₦airaland Forum

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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.

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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.

Eid-Maulud: Arcbishop eulogises role of Nigerian military in sustaining peace, asks citizens to unite in faith, prayers for troops fighting insurgency

As Muslims in Nigeria join the rest of the world to celebrate this year's Eid Maulud, the
National Inter-Faith and Religious Organisations for Peace, has called for fervent prayers for the Nigerian military.

The group also eulogised the troops for sustaining peace across the nation.

His Eminence, Archbishop Julius Ediwe, the Grand Patron of the religious organisation in a statement in Port Harcourt, the Rivers State capital on Monday, called on every Nigerian, irrespective of religious affiliation to intensify their supplication to Almighty God for President Muhammadu Buhari to win the peace that will herald the start of longing prosperity for Nigerians.

The statement further enjoined all Nigerians to unite in one voice against those that seek to terrorize the nation.

The statement reads.


I congratulate Nigerians across all faiths, particularly our Muslim and Christian faithful. I felicitate with us all because it the grace of God that has made us to celebrate today in a relatively more peaceful atmosphere than that of last year, which has strengthened my faith that it can only get better from here onwards.

The occasion has become a reminder of the great things that can be achieved together, whether in the spiritual or physical realm when we unite in prayers or work together as a nation ordained by God the almighty to be great.

The shining example of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH), whose birth Eid-el-Maulud signposts, should be inspiration to us all irrespective of our creed. It should be a reminder that we can place humanity above selfish interest.

I use this time to call on Christians and Muslims all over the country to pray for the peace of Nigeria, pray for the Nigerian military, the troops and particularly the Chief of Army Staff, Lt Gen TY Buratai with all the other service chiefs that God will strengthen them in their determination to get rid of terrorism in the country. Let us plead with God to grant these men the kind of valour and exploits recorded by His Anointed as recounted in our scriptures.

In our recognition of the fact that only God gives victory, let use the occasion of this Eid-el-Maulud to intensify our supplication to the Almighty for President Muhammadu Buhari to win the peace that will herald the start of longing prosperity for Nigerians. Mr. President and the military need our prayers and support to defeat and conquer the remnants of terrorist elements in our country and all citizens irrespective of religion or creed are invited to pray for our country.

As we pray for them we must also match our prayers with positive actions for the good of the land. I urge us all to erase our political divisions same way we are beginning to recognize the place of harmony across religious faiths so that we can collectively stand against that which is not right.

We must thus unite and with one voice denounce those that seek to terrorize us because violent extremism poses a great threat to both Islam and Christianity and only total submission to the Almighty God can rescue the nation.

We must therefore, similar to the way we evangelize to win converts to our faiths, begin to preach peace and win converts for the peace of Nigeria so that more and more Nigerians will understand the need to contribute to the defeat of terrorism and extremism.

I pray that the good things God is doing through the Nigerian Army and its leadership that are the instrument of restoring peace shall be permanent.
God bless Nigeria.

A United Kingdom based Human Rights Activist, Phillip Agbese has commended the administration of President Muhammadu Buhari for taking a tough stance against violent-extremism in the country.

The Middlesex University trained human rights laws expert and publisher spoke with a group of journalists at the Murtalal Muhammad International Airport, Lagos on the state of affairs in the country.


Mr. Agbese stated that the administration of President Muhammadu Buhari has indeed risen to the occasion by the introduction of policies and actions geared towards arresting the menace of violent extremism through coordinated positive actions by state actors.

“In Nigeria, it is a fact that various organizations hide under different nomenclature to promote violent extremism, and this has not done the country any good from time immemorial. The perpetrators of these acts know fully well that these are not only un-Islamic but also a crime against God and humanity.”

He further stated that the efforts of the Muhammadu Buhari’s administration are indeed commendable. However, a lot more still needs to be done to nip completely in the bud the menace of violent extremism in the country.

According to him, violent extremism has nothing to do with any particular religion but evil by those that are not comfortable with the unity and peace of Nigeria and making efforts to destabilize the country.

“ The present administration has indeed displayed a high commitment to addressing violent-extremism in the country through several laudable initiatives, positive actions paramount of which is the sensitization that violent- extremism has no place in religion whether Islam or Christianity.”

Mr. Agbese also tasked the government to continue to do more to address decisively the menace of violent extremism in the country irrespective of political or ethnic affiliation of the perpetrators.

“The government should set up a mechanism that would expose those misguided elements that hide behind politics and religion to cause disaffection in the country. If this is not done, the government risk the possibility of been branded as promoters of violent extremism and other vices in the country for political reasons.”

He also heaped praises on the Nigerian Army for its commitment in the fight against terrorism and other militant acts in the country.

“The Nigerian Army has indeed displayed an extraordinary commitment to the fight against terrorism in the country. This much they have exhibited in the North-East, the North Central and other parts of the country where militant activities disrupted peace and tranquillity.”

"Those who initially thought they could frustrate the Army through negative propaganda and falsehood have been forced by the sterling leadership of the Chief of Army Staff, Lt. Gen. TY to give up their evil agenda for good of the country."

“That Nigeria is experiencing peace and stability is a function of the numerous sacrifices of the Nigerian Army in protecting the territorial integrity at all cost, even at great discomfort to the officers, soldiers and their families. I wholeheartedly commend the leadership of the Nigerian Army and the officers and soldiers that have continued to give their best to our fatherland day and night.”

Mr. Agbese also stated that the role of Nigeria in ensuring the security of lives in the West African sub-region could not be overemphasized, hence the need for all hands to be on deck at all times.

“The role of Nigeria in critical aspects in the West African sub-region is such that if anything goes wrong in Nigeria, other West African countries are also affected. And on the area of security, Nigeria has indeed played that big brother role, courtesy of the efforts of the Nigerian Army and other sister agencies in the fight against terrorism in Nigeria and the West African Sub-region.”

He added that “It is a matter of time before the remnants of Boko Haram would be routed out of the fringes of the Lake Chad Basin region.”

He added that the current state of affairs in the north east at the moment clearly shows that the Nigerian Army leadership shares in the vision of Mr. President to enthrone total peace and tranquillity across the country.

"Mr. President and the military leadership came at a point that it was impossible for International NGOs, troops and civilians to operate anywhere in the North-East. But that has changed positively as normalcy has been fully restored and life is at its peak same way Lagosians enjoy their day to day activities, " he added.

By Dan Abakpa

In September 2014, the Jonathan Presidency served a pyrrhic victory to Nigerians over claims that it has killed Boko Haram’s most vicious leader, Abubakar Shekau. The public statement excited Nigerians, but sadly turned out to be a ruse like previous such claims in July 2009 and another in late June 2013.

The then Defence spokesman Chris Olukolade told reporters in Abuja that the man posing as Boko Haram leader Abubakar Shekau was his moniker adopted by the sect. He insisted that Shekau had been killed earlier during a gun battle with troops. And the military played some videos to back up the fake claims.

To the military, it was another Islamist fighter, who was scoring the shots as replacement for Shekau. They identified him as Mohammed Bashir, claiming he posed as Shekau’s moniker and responsible for recent threats videos in the guise of the real Shekau , but was also killed in clashes at Konduga.

Olukolade said “Bashir had been acting or posing as the deceasedAbubakar Shekau…the eccentric character known as the leader of the group". But the Military could not explain convincingly how it killed Shekau. It was indisputably fake claims. Abubakar Shekau was alive, hale and hearty, providing leadership to insurgents.

Therefore, in early January 2015, Nigerians were scared stiff. Shekau, the Boko Haram leader, morphed into a berserk monster, threatening Nigerians and its government to prove he is alive and counter the military’s claims that he is dead. Shekau appeared in a 15-minute recorded video and pledged to disrupt the 2015 general elections scheduled for February 16, 2015 at “any cost.”

Shekau vowed in Hausa language in a message released through the sect’s Twitter account; “This election will not be held even if we are dead.” These potent threats from the leader of Boko Haram to disrupt the general elections, one of Nigeria’s most important national events caused stir and made the Jonathan Presidency apprehensive. The government was forced to postpone the elections by six weeks to enable troops dislodge insurgents from their strongholds in Northeastern Nigeria.

But the feeble action of government angered, rather than appease Shekau, who backed his threats by unleashing deadly attacks on communities in the Northeast. Twine suicide attacks on the same day, the video was released, sniffed life out of 38 persons. And the string of bombings continued as on February 15, 2015, as a female suicide bomberkilled at least 10 passersby in a local market in Borno.

It was the extent Shekau and Boko Haram terrorists held Nigeria hostage in braggadocio, mindless bloodletting and carnages. This was before President Muhammedu Buhari was elected the democratic leader of Nigeria. He also vowed to blight the fire of Shekau and his bloodsucking sect.

And keen observers of the operations of Abukakar Shekau would concede that the terrorists leader had a style of asserting his authority. He was in the habit of consistent video appearances to either raise fresh controversies, brag about his might and exploits/atrocities or convey his satanic messages.

Under Shekau’s command, Boko Haram was expansive and virile to the extent it annexed Nigerian territories; named Gwoza and Bama in Borno as headquarters and its subsidiary of the sect’s Caliphate respectively. Its atrocities and horrendous attacks drenched Nigerians in endless tears and sorrows.

However, under the Buhari Presidency, Boko Haram has been decimated and defeated. The COAS and leader of the counter-insurgency operations, Lt. Gen. TY Buratai and troops have been able to run Abubakar Shekau out of relevance. It is quite curious that in the last two years, Shekau nor any moniker has not appeared in any public video issuing threats or bragging or claiming responsibility about gruesome killing and abductions.

Pertinently, at the end of October 2019, a tragedy hit the Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant (ISIL or ISIS). Its leaderAbu Bakr al-Baghdadi was killed in a US military operation in northwest Syria. Again, the ISIS spokesman Abu al-Hassan al-Muhajir and a close aide to al-Baghdadi was also killed in a joint US operation with Kurdish forces in the northern Syrian city of Jarablus hours after al-Baghdadi's death.

Both US President Donald Trump and the ISIL's legislative and consultative body have confirmed the deaths of these two terror kingpins. It is a sad moment in the terrorists’ world globally, as humanity and governments rejoices.

In a public statement, via the group's media arm, al-Furqan, ISIL’s new spokesman, Abu Hamza al-Qurayshi, announced Abu Ibrahim al-Hashimi al-Qurayshi as its new chief and replacement forAbu Bakr al-Baghdadi.

The statement read in part; "We mourn you ... commander of the faithful…Do not rejoice America. The new chosen one will make you forget the horror you have beholden ... and make the achievements of the Baghdadi days taste sweet."

“The Islamic State shura council convened immediately after confirming the martyrdom of Sheikh Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi, and the elders of the holy warriors agreed on a replacement,” al-Qurayshi stated.

America has designated Boko Haram as a terrorists group. US also placed a $7 million reward for Shekau's capture as part of its rewards for Justice programme, after its designation of Shekau as a "global terrorist.”

Consequently, in the bid to shore-up his international standing, in March 2015 Shekau publicly pledged its allegiance to ISIL and its now murdered leader, Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi. Thus, Boko Haram transmogrified into the "Islamic State's West Africa Province" (ISWAP) and Abubakar Shekau became its first “vali” (Governor).

Shekau had thundered in a video message; “We announce our allegiance to the Caliph of the Muslims ... and will hear and obey in times of difficulty and prosperity, in hardship and ease, and to endure being discriminated against, and not to dispute about rule with those in power, except in case of evident infidelity regarding that which there is a proof from Allah.”

Therefore, the tragedy which rocked ISIL, the global headquarters of terrorism, as manifest in the killing of two principal leaders, ought to have shuddered Shekau enough to release another video. He would have proudly staged out to express condolence to his martyred lords, threatening Nigerians with reprisals and upping the tempo of atrocities. Shekau has no strength to even congratulate his new terror chief, Abu Ibrahim al-Hashimi al-Qurayshi. Its abnormal that weeks after the incident Shekau or anybody acting at his behest has summoned the courage to mouth out in lashings or comments about the new order in ISIS.

No sign which has potently conveyed the fall of Boko Haram’s Abubakar Shekau more that the unusual silence over the deaths in ISIL’s headquarters. It is an incontrovertible admission of the final eclipse of Shekau and Boko Haram, a trajectory laid for them by Gen. Buratai.

Gen. Buratai’s reclamation of all the Nigerian territories annexed by Boko Haram in the Northeast; the incapacity of insurgents to retake the freed local government areas, including Gwoza and Bama and troops stoppage of recruitments of vulnerable youths into the sect’s fold as foot soldiers have been serious setbacks for Shekau and his incensed terrorists.

Furthermore, Gen. Buratai’s December 2016’s demystification of Sambisa forest, which provided protective shield for Shekau and his army of terrorists have been a great setback to the operations of Boko Haram and Shekau. As precursor to the final conquest of Sambisa forest, the Army had overran four Boko Haram camps in the Sambisa, where over 300 female hostages were freed in April 2016. The Army presented captured Sambisa forest as Christmas gift to Nigerians on December 24, 2016.

In addition, the overwhelming flooding of troops in the Northeast has been another weakening nightmare for insurgents and Shekau. The relentless and consistent pressures mounted on insurgents in the frontlines for months and years, coupled with eagle-eyed surveillance forced Shekau into an effeminate disappearance from the battle turf, dressed in hijab and disguised as a woman to evade arrest.

That last encounter with troops two years ago reportedly left Shekau fatally wounded, (if not dead) and fatigued. Months later, a Boko Haram commander, Abdullahi Bello (alias Abu Zainab), who was arrested by the Army in Bauchi revealed that Abubakar Shekau veiled himself and sneaked out of Nigeria on bush paths to Kolofata in neighbouring Cameroun. It was his historic fall, as Shekau is a new permanent guest of birds and reptiles in caves and mountains’ of Cameroun.

Shekau is forced to bow out of “active” service and the residues of his lieutenants still parading the fields have not found it easy either. Gen, Buratai and Nigerian troops are not giving them a chance to breath. Clearance operations is fetching out a lot of the remnants of terrorists from far-flung hideouts.

It is unthinkable that Shekau and Boko Haram insurgents would ever again have the chance to attack and massively massacre Nigerians in a manner reminiscence of the January 3-7, 2015, insurgents tragic invasion of Baga, where they slaughtered over 2,000 Nigerians. Shekau has become an inevitable history in Boko Haram terrorism, courtesy of President Buhari and the leader of counter-insurgency operations, the irrepressible Gen. Buratai.


Abakpa wrote this piece from Imperial College, London.

*Falana intoxicated with early wine, group chides Falana over accusation on PMB*

Pro-democracy group, National Democratic Front (NDF), believes Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN), Femi Falana's recent attacks on President Muhammadu Buhari is a product of “intoxication with early wine".

In a recent scathing onslaught, among others, the self-acclaimed human rights lawyer had insinuated that President Buhari is contemplating a third-term agenda in 2023.

However, in reaction, the NDF rubbished such notion, describing it as “unfounded, baseless and senseless”.

In a press conference in Abuja on Saturday, Secretary-General, Dr Abdulakadir Bolaji, revealed that Mr Falana is nothing but a clout chaser, seeking prominence despite Buhari’s timely rebuttal that he has no intention of tenure elongation.

According to the group, the latest outing by the ex-chairman of National Conscience Party has “betrayed him as one of the many veiled forces working in cohorts with foreign interests against Nigeria”.

While reiterating that the president is a “Democrat” who respects the Constitution, the NDF advised Falana to emulate the hallowed path of late Gani Fawehinmi, the true “Senior Advocate of the Masses”.

Read full statement below:

We read with utmost dismay, shock and disappointment news on various media platforms credited to Lagos-based human rights lawyer, Mr. Femi Falana, SAN, aligning himself with the unfounded, baseless and senseless propagation of the incongruous notion that President Muhammadu Buhari is secretly plotting a third term agenda in 2023.

It is stumping that a lawyer of Falana’s status and exposure, who tags himself with the venerated epaulet of “human rights activist,” under the silk should condescend to lend his voice in giving credence to the flyers of desperate attention seekers, internet-based gossips and un-informed media commentaries trumpeting President Buhari’s tenure elongation.

Mr. Falana has decided to defame his character and lower his self-esteem, in spite of President Buhari’s timely rebuttal that he has no intention of tenure elongation, when the campaign began to gain currency on social media platforms and promoted by debased characters.

A statement by the Presidential spokesman, Mr. Garba Shehu eloquently disclaimed that “President Buhari is a democrat. He respects the Constitution. Any activity aimed at altering the two-term limit will not succeed and shall never have his time nor support.” This is articulate and lucid enough to everyone.

There should be honour in what an elder or senior citizen vomits in the public, even if he is intoxicated with early wine. We find it very reprehensible that Mr. Falana’s should attempt to seek attention like common political jobbers by cunningly imposing a third term plot, on the character disposition and personality of President Buhari. It does not blend with the persona of Buhari.

Elsewhere in the world, elders of Falana’s status are known for wisdom, sermons of unification of the people and their avid interest in teaching the younger generation the path of truth and dignity. It is unfortunate that the case of Falana seems to be slightly different and a negation of these cherished values with such illogical comments.

If today, Mr. Falana does not only feel content to dispute or contest the believability of the words from Mr. President on any issue, which is the leader’s personal decision, it is laughable. But it is more ludicrous that Falana should wear the toga of a village sorcerer, conjurer or soothsayer to dispute the President without valid reasons.

More surprisingly, Falana anchored his postulations on the third term plot and campaigns on nothingness, citing archaic trends which occurred under autocratic leaders of Nigeria. Let us reiterate again that President Buhari is a decent, respectable, law-abiding and selfless leader who is conscious of his international rating in the comity of leaders and protects his integrity unlike, Falana’s rapacious power monger and kinsman, former President Olusegun Obasanjo who plotted third term with dollars.

Any Nigerian who has keenly followed the leadership proclivity of President Buhari would easily concede that there are no immediate or remote antecedents linked to the President. Nothing even in his body language suggests he is of the breed of power monks and might seek to perpetuate himself in power or elongate his constitutional two terms of eight years.

Falana mouthed that the actions of the President and his men were pointers to a secret plot for tenure extension ambition. It sounds like hallucinations. But the so-called actions cited by Mr. Falana are laughable and ridicules his entire personality.

The human rights lawyer so disingenuously claimed President Buhari’s administration is hounding into oblivion, opposition members and restricting free speech. He also claimed media crackdown and authoritarian moves in the areas of free trade and impunity in the conduct of state matters.

But President Buhari is a democratic leader who is subject to checkmating by the National Assembly. This is a President who allowed even federal government staff against his presidential ambition to connive with the opposition PDP elements unmolested or harassed before and after the general elections.

It is the same President who knew but never reacted to plots by the main opposition figure heads to scuttle his second-term swearing-in ceremony. So, how could any right thinking Nigerian claim Buhari is “driving opposition members underground?” Is Falana tacitly suggesting that President Buhari should slacken the pace of the war on corruption because most of those affected are opposition figures? We are sure Falana knows it is impossible.

President Buhari has no intention to curtail freedom of speech or muzzle the media. His government is only concerned with expression of this freedom responsibly in a manner which neither infringes on the rights of other Nigerians nor promote hate speech with its dire consequences of disaffection and disunity. This is even subject to legislation.

In Falana’s desperation to nail President Buhari on his crucifix, he brought up the issue of Messers Omoyele Sowore and his co-accused, Olawale Bakare facing treason and other charges at a Federal High Court, Abuja before Justice Ijeoma Ojukwu . It is to stir public sentiments and sympathy into conferring credibility on his empty tales.

Falana who is a lead defence counsel in the case generously accused the Department of State Security Service (DSS) of refusal to release Sowore and his co-accused despite the court order to that effect. But Falana is aware that after Sowore perfected the bail conditions no one has presented himself to take them on bail, including Falana.

On Friday November 8, 2019, Spokesman for the DSS, Dr. Peter Afunanya explained in a public statement that the secret agency “has received the Court Order for the release of Omoyele Sowore. It is important that the public notes that since the receipt of the Order, no person has turned up at the DSS to take delivery of him.”

Has anyone or Mr. Falana approached the DSS office and is denied the release of the detainee? If there is anybody privy to this fact is Mr. Falana and it becomes suspect, why he has preferred to tongue-lash Mr. President over his own failings.

If the presiding judge feels it is necessary to restrict the movement of Sowore and Bakare to Abuja and Osun respectively, how is President Buhari linked to the court decision? Or is Falana indirectly insinuating that the judiciary is no longer independent of executive interference? Did he argue the restriction of moment before the trial judge?

But more interestingly, Falana’s latest outing has betrayed him as one of the many veiled forces working in cohorts with foreign interests against Nigeria. For Falana to qualify President Buhari’s closure of land borders to save local goods and service as impunity and an attempt to stifle free trade casts him as an unpatriotic Nigerian.

Mr. Falana should know better than anyone else that the Presidency has not nullified it free trade agreement with neighbouring African countries. It only took measures deemed expedient to stem smuggling, which cheats the local producer in Nigeria and the deprive the country of vital national revenues. For a Lawyer of Falana’s standing to openly and boldly side with smugglers against national interests suggests that he is a covert beneficiary of the activities of the smuggling cartel.

Candidly, we feel if Falana is idle, he should try his hands on something else. Flippancy becomes useless when what anyone utters cannot be discerned by anybody or is absolutely useless.

Falana should rise above such basal levels of guesswork and hallucinatory imaginations. He should crave to emulate the late Gani Fawehinmi, the true “Senior Advocate of the Masses” who fervently stood for the masses, but never betrayed his country or sided dubious characters against his nation.

Again, President Buhari has not; will not and has never nursed or contemplated any third term agenda. So, Falana should apply his sorcery elsewhere and desist from the disgraceful attempts to malign President Buhari, cause discord, disaffection, disunity and consequently overheat the polity. That’s not an enviable mark of a senior citizen in the mould of someone like Mr. Falana.

Nigeria Customs Service Directive to Halt Petroleum Products supply to Towns within 20 Kilometers to the National Borders not Well Thought -Out~~~~Dr Joe Okei-Odumakin

The world has gone beyond the crude mode of operations of Nigeria’s security architecture; its shortcoming is further being brought to the public glare by the directive of the Controller General of Nigerian Customs Service, Col (Rtd) Ali Hammed, to halt the supply of petroleum products within 20 kilometers of our national borders to prevent export to neighbouring countries.

The policy would be disastrous to the livelihood of those living and working in and around these areas, who also depend on petroleum products for survival.When has it become a crime to live around the borders?We can't behave as if they have forfeited their citizenship because they live around the borders.

The federal government must, as a matter of its primary responsibility of providing for the welfare of all its citizens direct the Nigerian Customs Service to rescind on such an anti-people policy and seek other forms of stopping smuggling.

The primary responsibility of the government shall be the enhancement and provision of welfare for its citizens. No one has the power to choose where he comes from or place of ancestral lineage. Some people have even over the years situated their daily means of livelihood in and around border towns. Nigeria is a member of Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS). The Charter of ECOWAS provides for free movement and cross-country movement within its neighbouring and member countries.
Fundamentally, there is a huge security lacuna in the mode of operations in Nigerian Security architecture and procedures. For instance, there are many non-South Western security personnel being posted and attached to our borders in the South West as against what is obtainable in the Northern region boarders where a chunk of the Northern Vigilante extraction of security personnel are posted and attached to such areas. Such action is not in national interest and it poses a great threat to our national cohesion, peace and progress.

America can go to war over just a citizen,it is amazing we take decisions that affect several thousands of our citizens without putting paliative measures in place.


Dr Joe Okei-Odumakin
President, Centre for Change.

Deep offshore and inland basin Bill; NANS Zone B Coordinator Etinyene lauds President Buhari.

The Coordinator of the National Association of Nigerians students (NANS) Zone B, Comrade Etinyene Offongekpe has on behalf of Nigerian Students in the zone, has commended President Mohammadu Buhari for signing the Deep offshore and inland basin production sharing contract (PSC) Amendment bill into law.

Comrade Offongekpe made this known while thanking the president for signing the bill, adding that this will go a long way in sustaining improving Nigeria's gain as an oil producing country, while also enabling government to invest more into the welfare of Nigerian students and the country at large.

In a statement issued in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State on Tuesday, the NANS zonal leader said the signing of the bill, is a positive steps, towards salvaging the challenges in the oil sector and addressing the rising poverty in Nigeria. He also said the law, will bring rapid growth and development to the nation and it citizen at large.

The students leader also reminded Nigerians that NANS remains a pressure group and non-partisan.

He therefore prayed that God continue to protect President Buhari, as he continues his various reformation programmes, which are for the benefit of our the country.

*Positive Identification: Middle-Belt group lauds Buhari, Nigerian Army over operation to sanitize region*


The Middle Belt Conscience Guard (MBCG) has hailed President Muhammadu Buhari and Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lieutenant General Tukur Buratai over what it described as “timely" introduction of the ‘Operation Positive Identification’.

The group reckoned that the exercise is crucial to restore sanity in the region, especially at a time foreign criminal elements have infiltrated the country.

The MBCG made this known on Friday at a press conference in Abuja.

In a statement signed by its President, Prince Raymond Nero, the group revealed that the operation is a thoughtful security sanity and the final push to flush out remnants of terrorists.

Like previous operations, the Middle-Belt expressed confidence that OPI would be a massive success, filtering, identifying and apprehending hired foreign criminals.

The group, therefore, commended President Buhari and the Army leadership for coming up with such thoughtful and proactive measure.

Read full statement below:

The Middle Belt Conscience Guard’s (MBCG) is most delighted to warmly welcome you to this Press Conference. We are grateful to Almighty God for our robust lives and the steady progress of our nation in the#NextLevel.

We are encouraged to address the media and by implication the Nigerian public for two reasons. First, to once again drum attention of our compatriots to the commencement of the “Operation Positive Identification,” (OPI) today Friday, November 1, 2019 by the Nigerian Army.

It is an exercise that will cause an increased presence of soldiers on major highways and locations nationwide. And soldiers are expected to politely and courteously request travelers to identify themselves before proceeding on their journeys.

Secondly, MBCG is constrained to interact with Nigerians on OPI exercise to explain reasons the military civil operations have become expedient. And also, to canvass support from the civil populace for the Army throughout the three-week duration of the exercise.

To this end, we advise that during the Army’s outing on OPI, Nigerians in transit are expected to carry in their possession a valid and authentic means of identification such as national identity card, voter’s registration card, (PVC), driver’s license, international passport and or, other valid official identification document.

All civilians are expected to be cautious, conduct themselves responsibly and comply with official directives by security agents during this interface. The Army will not violate the human rights of any Nigerian in the course of this exercise.

The MBCG is excited with OPI because everyone will concede to us that most parts of Nigeria, especially the Middle Belt region have been plunged into meaningless and rampant crisis. It ranges from bloodletting and destructions, armed banditry and cattle rustling, terrorism, kidnappings and so forth, fueled by suspected foreign criminal gangs who have illegally migrated into the country.

Regrettably, it is the Middle Belt region that is very susceptible and the worst hit by the atrocities and criminal activities of these foreign criminal agents, killer mercenaries, terrorists, armed bandits, cattle rustlers and their ilk, who invade us from outside Nigeria. They are contracted, sponsored and imported into the country by satanically possessed political actors to destabilize our peace as a region and the nation.

It is only the vigilance and alertness of the Federal Government of Nigeria (FGN) under the leadership of President Muhammadu Buhari and the Nigerian Army that have saved us from total doom and destruction by the invasion and toxic insecurity orchestrated by these suspected foreign criminals.

The MBCG profoundly salutes Mr. President and the leadership of the Nigerian Army for continually rising to the defence of Nigerians from the invasion by foreign criminal elements and their internal collaborators.

We are already in the yuletide season and it is the most auspicious time, which spurs the zeal of criminal elements to unleash assorted terrors and criminalities on innocent and law abiding citizens. Therefore, the OPI is crafted to checkmate the widespread insecurity occasioned by the exigencies of this celebrative season.

The MBCG consequently fully identifies with the FGN and the leadership of the Nigerian Army on OPI. We appreciate this laudable and proactive initiative on taming insecurity in the country in our region and the country.

The Nigerian Army particularly has been performing a wonderful and commendable job on Internal Security (IS). We recall the Army’s intervention with the “Operation Python Dance (I & II) for Nigerians domiciled in the Southeast to be extricated from the pangs of bloodshed, armed robberies, kidnappings and allied criminalities to enjoy a peaceful yuletide and New Year.

The Army instantly flushed out armed gangs and militias terrorizing the peace and security of the Southeast region. Similar military operations like “Operation Delta Safe” conducted by the Army also cleansed the South-South region, of armed militants, kidnappers, armed robbers, armed pirates and related criminalities. Many other parts of the country have benefitted from the solace of the Army’s soothing and reliving interventions on insecurity.

The OPI exercise is a thoughtful and proactive security measure, fashioned on a similar template. It is honed to identify and apprehend hired foreign criminals who invade our country and perpetrate all manner of atrocities. So, we have no doubt that the Army will do a clean, neat and commendable job with OPI for our enduring peace and security.

Once again, we assure all Nigerians that no Nigerian would have his human rights abused or violated by soldiers during OPI. We therefore, call on all citizens of Nigeria, especially, those domiciled in North Central states, which are intensely terrorized, to come out en masse in discharge of the obligation of moral encouragement and support to the Nigerian Army for a resounding success of the OPI.

Thank you all and happy new month, as we wish you journey mercies to your various destinations.

By Yakubu Mohammed

“Soldiers would marry the prettiest women, live in the best homes, eat the best food, wear the best cloth and drive the best cars because when war comes, they die first” ---Muhamadu Ribadu

I stumbled on this quote of Nigeria’s first Defence Minister after independence and a reputable Northern politician of his time, Alhaji Muhammadu Ribadu. He lived an eventful life between 1909 and 1965.

He was not a soldier, but knew exactly the pains of a soldier. So, I was fascinated at this catchy wisdom. In Ribadu’s time, Nigeria knew no war, but peace. However, it was clear to his mind that peace could only, but be ephemeral, as there would come a time to war, when only soldiers are the dutiful rescuers.

It has struck me strongly that Ribadu must have been gifted with a stunning clairvoyance. He correctly envisaged that an Army in Nigeria would one day face war. He had the power of prediction; he had prophetic wisdom. Ribadu never lived to see the fulfilment of his prophesy, as he answered the divine call on May 1st, 1965, the eve of the 1966 coup, which disrupted the politics of the first republic and the eventual three-year Nigerian civil war.

Like Ribadu predicted, scores of soldiers laid down their lives to break the cord of secessionists in Nigeria. These soldiers died so that we could live and for the nation to thrive in unity, peace and progress. The need to give soldiers absolute comfort in peace times was the strong message conveyed by the ditty of the cerebral Ribadu.

He was lucid that a soldier must be entitled to all the niceties and luxuries of life, hence in times of war, the soldier is the first to sacrifice his life for others to live.

Is there any justification for anyone to claim, a soldier does not value his life or entitled to the epicurean lifestyles of the rest of us? There is absolutely no reason.

So, as the then serving Minister of Defence, Ribadu ensured rapid expansion of the Nigerian Army and other arms of the military. In tandem with his mindset of welfare for the soldier, Ribadu established the Defence Industries Corporation and many other such initiatives designed for the comfort of soldiers.

It is the same philosophy, the current Chief of Army Staff (COAS) and ombudsman of the counter-insurgency war, Gen. Tukur Yusufu Buratai has imbibed in his leadership of the Nigerian Army. The Army Chief believes soldiers have signed a pact to die for us. They keep vigil for us to sleep in peace; they accept the bullets of the enemy for us to have life. The Army is a call only for the strong-hearted and soldiers deserve maximum comfort.

Naval war veteran and former US President, John F. Kennedy, fondly exhumes this pride in military service when he said; "Any man who may be asked in this century what he did to make his life worthwhile, I think can respond with a good deal of pride and satisfaction: 'I served in the United States Navy.”

Gen. Buratai is a combatant soldier who is fired by the innate passion of service to humanity. He is an epitome of an ideal soldier anywhere in the world. My perception of him is that of an officer who embodies selflessness, patriotism, excellence and loyalty in leadership. Like Ribadu, he prioritizes the welfare of soldiers. Sun Tzu admonished military commanders to give every comfort to their soldiers and they can follow “you to the deepest valley.” Gen. Buratai is today fondly referred to as Sun Tzu of Africa by his patriots and mentees within the military for religiously upholding soldiers' welfare and comfort like a commandment.

Gen. Buratai’s adoption of this philosophy is responsible for the Army’s winning streaks in the anti-insurgency battles. What has propelled our Army officers and soldiers to fight unflinchingly and win the war on terrorism is rooted in the policy of Gen. Buratai’s fixation on the absolute comfort and niceties his administration is building for soldiers nationwide.

Famously, the Army Chief instituted the culture of prompt and timely payment of salaries and allowances of soldiers. He considers it an inviolable and sacrosanct obligation especially for soldiers in the frontlines. The era of soldiers grumbling for non-payment of legitimate entitlements is long gone with Gen. Buratai on board.

Furthermore, Gen. Buratai knows a soldier deserves a decent and habitable shelter for himself and family. In 2016, barely months after he assumed office, Gen. Buratai’s heart was drenched in sorrow as bemoaned the years of neglect of accommodation for the Army thus; “The soldiers are staying in a very bad accommodation, it is unfortunate!” Therefore, his administration embarked on massive renovation of Army Barracks and offices to provide both residential and office accommodation for soldiers.

Such imprints of Barracks renovations or constructions signposted very early in his administration as noticeable in Maxwell Khobe Cantonment, Jos; Obienu Barracks in Bauchi and Nigerian Army Barracks in Bama among others. Gen. Buratai has also made provision of portable water in Army Barracks a fundamental objective, where it is also extended to host communities.

A few examples like the Army Division in Enugu and its host community, Abakpa feels this impact; the Rukuba and Miango communities are also serviced by the Multi-Purpose Dam at Maxwell Khobe Cantonment, Jos. And it is replicated fairly in all Army Barracks across the nation.

The Army Chief has also initiated the building of new schools and refurbishment of old ones. He aggressively embarked on renovation and construction of new Army schools across Nigeria for children of Army officers and soldiers, starting from Abuja to elsewhere in the federation.

Access roads in Army Barracks are also rehabilitated, much like Army hospitals. Under Buratai’s leadership, soldiers enjoy a large dosage of comfort. He is aware that happy troops are the backbone to the success of any military expedition.

Its apparent that Gen. Buratai’s passion for the Army and service to his fatherland is innate. It can be gleaned from the background that in his time as a teenager, many of his peers naturally dreaded the Army. The military was perceived as a fearsome and hazardous vocation. Existing and working to die for others to live is a hard decision to adopt. But the young Buratai opted for it.

Himself the son of the World War II veteran, Mallam Yusuf Buratai who served under the Royal West African Frontier Force (RWAFF) from Nigeria, Gen. Buratai is a descendant of the lineage of chauvinists. So, he dreads no war and aims to conquer enemies of the state at all times.

Shortly before his demise two years back at the age of 106, the elder Buratai revealed that he never prodded his son to enlist in the Army, and that Gen. Buratai voluntarily opted for a military career. Pa Buratai said,“I did not ask him to join the army. He joined willingly. When he finished school here in Maiduguri, there was an advertisement urging young men to join the Nigerian Defence Academy (NDA). He applied and was successful, so he voluntarily joined the army.”

Mallam Buratai believed that mankind must be freed from the excesses of demonically possessed souls and the only way to contribute his quota in enthroning global peace was the romance with the boots. He had a conviction that a soldier lives and dies for his country. He was infinitely sad with tales of soldiers these days, retreating from the battlefield in the face of enemy forces. That was his notion of the Army.

Therefore, Gen. Buratai has stood on these principles and perception of his father throughout his military career. It accounts for his superfluous performance as a soldier, crack combatant and leader for what his admirers have described as a rewarding military career to his nation.

As a leader of the Nigerian Army, Gen. Buratai finds the wisdom of Gen. Colin Powell worthwhile. Powell proclaimed that "The most important thing I learned is that soldiers watch what their leaders do. You can give them classes and lecture them forever, but it is your personal example they will follow."

Thus, under Gen. Buratai’s leadership, the Nigerian Army has been on a steady progressive match in excellence and performance in all ramifications because he is an ardent exemplar in official duties. Nigerians have seen a reformed and re-professionalized Army, which is loyal and patriotic. Soldiers are recording remarkable and uninterruptedsuccesses in the battles against Boko Haram and bile insurrections in the country.

Soldiers under Gen. Buratai’s guidance have stamped their dominion in all special assignments in Nigeria. Soldiers engaged on Internal Security (IS) observe the highest professional standards, maintain maximum respect for human rights of Nigerians as well as humbly sticking to the Rules of Engagement (ROE).

The Nigerian Army under Gen. Burataiis not only excelling in war, but expanding its base. From five Divisions of the NigerianArmy, which Gen. Buratai inherited in 2015, he has increased it to eight Army Divisions for ease of military operations. There are thousand Army Forward Bases stationed in crisis prone areas. Gen. Buratai has been able to establish an Army Aviation School and the Nigerian Army University, the first Army varsity in Africa within theshort time of his leadership.

In Gen. Buratai’s prosecution of the counter-terrorism war in Nigeria, he is resolute and resilient. Like the British Field Marshal Sir Herold Alexander said, Gen. Buratai knows, “The knowledge of not only the enemy’s strength and disposition, but also how, when and where he intends to carry out his operations; brought a new dimension to the prosecution of the war”

When Gen. Burtai hops into the trenches against insurgents, in the words of the British Air Marshall ‘Bomber’ Harris, he steps out vengefully because “They sowed the seed, and now they are going to reap the whirlwind.”

In all the military engagements by Gen. Buratai and soldiers, they are exposed to grave dangers for no fault linked to them. Some have even paid the supreme price fighting to enthrone peace in a conflict they are oblivious of its causes. But they have remained loyal and patriotic to the entrenchment of peace. It now struck the wisdom of Ribadu in me, justifying why a soldier needs the best in peace times.

No doubt, Gen. Buratai has been inspired and guided by the advice his father offered him the first day he enlisted into the Army. Pa Buratai counselled the young officer Buratai to , “… be loyal to his superiors and constituted authority. I warned him to avoid any form of vice and I am grateful to God, he obeyed what I told him.”

It is the religious observance of this self-discipline or ethical code that has guided Gen. Buratai’s service elevation in the Army. This philosophy has always compelled Gen. Buratai to go the proverbial mile to seek comfort for soldiers. It explains why his leadership and administration of his office as COAS and leader of the counter-insurgency operations in Nigeria is a success story.


Mohammed, a public affairs commentator wrote this piece from Minna, Niger State.