₦airaland Forum

*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.

Iran Must Go: Protest enters day 2 as Nigerians insist IMN, AI, others undermining Nigeria's sovereignty must leave

For the second day on the spin, Nigerians took to the streets of the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja, demanding the expulsion of Iranians, Amnesty International and others fingered to be destabilising the country.

After Monday's peaceful rally to the Iranian Embassy, led by the Concerned Citizens Coalition (CCC), these Nigerians, on Tuesday, took its displeasure to Amnesty International's office.

In a statement by Convener, Mohammed Shuaibu, the group said it is time for A.I to leave as it has overtime acted against the nation's interest.

According to Mr Shuaibu, Amnesty International entered a strategic pact with the Iranian government to provide protection for Islamic Movement in Nigeria and other militant groups.

While urging the security agencies to act fast, the Concerned Citizens advised A.I to “take their loot from Iran to other gullible countries where they can act as they wish.”

Failure to do so, however, the CCC added that Nigerians would indeed hold it responsible should there be a resurgence of violent and criminal activities in the country.

Read full address below:

We come in peace as Concerned Citizens of Nigeria in Nigeria under the umbrella of The Concerned Citizens Coalition with an overarching objective to promote the ideals of good governance and a strong and viable Nigeria through the instrument of advocacy.

We are gathered here in accordance with this mandate to protect the interest of Nigeria against those individuals and organizations that are conspiring to truncate our nascent democracy and ultimately set Nigeria on the path of disintegration.

We have stated in numerous forums that indeed, some organizations in Nigeria are acting against our interest by masquerading under acclaimed international organizations working in the interest of the enthronement of peace, while in truth, they are nothing but agents some foreign countries that do not want the progress of Nigeria.

We boldly wish to state that Amnesty International (AI) and its operations in Nigeria have indeed been a source of concerned for most Nigerians in the sense that they have constituted themselves as clogs in the wheels of progress in Nigeria through their often unsubstantiated reports and releases tuned to set Nigeria on the path of disintegration.

That Amnesty International has continued to remain in Nigeria is a great disservice to us as a people and as a country due to the multiple pieces of evidence that indicate that it is indeed working for vested interest and, as such, lost its credibility in all ramifications.

The Concerned Citizens Coalition is not oblivious of the recently hatched plot by the Government of Iran to cause chaos in Nigeria through the sponsorship of proxy groups and organizations to undertake ventures that are inimical to the interest of Nigeria and also injurious to our nascent democracy.

We wish to state that the Government of Iran has indeed committed a colossal sum of monies in this regard, and some of the beneficiaries are Amnesty International, the Islamic Movement in Nigeria, and other proxy groups that are springing up in various parts of the country under different curious nomenclatures.

We are indeed aware that Amnesty International has entered a strategic pact with the Government of Iran to provide protection for the IMN and other militant groups that have been established for the sole purpose of causing mayhem in the country.

This fact is undeniably inimical to the peace and stability of Nigeria, and there is no moral justification for such a dubious organization to continue to operate in Nigeria under whatever guise.

This is also aside from the numerous ways Amnesty International has attempted to cause crisis in Nigeria through its propagandist reports tailored to suit their paymasters. This position was what gave rise to the calls for the expulsion of Amnesty International from Nigeria in times past, and it seems they cannot desist from their dubious intention against the Nigerian state.

Amnesty International, in times past have castigated the Nigerian government and attempted to instigate the people to pick up arms against the government but for the intervention of discerning Nigerians who saw through the gimmick and rebuked Amnesty International. We wish to state that enough is enough for Amnesty International as Nigerians would take none of its despicable opposition to the growth and development of Nigeria.

That Nigerians decided to tow on the side of caution is not an indication of weakness, but a display of the true Nigerian spirit that is abounding in love and tolerance. But this time around, we have decided to take the bull by the horns by demanding that Amnesty International must leave Nigeria as a matter of urgency and national concern.

Amnesty International represents everything that is against the interest of Nigeria in the sense that their contribution to the buoyancy of the Boko Haram/ISWAP terrorist group in North-East Nigeria is legendary through concocted and fictions reports that makes a mockery of human rights evaluations and compliance.

Their tact support for militant groups like the Islamic Movement in Nigeria and the Indigenous People of Biafra have also been phenomenal in the sense that it is sufficing to state that they are a part of these organization through the spread of propaganda aimed at causing a distraction and undermining the efforts of Nigeria in the fight against terrorism and other forms of criminality in Nigeria. They have, through their actions, been painting the Nigerian government as incapable and carrying out acts that violate human rights, whereas the reverse has been the case.

We cannot continue to keep quiet to this anomaly if we are indeed desirous of seeing Nigeria remain united and prosperous as a country. The time to act is indeed now.

Our demand is simple and in the best interest of the generality of Nigerians. Amnesty International must leave Nigeria, for we cannot afford the luxury of harboring organizations that are in bed with terrorist networks around the world. We cannot also afford to allow the blood monies received by Amnesty International from Iran to infiltrate the nook and cranny of Nigeria as the result would be the spread of violence of unimaginable proportion.

Nigerians are more united more than ever in this resolve to see to the closure of the offices of Amnesty International in Nigeria, and it is our firm belief that the relevant authorities in Nigeria would act in the best interest of Nigeria in this regard.

Nigerians are not fools. We have tolerated enough and have consequently decided to act to save our beloved country from imminent collapse by the threat posed by Amnesty International and their cronies.

We advise them to take their loot from Iran to other gullible countries where they can act as they wish. But not Nigeria. They can go for all we care as there is no business with light and darkness.

We consequently give a charge to the relevant authorities to act fast in the light of the abounding pieces of evidence of the shameful acts of Amnesty International against Nigeria. Our security agencies must investigate their operations in Nigeria in the past five years, which would include sources of funding to avoid such anomaly in the future.

We wish to sound a note of warning to Amnesty International that pending their departure from Nigeria; Nigerians would indeed hold it responsible should there be a resurgence of violent and criminal activities in Nigeria.

A word is indeed enough for the wise. Nigerians are watching, and the world is indeed watching.

*Buhari is not President of the north, PRONECO Convener, Shango replies Ango Abdullahi*

The National Convener Pro- Nigeria Elders Council (PRONECO), Chief Hon. Simon Shango, has replied Chairman, Northern Elders Forum (NEF) Prof. Ango Abdullahi, describing President Muhammadu Buhari as a democratic leader and not a northern President.

Mr Shango's reaction trails Prof. Abdullahi's comments wherein the latter alleged that “poverty, particularly in the North and massive social security have worsened under Buhari’s administration.”

In a statement on behalf of PRONECO on Monday, Chief Shango dismissed Abdullahi's “provocative and inciting” assertion for lacking basis, especially knowing the president inherited a poverty-stricken nation, suffering economic recess with states owing debts.

However, contrary to the NEF leader's claim, Mr Shango added that since Buhari took over the helms of affair in 2015, he introduced National Social Investments Programme, drastically improved the security, oil exploration in the Niger Delta is now seamless among others.

Nonetheless, the elderstatesman advised Ango not to attempt to reduce President Buhari who is focused on spreading the gains of democracy across the country to just a regional leader.

Read full statement below:

The Pro- Nigeria Elders Council (PRONECO) is prodded to weigh in reaction to the unwarranted, provocative and inciting public statements credited to the Chairman, Northern Elders Forum (NEF) Prof. Ango Abdullahi. The NEF chair carelessly without recourse to decorum launched scathing verbal attacks on the administration of President Muhammadu Buhari as failing to tackle poverty and insecurity in Nigeria.

In the said statement, widely reported in the media, Prof. Abdullahi intolerably abused his position of trust and neutrality on political matters by his premeditated and personalized tirades on the person and the Government of President Buhari. An elder who condescends that low in inconsistency deserves our empathy and prayers as elders in the land.

The PRONECO has keenly watched the actions and utterances of Prof. Abdullahi over time and has come to the sad conclusion that he lacks the nerve and wisdom to posture as an elder statesman not just of his northern ethnic clan but to at any point speak for anyone in the country. His doublespeak is abhorring and portraits him with image of a juvenile, not of an elder statesman that he should be. Abdullahi regrettably has dubiously deployed his vintage position as NEF Chairman to embark on a doomed mission of vengeance against the President Muhammadu Buhari led-Federal Government of Nigeria.

The PRONECO has observed in him flippancy and loquaciousness on national issues that do not mean well for the unity and peace of Nigeria . We are shocked that a venerated body like NEF has abandoned or loaned its leadership to the hatred of someone like Prof. Abdullahi, who has not only undermined the sensibilities of the diverse persuasions of NEF members, but has also dragged it into partisan politics.

The PRONECO has understandably restrained itself from questioning the sanity and trustworthiness of the perception of Prof. Abdullahi on national issues because it is glaring and pathetic that he has lost bearing a long time ago. He is leading NEF to a consuming ditch since he cannot differentiate between NEF and his personal dispositions.

However, it is imperative to remind Prof. Abdullahi of certain basic and fundamental things, which his outburst have not only belittled his personage, but also denigrated NEF, the body he represents.

Let Prof. Abdullahi know henceforth, NEF is not his personal property or fiefdom. Therefore, his chairmanship of the body does not appropriate to him any power to canvass partisan political positions on behalf of NEF especially when another statesman and patriot in the character of President Buhari is concerned.

His current posturing is sacrilegious and smacks of brazenly playing on the intelligence of its members. His viewpoint on the administration of President Buhari as reflected in the public statement has never been contemplated by NEF and therefore, personal to him and should never be garbed as the official position of NEF.

Furthermore, its quite unfortunate that in spite of Prof. Abdullahi’s vastness in knowledge, exposure and experience, senility has not allowed him to discern that President Buhari is the President of Nigeria and not “President of Northern Nigeria.” He is not to be blamed as senility has done enough overt damage to his senses and it explains his latest disgraceful outing. But he cannot reduce President Buhari to a regional leader.

Specifically, Abdullahi’s claims that poverty has worsened in Nigeria is mendacious and egoistic greasing of his appetite to parrot carelessly on public discourse . President Buhari met a country that was in total shambles in 2015, where poverty reached the zenith with states and federal governments indebted, to months of unpaid salaries, pensions, gratuities and huge local contractual debts in trillions of naira.

And with an economy in recession, widespread poverty and hardships in the land, had a monstrous and tormenting face. But as a concerned leader, President Buhari immediately cleared the backlog of owed entitlements at the national level and dispatched series of bailout funds to states for same reasons.

The National Social Investments Programme, with multiple subsets; sustained agricultural loans to farmers and other such initiatives are the few conscious and deliberate steps to ameliorate poverty and hardships in the land as well as empower Nigerians towards self-sustenance.

The security in Nigeria was worse than now. But President Buhari has thrown his hat into the ring to ensure even the recent politically induced attacks and killings in parts of the country are curtailed. Perhaps, Prof. Abdullahi is too engrossed in his vengeance mission against Mr. President and has refused to sight the positively changed silhouette on insecurities in Nigeria.

However, it is laughable not to notice that exploration of crude oil in South-South Nigeria is now uninterrupted and peaceful, unlike before when violent and consistent militancy disrupted the process. Boko Haram which hitherto engulfed the entire North, including Kaduna or Kano states where Prof. Abdullahi resides and Abuja where he occasionally strays has been confined to the fringes of the Lake Chad Basin in Northeast Nigeria. These miracles have been performed by President Buhari.

Prof. Abdullahi is free to seek information from some State Governors in the North Central and they will acquaint him with the decisive actions by the Presidency which have tamed herdsmen/farmers carnages. The communities are enjoying substantial peace at the moment. Despite sporadic violent attacks in recent times, which are being handled, the records cannot be obliterated by Prof. Abdullahi’s wish. The tempo of armed banditry in Northwest states has relaxed incredibly.

An elder statesman does not lie, especially in public. So, it infuriates when Prof. Ango Abdullahi says, “It has become necessary and appropriate, however, to make public, the position of the forum on important matters that affect the manner Nigerians live, and the future we must address.” Which of the issues he canvassed in the public now is a collective decision of NEF and at which meeting?

And canvassing for the change in the leadership of Service and Security Chiefs only confirms his partisan unclothedness and repulsive resort to the antics of opposition to harangue President Buhari. But Abdullahi and those who habour such regressively feeble thoughts can never intimidate, harass or stampede Mr. President to change his current Service and Security Chiefs based on their veiled anti-Nigerian campaigns coated as patriotism.

He should expend his remaining energies on something personally worthwhile to him. But in truth, his present actions are unbecoming of a man of his status, grossly partisan and a disservice to the promotion of unity, national cohesion and peace in Nigeria.

When you push vengeance too far, it turns to haunt, ridicule and foul the air around you. Prof. Abdullahi is free to air his personal opinions on the way his country is governed; no one has a problem with it. But it is undisguised criminality to pass such personal, biased, partisan and dishonest views as the decision of NEF. Abdullahi alone cannot symbolize nearly 200 million Nigerians. He is certainly not above the over 15 million Nigerians who have again reposed their leadership trust and confidence in President Buhari as re-confirmed by his 2019 overwhelming reelection victory.

Thank you.

By Philip Agbese
 
Twine main polemics dominate national discourse on security issues in Nigeria. The first camp basically comprises ardent critics and opposition members who are hostile to the administration of President Muhammadu Buhari. To this club of Nigerians, enmeshed in a partial mindset, its more convenient to score the national government led by President Buhari and the ruling APC zero on security.
They claim since 2015, Buhari has proved pitiable helplessness in taming insecurities in the land, which in their perceptive view, rather escalates every day.  This is altogether not unusual with opposition elements in any clime, which does not necessarily obviate the reality anyway.

There is another clan of people. They are the impartial and neutral set of Nigerians, who glowingly glorify President Buhari for impacting positively on the previously enervating insecurity in the nation. They argue most trenchantly that there is nowhere that insecurity in a country is completely conquered and the sense can only stick if it dawns on anyone that the United States of America, the United Kingdom and many others are still under the spell of terrorism.
 It is utopian to think insecurities anywhere should end in a jiffy. Rather, it is reduced to the barest minimum as exemplified by President Buhari, if measured against the insecurity realities prior to his ascension to power in 2015.

These disparate and counter-reactive views on the insecurity situation in Nigeria have subsisted. However, all opposing camps accept that wild insecurity engulfed Nigeria and predated the administration of President Buhari. The anti-establishment analysts on security cite resurgent acts such as  in Boko Haram/IWSAP terrorists; armed banditry, ethno-religious conflicts,  organized and commercialized kidnapping  and communal strifes to impulsively  buttress their standpoint.  

But the pro-establishment camp, whose voice aligns more to the truth, ancient wisdom and informed reason extrapolate that such erratic traces of insecurities are expected, normal and curbed gradually to ensure greater safety of lives and property. It is not difficult to discern the reality of an immolated insecurity by the ruling APC government led by President Buhari, despite intermittent resurgence of attacks and killings. Those who obstinately stick to views that nothing has changed on security in Nigeria under the Buhari Presidency deserve pity. It is certain that they are pretentious, prejudiced, sentimental or genuinely oblivious of its intensity before now.

The severity of insecurity threats to Nigeria was encapsulated in President Buhari’s 2020 New Year open letter to Nigerians tagged “Nigeria’s Decade;” He stated that “We have been fighting on several fronts: violent extremists, cultists and organized criminal networks. It has not been easy. But as we are winning the war, we also look to the challenge of winning the peace, the reconstruction of lives, communities and markets. The North East Development Commission will work with local and international stakeholders to help create a new beginning for the North East.”
 The presidential perspective on insecurity in Nigeria is more clearly elucidated by the recent position of the Arewa Consultative Forum (ACF) through its Secretary-General of ACF, Mr. Anthony Sani.
Appraising President Buhari’s administration on security of the nation, especially in Northern Nigeria where Boko Haram had engrained its  reign of terror , the ACF said; “He, therefore, decided to confront the challenges and recorded some appreciable successes which consigned Boko Haram to fringes of the North East and their attacks were reduced to occasional suicide bombings using small girls. Consequently, the fears which hitherto overwhelmed the North gave way to hope and confidence that comes with normal life.”

Two elements can be deduced and denoted from the submissions of ACF, a body which also has Northern Nigeria as its primary constituency. The first is that Boko Haram and its later variation is no longer the severe nightmare of the entire North and, again, its atrocious activities have been consigned to the fringes of the Northeast equally being tackled. It is no less a reflection of the true reality. Truth be told that many Nigerians started enjoying this bliss from terrorism and allied criminalities as far back as 2016. There was a time armed banditry and cattle rustling sacked and permanently displaced natives in most states of the Northwest and same for monstrous militancy in the Niger Delta. The Nigerian Army’s series of special operations flushed out these criminal elements and restored peace and normalcy.

No one has ever argued that insecurity has deserted Nigeria terminally, but it is considerably tamed. Unfortunately, though, the relaxed tide in insecurities across the country has irked certain interests who believed the best style to de-market the administration of President Buhari is to infuse political dimension into security.  
Therefore, apart from covertly recruiting and arming youths, while silently pursuing political ambitions, the consciousness of such plotters of breach of security has never reconciled with the reality of a changed scenario on the security trajectory.

As far back as 2016 signs to this effect manifested as trumpeted by the COAS and leader of the counter-insurgency operations, Lt. Gen. TY Buratai.  He told an unsuspecting nation, which incidentally never spared a thought to his outbursts or acted appropriately that ”All these cries of insecurity which some groups and individuals are taking it as a political game I think they should have a rethink because it is no longer the case. ”
 
Interestingly, shadows of the induced and politically motivated insecurity in the country would later de-robe itself with public statements from prominent opposition members and their minions. In one of his campaign affronts on the Buhari Presidency in 2018, the 2019 PDP presidential candidate, former Vice President Atiku Abubakar gave the inkling of politically induced insecurities, in a somewhat blackmailing fashion of Nigerians to magnate undeserved votes.
Atiku was blunt that if Nigerians fail to vote him as their President in 2019, insecurity and herdsmen killings in the country will continue. The statement smacked of the insight of an insider.  But as usual Nigerians ignored him. It was only when Boko Haram/ISWAP terrorism and herdsmen bloodbath intensified in the months leading to the 2019 general elections that the full import of his utterances dawned on Nigerians. In protests to such devilry, Nigerians again massively reelected Buhari.    
Nigerians were also appalled at the quantum of illegal/ smuggled arms and ammunition into the country in the build-up to the last general elections. Security agents impounded many of these illicit arms and ammunitions, at different points in the country.  And to every sane mind, these arms in the possession of political thugs were actively used to cause electoral violence and killings in the few areas security vigilance relaxed. Most of those armed have retained these arms; after being abandoned by their masters.
They have turned the force and anger against innocent Nigerians by perpetrating all manner of crimes, attacks and killings. Last year, a bewildered President Buhari directed the Inspector General of Police (IGP) to mop us these arms, as indication of his perturbance.
In fact, each time these criminal armed gangs pull the trigger in mindlessly violent extermination of Nigerians, it is the opposition’s voice that is heard first. And it is usually rare in sympathy with victims of such attacks, but virulent castigation of the Buhari Presidency’s failings on securing lives and property of Nigerians. Even when external bodies which independently understudies the insecurity dilemma in Nigeria applauds Buhari’s efforts, opposition elements are quick to counter the narratives’ as false.   
A recent report by the United States based Non-Governmental Organization by the identity, “Centre for Diplomacy and Democracy” praised President Buhari for standing up to the challenge of multiple insecurities. And   Atiku again broke his silence.  
After pouring invectives on the NGO, Atiku furiously stated that “President Buhari and the APC have shown without equivocation that the job at hand is overwhelming for them. And because they lack the basic clue of how to tame the bogey that they have created….”
A part from the jejune that drapes throughout the length and breath of the statement; the contents’ riled,  rhymed, alluded and indeed, connoted the actualization of the plots on  threats  of insecurity Atiku reeled out before the general elections.
Whatever anybody thinks, and including the opposition elements, President Buhari and Nigeria are winning the war on insecurities. And like President Buhari remarked on 2020 New Year day epistle; “The Federal Government will continue to work with State Governors, neighbouring states and our international partners to tackle the root causes of violent extremism and the networks that help finance and organise terror. Our security forces will receive the best training and modern weaponry... We will use all the human and emerging technological resources available to tackle kidnapping, banditry and armed robbery.”  

Agbese wrote this article from the United Kingdom.

*Nigerians tasked to rise up against plot by Iran, Amnesty International to destabilize the country*


The Citizens Against Destabilization (CAD) has urged Nigerians not to succumb to the plot by the Iranian government and Amnesty International to destabilize the country.

CAD made this known at a press conference on Iran's nefarious plot to wreck havoc through their proxies on Sunday in Abuja.

In a statement signed by President, Comrade Stephen Okenarh, the group revealed that the destabilization plot by Iran is part of the broader strategy towards securing the release and escape into exile of their stooge and leader of the Islamic Movement of Nigeria (IMN).

According to them, Iran had budgeted a whopping $500 million for the destabilization plot and this much is evident in the way and manner the adherents of the IMN had carried themselves in recent times.

The Citizens against Destabilization, however, stated in unequivocal terms that should the federal government fail to act fast in addressing the threat posed by the IMN and Amnesty International, the consequences might eventually lead to the disintegration of Nigeria.

The group, therefore, urged Nigerians to disregard any statement from Amnesty International and their affiliates on Nigeria as this is indeed a part of the plot to make the citizens gullible for the smooth execution of the destabilization plot as arranged by the Iranian.

Read full statement below:

The Citizens against Destabilization, a Civil Society Organization at the vanguard of exposing the nefarious plots by organizations and individuals against Nigeria through its vast network of members, is holding this press conference to intimate Nigerians on a recently revealed conspiracy against the Unity of Nigeria.

We wish to state that the Government of Iran has perfected plans towards the destabilization of Nigeria in cahoots with some organizations and individuals in Nigeria.

The destabilization plot by the Iranian Government is part of the broader strategy towards securing the release and escape into exile of their stooge and leader of the Islamic Movement of Nigeria (IMN)

This has consequently seen to the covert supply of arms and ammunitions to the IMN in Nigeria through unconventional means all aimed towards launching a violent attack on Nigeria that would include jailbreaks across the country.

We have credible information stating that the Iranian Government had budgeted a whopping $500 million for the destabilization plot against Nigeria, and this much is evident in the way and manner the adherents of the IMN had carried themselves in recent times.

The Citizens against Destabilization wishes to state that the Iranian Government had also enlisted the services of Amnesty International to spread propaganda against Nigeria through the publication of false and fictitious reports meant to distract the security agencies in an attempt to allow the arms piling and movement of the IMN across the country where there are prisons and concentration of critical government infrastructures marked for destruction.

This much Amnesty International has agreed to do as credible information at our disposal indicates that colossal sum of monies was paid for these services to the country representative of Amnesty International in one of the African countries to evade the prying eyes of the EFCC and the DSS in Nigeria.

The Citizens against Destabilization wishes to state in unequivocal terms that should the Government fail to act fast in addressing the threat posed by the IMN and Amnesty International; the consequences might eventually lead to the disintegration of Nigeria.

We also wish to state that this sinister plot has reached the peak, and it's only a matter of time before the full implementation across the country in an operation tagged unleash sorrow, tears, and blood.

The Citizens against Destabilization wishes to inform members of the general public that it should do well to disregard any statement from Amnesty International and their affiliates on Nigeria as this is indeed a part of the plot to make the citizens gullible for the smooth execution of the destabilization plot as arranged by the Iranian Government.

This is of great concern because the Iranian Government must understand that Nigeria is a sovereign country that is governed by laws and any attempt to impose their ideologies on Nigerians, as they have attempted with the sponsorship of the activities of the IMN in Nigeria, would be resisted by all and sundry through civil actions.

The Citizens against Destabilization wishes to call on our security agencies to beam their searchlights on the activities of the IMN and Amnesty International to nip in the bud the destabilization plot against Nigeria. We also call on the Federal Government to seek collaboration with its western allies in truncating this threat posed by the Iranian Government to Nigeria.

The Citizens against Destabilization wishes to call on the Federal Government to expel these agents of darkness out of the country for the Peace and Unity of our country. Enough is indeed Enough.

The Centre for Social Justice, Equity and Transparency (CESJET) has given a pass mark to Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lieutenant General Tukur Buratai and his gallant troops in the war against terrorism.

According to the group, the Army chief has surpassed expectations despite obvious plots from desperate politicians and their collaborators to undermine the gains.

In a statement signed by Executive Secretary, Isaac Ikpa, the Centre said it is pleased by the COAS, his troops and President Muhammadu Buhari for ridding the country of insurgents and other criminal elements.

CESJET recalled how Nigerians lost hope in the Northeast devastated by years of Boko Haram insurgency and how this terror activities extended to the nation's capital, Abuja.

It added that Nigerians least suspected that Sheik Ibrahim El-Zakzaky’s religious extremists- Islamic Movement in Nigeria (IMN), ethnic warlords in the guise of separatism in the Southeast or militancy in the Niger Delta would give Nigeria a break.

The group, however, urged Nigerians to support the Army chief to continue its ultimate of restoring total peace and tranquillity in the land.

Read full statement below:

We thank Almighty God for the protection of Nigeria, as we welcome members of the press to this media chat and, Nigerians to a new and promising month of February 2020.

Centre for Social Justice, Equity and Transparency (CESJET) is generously captivated to appreciate our Heavenly Creator for the gift and resilience of Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Tukur Buratai for holding forth at this checkered time in our history.

In all fairness, Nigerians can testify that there has never been a time in our collective history as a nation is the country troubled by instigated multi-dimensional security breaches like now. It is enthused by assorted armed criminalities, reckless deaths, agonies and sorrows visited on the citizenry.

But we appreciate God for equally enthroning an Army Chief who is competent, trusted, resilient and fortified like Lt. Gen. Buratai. The President has proved himself as the leader Nigeria truly deserves by diminishing the blazing swords of destructive forces against the nation-state. You have earned our eulogies Mr. President for this wonderful job!

Permit us to recount that President Buhari is one Nigerian leader extremely provoked by perennial power monks and hawkers in the country. The assemblage of elites who have lost out of the favor of power from the masses, quite unacceptably have elevated personal feuds and disgruntlements to state craft by veiled violent expression of grievances.

Worse still, such self-serving renegades of the Nigerian project have coated such aberrational acts on aisles and tenors that are very objectionable, repulsive and un-patriotic. If unrestricted by all of us, it has the dire consequences of piecing the intended knife of discord on our unity, peace and progress.

CESJET is aware of the plots in secret places by these infinitely unappeasable elements, who have continued to foment crises, attacks and killings in different parts of the country. These are orchestrations they back-up with a litany of lethal propaganda to undermine or dwarf the track records of the COAS on security to serve their egoistic instincts of devilry.

These reprobate leaders have refused to see the impact Lt. Gen Buratai has recorded on hitherto consuming and nerve-cracking insecurities in the country, ranging from Boko Haram/ISWAP, armed banditry, violent separatists’ agitations, religious extremism, kidnapping, herders/famers clashes and other crimes against the Nigerian people. And we assure you that, such perverse and prejudiced minds can nerve see or spot the difference even with the aid of extra binoculars or halogen bulbs.

The Army Chief resolutely confronted the hydra-headed monster of bile and endemic insecurities in the land from the outset of his administration.

The Service and Security Chiefs (SSCs), the DSS, the Police and other sister security agencies in Nigeria’s security framework have added immense value to the security re-engineering, re-ordering and new face of Nigeria. They have collectively and sedulously worked to pull back Nigeria from the brink of total collapse of security sanity.

CESJET commends Lt. Gen Buratai on his stewardship and the efforts of his anointed top-class security goons superintending on the security of the nation. Over the years, they have seamlessly paired up with all relevant stakeholders’ in the security ether of the country. We are proud, SSCs have ingrained excellent marks on security challenges in every nook and cranny of Nigeria.

The signs are profound in the taming of the monstrous tide of insecurities which previously tormented Nigerians in the country. And added, the visible respite Nigerians now savour from the North to the Southern parts of the country have attested loudly.

CESJET fondly recalls like millions of others, who lost hope that Nigerians in the Northeast devastated by years of Boko Haram insurgency would one day return back to ruined communities, but it is settled reality now; or IDPs from the region would resettle and rebuild from the debris of destructions; neither did Nigerians ever thought that there would come a time soon when 18 or more LGAs in the Northeast would be reclaimed and liberated from Boko Haram/ISWAP terrorists and over 20, 000 Nigerians held hostage by insurgents would regain their freedom and be reunited with their families.

No Nigerian ever imagined the blissful tidings that Abuja and cities in the Northern parts of the country would be insulate from Boko Haram bomb blasts; its incredulous to know that the high-wired tempo of herdsmen/farmers would vanish especially in Benue, Plateau and Taraba states in North central Nigeria. No one believed that billionaire Kidnapper kingpins like alias “Evans” or Wadume and lots more with unbreakable connections in the corridors of power would either by facing trial or sentenced to jail today.

Nigerians least suspected that Sheik Ibrahim El-Zakzaky’s religious extremists- Islamic Movement in Nigeria (IMN), ethnic warlords in the guise of separatism in the Southeast or militancy in the Niger Delta would give Nigeria a break from mindless violence and killings nor the armed bandits in the Northwest, especially in Zamfara/Katsina states would renounce bloodshed and embrace peace as decent people.

And quite delightfully also, the COAS has doused the tension in the country incited by recent resurgence of these criminalities in parts of Nigeria, through retooling and motivating the Nigerian Military/ other security agencies to match them strength for strength from their hideouts. And news from the trenches speaks of massive naturalization of the forces of evil amassed against Nigeria in humiliating defeats.

CESJET therefore, conscientiously prick the omnibus of all CSOs, CBOs and NGOs domiciled in the country to henceforth key into this agenda by designing and fronting their activities in a manner that unpretentiously curry support to the security agencies and the administration of President Buhari. The war against enemies of Nigeria is collective and all of us must bring out any arsenal in his kitty to kill the infectious fly of insecurity in Nigeria to the anger of the sponsors.

Thank you all and journey mercies.

By John Madu

Since the commencement of democratic experience in Nigeria in 1999, the National Assembly being the legislative arms of government, has somewhat attempted to constitute its self as a parallel government in Nigeria. Right from the time of former president Olusegun Obasanjo, the National Assembly has been enmeshed in various controversies to the chagrin of Nigerians.

I recall that at some point, issues were raised as regards the usefulness and contributions of the legislative arm of government towards National development. This is aside from the fact that a large chunk of the resources is used in funding the activities of the National Assembly with little or nothing to show in return, and with calls for the scrapping of the National Assembly to conserve funds for infrastructural development.

There is no time as now that Nigerians indeed appear to agree that the country's democracy isn't working as it ought to. And at the root of it is the caliber of persons seating in the hallowed chambers of the National Assembly, and the high running costs, which they say unless it is drastically reduced, the developmental dreams of the country would remain a mirage. I concur.

The crux of the issue at hand is how the members of the National Assembly have reduced the act of legislation to a child's play in the sense that thier actions in recent times are nothing but against the interest of the country in general. This is quite unfortunate and calls for sober reflection from discerning Nigerians who are indeed concerned about the development and continued unity of the country.

They have carried on like kindergartens with little or no regard for the sensibilities of those that elected them into office. As it stands, a ticket to be legislator is simply an avenue for wealth accumulation and personal aggrandizement. I would take the call for the sack of Service Chiefs by some legislators in the Senate and the House of Representatives as an example.

It is quite an unfortunate experience in the sense that it was apparent that the call wasn't in the interest of the generality of Nigerians but that of a few whose pockets have been greased in the usual manner. However, there has been a curious twist in the whole episode as it seems there has been some rethinking by the House of Representatives that revolves around engaging in a more practical and pragmatic approach to the issue of insecurity facing the country.

The Speaker of the House of Representatives, Femi Gbajabiamila, seems to be spearheading this rebirth. I say this for the fact that after a meeting with President Muhammadu Buhari, the speaker told Nigerians that there was a need to ascertain if the security situation falls within the purview of the armed forces or the police and sacking the service Chiefs will not do the magic.

He was somewhat right in the sense that the classification of the security challenges is already yielding the desired results. Secondly, after another meeting with the Service Chiefs, the speaker told the Service Chiefs that they are doing well but need to do more. I think that is rational and a subtle way to pass the message. If you would agree with me, I do not believe there is any employee that would not appreciate this from its employers

It is called morale boasting, which over time, goes a long in bringing the best out of every perceived bad situation. This fact has been proven in the fabric of human psychology, and history is replete with how things have indeed turned around for good. I stand to be corrected. I must not fail to commend the speaker for this line of thought.

But there is an irony. And it is the fact that the Senate of the National Assembly is still in dreamland and acting like a group of drunken sailors whose ship is sailing without direction. This is the perfect description of the position of the Senate on the insecurity situation in the country. The unfortunate thing is that whereas the House of Representatives seems to have gotten its house together, the Senate is playing an expensive Coronavirus prank on the citizens by inaugurating an Ad hoc Committee on Security Challenges to review and reorganize the Current Security Architecture in the country. Yes, you heard me right.

If this is not a child's play, I don't know what else to call it. It portrays a situation where a patient is inside a laboratory with a case of highly infectious disease, and the doctors are inside the laboratory, examining the patient to find a cure for the contagious disease. What will then be the fate of those inside the laboratory with the patient? Your guess is as good as mine.

Without mincing words, the inclusion of Senator Eyinaya Abaribe in the committee is a clear indication that the Senate is pursuing a personal agenda against the administration of President Muhammadu Buhari with the curious inclusion of the "sack President Muhammadu Buhari, sack service chiefs" advocates who are all hibernating in the Senate.

There is everything wrong with the inclusion of Senator Eyinaya Abaribe in such a sensitive committee when it is a known fact that his allegiance lies somewhere else. In my opinion, this is an anomaly and quite an assault on our sensibilities as a people. This much the leadership of the Senate should know. But they have so decided to carry on in their usual despicable manner.

In essence, what the Senate is telling Nigerians is the job can never be done, and as such, they must constitute themselves as a clog in the wheels of progress in the country. If this is not the case, how could one then justify the presence of a man of questionable antecedents and character who stood in as surety for Nnamdi Kanu in 2017 in his futile attempt to destabilize the country and only recently called on President Muhammadu Buhari to resign over security concerns.

This indeed defeats common sense if you ask me, but again common sense they say is not common. According to Faze, a member of defunct Plantashun Boys musical group, in his song, Common Sense, stated that "all we need to do is brings to our consciousness the fact that all we need to use sometimes is 'common sense' and drift from blaming the government for everything."

I entirely agree with him because it is indeed common sense for the Senate to know that the security challenges in the country are indeed politically orchestrated by those who have lost out of the political equation and have vowed to sponsor violence in the country in a bid to discredit the present administration. My prayer thus is that may God deliver us from the mendacity of the Senate and also for God to deliver the Senate from the Senate before it gets too late.


Madu is a public affairs commentator and wrote this piece from Lagos.

*PMB told to sustain his feats on Boko Haram in tackling insecurity*

The Nigeria US-Canada Diaspora Forum has urged President Muhammadu Buhari to sustain the momentum in the fight against terrorism.

These well-meaning Nigerians, based in the North American nations, made the disclosure on Saturday after its annual general assembly to appraise the recent developmental issues, proffering solutions to challenges.

In a communique signed by Cosmas Collins and Lady Josephine Okoye, President and Organising Secretary respectively, the group revealed that Buhari has indeed displayed an unalloyed commitment towards keeping Nigeria united despite the array of security challenges posed by the Boko Haram/ISWAP and its likes.

Among others, the group analysed the US visa ban meted on Nigerians, the Boko Haram/ISWAP threat, politically motivated violence as well as electoral reforms.

In its recommendation, the Nigerians commended the military’s prosecution of the war against terrorism albeit believes more can still be done.

According to them, some corrupt politicians have launched a viral propaganda campaign against President Buhari, aided by religious leaders.

While passing a vote of confidence on President Buhari, the Nigeria US-Canada Diaspora Forum urged the government to sustain the fight against terrorism.

Read full communique below:

The Nigeria US-Canada Diaspora Forum is an organization of Nigerian Businessmen and intellectuals domiciled in the United States of America, and Canada. It was formed in 2018 to champion campaigns that will benefit the Nigerian citizens and the image of his country in the United States of America and Canada.

Since its inception, the forum has contributed meaningfully to the development of Nigeria through its numerous developmental conferences and events showcasing the economic potentials of Nigeria to investors.

The Nigeria US-Canada Diaspora Forum has also been actively involved in policy formulation in critical sectors of the Nigerian economy with the inputs of some of its members that have rendered their invaluable experiences and knowledge in areas such as agriculture, construction, mining, and economic policies.

The Issues Addressed:

At the General Assembly of the organization, the following issues were raised and addressed:

The visa ban placed on Nigeria by the US government and the proactive response;

The worrisome activities of Boko Haram/ISWAP and the efforts of the Nigerian government and its armed forces to restore human rights.

A deliberate attempt by foreign agents and actors to destabilize the country.

The government's fight against corruption and how corrupt elements employ the use of propaganda to tarnish the efforts of the government in other areas such as the security situation of the country.

The unguarded statements credited to organizations such as the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) and other religious bodies.

Electoral reforms and voting for Nigerians in the Diaspora

Resolutions:

After careful deliberations of the issues raised, various specific committees were formed to analyze and recommend ways forward. Consequently, the following resolutions were made:

That President Muhammadu Buhari has indeed displayed an unalloyed commitment towards keeping Nigeria united despite the array of security challenges posed by the Boko Haram group, as well as other militant groups.

That the proactive response by the Nigerian government towards the Visa ban placed on Nigeria is indeed commendable and a demonstration of the sterling leadership qualities of President Muhammadu Buhari.

That the Nigerian Military's prosecution of the war against terrorism has been commendable; however, more needs to be done to ensure that Nigeria is cleared of terrorists' activities.

That from all available statistics that spate of insecurity in Nigeria has assumed a political dimension.

That indeed politicians are behind the despicable acts of violence in Nigeria with the ultimate aim of causing disaffection in the polity and pitching the people against the government

That corrupt politicians in the country have launched a viral propaganda campaign against the administration of President Muhammadu Buhari in a bid to cause a distraction from the fight against corruption.

That some religious bodies have given the security situation in Nigeria a religious coloration.

That the resolution by the Senate and the House of Representatives is ill-informed and targeted at destabilizing Nigeria.

That misinformation, falsehood, and propaganda are responsible for the continuous propagation of the activities of the Boko Haram terrorist network.

That it passes a Vote of Confidence on the administration of President Muhammadu Buhari in the critical sectors of the economy, such as education, health, finance, infrastructural development, and security.

Recommendations:

The Nigeria US-Canada Diaspora Forum arising from its annual general meeting herby make the following recommendations on the developmental issues in Nigeria:

The government must not relent in the fight against terrorism and insecurity by ensuring that the tempo is sustained in the same manner with which it started. This is on the heels that the various security challenges been experienced in the country are indeed politically motivated.

The government must begin the process of identifying those behind the campaign of slander against the Service Chiefs in the country to address the anomaly.

The government should explore diplomatic angles towards resolving terrorism acts posed by Boko Haram and their affiliates by engaging her traditional allies to help with technological tools to track the terrorists and their sponsors.

The Senate and the House of Representatives should open discussion with Nigeria's allies to block the Boko Haram terrorists from accessing weapons in the international market.

The government should begin a sensitization process through the Federal Ministry of Information on sensitizing the populace on the efforts of government towards addressing the security challenges in the country.

*Buhari emulating America on tenure of Service Chiefs to defeat terrorism- Ari Gwaska*

A former Chairman of the Federal Character Commission, Alhaji Muhammadu Ari Gwaska, believes President Muhammadu Buhari is following United States of America's (USA) lead on tenure elongation of Service Chiefs to defeat terrorism.

The National Chairman Pro-Nigeria Elders Council (PRONECO) says it isn't entirely strange for heads of security architecture to remain in office longer than expected, as the U.S. and other top nations have adopted this strategy at different times to quench insurgency.

According to Alhaji Gwaska, it is unhealthy to change competent and trustworthy hands at a critical time as when there is an ongoing war against terrorism.

The elderstateman made this disclosure after an all-inclusive stakeholders meeting to brainstorm on the state of security in the country.

In 2018, President Donald Trump extended the high year tenure for senior Air Force officers through technical sergeants beginning Feb. 1, 2019.

Similarly, Pakistani Prime Minister, Imran Khan, last year, approved an extension in the tenure of Army Chief Gen Qamar Javed Bajwa for another three years in “view of regional security environment”.

This was the second time in nearly a decade that the country's top general had their traditional three-year term extended.

Gwaska noted that Buhari is only taking a leaf from the rest of the world by keeping hold of the Service Chiefs who displayed bravery, gallantry and patriotism.

In his words, “We salute the choice of Mr. President's appointees manning the security architecture of the country. We resolved that the Security Chiefs have not only refused to shirk in the face of all difficulties, sabotage of their gallant efforts, but have continued to determinedly tackle even renewed atrocities of insurgencies and insurrections with renewed zeal and vigor.

“ Therefore, we resolved that all our serving security chiefs have performed exceeding marvelous individually and collectively in the light of subsisting encumbrances’ and deserves not only to be encouraged, but maintained on their positions to sustain the winning streaks against Boko Haram/ISWAP terrorist and armed bandits up again to torment the country.

“ We perceive the calls by the National Assembly (NASS) and some other questionable characters for the sack of the Service and Security Chiefs as exposure of their veiled conspiracy or manifestation of their insidious plans to finally sink Nigeria in internecine clashes of bloodletting. The meeting therefore resolved that Nigerians owe themselves the moral obligation to discountenanced such campaigns as cajoling Mr. President to sack Security Chiefs smacks of mischief and greasing the evil nest of these unpatriotic elements.

“ It is condemnable and unacceptable because the efforts of current Security Chiefs are worthy of commendation anywhere in the world. Consequently, the meeting wholeheartedly commends their efforts, as we urge Mr. President never to harken to such satanic calls for their sack, as it will create a lacuna and embolden armed enemies to freely feast on Nigeria.

“ The meeting observed and unequivocally affirms that it has also come to the knowledge of this gathering of these wisemen that there are multi-layered deliberate campaigns of calumny are being sponsored by some highly placed individuals in the country. Such are backed by some renegade members of the ruling APC in order to destabilize the nation because they are personally aggrieved for falling out of favour/patronage with the present government.

“ The meeting called on the politicians and other disgruntled elements who are still nursing the wounds of defeat and rejection by the Nigerian masses, in the 2019 general elections; and have resorted to kick-start very early political activities ahead of 2023 should be mindful of the distractions it has implanted in the polity by the method they have employed. We see it as part of ploys, exacerbating insecurities in parts of the country backed by foreign interference and the glaring agenda to destroy Nigeria.”

The Save Humanity Advocacy Centre (SHAC) has made a shocking revelation about an alliance between the Iranian government and Amnesty International to cause unrest in the country.

According to the group, Iran-backed Islamic Movement of Nigeria (IMN) is the tool being used, evident in the various protests and marches, by some disgruntled politicians and groups on the sponsorship of IMN.

The SHAC made this known at a press conference on Friday in Abuja, raising an alarm on Iran's renewed bid to overthrow Nigeria's democratically elected government.

In his address, Executive Secretary, Ibrahim Abubakar said fuelling crimes and cooking reports portraying the government to have failed is Iran and IMN's latest gimmick.

To achieve this, Mr Abubakar added that Iran lured some self-proclaimed international non-governmental organisations to do its dirty job, with Amnesty International leading the bunch.

The SHAC further revealed that Amnesty International’s role is to justify crimes committed by IMN, making their false flag operations appear like random crimes.

The Save Humanity Advocacy Centre, therefore, urged the world to pay attention to the ongoing plans by the IMN to overthrow the government and plunge Nigeria into war aided by its romance with Amnesty International and Iran.

Rear full address below:

The Save Humanity Advocacy Centre (SHAC) has become aware of the escalation of activities aimed at destabilizing the government by the Islamic Movement in Nigeria (IMN). You must have observed that in recent days the group has continued to embark on provocative street protests and marches even when they have no right to this as a known terrorist group.

These protests are deliberately orchestrated to put the nation’s military and security organizations in bad light by creating the erroneous impression of disproportionate crack down on their members by the state. A manifestation of this is the constant claims of casualty from their protests.

The latest approach by the IMN now is to fuel crimes and then manufacture reports that claim the government is failing on account of rising crimes. A clear instance of this strategy in play is the report by SBM Intelligence titled “Rising Insecurity in Abuja” which sought to create the impression that the nation’s capital has succumbed to insecurity and that the government must be illegitimately sacked in this regard.

We are worried that the spate of crimes that had rocked some parts of the country were not unconnected with IMN’s quest to create an atmosphere of fear across the land while also raising funds from such criminal enterprises to pursue their terrorist agenda. The fact that they can now start touting Abuja, the nation’s capital as insecure speaks volume to what they had done in the past in other parts of the country and the evil they plan to unleash on the entire country.

Not to be overlooked are the partners that have worked with IMN to undermine Nigeria’s integrity. We have identified their international NGO partner, Amnesty International (AI), which has done everything possible to paint a Nigeria as a repressive state just so its client, IMN can continue to oppress and terrorize Nigerians unchallenged. We had in the past had cause to raise alarm over the unholy alliance between Amnesty International and IMN. What we have discovered is that AI has resorted to circumventing the credibility crisis our expose has brought upon it; this is being done by packaging its report and handing over to entities like SBM Intelligence to issue.

Unfortunately for this failed alliance, the patter of AI’s reporting, which dwells largely on hyperventilating on falsehood and half-truths is glaring to trace. The justification of crimes committed by IMN while making their false flag operations appear like random crimes are telltale markings of IMN-AI modus operandi, standard operating procedures that the discerning have become accustomed to seeing whenever resources have been deployed to undermine Nigeria’s interest.

The world must also be alerted that the hand of the Islamic Republic of Iran continues to move these puppets. The incentive for Iran is nothing other than its threat to deal with Nigeria for not dropping the legal process against the leader of IMN, Sheik Ibraheem El-Zakzaky, who is standing trial in Kaduna state. This escalation by the world’s major state sponsor of terror is after it had unleashed the series of protests and uprising against the Buhari administration.

Iran has earmarked a huge sum of money for this round of onslaught against Nigeria. We understand that the financing is drawn from a $5million that it first committed to this evil agenda as far back as 2018, which some CSOs and political parties have been assessing in the last few weeks. Let the world note that this fund is not for any capital investment but to destabilize the peace of Nigeria.

The Save Humanity Advocacy Centre (SHAC) is therefore drawing the attention of the world to ongoing plans by the IMN to overthrow the government and plunge Nigeria into war with the active collusion and participation of Amnesty International and Iran.

It is therefore imperative to remind Nigerians that they hold the power to tell IMN, AI and Iran off with strict warning that they should not truncate the peace of Nigeria with their extremist ideology. The government has done much to restore peace and prosperity to Nigerians so this axis of evil should not destabilize the country for whatever reason.

NATIONAL YOUTH COUNCIL OF NIGERIA PASSES VOTE OF CONFIDENCE ON THE LEADERSHIP OF THE NYSC FOR PRIORITIZING CORP MEMBERS WELFARE .

The leadership of the National Youth Council of Nigeria (NYCN), the premier youth welfare and capacity development advocacy organization in Nigeria, hereby wishes to put on record its stamp of approval on the leadership of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC). Our independent observations have revealed that the leadership has done very well, with a lot of programs and Entrepreneurship innovations, which have been manifested in the recent approval secured for the increase of monthly allowance to Corp members in line with the new minimum wage.
The NYCN have also noted with grave concern, the attempts to pour scorn on the values of national unity that the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) scheme represents, all in an attempt to discredit the good works of the leadership of the scheme. One such attempt was that by an organization, unknown within the youth circles, that was sponsored to carry out protests against the NYSC’s for preventing female Corp members from wearing skirts.
It is a rather worrying travesty that in the name of trying to demand for dignity of women to be respected, using images of women who have made the choice to serve their country as examples of the alleged wrongs in the scheme. We are not unaware of those responsible for this act and we urge them to desist from their unpatriotic course and quit their strategy of politicizing sensitive national issues that are purely administrative.
The so called protesters need not be reminded that the rigours of the service scheme would not practically allow the participants to dress in skirts, and they also need not be reminded that the said uniform is not a daily wear. These faceless characters also need not be reminded that the scheme has been ongoing for close to 50years and working seamlessly with continuous improvements and countless testimonies of young Nigerians who have passed through the system and have settled in other parts of Nigeria they would ordinarily not have visited.
The NYCN is also aware of the other ploys by this group to destabilize the NYSC to further their selfish agenda and herby wish to assure them that we shall meet them in the trenches with facts on the efforts of government to uplift the standard of youth in Nigeria. The NYCN hereby also warns such characters should desist from their unpatriotic course, as we will not allow an institution such as the NYSC to be used as a political tool.
We applaud the federal government on speedy implementation of the new salary structure for the Corp members which serves as Monthly allowance for the young Leaders of our country. We further urge government to strengthen the training programmes in camps and to ensure that the youth who pass through the scheme come out capable of contributing to national growth.
Finally, the National Youth Council of Nigeria passes a vote confidence on the DG NYSC and urge theDG to carry on with his good works and pay no heed to detractors who would want to keep him from doing his work in the ultimate interest of the nation.
Signed.
Comrade Akoshile Mukhtar.
Vice President, NYCN

Insecurity: Group chides Senate over inclusion of alleged terrorist sponsor, Abaribe in probe panel


The Coalition for Nigeria has rejected the inclusion of the lawmaker representing Abia-South, Enyinnaya Abaribe, in the Senate's adhoc committee on security challenges, describing it as an “abomination”.

The group alleges that there are overwhelming evidence indicting Mr Abaribe as sponsor of proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) and a known ally of its fugitive leader, Nnamdi Kanu.

Speaking at a press conference in Abuja on Wednesday, Convener/National President, Patriot Sabo Odeh, said it is morally unacceptable, an attempt which may jeopardise the military with the inclusion of Abaribe, a “known terrorist sympathiser”.

Recall that the Abia lawmaker stood in as shorty for Kanu in 2017 and only recently called on President Muhammadu Buhari to resign over security concerns.

Abaribe shouldn't be placed in such critical position, as the Coalition believes that he has openly displayed hatred, disdain and total lack of patriotism in his financially induced sponsorship of bills and motions to pull the administration down.

The group, therefore, said it totally rejects the Senator Abaribe led committee, which according to them is “ a charade, premeditated evil and a clear sign that the Senate is out to ruin the efforts of the Buhari led administration”.

Read full statement below:


Gentlemen of the press, we have cause to invite you here today because that which should not be mentioned has been named. An abomination has been committed.

What we are talking about is the inauguration of Senator Eyinaya Abaribe as a member of the Senate ad-hoc Committee on Security Challenges. This is an aberration knowing this federal lawmaker's role in the insecurity plaguing the country.

Going by court documents that showed he stood surety for a fugitive terrorist Senator Abaribe is a known terrorist sponsor and an unrepentant one at that. He stood surety for a terrorist kingpin in the name of Nnamdi Kanu who jumped bail in Nigeria and working from abroad to destabilize the country.

For a man who could back a terrorist in court, one can only wonder at the level and nature of support he has offered members of the terrorist Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) in the background.

As proof that he is unrepentant, Senator Abaribe only recently abused the sanctity of a parliamentary chamber when he used the Senate call for the resignation of President Muhammadu Buhari. We later found out that rather than being a response to any security situation, the senator’s call was ploy to effect regime change to facilitate the enthronement of a pro-IPOB government.

Abaribe has shown his open hatred, disdain and total lack of patriotism in his financially induced sponsorship of bills and motions to pull the administration down.

This is the man that Senator Ahmed Lawan, the Senate President has deemed necessary to head a sensitive national assignment like the ad-hoc Committee to review security issues in Nigeria.

This is quite unfortunate and a clear sign that the Senate has failed this nation..

The nation cannot survive if such treachery is rewarded with a sensitive security appointment as the senate has done.

It is even more dangerous when Security Chiefs are to interact with the committee and make their plans known to the Senate on how they are confronting the issues of insurgency which Abaribe's group, IPOB has contributed largely to in the country. There is every reason to think, know and believe without being told that it will be as good as the security agencies exposing her plans to IPOB and Boko Haram terrorists.

We consequently and out rightly and totally reject the Senator Abaribe led committee as inaugurated by the Senate. It is a charade, premeditated evil and a clear sign that the Senate is out to ruin the efforts of the Buhari led administration. The committee can only make pro-terrorist findings and come up with recommendations that will worsen the security situation in Nigeria in a way that favours the balkanization of the county in line with IPOB's manifesto.

Therefore we demand that Senator Abaribe be excluded from the committee immediately.

If the Senate President fails to do that then Nigerians should not bother herself with the committee as it will yield no result but another jamboree to cover the 37 billion naira being expended on renovation of office complex by the National Assembly.

The attention of Southern and Middle Belt Leaders Forum has been drawn to a chilling expose by Sahara Reporters titled :

Weaponised Drone Intercepted By Military Intelligence At Lagos Airport As Commander Receives Order To Release Suspect.

The story read in part :
Personnel of the Nigerian Army Department of Military Intelligence at the local wing of the Murtala Muhammed Airport, Ikeja, Lagos, have arrested a man for being in possession of two highly weaponised drones.

The incident happened on January 28, 2020 at about 5:00pm while DMI officers at the cargo section discovered a suspicious package concealed in cartons.

Upon opening the cartons, the officers discovered parts of two highly weaponised drones and the supervisor told the man that brought it into the country to go and report the following day.

Investigation revealed that the following day the man was asked to write a statement after which he was detained.

Upon interrogation at the National Air Defense Corps, Ikeja, the suspect claimed to be working for the Kaduna State Government.

Further investigation revealed that, Commander of NADC, Air commodore U.K Abdullah, later received a call from some unknown persons, who ordered him to release the man and drones.

Abdullah, it was gathered, later released the suspect and drones on January 30, 2020. "

This should be the kind of stuff Gen T. Y Danjuma said would not make us sleep if he should open his mouth if this is true.

How on earth would security agents allow Weaponised Drones allegedly meant for Kaduna State go into the system in a country raising fuss over attempt by other states to employ guards without even dane guns?

As far as we know Weapons ised Drones can only come into a country with the approval of the President and the end user must be the country's armed forces.

Indeed the manufacturer would follow the equipment until it gets to the end user as it is more or less a lethal weapon of destruction.

How did these equipments get into Nigeria and the hands of an individual if the story happens to be true?

Whose call would the Commander allegedly receive to release the weapons and the suspect?

How many of such dangerous weapons could have been brought into the system illegally by unscrupulous people with the lives of Nigerians in danger. This Is Frightening.

Our Demands

1 We call on President Buhari to immediately order the suspension of Commodore U K Abdullahi and cotain his movement while a Judicial Commission of Inquiry is set up immediately.

2 A UN supervised mop-up of Nigeria for weapons of mass destruction and other illegal arms that some people may be stockpiling for possible genocide.

Yinka Odumakin

South West

Gen. Cru Ihekire

South East

Senator Bassey Henshaw

South South

The Consultative Assembly of Arise Nigeria (UK) has expressed optimism that the menace of insecurity in Nigeria will soon become a thing of the past.
The group also lauded the efforts by the president and other security chiefs towards national peace and stability of the country.
Arise Nigeria, UK made this known after a tentative review of the governance under the administration of President Muhammadu Buhari (May 29 to January 31st, 2020); current tensions generated by insecurities.
The body also passed a Vote of confidence in Mr. President stimulated by prospects of analytical economic growth parameters on Nigeria and efforts towards national peace, stability and cohesion.

This was contained in a communiqué jointly singed by Dr. Stanley Ojua, Chairman, Communiqué Drafting Committee, Arthur Chukwuemeka Jnr, Secretary and Rosemary Olarewaju, Member at the end of the meeting.

The communiqué reads below.
The Arise Nigeria, United Kingdom (UK) is a Non-Governmental Organization (NGO) based in the United Kingdom. It is an assemblage of Nigerians in diaspora from diverse persuasions’ including professions, technocrats, bureaucrats’, politicians and international businessmen and women resident in the United Kingdom.
Arise Nigeria (UK) functions as a platform for members to meticulously engage in impartial, robust economic analyses, assess development paradigms, and ginger mutual interactions among members of the group. It is centered on issues of leadership, governance and development as it affects our home country, Nigeria.
It is an intellectual and analytical think-tank of Nigerians in Diaspora who after consideration and painstaking deliberations national matters, offer interventions, suggestions and recommendations. This is done periodically after the interspace of six months.
However, the regularity of our assemblage in-whole is naturally and expectedly disrupted at this season by the activities of end of year and the New Year festivities, usually marked by vacations, holidays and travels by a massive number of members. It is a reality further made complex by Nigeria’s 2019 general elections and the installation of new sets of democratic leaders at all tiers of government in the fifth civilian to civilian democratic transition of Nigeria since 1999.
Despite the scenario painted above, Arise Nigeria, UK recently met in the United Kingdom under the convergence auspices of a consultative symposium, comprising eminent personalities, which is by all yardstick, is a fair representation of the full House.
The deliberations focused on some recurrent/subsisting vital and sensitive national issues. These matters, enumerated above have been the concerns of Nigerians, as President Muhammadu Buhari navigates ambitiously into the #NextLevel of his administration, having spent the first six months of his second term in office.
We also analyzed the tensions generated by resurgent insecurities around the country; the fierce interplay of bipartisan forces and the ensuing heat and tensions deposited on the polity. After deliberations, the Arise Nigeria, UK observed, recommended and adopted some resolutions, elucidated as follows;
(a) At the inception of the first tenure of President Buhari, the government was confronted with a myriad of teething national problems, which gravely threatened, national cohesion, unity, peace and progress.
These multiple challenges ranged from a very weak or recessed economy; high youth unemployment; deficit social infrastructures; the bungled privatization in unbundling of the power sector, leading to poor electricity generation and distribution; high inflation; drastic drop in crude oil exploration in the Niger Delta; unstable prices of crude oil in the international market, pervasive and endemic corruption in the system.
Nigeria was also mired in hyperbolic and multi-dimension insecurity threats, like Militancy in the Niger Delta; Boko Haram threats/insurgency in the Northeast; armed banditry in the Northwest; restiveness from separatists’ agitation movements, herdsmen/farmers clashes and internal armed conflicts from a retinue of other national challenges.
In the past four years, the President Buhari administration has either vanquished or ameliorated some of these problems/challenges or stagnated or which have formed the bedrock of current problems in the country. It is regrettable that some of these malaises have shown faint shadows in Mr. President’s the second term, much as the positives have also shadowed.
Arise Nigeria, UK , observed a resilient character in the re-emergence of some of these problems especially completely surmounting the challenges posed by armed criminalities in Nigeria by this administration.
Of particular note, Boko Harm/ Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) terrorism; herdsmen mercenary killings, armed banditry, kidnapping, widespread armed robbery and sundry other hi-tech-crimes have continued to sporadically disrupt the peace and security of our people, in permeating continuous social and; public disorder in Nigeria.

Arise Nigeria, UK also examined the efforts and progress (preceding and present) by the administration of President Buhari in overcoming these national malaises. It has concentrated energy and enormous national resources to extinguish all manner of insecurity threats in the country, et ceteral.


The future of Nigeria, as a country is secured for prosperity. Nigeria’s external reserves today (2019) stands at US$42.5 billion from US$23 billion in October 2016. These are reflective of favourable changes.
Excitingly too, extra measures have been taken to avoid pitfalls of the past on delays in budget preparations and implementation. We have seen the timely signing of the 2020 Appropriation Bill of N10. 594 trillion into Law, on December 17, 2019 before the beginning of another fiscal year. And a back-up law, Finance Act on January 13,2020, to support its expeditious implementation. These are plausible signals of good planning for optimum results.

On insecurities, the FGN has also taken steps to intensify security for the lives and property of all Nigerians irrespective of wherever they reside in the country. The armories of the Nigerian military have been constantly replenished.

In the past three years, domestically built armoured vehicles and surveillance equipment. Mid -January 2020, Chief of Air Staff (CAS), Air Marshal Sadique Abubakar admitted collecting two helicopter gunships for the Nigerian Air Force to battle terrorism and other insurgencies.

The 12 Tucano fighter jets ordered from America will arrive the shores of Nigeria in 2020 or latest, early 2021. There is actually massive weaponry restocking of the Nigerian Military generally to counter threats of insecurities such as the delivery of South African Paramount Marauder vehicles etc.

Nigerian Army Vehicle Manufacturing Company (NAVMC) has formally commissioned in January 2020, prototype 4×4 armoured personnel carrier and mine roller gear and assorted other types, which requires only N1. Billion ($2.7 million) to mass produce within the shortest possible time.

Furthermore, Defence Industries Corporation of Nigeria (DICON), Kaduna state and similar military schools of artilleries in the country have been resuscitated and functional. These are manufacturing various small and light ammunitions to assist the military combat Boko Haram/ISWAP terrorism in Nigeria.

Surely, these are signposts of reinvigorated Armed Forces of Nigeria and other security agencies to tackle subsisting and emerging insecurities in the country. The Government is conscious of the urgency in quenching the fires of insurgency and other security threats.

The anti-graft agencies have continued to pursue their mandate of checkmating assorted financial crimes in Nigeria. The Special Courts Bill being contemplated are some of the measures. Therefore, the 2019 Corruption Perception Index rating of Nigeria by Transparency Interventional (TI) is not a true reflection of realities on ground. The TI report is patently false, devoid of substance, but smacks of a rehearsed, influenced or induced and accordingly discountenanced as a nullity.
Thus far, Arise Nigeria, UK endorsed the following recommendations for public consumption and action by the appropriate authorities. It unanimously frowned at acts or extreme combativeness from individuals, particularly politicians and institutional leaders capable of triggering or inflaming passions of hate, discord and disunity which are likely to endanger our collective peace and progress.

Arise Nigeria, UK resolved to appeal to all Nigerians unpacified, aggrieved, dissatisfied and disenchanted with manifestations in the system to eschew bitterness. We urge all aggrieved persons to pray and support our leaders to serve the country better as another New Year begins.

There should be oneness and unity of purpose in our perceptions, interpretation and reactions to issues of national flavor, especially insecurities. Misguided, reckless and sentimental comments on such sensitive matters could aggravate the problem and blur the genuine search for solutions.

Therefore, Arise Nigeria, UK deemed the resolutions of Wednesday, January 29, 2020, by the two chambers of the National Assembly (NASS) as riled by impulsive anger and vexation.

The NASS resolution which urged Mr. President to resign because of failing security in Nigeria and or the campaign for the voluntary retirement of Service and Security Chiefs, or the canvassed sudden sack of all security Heads in Nigeria/ withdrawal of troops from the warfront on account of observable lapses or renewed insecurities in parts of the country was a decision hastily adopted by the leaders of the National Assembly and parliamentarians.

In the interim, while we urge all parties to look inward to take make an in-depth and critical scrutiny of the problems, the resolutions should be revisited, by whatever means possible. We recommended that it should be retouched or possibly, rescinded in order to enthrone a cordial atmosphere to advance a unified common front in thoughts and actions against enemies of the state.

The meeting particularly observed with great concern, the infusion of partisan sentiments in the course of the debates by parliament. We suggested that parliamentarians should be more circumspect in debating and adopting motions bothering on national security matters as done in other climes to avoid actions that would precipitate an implosion in the system.

Consequently, we implore all and sundry, to imbibe or emulate the model of patriotism and selflessness exhibited by parliamentarians of the United Kingdom’s Parliament and or, the American Congress each time issues of national insecurity crops up in the parliament. Every member of parliament supports the national cause, as against his political party logo.

For instance, in the recent debates by American House of Representatives’ to determine whether US would confront the Republic of Iran with war over the escalating tensions and counter-reactions generated by the killing of Gen. Qasem Soleimani, in the Middle East, congress placed the American agenda topmost. They added weight to the debate not as Democrats or Republican parliamentarians.

Rep. Max Rose, representing New York’s 11th District from the opposition democrats declared bluntly, that “ I refuse to play politics with questions of war and peace.” Likewise , Rep. Thomas Massie, representing Northern Kentucky district from same Republican party with President Donald Trump declared his opposition to war with Iran thus; “this vote is about exercising our constitutional authority, but more importantly, our moral obligation to decide when and where our troops are going to be asked to give their lives.” In all deliberations, the American spirit was rekindled above partisan lines.


Much more, when in December 2001, the UK Parliament approved the Anti-Terrorism, Crime and Security Act, after the 9/11 terrorists’ attacks on World Trade Towers and the Pentagon House in faraway America. It permitted the detention without trial of foreigners suspected of terrorism, which infringes on fundamental human rights, and connotes racial undertones, the parliament weighed the larger interest of the United Kingdom.


Arise Nigeria, UK resolved that it was ultra vires and counter-productive to pass a resolution calling for the resignation of the President and sack of Service and Security Chiefs. These could invoke dire consequences of uncontrollable dimensions on the counter-insurgency operations in Nigeria.


Rather, NASS should dispassionately explore their powers to ensure review/review and full implementation of Defence budgets, approve special requests by the Nigerian Army like granting approval for Nigerian Army Aviation wing and liaise with the ministry of Budget and National Planning to vacate the Army from the existing budget ceiling or allocations to enhance greater performance in their operations nationwide.

The NASS must look into, cooperate, explore areas of intervention/facilitation of the COAS, Lt.Gen. TY Buratai’s passionate pleas of sourcing for N1 billion ($2.7 million) investment into NAVMC, to build vehicles to combat terrorists and insurgents.

These remain the only antidotes to appropriately empower our military and other securities to deliver excellent results in countering insecurity threats to Nigerians. We therefore, strongly recommend the immediate submission to NASS a supplementary budget by the executive to tackle these concerns so as to reinforce /fortify our security agents with the needed equipment and combat prowess against armed criminals.

Arise Nigeria, UK encourages benign and impartially committed inclinations by Nigerian leaders at all levels when interrogating issues of national security. We objected to the overt resort to the personal prisms of ego-eccentric display of anger and exaggerated misinterpretations of germane concerns by chasing shadows, instead of substance.

Arise Nigeria, UK, convincingly passes a vote of confidence on President Muhammadu Buhari for his dedication and patriotic zeal/actions in tackling terrorism and insurrections in Nigeria.

We believe in his demonstrated abiding faith to surmount emerging insecurity threats in the country. We have total faith in the competence of Mr. President to address emerging insecurities in Nigeria, as he has repeatedly proven in the past.

Cooperation and support of Mr. President at this critical time is essential to assist him succeed in the war against enemies of Nigeria; but combative confrontations of his leadership is prone to dreary consequences on the polity and the temptation should be resisted. Mr. President remains the on only symbol and weapon the country needs to win the wars-imposed Nigerians and Nigeria by her enemies.

Also importantly, the performances of the serving Service and Security Chiefs so far, in combating the multifaceted insurgencies and insurrections in Nigeria have earned them our vote of confidence. And relevant authorities should take immediate actions towards energizing their operations, inspire courage, motivate the Nigerian military and other security agencies into greater performance to victoriously fight our battles in the trenches.

By Idoko Ainoko

I am one of those that have expressed reservation when some supposed social commentators castigate the administration of President Muhammdu Buhari as having failed in the protection of lives and properties in Nigeria since he assumed leadership of the country.

I recall in numerous forums I have vehemently disagreed such posturing, which in my opinion cannot be substantiated because I know for a certain that the Nigerian situation of today with regards the security of lives and properties cannot be compared to what we had pre-2015, where scores of deaths were recorded in the country, where it was a routine for policemen and soldiers to be deployed to churches and mosques to protect worshippers.

We are also quick to forget that in the Federal Capital Territory, some major roads were closed to traffic because of heightened insecurity; media houses also deployed extra security measures as well as other critical government institutions within the Federal Capital Territory.

This was indeed a period of the mass exodus of people from the Federal Capital Territory for fear of the unknown because nobody was sure of when the next bomb was going to be detonated. But fast forward to today and be the objective judge.

Still using the FCT as an example, that we can go about our normal businesses is a testimony of the great effort by President Muhammadu Buhari in ensuring that the security of lives and properties takes center stage in his administration. This much has been stated in numerous forums and has also attracted accolades from wide and far.

I dare to say that in the history of the democratic dispensation in Nigeria, I do not think there has been a president that has demonstrated an unalloyed commitment to the development of the country as well as the security of lives and properties. I stand to be corrected on this because, as a historian, I have had cause to examine the various administration in the country using different indices and trust me President Muhammadu Buhari came tops in all ramifications.

Taking the example of the Nigerian Army. Some might say the noticeable changes within the operations of the Nigerian Army are simply because President Muhammadu Buhari himself was a former Army General. As such, it is expected that he would give the operations of the Nigerian Army special attention.

I somewhat agreed with this postulation and also disagreed because no right-thinking and serious-minded president would allow such a revered institution as the Nigerian Army to become politicized. And one lacking in professionalism, which has been the case in times past.

This is on the heels that the capacity of any nation to defend her territorial integrity is always a function of its military strength, manifest in professionalism, military hardware as well as the morale of the troops at all times. And interestingly, this is the case of the Nigerian Army of the present, where total and absolute professionalism has been entrenched.

If this is not the case, have we wondered why the Nigerian Army had been called upon to always provide cover for the civil police in times of crisis? Have we taken time to understand the reason why the Nigerian Army conducts military operations across the country simultaneously? Have we forgotten the invaluable contribution of the Nigerian Army in the recently held general elections in the country?

There are indeed many more instances where the Nigerian Army had indeed risen to the defense of the country, even in areas that are outside its operational purview. And they have carried on with finesse to the admiration of all and sundry.

Coming down to the Boko Haram insurgency, we must admit that before the coming of the administration of President Muhammadu Buhari, the Boko Haram terrorist had indeed made a feast of our troops in North-East Nigeria. Daily, scores are killed, and properties destroyed. The morale of the fighting troop was at its lowest ebb, which was mostly due to the absence of credible leadership.

In some instances, we were witness to situations where soldiers of the 7 Div. in Maiduguri opened fire on the convoy of its General Officer Commanding. That was how hopeless the situation was at the time. This is aside from the fact that over 16 local government areas were at the time under the control of Boko Haram and their quest for the establishment of their caliphate was increasingly becoming a reality.

We must admit that the coming on board of President Muhammadu Buhari changed this narrative, and our military was able to make substantial progress in the war against terrorism. Today, there is no single Nigerian territory under the control of Boko Haram. The operational headquarters of the Boko Haram group- Camp Zero in Sambisa forest was taken over by the Nigerian Army. And many more gains recorded by the Nigerian Army.

I can go on nonstop on the great commitment of President Muhammadu Buhari in this regard, and it must be stated that indeed the exploits of the Nigerian Army of today under President Muhammadu Buhari are just a tip of the iceberg. The commitment of President Muhammadu Buhari towards the Nigerian dream is unflinching. Nigerians owe him every form of encouragement in this arduous task at hand.

I believe that there is more to come from the stable of President Muhammadu Buhari, and it is advised that those detractors should allow the president to concentrate on the task at hand.


Ainoko is a public affairs analyst based in Kaduna.

The All Progressives Congress Progressive Youth Council has vowed to reveal the identities of its members in the National Assembly behind the call for President Muhammadu Buhari's resignation.

The group gave this warning at a press conference in Abuja on Monday on the nefarious activities of some APC members who are behind this inglorious call.

In a statement signed by President, Alhaji Sanusi Sheriff, the APC youth wing cautioned those distributing monies to lawmakers in order to oust President Buhari to desist.

According to Alhaji Sheriff, those behind the plot are desperate politicians hiding in the National Assembly to pursue their dream of becoming Vice President anytime soon.

The APC youths expressed disappointment with some of its members for succumbing to betray the president and the party and even more shocked with the NASS leadership for allowing such a travesty to take place in the first place.

The APC Progressive Youth Council, therefore, vowed not to hesitate to expose those behind the call for the invitation of President Buhari to appear before the National Assembly.

The group believes the president’s achievements speaks for itself and no amount of mischief can bring him down.

The APC youths, however, advised the NASS leadership not to allow itself to be used as a wiling tool for the destabilization of Nigeria by disgruntled elements.

Read full statement below:

The APC Progressive Youth Council, the youth wing of the All Progressive Congress party wishes to bring to the attention of Nigerians of the grand plot to destabilize the country by some people who lost out of political relevance in the last general elections in the country.

These individuals, either by omission or commission, have been very puerile in their blind pursuit of power at all cost and not minding whose ox is gored. For these set of individuals, their overarching objective is to see to the impeachment of President Muhammadu Buhari.

The APC Progressive Youth Council is aware that some supposed members of the APC are also in bed with the political merchants and distractors by whose actions have indicated that their loyalty is to their pockets and not to the party with which that gained relevance and prominence.

It is most despicable that some members of the APC who are supposed to protect the interest of the party and, by extension, President Muhammadu Buhari are ironically the ones that have elected to play the devil’s advocate.

Consequently, the APC Progressive Youth Council calls on members of the party, especially those that have been fingered to be distributing money to lawmakers for the removal of Mr. President to desist from doing so.

This is in line with the fact that there is everything morally wrong by such a display of ingratitude to the efforts of President Muhammadu Buhari in the arduous task of governing Nigeria by some members of the APC.

The APC Progressive Youth Council is equally disappointed with the leadership of the National Assembly for allowing such a travesty to take place under its watch unless the leadership of the National Assembly wants us to believe that it is a part of the grand plot to embarrass President Muhammadu Buhari.

We also wish to put it on record that the APC Progressive Youth Council would not hesitate to expose those behind the call for the invitation of President Muhammadu Buhari to appear before the Senate and the House of Representatives, respectively.

It must be expressly stated that hiding under cover of insecurity to promote the interest of a few members of the party is the height of disservice to our fatherland and all that we represent as a party.

The APC Progressive Youth Council is appalled at such exercise and wishes to state that the hierarchy of the party would discipline any APC member that continues in this shameful act. And Nigerians would not hesitate to block the National Assembly if caution is not taken in this despicable enterprise.

This is on the heels that the evil plot by these supposedly APC members have been exposed and Nigerians now know them as the fathers of Boko Haram. This is indeed a shame and an insult to our sensibilities as a people.

It must be also stated that no amount of blackmail would derail the President and Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of the Federal Republic of Nigeria regardless of the amount of monies been distributed to members of the National Assembly for the impeachment of President Muhammadu Buhari by these politicians that do not have the interest of the country at heart.

The leadership of the National Assembly must rise to the occasion by ensuring that the National Assembly under their watch is not used as a wiling tool for the destabilization of Nigeria by disgruntled elements.

The APC Progressive Youth Council believes that the effort of President Muhammadu Buhari in putting Nigeria on the path of socio-economic growth and development is as a result of his commitment to providing sound leadership at all times.

The APC Progressive Youth Council reckons with the numerous achievements of the President Muhammadu Buhari led administration in critical sectors of the economy and wishes to state that those that have refused to see anything good in the administration of President Muhammadu Buhari, yet they parade themselves as card-carrying members of the APC should do the needful by resigning their membership of the party so they can go to bed with their paymasters.

The APC Progressive Youth Council advises those distributing monies to lawmakers for the removal of President Muhammadu Buhari must desist forthwith as Nigerians are watching.

We are thanking all members of the press here present, as well as other concerned stakeholders and loyal members of the All Progressive Party (APC).

By Opeyemi Ola

In Nigeria today, it can be safe to say that the Nigerian Military has been stretched beyond its constitutional recognized mandate. It is interesting to note that for every internal security operation in the country, there is always the input of the Nigerian Military and which in most cases, provides the needed solution to the situation.

The list is endless and replete with acts of bravery and an infectious commitment to protecting and preserving the territorial integrity of the country, regardless of location, so long such places fall within the Nigerian space. This feat has elicited accolades from home and abroad for the Nigerian Military for its high display of professionalism in the task of protecting Nigeria from threats of terrorism and other criminal activities.

However, there is an irony that has pervaded the public space so much so that it is depicting a comical situation. As humorous as this might sound, it is what it is and somewhat a comic relief for some of us that are stressed from the hustle and bustle of our everyday life.

It is on the strength of this that I believe that the members of the National Assembly have not committed any sin against Nigerians by calling for the sack of Service Chiefs in the country. Maybe they also need some comic relief from the tedious task of legislative affairs, given the fact that the Nigerian legislatures are amongst the busiest sets in the world. Those in favour say Aye and those against say no. The Ayes have it, gbam.

This also explains why they were compensated continuously with all manners of allowances, including sleeping during plenary allowances in times but not anymore with the renewed accountability and transparency drive of the administration of President Muhammadu Buhari. I am sure this grudge is responsible for the comical acts emanating from the nook and cranny of the National Assembly, as evident in the call for the sack of Service Chiefs.

Money has stopped going to the National Assembly members. I gathered that some were even angry that the paltry sum given to them for Christmas wasn't enough to travel home. Yes, everyone understands the new era that PMB is not sharing. I think PMB is quite stingy. Sai Baba, please temper justice with more money to the members of the National Assembly. For we would not agree with your excuse that Ghana Must Go Bags have not been able to come into the country with the closure of our borders.

I think the Service Chiefs are also stingy because they have somewhat refused to patronize these distinguished and honorable members with the much-needed family support programme. Please, I make a passionate appeal to our Service Chiefs to retrace their steps and do the needful in the interest of doctrine of necessity.

But in all, I won't wholly blame the Service Chiefs because most of them spend their time in the trenches and theatre of operation. So it's understandable when you go to the Armed Forces Complex to look for patronage, and they are not found on seat. Please let us beg our parliamentarians' to forgive President Muhammadu Buhari and the Service Chiefs. They will not stay beyond 2023 after they must have ended the scourge of terrorism and other militant activities across the country.

In all of these, I am aware, as most parliamentarians' in the country know that the Nigerian Military has done well. That the Nigerian Military has been awarded home and abroad for its sacrifices to humanity is a known fact. It is the fault of the new system.

To go back to the crux of this piece, retaining the Service Chiefs to finish the good work is a doctrine of necessity. No one can advise the Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of the Federal Republic of Nigeria better than the Commander-in-Chief himself who rose to the rank of a Major General in the Nigerian Army.

To do otherwise would be like a mechanic advising a surgeon in the theatre. Well, in Nigeria, anything is possible. But not everything that is possible is right under the Muhammadu Buhari lens. Have you ever seen President Muhammadu Buhari without his glasses? It is for the reason that it is aimed at scrutinizing everything that concerns national interest.

This is a hard fact, and there is a need for the commissioning of research on why the thinking pattern of a General always differs from that of your everyday politician and why he has indeed elected to retain the Service Chiefs. I am sure the research work would indeed reveal to them why President Muhammadu Buhari has retained the Service Chiefs. Please, I beg to give an expo; don't change horses in midstream and don't fix it when it isn't broken. I hope this expo helps a great deal. Please don't thank me for this; it is my little contribution to unraveling the mystery.

If not for anything, I am convinced the outcome of the research work will reveal to them that the Service Chiefs have done well, and there is still more to be done. And in parliamentary parlance it is called "doctrine of necessity" and if they want to find out more, they should dial the numbers of former Senate President David Mark or Senator Bala Muhammad.

In conclusion, it must be stated that what is being experienced in Nigeria is a manifestation of a resolve to leave Nigeria in good stead for socio-economic development where all Nigerians would be proud of. Are we familiar with the famous word on marble that states that "These generations of Nigerians, and indeed future generations, have no country other than Nigeria. We shall remain here and salvage it together." Remembering the author of this word on marble is a first step to understanding the doctrine of necessity. Those in favor say Aye and those against say no. The Ayes have it. Gbam!

Ola is a former member of the National Assembly and wrote this piece from Ekiti State.

A group of Nigerian professionals in 44 European countries have passed a vote of confidence in the leadership of President Muhammadu Buhari.

The Association of Nigerian Professionals in Europe (ANPE) made this known in a communique after its extraordinary emergency assembly, held at The Hotel Urdanibia Park conference hall in Spain on Monday.

In the communique co-signed by President, Dr. Agwu Onyeke and 13 country heads, ANPE said there is need for all to support President Buhari and the military in the fight against terrorism.

As part of the issues identified and resolved, the Nigerian professionals frowned at the “ despicable killing of clergies and humanitarian workers by the Boko Haram/ISWAP group” which it described as “politically motivated”.

While acknowledging the efforts of the gallant troops, the group hinged the escalation of the crisis in Nigeria on foreign conspiracies and local actors to trigger ethno-religious war in Nigeria.

After extensive deliberations, however, the ANPE passed a vote of confidence on the Buhari-led administration in tackling the various security challenges in the country.

While hailing the Service Chiefs for raising to the occasion amidst conspiracy from desperate politicians, it further urged Nigerians to unite in the fight against terrorism.

Read full communique below:

Introduction:

The Association of Nigerian Professionals in Europe is an organization consisting of Nigerians from all works of life in from the 44 European countries. Its strategic objective is to serve as that think tank for the cross-fertilization of ideas that would lead to the socio-economic advancement of Nigeria.

The Association of Nigerian Professionals in Europe boasts of its members in strategic industries and holding strategic management positions in blue-chip companies, the academic, as well as the government and organized private sector across Europe.

It has, over the years, contributed to the socio-economic development of Nigeria by proffering policy support to critical sectors of the Nigerian economy through the wealth of experience of its members in the countries in Europe.

This Extra-Extra Ordinary Assembly was principally converged to assess the efforts of the Muhammadu Buhari led administration in the fight against terrorism and other violent crimes in Nigeria a routine exercise in fulfillment of its core mandate.

The Issues:

At the Emergency Extra Ordinary Assembly of the Association of Nigerian Processionals in Europe that had members from various European countries, deliberated on the spate of insecurity in Nigeria and the efforts by the relevant authorities in tackling the situation appropriately.

The members deliberated on the issues raised, and at the end of the assembly, suggestions were made. Policy advice congregated for onward delivery to the relevant organs of government in Nigeria.

The following issues were identified and resolved:

The Association of Nigerian Professionals in Europe condemns the despicable killing of clergies and humanitarian workers in Nigeria by the Boko Haram/ISWAP group.

That most of these killings were politically motivated aimed at destabilizing the relative peace enjoyed across the country.

Acknowledges the efforts by the Military and the Muhammadu Buhari led administration in the rebuilding of the North East, the provision of jobs for youths across the country as well as its display of an unalloyed commitment to the unity of Nigeria.

That the bulk of the pockets of violence might still be hinged on the outcome of the 2019 general elections whose outcome did not go down well with some politicians and as such, they have been sponsoring pockets of violence to discredit the administration of President Muhammadu Buhari

That the effort of the Nigerian Military in the fight against terrorism is indeed brilliant and must be commended by all well-meaning Nigerians.

That most highly placed Nigerians always put their interest above national interest and which is responsible for the increased criminality experienced in some parts of the country.

Our resolution:

That the Association of Nigerian Professionals in Europe after extensive deliberations passed a vote of confidence on the Muhammadu Buhari led administration in tackling the various security challenges in the country.

That the efforts of the Service Chiefs in this regard are indeed commendable and an indication that in a matter of time, the war against terrorism would be over in Nigeria.

That Nigerians from all walks of life should extend their support to the government's quest to making Nigeria secure and safe for all concerned.

That the Association of Nigerian Professionals in Europe condemns the attempt by some politicians to politicize the operations of the Nigerian Military.

That the Association of Nigerian Professionals in Europe is in support of the giant strides of the Muhammadu Buhari led administration in its efforts at making Nigeria a secure and prosperous country.

By Nkechi Odoma
 
“Look at what we have on the ground before May 2015, the Boko Haram were even in Abuja,they were in Kano, they were in Kaduna. They were penetrating down to the south, we had to stop them. And for the past one and half years, we’ve not had any attack in Jos, neither in Abuja, in Kano, or in many other places, even as close as in Gombe.--- Gen. TY Buatai, Nigeria’s Army Chief and Leader, counter-insurgency operations in an interview recorded and aired by BBC’s Hard Talk show, in January 2017 and rebroadcasted by The News in January 2020.
 
In very conspicuous bias, premeditated motives and partisan undertones during plenary sessions on Wednesday, January 29, 2020, National Assembly (NASS) slammed the gavel in approval of negative resolutions on the President and our Security Chiefs.
This was after intensive debates which reviewed the state of insecurities in the country as manifest in the spate of renewed attacks and killings in parts of the country.     
Some members noted the 2020 resumed pockets of onslaughts by Boko Haram/ Islamic State in West African Province (ISWAP) terrorists and suspected Fulani herdsmen, which resulted in killings of innocent Nigerians. Therefore, in their selfish thinking, they have passed a vote of no-confidence on the entire security architecture in Nigeria and senselessly endorsed their ouster.
Their sword and venom spared none. All were unfairly pulled down by NASS, from  the topmost  echelons in Nigeria’s security apparatus like the National Security Adviser (NSA), Military Chiefs, Director-General (DG), Department of State Security Service, the Inspector-General of Police (IGP) and other security outfits in the country in the age of Nigeria’s multifarious battles with insurgencies and insurrections.

To my mind, their deliberations on the security situation was not a bad idea. But the tenor of the debates in both chambers mesmerized me. It was not tailored towards solutions, but undisguised vindictiveness.
Only a few legislators attempted to discern the problems underneath the renewed acts of terror of different dimensions in Nigeria. None of the Heads of Nigeria’s security deserved a word of commendation and encouragement from NASS for the priceless sacrifices they have continued to make for the peace, security and progress of Nigeria.  NASS simply wished everybody goodbye for “failing” the nation.

What else could anyone expect from a congregation of national lawmakers, who are least concerned with public good outside their personal benefits? It stinks that NASS is more interested in siding the enemies of Nigeria against Nigeria.
 But what do you expect, when internal emotions, personalized pursuits of objectives, hatred, ethnic and religious agendas infiltrate the chambers of a national parliament? Clearly, majority lawmakers are on a voyage of total ruination and destruction of Nigeria in order to voraciously scramble for the mutilated parts of the nation.

It beggared belief that majority of lawmakers sided with an odd position, while deliberating on state of the nation on security.  The wisemen among them, who understood the dynamics and attendant impediments needed to be resolved before full assurance of securing Nigeria from armed mercenaries were in the minority.
 Such issues like the gross underfunding of the security architecture, inadequate and outdated weapons, poor remuneration of troops, and insufficient number of personnel, among a motley of other debilitating problems were raised by faint voices. These spurred and berthed poor performance by security agencies in 2019/ 2020, but voices that were not strong enough to prick their conscience.

But the national parliamentarians’ obsession with the Security Chiefs overstay in office was lethal. I believe the NASS has a lot to learn from its pitfalls. It is never too late to bend even backwards to rectify an error. Obviously, the NASS resolutions on Mr. President and the Chiefs are impermissible errors.
Our NASS cannot pass the guilt of their pleasurable negligence or dereliction of duty on fulfilling its constitutional obligations to other leaders on the simplistic assumption that they clad and bask in the euphoria of legislative immunity on the floor of the chambers. The recklessness they exhibited can be corrected, only if they know the hard reality outside the confines of the chambers of NASS.

Touting President Buhari and the Chiefs as failures on securing the country in 2019 and the spillover to 2020, while exonerating legislators’ complicity resonates with maddening fury among sensible and clairvoyant Nigerians.
I keep referring to the wisdom of the prolific writer and famed international scholar, Prof. Chinua Achebe, who’s timeless warning that “Unless you know where the rains began to beat you; you won’t know the extent you are soaked.”
By last Wednesday’s action from our national parliamentarians, it animated my judgmental instincts, pinned to a scary and dreary reality. Its simply that NASS members have neither any inkling into the intensity of Boko Haram before May 2015. Nor how it was tamed and reasons for its resurgence or the path to solving the problem, while extending patriotic honours to those in charge and leading the troops.

Like Achebe echoed, the Nigerian national legislature is devoid of this wisdom. So, some of them stood up in plenaries and disgorged rubbish like drunken sailors, spited everyone else except themselves.    
I recall that by May 2015, when President Buhari came on board and appointed the current crop of Security Chiefs, Nigeria was under the worse siege by Boko Haram insurgents. It operated from a single plank, yet brutal in its violent campaigns or horrendous atrocities.
Nigeria lost control of at least 17 LGAs in the Northeast to Boko Haram and terrorists had captured, declared and foisted jihadi flags in Gwoza and Baga as the administrative headquarters of the Islamic militants and pushing further to annex more territories. And outside the Chibok schoolgirls over 20, 000 Nigerians were held hostage in Boko Haram’s secret camps including women and children.
Boko Haram had captured the entire Northern part of the country and was on a steady supersonic speed to make ingress into Southern Nigeria. Terrorists freely tortured hostages and subjected them to various forms of dehumanization, forced labour, servitude, sexual abuses and extra-judicial executions.
The then lone Boko Haram leader, Abubakar Shekau frequently insulted and derided our collective strength of nationhood by releasing videos of these horrible executions and threatening more. IDPs camps swelled in the Northeast and spilled into  neighboring African countries by thousands of distraught Nigerian refugees fleeing from ravaging insurgency.  

But the current impugned leaders of the counter-insurgency operation reversed the negative narratives as directed by the President. By December 2015, Boko Haram insurgency had been significantly decimated and technically defeated; Nigeria’s conquered territories retrieved from vicious terrorists and thousands of Boko Haram hostages regained freedom.  These are facts documented in national archives.
There are several incidents of Boko Haram incidents that support my claims. But let me cite Nigerians’ one noticeable encounter with Boko Haram strikes reported on October 31, 2014. In symbolic conquest of Nigeria and field triumphs of terrorists against the country, Vimtin,  in Mubi LAG,  Adamawa state, and   the  home town of  the then serving Nigeria’s Chief of Defence Staff, (CDS),  Air Chief Marshall Alex Badeh (may his gentle soul rest in peace) was  completely overrun  by Boko Haram militants.

The terrorists' onslaught on Mubi forced Nigerian troops to flee the area together with thousands of civilians was lethal. I know, similar gory scenarios were replete everywhere in the Northeast before May 2015.
That’s the level Boko Haram, though yet to be actively backed by the Iranian ISWAP wreaked havoc on a defenseless nation and her peoples. However, I learnt, that by beginning of January 2015, Boko Haram had struck underground ties with terrorists of the Islamic State sect (ISILS).
But the Security Chiefs have discharged this mandate evidentially as I earlier listed, by a determined and courageous push-back of insurgents and reclaimed seized parts of Nigeria.  This is even in the face of multi-dimensional militant terrorists’ sects which have converged on Nigeria including ISWAP.   
Yet, the Service Chiefs have contained them, capturing most of their top commanders, foot soldiers who either voluntarily surrendered or were captured in battles; blocked   the recruitment and rearming of new entrants; terminated the reign of reckless female or child suicide bombers and so forth.
Boko Haram/ISWAP terrorists has reenergized, ostensibly with increased funding from ISWAP.  It heightened at the peak of 2019 partisan campaigns.  Terrorists began raids with a greater number of fighters on their convoys; modern and sophisticated weapons. Nigeria failed to march up with the changing tide.
 I do know, in the course of counter-insurgency combats, the armories of Nigerian troops are also depleted and requires constant replenishments. Nonetheless and perniciously, some Nigerians are brainwashed never to admit this fact and believe once weapons are secured for counter-insurgency, it should serve troops for a life-time.


This mindset has been emulated by a hostile NASS leadership, which rejected a request from President Buhari to grant about a mere $1billion loan to purchase Tucano fighter jets/weapons from America and other countries.
NASS is less concerned about improving allocations on defence budget, which is within their lawful powers. Each time they pad national budgets, the extra-budgeting only takes care of their personal welfare or other projects they have vested interests to grab from the nation.
I came across a phone interview, published in The Vanguard Newspaper edition of June 29, 2019, A soldier in the frontlines, who pleaded anonymity draw national consciousness to their plight in the battlefields. I decoded his message and discovered, resurgence of Boko Haram/ISWAM terrorism is not watered by the fault of the President, the Chiefs or the Nigerian troops in the frontlines, but mainly the coldness of NASS members in doing the right thing.


But year after year, NASS has refused to address these concerns in appropriating the budget.  Even with the resurgence of attacks and killings, NASS still obstinately clung unto its reserved and selfish disposition on allocating meaningful votes for defence. It encompasses, all the Armed Forces and para-military agencies participating in operations of  counter-insurgencies and insurrections in Nigeria.    
Confessions of the anonymous soldiers reminded me of another thorny issue, which has impeded recent operations against insurgency in Nigeria.   I challenge the NASS members to tell Nigerians how they responded to the plea by the Army for the operation of its airwing in the theatre of war when the 2020 Appropriation Act was still on their table?
 The Theatre Commander of the Army’s Operation Lafiya Dole, Major General Olusegun Adeniyi,   pleaded with a recent  delegation of  NASS’s  Joint Committee on the Army, led by Sen. Ali Ndume, that Boko Haram had never been as formidable as perceived, as only combat helicopters are needed by soldiers to munch  ISWAP and Boko Haram  terrorists to end the war, aside operating with outdated equipment.
The plea was made when the 2020 national budget was still at its infantile preparatory stage by NASS. Ab initio when President Buhari submitted the proposed 2020 Appropriation Bill to NASS totaling N10. 33 trillion and a breakdown indicated a paltry N878,458,607,427 total allocation proposed for the Ministry of Defence, experts on security complained loudly about the inadequacy of the amount to quench terrorism and emerging allied criminalities in the country.

But it all fell on deaf ears. Approved Nigeria’s 2020 budget is N10.59 trillion (USD 35 billion). But defence entirely got just about one percent of it. The docility of Nigeria’s NASS over proper funding or attention to insurgency is heart-breaking.
Interestingly, in spite of these operational constraints, the Nigerian military and sister security agencies have continued to play their constitutional roles. They conscientiously battle insurgency attacks even in the face of life-threatening or grave dangers and recorded several victories. And they are more determined despite the setbacks.
Some Nigerians forget easily Nigerians. Former President Goodluck Jonathan did not see this level of multi-dimensional conspiracies against his move to fight Boko Haram before giving up.  But what has made the situation then and now differently unique is the fact that a war tested Army General is in charge and this has reflected in the successful operations of the Security Chiefs.

Without mentioning names, everyone should be proud about the numerous achievements of the various Chiefs and how much they have helped to sanitize the armed forces. These are the Military officers some Nigerians want Mr. President to drop in a jiffy under flimsy excuses and personalized interests. Based on this odious proclivity, whereas the world is looking for stars of counter-terrorism to fete with honour; in Nigeria, we are busy plotting ways to vilify and humiliate our Security Chiefs.

The NASS therefore has a religious obligation to reclaim its lost glory by doing the needful, including honouring the Security Chiefs.  
All the Security Chiefs deserve national honours as the least they can get as appreciation from the national Government for their services to our country. Even if, institutions like NASS are deliberately blinded to this fact for whatever reasons, the world and those who understand global conflicts, prevention and resolution are celebrating Nigeria’s Security Chiefs.


Odoma is a public affairs analyst based in Abuja.

*A rejoinder to an impenitent Boko Haram empathizer, Yushau A. Shuaib’s spleen in memo to President Buhari on Service Chiefs*

By Terrence Kuanum

It simmers with deep pines into the heart to devote time to respond to a Boko Haram and Islamic State West African Province (ISWAP) terrorists’ empathizer and spy proxy Yushau A. Shuaib. In a so-called open epistle to President Muhammadu Buhari, where he dragged and impugned the brilliant service records of Nigeria’s incumbent Service Chiefs, with his beguiled vituperations, invokes the whines of a pathetic loser in a game he initiated and defined its rules.

The first demoralizing twinge is to accurately fix the true identity of Yushau A. Shuaib in the context of sane people or anyone who qualifies for decent association or rumination over his thoughts. His veiled identity is more frightful than his flaunted public persona or image as the founder of PR Nigeria (an online publication). One could easily mistake Shuaib for a journalist. But the confusion is doubled when he dabbles into partisan issues and spanks mercenary or personal perceptions on matters in a journalistic style.

So, Shuaib is only a quack reporter! He is just a wonderboy and crony to his terrorists’ honchos. They have conscripted and assigned him to deploy his pen to up the ante in campaigns for the ouster of the current Service Chiefs which Boko Haram and ISWAP terrorists have found impenetrable. That’s how he abuses the profession he professes. He is susceptible to the abuse of self on everything.

Shuaib and co-travellers are angling at the behest of terrorists for a pliant batch of Service Chiefs, terrorists could whimsically manipulate in nerve-wracking Nigeria more gravely as done in the past. It was the times Shuaib acted as consultant to the scandalous arms deal diversion initiator, former National Security Adviser (NSA) Col. Sambo Dasuki (rtd) who is still standing trial for corruption and money laundering.

Col Sambo Dasuki’s recent release from jail for guzzling billions of dollars budgeted for arms procurement to battle Boko Haram terrorism in the Northeast has given partners like Shuaib the impetus to stage out again. But the unassailable truth about Shuaib is that he is a tireless pen hireling for terrorists, a sympathizer of Boko Haram and a masked minion for terrorists’ lords in Nigeria.

The PR Nigeria publisher claims to know everything, yet knows nothing in reality. He is only known as a betrayer of Nigeria, a consultant to Dasuki and all the past Service Chiefs before this set of Service Chiefs.

When he scored the shots and also sucked from the fruits of festering Boko Haram terrorism under a failed crop of Service Chiefs who apparently either communed with terrorists or were simply helpless, Shuaib regaled in the feast. He probably could not remember to pencil down open mails to the then President to change his Service Chiefs even with puerile arguments ‘as adduced now.

Unfortunately, today, he vibrates with sanctimonious righteousness’ in memos to President Muhammadu Buhari or appeals to present Security Chiefs to voluntarily retire from office on account of Run-Out Dates (ROD). At the same time, he blends his concealed motives by bemoaning an awful, imaginary, and overwhelming strikes of terrorists against military formations and civilian populations in 2019.

Assuming Nigeria is a country where people are inured by good conscience to accept blames or offer a public apology for detestable and subversive acts against their nation, fellas like Shuaib should be somewhere in a cathedral in penitence and praying all day for the forgiveness of his sins. He was one of the cosmetic surgeons acting on directives wittingly misinformed Nigerians that only three persons were killed on April 14, 2014, Nyanya bomb blasts.

The intention was to deliberately downplay the casualty figures; whereas not less than 200-300 persons were burned to death in the Boko Haram bomb explosions incident. Whose interests was Shuaib protecting at the time? Nigerians or his government bosses who aligned with terrorists? He is famed for such fakeness.

Unconscionably, he is now less concerned with the other previous years the current Service Chiefs harvested Boko Haram terrorists aplenty like a fishnet; reclaimed conquered Nigerian territories, and freed thousands upon thousands of Boko Haram hostages held in secret gulags. His mind is obstinately not pricked to the performances of the current Service Chiefs ingenuity even with the additional variant of terrorism to Boko Haram as reflected by ISWAP terrorists.

And infatuated by an influence which only answers to the god of monies paid him by terrorists’ emperors for mercantile jobs, with stern instructions to adhere strictly to directives, he disgracefully shadowed in his hazy arguments on the removal or voluntary retirement of current Security Chiefs. So, he amplifies media campaigns for terrorists and the banned Islamic Movement of Nigeria (IMN), staging it out on many dimensions. He seems to challenge the powers of the President to extend tenures of Service Chiefs but immediately recants himself sheepishly. He rigmaroles with fiendish, but frail strength and hackneyed tales to make a case for “stalled promotions” of senior Army officers, next to the current Service Chiefs.

In an astounding betrayal of himself, he lets out undertones which panders to an imaginary “abuse” of ethnic and religious configuration of the top hierarchy in the Nigerian Military and informally battles to outsmart prescriptions of destiny. He loudly wails for senior Military Generals blocked from attaining the peak of their careers as heads of various arms of the military because the current Service Chiefs have refused to quit the scene after RODs.

And he drops the bombshell persuasively in form of an appeal to Mr. President to sack the present Service Chiefs and anyone of whom could be made the Chief of Defence Staff (CDS). His words, “The President can even promote any one of the military chiefs to the position of Chief of Defence Staff since the current CDS has remained the most senior….” But where has he got the effrontery or expertise to determine to Mr. President who he appoints either as his CDS or Defence Minister?

Could it be merely because like he contended; President Buhari must align with the model applied in other countries; “…including Mali, Burkina Faso, Chad and the Niger Republic, such incidents usually necessitate the replacement of service chiefs under whose leadership there are repeat assaults and losses of lives of troops in the hands of terrorists.”

This oozes with the fragrance of idle talks and aimlessness. But has the change of Service Chiefs as argued by Shuaib terminate terrorism in such countries or must Nigeria operate its Armed forces on the template defined by other nations?”

It pulsates the mind perpetually and it stirs wonders to now believe Shuaib’s sermons in condemnation of present “worn-out” Service Chiefs and his subtle persuasion for the appointment of any one of them into a higher position. Is the position of the CDS not part of the current Service Chiefs he unfairly adjudged as failed? He evangelizes for their abrupt sack, but turns around to craftily seek the elevation of any one of them to fill the vacuum in the event of a shake-up? This is skewed logic and farcical in every sense. It betrays his bad ulterior motives prompting these campaigns. It is the undeniable mark of a betrayer.

Nigerians too, feel betrayed by some of their own citizens, just like President Buhari. By the origins and roots of Shuaib, he ought to be a patriotic compatriot, but not a friend to terrorists, by abusing the privilege of place of birth to promote internal and external interests of terrorists. It’s Shuaib’s worse betrayal of himself and his country. But neither President Buhari nor Nigerians have given a thought to the meaningless ranting of this chimp.

In life, it is expected. And there is consolation for the lethal swords of betrayers. The Holy scriptures consistently extrapolate even the intrinsically concealed virtues of man, which cannot never be known by facial contortions.

The Holy Scriptures says, “By their fruits, we shall know them.” And William Shakespeare dramatizes it better in Macbeth when he awoke the consciousness of the world to the stark reality of the duality in a man’s heart, as a complex intermix of instincts of betrayals and a heart stirred by true friendship. It’s embedded in every person, who manifest one aspect of it most times. So, Shuaib has not shocked anybody like Shakespeare's King Duncan in Macbeth, after he heard tales from Malcolm on the execution of the Thane of Cawdor.

King Duncan was not shocked nor exuded emotions of disappointment, at messenger Malcolm's confessions that the executed Cawdor confessed to his crimes against the King; was remorseful in repentance and pleaded for King Duncan's forgiveness. But rather, the King expectantly wisecracked at the betrayal; “There's no art to find the mind's construction in the face. He (Cawdor) was a gentleman on whom I built an absolute trust.”

There is no necessity in grinning or even frowning at President Buhari’s betrayers and enemies of Nigeria as portrayed by this insignificant propagandist, Shuaib. In decent climes, he is deemed no better than a wretched urchin, odious covert agent and sympathizer of terrorists.

The only notable value anyone can attach to his outlandish and puerile offensives to rejig the counter-terrorism narratives today in Nigeria is the personal demystification of his masked shadows of a quasi-terrorist, by his asinine twists of truths, amplifying cyberspace terrorism for his paymasters from foreign lands unwittingly, rendering clues for being on the payroll of Boko Haram/ISWAP terrorists to torment Nigerians and spread anguish.

But like President Buhari and Nigerians alike, no one feels perturbed by the double faces of souls like Yushau A. Shuaib and cahoots. The great Aristotle asked that “What is a friend? A single soul dwelling in two bodies.” After all, Nicole Richie constantly thuds the sensibilities of men; “It's hard to tell who has your back, from who has it long enough just to stab you in it....”

In essence, the covert games and antics played by the likes of Shuaib or their game planners have reserved shock -space in the cosmic and inherent experiences of men. What can anyone decipher from the nonsensical expletives as contained in an open epistle to Mr. President, laced in blackmailing fashion, but had its very opening words as “appeal” to Service Chiefs to voluntarily tender their retirement letters having exhausted their actual and renewed tenures?

The whole crux of the appeal, which reeks with deceptive connotations is to blur the evil intention of its motivation and then swerving to condensed lamentations of frustrations of foreign forces sponsoring terrorism in Nigeria. Shuaib’s cacophonies are all about the inability of Boko Haram/ISWAP terrorists to penetrate these Service chiefs with bribes or influence them with other niceties to relax the fierce and lethal fight-back of Nigerian troops in the frontlines in Northeast for terrorists to regain control of Nigerian territories.

Stupidity and idiocy have no limits nor respects dignity! If the intention of the writer is genuine and in good faith to persuade the Service Chiefs to voluntarily tender their letters of resignation, then what inhibitions restrained him from communicating his evilly lugubrious fixation on voluntary retirement directly to the personalities? It's tough to decode Shuaib’s silly posturing and arguments.

Firstly, he concedes the lawful discretion of the President’s to retain the Service Chiefs, particularly if he has reason to trust in their patriotism and competencies on the assignment in war times like the current ones have abundantly established. And concurrently, Shuaib again repudiates himself by dropping the “appeal” initially meant for the Service Chiefs at the doorstep of President Buhari in stinking ululations served as in “the spirit of fairness, standard procedure and progression in the service, to allow the longest-serving service chiefs go after exceeding their run-out dates….”

This is idiotic and self-serving, revealing his extraordinary wicked intentions and passionately canonized beyond the surface. Why would he wail more than the bereaved on a matter completely estranged from his infantile and demurred considerations?


He lets out this piteous bile on substantive tenures or elongation for the Service Chiefs in vain justification. Shuaib relied on the revised Armed Forces of Nigeria Harmonized Terms and Conditions of Service (HTACOS) for officers. He must have felt excited and smart for “hitting the nail on its head. “But the efforts ended up stripping him naked and prostrate on his strongest points.

Belligerently and ignorantly citing Section 09.08 of HTACOS, the official service order in the military, he argued; “An officer appointed to the substantive appointment of the Chief of Defence Staff, Chief of Army Staff, Chief of Naval Staff and the Chief of Air Staff will hold the appointment for a continuous period of two years. The appointment could be extended for another two years from the date of expiration of the initial two-year period.”

And he released what he considered the big, but empty bang which mercilessly entrapped and pounded him. It laid bare his real oblique, long-winded intentions. His words; “The service chiefs were first appointed in July 2015 and their tenures were extended for an additional two years in 2017, which finally expired in 2019. It has always been the standard practice, since the return of democratic governance to Nigeria in 1999, for service chiefs to be in office for a maximum term of two years, except on a few occasions of discretionary extension by Mr. President….”

In ardently pushing this point, Shuaib dreaded mention of provisions of the 1999 Constitution of Nigeria, which outlines in Section 218: (1) thus “The powers of the President as the Commissioner-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of the Federation shall include power to determine the operational use of the armed forces of the Federation.”

And sub-section 218 3) states that “The President may, by directions in writing and subject to such conditions as he thinks fit, delegate to any member of the armed forces of the Federation his powers relating to the operational use of the Armed Forces of the Federation.” With these explicit provisions guaranteeing the Mr. President’s powers on tenure extension for Service Chiefs, what makes an infinitesimal Shuaib think his stroke of pen siding terrorists in Nigeria can vacate the powers?

Its complete gibberish to bandy simplistic viewpoints such as stumped by the writer that retaining the current Service Chiefs “…stagnates the careers of other senior officers and induces unfair early mature retirements, in the absence of vacancies at the topmost echelons of the services.”

For him, it is no longer service to the nation by career military personnel in taming terrorism, but the weight of his campaigns is centred on eyeing the zenith in service for senior officers alone, and not necessarily what they would offer to the liberation of the country from the claws of terrorists as if they are not part of counter-insurgency operations at different levels now? Its an attempt to incite members of the military and bolster mutiny, amplified by envy and jealousy of other officers. Only a devilish heart harbours and propagates such repugnant thoughts.

What does Shuaib know about military warfare and its nuances’? What is his experience in terrorism combat wars, anywhere in the world to stage out with such expert advice? It only informs of the extent his paymasters have pushed him to delve into the furnace of their evil agenda against Nigeria. But that’s the price of a mortgaged conscience. It wonders forlornly and dreads its shadows because of the invincible power of nemesis. Shuaib and his devil’s initiates both in Nigeria and abroad falters before it’s a destructive force with humiliating grovelling at the ninth hour.

Shuaib cannot deceptively trick Nigerians, whilst executing his discreet project in support and promotion of Boko Haram/ISWAP terrorists in Nigeria. He has only betrayed himself, as noted by one of the earliest English novelists Joseph Conrad, who said; “All a man can betray is his conscience.”

Let Shuaib rummage his conscience and truthfully tell Nigerians that it would have been different if his company, PR Nigeria still enjoys the same patronage under the current service Chiefs or why he never scripted an open letter with such venom when his bosses compliant with terrorists held sway in Nigeria and Boko Haram festered uncontrollably?

Had the present crop of Service Chiefs sustained the umbilical cord of evil and connived with him or kept him in their udder; then it would mean nothing to him whether the Dapchi girls were released or not; whether Nigeria is safe or not; or the United Nations (UN) complained or the European Union Parliament passed a resolution in January 2020 decrying spate of renewed terrorist attacks or the Global Terrorism Index of the Institute for Economics and Peace (IEP) has rated Nigeria third in terrorism prone countries.
But he should never mind as Nigerians are aware of his powerful blessings in mischief and no one can compete with him. But Shuaib cannot fool the President and Nigerians anymore.

Kuanum is a researcher in conflict resolution and peacebuilding expert.

By Anthony Kolawole
 
“Do not follow where the path may lead. Go instead where there is no path and leave a trail”--- Ralph Waldo Emerson
Perhaps, the famed global American-born poet, essayist, leading exponent of New England Transcendentalism discourse and scholar, Ralph Waldo Emerson was quite precise when he made this simplistic assertion. But he was sublimely communicating to the few favoured by leadership out of billions of people in the world.
He cautioned leaders never to be persuaded by vain glorification or egoistic walk-up to seek such exalted positions of superintending on others.  I am sure Emerson knew, to his crystal mind that leadership positions anywhere or at any level attract some committal responsibilities.  I think this great scholar must have had some Nigerian leaders in mind while thinking of this wit.
Nearly one and a half decade later, his wisdom forms an impenetrable cloud on the shadows of some leaders in Nigeria. The problem with us as a country and a people is beyond the selfishness or self-gratification and the detached aura from the ruled. But we attach such positions to killings, maiming, bickering and even court enmity with everyone to possess leadership.    
Till I became an adult, each time my father took me to the community church, I would often hear of the miraculous power of God Almighty.  I never knew the power of its manifestation, until I became matured in Nigeria, sound enough to decode the preachments.  Some of our leaders in Nigeria are the most prominent, but ungrateful beneficiaries of the power of leadership and its bestowments.

However, it is also only in Nigeria that some leaders consciously and viciously abuse the power of the ruled. Yet, tormented by invisible forces and an earthly persuasion for vanity, we often gleefully turn our backs on the leaders whose proximity and immediacy to us beckons for all niceties because they symbolize the most grandeur essence of our existentialism.
 Today, we do not only adorn some of our leaders for neglecting or extending the King Pharaonic treatment to us. But we look at them as messiahs and put our God’s given precious hands together to clap, cheer and echo their lack of wisdom in celebration in embrace of our nature’s negative virtue of regaled foolery.

I may not have devoted decades to interrogate the ontology of Emerson. But I could not help it, after deeply reflecting on the current heat in the polity of my beloved country, Nigeria.  What is in vogue now is the renewed wanton attacks and killings in parts of the nation.
And sadly, to the very limits of these gruesome, horrendous and ungodly carnages, the perpetrators and orchestrators of these mindless orgy of violence are our own kith and kin. No feasible explanation can ever offer the desired clue as to what has compelled the motivations of some citizens to vent this sort of devilish venom of other citizens.

What comes handy from the character of the killings, gleaned from the manifest character of the killings and arsons are its visible political undertones and instigations. The satanic quest for power and recognition.
A few days earlier, the two chambers of the National Assembly in some sort of coup, unanimously passed a no confidence vote on President Muhammadu Buhari for failing to tame the tide of armed attacks and killings of our people. And the lawmakers asked Mr. President to resign as the leader of Nigeria because he has failed in securing the lives and property of Nigerians.
As if this was not enough expression of rage by senior lawmakers, our national legislators also proceeded to pass similar vote of no confidence on all Service and Security Chiefs in Nigeria. And as the fury fulminated, they directed Mr. President in  resolutions to sack all the security chiefs and Heads of all security agencies in Nigeria simultaneously for lack of competence and capacity to tackle emerging insecurities in Nigeria.   
 
I found their positions faulty and like judges would always say, on “one count” of the senseless conviction that leadership of a country or a nation begins and ends with Mr. President. In the haze to condemn the President on the official podium of legislative chambers, they unwittingly severed themselves from any leadership burden and fixated their eyes only on the salvation Mr. President alone can offer to salvage the situation.  Though the national parliamentarians, another set of leaders themselves could be right, as even publicly supported by minions with same mindset.

But I begrudge the national parliamentarians and their apostates for one reason. It is for their inclination for the somewhat criminal proclivity to play the ostrich, exempt themselves and every other leader, except Mr. President and the Heads of Security agencies in Nigeria. These are thoughts only aligned to persons who have accidentally found themselves on the corridors of power at the lower rungs.
 
Of course, I have no inhibition accepting the reality that Mr. President is the Chief Security Officer of Nigeria. But does it obliterate the fact that State Governors are also  the Chief Security Officers of the domains they govern with magisterial aura and power; the communities where these attacks and killings occur and subsequently escalate to draw national and international umbrage?  If Mr. President is so wrong for “consenting” to the attacks, as some debased souls qualify the ugly trend; what in their best of imaginations exculpates the States Governor from same leadership liability? The unanswered questions are a dozen.
 
But let me narrow the narration down to States Governor, other leaders and a docile public.  I am regrettably perplexed at the obstinate display of complacency.  No citizen, indigene, National parliamentarian, State Assembly member, councilor, Speaker of a State Assembly, political party chieftain, elder statesman, stakeholder or religious and traditional ruler is ready to prod the Governors or one another to answer to deteriorating insecurity in their immediate domains.
 
Former British leader, Winston Churchill told us that, “The price of greatness is responsibility.” We can all be great people and great states only if there is the zeal to accept the burdens of our societies rather than engaging in the Nigerian famed cliché “blame game.”
 
What everyone thinks about is to scold and lampoon President Buhari for failing to arrest the precarious insecurity situation in the country, confederated and governed as independent units. And each one of them is ruled by a different, constitutionally recognizable set of leaders.  
Brandon Sanderson is quite vocal that “The mark of a great man is one who knows when to set aside the important things in order to accomplish the vital ones.” These leaders at the lower rung are usually at the fore front of collecting huge federal allocations for governance of the states, including monthly millions of naira for security votes, which are not utilized for the purpose.
 
That’s the only time they display mutual friendship with Mr. President, but they effeminately shirk from vital responsibilities of the states. And it behooves on us to  tightly hold these leaders first because there is wisdom in  Max De Pree’s wit that  “Leaders don’t inflict pain, they share pain.”
 
But the masses keep mute and everybody maintains an annoying silence. This is where we have got it fundamentally wrong! We want change, but because of vicarious interests, we condone so much of rubbish from those who lead us at our doorstep, only to mount a nonsensical pressure on the Federal government.
We are deprived and denied by our immediate leaders, yet we prefer a docile posture. We have lost our dignity and voices because of the indignities smearing the portraits of otherwise worthy men and women. Thus, we freely donate our lands and destinies to a horde of ravenous leaders, but find the escape route in blaming Mr. President.
 We easily forget the admonishments’ of the first  Afro-American President of America, Mr. Barack Obama who said;  “Change will not come if we wait for some other person, or if we wait for some other time. We are the ones we’ve been waiting for. We are the change that we seek.”  Or have we ever reflected on Napoleon Hill’s persuasions that “Whatever the mind of man can conceive and believe, it can achieve?”
Finally, renowned global physicists and  great scholar,  Albert Einstein uncovers  the veil on our eyes that  “Wisdom is not a product of schooling, but of the lifelong attempt to acquire it.” Why are we lacking this wisdom?
Its bemusing that leadership at almost all strata in Nigeria today is navigated from disappointingly loose angles. If there is no   nation like Nigeria  and her people, whose leaders use their helplessness to exploit them, squander their destinies and at the same time, we single sing white-knuckle ballads into our acquiesced ears.
 Benjamin Disraeli warns that only “the fool wonders, the wise man asks.” We have rendered ourselves to praise singing and sycophancy for some leaders, especially States Governor for too long. They accumulate salaries and fail to pay pensioners. They fail to employ the youths and yet expect peace. But we fellow them like fools to chant the long and weary songs on their lips that the security agencies are not doing enough.
Why have we refrained from asking publicly whether our governors have done enough to solve the problems afflicting us with the enormous resources at their disposal? Barack Obama again pricks our conscience that  “One voice can change a room,” or  “Our destiny is not written for us, but by us.”
 
The Governors do little or nothing for their states. They are only State Chief Executives when it's time to share the security votes and only realizes it's the duty of President Buhari and the security agencies to put off the fires they ignite secretly underground. But we say nothing! It  is time to remined them that we must get  to work and kick-start  something  about the security situation  in our domains and  the country. It is the duty of the President, much like ours!
You cannot eat your cake and still have it. The Governors conspicuously embezzle security votes, yet pray and expect that people go to bed as excited citizens.  It’s impossible? They arm political thugs when elections are close and abandon these youths once elections are over. Who is fooling who? Who expects a hungry man to go to bed, whilst his gun is warming the inside of his cupboard?
 
Let me leave you to reflect deeply on the words of Kahlil Gibran. He pleads that “Keep me away from the wisdom which does not cry, the philosophy which does not laugh and the greatness which does not bow before children.”

Kolawole PhD is a University lecturer and wrote from Keffi.

*National Security: Military under Buhari has been exceptional, wont be compromised for politicians - CALSER replies House of Reps*

The Centre for Africa Liberation and Socio-Economic Rights (CALSER) has responded to the House of Representatives, describing the Nigerian military under President Muhammadu Buhari as “exceptional”, displaying unalloyed commitment and can't be compromised for selfish politicians.

CALSER made this known at a press conference on Friday in Abuja to address the avalanche of calls for the sack of Service Chiefs.

In a press statement signed by President, Princess Ajibola, CALSER expressed utter disgust at the desperation of some self-serving politicians who have carried on with the campaign of calumny against the Service Chiefs in the country.

The Centre said it is shocked that the once hallowed National Assembly have been compromised to lead this despicable campaign.

The Centre for Africa Liberation and Socio-Economic Rights, however, stated that the military under President Buhari’s administration has shown an extreme level of commitment to preserving the territorial integrity of the country to the applaud of discerning Nigerians.

CALSER revealed that the call for the sack of Service Chiefs is part of the game plan by some politicians to hijack and politicize the military to their advantage, a norm in previous governments.


The Centre, therefore, expressed support for the Service Chiefs whose “capacity and competence is unwavering”, adding that recent upsurge in violence across the country is a coy by desperate politicians to rubbish their efforts.


Read full press statement below:

The Centre for Africa Liberation and Socio-Economic Rights warmly welcomes you all to this press conference put together to address some of the issues that have been canvassed in the public space with regards to the calls for the sacking of Service Chiefs in the country.

The leadership of the Centre for Africa Liberation and Socio-Economic Rights is alarmed at the desperation with which some self-serving politicians have carried on with the campaign of calumny against the Service Chiefs in the country, whose efforts in the fights against terrorism has been outstanding.

To think that the honorable members of the National Assembly have been so compromised to lead this despicable campaign leaves more to be imagined. The venom they spit indicates an unenviable attitude towards the socio-economic advancement of Nigeria because their actions and inactions are self-serving and not in the overall interest of the country.

The Centre for Africa Liberation and Socio-Economic Rights wishes to state that the Nigerian Military under the administration of President Muhammadu Buhari has indeed displayed an unalloyed commitment to preserving the territorial integrity of Nigeria to the applaud of discerning Nigerians.

They have kept vigil while we all slept. They have combed bushes and difficult to reach terrains in service to fatherland, and this is manifest in the numerous gains that have been recorded in the fight against terrorism and other militant groups in Nigeria.

This fact is not one that self-serving politicians would want to reckon with because it is against their overarching interest. As such, they must do all within their powers to cause a political crisis so their whims and caprices can be carried out without hindrance.

The Centre for Africa Liberation and Socio-Economic Rights also sees the call for the sack of Service Chiefs, as one that is part of the game plan by some politicians to hijack and politicize the Nigerian Military to their advantage, which was the norm before the advent of the Muhammadu Buhari led administration in 2015.

The Centre for Africa Liberation and Socio-Economic Rights wishes to state that the Service Chiefs in the country have indeed proved their mettle and commitment to the Nigerian cause and as such any attempt by the relevant authorities to bow to the pressure been mounted through covert means for the President and Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces to effect a change in the leadership of the Nigerian Military, would indeed be a big blow for lovers of democracy in Nigeria.

This is on the heels that if such happens, Nigeria might return to the brinks where our Military would be subjected to the whims and caprices of politicians and might be our undoing and the consequences would live with us for years to come.

The Centre for Africa Liberation and Socio-Economic Rights wishes to state that the security apparatus of the country is the exclusive preserve of the President and Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of the Federal Republic of Nigeria. As such, allowing politicians whose paymasters are still aggrieved with the outcome of the 2019 general elections to effect a change in the leadership of the Armed Forces would spell doom for the successes that have been recorded by the current administration.

The Centre for Africa Liberation and Socio-Economic Rights is aware that the Military was just recently re-organized by President Muhammadu Buhari, who brought about discipline and professionalism back to the Military that translated to an efficient and professional fight force in the country.

This process is still ongoing, and any attempt to allow politicians to find their way back into the Military will be disastrous for our country, especially at a time that separatists are hanging around the corner to destabilize the nation.

We also wish to state that the resurgence of pockets of criminal activities across the country is the handiwork of self-serving politicians that are not happy with the gains made so far in the fight against terrorism and other militant groups in the country.

The Centre for Africa Liberation and Socio-Economic Rights wishes to inform members of the general public that as concerned stakeholders in the Nigerian cause and one conversant with the operations of the Nigerian Military, we state emphatically that the current Service Chiefs have given their total commitment towards addressing the insurgencies across the country.

The Centre for Africa Liberation and Socio-Economic Rights wishes to advise members of the National Assembly who have elected to allow themselves to be compromised by self-serving politicians in the destabilization plot against Nigeria to retrace their steps and come to the realization that the Nigerian cause is one that requires acts of patriotism.

The unity of Nigeria is sacrosanct, and this they must realize because this generation and indeed, the unborn generation of Nigerians have nowhere else to call home. As such, we must remain and salvage it together.

The Centre for Africa Liberation and Socio-Economic Rights passes a vote of confidence on the President and Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of the Federal Republic of Nigeria for his unalloyed commitment towards putting Nigeria in proper stead for socio-economic development.

Our belief in the capacity and competence of the Service Chiefs is unwavering, and The Centre for Africa Liberation and Socio-Economic Right herby solicits the support of all Nigerians to join hands in defeating every form of insecurity in the land.

Nigeria shall indeed be great.
Thank you all for your time, and God Bless Nigeria.

*Zamfara Gov, Matawalle wins TheNigerian Security Icon Award*


Governor Bello Matawalle of Zamfara State is set to bestowed with the prestigious award as “Security Icon of the Year” for 2019 by TheNigerian News Group.

Since taking over the helm of affairs from Abdul’aziz Yari on May 29, Mr Matawalle earned wave review for his unorthodox, progressive and charismatic leadership style, especially in the area of security.

Having inherited a state riddled with banditry, kidnap and other social vices, the onus was on the incoming government to erase these ills and restore peace.

With improved collaboration with the military and other security agencies, banditry has been brought to a barest minimum in Zamfara, which prompted TheNigerian to honour the governor.

In a statement on Friday by Group Managing Director, David Onmeje, TheNigerian News Group, owners of TheNigerian News, TheNigerian Tabloid, Television Nigerian and soon-to-be-launched radio, said Mr Matawalle was singled out for altering the status quo in governance.

Whilst other governors play politics with the lives of the citizenry, Mr Onmeje noted that Matawalle has taken upon himself to rally round major stakeholders including the youths, security agencies, political leaders and other key institutions to restore peace to Zamfara State.

The GMD further revealed that Mr Matawalle has already created a path for other governors to follow in helping to quench the fire of insecurity in their domains.

“His Excellency, Dr. Bello Muhammed Matawalle, the Executive Governor of Zamfara State inherited a state crippled and strangulated by awful insecurity fuelled by the satanic activities of armed bandits and cattle rustlers,” the statement reads.

“However, within an unbelievably short time, the Governor was able to demobilize and suppress the forces of evil against the state. He fearlessly and boldly confronted the veiled, but dreaded forces promoting insecurity in Zamfara state.

“Mr Matawalle is recognised for his genuineness of purpose and dexterity in the discharge of his duties, remarkable synergy with the military and other security agencies to protect vulnerable children and women from terror sects and then rewarding youth rehabilitation and empowerment initiatives.”

*APC uncovers plot by PDP, powerful politicians to overthrow Buhari presidency through escalation of killings*

The All Progressives Congress Local Government Chairmen (APC-LGC) has raised an alarm over an impending plot by the opposition Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to overthrow President Muhammadu Buhari with the aid of the National Assembly.

The grassroots APC chairmen made this revelation at a press conference on Thursday in Abuja, where it strongly accused the PDP of manipulating the NASS to remove the current administration from office.

Speaking on behalf of the group, National Coordinator, Adadu Alegwu revealed that the opposition has resorted to the legislative arm having failed to legitimately oust President Buhari in the Judiciary.

The recent upsurge in criminal activities across the country; from Boko Haram/ISWAP attacks to banditry and kidnappings, the group alleged, are the handiwork of the PDP, whose desperation for power isn't strange.

However, its new-found alliance with the National Assembly, according to the APC leaders, is a cause for worry, especially after some of its disloyal members reportedly received humongous sum to betray the party.

This script, the group further revealed, is orchestrated by a top-ranking member of the PDP in the National Assembly, backed by a former president, a governor of one of the South-South state and a perpetual presidential candidate.

According to the group, having already penetrated the NASS, the PDP sought to win over the Service Chiefs to its fold.

However, their unwillingness to compromise triggered the opposition to unleash mayhem in the country.

The Forum of APC LGA Chairmen, therefore, says it considers the grand plot as a coup against democracy, and as such discerning members of the general public are placed on notice of the manifestation of the destabilization plot by the PDP.

The group further enjoined Nigerians to be steadfast and resolute in their belief in the sustenance of democracy.

Read full statement below:


The National Forum of APC Local Government Chairmen the umbrella forum of all APC local government chairmen in Nigeria is holding the press conference as a matter of national interest to intimate members of the general public of the clandestine plot by the opposition Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to remove President Muhammadu Buhari from office through the National Assembly.

According to credible information reaching the National Forum of APC Local Government Chairmen has indeed revealed that the opposition PDP is the brain behind the recent upsurge of criminal activities across the country manifest in Boko Haram/ISWAP, banditry and kidnappings.

This they, the PDP, have elected to do in an attempt to pitch the people against the democratically elected government of President Muhammadu Buhari all in a bid to take the mandate freely given by the people through the backdoor and destabilize the country.

The PDP has enlisted the members of the National Assembly to carry out this nefarious act, and they have also gone a step further by soliciting the buy-in of some disloyal APC members in the National Assembly by compromising them with huge monetary inducement.

We wish to state that the plot in the National Assembly was orchestrated by a top-ranking member of the PDP in the National Assembly who have been mandated by the leadership of the PDP to see to the realization of this grand plot against democracy in Nigeria.

The general public should be informed that the PDP has mobilized humongous amount of monies for this despicable act that has seen monies exchanging hands for the actualization of their evil agenda against the administration of President Muhammadu Buhari.

The National Forum of APC Local Government Chairmen wishes to inform the general public that credible information at our disposal indicates that a former president, a governor of one of the South-South states, a perpetual presidential candidate, who still has his gaze at the 2023 presidential elections, and a governor from one of the states in northwest Nigeria, are all behind this despicable plot.

This grand plot against democracy in Nigeria has as a component a puerile campaign against the Service Chiefs because of their loyalty to the country and the President and Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces, and also their refusal to surrender the country to them during the 2019 general elections.

We also have it on competent authority that the character and efforts of the Service Chiefs would be subjected to an inglorious slander campaign to compromise their loyalty to the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.

The Forum of APC Local Government Chairmen have also gathered from credible sources that should the Service Chiefs refuse to buckle to their evil plots; there would be a covert sponsorship of criminal activities across the country in a bid to undermine their efforts in the fight against terrorism and other political militant groups.

Also, as part of the grand plot, the PDP has enlisted the support of a major religious group to use their platform to issue statements and carry out actions that would discredit the administration of President Muhammadu Buhari and by extension to paint a picture of religious persecution, which would, in turn, set the country on a dangerous religious crisis.

The game plan is to ensure that the Supreme Court is also brought to disrepute since it failed to remove President Muhammadu Buhari from office. We consequently wish to state that the recent nationwide protest by the PDP over the Supreme Court judgment is a pointer to what to expect from the PDP and their hatchet men in the next few days.

The Forum of APC Local Government Chairmen considers the grand plot as a coup against democracy, and as such discerning members of the general public are placed on notice of the manifestation of the destabilization plot by the PDP that would be unleashed on the country in the days ahead.

The Forum of APC Local Government Chairmen wishes to put in on record that should Nigeria experience any form of religious and political upheaval in the days ahead; the PDP should be blamed squarely.

We also wish to state that Nigeria is a democratic country that is governed by laws, and any attempt by unscrupulous political elements that have refused to respect the wishes of the people would be resisted through the instrument of the law.

The Forum of APC Local Government Chairmen consequently enjoins members of the general public to be steadfast and resolute in their belief in the sustenance of democracy in Nigeria. It is our firm belief that this nefarious plot by the PDP would fail woefully because Nigerians are wiser and can see the handwriting written on the wall.

For them, it is either their way for no way. But for the generality of Nigerians, it is indeed our way because the destinies of over 180 million Nigerians cannot be truncated because of the blind and selfish ambition of a few.

We wish to state that Nigerians are indeed watching as events unfold. And it is our firm belief that their nefarious plot would fail woefully.

Thank you all for taking out time from your busy schedules to attend this press conference, and together we shall make Nigeria a viable and robust country where our hopes and aspirations would be translated to tangible realities.

May God bless Nigeria and bless us all.