over by their greed for power and money to such an extent that the concept of right and wrong is now alien to them. They would rather collect their share of this huge war chest so that they can drive flashy cars in Abuja while people lose life and limb in the north east. It the lure of material gains and base the inordinate quest for power that has pushed these lawmakers to developing hatred for the service chiefs as reflected in their bellyaching.

Rather than bellyaching over Mr President’s decision to stick to military chiefs that have earned his trust due to their diligent work, members of the Young Parliamentarians Forum should rather come clean with the evil deeds they have secretly committed as part of their contribution towards the restoration of lasting peace in Borno state and environs. They should for instance provide useful details on how they diverted the funds for their constituency projects to support Boko Haram.

Not to be left out is the imperative of full disclosure as it pertains to past reports that politicians in Borno state and parts of the north-east used Boko Haram and ISWAP terrorists as enforcers during elections. These terrorists were reportedly used to intimidate entire villages and towns to force the electorate into handing members of this Young Parliamentarians Forum the tainted mandate they now parade around. Perhaps, they are worried that their secret pacts with Boko Haram will become public knowledge should the service chiefs continue with the good work they are doing.

Is therefore pertinent that these the so-called young parliaments answer some questions as Nigerians have had enough of being lied to. Why are the lawmakers more interested in the growth of Boko Haram and ISWAP terrorists than they are in the restoration of peace in Nigeria? Why are they prioritizing the demonizing of military chiefs over the weeding out of terrorist sympathizers like Senator Eyinaya Abaribe from the National Assembly? Why are they ignoring their own roles in the worsening poverty that is fueling Boko Haram? Why have they not recused themselves from piloting the affairs of Nigeria when they had woefully failed in backing the military and law enforcement with the legislation needed to combat terrorism? At what point were they going to own up to Nigerians that they are the evil ones behind the mask, that they are the hands moving the Boko Haram puppets?

It matters not how members of the Young Parliamentarians Forum or their backers want to answer these questions. What is certain is that t Nigerians will not fold their hands allow a handful of misguided politicians throw the country into confusion simply to satisfy their greed and selfish desire to destabilize the nation.

*Boko Haram: Coalition charges Nigerians to defend Service Chiefs, military from interference by disgruntled politicians*


The Coalition for Democracy and Development (CDD) has charged Nigerians to support the country's Service Chiefs in the fight against terrorism amidst conspiracy by disgruntled politicians.

The Coalition made this known at a press conference on Sunday in Abuja, raising an alarm plot by these individuals and groups to disintegrate Nigeria through the sponsoring of acts of terrorism.

In a statement signed by Director Enlightenment, Dr. Grace Ojukwu, CDD revealed that this group is happy with the gains made by the military in the fight against terrorism since the advent of the administration of President Muhammadu Buhari.

The Coalition added that there is a grand plot by some politicians and sponsors of the Boko Haram/ISWAP terrorist group to mobilize over 2000 youths to stage a protest against the Service Chiefs in the country on Monday 17th February.

With that in mind, CDD, therefore, implored Nigerians to come out in number to challenge anyone acting on the gimmicks of Boko Haram and their sponsors to carry out any protests to destabilize the country.

While pledging support for President Buhari and the Service Chiefs, the group, however, vowed to reveal the identities of the Boko Haram sponsors should they proceed with the protest.

Read full statement below:

The Coalition for Democracy and Development wishes to inform the members of the general public of the despicable plot by some disgruntled individuals and organizations that are determined to see to the disintegration of Nigeria through the sponsoring of acts of terrorism in Nigeria.

These individuals and organizations are not happy with the gains made by the Nigerian Military in the fight against terrorism in Nigeria since the advent of the administration of President Muhammadu Buhari and as such they have been in the vanguard of sponsoring acts against National Interest all aimed at causing disaffection in the polity.

This is on the heels that credible information at the disposal of the CDD indicates that there is a grand plot by some politicians and sponsors of the Boko Haram/ISWAP terrorist group to mobilize over 2000 youths to stage a protest against the Service Chiefs in the country on Monday 17th February 2020.

These Boko Haram sponsors have been distributing vast sums of monies to see to the actualization of their evil agenda against Nigeria, which is ultimately aimed at embarrassing the administration of President Muhammadu Buhari for his stance on the unity of Nigeria.

The CDD wishes to state that all well-meaning Nigerians must condemn this despicable plot by those that have vowed to instigate the people against the leadership of the country in the interest of peace and tranquility.

That Nigeria is on the path of greatness is as a result of the sincerity of the heart and purpose of President Muhammadu Buhari since he assumed leadership of the country, and this stance has not gone down well with those that have been depriving the people of their commonwealth.

Therefore the planned protest by Boko Haram sponsors against President Muhammadu Buhari, and Nigeria's Service Chiefs is considered as wicked, evil and a malicious attempt targeted at returning Nigeria to the dark era when these agents of darkness could freely detonate bombs in Abuja and other parts of the country with so much recklessness.

This is unacceptable and an indication that those that have been rejected by the people in the 2019 general elections would stop at nothing in their quest to see to the destruction of Nigeria in fulfillment of their desire.

The CDD is appalled that the opposition politicians in the country would condescend so low to the point of setting the country on fire to satisfy their selfish motives that is against the interest of over 180 million Nigerians.

In light of the above, the CDD wishes to call on well-meaning Nigerians to rise in defense of those that have been protecting them from the clutches of the Boko Haram terrorist group.

Nigerians must realize that, but for the commitment and sincerity of heart and purpose of the Service Chiefs in Nigeria, the Boko Haram terrorist group would have carved a large part of Nigeria as their caliphate.

Nigerians are therefore implored to come out enmasse to challenge anyone acting on the gimmicks of Boko Haram and their sponsors to carry out any protests to destabilize the administration of President Muhammdu Buhari.

Nigerians are aware of this despicable plot, and the CDD is stating in unequivocal terms that should the planned protest go on, we shall not hesitate to make public names of those that have elected to make Nigeria uninhabitable and ungovernable.

The members of the opposition in Nigeria should not take Nigerians for fools as Nigerians decided to take their destinies into their own hands by choosing a leader in President Muhammadu Buhari to pilot the affairs of Nigeria.

The destinies of over 180 million Nigerians cannot be truncated by a select few that have sold their souls to the devil in return for a plate of porridge. That Nigeria is no longer their cash cow is not by accident, and this much they must come to terms with and allow peace to reign.

The CDD wishes to state that the Service Chiefs in Nigeria have been at their best and this much has seen to the gains made in the fight against terrorism in Nigeria as no local government area is under the control of the Boko Haram terrorist group.

The CDD lends its support to the administration of President Muhammadu Buhari as well as the Service Chiefs in the country for the great and patriotic effort at entrenching peace and tranquility in the country.

We also call on the security agencies to arrest and question the organizers of the protest and probe the source of the over two billion naira that is distributed by those funding the planned protest against the Service Chiefs slated for 17th February 2020.

Nigerians deserve the right to choose those they want as leaders, and the era of imposing their whims and caprices on us is gone for good. Nigeria would never return to that dark era, and it is our considered opinion that should the security agencies not act now, the consequences might be severe.

Thank you all for attending this press conference, and it is our wish that Nigeria shall continue to defeat the evil forces manifest in members of the opposition politicians gnashing their teeth because it is no longer business as usual.

Nigerians must support the Leadership of the Nigerian Military in their quest to defeat Terrorism in Nigeria.

Plot against military chiefs : PDP alleges Borno Governor, successor fuelling insurgency

The PDP Conservative Vanguard has accused the governor of Borno State, Babagana Zulum, and his immediate predecessor Kashim Shetimma as being the brain behind the resurgence of the Boko Haram crisis in the state. This was contained in a press statement signed by John Bolu, the Secretary-General of the PDP Youth Vanguard, and made available to the press in Lagos.

The group accused the government of Borno State as being the brain behind the resurgence of the activities of the Boko Haram group and advised the All Progressive Congress (APC) to look inwards to know the identity and sponsors of the Boko Haram group in Borno state.

“It must be stated in unequivocal terms that the All Progressive Congress must desist from playing to the gallery in this critical point of our existence as a country in the light of the nefarious activities of the Boko Haram terrorist group that has brought tears and sorrow to the people of Borno State and the North East in general.”

“It must be noted that the PDP as an organization would not condescend so low as to sponsor the activities of the Boko Haram group in a state controlled by the APC and an APC governor as its Chief Security Officer.”

The statement further added that the Senior Special Assistant to the President on Media must desist from playing to the gallery in telling Nigerians those behind the nefarious activities of the Boko Haram terrorist group in the state.

“The allegation is quite unfortunate and an indication that the SSA on Media to the President is indeed economical with the truth in revealing those indeed behind the activities of the Boko Haram terrorist group in Borno State.”

“It must be stated in unequivocal terms that the All Progressive Congress must desist from playing to the gallery in this critical point of our existence as a country in the light of the nefarious activities of the Boko Haram terrorist group that has brought tears and sorrow to the people of Borno State and the North East in general.”

“The PDP conservative forum wishes to state that the security challenges experienced in Borno state is indeed local, and questions must be asked as to the sincerity of heart and purpose of the political leadership in Borno State. The accusations pointed in the direction of the opposition PDP is at most uncharitable and a plot to call a dog a bad name to hang it.”

The PDP Youth Vanguard further alleged that the Governor of Borno State, Babagana Zulum, and the immediate past governor of the state, Kashim Shetimma are behind the resurgence of the activities of the Boko Haram group in the state.

“It is, therefore, our considered opinion that the actual situation of things should not be twisted when it is indeed public knowledge that the Governor of Borno State, Babagana Zulum and his political godfather Kashim Shetimma are the ones who are paying members of the National Assembly and other Civil Society organizations in the country to demonize their party.”

“The APC must come to terms with the starkness of reality to know that the beneficiaries of the Boko Haram war are indeed the political leadership in Borno State that has been hiding under the guise of insurgency to improvise the people.”

The group alleged that the political leadership of Borno State has been holding nocturnal meetings with the leadership of the Boko Haram group as a means of giving it tactic support in furtherance of their nefarious activities.

“It is also instructive to note that the APC in Borno State is populated by Boko Haram members from the government to the last member of the party because, as they say, politics is indeed local.”

“It is therefore expected that the rational thing to do in this circumstance is to probe those behind Boko Haram and stop making unnecessary noise in the media when its own Governor could organize a protest against President Muhammadu Buhari when he visited Borno State recently to commiserate with the people over the attack in Auno community.”

The PDP Youth Vanguard advised the APC led federal government to look within its ranks to identify the real sponsors of the Boko Haram group in sincerity and fairness to all concerned.

“The APC led federal government must look inwards to know that the sponsors of the activities of the Boko Haram group are those in high places in the state and those that had squandered the commonwealth of the people since 2009 when the Boko Haram group began its violent campaign against Nigeria.”

It further added that “the APC must do good to rid its house of those that have been grandstanding on the pages of the newspapers and yet hold nocturnal meetings with the leadership of the Boko Haram terrorist group in a bid to cover for their nefarious activities.”

“It is advised that the APC must desist from playing to the gallery and tell President Muhammadu Buhari that some members of the APC in Borno State are those behind the resurgence of the activities of the Boko Haram group.”

“The PDP should be consequently spared from the insincerity of members of the APC that loathes the efforts of President Muhammadu Buhari in addressing the activities of the Boko Haram terrorist group in North-East Nigeria.”

“While it must be noted that there is a possibility that the enemies within the APC in high places are the beneficiaries of the activities of the Boko Haram terrorist group in North-East Nigeria.”

It would be recalled that that Garba Shehu, the Senior Special Assistant to the President on Media, had alleged that some members of the PDP are sponsoring over 2000 youths to lead a protest in Abuja, the Federal Capital Territory against the Service Chiefs in Nigeria.

Boko Haram: Declare state of emergency in Borno, stop LG allocations, Pro-democracy group tells Buhari over rising insecurity

The National Democratic Front, NDF, has called on President Muhammadu Buhari to declare a state of emergency in Borno State, following the renewed spate of politically instigated insecurity in Borno State.

The group also asked the President to stop the local government allocations to the state as those profiting from it have refused to let peace reign in Borno State.


This was disclosed in a speech by the Secretary General of the National Democratic Front, NDF, Dr. Abdulkadir Bolaji , on the security situation in Nigeria at a press conference on Thursday in Abuja.

NDF was reacting to the killing of about 30 persons in Auno area of the state by the dreaded Boko Haram elements.

Bolaji said the current governor of the state, Prof Babagana Zulum and his predecessor, Kashim Shetima must be investigated over the nagging security situation in the state.

Full text of his speech below.

Early this week, the nation woke up to the news of another round of violence, mayhem, arson and bloodletting by the terrorist group, Boko Haram.”

In that particular incident, which happened at Auno, a little town few kilometers to the Borno State capital, Maiduguri and where a gate had been constructed to prevent sudden attacks by insurgents through the major road leading to the state capital, more than 30 persons were said to have been killed while many other were wounded and left for dead and property worth millions of naira burnt to ashes.

With gory tales of humans burnt alive, it was a tragedy of enormous proportion that could only have been done by the worst dregs of humans.
Borno State which has suffered much pains and sorrow due to the activities of these terrorists over the years and certainly does not deserve another round of such heinous crime and wanton bloodletting.

We sympathize with the people of the state over this tragedy and pray for fortitude for the families of those who have lost loved ones to bear the losses.

While we join the rest of the world to mourn this tragedy, we must not lose sight of the fact that the sudden resurgence of violence and the boldness exhibited by the terrorist groups operating in the fringes of the Northeast of Nigeria are not beyond human conspiracies.
We note particularly that it was few days after the governor of Borno state, Prof. Babagana Zulum made the infamous statement that security agents who have sacrificed their lives to ensure the safety of other citizens are extorting money from motorists and other travelers that the violence on the road escalated.

“This is not without reason.
“In conflict of such proportions, apart from the weaponry used, one of the effective ways of either dampening or boosting the morale of the warring sides is the use of information.
Information serves as signals to troops and other armed groups in conflict as it exposes the readiness or otherwise of the warring sides.

What the Zulum statement, as harmless as it looked did at this instance, was to write off the efforts of the military in the fight against insurgency and to lay on them a moral burden that will dampen their spirit for days.

As this was going on, the terrorists who also have military experts among them carefully processed the comments by the governor and weighed its effect and set out to work at the time because they knew the governor by his remarks had done incalculable damage to the moral of the soldiers on the battle field and immediately came out of their sleeper cells and launched attacks on major towns especially on the Damaturu- Maidudguri axis.
Those who ply the Damaturu- Maiduguri road would agree that this is not the first time the gate at Auno would be closed to travelers a given time and that those who arrive after the closing time had to sleep there till the next day.

The essence of closing the road as stated earlier, was to prevent a situation where the insurgents would launch a surprise attack on Maiduguri as they had threatened to do several times through that route and the strategy had worked for years as it had kept the blood thirsty group at bay for several years.

Unfortunately when Zulum made the comment, they took advantage of the effect that was bound to set in to try to establish their presence as usual, killing people.
What people should ask is whether the Zulum statement is a one off thing done ignorantly or one that was deliberately to cause confusion in the camp of the military.

You will recall that the governor had made similar provocative statements afterward reprimanding senior military officers in the presence of their juniors.

It is a well known fact that the military thrives on order, discipline and hierarchy, it is usually counterintuitive for senior officers to be exposed to ridicule in the presence of their juniors.
As much as possible, the military tradition favours preserving the dignity of senior officers who would be giving orders to their juniors.

Much as Zulum was praised in some quarters for speaking out against what was clearly his perception, the fact remains that the same Zulum will not tolerate a situation for instance where the President would scold him in the presence of his commissioners or local government chairmen.

Many did not fail to notice that while a few were praising Zuklum for the comment, those who travel on the Damaturu- Madiduguri road regularly were apprehensive saying the statement is capable uf worsening the security situation in the state.
They said they were even prepared to pay even thrice what the Governor claimed the security agents were extorting from travelers than be left to die in the hands of the murderous Boko Haram.

Their worst fear however came to pass when the insurgents re-launched attacks on the road leading to the Auno tragedy.

Much as it looks like a one off thing, we cannot fail to draw a parallel between what the governor said, what happened in Auno and what happened during the Goodluck Jonathan administration.
We have observed that it is whenever peace and security is attained in Borno and the Federal authorities or any other body starts talking about conducting local government elections in the state, that is when there would be a relapse to violence and the flood gate would be opened to the terrorists to operate.

We recall that the abduction of the Chibok girls happened when there was relative calm in Borno state and the opposition parties then started demanding for local government elections to be conducted in the state.

It is an open secret that state governors use the allocations of their local governments in their states as their personal resources.

The case of Borno state is even worse as the state has not witnessed local government elections since the upscale of insurgency.

What this means is that the governor reserves the right under a caretaker on interim arrangement to appoint his cronies to man the affairs of the local councils.
With 23 local governments, what accrues to Borno as local government funds are quite huge and since there are no elected structures at the third tier level, it is at the discretion of the governor and his appointees to dispense the funds.

You will recall that at a time, 14 local governments in the state were under the control of the Boko Haram yet they continued to receive their allocations from the center.

There is no doubt that since President Muhammadu Buahri came on board as President in 2015, much has been achieved in the area of security with many of the local government under captivity of the Boko Haram freed and many Internally Displaced persons, IDps, returning to their communities.
This laudable feat it would appear is not acceptable to some as it would deprive them of the opportunities of bilking the third tier arm of government.

Was it a coincidence that it was immediately after the Federal government started talking about ensuring democratic structures are put in place at the local government levels in all the states of the federation and the possibility of conducting elections at that level that the Borno State governor made his infamous statement leading to the demoralization of troops and the emboldening of the terrorists?

People might say that the Borno State Governor is naïve politically given that he had just assumed office, but people should not forget that he owes his ascendancy to certain forces who would want their interests protected.

You will also notice that recently whenever there is an attack in any part of Borno State, the governor would be first to arrive and will continue with his invectives on the military top brass and the following day, the call for the change of service chiefs would top national discourse.
In view of the above, we hold that the politicians in Borno State have failed us and the government needs to do something urgently.

Solutions:
We call on the Federal Government to in view if the security implication of major politicians in Borno State discontinue releasing allocations to the local governments in the state until elections are conducted at the local government level.

We also call on the Federal government to declare a state of emergency in Borno State to forestall further attacks due to carelessness on the part of the political leadership in the state.

Auno attack: Group decries despicable attempt by Borno Governor's aides to embarrass Buhari during visit

The Borno Coalition for Justice (BCJ) has fingered Governor Babagana Zulum of Borno State and his aides in an attempt to embarrass President Muhammadu Buhari during his visit to Maiduguri on Wednesday.

The coalition made this known on Thursday at a press conference to address the “despicable plot at embarrassing President Buhari by aides of Borno Governor”.

Speaking on behalf of the Borno coalition, convener Mohammed Ali described the gesture as “cowardly and insensitive”, an evidence of Zulum's hatred towards the president.

As indigenes of Borno, the group recounts that President Buhari enjoys demigod status in the state owing to his giant strides which dates back to his military days and it is impossible for the same people to turn their backs on him.

The coalition said the handwriting of the governor, his predecessor and godfathers was all over the show of shame.

The Borno Coalition for Justice, therefore, advised Zulum to call his political aides to order and go a step further by tendering an unreserved apology to Mr President.

The group, however, pleased with President Buhari not to be perturbed and continue his drastic approach to insecurity by declaring a state of emergency on the state.

Read full statement below:

The attention of Borno Coalition for Justice has been drawn to the despicable attempt at embarrassing President Muhammdu Buhari, who visited Borno State for a condolence visit in the aftermath of the Boko Haram attack in Auno recently.

The Borno Coalition for Justice is indeed appalled by the display of hypocrisy by the government of Borno state for allowing street urchins under the sponsorship of aides and advisers of the Governor throw tantrums at the convoy of President Muhammadu Buhari.

This is indeed unsolicited and an indication that the government of Borno State is not appreciative of the numerous sacrifices President Muhammadu Buhari has made for the people of Borno State in ensuring that the Boko Haram insurgency comes to an end.

We wish to state that this display is cowardly and insensitive. It is indeed a continuation of the contempt which the Governor of Borno state and his immediate predecessor have for President Muhammadu Buhari.

This is also on the heels of the fact that it is no longer a hidden secret that the political godfather of the Governor of Borno State has been interested in one of the highest offices in the country and he has indeed set out machinery towards actualizing this in ways too numerous to mention, but including undermining the efforts of President Muhammadu Buhari in the fight against Boko Haram terrorist in North-East Nigeria.

We wish to state in unequivocal terms that this is indeed a part of the larger script that is aimed at promoting the interest of those nursing vice-presidential ambition at all cost and not minding whose ox is gored.

The Borno Coalition for Justice wishes to state that as in previous times, the Governor of Borno State must elect to be on the good side of history because no discerning mind in Borno State would attempt to boo President Muhammadu Buhari under whatever guise.

It must be stated that Borno State is one of the states that President Muhammadu Buhari has tremendous following since he was Governor of the state from July 1975 to March 1976. He has been at home with the people, and the people of Borno State adore him for his invaluable contributions to the development of the state.

The Borno Coalition for Justice condemns this puerile attempt and wishes to advise Governor Babagana Zulum to call his political aides to order as the people of Borno State would not condone any further attempt at embarrassing President Muhammadu Buhari under any guise.

We also wish to state that the hatred towards President Muhammadu Buhari must stop henceforth as it would serve no purpose in the long run because the people of Borno State sees in President Muhammadu Buhari a revered idol.

The Governor of Borno state must realize that the street urchins that they paid to cause an embarrassment to President Muhammadu Buhari would one day constitute themselves into a nuisance in the state.

We consequently demand that the Government of Borno State must tender an unreserved apology to President Muhammadu Buhari. The elders of Borno State must also lead a delegation from the state to apologize to President Muhammadu Buhari for this act of ingratitude and, indeed, a show of shame.

The Centre for Africa Liberation and Socio-Economic Rights (CALSER) has called on President Muhammadu Buhari to forthwith declare a state of emergency in Borno State.

This is on the heels of politically instigated killings in the state, targeted at destabilizing the Buhari administration.

At a press conference on Wednesday in Abuja, Convener, Princess Ajibola condemned the renewed spate of insurgents attacks in Borno state.

The group wondered why Borno is overly targeted for renewed insurgent attacks despite the concentration of troops in almost all the communities in the state.

CALSER alleged that Governor Babagana Zulum and his predecessor Senator Kashim Shettima know about the spate of insecurity in the state.

The Centre for Africa Liberation and Socio-Economic Rights, therefore, called for total declaration of a State of Emergency in Borno State in order for the relevant authorities to get to the root cause of the renewed terrorist activities.

The group further demanded that Zulum step down to allow for full presidential powers to restore peace and security in the state.

Read full address below:

I welcome you all lovers of democracy and unity of Nigeria. Ladies and gentlemen of the revered press. Stakeholders. Representatives of Civil Society Organizations. Others here present.

We stand on existing protocols.

“The Urgent Need for the declaration of A State of Emergency in Borno State.”

The urgency of now requires that urgent and proactive measures are put in place or enacted by those vested with such responsibilities in the overall interest of the country.

The leadership of the Centre for Africa Liberation and Socio-Economic Rights wishes to condemn in its entirety the renewed spate of insurgents attacks in Borno state, with the latest which recently happened in Auno community where some unscrupulous elements elected to set vehicles, building and human beings on fire for no justifiable reason.

This act is not only an affront to our collective sensibilities as a people; it indeed speaks volumes of some conspiracy theory that does not want the war against Boko Haram terrorists to come to an end so they can continue to hide under that cover to fleece the people of their commonwealth.

We are particularly alarmed as to why in the whole of North-East Nigeria; Borno state is the only state that is witnessing renewed insurgent attacks despite the concentration of troops in almost all the communities in the state, including those that are impassible due to the failure of the government to provide the necessary amenities for human habitation.

There is indeed more than meets the eyes, and it is consequently our considered opinion that questions must be asked and answers must be provided by the political leadership in the state that have chosen to grandstand at the detriment of assisting the military in its quest to route remnants of Boko Haram/ISWAP out of Nigeria completely.

We wish to state that the way and manner the Governor of Borno State, Professor Babagana Zulum have been soliciting for headlines in the newspapers is indicative of a plot to discredit the efforts of the Nigerian military and portraying a picture of failure in leadership on the part of the military, whereas, the reverse is the case.

In the light of the revelations, we wish to state that, indeed, Governor Babagana Zulum and his predecessor Senator Kashim Shettima are suspect in the spate of insecurity in Borno state because it is apparent that they have more skeletons in their cupboards to hide from the public.

As a means of diverting the attention of the public from their despicable act of depriving the people of the necessities of life that would aid their resettlements back into their communities, they have elected to sponsor violence in some parts of the state to achieve their inglorious objective.

The Centre for Africa Liberation and Socio-Economic Rights wishes to state that since local government funds are under the direct control of the governor since the insurgency has affected political administration at local government levels, and the recent call for the restoration of Local Government system across Nigeria as enshrined in the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, the governor of Borno State, Babagana Zulum and his immediate predecessor and godfather Kashim Shetimma would hear none of that because of the quantum of revelations that would occasion it.

In the light of these, they have elected sponsor acts of violence at various local government areas, especially in places where they have committed economic and political atrocities in an attempt to cover their tracks.

The fact that the Honorable Minister of Justice and Attorney General of the Federation is enforcing the constitutional declaration of the restoration of local government system in all the 36 states could be responsible for the politically perpetuated unrest witnessed in Borno State, so much so that the question is: Why only Borno State in the whole of North East?

In the light of the above-mentioned, the Centre for Africa Liberation and Socio-Economic Rights wishes to call for a full and total declaration of a State of Emergency in Borno State. This is necessary for the relevant authorities to get to the root cause of the renewed terrorist activities in the state.

The governor of Borno State must step down to allow for full presidential powers to restore peace and security in the state and to also allow the deprived and exploited people of Borno State some relief. And the Theatre Commander of Operation Lafiya Dole is appointed to oversee the affairs of the state until normalcy returns. This, we believe, is necessary for the quest for the restoration of lasting peace and tranquility in Borno State.

The Centre for Africa Liberation and Socio-Economic Rights wishes to state that if indeed the federal government is desirous of finding lasting peace in the North East region, the example must be set from Borno State by declaring a state of emergency.

This, we believe, would be in the best interest of the people of the state whose commonwealth has been hijacked by a few greedy people that was vested with the responsibility of making life meaningful for the people.

The time to act is now. We thank you all for the rapt attention, and it is our earnest prayer that the Federal Government acts in the best interest of the people.

*Iran Must Go: 1, 000 protesters deliver petition to US, Trump to intervene in plot by Iran, AI to destabilize Nigeria*

No fewer than 1,000 Nigerians have signed a petition calling on the United States of America to intervene in a plot by Iran and Amnesty International (AI) to destabilize the country.

The petition, addressed to US President Donald Trump, through the US Ambassador to Nigeria, seeks to end Iranian government's avid sponsorship of groups/individuals truncating Nigeria's democracy.

With the help of proxy Islamic Movement in Nigeria (IMN), the Asian nation seeks to establish Islamic Caliphates in Nigeria in whatsoever way possible, even if it means shedding blood.

Amongst others, convener Mohammed Ibn Shuaibu reminded the US president that it is the same IMM that burnt the country's flag and carried placards condemning the killing of General Qassem Soleimani, chanting, “Death To America.”

According to the petition, Iran has been shipping in ammunition and arms into Nigeria while also nurturing fighters in other countries .

These Nigerians reckoned that if nothing is done, Iran's dangerous schemes may escalate, especially now it has formed an alliance with Amnesty International.

The 1,000 Nigerians, therefore, urged the US to step in and activate measures that would support the efforts of the security agencies in Nigeria.

Read the full petition below:

The President
The White House
1600 Pennsylvania Avenue NW
Washington, DC 20500.

Through:
The Ambassador of the United States of America in Nigeria
Abuja-Nigeria.

Dear Mr. President,

The Islamic Republic of Iran and the Threat to Nigeria's Nascent Democracy- an Appeal for Intervention

This is indeed trying times for Nigeria with the renewed onslaught against our nascent Democracy by forces that are known to be harbingers of terrorism all over the world.

This letter cannot be written at a time better than now in the light of the threats posed by the Islamic Republic of Iran to the relative peace and tranquility in Nigeria with their avid sponsorship of groups/individuals with the sole intention of truncating Democracy in Nigeria and establishing Islamic Caliphates using their proxy-The Islamic Movement in Nigeria (IMN).

Dear Mr. President, you may wish to know that the Islamic Movement in Nigeria (IMN) is an offshoot of the Islamic Republic of Iran formed about four decades ago; it advocates the creation of an Iranian-style Islamic state in Nigeria.

It was heavily influenced by the Iranian revolution, which saw Ayatollah Khomeini take power in 1979 after the overthrow of the US-allied Shah in a popular uprising. Ayatollah Khomeini remains the group's main inspiration:

IMN adherents in Nigeria first pledge allegiance to him at their gatherings, and then to their local leader, Sheikh Ibraheem El- Zakzaky. The IMN views itself as a government and Sheikh Ibraheem El-Zakzaky as the only legitimate source of authority in Nigeria.

Dear Mr. President, the activities of the IMN was banned in Nigeria because it had resorted to violence as a means of entrenching their ultimate aim of an Iranian-style Islamic state in Nigeria. This is on the heels that Iran has provided the IMN with financial and political support since its inception.

This has enabled the IMN to increase its presence in northern Nigeria as part of Iran's drive into West Africa. The IMN has established a network of Shiite seminaries, schools, organizations, and a martyr's foundation, wholly funded by Iran.

Dear Mr. President, Iran has sought to increase its influence in certain countries in Africa in recent years through activities such as arms sales, training fighters for combat in the Middle East, and funding Shia sects such as the Islamic Movement in Nigeria.

It could thus be agreed that Nigeria and other African countries could emerge as a venue for a confrontation between the U.S. and Iran as the Iranian authorities have threatened to retaliate after the U.S. airstrike that killed the Iranian Quds Force commander, General Qassem Soleimani.

Mr. President may wish to be informed that there was a violent protest in Nigeria by the IMN, They also burnt a flag of the United States of America and carried placards condemning the killing of General Qassem Soleimani and chanting, “Death To America.”

Dear. Mr. President, the reality before Nigeria is indeed stark and graving if urgent interventions are not made. The Iranians are going to want to show that they have influence on a global scale and they may look for low-hanging fruit or easier targets that they can go after, and that may very well occur in Nigeria with the increased funding of the IMN by Iran as well as the establishment of militant groups across Northern Nigeria to wreak havoc of unimaginable proportion.

It is also instructive to state that the Iranian Government has infiltrated Nigeria with tens of thousands of fighters that were mobilized and used for conflicts in Iraq, Syria, and Yemen and these fighters have been responsible for the upsurge of criminality in Nigeria manifest in rampant kidnappings, banditry, and other terrorist acts that if left unchecked might spell doom for Nigeria and by extension other African countries.

Dear Mr. President, as stated earlier, the main aim of the Islamic Movement of Nigeria is to propagate the ideology in Iran and turn Nigeria into an Islamic state, as was done in the Iranian Revolution of 1979.

We consequently wish to solicit the support of the United States to see the actions of the Islamic Republic of Iran as an affront to Democracy in Nigeria hence the need to activate measures that would support the efforts of the security agencies in Nigeria in curtailing the threats posed by the IMN. This is highly necessary given the fact that the IMN is now a global threat.

Dear Mr. President, this threat is real. The Islamic Republic of Iran wants to destabilize, destroy, and demonize the democratic process in Nigeria by sponsoring and financing activities that are capable of breaking the country into pieces.

We have it on competent authority how the Islamic Republic of Iran has been shipping arms and ammunition for use by the IMN and other proxy organization in an operation code-named "Armageddon" which is for killing and maiming, disrupting the peace and tranquility in Nigeria and establishing the Iranian caliphate in Nigeria.

Dear Mr. President, this is our appeal, and we are confident of the intervention of the United States in protecting the nascent democratic experience in Nigeria.

While anticipating a favorable response, please accept, as always, assurances of our highest regards.

Mohammed Ibn Shuaibu
Convener

Lagos — A coalition of civil society group has dismissed recent reports that the Acting DG of FIIRO, Dr Chima Igwe has been indicted by the Independent Corrupt Practices and other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) on issues relating to his academic Qualification.

The group, in a statement by its spokesperson, Comrade Ayodeji Emmanuel described the report as falacious and a calculated attempt to double speak with all intent to forcefully indict Igwe playing the ethnic card and rejigging a matter hitherto earlier resolved by the commission.

The group has challenged the ICPC to make public the parameters by which her latest report is premised citing an earlier clearance given to Igwe and signed by the chairman of the commission, Professor Bolaji Owasanoye Which runs totally against what was recently issued by the spokesperson of the commission wondering if the agency now double speak by herself.

Citing the content of the earlier letter which was made available to newsmen in Lagos, the commissioner in a letter addressed to the honourable minister of Science and Technology and dated September 20, 2019 s igned by her chairman had said that Igwe " attended and obtained a Ph.D certificate from University D' Aboney Calavi Republic of Benin and consequently, allegatjions that he forged his Ph.D certificate was unsubstantiated as it is found that he obtained all his certificates in accordance with laid down procedure "
Subsequently, premised on the clearance by the ICPC, the permanent secretary of the ministry of Science and Technology, Bitrus Bako Nabasu had recommended Igwe to the governing board of the institute for appointment as the acting DG.

The group alleges the ICPC and particularly her south west office of conspiracy with the labour union of the institute who are also alleged of playing ethnic card towards forcefully having Igwe removed and someone from another region of the country appointed as the DG.

It challenge the ICPC to publish its parameters of findings so its data could be disaggregated rather than allow herself to be used by a few ethnic jingoist in bringing to disrepute a man who has done so much for himself and this country in the area of research and landmark patents.
ICPC had on Sunday through her spokesperson indicted Igwe saying though he attended the acclaimed school and completed study for doctorate, he did not defend his final thesis and hence could not have been adjudged to have had the qualification.

“The reality is that ICPC has allowed herself to be influenced by powers that be in making two different reports in a space of four months been known as a thorough agency which won't make claims without accurate and far reaching investigation" the group said.

*PDP group exposes national body, distances self from plot to truncate Nigeria's democracy*

The Peoples Democratic Party National Solidarity Vanguard (PDP-NSV) has distanced itself from any conspiracy or action geared towards truncating the nation's democracy.

The opposition group made its position known at a press conference on Tuesday in Abuja to address sentimental utterances by its members on sensitive national security issues.

In a statement signed by National Coordinator, Alhaji Shehu Sani, the PDP National Solidarity Vanguard said it can not be part of co-conspirators in oblique plots against the dismemberment of Nigeria.

Although not valid, the PDP-NSV believes “such undignified acts by some members bear semblance with the general suspicions that PDP is the masked force behind resurgent insecurity”.

In the spirit of healthy opposition politics, however, the group denounced itself from “ such shadows emanating from either the party itself or any member”.

It further pledged support for President Muhammadu Buhari, who according to them has planted a bridge between ethnic and religious lines in the country and so far curtailed insecurity after recovering territories that were taken under the Jonathan administration.

Read full statement below:

Ladies and Gentlemen of the Press.

Please accept our profound gratitude for responding to our invitation to this media chat. It has become necessary for us to clarify the air by speaking to Nigerians on certain perceived recent wrongs, actions and utterances which have tended to tilt or constitute potential dangers to the corporate existence of our beloved nation, Nigeria.

Members of the PDP National Solidarity Vanguard (PDP-NSV) have observed with dismay and consternation the persistent unguarded, inciting and uncouth public utterances and statements by a select few members of our party- the PDP on sensitive national security issues. We deem such abhorrent outbursts as alien to our national culture and ethics of universal brotherhood.

We consider these reckless statements directed at the APC-led federal government of President Muhammadu Buhari, on his handling of insecurity issues especially resurgent acts of violence and deaths. The vitriols of the incumbent Government are imbued with unconcealed and unjustifiable hatred, deliberate venom and beyond the threshold of the expression of genuine concern about the predicament of Nigerians trapped by rampaging merchants of deaths in some parts of the country.

PDP-NSV infinitely frowns at such barbaric acts of heartlessness and undisguised appetite or preference for violence and bloodshed in parts of the country in the guise of opposition politics. We are extremely worried at the constancy of such misguided and instigative statements from some members, and more so, at a time of grave national tragic incidents, which should inspire sober reflection and grief by their sheer capacity to activate greater violence and anarchy.

Such inclination is inconsistent with our orientation and ore national values as a political party. Like us, most Nigerians are worried that the disposition of some PDP chieftains on matters of resurged attacks, unmitigated violence and deaths in select areas unwittingly admit to the public that the party as a congregation of respected Nigerians is incidentally infested with people excited at bloodletting and unnecessary heating of the polity at the detriment of Nigerians.

Certain irresponsible utterances over a sensitive matter of national security such as spearheaded and reflected in January 2020 debate in the plenaries of both chambers of the National Assembly (NASS) or the isolated remarks of PDP chieftains and loyalists with same tenor, pricks the conscience very hard towards our collective culpability. And it invokes a sturdy feeling that we are people working behind the scenes to create, worsen and accentuate Nigeria’s dilemma of renewed insecurities.

Such undignified acts by some members bear semblance with the general suspicions of Nigerians and President Buhari that PDP is the masked force behind resurgent insecurity atrocities in some areas in Nigeria and the excited feasting on the blood of the innocent. Of course, we all know this position is untrue, but unfortunately, the reckless flippancy of some members strongly alludes to it. This is not encouraging and those concerned should desist.

PDP-NSV believes that all of us cannot be smeared in the same basket because we ascribe to one political party. We believe in decent opposition politics, which respects responsible values, the indivisibility, oneness, peace and security of Nigeria. We cannot be party to or affiliate or align ourselves with any covert or overt force incensed or tempted to work in antithetical position with the stability of Nigeria.

Therefore, we denounce and dissociate ourselves from such shadows emanating from either the party itself or any member who indulge in such reprehensible and repulsive actions or utterances.

The Republic of Iran, and its allies like the Republic of Turkey whose shadows are traced in sponsoring the festering of Boko Haram/ISWAP terrorism in Nigeria should not attempt to destroy our party by making some members of the PDP planks for actualizing this satanism. Henceforth, we are prepared to checkmate and resist them with all our might.

We state it clearly to all and sundry that PDP-NSV will neither spare a thought nor hesitate to expose any of our member who is discovered to be enmeshed and in alliance with external forces in plots to destabilize Nigeria. Or disguisedly supporting or sympathizing with acts of violence and deaths designed to cause possible disintegration of Nigeria.

The PDP-NSV wishes to lay bare the fact that majority of members of the party are in support of a united Nigeria and in full support of what Mr. President has done so far to curtail consuming insecurities in the country. We therefore, extend our unreserved cooperation and support to him in the quest of ridding Nigeria of any form of security threats for peace and unity.

Mr. President’s determined and courageous war against terrorism and insurrections are commendable and appreciative. In truth, had the PDP done half of what President Buhari has accomplished on security, and still doing, when our party controlled political power at the center for 16 years, Nigeria would have extricated itself from this mess a long time ago.14.

Let’s humbly admit and accept the unchangeable reality that the then PDP Government did not do half of what Mr. President has done towards fighting Boko Haram and other armed criminalities in the country. Whilst the PDP as a major opposition party in Nigeria can disagree with Mr. President on so many policies of his administration, we cannot however, endorse any attempt to blackmail the President on his efforts on curbing insecurity. This empty and shameless braggadocio on security by some PDP members will only make the party a laughing stock before Nigerians and the rest of the world.

Any Nigerian plotting the fall of the President Buhari’s Government for selfish reasons and through undemocratic or illegal means should bear in mind that Nigerians and the rest of the world will reject any attempt to truncated her hard earned democracy. Indisputably, such characters will also neither enjoy our backing nor blessings on any act designed to destroy the unity of Nigeria and plunge the country into tatters.

Thank you and journey mercies.