₦airaland Forum

Elder statesman and former Chief of Army Staff, Gen Theophilus Danjuma (rtd), has come under fire over his recent comment on the state of the nation.
Gen. Danjuma, who was a former Defense Minister, had claimed while speaking at the University of Ibadan in Oyo State, on Thursday, that Nigerians won't sleep if he reveals what is happening in Nigeria.
He said: “In Yorubaland, everybody seems to have lost their voice, scared. And people appear not to care about what is happening. If I tell you what I know is happening in Nigeria today, you will no longer sleep.
“If you want details, I will give it to you privately,” the elder statesman had averred.
Reacting, however, the Middle belt Conscience Guard, an umbrella body of the states in the middle belt region in Nigeria, described the comment by Gen. Danjuma as diversionary and tactless.
The group declared that the statement credited to Gen. Danjuma was not a reflection of the mindset of the people of the middle belt region in Nigeria in its entirety.
Prince Raymond Enero, National President of the group in a statement signed on Thursday, stated that the statement by “Theophilus Danjuma is unpatriotic and highly misleading, and if care is not taken might lead to unrest in the country.”
The group warned the ex-military general to desist from making crude statements that could cause unrest in the nation.
The statement below.
The Middle belt Conscience Guard wishes to state that the statement credited to Theophilus Danjuma is not a reflection of the mindset of the people of the middle belt region in Nigeria in its entirety.
The statement can be best described as diversionary, tactless, and of poor taste, meant to unnecessarily heat the polity for no morally justifiable reason.
The statement can be best described as diversionary, tactless, and of poor taste, meant to unnecessarily heat the polity for no morally justifiable reason.
The Middle belt Conscience Guard views with concern the way and manner a supposed elder statesman who has benefitted immensely from Nigeria could throw caution into the winds by making statements that are not meant for unifying purposes, but for disintegration and to create chaos in the country.

We are constrained to ask Theophilus Danjuma what he stands to benefit by making such inglorious call in this critical point of our existence as a people and as a country. If this is not malicious, we do not know what to call it.

The Middle belt Conscience Guard wishes to state that there are certain conducts expected from elder statesmen in the country, and Theophilus Danjuma has fallen short of this expectation. As such, he should retrace his steps and tender unreserved apologies to the country for acting against common sense.

The Middle belt Conscience Guard also wishes to use this medium to inform Theophilus Danjuma that there are boundaries he should not cross in his futile attempt as portraying himself as a saint amongst sinners, while in the real sense of it; he is part and parcel of the anomaly that has been entrenched in the system from time immemorial. This attempt is nothing short of calling a dog a bad name to hang it.

It is expected that his likes should at this age and time sober reflect on how they have conspired to bring Nigeria to its knees the while they held sway at the helm of affairs in the country with their actions and inactions that were self-serving and inglorious.

The Middle belt Conscience Guard believes that Theophilus Danjuma is flying a kite aimed at promoting the interest of their allies that were rejected by the electorate in the recently concluded general elections in the country.

This is indeed a testament to the fact that the hawks that held Nigeria hostage had been rejected, and as such, the country must be made ungovernable in their bid to bring Nigeria to its knees as they intended.
The Middle belt Conscience Guard wishes to inform the generality of Nigerians to hold Theophilus Danjuma and his cohorts responsible should there be an attempt at truncating Nigeria’s nascent democracy in the days ahead as it evident that there is a grand plot by some disgruntled elements that are not happy with the progress been made in critical areas of the economy in Nigeria.

It is instructive to state that the generality of Nigerians can decipher between light and darkness. As such, any attempt to heat the polity unnecessarily through callous statements would be resisted in its entirety.

The Middle belt Conscience Guard wishes to admonish Theophilus Danjuma to retrace his steps and seek for forgiveness from the Nigerian people for his failure to put Nigeria on the road to progress and prosperity while he held strategic positions of authority including as Chief of Army Staff, and as Minister of Defense under President Olusegun Obasanjo.

The Middle belt Conscience Guard wishes to state in unequivocal terms that should Nigeria experience any form of unrest; the blame should be put at the doors steps of Theophilus Danjuma. Nigeria is indeed on the path of greatness, and as such, any form of a deliberate plot to truncate our progress should be resisted.

By John Odusote

The name John Campbell is not new to the debate on Nigeria. He was at a time the Ambassador of the United States of America to Nigeria. So it could be said that he knows a bit of the dynamics in the Nigerian setting. And he is exploiting it for the political advantage of some of the friends he made while he was in Nigeria.

John Campbell has a long history in Nigeria, one that cannot be wished away anytime soon when he indeed predicted in his book, 'Nigeria: Dancing on the brink.' that Nigeria would not survive 2015. The issues highlighted in the book drew much attention and generated enormous controversies both within Nigeria and around the world.

It was apparent that he enjoyed the attention that came with his puerile prophecy, as we are almost in 2020. That is a definite five years after, and Nigeria is still united. I wonder how he felt with the fact that Nigeria lived beyond 2015. Just maybe he felt disappointed with the way and manner things turned out, and since then, he has become a daily contributor to the discourse on Nigeria. So much so, that one wonders why the keen interest in the affairs of Nigeria. The reason isn't farfetched.

This situation has given rise to questions as to the real motives of John Campbell in his tirade against Nigeria. I say this because, for inexplicable reasons, he is in the news again in Nigeria. And this time around, he took his trade too far by stating that Nigeria's international reputation is damaged for disrespect for the rule of law in an apparent reference to the ongoing trial of Omoyele Sowore.

Initially, I was at a loss what he meant by 'Buhari's Dictatorial Past and the Rule of Law Today in Nigeria" In my opinion, that was indeed a handshake beyond the elbow given the enormity of his unsubstantiated postulations intended to mislead members of the unsuspecting general public.

As a start, I'm afraid I have to disagree with the fact the John Campbell is qualified to speak objectively about Nigeria in whatever capacity because it is on record that he shares an affinity with a major opposition figure in Nigeria. He is also a member of the Board of Trustees of a university in Nigeria owned by this same major opposition politician. Thus, it can be understood where his rants are coming from, as well as where his loyalty belongs.

That is not all; sometime in 2017, there was a tweet from the handle of the same politician that states thus "With former Ambassador to Nigeria, and a great friend, Mr. John Campbell, on his first visit back to Nigeria in years. Welcome back home!" there are also many more examples of how these two individuals have cohabited over the years as 'good' friends.

Back to the crux on John Campbell, it is despicable how he has risen to the defense of his 'good' friend at the expense of truth. It is also despicable how he has continued to insult the sensibilities of Nigeria by advancing a self-serving cause that from all intent and purposes are geared towards causing an unhealthy distraction in the polity. I recall I was particularly fazed when some time ago John Campbell stated that the 2019 general elections were bad for democracy in Nigeria. He further stated that the presidential election does not inspire confidence in the democratic trajectory of Africa's most populous country. Initially, I could not come to terms with his outright provocative statement. But now I do because his 'good' friend lost and could not be consoled.

And as such, they threw all sorts of clogs in the wheel of Nigeria's progress, and the recent one is the Omoyele Sowore saga that the likes of John Campbell felt was the perfect opportunity to unleash their frustrations on Nigeria. I stand to be corrected; it is indeed a shame that John Campbell would denigrate so low despite been a former ambassador to Nigeria. I am not sure the money he receives from his 'good' friend is worth the trouble.

Nigeria has always defeated their evil postulations from time immemorial. Many fake prophets like Campbell saw Sowore and his RevolutionNow protest as the right time to unleash the devil on Nigerians. But they were shamed. And the latest attempt at it again is in the tirade launched by John Campbell recently.

I must not fail to state that John Campbell is Alhaji Atiku Abubakar's walking stick. Little wonder that he is on the Board of Trustees of the American University of Nigeria? Little wonder that his tirades have been against the present administration? It is thus evident that John Campbell and Atiku Abubakar still haven't recovered from the outcome of the general elections in Nigeria. As such, they must continue to embark on acts and actions that would distract and discredit the present administration.

In all, they forgot one major thing, which is the fact that Nigerians can see through their gimmick because no right-thinking Nigeria would deny the fact that John Campbell has been covertly advancing the cause of Atiku Abubakar. What this means is that moving forward; Nigerians should form the habit of disregarding whatever comes from the stable of John Campbell because they are all pieces of broken bottles.


Odusote wrote from Washington DC, USA.

Killing of aide workers: It is time for the world to sanction France, other terrorists' promoters for crimes against humanity-- SHAC





The Save Humanity Advocacy Centre (SHAC) has reacted to the recent killing of UN aid workers by members of the Boko Haram sect in Borno State.

The ISWAP faction of Boko Haram on Friday shared a gory video recording that detailed the execution of four out of the five abductees that remained in their captivity.

The four slain aid workers who were abducted on July 18 were staff of the Action Against Hunger (AAH).

The murder of the four aid workers has brought the number of the abducted humanitarian workers slain by Boko Haram to five this year.



Reacting to the sad development, SHAC said it is high time It is time for the world to sanctioned France, other terrorists' promoters for crimes against humanity.

Addressing newsmen on Monday, Ibrahim Abubakar, Executive Director of the group called on the international community world to speak with one voice against those promoting terror in Nigeria and other parts of Africa.



The group also called on the Nigerian Military to scale up efforts to trace and free the fifth aid worker, Grace Taku, a female, whom the terrorists have reportedly consigned to a live of slavery.

His statement reads in full.


Gentlemen of the press, the world has again been made aware, through media reports, of Boko Haram killing of four staffers of Action Against Hunger (AAH), whom they have held captive since July 19, 2019 after they were abducted from their vehicles in the course of carrying out humanitarian work in the northeast of Nigeria.

The killing of the aid workers is condemnable, utterly uncalled for and deserving of the stiffest retribution possible from the Nigerian state and all nations on earth that truly call themselves Nigeria’s friend. Barbarism of this magnitude call for the shedding of diplomatic pretexts as it should be met with the kind of response that will remind the terrorists that humanity is not to be toyed with on the scale on which they have done.

We condemn this act of cowardice as a dastardly evil against humanity that should not have happened if the international interests propping up Boko Haram had taken the sensible step of discontinuing criminal support to the bloodthirsty monsters that they have created to torment innocent civilians.

It is of note that while Boko Haram and its Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) iteration were taken successive heavy losses from the Nigerian Armed Forces, the reported escalation of French subversive activities in the region, including clandestine delivery of logistics to the terrorists, has given the terrorists the boldness to kill captives that they had held before France decided to strengthen their hands.

The blood of the four aid workers is therefore as much on the hands of Boko Haram/ISWAP as it is on the hands of the French government and that country’s nationals, who continue to aim for the comfortable life at the expense of human loss in the Lake Chad Basin. The world must rise up in unison against these terrorists and hold their French paymasters to account.

Time is running out for the world to speak with one voice against those promoting terror in Nigeria and other parts of Africa. If a bold statement is not made by the world at this time, then the whole of humanity would be put at risk because the twisted minds of these killers and their global sponsors have been perverted to a point where reason fail them. They must therefore be told in the clearest terms yet that enough is enough. The killing of the aid workers should be treated as a red line that has been crossed for which there must be repercussions.

As for NGOs and organizations that give covert support to Boko Haram, the murder of these aid workers is a wake-up call for them to retrace their steps because a group of terrorists that kill their colleagues do not deserve any form of support irrespective how morbidly such NGOs may detest the military.

In the meantime, we urge the Nigerian Military to scale up efforts to trace and free the fifth aid worker, Grace Taku, a female, whom the terrorists have reportedly consigned to a live of slavery. She remains the one ray of hope that the authorities will always go after those that threaten the wellbeing of citizens.

This briefing will not be completed without SHAC expressing its reservation about the manner in which news of the murder of these aid workers became public knowledge. The report emanated from the Twitter account of renowned Boko Haram propagandist, Ahmad Salkida, on whose hands the blood of the dead also flow. It can be argued that Boko Haram killed these people knowing that Salkida will do the dirty job of helping them publicize their heinous crime. We therefore hold Salkida equally responsible for this development as well.

Until the likes of Salkida are held to account for their role in the killings of innocent citizens of Nigeria, the rest of the world must accept that we have failed Nigeria and her citizens.

By David Onmeje

“Innovation distinguishes between a leader and a follower.”- Steve Jobs– Famous American businessman and management theorist.

From time immemorial, the military institution of the Army has been ensconced in the norms of self-reliance, self-dependence and self-preservation in all corollaries. A typical Army formation anywhere in the world, exists as an embodiment of a small nation, something akin to a fiefdom in existentialism.

Any Army formation has everything it requires to exist and function professionally in its own isolated world, but actually an elaborate one in the real sense. The Army has its own professionals of all specializations; schools and hospitals. It romances the pleasures and intricacies of science and technology, through the invention and manufacture of its own warfare weapons.

The Nigerian Army was also conceptualized along such thoughts and operational frameworks. But years of leadership decadence in Nigeria and the concomitant pervasive degeneration in the country, sadly obviated these cherished values. The Nigerian Army became a ghost of itself, very noticeable in the importation of all its arms and ammunitions. Special Army schools of military engineering or technology, with mandate to propel warfare technologies were ruined and abandoned.

However, the preachments of the President Muhammadu Buhari’s administration, which de-emphasized a self-reliant economy, and attached premium on home-grown technology polity and the utilization of local content for goods and services. It offered a rewarding inspiration and window to the dynamic incumbent leadership of the Nigerian Army to harvest bountiful opportunities.

Nigeria has found itself in the age of bile, virulent and ravaging Boko Haram insurgency. And the current Chief of Army Staff (COAS) and chief armour bearer of counter-insurgency operations in Nigeria, Lt. Gen. Tukur Yusufu Buratai , who faced the extraordinary task of disfiguring the rage of terrorism on Nigeria had to adopt home-grown solutions to meet soldiers' equipment and kitting requirements for combating insurgency.

It was the famed French warlord and politician, Napoleon Bonaparte, who extrapolated that “To extraordinary circumstance, we must apply extraordinary remedies.” So, in spite of the scary and consuming insecurity condition of Nigeria, Gen. Buratai sighted a solution only in reviving the Army’s revered culture of self-sustenance in meeting its needs for professional and operational convenience.

Gratifyingly, Gen. Buratai has raised a template of confounding innovations and restored the dissipated technological endowments of the Nigerian Army within four years. He never rendered himself to excuses, in exposition of failure to curb the threats posed by monstrous Boko Haram insurgents because ab initio, he resolutely resolved to fight and defeat the terrorists hands down. In his famed speech on assumption if office, he termed this resolve as the 'promise.'

Again, Napoleon Bonaparte once counselled that “When you have resolved to fight a battle, collect your whole force. Dispense with nothing. A single battalion sometimes decides the day.” Like the Israeli experience in the ancient era of European persecution, Gen. Buratai devised ways of arming, equipping and kitting Nigerian soldiers, exploiting the sophistry of local technologies to make battles in the trenches a seamless exercise for Nigerian troops.

At the 2019 Chief of Army Staff Conference in Kaduna, Nigerians misgivings swept off their feet, President Muhammadu Buhari inclusive as Gen. Buratai’s exemplary leadership necessitated the exhibition of innovative and cutting-edge technological breakthroughs by the Nigerian Army. Gen. Buratai blazed the trail with home-grown solutions manifest in the exhibition of certified technological innovations. And the exhibitions included light weapons, Armoured Personnel Carriers and kitting, which three decades ago were fantasies to leadership of the Army.



The 2019 COAS confab climaxed with President Buhari, personally in attendance and commissioned the first batch of Nigerian Army's locally manufactured Mines Resistant Ambush Protected (MRAP) nicknamed “Ezugwu” vehicles. MRAP was manufactured by military engineers at the Defence Industries Corporation of Nigeria, Command Engineering Deport (DICON/CED), Kakuri, Kaduna state. Its potency and relevance in sustaining Army’s clearance operations on Boko Haram in Nigeria’s Northeast and similar operations around the country is adjudged as superb.

An impressed President Buhari remarked commendably; "I salute the gallant efforts of the Nigerian Armed Forces in routing terrorists and combating insurgency in the on-going operations in the North East. This administration will continue to support the military to achieve its goals in addition to prioritizing their welfare and that of their families. "

Visibly euphoric, the Chief of Defence Staff (CDS) Gen. Gabriel Olonisakin endearingly eulogized the leadership ingenuity of Gen. Buratai, as he crooned; “The decision of Nigerian army to explore the full potential within its ranks to come up with reputable innovations would be a boost to ongoing counter insurgency operations’ It is in this regard that I wish to recognize and also commend the sterling efforts of the Nigerian army under the dynamic leadership of the COAS Lt Gen TY Buratai.”

He further enthused; “I equally make bold to state that the Nigerian Army's giant strides have opened up a new vista of opportunities for the country to become a global competitor in the manufacture of military hardware. Therefore, the proper harnessing of these efforts would help to facilitate the commercial production and sales of defence equipment and ultimately become a source of foreign exchange earnings for the nation. I am therefore proud to identify with the R & D efforts of the NA as I encourage its leadership to remain focused on this laudable objective.”

Even the critically insatiable Nigeria’s Minister of Defence Major General Bashir Magashi doffed his cap for President Buhari and the Nigerian Army; Magashi bowed in accolades to soldiers, “l salute the President for his continuous support to the Nigerian Army. The Federal Government would continue to support the military ahead of the final onslaught on Boko Haram in 2020. the Nigerian Army has had a hectic year with a lot of operations conducted to secure the territorial integrity of Nigeria.’’

It was indeed, Gen. Buratai’s glorious day of special honour. And the torrents of eulogies poured out endlessly, applauding his focused and result-oriented leadership of the Nigerian Army. Kaduna State Governor, Mallam Nasir el-Rufai thundered;

"I commend the Nigerian Army for their roles in sustaining peace and security in Kaduna State. They have restored peace and stability in Southern Kaduna; decimated the capacity of cattle rustlers and kidnappers operating in the state and its environs. The role played by the Army in confronting the menace of the outlawed ‘El-Zakzaky movement’, which had oppressed the people of Zaria for the last 30 years, as well as various corporate social responsibilities including medical outreaches and infrastructure interventions in Kaduna State is also appreciated."

But the path to the transformation success narratives of the Nigerian Army under the leadership of Gen. Buratai have not been an easy chore. The Army boss has braved the odds because President Buhari bolstered him with words of inspiration and consistent support. Therefore, it was a uniquely rare platform for the Army Chief to extol the leadership disposition of his Commander-In-Chief, President Buhari thus;

“The current transformation of the Nigerian Army to its current status of a professional, highly-motivated, innovative and people-centric institution commenced in 2015 when the President was sworn in for his first term in office."

Nevertheless, aside the breathtaking reality of MRAP, Gen. Buratai has registered similar successes in other sections on meeting operational requirements of the Army In November 2019, during Exercise Vulcan Glow VI of the Nigerian Army Corps of Artillery (NACA) at Kachia, Kaduna state, Nigerians were also acquainted with the giant strides in research and development by the corps.

Chinese war wizard, Sun Tzu once persuaded Army leaders to understand that “Those who are victorious, plan effectively and change decisively.” So, Gen. Buratai constantly keeps his binoculars on the future, with eyes fixated on what weapons the insurgency battle might demand the next day and leaves nothing to chance.

Therefore, NACA has also been goaded and empowered into breakthroughs in the re-modification of 105 MMObligation, 14Horwitzer and the 105 MM m56 drones and development of fire control computer applicationsequipment amongothers. These are great military fighting assets, assisting immensely in combating Boko Haram terrorism and allied insurgencies by Nigerian troops. Like in other instances, NACA Army engineers also sourced and utilized local materials for these technological innovations’, a rarity in the NA for decades.

And part of Gen. Buratai’s innovative legacies in his leadership includes deploying the use of technology to launch digitized uniforms for the Army. The security features of the uniforms includes transmitting signals to the nearest military base, anywhere the user is in distress or danger because it is inbuilt with sensors. This is enhancing the safety of troops in the frontlines battling terrorism in the rugged and complex terrains of Northeastern Nigeria.

The establishment of the Human Rights Desk in Army Headquarters’ (AHQs) to resolve unpredicted incidents of human rights violations of Nigerians in the course of special assignments by soldiers; and also, the Army’s novel response to the practice of Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) invokes fond memories of Gen. Buratai’s leadership. Under Gen. Buratai, countless host communities across Nigeria are beneficiaries of the Army’s CSR projects in virtually all sectors of social/infrastructural amenities.

Collin Powell reasoned that “Perpetual optimism is a force multiplier.” Gen. Buratai is optimistic of a final victory against Boko Haram. But ultimately, he believes like Albert Einstein that, “May the conscience and the common sense of the peoples be awakened, so that we may reach a new stage in the life of nations, where people will look back on war as an incomprehensible aberration of their forefathers!,” which is the underlying philosophy of his “stick and carrot,” principle, in itself, an innovative approach to counter-insurgency.


Onmeje wrote this piece from the United Kingdom.

*Group tackles HURIWA over derogatory statement on Buhari's commitment to peace in Nigeria*

The National Democratic Force (NDF) has lashed out at Human Rights Writers Association of Nigeria (HURIWA) over derogatory statement on President Muhammadu Buhari's commitment to the nation's peace and tranquillity.

In a bid to promote national harmony, tackling the nation’s security challenges, the National Security Adviser had proposed an imminent convocation of a dialogue session amongst ethnic nationalities.

HURIWA then attempted to mislead Nigerians on this Federal Government’s security blueprint as published by the office of the NSA.

The human rights group even called on President Buhari to deproscribe the Islamic Movement of Nigeria (IMN) and Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) despite obvious atrocities committed.

In reaction, however, the National Democratic Force described HURIWA as “cobbled assemblage of comical characters” who jumped to discredit an initiative they have no clue about.

The NDF made this known in a press conference on Thursday in Abuja.

In a statement signed by Secretary General, Dr Abdulkadir Bolajai, the group reasoned that HURIWA should be ashamed that President Buhari, whom they have labelled as a dictator, has brought a democratic solution to the problems created by their paymasters.

According to the group, HURIWA's stance isn't surprising as they've always attempted to pitch Christians against Muslims through the claim that the FG's appointments were lopsided in favour of the latter.

While applauding President Buhari and the NSA for coming up with such initiative, the NDF dismissed HURIWA's claim as falsehood of industrial proportion.

It added that “HURIWA and its paymasters are the agents of destabilization and the promoters of disunity, rancor and hate amongst the citizenry through their financially induced activism”.

Read full text below:

Gentlemen of the press, we thank you for honouring our invitation to this press briefing, which we must state from the onset is informed by the criminal attempt by the Human Rights Writers Association of Nigeria (HURIWA) to mislead Nigerians on the Federal Government security blueprint as published by the office of the National Security Adviser. This blueprint aims to add the element of dialogue and consultation to other existing measures that have been deployed to address insecurity and crises in the country. Through the proposed intervention, the government will engage sectional and factional groups in an exercise that will deliver confidence building among the ethnic and religious divide in the country, which is expected to go a long way in addressing some of the nation’s security challenges.

But HURIWA, as we know it to be a cobbled assemblage of comical characters, who hardly ever know whether they are coming or going, have jumped on this initiative with the intention to discredit it without having first studied the merits of the plan. Rather, HURIWA contrived series of negative connotations and tenuously attempted to latch them onto a plan that right thinking citizens of the country are describing as long overdue. The proposal was for them a primer that reawakened the irrational hatred of President Muhammadu Buhari, which seems to be the only cause left for HURIWA to fight.

This perhaps explains why HURIWA express anger that a President Buhari, whom they have labelled a dictator is the one man that has come up with a democratic solution to the problems created by their paymasters. They were now compelled to create lies about how appointments were lopsided and how a particular section of the country is favoured. Interestingly, this is a tired and worn out propaganda since there have been enough statistical data crunching to dispel this lie.

It is most unfortunate that an organization that markets itself with the moniker of “Human Rights” can be callous enough to stereotype an ethnic nationality, the Fulani, even when there have been several instances of persons of other ethnic extractions being caught committing the crimes for which one ethnic group is demonized. The conclusion can only be that HURIWA is desirous of provoking a pogrom against the Fulani, which is definitely not in keeping with what an organization that tout the human rights credentials HURIWA is throwing around.

The perverted pattern favoured by HURIWA manifested even in its partisanship as it was practically blaming President Buhari for the election loss suffered by its sponsor, the Peoples’ Democratic Party (PDP) in Kogi state and in just about any other place the party had a bad showing on account of voters associating it with its corrupt past. That HURIWA could descent so low to attempt passing off transactional activism as the interest of the people is sickening and must be condemned. Nigerians must not be deceived to think they are hearing from a human rights group when in reality they are being lied to by the NGO arm of political party that also moonlights for terrorists as we shall see later.

The danger posed to Nigeria by HURIWA was glaring in the manner in which it attempted to pitch Christians against Moslems through the claim that federal government appointments were lopsided in favour of the latter. It amazing that an organization that dabbles in the acclaimed field has never thought it wise to advance the rights of the animists, atheists, agnostics and other creeds that do not fall under its two preferred faiths. To its own discredit it continues to attempt deepening the Judeo-Islamic schism that has done much to destabilize Nigeria and impoverish the population. Such groups should in reality be added to the list of those to be invited to take part in the proposed dialogue session in the hope that those running it will leave the sessions enlightened.

The pettiness of HURIWA was amplified for the world to see when it claimed that it was wrong to site projects in underserved areas by inferring that it amounted to the president pushing projects to Daura. Nigerians can now see for themselves that this is an organization that does not want the rural-urban migration challenge to be addressed.

What perhaps capped HURIWA’s irresponsibility is its ethicizing the entire issue by claiming Igbo marginalization. This has been something that several groups had taken umbrage against HURIWA in the past as it is highly dangerous. Rather than promoting the “Igbo Marginalization” war chant, it should have run a campaign for the affected ethnic group to learn the art of horse trading, compromise, collaboration as opposed to the belligerence on the part of a few people from that region. But this will hardly happen since the persona behind HURIWA, Emmanuel Onwubiko is too far consumed by ethnic extremism to be able to reach such logical conclusion.

The biggest fraud in the position taken by HURIWA is the way it sought to manipulate constitutional provisions to mislead the populace. What it did with the sections of the constitution that it cited was to cherry-pick and convolute matters such that logic is stood on its head. There is no point going into the list of lies and misrepresentation here because it would be a waste of our time here.

The worst of all is HURIWA’s persistence on supporting terrorism. It could not resist the temptation to use its tirade as a terrorist manifesto through its expression of support proscribed terrorist groups, namely: the Islamic Movement in Nigeria (IMN) and the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB). We hope the irony is not lost on Nigerians that the same HURIWA that was demonstrating an extreme version of Islamophobia is willing to be in bed with a terrorist IMN just as it was citing the constitution while supporting an IPOB that is working for the disintegration of the country. That HURIWA can speak against the law taking its course against those bent on destabilizing Nigeria speaks volume to its true intention for maligning the federal government, President Buhari and any entity that stands for the good of Nigeria.

We therefore dismiss HURIWA's claim as falsehood of industrial proportion. HURIWA and its paymasters are the agents of destabilization and the promoters of disunity, rancor and hate amongst the citizenry through their financially induced activism. We invite all well-meaning Nigerians to condemn this fraudulent war mongering NGO for what it is. Brazen criminality.

By Alex Uloko

Interesting times are indeed here with the way, and manner events are unfolding in Nigeria with regards to the fight against terrorism. Some conspiracy theorists have argued that there is more than meets the eyes in the battle against the Boko Haram terrorist group in North-East Nigeria.

Some have alleged that some foreign interest has been covertly fuelling the crisis by providing logistics support to the Boko Haram terrorist group; some have also claimed that a particular European country has been selling arms and ammunition to the group. While all of these postulations are true, the main culprit in the whole debacle is indeed France.

I recall that in times past, a credible newspaper in Nigeria released an investigative report exposing how France has been fuelling the Boko Haram war in Nigeria in an attempt to cause a gradual disintegration of the country. In the said report, it was stated that “Intelligence sources stated that the possession of sophisticated weapons for insurgents, logistics and medical supplies by the Boko Haram terror group showed signs of funding by foreign interests.”

The investigative report further added that “we have seen these types of automatic weapons when they are dislodged or killed. These are not ordinary weapons; they are sophisticated machine guns and rifles, and sometimes they have tanks that are not our tanks. We have seen weapons with numbers that show that they were not just sourced through the black market but directly supplied by known arms manufacturers from France.”

If this is the case, then there is every reason to believe that, indeed, some countries are bent on seeing to the disintegration of Nigeria. Like I stated earlier, it is no other country, but France and I say this for two reasons. One is the fact that Nigeria is surrounded by the Francophone countries, whose borders these arms, ammunition, and military tanks are brought into the country. The second fact is the presence of a 4,500-strong French force, which is permanently headquartered in N’Djamena; the capital of Chad code-named Operation Barkhane, a supposed anti-insurgent operation in Africa's Sahel region.

The question thus is, if there is the presence of a French troop in Chad, then how could one explain how and why the Boko Haram fighters were able to regroup on the fringes of the Lake Chad Basin region and launching attacks in Nigeria? How could one also explain how caches of arms and ammunitions would pass through the Chad-Nigerian border into Nigeria, and there is a French troop supposedly meant to fight terrorism.

Let us learn to call a spade a spade and understand that the French troops stationed in Chad are there to provide that logistics support to the Boko Haram group because there is no way there would be a French troop stationed in a country and a terrorist group would use the same country as their training camp and avenue for bringing in arms and ammunitions. It is also no longer news that Boko Haram’s presence in Chad has been most strongly felt around Lake Chad, which lies primarily within Chadian territory. What does this tell us?

I stand to be corrected in this regard because there have been instances where concerned stakeholders in the fight against terrorism have raised an eyebrow as regards the commitment of the French authorities. This much has led to demonstrations in Nigeria against the activities of French NGOs in operation in Nigeria. Without mincing words, it is most despicable how France has brazenly supported evil against a sovereign country.

The danger of this is that should the relevant authorities refuse to interrogate and ask critical questions; I am afraid France might succeed in its desire to recolonize Africa through the back door. The international bodies such as the United Nations must also rise to this challenge and ensure that the nefarious activities of France in Africa are curtailed in the interest of peace and tranquility.

To think that a country like France would harbor the idea of making the African continent unstable so it could achieve its desire to dominate its affairs is most unthinkable. To make matters worse, the avenue with which it intends to accomplish this is demeaning and should not be tolerated by discerning minds.

I am also appalled that the president of France, Emmanuel Macron, would harbor such disdain for the African continent by promoting terrorist activities. I recall at a press conference at the G20 summit in Hamburg, he was asked about a “Marshall Plan for Africa.” The president gave a disquisition on Africa’s “real” problems – among them, in his view, demographics and lack of “civilization,”

If the above statement does not give us a hint on how the mind of Emmanuel Macron works, then nothing else would. It is a clear case of the hand of Esau and the voice of Jacob because, in public, he appears to be advocating for a better Africa continent, but in truth, his disdain for the African continent is legendary.

I think with the avalanche of revelations as to the involvement of France in spreading terrorism in Nigeria and the African continent; it’s time for African patriots to stand in one voice to condemn France under Emmanuel Macron because this is the height of deceit and it must be resisted.

At this point, I must state clearly that Africa’s real enemy in the fight against terrorism is France. This much we now know, and this much we shall resist — enough of the deceit. And for Emmanuel Macron, it is indeed a great shame to think France can recolonize Africa by causing conflict and promoting terrorism.

Uloko is a researcher based in Lagos.

The Movement Against Slavery and Terrorism (MAST) has cautioned France President, Emmanuel Macron, to stop sponsoring terrorism in Nigeria and other African nations.

The Pan-African group made their voices heard on Wednesday at the end of a one-day walk to the French embassy in Abuja, Nigeria's federal capita city.

The visibly frustrated Africans, numbering in their hundreds demanded that the French authorities must end ties with Boko Haram/ISWAP terrorists which it has routinely armed.

Addressing the media in front of the French consulate, convener, Princess Ajibola said the mission was to get Macron's attention that Nigeria is a sovereign nation and any attempt to compromise its territorial integrity would be resisted.

According to madam Ajibola, the group has overwhelming evidence to back its claim that the European nation is indeed behind the recent upsurge in terrorism in the country.

The group reckoned the French action is born out of greed - hinged on economic benefits owing to the avalanche of economic resources in the North-East, particularly the Lake Chad Basin region.

The Movement Against Slavery and Terrorism, therefore, warned the French authorities to desist from further mischief which has undermined the remarkable gains of the Nigerian Army.

The group also called the attention of the United Nations to the crime against humanity being perpetrated by Macron.

Read full address below:

Ladies and Gentlemen,
This is a protest for the rescue of the soul of our dear country Nigeria from the forces of evil that have attempted to cause disharmony and disintegration by covertly sponsoring the activities of terrorists in Nigeria.

We embarked on this protest march to send a powerful message to the French authorities that Nigerians are indeed aware of its nefarious activities with regards to the ongoing war against terrorism in North-East Nigeria.

The Movement Against Slavery and Terrorism as a civil society organization decided to take our protest to the French Embassy in Abuja, so the message could be relayed to the French Authorities wherever they are that Nigeria is indeed a sovereign country and as such any form or attempt to compromise our territorial integrity would be resisted wholeheartedly.

Since 2015 when the present administration assumed leadership of this country, there has been tremendous progress recorded in the fight against the Boko Haram terrorist group. So much so that Nigerian troops captured their operational headquarters (Camp Zero) in Sambisa forest to the glory of God.

It didn’t stop there; the Nigerian troops also recaptured the over 16 local government areas in North-East Nigeria that were once under the control of Boko Haram terrorists. By and large, the Boko Haram group was decimated and fled in their droves to the fringes of the Lake Chad Basin region, from where they launch an attack on soft target communities within that vicinity.

We are aware that some vested interest was not happy with the gains made by Nigeria in the fight against terrorism. As such, they began providing logistic support under humanitarian cover to the Boko Haram fighters.

They also assumed the role of the mouthpiece of the Boko Haram terrorist group. They used their state medium to promote their nefarious activities and to give them the needed psychological boost.

The Movement Against Slavery and Terrorism wishes to state in unequivocal terms that France is indeed responsible for the resurgence of Boko Haram attacks in Nigeria in recent times because there is overwhelming evidence that it has been selling arms and ammunitions to the Boko Haram terrorist group. These arms come into the country through the francophone countries.

We also wish to send this message to the President of France, Emmanuel Macron, that what France is doing under his watch is indeed a crime against humanity. As such, it must, as a matter of urgency, desist from spreading terrorism in Nigeria and the African countries.

The Movement Against Slavery and Terrorism sees the actions of France as an assault on our sovereignty as a country. This is indeed despicable and must be condemned by all and sundry.

We are also aware that the actions of France are hinged on economic benefits given the avalanche of economic resources in North-East Nigeria, particularly the Lake Chad Basin region.

This is indeed an attempt at recolonization, which by all standards is puerile and won’t stand the test of time because Nigerians would resist every move with passion.

The Movement Against Slavery and Terrorism is by this protest asking the French authorities to desist from their evil ways or face the full wrath of Nigerians who are ever ready to protect the sovereignty of the country.

The Movement Against Slavery and Terrorism is also by this protest informing the relevant authorities in Nigeria to act in the best interest of Nigeria as it would indeed be a slap on our faces should we allow France to carry on with its destabilization plot on Nigeria.

The Movement Against Slavery and Terrorism is also calling on the United Nations to investigate the role of France in the spread of terrorism in Nigeria and Africa.

France must also stop the sale of Arms and Ammunition to the Boko Haram terrorist group in the interest of peace and tranquility. This is on the heels that the bulk of the French NGOs operating in North-East Nigeria are carrying out espionage activities and passing the same to the leadership of the Boko Haram terrorist group on the instruction of French authorities.

The Movement Against Slavery and Terrorism is indeed saying enough is enough, and France must stop the distasteful support it has been extending to the Boko Haram terrorist group in Nigeria, which is aimed at making Nigeria erupt in flames.

The Movement Against Slavery and Terrorism wishes to inform the President of France, Emmanuel Macron, that the world is indeed watching closely and should the French authorities not halt the spread of terrorism in Nigeria, the day of reckoning is indeed near.

The Coalition of Civil Society Groups against Terrorism in Nigeria has congratulated the Chief of Army Staff, General Tukur Buratai on his 59th birthday.

The group in a congratulatory letter to the Army chief described him as a patriot, who have continued to contribute selflessly towards the sustenance of democracy in Nigeria.

The group recalled some of the sacrifices of the Nigerian Army under General Buratai, particularly in standing up against the activities of various insurgent groups in the country.

*

Pan-African group, Liberation Vanguard (ALV) has condemned France President, Emmanuel Macron, over alleged ties with Boko Haram/ISWAP terrorists.

ALV, on Monday, stormed the French embassy in Lagos to express their displeasure towards Mr Macron who has been fingered to be sponsoring the propagation of terrorism on the continent.

The group's claim isn't entirely strange, especially after Turkish foreign minister, Mevlut Cavusoglu, recently accused the French leader of being a "sponsor of terrorism".

In a letter jointly signed by Chairman, Pa David Samuel and Publicity Secretary, Compatriot Ayodeji Ologun, the ALV vent their pleasure towards the European nation, calling on it to “stop funding the nefarious activities of Boko Haram".

The visibly angry Africans, who hailed the doggedness of the Nigerian Army despite this obvious plot to jeopardize their gains, called on France to quit funding the terrorist group at the detriment of human lives.

According to ALV, this may not be unconnected from France's desperation to continue exploiting Nigeria's economic resources in the Lake Chad Basin region.

The Africa Liberation Vanguard cited the recent attack in Cameroon, where Boko Haram abducted 18 people, as how the European nation is expanding the frontiers of terrorism in Africa.

As matter of urgency, though, the group warned France to discontinue this inglorious spread of terrorism on the African continent.

The African Liberation Movement, thus, gave the French Authorities a 21 Day ultimatum to stop funding the nefarious activities of the Boko Haram terrorist group.

Read full letter below:

Dear President Emmanuel Macron,

We are a group of war veterans of Nigerian origin but with a membership that cuts across all the 52 strong African countries. As a background, our association is devoted to promoting the interest of Africans against the vicissitudes and interest of some western powers in our affairs as a continent.

The Majority of our members have, in times past, fought to defend Africa against colonization, and it suffices to state that we were very successful in our endeavor.

We are gathered here at the French Embassy in Lagos to send a very important message to you as regards some areas of concern we have in the ongoing war against Boko Haram Terrorism in Nigeria and other African countries.

Dear President Macron, this is not a violent protest, and it is not in any way intended to cause bodily harm to anyone of French origin at the Embassy or in Nigeria. But this is a protest that is both psychological and emotional for us given our age and the realization the French support for the Boko Haram terrorist group is overwhelming and not in the best interest of Nigeria and Africa.

We wish to use this medium to intimate you that Nigerians and the rest of Africa are indeed aware of the covert support France is extending to the Boko Haram terrorist group operating in North-East Nigeria and other African countries.

The support of France, which you are aware of, has seen to the bolstering of the armory of the Boko Haram terrorist group and also given them the impetus to continue with their nefarious activities.

The African Liberation Vanguard is hugely at a loss and disappointed as to why France under your watch would be funding the activities of a terrorist group at the detriment of human lives, especially women and children that have been at the receiving end of the Boko Haram terrorist activities.

Dear President Macron, it must be stated that as the President of France, you cannot say that you are not in the know of what is happening in your country as regards the supply of military logistics to the Boko Haram fighters. We know that the buck stops at your table and wonders why such illegality and crime against humanity are attractive to France.

The hatred of France towards Nigeria is indeed legendary, and this explains why it has been doing everything untoward towards compromising our territorial integrity. We also know that France is doing this to ensure that there is no peace in Nigeria so that it can continue to exploit our economic resources in the Lake Chad Basin region.

We are consequently by this protest, warning France to desist from its nefarious activities of selling guns and military hardware to the Boko Haram terrorist group so they can continue to confront the Nigerian troops in battle.

We wish to state that this is an affront to our sensibilities as a people and another attempt at colonization of Nigeria by France. This is not only appalling; it’s also of poor taste that would be resisted by every stretch of the imagination.

This is the time for France and its allies to stop fooling the world as regards its commitment to the fight against terrorism because it lacks every moral right to do so when it is busy selling arms and ammunition to terrorist groups around the world.

The French authorities must stop this deceit because they are the principal sponsors of terrorism in Africa to reduce Africa to French dependency for economic exploitation purposes.

The recent example of Cameroon, where Boko Haram abducted 18 people, is another example of how France is expanding the frontiers of terrorism in Africa. Boko Haram have caused havoc in Nigeria with the help of France, and now they are expanding their frontiers to other African countries.

The African Liberation Vanguard would indeed tell the world that France is not in any way committed to the fight against terrorism in Africa. Instead, it is the brain behind the spread of terrorism in Africa.

This much we have seen in the violence been perpetrated by Boko Haram in Niger and Chad that has resulted in the deaths of unarmed civilians, and thanks to almighty France for supplying them with arms and ammunitions.

The African Liberation Vanguard is by this protest saying enough is enough to France in this dubious business. France must, as a matter of urgency, discontinue the inglorious spread of terrorism on the African continent.

The African Liberation Movement is giving the French Authorities a 21 Day ultimatum to stop funding the nefarious activities of the Boko Haram terrorist group. And with immediate effect.

It must be stated that should France continue on this dishonorable path, Africa would indeed prove that it cannot be colonized for the second time without resistance.

The African Liberation Movement wishes to let the world know that France has carried on with the campaign to spread terrorism in Africa in continuation of its disdain for our people, history, and culture.

Dear President Macron, it is our considered opinion that the early France discontinues this despicable business, the better for everybody. A word is enough for the wise.

*Sowore: Pro-Democracy Group warns US Senators over unnecessary interference in Nigeria's domestic affairs*

A civil society group, Friends of Democracy and Freedom (FDF) has cautioned some Senators from the United States of America to quit interfering in Nigeria's internal democracy.

FDF's warning treads on the heels of remarks attributed to Senator Bob Menendez from New Jersey in a world press conference on Friday, condemning the rearrest of the Sahara Reporters publisher.

In the video, the lawmaker appeared to have threatened the Federal Government, alleging that President Muhammadu Buhari is “woefully out of touch with what the agencies of his government are doing".

But in a press conference on Saturday in Abuja, the Friends of Democracy and Freedom condemned Mr Menendez and other foreign vested interest concerned in Sowore's ongoing trial while ignoring his inglorious call for a revolution in Nigeria.

In a statement signed by its President, Ambassador Joshua Adegbenro, the group believes Sowore's revolution could be a creation by some foreign entities to cause the country's disintegration.

According to FDF, Mr Menendez and his likes must provide answers whether or not Sowore committed any crime in the first instance as well as establish if he attempted to overthrow a democratically elected government.

The group reckoned, it is only when this is done, Nigerians can begin to take them seriously.

FDF's reminded these foreign interests that any form of revolution is a threat to peace and tranquility, and all peace-loving people must condemn it.

As a sovereign nation, however, the group echoed that rules and regulations govern Nigeria, hence Mr Menendez and others should allow the country's law take its full course.

Read full statement below:

I welcome you all to this Press Conference organized by the Friends of Democracy and Freedom (FDF), a civil society organization devoted to promoting the ideals of democracy and freedom in developing countries.

It is indeed a sad commentary in Nigeria with the way and manner germane issues have been replaced with trivialities. This is concerning the ongoing trial of Omoyele Sowore, who, by all intent and purposes, attempted to carry out a violent change of government in Nigeria by calling for a violent revolution.

The Friends of Democracy and Freedom views with suspicion the way and manner some foreign interests have indicated interest in the trial of Omoyele Sowore and in some instances attempting to influence public opinion by crying wolf where none exists.

This is unacceptable and an indication that there is more than meets the eyes in the attempt by Omoyele Sowore to instigate the people against the government to effect a violent change of government.

The Friends of Democracy and Freedom believes that the same foreign bodies that have shown tremendous interest in the ongoing trial of Omoyele Sowore should have as well demonstrated the same energy in condemning his attempt to burn down Nigeria and effect a violent change of government.

It is therefore incomprehensible on how the call for the release of Omoyele Sowore has reached such a crescendo and the crime he committed against the Nigerian state and people have been relegated to the background.

The Friends of Democracy and Freedom is convinced beyond a reasonable doubt that Omoyele Sowore is a creation by some foreign entities to cause the disintegration of Nigeria, else, how could one phantom how and why a Nigerian that is supposedly educated and enlightened would attempt to effect a violent change of government in a democratic setting.

The recent outing by Senator Bob Menendez with Opeyemi Sowore, the wife of Omoyele Sowore, calling for his release is, at best, an insult to the sensibilities of Nigerians because the focus has been deliberately shifted to freedom for Omoyele Sowore and not the crime he committed against the state.

The Friends of Democracy and Freedom wishes to ask the following questions: Did Omoyele Sowore commit a crime? Did he attempt to cause a change of a democratically elected government in Nigeria? Is the action of Omoyele Sowore and his co-travelers a threat to the territorial integrity of Nigeria? Would there have been bloodshed if the Revolution had succeeded?

If the answers to the above questions is yes, then there is every justification for the law to take its course in this case and the call by those who have blindly refused to come to terms with reality and understand that a crime was committed in the first instance should have a rethink and stop meddling in the affairs of Nigeria.

The Friends of Democracy and Freedom wishes to state that things that are intolerable in western climes are also unacceptable in Nigeria. A call for a revolution is a threat to peace and tranquility, and all peace-loving people must condemn it.

The Friends of Democracy and Freedom is indeed concerned that with the way and manner some foreign interest have been advocating for the release of Omoyele Sowore while ignoring the bigger picture either by omission or commission is an indication that the ultimate plan was to cause Nigeria to go up in flames to suit their evil agenda.

The Friends of Democracy and Freedom is indeed concerned and wishes to states in unequivocal terms that rules and regulations govern Nigeria. There are certain expectations of all citizens. If a citizen of Nigeria avails himself a willing tool for the destruction of Nigeria, such an individual must face the full wrath of the law.

The case of Omoyele Sowore is one such example, and the law must take its course. It should also be noted that no amount of propaganda or blackmail would alter the cause of justice. Nigeria is indeed bigger than any individual.

Thank you, and long live the Federal Republic of Nigeria.

*Centre chides Red Cross over alleged missing persons in northeast, warns against promoting terrorists' propaganda*


The International Centre for Disaster Management (ICDM) has lashed out at the International Committee for Red Cross (ICRC) for attempting to pursue terrorists' agenda with its “fabricated” report on missing persons in the North-East.

ICDM, a renowned stakeholder in humanitarian crisis management, believes this is a deliberate move to destabilize the remarkable momentum garnered by the Nigerian military in recent times, thereby giving unfair advantage to the insurgents.

Addressing the media at a press conference on Thursday in Lagos, ICDM's Country Rep, Rowland Onyeke was critical of the once-highly respected humanitarian group which has now been reduced to Boko Haram/ISWAP puppets.

Mr Onyeke reckoned that this may be born out of desperation on the part of Red Cross to cover its tracks following recent high-profile scandals that have rocked its operation in the country.

Having lost relevance and credibility, the Centre revealed that the ICRC has resorted to propaganda and blackmail, covertly promoting the interest of those foreign bodies, benefiting from the crisis in the region.

The International Centre for Disaster Management, therefore, labelled ICRC's action as an attempt to cover-up and cause a distraction from its activities that have been suspect in recent times and subjected to scrutiny the military authorities.

The Centre, however, urged Nigerians to ignore such mischievous reports.

Read full statement below:

We welcome you all to this all-important press conference which is put together at the instance of the various allegations levelled against the Nigerian Military in operation in North-East Nigeria, by the International Committee for Red Cross in Nigeria. (ICRC)

The International Centre for Disaster Management is a stakeholder in managing the humanitarian crisis in Nigeria and has been actively involved in efforts towards mitigating the effects of the humanitarian crisis that has come about as a result of the war against terrorism in North East Nigeria.

As an organization, we have transverse the length and breadth of North-East Nigeria since 2009, when the Boko Haram terrorist group began a violent campaign against Nigeria. As such, we are conversant with the operations of the Nigerian Military in the region and can as well speak authoritatively on matters that revolve around military operations in North-East Nigeria, as well as the activities of NGOs in operation in the area.

The International Centre for Disaster Management is therefore alarmed by the narrative pushed forward by the ICRC against the Nigerian Military. As a critical stakeholder, we are duty-bound to put the issues in proper perspective and disabuse the minds of the unsuspecting members of the general public.

As a first, there is no iota of truth in the narrative by the ICRC against the Nigerian Military because, in all of the years, the ICDM has been actively involved in operations in North-East Nigeria; the Nigerian Military has exhibited a high level of professionalism. It has equally extended courtesy where the need arises to NGOs operating in the region.

This is also of the heels that the activities of some NGOs have been suspect, given their penchant for wanting to have the Military divulge sensitive operational, strategic documents to them; the Nigerian Military had remained courteous.

The International Centre for Disaster Management consequently sees the allegations by the ICRC as not only baseless but also a figment of their imagination that is geared towards causing an unnecessary distraction to the troops in operations in North-East Nigeria.

The International Centre for Disaster Management wishes to state that with this posture of the ICRC engaging in propaganda, there is a tendency that it has joined the league of international NGOs that are covertly fuelling the war in North East Nigeria by giving the Boko Haram terrorist the needed psychological boost, as well as humanitarian supplies.

The International Centre for Disaster Management wishes to state that this is nothing but an attempt by the ICRC to hide the various acts of corruption been perpetuated by its personnel, as well as that of other international NGOs operating in North-East Nigeria.

The ICRC ought to do good by looking into its operations in North-East Nigeria to put its house in order as it is evident that it has, for inexplicable reasons, abandoned its noble objective in return for a plate of porridge.

The International Centre for Disaster Management challenges the ICRC to prove that it is not aware that its personnel in North-East Nigeria have not been highly compromised and are working hands in hands with some other NGOs that have been mobilized to provide support to the Boko Haram terrorists through subtle ways to evade the prying eyes of the military authorities.

The International Centre for Disaster Management wishes to state that the actions of the ICRC are a smokescreen to shift attention from the nefarious activities of its personnel in North-East Nigeria.

It also suffices to state that the ICRC has lost credibility. In an attempt to gain relevance, they have resorted to propaganda and blackmail, while covertly promoting the interest of those foreign bodies that do not want the war against terrorism to come to an end.

The International Centre for Disaster Management does not see the ICRC as a worthy partner in progress, but one that has hidden under the nomenclature to perpetrate crimes against humanity.

The International Centre for Disaster Management sees this recent action of the ICRC as an attempt to cover-up and cause a distraction from its activities that have been suspect in recent times and subjected to scrutiny the military authorities.

The International Centre for Disaster Management wishes to use this medium to inform the members of the general public that the ICRC has lost focus in delivering its core mandate. As such, the public should always view whatever comes from its stable with a pinch of salt.

We once again reiterate that the allegations against the Nigerian Military are baseless and of poor taste intended to mislead unsuspecting members of the general public.

The National Youth Council of Nigeria  having risen from its emergency meeting today in Abuja, Nigeria, 5th of December, 2019. The leadership of the Council is concerned about the way and manner the ICPC has unilaterally turned itself into a cog in the wheel of progress towards a regime of digital broadcasting in Nigeria. It is rather curious that at a time the government of the day, under the leadership of President Muhammadu Buhari GCFR, is working assiduously and investing huge sums of money to make the Nigerian economy sufficiently diversified to engage our teeming unemployed youth in productive endeavors.

The digital Switch Over is one such programme that the government made a priority from very early in its first tenure, due to the capacity of the broadcasting industry to provide employment for our populace over the long-term. It is rather curious that an agency of government would be working at cross purposes to the stated objective of the government, against the greater good of the Nigerian people.

We wish to put on record the unflinching support of the NYCN for the programmes of the federal government anchored on the war against corruption, with a view to building a more resilient economy that will have the capacity to keep our youth busy and away from crime and violence that has become the order of the day in our country today. Curiously the matter under discussion, being the ongokg prosecution of the Director General of the National Broadcasting Commission (NBC) and the Chairman of Pinnacle Communications Limited, over an alleged diversion of funds.

It is worrying that organization of the ICPC's stature would reduce itself to posturing as though it were carrying out a hatchet job for vested interests, through the visible gaps in the arguments it has made to the public on the subject matter. That the ICPC chose to go to the media to conduct a showy trial even before approaching a competent court is the first case in point that buttresses our position. That  the ICPC would announce to the nation that the Minister of Information, who had given approval for the money to be disbursed to Pinnacle Communications, would be serving as prosecution witness because he signed the approval in error would be laughable if scarce government resources weren’t being expended on this exercise, not to talk of the cost to the nation in investments from the DSO being stalled.

We have resolved as follows:

That the ICPC discontinue forthwith the jamboree prosecution and persecution of the chairman of Pinnacle Communication s and the DG of NBC.
That the ICPC apologize to Nigerians over their conduct during the course of this matter.
We call on the Presidency should set up an independent panel of inquiry to investigate this matter and to unmask the people behind this well orchestrated plot to sabotage Nigeria, by capitalizing on President Buhari's war on corruption to mask their evil intentions.
We wish to state that the Leadership of the over 80 million Nigerian youth demand for an end to this witch-hunt and safe the judiciary their precious time to adjudicate on important matters.




Signed.

Amb Akoshile Mukhtar                                                    Comr Adedamola Olugbode

National Publicity Secretary

Vice President

National Youth Council of Nigeria.

*Human rights group decries growing spate of war crimes by IPOB, IMN*

....As terrorists groups continue to take laws into their hands

Following the gruesome murder of two police officers by members of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) on Monday in Oraifite, Anambra State, human rights group have called for drastic measures to avert future occurrence.

The Coalition for Human Rights Monitoring Groups in Nigeria (CHRMGN) condemned the growing spate of war crimes perpetrated by proscribed sects – IPOB and the Islamic Movement of Nigeria (IMN).

The coalition of human rights groups made this known at a press conference in Abuja on Thursday as a fallout from the killing of two police officers by IPOB members loyal to the Lawyer representing their leader Nnamdi Kanu.

In a statement by convener, Gabriel Agibi, the groups revealed these radical sects are sponsored by enemies of Nigeria, with the ultimate aim of causing unrest in the country.

The recent killing of security agents, the coalition reckoned, follows IMN's trend – as both have unapologetically committed crimes against humanity.

As a matter of national interest, the coalition urged Nigerians to disassociate themselves from IPOB and Shiites members owing to their violent and terrorist tendencies.

CHRMGN, therefore, called on relevant authorities in the country to bring the leadership of both radical groups to justice, else be faced with an upsurge of militant groups carrying out actions that would undermine national security.

The coalition further urged relevant authorities at the International Criminal Court to act to serve as a deterrent to others in the future.

Read full press statement below:

The Coalition for Human Rights Monitoring Groups in Nigeria converged this press conference in the light of the upsurge of the nefarious activities of the Indigenous People of Biafra that resulted in the death of police officers in recent times by its members loyal to the lawyer of its leader, Nnamdi Kanu. This is highly condemnable and an indication that the Indigenous People of Biafra and other militant groups might have perfected plans to cause mayhem in the country.

The Coalition for Human Rights Monitoring Groups in Nigeria sees this act as an affront to the collective sensibilities of Nigerians. It wishes to condemn it in its entirety as an act of terrorism that must not be tolerated by the relevant authorities in Nigeria.

This act has further reinforced the belief in some quarters that the activities of IPOB and its sister organization, the Islamic Movement in Nigeria (IMN), are being sponsored by enemies of the Nigerian state, with the ultimate aim of causing unrest in the country.

The Indigenous People of Biafra and the Islamic Movement of Nigeria are indeed beds of the same feather but with different nomenclatures, and with the same modus operandi of attacking and killing law enforcement officers carrying out their lawful duties.

The Coalition for Human Rights Monitoring Groups in Nigeria wishes to, through this medium, call on members of the general public to as a matter of national interest disassociates themselves from members of the Indigenous People of Biafra and the Islamic Movement in Nigeria due to their violent and terrorist tendencies.

These groups have constituted themselves into a clog in the wheel of progress in Nigeria, as evident in their conduct in times past that has resulted in the death of innocent Nigerians going about their normal businesses.

The IPOB and the IMN are organizations that have resorted to carrying out their nefarious activities with the use of dangerous weapons, which has resulted in the loss of lives of innocent and unarmed civilians, including women and children.

This recent attack follows that trend in the wickedly orchestrated plans by the Islamic Movement in Nigeria and their counterparts in IPOB to freely kill law enforcement agencies who carry out their legitimate duties.

The Coalition of Human Rights Monitoring Groups in Nigeria has, in times past, documented the several ways the Indigenous People of Biafra and the Islamic Movement in Nigeria have committed crimes against humanity and had indeed called on the international community to act by bringing the leadership of both groups to justice.

The Coalition of Human Rights Monitoring Groups wishes to use this medium to reinforce that call for the International Criminal Court to rise to the occasion by bringing to book the promoters as well as the sponsors of the nefarious activities of IPOB and the IMN in the overall interest of justice.

The importance of the International Criminal Court acting to bring the IMN and IPOB to justice cannot be overemphasized given the fact that if their activities are left to fester, more innocent Nigerians will fall victim to their violent tendencies, as well as law enforcement officers.

The Coalition of Human Rights Monitoring Groups in Nigeria wishes to recall that instance where the IMN attempted to assassinate the Chief of Army Staff, Lt. Gen. Tukur Buratai, when his convoy was ambushed in Zaria, Kaduna State.

The recent events had indeed proven that the IMN would have taken the life of the Chief of Army Staff when they attacked him, but for the superior firepower of officers and soldiers that promptly acted to rescue the Chief of Army Staff from danger.

The Coalition of Human Rights Monitoring Groups in Nigeria wishes to state in unequivocal terms that their actions violate global practices as the IPOB and IMN have shown in recent times that both are out to dismember the Nigerian State.

The relevant authorities in Nigeria must act in the interest of the over 200 million Nigerians by bringing the leadership of the IPOB and the IMN to justice, else we might be confronted with a more significant challenge in the future where there would be an upsurge of militant groups carrying out actions that would undermine national security and put innocent citizens in harm’s way.

The relevant authorities at the International Criminal Court must also act to serve as a deterrent to others in the future.

The Coalition of Human Rights Monitoring Groups in Nigeria wishes to states that Nigerians are indeed watching how the events would unfold.

*Group punctures allegations against military on recruitment of ex-Boko Haram members*

.... lauds Army's professionalism

The Advocates of Social Justice for All (ASJA) has rubbished reports claiming that the Nigerian Army recruited repentant Boko Haram members into the military.

The group made this known in an international press conference on Wednesday in Abuja to clear the air in what it described as “outright falsehood and highly misleading information pushed by enemies of the Nigerian state”.

In a statement signed by convener, Comrade Samuel Adadu, the group revealed that such speculation is a “ distraction to the on-going efforts of the Nigerian Army in the fight against terrorism and other militant activities in the country”.

Mr Adadu added that war merchants are angry that the military is making considerable gains in the fight against terrorism in the North-East.

According to the group, the recruitments into the Army is so rigorous that insurgents cannot in any way fit into its operational structure.

The Advocates of Social Justice for All, however, advised those bent on distracting the Nigerian troops in the Theatre of Operations to desist from such enterprise and instead channel their resources and energy towards other productive ventures.


Read full statement below:

This Press Conference is at the instance of the rumour that the Nigerian Army has recruited repentant Boko Haram fighters into the Nigerian Army.

The Advocates of Social Justice for All in fulfilment of one its mandate of ensuring social justice for all regardless of ethnic, religious, or political views sees the need to lend its voice to this debate to put issues in proper perspective for the benefit of the generality of Nigerians.

The rumour making the rounds that repentant Boko Haram members have been recruited into the Nigerian Army is an outright falsehood and highly misleading information been pushed by enemies of the Nigerian state.

To say there is no iota of truth in the rumour is an understatement. Instead, it is a part of a bigger plot to cause a distraction to the on-going efforts of the Nigerian Army in the fight against terrorism and other militant activities in the country.

The Advocates for Social Justice for All, as an organization conversant with the operations of the Nigerian Army in its quest to bring to an end terrorist activities in the country, views such rumours as the handiwork of distractors and agents of some international terrorist network.

The takeaway from the rumour is that war merchants are angry that the Nigerian Military is making considerable gains in the fight against terrorism in North-East Nigeria. As such, they must do everything possible to cause a distraction to suit their nefarious interests.

The Advocates for Social Justice for All indeed see the rumour of the recruitment of repentant Boko Haram fighters as indeed laughable and not in tune with reality given the fact that it has at various times monitored the rigorous recruitment process in the three arms of the Armed Forces of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, notably the Nigerian Army under the leadership of Lt Gen TY Buratai.

The quality of recruitments into the Nigerian Army is not a subject of debate because of the rigorous processes involved since Lt. Gen. Tukur Buratai assumed leadership of the Nigerian Army.

It is indeed a statement of the fact that the repentant Boko Haram members cannot in any way fit into the operational structure of the Nigerian Army. As such, the rumour should be disregarded by all and sundry for lacking in merit and reason.

The Advocates for Social Justice for All, as well as other civil society organizations involved in the counter-insurgency operations of the Nigeria Army, is aware of the fact that recruitment of repentant Boko Haram fighters into the Nigerian Army is a figment of the imagination of sponsors of such malaise.

The Advocates for Social Justice for All states in unequivocal terms that the Nigerian Army has witnessed transparency and probity in its recruitment where not just federal character is being adhered to, and character and behavioral excellence have been deeply entrenched.

The Advocates for Social Justice for All wishes to advise those bent in distracting the troops engaged in clearance operations of Boko Haram remnants in North-East Nigeria to desist from further misleading the members of the unsuspecting general public in their ill-fated flight of fancy.

These rumour merchants should think of creative ways to push their half-truths because Nigerians are aware of their gimmick, which by all standard won’t stand the test of time.

The Advocates of Social Justice for All as an organization recognizes the sound leadership qualities of the Nigerian Army and states that it is only a matter of time for the remnants of Boko Haram would be flushed out from the fringes of the Lake Chad Basin region where they have taken refuge.

The Advocates of Social Justice for All wishes to encourage the leadership of the Nigerian Army to continue to churn out innovations that are geared towards preserving the territorial integrity of Nigeria at all times.

The Advocates of Social Justice for All also advises those bent on distracting the Nigerian troops in the Theatre of Operations to desist from such enterprise and instead channel their resources and energy towards other productive ventures.

*Group punctures allegations against military on recruitment of ex-Boko Haram members[code][/code]*

.... lauds Army's professionalism

The Advocates of Social Justice for All (ASJA) has rubbished reports claiming that the Nigerian Army recruited repentant Boko Haram members into the military.

The group made this known in an international press conference on Wednesday in Abuja to clear the air in what it described as “outright falsehood and highly misleading information pushed by enemies of the Nigerian state”.

In a statement signed by convener, Comrade Samuel Adadu, the group revealed that such speculation is a “ distraction to the on-going efforts of the Nigerian Army in the fight against terrorism and other militant activities in the country”.

Mr Adadu added that war merchants are angry that the military is making considerable gains in the fight against terrorism in the North-East.

According to the group, the recruitments into the Army is so rigorous that insurgents cannot in any way fit into its operational structure.

The Advocates of Social Justice for All, however, advised those bent on distracting the Nigerian troops in the Theatre of Operations to desist from such enterprise and instead channel their resources and energy towards other productive ventures.


Read full statement below:

This Press Conference is at the instance of the rumour that the Nigerian Army has recruited repentant Boko Haram fighters into the Nigerian Army.

The Advocates of Social Justice for All in fulfilment of one its mandate of ensuring social justice for all regardless of ethnic, religious, or political views sees the need to lend its voice to this debate to put issues in proper perspective for the benefit of the generality of Nigerians.

The rumour making the rounds that repentant Boko Haram members have been recruited into the Nigerian Army is an outright falsehood and highly misleading information been pushed by enemies of the Nigerian state.

To say there is no iota of truth in the rumour is an understatement. Instead, it is a part of a bigger plot to cause a distraction to the on-going efforts of the Nigerian Army in the fight against terrorism and other militant activities in the country.

The Advocates for Social Justice for All, as an organization conversant with the operations of the Nigerian Army in its quest to bring to an end terrorist activities in the country, views such rumours as the handiwork of distractors and agents of some international terrorist network.

The takeaway from the rumour is that war merchants are angry that the Nigerian Military is making considerable gains in the fight against terrorism in North-East Nigeria. As such, they must do everything possible to cause a distraction to suit their nefarious interests.

The Advocates for Social Justice for All indeed see the rumour of the recruitment of repentant Boko Haram fighters as indeed laughable and not in tune with reality given the fact that it has at various times monitored the rigorous recruitment process in the three arms of the Armed Forces of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, notably the Nigerian Army under the leadership of Lt Gen TY Buratai.

The quality of recruitments into the Nigerian Army is not a subject of debate because of the rigorous processes involved since Lt. Gen. Tukur Buratai assumed leadership of the Nigerian Army.

It is indeed a statement of the fact that the repentant Boko Haram members cannot in any way fit into the operational structure of the Nigerian Army. As such, the rumour should be disregarded by all and sundry for lacking in merit and reason.

The Advocates for Social Justice for All, as well as other civil society organizations involved in the counter-insurgency operations of the Nigeria Army, is aware of the fact that recruitment of repentant Boko Haram fighters into the Nigerian Army is a figment of the imagination of sponsors of such malaise.

The Advocates for Social Justice for All states in unequivocal terms that the Nigerian Army has witnessed transparency and probity in its recruitment where not just federal character is being adhered to, and character and behavioral excellence have been deeply entrenched.

The Advocates for Social Justice for All wishes to advise those bent in distracting the troops engaged in clearance operations of Boko Haram remnants in North-East Nigeria to desist from further misleading the members of the unsuspecting general public in their ill-fated flight of fancy.

These rumour merchants should think of creative ways to push their half-truths because Nigerians are aware of their gimmick, which by all standard won’t stand the test of time.

The Advocates of Social Justice for All as an organization recognizes the sound leadership qualities of the Nigerian Army and states that it is only a matter of time for the remnants of Boko Haram would be flushed out from the fringes of the Lake Chad Basin region where they have taken refuge.

The Advocates of Social Justice for All wishes to encourage the leadership of the Nigerian Army to continue to churn out innovations that are geared towards preserving the territorial integrity of Nigeria at all times.

The Advocates of Social Justice for All also advises those bent on distracting the Nigerian troops in the Theatre of Operations to desist from such enterprise and instead channel their resources and energy towards other productive ventures.

By Timothy Onwe

In the over a decade, I have contributed to the national discourse, there has never been a time like now that I am writing with so much pain in me. The anxiety stems not from bodily harm, but that of disappointment from an organization that is on the ground in over 90 countries and prides itself as neutral, impartial, and independent.

This same organization, for inexplicable reasons, has so decided to veer off its core mandate of helping people affected by conflict and armed violence to delving into propaganda, illogical conclusions, and outright insinuation at the detriment of peace and tranquillity.

That organization is the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) and its recent report that over 22,000 people are missing in North-East Nigeria as a result of the counter-insurgency operations of the Nigerian Military. I was dazed and could not come to terms with such disservice to Nigeria and Nigerians.

In my opinion, the ICRC went overboard with its statement, and I think the relevant authorities in Nigeria should do well to refute its report for the sake of tomorrow because if this is allowed, then we might be creating a monster that would constitute a clog in the wheel of progress in Nigeria.

As a start, the report by the ICRC is false. There is not an element of truth in it, and this fact must be clearly stated for all and sundry to understand because as it stands, quite a number have been misled to believe that the Nigerian Military has not lived up to its billing in the fight against terrorism in Nigeria.

Secondly, I believe that something is amiss somewhere for the ICRC to condescend to the level of impartiality and lack of objectivity in its framing of issues. I say this because, as one conversant with the counter-insurgency operations of the Nigerian Military, the ICRC report is a disservice to the on-going efforts to bring to an end the activities of Boko Haram terrorists in Nigeria.

How the ICRC got to this level remains a topic of discourse. However, in the context of the counter-insurgency operations in North-East Nigeria, the ICRC got it wrong either by omission or commission. The tripod of neutrality, impartiality, and independence was missing in its entirety in the report by the ICRC.

This is on the heels that questions have been asked in certain quarters as regards the sincerity of purpose of international NGOs in the war against terrorism in Nigeria. And with this coming from the stable of the ICRC, that suspicion has been heightened. There is every reason to suspect that there is some interest working against the interest of Nigeria, and these interests come under various nomenclatures.

These interests look for willing tools to propagate half-truths and cause a distraction, especially where the Nigerian Military is making gains. Countless examples buttress this fact, and the recent outing by ICRC is an addition to that league of soldiers that want to see to the destabilization and disintegration of Nigeria.

The ICRC as an organization has failed woefully in this attempt because the attempt, as despicable as it is, is feeble and of poor taste. Unless they want to feign ignorance of the search and rescue operations of the Nigerian Military that has yielded tremendous results with the rescue of thousands of women and children that have been united with their families.

Like I stated earlier, I am in pain because I am still trying to figure the level of the conspiracy that has gone into the plot to discredit the counter-insurgency efforts in the country. I won’t say I am entirely disappointed, because in recent times there have been quite some revelations on the activities of some acclaimed NGOs such as Amnesty International and how they cut corners in return for pecuniary benefits.

I am therefore emboldened to state that the ICRC is no different from these groups that have deviated from their core mandate. For the ICRC, it is indeed a shame that should give critical stakeholders in Nigeria a cause to worry as to how these terrorist groups have been able to infiltrate the ranks of some credible international NGOs to actualize their nefarious agenda.

If this is not the case, how could one phantom that an organization such as the ICRC would be in the business of spreading outright falsehood without minding the implication of their actions? Some might want to argue that there is always a first time, but, no, because this is a wrong first time that dampens the morale of the military authorities and rubbishes all the gains made so far in the fight against terrorism in Nigeria.

The concept of psychological warfare, which is the planned tactical use of propaganda, threats, and other non-combat techniques during the war, should open our eyes to this stark reality that we are confronting and the angle the ICRC is coming from. They have been compromised, and this much is glaring; hence, the propaganda aimed towards giving the Boko Haram terrorist that advantage they could not gain in the battlefront due to the resilience and commitment of the military authorities in the fight against terrorism in Nigeria.

I could have fallen for the gimmick, but I didn’t because I am conversant with the happenings in North-East Nigeria, however, what about those out there not conversant and have been misled by this sheer propaganda?

This is my suggestion. The relevant authorities in Nigeria must rise to the occasion and nip this anomaly in the bud before it gets out of hand. They must begin the process of countering the narrative that is being pushed forward about the credibility of the military authorities in its counter-insurgency operations. And for the ICRC, this is a handshake beyond the elbow.

There is a need for retracing of steps in the interest of the sensibilities of Nigerians they have attempted to insult.


Onwe is a public affairs analyst based in Abuja.

*Boko Haram: Centre accuses Red Cross of peddling falsehood to discredit Nigerian authorities, local CSOs*


The Centre for Social Justice, Equity and Transparency (CESJET) has accused the International Committee on Red Cross (ICRC) of a deliberately peddling falsehood to undermine the efforts of the Nigerian military in the North-East.

The Centre believes the international humanitarian organisation is misrepresenting facts in a bid to mislead unsuspecting members of the general public.

This trails a recent report where the Red Cross alleged that nearly 22,000 Nigerians are missing in the North-East.

This figure, according to the ICRC, represented the highest number of missing persons registered in any country.

At a world press conference on Monday in Abuja, CESJET revealed that there is a campaign of calumny by the ICRC against the Military’s counter-insurgency operations in North-East Nigeria.

Speaking on behalf of CESJET, Executive Director, Isaac Ikpa, said that there's no element of truth in the piece, describing it as a propaganda to dampen the morale of the troops, especially at a time the military recorded massive gains in the fight against terrorism.

The Centre, therefore, advised Red Cross to desist from commenting on issues outside their operational purview and concentrate on providing humanitarian services that it is known for.

While urging Nigerians to always verify such reports, the Centre, however, called on the ICRC to tender an unreserved apology to the military authorities, as well as withdraw the statement credited to it.

Read full statement below:

I most warmly welcome you all to the World Press Conference put together by the Centre for Social Justice, Equity and Transparency (CESJET) in the light of the recently misrepresentation of facts by the International Committee on Red Cross on the counter-insurgency operations of the Nigerian Military in North-East Nigeria where either by omission or commission erroneously stated that over 22,000 Nigerians have been declared missing in North-East Nigeria.

The Centre for Social Justice, Equity, and Transparency, having been conversant with the counter-insurgency operations in North-East Nigeria, is alarmed by the fact the International Committee on Red Cross would condescend to the unenviable height of misrepresenting facts and attempting to mislead unsuspecting members of the general public.

The disposition of the ICRC is an affront to the efforts of various civil society organizations that have devoted time and resources in monitoring the counter-insurgency operations of the Nigerian Military in North-East Nigeria. It is as well an insult to the sensibilities of Nigerians for such a false statement to be made public by the ICRC.

This is also cognisant of the fact that the parameters used in arriving at such postulation might either be defective or outdated, as there is no element of truth in the ICRC report on the number of missing persons in North-East Nigeria.

The Centre for Social Justice, Equity and Transparency see the recent move by the ICRC as covert terrorist propaganda aimed at damping the morale of the Nigerian troops in operation in North-East Nigeria.

It is also somewhat curious that this is coming on the heels when the Nigerian Military has made considerable gains in the fight against terrorism in North-East Nigeria that has seen the remnants of Boko Haram flee to the fringes of the Lake Chad Basin region.

It is also curious that the ICRC would feign ignorance to the fact that the Nigerian Military in operation in North-East Nigeria has been conducting search and rescue operations that have resulted in the rescue of thousands of women and children and reunited them with their families.

The Centre for Social Justice, Equity and Transparency wishes to highlight the fact that on November 17, 2019, Nigerian troops deployed in Gwoza Local Government Area of Borno State rescued women and children, as well as an older woman in her 80s from Boko Haram captivity.

On May 19, 2019, The Nigerian army rescued 54 women and children held captive by the extremist group Boko Haram. On June 24, 2019, over 120 women and children were rescued by the Nigerian military from Boko Haram captivity. On March 7, 2018, over 1000 women and children were rescued by the Nigerian military from Boko Haram captivity. On June 5, 2018, the Nigerian Military rescued 54 women been used as sex slaves by the Boko Haram terrorist. And the list goes on and is verifiable.

The Centre for Social Justice, Equity and Transparency, believes that the report by the ICRC is intended for mischief purposes as there is no iota of truth in the claims made therein. It consequently behoves on all well-meaning Nigerians to disregard whatever postulations the ICRC has canvassed with regards to missing persons in North-East Nigeria, as well as a probe of military operations in North East.

The Centre for Social Justice, Equity, and Transparency are worried about this trend that is capable of misleading unsuspecting members of the general public on the actual state of affairs in North-East Nigeria, as well as the efforts of the Nigerian Military in Search and Rescue operations.

The ICRC has, by their action, demonstrated that they are either not conversant with the happenings in North-East Nigeria, or they have so chosen to take the dishonourable path like others that do not want the war on terrorism in Nigeria to come to an end.

The Centre for Social Justice, Equity, and Transparency, therefore, states that the report by the ICRC is highly condemnable and must be retracted for lack of objectivity and an outright attempt at smearing the image of the Nigerian Military in operations in North-East Nigeria.

The ICRC must, as a matter of urgency, desist from commenting on issues outside their operational purview and concentrate on providing humanitarian services that it is recognized for. The ICRC must not allow itself to be used by agents of Boko Haram terrorist groups to spread propaganda that would mislead unsuspecting members of the general public.

The Centre of Social Justice, Equity and Transparency as a result of this calls on the ICRC to tender an unreserved apology to the military authorities, as well as withdraw the statement credited to it.

The Centre for Social Justice, Equity and Transparency wishes to advise the ICRC to always verify the information before going to press, else it might lose its credibility before the relevant authorities in Nigeria, as well as the Nigerian people.

RevolutionNow: Civil rights group protest at AGF's office, demands investigation of foreign associates in plot to destabilize Nigeria


The last seems not to have been heard on the embattled publisher of Sahara Reporters, Omoyele Sowore as a group of civil rights activists today in Abuja took to the street to demand the investigation of his foreign  counterparts in the RevolutionNow protest which authorities have claimed is targeted at destabilizing the country.


The protesters, led by the Congress for Defence of Democracy (CDF), ended their walk at the office of the Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Abubakar Malami, calling for an urgent probe on the nefarious activities of Mr Sowore and his foreign collaborators.


In a petition signed by Convener, Stephen Okenarhe and submitted to the AGF, the CDF revealed that it would be a disservice to the unity of Nigeria should Mr Sowore be granted bail without identifying his foreign sponsors.


According to Okenarhe, the controversial human rights activist have proven to be acting a script by “enemies of Nigeria that are envious of the giant strides recorded in critical sectors of the economy in the past four years under President Muhammadu Buhari”.


Besides the ongoing seven-count charge trial, the group pointed out that Mr Sowore has secretly been receiving illicit funds from some foreign sources while also covertly running the propaganda wing of Boko Haram.


Okenarhe added that the presidential candidate of the African Action Congress even signed a pact with the proscribed Islamic Movement in Nigeria (IMN) and some disgruntled opposition politicians to destabilise the nation.


Mr Sowore, the group reckoned, could eventually jump bail and continue with his nefarious activities – just like Nnamdi Kanu.


The protesters, therefore, called on the AGF “ to use his good office to institute discrete investigation by the concerned authorities to track down and arrest those involved.


“The Attorney General of the Federation may wish to know that the charges brought against Omoyele Sowore are not a reflection of the enormity of the havoc he intended for the country with his planned Revolution Now,” the statement reads in part.


“ The Honourable Attorney General may wish to be informed that Omoyele Sowore has been secretly receiving illicit funds from some foreign sources since the build-up to the general elections for vote-buying. However, he mismanaged the funds, and the alternative was to stage a violent revolution to impress his paymasters.


“ This is on the heels that the Omoyele Sowore indeed planned to cause unrest in the country by receiving a massive amount of monies from questionable sources to procure arms and ammunitions.


“Omoyele Sowore is also known to be courting the members of the opposition party, and because he runs a popular internet news site (Saharareporters.com), he availed himself to members of the opposition to aid their destabilization plot after they lost the elections.


“Omoyele Sowore has been covertly running the propaganda wing of Boko Haram in conjunction with other intellectual asset of the terrorists group in Nigeria. This has seen his news outlet receiving and publishing information on troops' movements, casualty figures in attacks that never took place or just before they take place etc. But to our greatest surprise, these were neither investigated by the DSS or featured in the charges against Sowore in court.


“Omoyele Sowore also planned to orchestrate mass outcry against the Federal Government of Nigeria in order to trigger wanton killings by members of the Islamic Movement in Nigeria and the Independent People of Biafra (IPOB) led by Nnamdi Kanu. We have it on good authority that he had a meeting with Nnamdi Kanu and these were discussed before his subsequent arrest by the DSS.


“Omoyele Sowore secretly entered a pact with sponsors of the Islamic Movement in Nigeria (IMN) being Iran to cause unrest in the country in line with an earlier threat that Nigeria will pay for disallowing the lawless activities of the IMN. He has served as the conduit for the transfer of funds to the IMN through the accounts of SaharaReporters where the funds come in donations.


“ Omoyele Sowore in collaboration with the major losers of the 2019 are still nursing the intention of destroying our democratic ethos instead of waiting for the next general election to test their self acclaimed popularity through the ballot.


“ We wish to inform the Honourable Attorney General that with the avalanche of established cases against Omoyele Sowore, it would be indeed a great disservice to the unity of Nigeria should he be granted bail without identifying his sponsors, as well as those with whom Omoyele Sowore plotted with to destabilize the peace and unity of our country.


“ The Honourable Attorney General may also wish to know that as it stands, Omoyele Sowore poses a significant threat to peace and tranquillity in Nigeria, as credible information at public disposal indicates covert plans to organize protests across the country against the government in the name of freedom of expression or bogus claims to fighting for human rights at the detriment of national security.


“The case of Ibraheem El-Zarzarky is also worthy of mention where he plotted to be airlifted to Iran through a brief stop over in Dubai but was intercepted through the vigilante eyes of the security agencies.


“We are by this letter calling on the Honourable Attorney General of the Federation to use his good office to institute discrete investigation by the concerned authorities into the nefarious activities of Omoyele Sowore to track down and arrest those involved in the destabilization agenda.


“We are constrained to add that not until a proper investigation is carried out by the relevant security agencies, releasing Omoyele Sowore will endanger the lives of other citizens, particularly the youths, to carry out actions that will disintegrate the country.


“It is good to mention that the parallel government which Sowore intends to form is already reaching out to countries like Iran for recognition whereas people like Deji Adeyanju, Dayo Ariyo etc are being penciled as Ministers in that arrangement.”

*Sowore: Beware of emergency activists faking as pro-democracy fighters, group warns*

Following recent protests calling for the release of Sahara Reporters founder, Omoyele Sowore, the Initiative for Democracy and Good Governance (IDGG) has raised an alarm over the upsurge of misleading Pro-Democracy organisations purportedly defending human rights in the country.

The group gave this warning on Saturday in Abuja to address what it described as the “Upsurge of Private Enterprises as Pro-Democracy Fighters”.

Speaking on behalf of IDGG, Executive Director, Comrade Joseph Idoko described the trend as “worrisome" and “dangerous” for the entrenchment of democracy in the country.

The group reckoned this is the handiwork of politicians who are hell-bent on making the country ungovernable having lost relevance in the nation's political space.

The Initiative for Democracy and Good Governance, therefore, called on security agencies to begin the profiling of these “overnight groups to nip in the bud their nefarious activities”.

Read full statement below:

The Initiative for Democracy and Good Governance is compelled to call this press conference in light of the sudden upsurge of groups under various nomenclatures parading themselves as pro-democracy groups and fighting for the entrenchment of democracy in Nigeria.

This is indeed a worrisome trend given the fact that some persons and individuals have turned pro-democratic activities in a private enterprise where they can smile to the bank, not minding whose ox is gored.

The Initiative for Democracy and Good Governance views the trend as dangerous for the entrenchment of democracy in Nigeria due to the tendency for disgruntled politicians to hijack the system and wreak havoc of unimaginable proportion.

The Initiative for Democracy and Good Governance is also alarmed by the way and manner these supposed pro-democracy groups has carried on with such legitimately, even when it is glaring that the quest for monetary benefits buoys actions and activities.

The danger of this is that those interests against the progress of Nigeria can easily use these supposed pro-democracy groups to make the Country ungovernable in exchange for monetary gains.

The Initiative for Democracy and Good Governance suspects that there is a likelihood that the emergence of these groups is the handiwork of politicians who have lost out in the present political arrangement in the Country and, as such, one of the ways to get their pound of flesh is to instigate crisis.

The Initiative for Democracy and Good Governance wishes to use this medium to bring to the notice of the relevant authorities in Nigeria that the various groups parading themselves as pro-democracy groups are nothing but an outright fraud which is inimical to the national interest.

The Initiative for Democracy and Good Governance consequently charge the various security agencies to, as a matter of urgency, begins the profiling of these “overnight” groups to nip in the bud their nefarious activities.

The overall implication of the activities of these groups is that they would avail themselves as willing tools to those that are bent on seeing to the disintegration of Nigeria.

The Initiative for Democracy and Good Governance wishes to also bring to the notice of the generality of Nigerians that these groups are extremely against the interest of Nigeria. As such, they should view with a pinch of salt, any form of advocacy coming from them.

The Initiative for Democracy and Good Governance believes that should the relevant authorities fail to act in good stead, Nigeria might be dealing with a more significant challenge in the nearest future.

The Initiative for Democracy and Good Governance as a result of this state in unequivocal terms that the unity and progress of Nigeria are sacrosanct and all those masquerading under various pro-democracy nomenclatures to enrich their pockets should desist from such private enterprises in the interest of national security.

The Save Humanity Advocacy Centre (SHAC) has condemned in totality the indiscriminate use of children as a shield by the Islamic Movement of Nigeria (IMN) to accomplish its violent protests across the country.

The group made this known in a press conference on Friday to express displeasure in IMN's unwholesome violation of children’s rights in its violent campaign against constituted authorities.

In a statement signed by Executive Director, Joyce Ogwu, the Centre raised an alarm, calling for an end to such violations.

While acknowledging that the Islamic sect have the right to advocate for the release of their leader, Sheik Ibraheem El-Zarzaky, the SHAC reckoned that due process must be followed as there is an on-going court case .

The Centre, however, frowned at what it described as “enslavement of children in their various terrorist cells in the country”.

The Save Humanity Advocacy Centre, therefore, called on the relevant authorities to put an end to the barbaric practice.

Read full statement below:

I welcome you all to the all-important press conference put together by the Save Humanity Advocacy Centre to condemn in its totality the flagrant abuse of the rights of children by the obnoxious Islamic Movement in Nigeria (IMN).

The IMN as an organization has constituted itself into a parallel government in Nigeria through its violent campaigns and protest across the country for a cause that is before a competent court of law.

While it is understandable that they have a right to advocate for the release of their leader, Sheik Ibraheem El-Zarzaky from detention, they must also realize that there is an on-going court process that must be exhausted before such request could be granted so long he is not found guilty of the charges levelled against him.

The worrisome part of the activities of the IMN is the indiscriminate use of children as a shield in its violent protests across the country.

The Save Humanity Advocacy Centre frowns at such outright abuse of children by the leadership of the IMN and as a result of this, insists that such violations should be discontinued henceforth.

The IMN must also stop with immediate effect the continued enslavement of children in their various terrorist cells in the country. They must realize that keeping children in camps against their will and wish is a gross violation of their inalienable rights.

The Save Humanity Advocacy Centre wishes to use this medium to call of the relevant authorities to put an end to the barbaric practice by the IMN of using children as their foot soldiers in their violent campaigns.

The Save Humanity Advocacy Centre wishes to state that the IMN should be compelled to discontinue the outright servitude of children in their possession, mostly whom they have severed from their parents and families through unorthodox means.

The Islamic Movement in Nigeria must be circumspect in the way and manner they put children in harm’s way in a bid to demand the release of their spiritual leader.

The leaders of the IMN must come to the realization that the activities of the IMN stand banned and also outlawed as a terrorist group by a competent court of jurisdiction in Nigeria until otherwise declared by a competent court of jurisdiction.

This much they are challenging in court, and it is expected that status-quo be maintained until the final determination of the suit by the court.

The Save Humanity Advocacy Centre wishes to advise the leadership of the IMN to desist from further heating the polity and subjecting hundreds of children to physical and psychological torture, which is unacceptable in any democratic society in the world over.

The leadership of the IMN must realize that they cannot take the laws into their hands by engaging in violent street protests across the country. They must come to the understanding that Nigeria is indeed not their fiefdom where they want everyone to either identify with their ideology or sink.

The Save Humanity Advocacy Centre believes that lawlessness, as exhibited by the members of the IMN, is an indication that should the court grant bail to its spiritual leader; Nigeria might go up in flames because of their evil and extremely violent tendencies.

The Save Humanity Advocacy Centre wishes to state in unequivocal terms that the time for IMN to stop its use of children in its violent campaign against the constituted authorities in Nigeria is now.

They must also respect court orders and understand that Nigeria is not a banana republic.

Exposed! Imo State Debt Profile Skyrockets as it sets to lose over ₦25Billion to Public and Private Partnerships Agreements

Barely One year into Governor Emeka Ihedioha’s first term in office, Imo State Government’s debt profile has hit an unsustainable level with its recent breach of a public and Private Partnership Agreement with five investors amounting to over a sum of ₦25,000,0000,000 (Twenty Five Billion Naira).

A reliable source within the has it that sometimes in April, 2019, the Imo State Government (IMSG) advertised some concession assets for the purposes of generating internal revenue for the state, and several investors bided and won same. Consequently, the Government signed Special Concession Agreements with the investors.

Having fulfilled all the obligations in the agreements, the investors mobilized their sub-contractors to the sites and commenced work on the project after the ground work was laid by the Imo State Government in accordance with the tenor of the Agreement.


Report has it that surprisingly, on the 6th and 7th of June, 2019, contrary to the Agreement between the parties, the various Concession Assets were invaded by armed operatives and the personnel of Imo State Government who thereafter arrested some of the personnel and took them to the Police Station. The construction equipment, building materials and Company’s personal properties were confiscated and the concession asset taken over by the personnel of the Imo State Government.

Sources also hinted that these investors have started taking steps to recover the amounts already expended on the projects and monetary claims of over ₦25,000,000,000.00 (Twenty Five Billion Naira).

For a state with less than ₦6billion IGR, it means the government may spend at least 24 months paying the debt which may further plunge the state into further debts.

There is a rising fear in some quarters within the Imo State government about the possibility of the Central Bank of Nigeria, complying with the demands of the investors, in line with the MoU guiding the concession. This is coupled with the alleged strong political connection of the Investors, to the Presidency, as notable Aso Rock officials are believed to have thrown their weight behind the steps about to be initiated against the Imo state government. The investors have also secured the service of a foremost Abuja based lawyer to enforce the terms of the company's agreement with the Imo state government, by putting the relevant authorities, including the CBN, on notice.

Several prominent indegenes of the state, are also worried about the Ihedioha administration's approach to dismantling any visible intervention, associated with the administration of his predecessor.

It is hoped, that the Imo state government will move to remedy this looming economic danger as the cost of fighting and losing this case look substantial.

The challenges of delivering on the electoral promises by the administration is so weighty, that it should not allow itself to be dragged into another avoidable crisis.

By Dan Abutu

The recent clamour for the release of “The Revolution Now” proponent, Omoyele Sowore by a segment of the population is at best the most unpatriotic endeavour that has come out of Nigeria in recent times. I say this for obvious reasons. The quest for pecuniary benefits has blinded people so much so that anything goes.

To think that all of a sudden, there are more human rights activists and democrats in the country clamouring for the release of Omoyele Sowore and criticizing the Department of State Security Service (DSS) for its firm stance in protecting our nascent democracy is indeed worrisome. What they failed to realize is the nefariousness of the violent revolution that Omoyele Sowore canvassed for.

The pertinent question that must be asked as a first is thus: can there be a democracy without a country? If the answer to this question is a yes, then the clamour by the overnight activists and democrats can stand. However, if the answer is a no, then the same activists and democrats should bury their heads in shame for insulting the sensibilities of the over 180 million Nigerians.

The import of the call by Omoyele Sowore is such that if by any stretch of imagination it succeeded, the level of violence and bloodletting in the county would have been unprecedented in the annals of the country. Yet, some misguided individuals masquerading under the toga of democrats and activists are organizing street protests and attempting to also instigate the people against the government for taking proactive steps towards protecting our democracy.

I am still at a loss of what democracy means to these set of individuals who have sold their conscience for a plate of porridge. For them, it has to be business as usual for the filthy loot to go round while forgetting that Nigeria is indeed bigger than any individual and would indeed stay united for years to come with the quality of leadership been provided by the present administration.

I stand to be corrected, the amount of monies that has exchanged hands within the Sowore circle is indeed unprecedented, else, how can one come to terms with a situation where people of supposed sound mind openly call for violence in a country that is contending with threats of terrorism and other security challenges?

In my opinion, the possible explanation for this malaise is a combination greed, unpatriotism, moral degradation, ignorance, selfish interest, and the pursuit of pecuniary benefits to the detriment of the destinies of this generation and the generation unborn of Nigerians. This is the case with Omoyele Sowore and his co-travellers.

Interestingly, those organizing these ill-fated protests are worse than Omoyele Sowore because it is a case of advancing a course that is geared towards causing the disintegration of Nigeria. If they understood what indeed democracy meant, and what it also means to keep a country as diverse as Nigeria united, they would have indeed commended the government for rising to the occasion and protecting the country’s nascent democracy.

I can’t but thank President Muhammadu Buhari for providing the country sound leadership, especially in the area of protecting the country’s democracy and putting all those that have connived with some external forces to destabilize the country so it can be business as usual for them and their cronies to shame.

For them, good governance should elude Nigerians, so they can continue to enrich themselves and their cronies with our commonwealth. This is also their grouse. Be that as it may, Nigerians have seen through their gimmick and come to terms with the fact that the street protests that they have been organizing are despicable and borne out of their selfish interest.

As it stands, Nigerians know better between those that are protecting the interest of Nigeria and those against the interest of Nigeria. Nigerians now know that since the advent of this present administration, governance has taken a turn for good. The likes of Omoyele Sowore and his co-travellers cannot deter the progress of Nigeria.

I am also of the opinion that with the way and manner the overnight activists and democrats have carried on with the mobilization of street protests for the release of Omoyele Sowore, Nigerians know that there is an ulterior motive which is ultimately aimed at causing the disintegration of Nigeria.

In conclusion, there is a need for retracing of steps by the overnight activists and democrats that have feigned ignorance of what good governance and democracy means. If they indeed do, the street protests would be discontinued in the interest of the country.

This is also a charge to the relevant authorities in Nigeria to see that Nigeria does not derail and succumb to the cheap blackmail by agents of destabilization who would never see anything good in the leadership strides as exhibited by the present administration.

The accidental democrats should think of a better way to deceive Nigerians with their gimmicks because, as it stands, street protests would not deter the government from carrying out its responsibilities to the people. Nigeria is earmarked for greatness, and so shall it be. Nigerians are wiser and appreciative of the efforts of the present administration in the quest to make Nigeria great.


Abutu is a pro-democracy activist based in Abuja.

In a final offensive to clear out fleeing Boko Haram insurgents in Borno State, the Nigerian Army troops took it upon themselves to mend bad portion of a road for effective operation.

The gallant troops had a brief stop between Kekeno and Cross-kukawa, patching dilapidated roads to ensure smooth transit to their destination.

In photos that have gone viral on social media, the officers were seen mixing cement, sand and water.

This isn't the first time, though, the Nigerian troops have displayed bravery, patriotism and selflessness in their line of duty.

On Saturday, the troops of 26 Task Force Brigade rescued an 80-year-old man, three women and four children from the terrorist sect after subduing them with superior fire power.

The troops then served the freed hunger-stricken Boko Haram captives water before taking them to safety.

It will be recalled that the troops of the Nigerian Army Special Forces Command (NASFC) Operation Lafiya Dole dislodged terrorists in Kukawa early this year.

The National Democratic Front (NDF) has hailed the Nigerian Army for its professional conduct during last Saturday's governorship election in Bayelsa State.

The gallant troops, alongside other security agencies, were on ground in the usually hostile oil-rich state, ensuring that armed militia don't stop Nigerians from performing their constitutional obligation.

Unlike in time past where unprecedented violence and bloodletting was the day's order, the exercise in Bayelsa was relatively peaceful and calm.

In a press conference on Monday, the NDF was full of praise for the Army for its “invaluable role in the peaceful conduct of polls in the country.”

The group, in a statement signed by Secretary General, Dr Abdulkadir Bolaji, believes it is a “ testament of the commitment of the Army in protecting the country’s nascent democracy and upholding the sanctity of the constitution”.

The pro-democracy group is particularly impressed with Chief of Army Staff, Lt. Gen. Tukur Buratai for “the institutional reforms introduced in the Nigerian Army that has seen to the renewed vigour and commitment of officers and soldiers in protecting the territorial integrity of Nigeria.”

Read full statement below:

The National Democratic Front commends the Nigerian Army and other security agencies for their invaluable role in the peaceful conduct of the gubernatorial elections, and it wishes to state that. However, for this intervention, the polls would have witnessed unprecedented violence and bloodletting.

This is indeed commendable because our country’s democracy was preserved, and the will of the people prevailed in electing leaders of their choices during the elections.

The National Democratic Front particularly commends the Nigerian Army for its invaluable role during and after the polls in Bayelsa state, which gave rise to the relative peace and tranquillity that pervaded the state that is known for high militant activities.

This is indeed a testament to the commitment of the Nigerian Army in protecting the country’s nascent democracy and upholding the sanctity of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.

The Nigerian Army, by every standard, lived up to the expectation of Nigerians and the international community by seeing to the peaceful conduct of the polls.

The National Democratic Front believes that despite the myriads of security challenges that were witnessed during the gubernatorial elections in Kogi state, the intervention of the Nigerian Army indeed saved the day in Kogi state; else, the level of destruction and loss of lives would have been disastrous.

This is also on the heels that there was some noticeable connivance by some security agencies in abetting the anomalies that were witnessed during the elections. However, it is on record that the Nigerian Army stood tall and was able to minimize the level of casualties during the elections in Kogi State.

The National Democratic Front wishes to specially commend the Chief of Army Staff, Lt. Gen. Tukur Buratai for the institutional reforms introduced in the Nigerian Army that has seen to the renewed vigour and commitment of officers and soldiers in protecting the territorial integrity of Nigeria, as well as preserving the constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria at all times. The Chief of Army Staff also deserves special praise for ensuring that soldiers are not used to disrupt elections anymore, but rather, on the ground to preserve the integrity of the electoral process as with the case in Bayelsa and Kogi states.

The National Democratic Front notes with enthusiasm that with the way and manner the Nigerian Army has been restructured by the present leadership led by Lt. Gen. Tukur Buratai, Nigerians should expect that gone are the days where officers and soldiers would be used by politicians to subvert the will of the people.

The National Democratic Front commends the Nigerian Army and other security agencies that worked round the clock to ensure that the electoral process in Bayelsa state was peaceful, and the voters were able to exercise their electoral franchise without fear, and also for its timely intervention in the Kogi state polls to save the day by minimising incidences of violence, bloodletting and other acts of electoral brigandage.

This is indeed commendable and an indication that our nascent democracy shall thrive with the commitment exhibited by our security agencies in recent times. The National Democratic Front also notes that all of these would not have been possible without the inputs of the Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, who indeed promised Nigerians that the country’s nascent democracy shall thrive under his watch.

The fact that we are experiencing peaceful electoral transition in the country indicates that Nigeria is indeed on the path to greatness, and the efforts of the various security agencies cannot be overemphasized.

This much the National Democratic Front identifies and encourages the various security agencies not to relent in their efforts so far in the best interest of the generality of Nigerians and our nascent democracy.

The National Democratic Front wishes to use this medium to state that with the level of professionalism in the Nigerian Army and other security agencies, Nigerians do not have any reason to entertain any form of fear towards the preservation of our democracy.

The National Democratic Front also wishes to encourage Nigerians to continue to extend their support to the security agencies in the country in their quest towards protecting the territorial integrity of the country, as well as the preservation of our democracy.

The Nigerian Army's dedication and determination to flush out remnants of Boko Haram terrorists is never in doubt.

In the line of duty, however, the gallant troops make selfless, noble and philanthropic sacrifices for the safety of Nigerians.

A bulk go unnoticed as only a handful is reported in the media.

On Saturday, the troops took this brave gesture to another level by serving freed Boko Haram captives water before taking them to safety.

The troops of 26 Task Force Brigade rescued an 80-year-old man, three women and four children from the terrorist sect after subduing them with superior fire power.

Media Coordinator of the Nigerian Army Operations Centre Col Aminu Iliyasu in a statement said, troops of 26 Task Force Brigade embarked on a Clearance Patrol to Dalu Village within the Mandara Mountains in Gwoza Local Government Area of Borno State following credible intelligence report on the presence of some of the criminal insurgents in that area.

The Nigerian Soldier is a humanitarian per Excellence.

Such selfless gesture should surely qualify for the Nobel peace prize for 2019.

*Bayelsa Decides: Army, security agencies deserve commendation not vilification, CDC cautions Gov Dickson*

The Nigerian Army and other security agencies deserve massive commendation for a near-perfect election in Bayelsa State, according to the Centre for Democracy and Change (CDC).

At a press conference on Saturday in Yenegoa, the group of election observers stated that rather than vilify the Army and other security agencies as done by Governor Seriake Dickson, our gallant troops and other security agencies should be applauded for again rising to the occasion.

The outgoing governor had called for the cancellation of the election even before the exercise fully commenced, insinuating that the security agencies are conniving with the All Progressives Congress.

However, in response, the Centre for Democracy and Change accused Mr Dickson of plots to truncate the election meant to produce his successor.

In a statement by Executive Director, Gbenga Badamosi, the CDC disclosed that Mr Dickson and his likes would have had a field day if not for the brave soldiers on ground to support the police and other security agencies.

While calling him to order, CDC, however, apprised the governor that he will be held criminally liable for any breach of the peace in his state.

Read full statement:

The Centre for Democracy and Change (CDC) is alarmed at the plot by the outgoing Governor of Bayelsa state, Mr. Seriake Dickson to truncate the election that is meant to produce his successor.

Mr. Dickson has taken the unprecedented step of a governor calling for the cancellation of an election even before voting was properly underway. The instances and incidents he is latching onto to make this questionable call have been proven as being blown out of proportion, which raises the question of his motives for attempting to deny Bayelsans of their franchise when they have used the same instrumentality to keep him office for almost eight years.

Part of the justification for this treacherous call by Mr. Dickson is the lumping together of militias with the Nigerian Army and the Nigeria Police Force, something that has exposed the desperation on his part to have his party’s candidate win the election, possibly in order to install a lackey that will cover his tracks for whatever unacceptable acts he might have committed in his eight-year rule.

CDC elections observers are on ground in Bayelsa state and at no time did we witness the incidents that the Governor claimed to have occurred. Remarkably, neither local nor foreign observers have made any comment as to the conduct of the election along the line that Mr. Dickson did.

We are concerned that he made these indicting comments to provoke the army and other security agencies to abandon the electorates to his militias that have been paid to disrupt the vote. There have also been reports that the so-called army and police personnel are the militias that the governor procured fake uniforms for in order to use them for the agenda that he has now fully activated.

CDC is aware that the presence of legitimately deployed Army and other security personnel is the saving grace in Bayelsa at this electioneering moment as thugs loyal to politicians had made up their minds to destroy our democracy by sabotaging the governorship election.

We consequently call Mr. Seriake Dickson to order even as we warn that he shall be held criminally liable for any breach of the peace in Bayelsa state arising from his incitement of the populace against military and security personnel on election duty.

It does not matter whether his party or another political party wins the election because CDC will take this matter up when his immunity expires with his tenure as what he has done is capable of triggering a genocide.

The Nigerian Army has maintained its onslaught against Boko Haram/ISWAP fighters.

The gallant troops of Operation Lafiya Dole have left no stone unturned in its bid to totally wipe out the fleeing insurgents.

As seen in some photos that went viral on social media a couple of months ago, the troops were pictured constructing a bridge leading to secret hideout of the radical Islamic sect.

Yet again, the gallant troops have displayed selflessness and rare patriotism.

This time around, though, the troops proved that they are not only engaged in the counter insurgency operations but are also working hard to mend the abandoned roads into the areas.

The gallant troops of Sector 3 Operation Lafiya Dole were spotted fixing bad portions of the road from Monguno-Kekeno-Cross Kauwa, Borno State.

It will be recalled that no fewer than 50 Boko Haram fighters were killed by the Nigerian Army around the said road in April.

http://www.signalng.com/troops-renovate-road-leading-to-boko-haram-hideout-in-borno/

https://www.signalng.com/wp-content/uploads/img-20191116-wa0017.jpg

https://www.kwararafareporters.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/11/IMG-20191116-WA0020-1024x512.jpg

https://www.kwararafareporters.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/11/IMG-20191116-WA0016-512x1024.jpg

Sowore: Before we crucify the secret Police

By Idoko Ainoko

The recent attacks on the Department of State Service (DSS) with regards to the handling of the demonstrators demanding the release of the publisher of Sahara Reporters, Omoyele Sowore, is at best uncharitable. I say this for the fact that the demonstrators acted out of ignorance, and as usual, some segment of the country that does not see anything right with this present administration went to the market.

They were quick to cast aspersion and attempt to crucify the secret Police. This is somewhat not surprising in the sense that the nation has witnessed the upsurge of individuals and organizations that are hell-bent on causing unrest in the country. And the free Sowore protesters fall under this same category.

We must get the issues in proper perspectives and counter the harmful intentions of those that are hell-bent on causing unrest in the country. The Omoyele Sowore issue is a case of an attempt to instigate the people against the constituted authorities and by extension effecting a change in government by calling for a revolution. If this is not a treasonable offense, I don’t know what else to call it unless the gang of monetarily induced protesters would feign ignorance to the consequences of calling for a revolution that would see to the overthrowing of a democratically elected government.

Let us make no mistakes; national interest should always surpass personal interest if we are desirous of making progress in this country. We must learn to call a spade and spade in the interest of the sensibilities of over 180 million Nigerians who have nowhere to call home other than here.

I also wonder how some individuals’ would think they can attempt to cause mayhem in the country and walk away scot-free. Even in civilized climes, there are consequences for our actions and inactions. Can an Omoyele Sowore go to the United States and call for a revolution and street protest if he has some reservations about the effectiveness of government? The answer is a huge no. And so, the question is why such anomaly should be tolerated in Nigeria?

That aside, when an individual is viewed as a high risk to societal peace, would it be wise to have such an individual in circulation to cause more damage? There are cases of such individuals in Nigeria that, for the sake of National interest, they must be kept outside circulation till the determination of their cases by a court of competent jurisdiction.

This, in a way, explains the case of former National Security Adviser, Sambo Dasuki, as well as the founder of the Islamic Movement in Nigeria, Ibraheem El-Zarzarky. You would agree with me that these individuals, as well as Omoyele Sowore, are high-risk individuals and by extension, agents of destabilization.

The law is clear on this, and this much we must come to terms with. I am quite sure that if the revolution that Omoyele Sowore had planned succeeded, the bulk of the people clamouring for his release under various nomenclatures would have been greatly affected. Again, just maybe they either by omission or commission refused to see the disservice in that revolution agenda. And just perhaps, they thought calling for violent change would do Nigeria and Nigerians any good.
My opinion has been this, and it won’t change anytime soon. There are decent ways of expressing grievances if such grievances are genuine. But to call for violence is a no and would remain one, especially in a democratic setting. The wounds of the civil war in Nigeria are still fresh in our minds, and to think someone somewhere would opt to set Nigeria once again on that dangerous path is most despicable.

So, just before we elect to crucify the secret Police, we should task our conscience to understand that an offense was committed in the first place, and that gave rise to the actions taken by the government in the overall interest of the generality of Nigerians. Some might want to argue that a court had granted him bail and he was refused bail. But what they failed to understand was that there were conditions that must be fulfilled before bail would be granted. And is it on record that his bail conditions were met and the secret Police refused to release him?

We should not be deceived by the antics of some people who are gifted in the art of spreading fake news to win public sympathy. Some also argued that the bail conditions were stringent, and my answer is: calling for violence to set the country on fire is grave enough for strict bail conditions to be issued.

I believe that the government must act decisively to serve as a deterrent to others. This is the case with Omoyele Sowore. And my advice for those that pursue public causes blinded is that they should employ objectivity and sound reason because National interest is the watchword, and no individual is bigger than the country. Nigeria cannot afford any attempt at truncating its nascent democracy. We must call a spade a spade.


Ainoko wrote this piece from Kaduna.

Fake news more dangerous than Boko Haram--- Abubakar

A human rights activist, Comrade Ibrahim Abubakar, has raised an alarm over the rise in fake news in the country, describing it as a “higher threat than terrorism”.

Mr Abubakar made this known on Thursday at a one-day workshop/presentation of assessment report on the impact of fake news on the war against terrorism organised by the Centre for Social Justice and Transparency (CESJET).

In his paper presentation, Mr Abubakar, president of Save Humanity Advocacy Centre (SHAC) revealed that fake news “ is inimical to national security; hostile to the morale of the troops, and by and large, it is one of the demoralizing factors making the counter-insurgency operation more difficult.”

According to him, fake news, over the years, has proven to be an undermining factor in countering terrorism engagement as well as a sponsor and promoter of acts of terror in Nigeria today.

The human rights activist added that “the rampant spread of fake news and its efficacy in relegating the real story to the bottom discourages the counter-insurgency efforts of the Nigerian Military both tactically, psychologically, and otherwise.”

To curb further wreckage, Mr Abubakar recommended that:

“ The Nigerian media should report and analyse terror as a matter of international priority. Yet striking the right balance between informing the public without unnecessarily stoking fear or giving disproportionate publicity and attention to a terrorist organization has proven to be more difficult than it should because of the rapid spread of fake news about insurgency and counter-insurgency efforts that are most times exploited by Boko Haram.

“CSOs should mount sustainable pressure on broadcast Media that gets easily distracted by shiny ratings, which usually come with the spread of fake news, to desist from promoting contents that are fake and harmful to national development. CSOs should continually encourage reliable broadcast Media to regularly get factual information out, especially those associated with national security, even if it feels like it is falling on deaf ears amid widespread fake news.

“ The people should also be taught how to use and rely upon vital fact-checking organizations even as they also cite sources as to what they post or tweet, making sure those sources are reliable. CSOs, instead of undermining the work of the military in countering terrorism in Nigeria, could be instrumental in limiting the spread of fake news that aggravate terrorist activities by raising the populace awareness towards boycotting news media and its relatable sponsors.”

Reward For Gallantry and Gen. Buratai's Leading Example

By Robert Audu

"For them to perceive the advantage of defeating the enemy, they must also have their rewards.” – Sun Tzu

A great leader motivates and inspires his followers. He continuously craves for excellence and erects favorable templates or incentives to compel and induce hard work. Rewards are the oyster of performance in any workplace. And leaders conscious of success imbibe the policy of reward for hard work, dedication and exceptional performance as bait for outstanding productivity.

Nigeria’s Chief of Army Staff ( COAS) and emperor of the anti-insurgency operations in Nigeria, Lt. Gen. Tukur Yusufu Buratai is a perfect leader in this sense. Though, it is the natural and constitutional duty of the Army to fight wars, but he knows soldiers need to be emboldened to go the proverbial extra-mile in battles.

The job of a soldier is quite a difficult one. A soldier in the battlefield is perpetually under the threats of death or life deformities. He is the bulwark of nations and citizens against deadly enemies in peace or war times.

Gen. William T. Sherman of the American Army captures the dreariness of war in these scary words; “It is only those who have neither fired a shot nor heard the shrieks and groans of the wounded who cry aloud for blood, more vengeance, more desolation. War is hell.”

War is really hellish, but the life of a soldier is confined to it. Besides the era of the unfortunate Nigerian civil war of 1967-70, Gen. Buratai is presiding over the Nigerian Army in the country’s second most difficult phase in history. The age of ravaging Boko Haram insurgency is certainly not a storm in a tea cup. Terrorism has proven to be an obstinate malignant turmoil on souls of nations and successive leaders of Nigeria.

But President Buhari has made the difference. Under Gen. Buratai as the helmsman of the counter-insurgency operations, Nigerian troops have performed exceedingly commendable. The Army boss has vanished the spirit of spinelessness, soldiers’ feminine retreats from the frontlines and the remonstrative balking of troops before enemy forces in tales of mutiny at the battlefield.

Joyfully, the years of gloom, hesitance and frustrations to battle insurgents by Nigerian troops have eclipsed. Gen. Buratai has reactivated the reward system for his troops fighting Boko Haram insurgency in the country. He rewards gallantry, but punishes indolence or dereliction of duty.

Like the US war veteran and diplomat, Collin Luther Powell, the Nigerian Army Chief has inculcated in soldiers that "All work is honorable. Always do your best because someone is watching.” And rewards in special promotions’ have been Gen. Buratai’s perfect weapon in bolstering the performance ego and strides of Nigerian troops battling Boko Haram.

Chinese war veteran, Sun Tzu once echoed that “Rewards for good service should not be deferred a single day.” So, Gen. Buratai does it promptly and indiscriminately once any soldier earns it by dint of gallantry, valour and hard work.

Iconic warlords have theorized on the reverence of soldiering. Gen. George S. Patton Jr for instance says; "The soldier is the Army. No army is better than its soldiers. The Soldier is also a citizen. In fact, the highest obligation and privilege of citizenship is that of bearing arms for one’s country.”

Therefore, Gen. Buratai has consistently elevated deserving soldiers to stimulate what Collin Powell clarifies with his timeless and immortal philosophy in positing that; “The healthiest competition occurs when average people win by putting above average.”

From the outset, part of Gen. Buratai’s intrinsic vision and policies sighted reward for gallantry and hard work. Barely weeks after assumption of duty in 2015 as COAS and leader of counter-insurgency, headquarters of Operation Lafiya Dole Command Theatre went agog in wild celebration. Gen. Buratai effected the promotion of over 5,000 soldiers fighting insurgency in the Northeast and allied operations in the country.

He took the action to boost their combat readiness and willingness to serve fatherland. The promotion was a pledge made to the soldiers by his predecessor. Gen. Buratai stated at the opening session of the 2015 COAS Third Quarter Conference, in Army Headquarters Abuja that; “Since we came on board, we have introduced several measures aimed at encouraging our troops to give their best in the service of their nation. “

“The approval of the accelerated promotion of 5,000 soldiers was to redeem the promise made by my predecessor to the troops fighting insurgents in the North-East. It is my belief that this promotion, coupled with other incentives, will encourage our troops to fight for our country,” he added.

And the leader of counter-insurgency operations has kept faith his vision and pledges of reward for gallantry and exceptional impact in the course of battling insurgencies and insurrections in the country. It is outside his implementation of normal promotions timely and promptly to soldiers, like he caused the promotion of 34 senior Army Generals last week.

Therefore, in August 2017, Gen. Buratai also splashed special promotions for 3,729 troops of Operation Lafiya Dole who participated in “Operation Deep Punch II” in Sambisa Forest.

The then Army’s spokesperson articulated in a public statement that the Army Chief specially rewarded the gallant troops in recognition of their valour and uncommon commitment to duty during the “Operation Deep Punch.” It was an operation that laid to rest the ghost of the much dreaded Sambisa forest.

So, 223 Staff Sergeants were promoted to the rank of Warrant Officers, 511 Sergeants promoted to the rank of Staff Sergeants; while 994 Corporals were promoted to the rank of Sergeants. Others are 1064 Lance Corporals promoted to the rank of Corporals, while 932 Private soldiers were appointed Lance Corporals. Such magnitude of special promotions were seldom in the Army until Gen. Buratai reactivated it as morale booster for troops.

Later the same year, during one of his frequent visits to the frontlines in Bama, Borno state, Gen. Buratai, also gave special automatic promotion to two soldiers for their gallantry in fighting Boko Haram.

The COAS visited troops of 21 Brigade at Bama and was impressed with their performance against Boko Haram. Troops of the brigade had liberated Bama from Haram terrorists after hours of fierce battle. Many terrorists were neutralized during the encounter, and a cache of arms and Improvised Explosive Device, IED, making materials were recovered from insurgents. Therefore, Corporal Thomas Orim of 202 Battalion and Corporal Abubakar Usman Usman of 150 Task Force Battalion were rewarded with this special promotion.

To Gen. Buratai, it is inconsequential whether it is a single soldier or bunch of soldiers who demonstrates acts of valour or gallantry and merits a reward. A soldier, Master Warrant Officer, Garba Abdullahi of 159 Battalion, Nigerian Army was elevated to the rank of Captain in recognition and reward for his outstanding military professionalism, gallantry, courage and selfless service and enjoyed the special privilege of Executive Commission.

The then Director army public relations officer, Brig. General Sani Kukasheka explained; “Garba Abdullahi’s leadership qualities endeared him to his Commanding Officer who deemed it fit to assign him a higher responsibility as platoon commander of one of the arrow head sub-units of the Battalion, the role he played excellently to the admiration of both his superiors and subordinates alike

“Under his able leadership, his platoon achieved great exploits of daring bravery and courage for which the Battalion was reputed. The 159 Battalion is of one the rugged and most experienced cohesive fighting unit that make up Operation Lafiya Dole…the Battalion primarily occupies a blocking position from where it conducts Counter Terrorist and Counter Insurgency operations to defeat Boko Haram terrorists, deny them freedom of action….”

Gen. Buratai has sustained the string of special elevations, rewards and promotions of deserving officers and soldiers to date. Even in October 2019, he recommended for accelerated promotion to President Muhammadu Buhari two Army Generals and a Subaltern of the Nigerian Army as reward for their gallantry and exemplary leadership.

Acting Director, Army Public Relations,Col. Sagir Musa explained that the soldiers earned the President’s approval for the special promotion for their “extra-ordinary feats, courage, exemplary leadership, loyalty, uncommon commitment and valour in the counter insurgency operation in the Northeastern part of the country.”

The benefitting two senior officers were Maj.Gen. L.O Adeosun, the Chief of Training and Operations at Army Headquarters, who was also promoted to the rank Lieutenant General; Brig.-Gen. A.B Biu, General Officer Commanding 7 Division and Commander, Sector 2, “Operation Lafiya Dole” Maiduguri was decorated with the rank of Major General and the subaltern, Lieutenant A.J Danjibrin of 211 Demonstration Battalion, Bauchi was elevated to the rank of a Captain.

Also, Lt. Col. Mohammed Abu Ali (aka BH killer) who commanded the Army’s 272 Tank Battalion under “Operation Lafiya Dole” enjoyed this rank for the recognition of his outstanding efforts in blighting the fire of insurgents under his area of jurisdiction. Shortly afterwards, he was killed in an ambush by Boko Haram.

The quantum of special rewards and promotions extended to soldiers in the counter-insurgency operations in the Northeast is an apt indication that Gen. Buratai meticulously picks his postings of officers and soldiers. He ensures only his best and competent hands are deployed to every area of military operation.

In the counsel of Collin Powell, "There are no secrets to success: don’t waste time looking for them. Success is the result of perfection, hard work, learning from failure, loyalty to those for whom you work, and persistence." So, through Gen. Buratai Nigerian soldiers clearly understands that hard work and loyalty is beneficial.


Audu wrote this piece from Abuja.