₦airaland Forum

HOUSING FOR WORKERS IS AN IMPORTANT COMPONENT IN THE WAR AGAINST CORRUPTION – CIVIL SOCIETY NETWORK


The Civil Society Network for Good Governance has called on the Federal Government to sustain the gains made during the first term of president Muhammadu Buhari. The president and members of his executive spoke to newsmen at a Press Conference, held in Abuja following their Extraordinary General Congress, touched on the state of the housing sector vis a vis the strides made in the war against corruption.
In the words of the President of the organization, Barr Adefila Kamal, “housing is a major need of man, alongside food and clothing, and one of the key motivating factors of people who become corrupt in public service and private business is the quest to have this need met”.
Speaking on their assessment of the state of the sector, Barr. Kamal informed the media that the Network had “followed, with keen interest, the comprehensive reforms carried out in the housing sector under the administration of President Muhammadu Buhari. We note that, for the first time in the history of this country, there has been a silent revolution in the sector, as the government has revamped the Federal Housing Authority (FHA), Federal Mortgage Bank of Nigeria (FMBN). The government has also created the Federal Integrated Housing Scheme (FISH) to complement the good work of the Federal Government Staff Housing Loans Board, which is a specialist organization created to cater to the housing needs of public servants”.
He went further to argue that “as a government that is dedicated to rooting out corruption from our national psyche, providing affordable and qualitative housing for civil servants remains key to winning the war against corruption, and the Federal Government Staff Housing Loans Board had been doing its level best in that regard”. While noting that the board had received meagre funding, Barr. Kamal noted that his organization had carried out independent assessment of the board and other agencies in the sector, “and found that the board had in the last four years given loans to more civil servants, while the home renovation loan in collaboration with the FMBN is helping many civil servants to renovate their homes expanding the scope of beneficiaries “.

By Karen Goulding

A lot has been said about the activities of Amnesty International in Nigeria. I recall a certain period where there were agitations for the AI to be expelled from Nigeria due to the questionable way and manner it has carried on as regards the war against insurgency in North-East Nigeria and other human rights-related issues.

I struggled to come to terms with the expulsion demands because I am not one that goes with the crowd in most instances. I like to be objective in my analysis of events and situations to be able to put issues in proper perspective rather than dwell on assumptions which in most cases are not a reflection of the reality on the ground.

Consequently, I devoted a substantial part of my time to research extensively on Amnesty International, not just in Nigeria, but other countries where it is active and I must add that the revelations were mind-boggling. Mind-boggling in the sense that I was confronted with an organization whose modus operandi is shrouded in secrecy and questionable motives.

My verdict is this. Amnesty International as an organization is fraught with irregularities and motives propelled by pecuniary gains. Thiers is such that you need to have an eagle eye to be able to see through the veil covering the activities of Amnesty International. Upon realization of this fact, I now reckoned that indeed there was some element of truth in the allegations the organization is working in cahoots with some vested interest in ensuring Nigeria is continuously on the limelight for the wrong reasons.

For me, there are two issues that I would like to comment on. One is the fact that it took the government of Nigeria a while to understand the motives of the organization and two is the fact that the government of Nigeria has not been assertive enough in confronting the half-truths peddled by Amnesty International in its yearly reports.

This is indeed a shame that as a people, we have allowed Amnesty International to get away with their dubious trade unabated in the past years. I am also appalled with the fact that those saddled with the responsibility of gathering sensitive information on threats to the sovereignty of Nigeria either by commission or omission refused to act despite glaring pieces of evidence of wrongdoings.

I can make an excuse. However, it is beyond me, but the future of over 200 million Nigerians who have nowhere to call home other than Nigeria. It further insults our sensibilities that we have an organization like Amnesty International serving as a collaborator in the covert plot to cause the disintegration of Nigeria. If this is not a failure, I don’t know what else to call it.

However, I am consoled with the fact that the relevant authorities in Nigeria are now alive to their responsibility and taking steps towards putting Amnesty International in check. Also, this has been quite unpalatable for them because it is no longer business as usual. They have cried wolf where non exist. They have also made unsubstantiated allegations all in a bid to curry public sympathy. But to no avail.

I must add that the past four years has been indeed traumatic for Nigeria due to the half-truths contained in the yearly reports of Amnesty International. One of the revelations of my study of the activities of Amnesty International is the fact that its annual reports are laced with illogical conclusions and outright insinuations. And guess what? It has been garbage in and garbage out with no meaningful improvement in its style. What they do mostly is to move words and sentences year in, year out.

And this is the thrash that Nigerians have continuously been fed with under the guise of human rights watchdog. My consolation is that fact that everything that has a beginning also has an end and I dare say that the end has come for Amnesty International and its cohorts in Nigeria. I am not sure they can sustain their trade anymore in Nigeria due to the level of awareness of their activities in recent times.

The era of half-truths has been replaced. The period of playing with the intelligence of Nigerians is also gone, and the period of peaceful departure is here before us. This fact they must come to terms with and take the honourable path of quitting Nigeria because their continued stay in Nigeria would serve no purpose for them and their paymasters.

At this point, I wholly commend the relevant authorities in Nigeria for tolerating the mischief of Amnesty International in the past years. That there has not been any restive situation is indeed a testament to the patience and diplomatic nature of the relevant authorities in Nigeria. And I dare to say that were it to be in other climes; the story would have been different.

Amnesty International must respect Nigeria and Nigerians and as a matter of urgency put an end to their misdemeanour in the interest of peace. Nigeria is a sovereign nation, and its people are more than resolute in ensuring that the country stays united. I am quite convinced that no amount of blackmail and conspiracy can break the Nigerian spirit as it stands.

My position is a piece of advice that must be taken seriously by the promoters of Amnesty International. Nigeria is not their market. And it would never be for self-evident reasons.

Goulding wrote this piece from the United Kingdom.

CIVIL SOCIETY GROUP MEETS AND EXPRESSES DISPLEASURE OVER POOR QUALITY OF SERVICES FROM THE FEDERAL MEDICAL CENTER, YENAGOA
The Civil Society Advocacy for Transparency, a Civil Society Group has expressed its displeasure with the quality of services being rendered in the Federal Medical Center (FMC), Yenagoa under the Leadership of Dr. Dennis Allagoa the Chief Medical Director of the Hospital.
Speaking to newsmen in Abuja following an emergency congress meeting of the group, the National Coordinator of the Group, Comrade Joshua Oluwatobi Ademola, disclosed that his group “had been receiving reports of poor quality of service from the Hospital, under the leadership of Dr. Dennis Allagoa as CMD, as the supposed Medical center of Excellence has become a shadow of the aim for which it was established in the first place”.
Speaking further, the Coordinator said “the federal government has continued to put in heavy doses of its scarce resources into the running of the hospital, and the procurement of needed equipment, which have ended up in coffers other than that of the hospital. This has led to several avoidable deaths of poor Nigerians, including most recently a high ranking member of the National Association of Resident Doctors (NARD), while also swelling the ranks of foreign medical tourists among the elite who can afford it”.
Comrade Ademola disclosed that, “the Civil Society Advocacy for Transparency will be taking further action against the FMC Yenagoa, beyond this national press briefing, which will include a petition to the appropriate quarters, including the Presidency, the Ministry of Health, National Assembly and the anti-graft agencies, calling for the investigation and prosecution of Dr. Allagoa and his management team. Our Group will go further to embark on peaceful public protests against the maladministration of the Federal Medical Center, Yenagoa, and the disservice being done to the good people of Nigeria and the suffering people of Bayelsa and neighbouring Niger Delta states by this supposed center of excellence”.

The Arewa Coalition for Peace and Unity (ACPU) has chastised socio-cultural groups Ohaneze Ndi’Igbo and Afenifere for demonizing the blood of innocent citizens killed by the Islamic Movement of Nigeria (IMN) with its latest gimmick.

Both groups, previously known for their stern intolerance of the radical Islamic sect, suddenly turned sympathizers following the designation as a terrorist group.

In separate statements, the Afenifere and Ohanaeze attempted to discredit the proscription despite obvious havoc, describing it as "unlawful”, implying that they may have soft spot for other terrorist groups like Boko Haram.

An Igbo group even went a step further to demonstrate.

In the video that went viral, they were heard chanting how they will shed their blood and lay down their lives for IMN leader, Sheik Ibrahim El-Zakzaky.

In a press conference delivered by President Dr. Usman Ikani on Tuesday in Kaduna, the Arewa group, however, warned there bodies to desist from mocking the north’s experience in the hands of Boko Haram with their destructive activities or ultimately face the consequences.

The ACPU further urged the security agencies to rise to the occasion, arrest and prosecute those giving cover for terrorists to operate on the streets in accordance with the law.

Read full statement below:

Gentlemen of the press, we are outraged after witnessing a disrespectful show put up by socio-cultural groups, Ohaneze Ndi Igbo and Afenifere, both of which demonstrated total insensitivity to the security situation in the north by fusing with the Islamic Movement in Nigeria (IMN).

Right thinking persons would have expected that any organization that engaged in such despicable act would hide their faces in shame, but perhaps driven by lack of awareness about the gravity of what they have done, went ahead to publicise video and multimedia of their indiscretion. The video they shared had them chanting about how they will shed their blood and lay down their lives for IMN leader, Sheik Ibrahim El-Zakzaky.

Such choice of words removed all doubts that rather than acting in solidarity or sympathy, the Afenifere and Ohaneze members that joined the so called protest are closet terrorists who could no longer resist the urge to join IMN's bloodletting spree that made the Federal Government of Nigeria to declare it a terrorist organization.

When a Federal High Court in Abuja ordered the proscription of IMN, it made it clear that its members are not to hide under any other name or another identity to carry out the activities that have been proscribed by the court. The lie that it was Ohaneze and Afenifere that were protesting have been exposed because known IMN members were among the protesters whole the inciting and hate speeches read during the protest came right out of IMN manuals.

These actions are highly provocative. They are insensitive. The action of the Afenifere and Ohaneze is a direct mockery of the north’s experience in the hands of Boko Haram. They have concluded that IMN is a northern plague that can only affect the north so they believe in helping a terrorist organization to gain ground for reasons we are yet to fathom.

Additionally, recent statements and utterances by these groups from the south to embolden the IMN have so far confirmed the identity of the killers across the country. They had been hiding in the shadows while IMN did the killing but we now the identity of the organizations involved. It is a matter of time before the identities of specific individuals are knowns.

If IMN were operating in the south west and south east both organizations would have had a different thought and call on the world to deal with it as a terrorist group. To therefore give the group backing at a time Nigeria is healing from Boko Haram Terrorism is insulting to the extent that it appears as if they are wishing death to the people of the north. So these organizations hate us this much in the north?

We do not pray for any region to witness what the north has gone through in the hands of Boko Haram and we will not pray for the south to witness the uprising of any terrorist group in the future, including the terrorist IMN. Why then are Ohaneze and Afenifere wishing IMN's terrorism on us?

For those that have converted themselves into children of anger and have allowed the hatred of President Muhammadu Buhari to corrode their conscience and blind them to reason, we beg them that their hatred for the Buhari presidency should not drive them to the extent where they promote acts of terrorism in the country by blindly support the evil that El- Zakzakky group has unleashed on the north for many years now.

We also want to ask compatriots that have allowed themselves to be misled if it is acceptable in Igboland or Yorubaland to kill people, kill police, kill journalists and innocent bystanders.Has the human blood being shed by IMN in the north become a glorious venture that the Igbos or Yorubas would want to invest in?

We see this desecration of humanity for what it is. It is not the conspiracy of the Igbo or Yoruba as a people but rather the manifestation of a few irrelevant opportunists that want to profit from terrorists without looking at the larger ramifications for their ethnic groups, the victims of IMN terrorism, the country and the world at large.

Arewa Action for Peace hereby demands that all these contractors that are rubbishing their ethnic identities should stop their destructive activities forthwith or our youths will be compelled to take legitimate actions in pursuit of saving our beloved north from the ascendancy of another terrorist group. These characters are welcome to offer refuge to IMN terrorists provided they will not come crying to the north when their guests start showing their true colour as murderous arsonists.

We in the north have never supported kidnappings in the south but out of hate these guys are mocking the north knowing well that IMN is a terror Group.

We urge the security agencies to note that the court order proscribing IMN as a terrorist organization is being systematically circumvented by Ohaneze and Afenifere with all the security risk posed to the country. We demand that those that are giving cover for terrorists to operate on our streets in the north be promptly arrested and prosecuted in accordance with the law. This is expedient to put a stop to a situation where a group that has been designated a terrorist organization easily mutates into another identity.

Stand Up for Nigeria, a civil society group has fingered the Islamic Movement in Nigeria behind the planned protest across the country in August by Coalition for Revolution (CORE).

The group said IMN was only using CORE to cause panic among Nigerians following its proscription by the Nigerian Government.

Comrade Sunday Attah, National Secretary, while addressing newsmen on Monday, informed the law enforcement agencies that the planned protest was a ploy to evade the designation of the former as terrorist organization and to enable terrorists to continue gathering freely on the streets.

His statement below.

Gentlemen of the press, recent weeks had seen extremists and radical militants take over the streets of Abuja under the aegis of the Islamic Movement in Nigeria (IMN), which was supposedly demanding the release of their leader, Ibrahim el-Zakyzaky. It must be noted that el-Zakyzaky is on trial for murder, treason and ancillary crimes before a Kaduna State High Court.

The state does not have control of the police and other security agencies so it is logical that while the IMN leader has a case to answer with Kaduna state, he can only be kept in the custody of federal agencies, which is not the same as the Federal Government or the government of President Muhammadu Buhari holding him.

The implication of this is that the violent protests held on the streets of Abuja, and later other Nigerian cities, have nothing to do with the detention of el-Zakyzaky. The protests rather have all the signatures of a terrorism enterprise that is intended to cow the Nigerian state and subjugate all citizens to the reign of IMN, which so happens to be a proxy for Iran.

The measured responses from the Nigerian Police Force and other security organizations, even in the face of aggravated provocations by IMN members, are well documented. Its members often throw projectiles at policemen and in some instances used slingshots to inflict grievous injuries on those whose responsibility it was to prevent the arson that the IMN protestors are intent on committing and also prevent them from manhandling Nigerians.

A side note of use is the reminder that IMN does not believe in the Nigerian state. For every ministry of government that exists it has a corresponding department, which confirms that it is running a parallel country to the one we all know. It also does not believe in the current political configuration of the country be it political parties or offices that result as a consequence of their activities. Effectively, IMN at its most moderate is an anarchist group that later branched into full fledge terrorism.

We were therefore not surprised when the Federal Government, on the strength of a court order, proscribed IMN as a terrorist organization. Let us not forget that militants of IMN executed a Deputy Commissioner of Police on the streets of Abuja in the course of their violent protest on the same they executed a journalist and wasted the life of a dozen others in the course of expressing their so called rage. Before that they have attempted to overthrow the legislative arm of government, being the premier branch of government, when they stormed the National Assembly and laid siege to the place for several hours. That invasion resulted in deaths.
As a matter of emphasis, the Federal High Court in Abuja, presided over by Justice Nkeonye Maha, in addition to proscribing IMN as a terrorists organization, further restrained “any person or group of persons” from participating in any form of activities involving or concerning the IMN “under any name or platform” in the country.

Gentlemen of the press, we are therefore concerned that rather than desisting from “as acts of terrorism and illegality” as ordered by the court, IMN members have, in contravention of the court, regrouped under the name of the COALITION FOR REVOLUTION (CORE) in order for them to continue with their violent protests and continue killing Nigerians. CORE’s manifesto openly threatened violence by saying “We have the right to be in rage and to protest,” an agenda that not only tallies with IMN’s creed but is also consistent with the behavior of the terrorist organization in recent months.

Further confirmation that CORE is nothing but a rebranded IMN can be found in the second of the five demands of the group:
"For an effective and democratic end to insecurity and insurgency, combined with the immediate dismissal of the security chiefs and release of all political prisoners including the Shiite leader Ibrahim el-Zakzaky.”

Recall that there have been reports that the opposition People’s Democratic Party (PDP) and its presidential candidate, Mr Atiku Abubakar has been financing the IMN protests in addition to specifying what targets the group should attack. The other four points of CORE’s demand are consistent with Atiku’s propaganda. What we have learnt is that PDP/Atiku has transferred the existing mandate and funding from IMN to CORE in order for the violent street protests to continue with the assassination of policemen later escalating to include senior government officials.

We are using this opportunity to draw the attention of law enforcement agencies to this mutation of IMN into CORE. It is a ploy to evade the designation of the former as terrorist organization and to enable terrorists to continue gathering freely on the streets.

This poses a great danger to the country as they will again be able to resume killing security personnel before adding public office holders to their kill list. It is imperative that the coordinators of the planned protests beginning August 5, 2019 are identified before that date for the purpose of further investigating and establishing their links with IMN.

Nigerians are advised to note that rather than fighting for their cause, CORE is an agent of subjugation that is representing the interest of Iran and a desperate opposition that is eager to reestablish corruption as a norm. All right thinking people must therefore shun the deceptive protests being called by CORE as they are nothing but a ruse to make people support IMN.

Stand Up For Nigeria, a coalition of 22 Civil Society groups and youths groups is challenging CORE to prove that it is not a mutated IMN with the same mandate and funding source. We will soon expose more details of how the promoters of IMN are the very sponsors of IMN protests in Nigeria.

We re-affirm our commitment, the commitment of Nigeria and Nigerians to the unity and indivisibility of the country. We solemnly pledge that Nigerians will defend the country from any uprising being instigated by disgruntled politicians, sectarian terrorists and commercial protesters in the country.

*Ongoing manipulation of Bayelsa State PDP Governorship Primary delegates by PDP State Secretary*

Bayelsa state PDP Secretary; Mr kiku who is Governor Seriake Dickson’s closest adviser and associate recently ordered all five statutory delegates from some of the wards in the state to submit their VIN number of voters card and PDP membership card to him.

This act of collecting voters card registration number and PDP card numbers of delegates without communicating the reason is very worrisome. This is most especially because the last state PDP primary elections in Yenagoa federal constituency and assembly primaries for Yenegoa constituency 1&3; KOLGA constituency 2 were marred with violence. In these elections, selected delegates were prevented from accessing the venue of the primaries because they were suspected of not supporting the Governor’s preferred candidates. Some of these delegates were beaten, had their clothes torn and their monies and valuables collected. As a matter of fact, the house of representatives primaries for yenegoa/kolokuma-Opukuma federal constituency was marred by indiscriminate shooting and violence.

With a fore experience of this type of violence,intimation and harassment from the restoration government in the past, the delegates have expressed palpable fear as the state PDP Secretary ordered the submission of these items in a gestapo style. A lot of delegates desire that the next primary elections hold peacefully without threats but they also express fears because of threats from state PDP executive leadership preventing them from seeing certain aspirants especially Mr Kenebi Okoko. In fact, the state PDP leadership sometime early this year sanctioned some delegates that had a chat with Mr Kenebi Okoko.

The PDP national chairman and party executives should note that these precedences are unhealthy tendencies exhibited by the Bayelsa state PDP executive leadership and one can infer that this a violence driven government that does not believe in the civilised principles of free and fair elections. With the collection of these information from delegates,a lot of people are worried of their safety as delegates.

The ongoing practice of deliberately victimizing and excluding some delegates perceived to be supporting candidates that are not restoration candidates should not only be condemned but the PDP state Secretary should be sanctioned. Bayelsa PDP cannot afford to be thrown into violence and division by the activities of some over zealous actors of the restoration team. The National executive committee members of the party is kindly invited to note these happenings. They should call on the state actors stop these cancerous and unwholesome practices that may cause crisis and jeopardise the credibility of the the forthcoming pdp governorship primaries in Bayelsa state.

Bayelsa State PDP is known for promoting equity and equality of rights of every stakeholder and a few bad eggs cannot be left to destroy this legacy.


Mr Ebikeme Amaseimogha
Bayelsa PDP integrity group

*

....tasks law enforcement agencies to remain at alert

Foremost anti-terrorism group, the Coalition Against Terrorism in Nigeria (CATE), has joined Nigerians to commend the proscription of Islamic Movement of Nigeria (IMN) as a terrorist group.

Following recent spate of mindless protests in the nation's capital, the Federal Government, on Friday, obtained a court order to banish the Shiite organisation.

Justice Nkeonye Maha of the Federal High Court Abuja issued the order in a ruling which designated the activities of the Shiite group in any part of Nigeria “as acts of terrorism and illegality.”

In a press statement signed by Gabriel Onoja, its National Coordinator, on Saturday, CATE hailed the development, describing as a testament of the FG's responsiveness to the calls of Nigerians.

While hailing the law security agencies for keeping the radical sect in check until the proscription, the group, however, urged them to be on red alert in case of potential attacks.

Read the full statement below:

Gentlemen of the press, on Friday July 26, 2019, Justice Nkeonye Maha of the Federal High Court in Abuja gave an order proscribing the sectarian Shiite Islamic Movement in Nigeria (IMN) as terrorist organization. By virtue of the order no person or group of persons are allowed to participate in any form of activities involving or concerning the IMN “under any name or platform” in Nigeria.

We find this development commendable and a testimony to the fact that the government is responsive and considerate of the expert opinions expressed by entities that work in security and peace-building. It is proof that the calls that has been made by stakeholders got to the hearing of those in government.

The Coalition Against Terrorism in Nigeria (CATE) has been at the forefront of the calls for the Federal Government to proscribe IMN the same way the government of Kaduna state outlawed the extremist organization after the release of a white paper that followed a Judicial Commission of Inquiry. CATE, being an organization with knowledge of the dynamics of terrorism based on experiences from its field work, had seen the terrorist inclinations of IMN because they spread their violence into Abuja and other major city.

Had the IMN leader, Mr. Ibaheem El-Zakyzaky not been detained as part of his trial for treason, murder and other offenses before a court in Kaduna state, the terrorists would have looked for another excuse to carry out the same violent acts of terror they are currently engaged in. While many people only became aware of IMN after it entered Abuja, the terror organization has been a long time in evolving; it has a strategy of unnoticeable scaling up of the phases of its strategy, an approach that had worked well for it in over three decades until it met a government that did not brook its nonsense.

For instance, the process of recruiting and radicalizing youths began with training those that are today commanders of IMN; they had in turn trained those that are city leaders, who trained cell leaders, who trained unit leaders – all in a way that created a pyramid command structure. A saving grace is that El-Zakyzaky, who sits atop that pyramid, is on trial and in detention. Their clamour for his release, aside being an excuse to implement their terrorist agenda, is also because they need him freed to implement the final phase of the evil they have planned against Nigeria.

Nigerians must also note how IMN began as a group that was harassing commuters on Zaria Expressway in Kaduna state, transited into a rabble that denied a Chief of Army Staff the right of way before attacking troops. It was to later invade Abuja with its members launching projectiles against troops and policemen before trying to hijack a military convoy transporting weapons. In the final days before the court did the needful, IMN had become a monster that engaged on industrial scale arson against public assets, it went as far as trying to overthrow Nigeria’s democracy during an attack that left a couple of policemen dead and others with life threatening injuries. Within hours of attacking the National Assembly, the terrorist assassinated a Deputy Commissioner of Police, a journalist and many other Nigerians as part of a campaign to instil fear in the population and compel the release of their leader without recourse to judicial processes.

Gentlemen of the press, it is our belief that Nigerians will avail themselves of themselves of details of these evil acts of IMN so that they can better appreciate that its proscription by the court as a terrorist organization was the best possible outcome for Nigeria. We will also like to remind Nigerians of the import of a group being designated a terrorist organization, because it implies speaking positively of such a group would amount to sympathizing with terrorists, which has prescribed punishments. The essence of raising these points is to ensure that Nigerians do not innocently run afoul of the law when they erroneously think they are making social intervention when in reality they are supporting terrorists.

CATE therefore advise Nigerians to be wary of acts that could make them to be held as being part of IMN terrorist infrastructure that has been proscribed by the government. Nigerians should avoid joining their protests because there have been instances in the past where some misguided people joined such protest under the wrong impression that they were in solidarity with IMN. Nigerians must also avoid issuing statements or making other forms of communications that express support for IMN since these will by default qualify as activities carried out in pursuit of terrorism.

To the law enforcement, military and security agencies, CATE gives kudos and commend them for keeping IMN in check until the court proscribed them in accordance with the law. They must now intensify efforts at ridding Nigeria of the kind of extremism and terrorist inclination represented by IMN; they should, on the strength of the court order and a subsequent publication to be made by the Federal Government, ensure that terrorists never again openly hold violent protests to the detriment of peace in Nigeria.

They must also ensure diligent prosecution of all IMN fighters that has been arrested in the course of the violent protests and they should be charged with the highest offense possible since it is important that they are made to know that acts that deprive others of their lives will not be condoned even from terrorists.

Attention must also be turned to those that have been financing IMN as part of a ploy to use them as a political tool. CATE had expressed concerns in the past about how opposition politicians were financing and arming IMN in order to use them to sabotage the incumbent government. Those found to have finance IMN in this fashion should now be investigated and brought to book for the damage they have done to the country.

*Insecurity: Former Senate President, Ebute writes Buhari, insists Obasanjo pursuing strange interests against the country*

Former President Olusegun Obasanjo is championing a conspiracy campaign to destabilise the nation and undermine President Muhammadu Buhari's government according to respected Second Republic Senate President, Sen. Ameh Ebute.

The 73-year-old trained lawyer made this known in a letter addressed to the president on Friday.

In the epistle , Senator Ebute opined that the ex-president's recent outburst was born out of frustration against the current administration, instigating killings, armed criminality and violent protests.

The former lawmaker added that his assertions were “absurd, farcical, emotional, self-serving and lamentable expression of his emptiness on affairs of Nigeria in blind fury”.

Senator Ebute, however, urged the president not to be deterred by Obasanjo and his veiled agents desperate to return Nigeria back to the old, gloaming days.

Read full letter below:

Sir, let me congratulate you on the constitution of your #Nextlevelcabinet, which process of confirmation of the Ministerial nominees is ongoing at the Red Chamber of the National Assembly (NASS).

I am overwhelmingly elated that you have shamed your antagonists and ardent critics by the quality of your nominees. They comprise competent and trusted technocrats, professionals and politicians who can assist you in propelling your laudable vision in the next four years, some of whom also served in your preceding cabinet, but have been retained ostensibly based on their tested and proven capacities of hard work.

May I seize this opportunity to condole with you, the Inspector General of Police, the NYSC, Channels Television and the families of a Deputy Commissioner of Police (DCP), Usman Umar; a serving corps member, a reporter attached to Channels Television, Mr. Precious Owolabi and all those allegedly killed by the violent protesters of the Islamic Movement of Nigeria (IMN) otherwise known as the Shiites. May their souls rest in perfect peace. Amen!

My sympathies also go to you for Nigerians who suffered various degrees of injuries and incurred losses during the incensed and violent protests by the extremists Shiites sect members. It would have been worse but for the professionalism of the Police and other security agencies who paid the supreme price for the rest of us to be alive. We are immensely grateful.

Mr. President, I have no doubt that our dear nation has been unnecessary troubled and deliberately plunged into needless and avoidable crises. It has now dawned on me clearly that the same forces against public sanity, order and discipline which your administration has brought to bear on the polity and governance of Nigeria are more incensed now than ever as manifest in these evil plots to destabilize your administration and enthrone monumental chaos in the country.

And it is evident these detractors and evil men, are either pulling the strings directly or using hired agents to do everything possible within their powers to upstage you, destabilize your Presidency and the country. This is against the wishes of the overwhelming population of our people who actually came out in their large number to enthrone this administration despite the campaign of calumny and blackmail to disconnect you from your teeming supporters and followers in and outside the country.

Quite unfortunately, the latest anger against your administration and the spate of instigated killings, armed criminality and violent protests by some groups, are spurred by those who are obviously abusing the democratic liberty to lawful assembly, freedom of expression and rule of law with these renewed unrests. Their antics are already known to the security agencies and many Nigerians like my humble self who have had a long standing participation in the polity and by providence as an elder statesman.

It is extremely suicidal for Mr. President to forget or even underrate the capacity of his adversaries for instigative crises since those you defeated at the 2019 general elections are still around. I remain one person among many Nigerians who is not convinced the enemies have given up on their satanic mission to destroy the country in connivance with foreign interests hell-bent on the destruction of Nigeria. Our recent experience in the hands of these paid protesters is a pointer to this well informed fact.

I was perplexed that recently, former President Olusegun Obasanjo, an elder statesman who openly opposed your reelection ambition for no logical reasons and indeed, worked for your defeat by backing your strongest rival in the presidential poll again, wrote another open epistle to you. It is however not surprising to many of us who have had to tolerate his excesses as statesmen in various capacities.

And while you have not faulted anyone of them in the exercise of his or her democratic rights to freedom of choice, but surprisingly and expectedly, Obasanjo enviously regurgitated the same old, stale, puerile and, whitewashed tales about your Presidency and impressive leadership of the country.

While I do not intend that this letter serve as a direct response to Chief Obasanjo’s letter, it may serve as a tacit reply to his absurd, farcical, unidealistic, emotional, self-serving and lamentable expression of his emptiness on affairs of Nigeria in blind fury. This is because an attempt by any of us to re-write the history of the country will remain a disservice to the younger generation for a long time to come.

The issues raised by Obasanjo in the latest letter to you, in my understanding, only belittles his status and confirms his egoistic subservience to personal agenda, instead of the collective progress and development of Nigeria which we all sacrificed our comfort and pleasure to pursue.

Your Excellency Sir, without a doubt in my mind and having gone through series of commentaries and replies to Obasanjo from Nigerians who love, cherish and hold Nigeria dear to their hearts; and those who believe in the unity and indivisibility of our country, the dominant voices dismissed the contents of Obasanjo’s letter as irritating hogwash.

Therefore, Mr. President and leader of our nation, it may interest you to know that Obasanjo has been isolated, ostracized and indeed, stands alone like someone marooned on an Island, because majority of Nigerians have expressed in words and actions their unwillingness to toe his inglorious line, polluted thoughts and destructive antics.

It smacks of childishness for the same Obasanjo, who glowingly commended your government for its winning streaks in the battle against Boko Haram Insurgency and the anti-corruption campaign, in his first open letter to you in 2018, would turn around to recant his words today on same issues. It was the same Security Chiefs and troops who performed the marvelous feats he previously praised glowingly.

This sudden U-turn is not ordinary, and it gives me the strong suspicion that Obasanjo must have aligned himself with the internal and external forces clandestinely plotting the destruction of Nigeria, whilst he embarks on his usual manner of intermittently gauging public mood by pontificating his fake sanctimoniousness.

Obasanjo truly needs the prayers of all Nigerians to regain himself because he has veered too far off the track of wisdom and reason. It is our hope that despite all the Almighty God will find a place to forgive him his sins and all the wrongs he has done to Nigeria.

Mr. President Sir , it is not controvertible that anyone who does or have not seen your efforts in these past four years in the impactful reforms being carried out in the military in order to give to Nigeria a loyal and patriotic Armed Forces that will its best to the nation is bewitched by Obasanjo’s haunting “disease” which I prefer to classify mildly as senility.

Obasanjo and his dozens of veiled agents want to return Nigeria back to Egypt and thus, saddened that the Armed Forces are apolitical, and no more the politicized Military like his leadership gangsters reduced our Armed Forces and Security Chiefs in the immediate past. Such Nigerians are like “coupists” and must be watched closely before they derail the progressive transformation agenda of your administration.

Mr. President Sir, your defeat of Boko Haram insurgency and its taming to a very weak ragtag group that can only carryout ambushes and attacks on obscure soft targets is legendary. It remains the best thing your administration has done for Nigeria, ditto for the extinction of other armed insurrectional sects.

Please do not be deterred and remain more undaunted in your determination and obsession with building and nurturing a responsible military under your leadership as Commander-In-Chief of the Nigerian Armed Forces. And stop at nothing to ensure our military continue to receive adequate training and resources to imbue them with even greater capacities to address the renewed threats to the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Nigeria.

It has enormous benefits to the nation and undoubtedly, one of the greatest things that has ever happened to restore the lost image of our country. Nigerians are now proud of a sanitized and corruption- free Armed Forces under your command and the likes of Obasanjo and his demented surrogates are free to yell on rooftops. But the rantings are inconsequential.

Mr. President, believe me or not, but Chief Obasanjo has vengefully and unapologetically spoken for the vested interests which are angling to destabilize the country. It is obvious because the masses revolted through the ballot and thwarted the success of his preferred candidate for the 2019 Presidency and the palpable, unjustified anger against your leadership.

And I feel it behooves on those of us on the side of millions of patriotic Nigerians to speak out because we still believe in a united nation under a Buhari Presidency. We are irrevocably committed to it and shall continue to nurture it for posterity.

Sir, may I further confide in you openly that you should not succumb to any attempt by the paid protesters whether of armed Shiites or any other group to blackmail your administration in order to have a leeway in their evil designs. This is the time for you to take decisive actions against traitors in any guise; remain firm and steadfast in all your undertakings for greater public good and in the best interest of the country.

The sustained killing of security agents, innocent Nigerians and destructions to public properties by members of the repulsive fanatical IMN sect must be brought to an end by your government by whatever means possible. I am happy you are also thinking along this direction with your warning in the aftermath of the latest incident that the Shiites are pushing you to the wall and they should not tempt you any further. The Nigerian people whom you swore to defend and protect are eagerly yearning for a decisive action that will bring these traitors and enemies of human freedom to book.

No Nigerian with the genuine interest of our country at heart will dispute the fact that IMN is a terrorists sect, which has mushroomed in Nigeria under the leadership of Sheik Ibraheem EL-Zakzaky without lawful registration for over 40 years, but operates illegally as a religious body, which publicly proclaims allegiance to the Republic of Iran and vows disobedience to Nigeria’s laws and constituted authority.

The IMN sect members beginning with their leader have dispensed themselves as both terrorists and aggressors that have been radicalized, militarized and funded by foreign elements and should neither have a place nor a chance to operate in our country with such impunity and lawlessness. Mr. Presidsnt Sir, the bulk is on your table to again, save Nigerians from their swords and the looming catastrophe as reflected in the actions of armed protesters in Nigeria.

Finally, I make haste to plead with Nigerians and the rest of the world particularly America’s President Donald Trump and British’s newest Prime Minister, Mr. Boris Johnson to stand with Nigeria against acts of destructive religious fanaticism, which have morphed into embryonic stages of terrorism as demonstrated by the Shiites in Nigeria.

I fear that this dangerous group is fast spreading tentacles around the world and I urge that all Nigerians must stand with Mr. President to get rid of the IMN violent extremism before it is too late. I am urging Nigerians to have uniformity of reason by chorusing with one voice, the monsters we have known of the IMN in Nigeria before they plunge Nigerian into another brand of explosive terrorism. They are terrorists and should have no place in our society.

Mr. President Sir, you must stand firm at this hour and never yield to the gang -up by those who want to take Nigeria back to Egypt. Nigerians are solidly behind you!

Thank You, Your Excellency for the audience.

Revealed: How PDP Presidential candidate, Atiku Abubakar released a massive amount of monies to Shiites to destabilize Nigeria.

Fresh facts at the disposal of this medium have indicated that the presidential candidate of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) in the just-concluded general elections, Atiku Abubakar may be behind the recent upsurge of the violent activities of the Islamic Movement in Nigeria (IMN).

According to impeccable sources who pleaded anonymity stated that the PDP presidential candidate having failed to actualize his ambition through the ballot has vowed to ensure that the country is ungovernable for the incumbent administration of President Muhammadu Buhari.

The source stated that “On the verge of the elections, there were indications that Atiku Abubakar must have been short-changed by some of his trusted allies who he entrusted with monies for vote-buying across the country. When news filtered in that these monies were cornered, he was upset and knew his ambition of inducing voters in some key swing states would be a mirage” he stated.

The source further added that Atiku Abubakar from that moment started planning his next steps, which included distracting the present administration in all ways and means possible.

“The Turakin was livid and vowed to use all means to cause a distraction for the incoming administration. At a meeting with top associates, the Turakin was said to have confided in them that his start point would be the courts, accusing INEC of incompetence and underhand dealings with the APC.”

“This much accounted for the INEC server controversy that took centre stage in the country with the release of a purported server result. The idea of the INEC server was sold to the Turakin by a close associate from one of the South Western states with a background in ICT and a big player in the ICT industry in Nigeria.”

Another source within the know of things in the plot within the camp of the presidential candidate stated that the Turakin camp tried to reach out to some staffers of the ICT in INEC to allow them access to the INEC server.

“Two top staffers of the ICT department in INEC were offered huge amounts of money which were turned down on the basis that the 2019 general elections were not transmitted to the INEC server. The INEC staffers were vehement in their stance which did not go down well with the Turakin, and subsequently, a plan B was activated which was to take advantage of the agitations by the Islamic Movement of Nigeria for the release of its leader from detention.”

The source stated that when this idea was muted to the Turakin, he bought into it wholeheartedly.

“Turakin was impressed with the Shiites option that he conveyed a meeting with his top associates in Dubai due to the sensitivity of the issue. At the Dubai meeting which was meant to be under the radar of the press was of sort of strategy session where it was agreed that a special covert committee meets covertly with the leadership of the IMN in Nigeria to support its activities.”

The source added that the PDP presidential candidate stated that he didn’t want any trace of the covert support to him as the consequences of such actions might be disastrous for him.

It was also discovered that the select committee reached out to some close associates of the IMN in Kaduna and sympathized with them on the continued incarceration of their spiritual leader and made some hefty donations towards what was term welfare donations for the members of the IMN whose sources of livelihood have been stopped.

“A princely sum of $2milion was given in three tranches in Abuja, Kaduna and Nasarawa state to three different groups in a way to evade any form of detection by the security agencies.”

“The bulk of the monies disbursed came from Intels in Onne port and was meant for the purchase of auxiliary machinery and spare parts for use by the organization, but was eventually diverted to three associates who delivered to the top echelon of the IMN at three different locations.”

According to a top member of the IMN who pleaded anonymity for fear of execution confided in this medium that the recent upsurge of the activities of the IMN is as a result of the monetary inducement from Atiku Abubakar.

“Most of our members were told that they should be daring this time around in their confrontations with the security agencies as there would be a huge reward for the success of the protest this time around and this amounted the defiance nature of our members during the protest.”

“I know that some monies were given in large quantity, but I don’t know the source. For every protest, each member of given the sum of N200,000 and the families of those that died was given 10 million naira each by our leaders.” He stated.

This medium also gathered from sources with the top echelon of the IMN that after the last protest another sum of N800 million was delivered to the IMN with a condition attached to it and that more members should be recruited into the sect and they should be mobilized towards staging violent protest simultaneously around the country.

“As we speak, the IMN is one of the richest organizations in Nigeria with the level of funding it has been receiving in recent times. We were shocked to find out that there are people in this country that sympathizes with us. I know of a top PDP bigwig who has been consistent with his support for our activities and hence why we have been able to garner strength and continue with our agitations till our spiritual leader is released from custody.”

“They always tell us that Ran Ka dede sends his regards whenever they come to deliver welfare monies to us. Most of us don’t know who the Ran Ka Dede is but a few of us know it is Atiku Abubakar the presidential candidate of the PDP in the last elections.”

“We know he is not our member, but he has been supportive of our activities since the incarceration of our leader, and for that anything he wants us to do we do heartily.” He stated.

This much was corroborated by a highly placed security source who stated that the covert funding of the activities of IMN was traced to some highly placed individuals close to Atiku Abubakar.

“There are a couple of indications that the activities of the IMN are sponsored by some highly placed politicians who are hell-bent on destabilizing the government of the day. These individuals have resulted in all sort of unorthodox means towards actualizing their objectives, which of course includes sponsoring the violent activities of the IMN.”

The security source also added that the security agencies are on top of the situation towards revealing the identities of those behind the nefarious activities of IMN.

“We are still gathering intel on the sponsorship of the IMN. I can’t reveal names for now but what I can say is that those behind the nefarious activities of IMN would be brought to justice soon.”

It would be recalled that in the past few weeks, the IMN had undertaken violent protest across the country demanding the release of its leader, Ibraheem El-Zarzaky from custody despite the ongoing court process.

By Karen Goulding

Nigeria is indeed a great country because, despite the array of conspiracies geared towards its disintegration, the country has been able to pull through even in the face of its adversaries. I belong to the school of thought that posits that there are some secret plans by some external collaborators to see that Nigeria is destabilized and eventually disintegrates.

I won’t mince words in this regards. The proponents of this dishonourable plot are covered under various unsuspecting nomenclatures. A good example is Amnesty International, the world-acclaimed human rights group that claims it has more than 7 million members and supporters around the world.

In my years of conducting researches, I have never come across an organization as sleazy as Amnesty International. Their activities are structured in such a way that it is for sale to the highest bidder. And one of their bargaining tools is blackmail. And guess what, it has worked for them in other climes where they have operations but not in Nigeria.

This fact reinforces my initial statement about Nigeria surviving several conspiracies to remain strong and united. And this was possible because Nigerians saw through their gimmick early enough else I bet you it would have been a catastrophic story for Nigeria if the likes of Amnesty International had their way.

Make no mistakes, Amnesty International are significant players in the game of blackmail and mischief, this modus operandi has paid off handsomely because they have over time built a vast network in both the international and local media through which they dispense their yearly reports which are often outright insinuations, illogical conclusions, and an amalgamation of half-truths.

I recall a time I attended a conference in London on the role of Civil Society Organizations in breeding distrust and disunity in countries around the African region, and the name Amnesty International led the pack of those organizations whose activities are suspect and must be scrutinized by countries where they are in operation.

One of the guest speakers at the conference stated that “It is obvious that across the globe where Amnesty International has state offices, it has been observed that its methodology in information gathering was defective.” And the participants agreed with him in totality. He further added that “Amnesty International is primarily motivated not by human rights but by publicity, money, getting more members and internal turf battles.”

And this brings me to the activities of Amnesty International in Nigeria with regards to the fight against Boko Haram insurgents and other militant groups in the country. It was such a sickening situation the military authorities had with Amnesty International who somewhat became the mouthpiece of a group of people that kill and destroy without mercy. I recall that Amnesty International on several occasions accused the Nigerian military of human rights violations by killing Boko Haram fighters in the battlefield.

But they kept mute on the millions of women and children that had been killed and displaced by this same terrorist group. I recall that at some point the military authorities accused Amnesty International of causing a distraction in the war against terrorism in Nigeria by its unfounded allegations of human rights violations and challenged it to come up with tangible pieces of evidence or desist from heating the polity unnecessarily. But there was none.

They didn’t stop at that, and they resorted to engaging local NGO’s by pushing a narrative that would attract condemnation to the military. But again it didn’t fly because some of these NGO’s saw through their game plan and refused to play ball. In my opinion, Nigerians got fed up with the nefarious activities of Amnesty International that at a point, there were agitations for the expulsion of Amnesty International from Nigeria. And how they managed to survive the mass protests remains a mystery till date.

Some school of thought argued that their strong links in the media made that possible because in truth, Amnesty International had infiltrated the bulk of the media organizations in Nigeria who hitherto gave their activities prominence without verifying the substance of their allegations against the Nigerian military and by extension the Nigerian Authorities.

And now, it is interesting to see how Amnesty International has resurfaced with a strong support for the violent activities of the Islamic Movement in Nigeria (IMN) regardless of the fact that this group has taken the laws into their hands by disrupting public peace, constituting themselves into a parallel government and killing innocent civilians as well as security agents.

I am of the firm conviction that this time around, Amnesty International is either eyeing the petrodollars from Iran or it has been induced monetarily by the Islamic Republic of Iran to lend its voice to the plight of its faithful’s in Nigeria. It is either of both cases because it defeats human comprehension on why Amnesty International would attempt to take sides with a violent organization such as the IMN.

They cannot feign ignorance to the fact that the recent resurgence of the violent tendencies of IMN in Nigeria that has seen to the death of scores of people including a high ranking police officer who was shot in the head while trying to calm the IMN protesters was not sponsored.

They cannot also feign ignorance to the fact that the IMN enjoys tremendous support from Iran and other terrorist organizations around the world. These organizations, in their wisdom, have provided monetary and logistic support to the IMN to destabilize the country and guess what? It appears Amnesty International has been drafted into the plot, else how could one explain its tactic support for the violent actions of the IMN of indeed it is an organization dedicated to the ideals of human rights.

As it has been stated in many forums, Amnesty International is primarily motivated by monetary gains before any other thing because its report lacked any actual evidence, with its presentation consisting instead of fabricated images, sounds, maps, and diagrams. Amnesty International has consistently used the techniques of classical deception to target and manipulates audiences emotionally.

At this point, I stand to say in unequivocal terms that what Amnesty International is engaged in is not human rights advocacy, but rather politically-motivated war propaganda simply hiding behind such advocacy as in the case of its activities in Nigeria and other climes where it operates. They are indeed terrors new bride.

Goulding wrote this piece from London, United Kingdom.

My attention has been drawn to the Press Release allegedly made by the Chief Ayo Adebanjo led Afenifere faction, whereat the respected leader made assertions using my humble self’s encounter with Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Vigilante Group in Akoko area of Ondo State as part of the rationale for the vituperations contained in the said press release.
 
While I deplore in totality the presence of any vigilante group particularly armed ones anywhere, I wish to state for the umpteenth time that my concern is borne of the need for better security for our people and not to score some sheer political points against anyone or any ethnic group and/or authority.
 
I wish to further place on record that I have great respect for the Afenifere and I am an unrepentant adherent of the Yoruba Culture and Tradition of giving respect and paying obeisance to the Elders.
 
While recognizing the mentorship and indelible contributions of the Chief Ayo Adebanjo-led Afenifere faction, I am however compelled to reiterate my opposition to and departure from the style of the Afenifere faction, particularly from the time when, without due consultation with the entire members and stakeholders, some chose to use the platform as one of the political advocacy mercenaries of the Atiku/PDP before the last elections. From all indications, it is quite apparent that the position of the faction is irrepressibly political.

I state unequivocally that I have a right of dissent and hereby distance myself from those conclusions by the respected leader, designed or calculated to vilify or demonize any group of people or government to the extent of criminalizing a particular tribe.

The narrative that every criminal, armed robber and kidnapper is a Fulani herdsman because a Fulani man is at the helm of affairs or a Fulani man committed a criminal offence, is a dangerous assertion that can undermine the corporate existence of our dear motherland. Criminals must be regarded as criminals without branding them with any ethnic, religious or regional coloration.
 
What is clear is that insurgency, banditry, kidnapping and armed robbery are our common enemies. We must join forces together in finding a lasting solution to this menace which has eaten deep into the fabric of our nation.
 
While admitting the fact that variety is the spice of federalism, it is however imperative to state that unity in diversity is the fulcrum upon which true federalism and democracy stands.
 
To say more at this juncture will be otiose.
 
Kayode Ajulo Ph.D
Castle of Law
Maitama, Abuja.
25th July, 2019

Stop playing the devil’s advocate, group warns Amnesty International over conspiracy to destabilize Nigeria

The Amnesty International has been warned against playing "devil's advocate" over alleged conspiracy to destabilise the entity called Nigeria.

The Save Humanity Advocacy Centre (SHAC), which handed down this warning to AI, said it was shocked over the comment by the group on the recent clash between Shiites and security personnel in Abuja.


Amnesty International had faulted the security personnel for using force against the violent group.

Reacting, however, SHAC through its Executive Secretary, Ibrahim Abubakar, at a press conference in Abuja on Wednesday, said it was obvious AI was working with those conspiring to make Nigeria ungovernable.

The group, therefore, called on Amnesty International to discontinue its open support for terrorism in Nigeria forthwith.

Full text of his speech below.


Gentlemen, the Save Humanity Advocacy Centre, SHAC, is disappointed but not surprised by the decision of Amnesty International (Nigeria) to become sectarian through its endorsement of the terrorist acts of the Islamic Movement in Nigeria, IMN. We are not surprised because Amnesty International has made it clear in all instances of security breaches in Nigeria that it has an agenda that is geared towards the termination of Nigeria as a corporate entity.

Amnesty International has been running an endorsement campaign for and on behalf of IMN. It exploits these campaigns to legitimize the acts of terror being committed by the radicalized IMN members without recognizing that there are victims in the criminality being perpetrated by the IMN. Rather, it is the IMN that has been painted into victimhood while the Nigerian state, its organs and agencies have been branded as aggressors when all they are doing is to protect the life and property of citizens, which is a primary responsibility of government.

Even at a time when it is taken for granted that Amnesty International cannot sink lower than it already has in supporting terrorists like Boko Haram and Islamic State West Africa Province, ISWAP, it has successfully broken its own record at being irresponsible. On a day that IMN militants shot at policemen and killed a Deputy Commissioner of Police, other policemen, a journalist and innocent Nigerians, Amnesty International still managed to cause outrage by continuing to defend the attacks carried out by its militants.
Gentlemen of the press, even when our members and other Nigerians witnessed IMN militants attacking and shooting other Nigerians, Amnesty International, shamelessly tweeted that the Federal Government is clamping down on “peaceful protesters”.

One of the lying tweets reads, “This new crackdown is part of a shocking pattern in which security forces have used live ammunition to disperse IMN supporters who are simply exercising their freedom of expression.”

We are at a loss as to at what point invading the parliament, attacking policemen and other Nigerians became freedom of expression.

We are also trying hard to reconcile the relationship between freedom of expression and arson, in which IMN militants set vehicles ablaze in a development that did not spare emergency ambulances.
In furtherance of its propaganda, aimed at insulating IMN from retribution for its terrorist attacks in Nigeria’s capital, Abuja, Amnesty International accused the Nigerian police of “reckless use of lethal force” “against unarmed supporters of the Islamic Movement in Nigeria (IMN)”. Even if IMN had falsely claimed in the past that its members were not armed, their attack on the National Assembly, which killed at least two policemen, should have forced the NGO to reassess the kind of lies it is willing to tell on behalf of IMN.

An organization that has regards for truth would have known that there are videos and pictures that capture the aspects of the protests it is hiding from the world.
Amnesty International’s tweet storm about the attack not only painted IMN militants as armless but went on to lament that they were “being driven from the streets of Abuja. This marks the height of irresponsibility, one that we believe the Nigerian government should firmly censure in order for the world not to be misled into believing the lies being told by the NGO.

Had the IMN members been left on the streets of Abuja, there is no telling the extent of lives that would have been lost to their attacks. Leaving the militants on the streets would have also resulted in further damages to public property, which Amnesty International omitted to mention, even though they destroyed government facilities worth billions of naira.

The Save Humanity Advocacy Centre condemn Amnesty International in the strongest terms possible for its destabilization agenda in Nigeria and for its refusal to see beyond this agenda even when IMN has accepted responsibility a clear case which the IMN have admitted blames the AI still wants to twist the narrative. This is unfortunate and well-meaning Nigerians and members of the society demand immediate apology from AI.

We demand that Amnesty International discontinue its open support for terrorism in Nigeria forthwith. Contrary to the way the NGO is carrying on, Nigeria is not banana republic and cannot be coerced into taking instructions from Amnesty International or be scared of it IMN terrorist collaborators.

The International Centre for Justice (ICJ) (Africa Regional Affairs) has condemned the murder of Precious Owolabi, a members of the National Youth Service Corps attached to Channels TV, during a clash between security personnel and members of the Islamic Movement in Nigeria on Monday in Abuja.

The group also condemned in its totality the growing spate of sectarian extremism across the world and particularly in Nigeria where the IMN group now targets security agencies that have the responsibility of stopping its members from spreading chaos in that country.


Mark Omita, Vice President (Africa Affairs) of the group in a statement issued in Addis Ababa on Tuesday, equally condemned persons, groups or nations that promote IMN’s brand of terrorism through the support being extended to the group in violation of Nigeria’s sovereignty.

ICJ also advised the Federal Government of Nigeria to promptly withdraw the “directive not to engage” given to law enforcement agencies in order for them to be able to deploy legitimate force in dealing with IMN attacks.

Full text of the statement below.


The International Centre for Justice (ICJ) has been updated on another incident in Nigeria in which sectarian Shiite members of the Islamic Movement in Nigeria (IMN) on Monday July 22, 2019 attempted to repeat an invasion of the National Assembly of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.

Members of the IMN were reported to have attacked other locations in Nigeria’s capital, Abuja when they were unable to overrun the parliament in line with their original plan. The arson, destruction of government vehicles and those of the civilian population in Monday’s attack is noted.

This latest attack adds a new layer of concern to the apprehension previously expressed about the worsening activities of IMN in Nigeria, which had accused the Islamic Republic of Iran of sponsoring the group’s activities. Particular attention is paid to the escalation of IMN aggression in Nigeria and a corresponding aggression from Iran against countries that are working to hold it to account for illegally developing nuclear weapons.

The activities of IMN, whether freely of the volition of its members or tele-guided by Iran, is a danger to Africa’s most populous nation and the West-African sub-region, which is already fragile as country governments strive to get rid of terrorist groups operating around the Lake Chad Basin and Northern Mali. The region and the world in general does not the need another terror group to add to the list of those that must be hunted down for other citizens to be safe.

ICJ consequently condemn in its totality the growing spate of sectarian extremism across the world and particularly in Nigeria where the IMN group now targets security agencies that have the responsibility of stopping its members from spreading chaos in that country. Our initial inquiry confirmed that law enforcement officers are unable to robustly respond to the threats posed by IMN members because of a “directive not to engage,” a loophole that the extremists now exploit to oppress other citizens.

It is worrisome that IMN has reportedly used the period that this directive subsists to graduate into using dangerous weapons, ammunitions and explosives on public buildings, against security operatives and for destroying the properties of innocent citizens. This has effectively moved IMN from the band of an organization protesting for rights restoration to one that can officially be designated a terrorist group, and to the extent that it receives resources from Iran across borders it qualifies as an international terrorist organization.

We equally condemn persons, groups or nations that promote IMN’s brand of terrorism through the support being extended to the group in violation of Nigeria’s sovereignty. We advise such entities to cease and desist all acts that undermine the sovereignty of Nigeria or threaten the safety of its citizens. A continuation of such support for IMN should be counted as a crime against humanity and eligible to be subjected to the relevant international instrument.

Irrespective of the support IMN is getting as identified, the duty of safeguarding the life and property of citizens falls on government and the authorities in Nigeria cannot abdicate this responsibility on the excuse or pretext of complying with international protocols. The life of a law-abiding citizen is no less in value to that of someone that elected to become a terrorist. The government of the Federal Government of Nigeria must therefore do all that is necessary to protect its population, including those working in law enforcement, from IMN attacks.

ICJ strongly advises the Federal Government of Nigeria to promptly withdraw the “directive not to engage” given to law enforcement agencies in order for them to be able to deploy legitimate force in dealing with IMN attacks. Security personnel should be allowed to respond to threats as firmly as required and quickly too. A key message the government should be sending to IMN and other groups that may have plans of embracing its brand of violence is that the state’s monopoly of violence exists to safeguard civilian population from violence.

The Centre for Social Justice, Equity and Transparency (CESJET) has decried the incessant protest being staged by members of the Islamic Movement in the Nigeria over the detention of their leader, Ibrahim El-Zakzaky.

The centre said IMN members were using terror and violence to subvert justice in ongoing trial of El- Zakzakky.


CESJET made this disclosure in a special report on the activities of the Islamic Movement in Nigeria that culminated in the inauguration of a Judicial Commission of Inquiry as well as the ongoing court proceedings involving its leader Ibrahim El-Zakzaky in Kaduna State.

Isaac Ikpa, Executive Director of the group, who signed the report, it was indeed discovered that the activities of the IMN in Nigeria had constituted a threat to the sovereignty of the country through its actions that in most cases are against the constituted authorities

The report below.

The Centre for Social Justice, Equity and Transparency (CESJET) commissioned a report to look into the activities of the Islamic Movement in Nigeria (IMN) that led to the arrest and charging to court of its spiritual leader, Ibrahim El-Zakzaky, as well as critically examining judicial decisions, actions of the Federal government and the reason why El-Zakzaky hasn’t been released.

CESJET having followed the chain of events closely from inception, commissioned the report in an attempt to leave the realm of speculation and present tangible facts in proper perspective as regards the ongoing trial of the spiritual leader of the IMN for members of the general public and other concerned stakeholders in Nigeria and elsewhere.

The IMN is a Shi’ite religious and political organization whose leader, Ibrahim El-Zakzaky, has been a proponent of Shi’a Islam in Nigeria since the 1980s, calling for an Islamic revolution to create an Islamic state in Nigeria and end Western influence in the country. The IMN says it gets inspiration from Islamic Iran in its struggles and activities, but denies being funded by Iran.

The IMN has had uneasy relations with the Nigerian authorities for decades, and its spiritual leader has been jailed several times by successive regimes, spending a total of nine years in prison since the mid-1980s, mostly accused of treason or civil disobedience. Successive Nigerian authorities have accused the IMN of disregarding the law and operating as a state within a state. Processions, demonstrations and other activities organized by the IMN, usually without obtaining the necessary permits and at times blocking public roads, have resulted in a confrontation with the Nigerian authorities and strained relations with other communities.

In 2015, the convoy of the Chief of Army Staff was ambushed by members of the IMN sect during a procession in Zaria. The visible threat to the life of the Chief of Army Staff resulted in exchanges by the Nigerian Army and members of the sect, which eventually led to the arrest of its spiritual leader.

A Commission of Enquiry was set up by the Kaduna State Government to look at the issues surrounding the clash between the Nigerian Army and the IMN, and consequently, the Kaduna state government relying on the findings of the Commission of Inquiry declared the IMN an Insurgent group. The government’s position was contained in a white paper released on the report of the Judicial Commission of Inquiry into the December 2015 clash, between soldiers and members of the IMN in Zaria.
The white paper blamed the IMN for the clash and recommended the investigation and prosecution of any of its members found to have been involved in any form of human rights abuse since their existence in Zaria over 30 years ago. The government’s white paper, however, absolved the Nigerian army from any act of human right violation in the Zaria clash, insisting that the army abides by the rules of engagement.

In a similar vein, the Kaduna State chapter of the Supreme Council for Sharia in Nigeria (SCSN) called on the Federal Government, to ban all activities of the Islamic Movement in Nigeria and prosecute their leader, Sheikh Ibrahim El-Zakzaky.

Rising from their meeting in Kaduna, the group comprising of Islamic preachers and scholars, supported the indictment of the Shiites by the Judicial Commission of Inquiry set up by the Kaduna State government to investigate the December 2015 clash between the Shiites and soldiers in Zaria.

The Muslim leaders maintained that the acts of impunity exhibited by the group over the years in Zaria and other states in Nigeria’s northern region were against the teachings of Islam and the Nigerian Constitution. They re-emphasized the urgent need to proscribe the Shiites for the interest of peace and security of Nigeria.

Upon scrutiny of the report by CESJET, it was indeed discovered that the activities of the IMN in Nigeria had constituted a threat to the sovereignty of the country through its actions that in most cases are against the constituted authorities. The Judicial Commission of Inquiry highlighted this much set up by the Kaduna State government to unravel the remote cause of the clash between the Nigerian Army and the IMN.

The outcome of our report also indicated that right from inception the IMN has the practice of radicalizing its members which have resulted in frequent clashes with constituted authorities in Zaria, its environs and many states across the country.
The IMN has been steadfast and deliberate in widespread and frequent acts of lawlessness and defiance of constituted authorities including refusal to recognize the legitimacy, authority of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.

They devote their time, assets, money, and networks to the well-being and development of the Movement. Apart from member contributions, the IMN has access to international resources and assets from the Iranian government and some Lebanese businesses and networks in Nigeria.

It was also discovered that the IMN had terrorized residents of Zaria (Gyallesu) for the past 40 years. According to Alhaji Saidu Garba, one of the elders of the Gyallesu area in Zaria, “after El-Zakzaky was released from detention in 1999, he came and settled in Gyallesu, and since then, there is no peace in our area. We thank Allah for touching the heart of government and the military for liberating us from Shiite's untold hardship.”

“Shiites killed many of our people who challenged their activities, we buried them, and we couldn’t talk to the world because of their threat. We were living like slaves in our land where the Shiite leader, Sheikh El-Zakzaky, came and met us. We residents of Gyallesu are calling on the Federal government to ban the Shiite movement in our community and Kaduna state as a whole. The government should put a stop to the Shiite’s ungodly activities in our area.”

It was also discovered that Iran’s Quds Force and Lebanese Hezbollah have coordinated intelligence gathering on U.S. and Israeli targets in Nigeria and engaged in weapons and drug trafficking in West Africa with operatives drawn from the IMN. And this accounts for the bulk of the funding it receives for their activities in Nigeria.

It was also discovered that the agenda of the Iranian Government in Nigeria towards the Muslim community had suffered setbacks since the detention and trial of Ibrahim El-Zakzaky. And they have covertly reached out to some highly placed members of the judiciary in Nigeria with enormous monetary incentives so Ibrahim El-Zakzaky could be discharged and acquitted of all the charges levelled against him.

The report was also able to identify that some foreign network who are allies of the IMN have been covertly fuelling the recent resurgence of the violent activities of the IMN by channelling funds to the IMN leadership in Nigeria through their various businesses in Nigerian and the francophone countries to sustain their street protests across the country.

The report further revealed a covert international lobby to mount pressure on the Nigerian government towards truncating the ongoing trial of the IMN spiritual leader Ibrahim El-Zarzaky for the reason that the allegations are weighty, and the possibility of the IMN spiritual leader getting discharged and acquitted are very slim given the multiple evidence of acts of terrorism against him and the IMN as a group.

The Iranian government and other allies of the IMN are afraid that with the conviction of the IMN leader in Nigeria, the world attention would focus on them and which would further bring about some level of international scrutiny of their covert activities all around the world through groups and organizations.

It was also discovered that part of the grand plot is to resort to blackmailing the government by co-opting a part of the media towards painting a picture of unlawful detention of the IMN leader and the refusal of the present administration to honour court rulings.
The plot also included putting forward a narrative that hinges on supposed falling health of the IMN leader and painting the Nigerian government in a bad light.

It was also discovered that there had been a grand plot to use unorthodox means to set the IMN leader free, which includes kidnappings of family members of highly placed government functionaries in Kaduna and other parts of Nigeria to be used as a bargaining tool for the release of the IMN leader.

Given the magnitude of information at the disposal of CESJET on the activities of the IMN in Nigeria, it is sufficing to state that the recent push by adherents of the IMN for the release of their spiritual leader is misplaced and a highly strategic plot to see that the IMN spiritual leader escapes justice.

The atrocities committed by the IMN in the past forty years in Kaduna and other parts of Nigeria are too weighty to be ignored given the fact that they have indeed carried on as a terrorist organization to overthrow the constituted authorities in Nigeria.

The trial of the IMN leader has indeed thwarted that plot as he is the only one under the IMN structure that can give orders on operational strategies of the group.
CESJET from all the pieces of information gathered from the research states that the IMN is indeed a terrorist organization whose main agenda geared towards the destabilization of Nigeria in line with the international terrorist network lead by the Iranian authorities.

CESJET believes that the agitations for the release of the spiritual leader of the IMN are an attempt towards evading justice and a massive disservice to the victims of the atrocities of the IMN in Nigeria who have been killed.

CESJET suggests that instead of the violent street protests across the country, the IMN should instead seek state pardon and severe ties with the terrorist network that has been sponsoring its violent activities.

CESJET also states that the government should stand resolute in seeking justice for victims of the atrocities of the IMN through the ongoing judicial means, and any attempt to fall for the bait mounted through violent street protests to interfere with the legal process would amount to setting a dangerous precedent that would come back to haunt the country in the future.

The Coalition of Ohaneze Youth Groups has given the Federal Government 7-day ultimatum to proscribe the activities of the Islamic Movement in Nigeria, IMN, nationwide.

The coalition gave the order following the constant violent protest by the sect, which has claimed many lives and government properties.

The group was reacting to the Monday's attack by the Shiite militants on emergency point of the National Emergency Management Agency, NEMA.

Several persons were injured while many vehicles belonging to the agency were set ablaze in the bloody attack.

Addressing a press conference of Monday, the Coalition of Ohaneze Youth Groups an amalgamation of Igbo Youth Groups in Nigeria, affirmed that the Islamic group must be outlawed within seven days.



Comrade Ogbonna Ogbonna, Publicity Secretary, who spoke on behalf of the group, noted that federal government must act now in the interest of Nigerians before it gets too late.

His speech below.


It is instructive to note that the IMN as an organization has displayed violent tendencies in Nigeria as far back as the early ’80s which culminated in the incarceration of its spiritual leader Sheik Ibrahim El-Zarzaky by successive governments for crimes against the state, disregard for constituted authorities and the disruption of public peace.

The IMN carried on with this trend unabated with the active support from the government of Iran and some other extremist organizations that have continually funded their operations in Nigeria since the early ’80s.

The Coalition of Ohaneze Youth Groups having viewed the current situation in Nigeria with regards to the resurgence of the violent activities of the IMN that has led to the death of innocent Nigerians as well as security operatives calls for concern and urgent action from the federal government in the interest of peace and tranquillity.

The IMN cannot continue to insult the sensibilities of Nigerians by arrogating the propensity for violence to itself alone, forgetting that the heterogeneous nature of Nigeria and experiences of the past makes each ethic group mutually suspicious and ready to take laws into their hands if the situation arises.

The Coalition of Ohaneze Youth Groups consequently wishes to state that our silence should not be taken for humility, and our respect for the constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria should equally not be misconstrued as foolishness.

The activities of the IMN has indeed caused countless tears and sorrow to a large population of Nigeria that are law-abiding and steadfast in the belief that Nigeria shall make progress and reclaim its spot in the comity of nations in the world.

The IMN cannot continue to constitute themselves as an executive terror group terrorizing Nigerians and the federal government, and by extension, the Nigerian Police Force would not act proactively towards containing their nefarious activities in the interest of peace and tranquillity in Nigeria.

This is unacceptable and insults to the sensibilities of the millions of Ohaneze Youths in Nigeria who would not hesitate to take up arms and protect the interest of Ohaneze Youths in Nigeria.

This is on the heels that during the period the leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) Nnamdi Kanu was incarcerated, the Igbo Youths did not take laws into their hands by not constituting themselves to nuisance to public peace in the country.

The actions of the Ohaneze Youths should not be taken for granted by the relevant authorities in Nigeria in the light of the prevailing circumstances that has clearly shown that the IMN group has an agenda to destabilize Nigeria with the active support of the government of the Islamic Republic of Iran and other terrorist networks around the world.

The Coalition of Ohaneze Youth Groups states in unequivocal terms that the lackadaisical attitude of the federal government in dealing decisively with the IMN terrorist group sends a dangerous signal and if care is not taken might eventually lead to the disintegration of Nigeria.

The IMN has consistently violated all known international laws as regards the protection of human rights and the right to freedom of association of Nigerians regardless of their ethnic and religious affiliations.

The more curious is the fact that the Nigerian government has refused to sever ties with countries that have supported and funded the nefarious activities of IMN. This is suspect and highly unacceptable to the Coalition of Ohaneze Youth Groups.

The Coalition of Ohanaze Youth Groups at this moment states that it would no longer seat and watch as the IMN continues to constitute a threat to the sovereignty of the Federal Republic of Nigeria under whatever guise.

It, therefore, advises the leadership of the IMN to seek legal methods in advancing the case of their leader in line with existing laws in Nigeria, instead of taking the laws into their hands by embarking of violent street protests and other activities that do not augur well for Nigeria and Nigerians.

The Coalition of Ohaneze Youth Groups consequently gives the Federal Government and the Nigerian Police Force a 7-day ultimatum to proscribe the IMN as a terrorist group in line with the avalanche of evidence before the general public.

It wishes to state in unequivocal terms that failure to proscribe the IMN as a terrorist group would leave the Coalition of Ohaneze Youth Groups with no option than to take laws into our hands.

The exigencies of time require that the Federal Government should act proactively if it is desirous of keeping the country united and safe for all concerned. The federal government must act now in the interest of Nigerians before it gets too late.

A word is enough for the wise because the Coalition of Ohaneze Groups would not continue to watch in silence as innocent Nigerians fall victim to the nefarious activities of the IMN and their sponsors.

The 7-day ultimatum given to the Federal Government to proscribe the IMN as a terrorist group stands sacrosanct and must be treated with all seriousness that it truly deserves.

The PDP Rebirth Mandate, has condemned in its entirety the arson and attacks on innocent Nigerians by members of the Ibrahim El-Zakzaky-led Islamic Movement in Nigeria, IMN.

The group was reacting to the Monday's attack by the Shiite militants on emergency point of the National Emergency Management Agency, NEMA and innocent citizens leading to deaths.



Reacting to the incident, PDP Rebirth Mandate frowned at the attack, while warning members of the opposition party against sponsoring or participating in the protest by the violent group.
Charles Ukaha, President of the group, who addressed newsmen, called IMN to immediately stop its campaign of violent clashes with the Nigerian public while also halting attacks on law enforcement officers.

Full text of his speech below.

Gentlemen of the press, on Monday July 22, 2019 members of the Islamic Movement of Nigeria (IMN) again launched terror attacks against the Nigerian state. As was the case in the recent past, the target of the attack was the National Assembly before security operatives managed to contain them to the Federal Secretariat axis.

Nigerians who were peacefully going about their own legitimate businesses were forced to flee as shot were being fired. Security operatives and paramilitary personnel in the vicinity were seen fleeing with civilians owing to an extant directive not to engage the members. This decision to retreat is highly logical given the casualty recently suffered on their part when IMN members invaded the National Assembly and randomly targeted policemen in a gun attack that resulted in the loss of life and some policemen left with life changing injuries.

The IMN members, similar to what they did in the past, set ablaze a vehicle belonging the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) and vandalized vehicles belonging to other Nigerians. We have not arrived at a point where people take to their heels at the mention of IMN. It all echoes the early days of Boko Haram too clearly and it is not a nightmare that any right thinking Nigerian wants to live through again. This is especially so when some representatives of the group have been reported that they have the capacity to blow up the entire Abuja.

The PDP Rebirth Mandate is taking this unprecedented decision to wade into the situation given the reports that have been carried in some quarters that politicians from PDP are the ones sponsoring these attacks on the corporate entity of Nigeria and the wellbeing of millions of Nigerians. Our party has been called names of all sorts because some misguided members that do not know the dangers of supporting a group like IMN or who do not appreciate the full extent of threat it poses to Nigerians. We believe that our stance at this press conference will be instructive as to whether we approve of IMN’s terrorist acts or not.

Nigeria is more important than the political, economic or religious ambition of any individual or group, which is why we believe that the IMN should get all the condemnation it is deserving for its actions against the Nigerian state, irrespective of what the provocation was initially. Assuming their grouse against the nation or government of the day were legitimate pursuing justice with violence and injustice will only further complicate things.

We therefore call on IMN to immediately stop its campaign of violent clashes with the Nigerian public while also halting attacks on law enforcement officers, who have till date demonstrated remarkable restraints in the face of the baiting done by IMN members. If there is still a leadership structure in place within organization, we urge them to restrain their members and call them off the streets of Abuja and other Nigerian cities to which they have deployed.

IMN, its leadership and members, know that the ongoing campaign of terror against the Nigerian state can no longer be considered a mere case of civil disobedience. It now, in view of recent incidents, qualify as a full scale insurrection against the country. The group’s history of disavowal of the Nigerian state will therefore create conditions that warrant stronger responses from the state in order to guarantee the safety and security of other citizens.



We appeal to those sponsoring the IMN protests, whether within or outside our great party, the PDP to desist from using politics as a decoy to disguise the sick portion of their mind that enjoys terrorism. It is wrong for anyone to think that the best way of getting at the government of the day or political rival is to support terrorists and extremists. It is a strategy that has time and again proven to be laden with ugly backlash that consumes not just the intended target but also the person deploying it.

Our group condemn those that had thrown decorum to the wind by verbally supporting IMN through statements, press briefings and social media posts that have encouraged its members to continue this misguided insurrections against the country. These members of the PDP that have done this are uncharitable elements that must be dealt with immediately because they are a liability to our great party.

We therefore call on all PDP party members at all levels to stop participating in IMN protests irrespective of who gave the directive to take part or how much mobilization was provided. We further direct that no member of the PDP should issue statements, address conferences, write opinion articles or make social media posts in official capacity to support IMN or even marginally condone the crime they are committing. Those that have been engaged in this kind of activities in support of IMN are enemies of the PDP, who also do not mean well for our dear country.

The PDP Rebirth Mandate will be closely monitoring compliance with these directive and shall make repercussions costly for any party member or official that goes out of line to pitch tents with terrorists to the detriment of the country.

We like to emphasize that this tough stance against terrorism was borne out the need to ensure that a prosperous Federal Republic of Nigeria remains in existence by the time the PDP becomes ready to reassume its role as Nigeria’s foremost ruling party.

Home News News Boko Haram: Security Has Improved In Lake Chad Region – MNJTF By Emergency Digest - July 21, 2019 Boko Haram: Security has improved in Lake Chad region – MNJTF The security situation within the Multinational Joint Task Force (MJNTF) Area of Responsibility in the Lake Chad region has improved since the activation of OP YANCIN TAFKI on January 22, an official has said. The force commander, C.O. Ude, also said although confrontations between the military, drawn from affected nations, and the terrorists have increased in the past four months, civilian casualties have continued to decrease, “largely due to the interposition of the military force.” The major general said this during the just concluded Lake Chad governors forum in Niamey, Niger Republic. Governors from North-east Nigeria, Niger, Cameroon and Chad and their representatives attended the two-day second governor’s forum at the end of which they reaffirmed their commitment to improving cross border security. The event, organised by the Lake Chad Basin Commission (LCBC), had technical support from the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), African Union (AU) and the Crisis Management Initiative (CMI). The MJNTF commander, who noted that the war was far from over, however, highlighted the successes recorded against the terrorists, who have been waging pitched battles across swathes of the four nations “It is equally worthy to mention here that the MNJTF has continued to successfully discharge its mandate as the civilian casualty figures has significantly reduced from about 1,967 recorded in 2015 to less than 570 at the end of 2018. “The few attacks by the terrorist groups against MNJTF forces have been successfully defeated by decisive counter-attacks by own forces with heavy casualties inflicted on the enemy,” he said. “The offensive operations under OP YANCIN TAFKI in coordination with national operations have been directed to fixing and destroying the enemy within identified areas and camps,” he explained. The official also said the force has conducted “robust fighting patrols and clearance operations to dominate area of operations and deny the terrorists freedom of action and further degrade their will to fight. “So far, over 815 BHT have been neutralised, 55 captured and 37 BHT have so far surrendered. Similarly, several technicals, weapons and logistics hitherto in the hands of BHT have either been destroyed or recovered in the on-going operations. These operational successes have therefore imposed significant setback on the fighting capacity of the terrorists. “It is worthy to note that these successes were as a result of well-coordinated execution of combat missions by MNJTF forces and National Troops as well as the excellent coordination of ISR and air support from the various Air Forces of TCC including our partners. “It is equally important to note that own forces have the initiative. The offensive operations, counter attacks and pursuit of the enemy has been decisive and commendable. It is hoped that with the high level of fighting efficiency of the troops, we will continue to maintain the pressure on the terrorists as we execute the crucial stages of the operation and consolidate the current gains.”

By Okanga Agila


A Korean proverb says, “ You will hate a beautiful song, if you sing it often.” And that’s why the bird, parrot has no existential value even among the family of birds. It is a meaninglessly talkative bird. The Integrated Taxonomic Information System (ITIS), describes the parrot as a bird with excellent capacity to mimic “…and can copy sounds that they hear in their environment; they can even copy human words and laughter.”

That a parrot has the capacity to imitate human sound, does not confer on it the ability of prehensile. It does it more for fun as part of her nature. So, it is not controvertible that the parrot is disliked for its consistent and meaningless exhibition of the “gift” of squawking almost minutely. Its mimicking of the human sound is neither a message discernible to itself nor to other birds in its vicinity.

Apparently, the burden of the parrot is an exact replication of the moral plight of former Nigeria’s Military Head of State and democratic President for eight years, Chief Olusegun Obasanjo (OBJ). At adult age, he has injected himself with the virus of incessant verbal public commentaries and open epistles on national issues directed at the incumbent leader of Nigeria, President Muhammadu Buhari solely for self-appeasement.

Obasanjo who regales in the status of an elder statesman in Nigeria and Africa. But like the parrot bird, he merely imitates what great statesmen and leaders of other African countries do when out of power. It’s clear, he does it without necessarily understanding the trajectory the other leaders he blindly mimics have left as legacies in their respective countries. So, they are justified in morality and pride.

Unfortunately, OBJ only knows that former leaders of nations ought to be public commentators on affairs of their countries while out office, just like the parrot mimics human voice. But other leaders of African nations with such indulgence have records of legacies they can pinpoint for the generation today and posterity.

Unluckily, OBJ is devoid of such fondly memories in his years of shadows on the leadership podium of Nigeria, but copies them by parroting endlessly. And like the Ivorian proverb says; “He who talks continuously, talks nonsense,” OBJ is not only confronted with the dilemma of vomiting what many consider as nonsense, but indicts and ridicules himself each time he throws jibes and tirades at the Buhari Presidency.

The obsession of OBJ now is to disparage everything President Buhari has done to tame the tide of sponsored insecurity in the country. In his wonderland, OBJ feels contented to harshly scold President Buhari on Boko Haram, herdsmen killings, communal conflicts and other assorted criminalities besieging Nigeria. He fails to recognize any effort of government on security.

In all his vituperations against the Presidency, he has never preached the necessity of Nigerians to co-exist in love and peace; he has never taken his admonishments to the doorsteps of sponsors of violence and killings in the land, who are determinately pulling the strings of conflicts and disunity in killings. He doesn’t want to know the public voice of an elder statesman should embody such cautions, as against incitement.

The former President prefers not to remember that he laid and sustained the foundations for the widespread violence, killings, disenchantments and hopelessness’ in the land. The alterable truth is that OBJ is responsible and indeed, knows the hidden faces tormenting Nigeria because it started during his Presidency. But he never acted; rather he romanticized these crises entrepreneurs’ or actors and gave them every leverage to consolidate into the monsters of today.

Therefore, it is laughable when OBJ laments current killings and violence around the country and proceeds to colour it in very awful terms of inciting diction. But it was worse under his reign. This is not to say, any death of a Nigerian in an unlawful circumstance should be justified. But OBJ’s trumpets are resonating to loud on the side of sanctimoniousness over problems he created.

Entrenched insecurity in Nigeria had the blessings of OBJ as a serving President. This elder statesman has forgotten that the shameful failure of state security to secure the lives and property of Nigerians in the early days of his Presidency gave birth to illegal vigilante groups across Nigeria. The Bakassi Boys and the O'odua People's Congress (OPC) and others, freely embarked on the task of securing their communities and carried out illegal detentions and extrajudicial killings. OBJ as President had all the powers, but could not do anything.

In the year 2000 alone, inter-communal conflicts were rife all over Nigeria. At least, 2,000 Nigerians were coldly murdered in the Kaduna riots of 2000. And in a single month, about 1,000 persons were killed in Jos in the month of September 2001, according to Human Rights Watch. What drastic measures adopted by OBJ to halt the killings and violence? There was no actionable anger from the Presidency and OBJ was as cold as impotent ash.

These ugly scenarios’ outlived his Presidency and flourished throughout the 16 years PDP government held power in Nigeria. Of course, the killings have not been obliterated completely. But if Jos has some measure of respite from the killings now, the relieve has come under the Buhari Presidency.

OBJ keeps parroting feebly and like a traditional adage says; “ A talkative bird will not build a nest.” So, he left these problems to fester into near irremovable stains because he was more interested in talking than action.

It is very sad that OBJ today wants Nigerians and the whole world to know President Buhari is the architect of Nigeria’s problems with resurgence of violence and killings. OBJ’s evil heart does not allow him the luxury of introspection on his previous outings.

In March 2010, OBJ told CNN’s Christiane Amanpour in an interview after about 200 persons lost their lives in violence near the city of Jos between Christian and Muslim communities that the eruption of violence had no religious connotations.

OBJ stated; "If you have one group or a community that has land that's been encroached upon by another community or even by itinerant cattle farmers, then the people who lay claim to the land will fight back. If there are job opportunities in an area, and persons believe they are indigenous to that area, and (are) not getting enough out of the jobs that are available, they will fight those who are getting the jobs."

Today, OBJ sermonizes in his latest open letter to President Buhari that “And Boko Haram will not go away on the basis of sticks alone, carrots must overweigh sticks. How else do you deal with issues such as only about 50% literacy in North-East with over 70% unemployment?”

Yet, this is a leader, who laid the template that dubiously sold all Nigeria’s national assets; from landed properties to companies, industries and so forth, which threw millions out of jobs. And all sold assets are performing at less than 10 percent. What convictions compelled him to dispose these national assets, if he ever knew unemployment was a problem in the country?

But he wants Buhari to solve the problem of insecurity through the “carrot approach,” by relaunching Nigeria on the track of industrial development or boom in just four years. What a hypocrite!

It is quite painful that OBJ had all the chances to right the wrongs of Nigeria right from independence to the time of his Presidency. But he abused every opportunity all so gleefully. What happened to the report submitted to him by the Justice Chukwudifo Oputa-chaired panel on Human Rights Violations Investigation Commission? He buried it so impishly.

But it was one Panel Nigerians embraced and hitherto very bitter enemies poured out their minds in public reconciliation. But OBJ confined the report to the trashcan, instead of implementing the recommendations that would have cemented the cracks and berthed durable peace among bickering peoples and communities in Nigeria.

If militancy heightened in the Niger Delta; or the unabated animosity, violence and killings’ in Southern Kaduna; the ongoing internecine killings between Jukun and Tiv communities in Taraba state or elsewhere in the Middle Belt; the violent eruptions on the Plateau between Berom and Hausa/Fulani ethnicities and even the herders/farmers conflicts are an off-shoot of Obasanjo’s negligence as President of Nigeria. He is challenged to publicly prove otherwise.

Was OBJ able to address or bring justice or succor to victims of the November 1999 massacres of civilians in Odi, Bayelsa state or in what ways was his administration able to assuage the pains of victims of the October 2001 military invasion of Zaki Biam and parts of Benue state? All committees he constituted himself on these extrajudicial killings submitted their reports to him. But he dumped them until his tenure expired. These reports, if implemented, rendered a very dependable platform for OBJ to manage Nigeria’s diversities and implant national unity and cohesion.

In a July 3, 2003 open letter to the then President Obasanjo, Ken Roth, the
Executive Director, Human Rights Watch lamented and pleaded on the Oputa Panel report thus;

“The Oputa Panel submitted its report to your government well over a year ago. We are disappointed to note that neither the report nor any plans to implement its recommendations have been published.…We urge you to ensure that that those responsible for ordering and carrying out the massacres in Benue and Odi, whatever their rank or position, are identified, charged and tried without delay.”

Furthermore, today OBJ howls about Boko Haram insurgency like a castrated bull. But it started under his watch and like the other security aberrations’ he consented, nurtured and permitted to gather enough muscles to now threaten Nigeria, he did nothing. Nigerians now bear the brunt and agony of his executive inactions as insurgency has consumed over 20, 000 Nigerians since 2009 when its operations peaked unchallenged.

No one is claiming there is no insecurity in Nigeria. Certainly, there is insecurity in Nigeria like every other part of the world. But is OBJ saying it has just occurred to him to care about Nigeria’s security? It smacks more of mockery and a feeble attempt to reinvent and purify his sadistic mind on Nigeria by tacitly prodding communities or individuals to violence and killings.

More Nigerians have been killed under his leadership than any natural disaster or leader that has ever administered Nigeria since 1960. If OBJ cannot atone for his sins; it is unpardonable for him to try to mock Nigerians or any leader.

Finally, OBJ should learn from the wisdom of this African proverb; “ Young people talk of what they are doing; old people, of what they have done, and fools of what they have a mind to do.”

Okanga, a traditional warrior wrote from Agila, Benue State.

By Israel Abiodun


The National Coordinator of Human Rights Writers Association, HURIWA, Emmanuel Onwubiko has apparently gotten a new lease of life. Those who may not know him well enough would be unaware that the enforced silence, seen on his part, in recent times has nothing to do with retreating for introspection, which would have been a good thing since that would have imposed a period of coerced reasoning on him, something he appears incapable of. The silence on his part is a manifestation of the power of hunger.
Those who know him are conversant with how such period of silence was dictated by the absence of a client to inspire Onwubiko to write misleading pieces or making rounds of the studio of media outlets where he performs as a talking head, a pseudo-expert in activism, albeit without the fair disclosure that his brand of activism is the one that can only be procured and activated by the abundance of lucre. The money comes in and Onwubiko starts chiming on loop like the sound of the bank alert that announced that his clients have paid for him to resume his mud slinging.
One would think that receiving money for his activism would at least prompt him to go out on a limb in an attempt to wrap the sewer cleaning job he does in some layer of respectability. That is however something he does not have capacity for. He is too given to ethnic bigotry to deliver something relevant and useful for his client in the hope that such will accidentally contribute to the public discourse on whatever he is being paid to muddle up. Note must be made here of the fact that Onwubiko’s contributions to national dialogue have only been belligerent, attacking individuals and organizations, without ever coming up with a constructive concept of how to deal with an issue.
This is the logical explanation for his recent outburst against the Chief of Army Staff, COAS, Lieutenant General TY Buratai, who Onwubiko picked offense against for highlighting the political facet of the criminality that appeared to have escalated in several parts of Nigeria. Perhaps at this point, a futile attempt should be made to educate Onwubiko, his lack of capacity to genuinely learn is not in doubt as he has on several occasions demonstrated that much. But efforts must still be made to highlight certain things, at least for the benefit of those that he is misleading.
Had he but stepped back and think about the situation without the impact of the dizzying ethnic bigotry that drives him, he would have noted, like other right thinking Nigerians, that the escalation of security breaches occured sharply in the weeks after the elections, which has been attributed to defeated politicians covertly supporting or sponsoring such criminal acts. Perhaps he knows the facts but decided to play the ostrich because admitting that failed politicians contribute to insecurity would amount to self indictment since these failures of politicians are not only his associates but are also the ones plying him with bread and butter to provide the energy for his keening.
It must be appreciated that while Onwubiko is not alone in being paid to criticize public office holders and critical national institutions, he seems to hold the record for being the worst ethnic bigot in his field, save for a couple of other hirelings from the southwest whose outbursts can be legitimately attributed to mental health issues and substance abuse. Onwubiko’s unacceptable ethnic bigotry is one that must be addressed for the very fact that it poses the risk of distorting the field in a manner that makes seeking non-violent solutions to Nigeria’s security challenges difficult, if not impossible. He has no right to create such problem for Nigeria, a country he loathes belonging to since he has severally expressed his preference for the defunct Biafra.
This is why it is unfortunate that he accused the COAS of all manner of things for being forthcoming about why banditry and other criminal situations persists in the same statement in which he accused the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rt. Honorable Femi Gbajabiamila of ‘high treason’ for going on an exploratory visit of troubled places in Zamfara state in pursuit of peace building. Such conflicting response should remove every doubt that exists as to whether Onwubiko’s ethnic bigotry has destroyed the last shred of objective reasoning he is capable of.
Only such ingrained bigotry can make a man that supports a designated terrorist group, the Indigenous People of Baifra, IPOB, come out to speak as if Nigerians have forgotten where he stands on the unity of the country. He believes and support IPOB’s goal of partitioning Nigeria, destroying the country, so that some people can massage their lack of capacity for living in a multicultural country. Had General Buratai not been professional in curtailing and ultimately crushing IPOB’s criminal activities Nigeria would have become history and there would be no country for Onwubiko to rant about.
He regularly rants along these bigoted ethnic lines, which poses the risk that some people could be misled into believing his lies if they continue to be exposed to them without the record being set straight. Onwubiko is aware that if he repeats his lies often enough, people will still not believe him, but there is the risk of attenuation, whereby his irresponsible utterances become less jarring as people get used to them. This is a process of normalizing bigotry, something Onwubiko, or at least those using him, is aware of.
Normalization of ethnic bigotry is a development that right thinking Nigerians must not allow to happen. People of conscience must continually rise up to ensure that Onwubiko’s attempt to make bigotry the new normal is fiercely rejected, with him being put in his place each time he attempts to turn history on its head and make his own ethnic group appear dominant over the others. Those with the resources can attempt to rehabilitate him so that he finds other productive engagements to put food on his table, That way he would not have to pretend to be a concerned activist when in reality all that he wants to cater to are his pocket and perverted ethnic orientation. This is why HURIWA and Onwubiko’s normalization of ethnic bigotry must not be allowed.

Abiodun is a public affairs commentator based in Ibadan.

The South- East Econonic and Social Rights Movement (SESRM) has raised the alarm of the alleged plot by Atiku Abubakar, presidential candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, in the last election and members of the Islamic Movement in Nigeria, IMN, to disrupt peace ahead the tribunal ruling.

Recall that Atiku had approached the tribunal following the declaration of President Muhammadu Buhari of the All Progressives Congress, APC, as winner of the February 23 presidential election by INEC.

Addressing a press conference on Saturday in response to development in the polity and the need for the Federal Government to act swiftly on IMN and her political allies, SESRM said Atiku is hell bent on getting judgment through the backdoor.

Mazi Okechukwu Ude, Secretary General, who addressed the media on behalf of the group, said having failed in their two plans, Atiku and his allies have resorted to spreading the problem to the southeast and south-south to achieve a total breakdown of law and order.

He, therefore, called for various security agencies to be deployed to “our aid because the threat posed by this man is credible to the point that we live in fear in our home states as we speak.”

Full text of his speech below.


Those that have been following proceedings at the Presidential Election Petition Tribunal would have noted how things are not going as advertised for Alhaji Atiku Abubakar, who was the presidential candidate of the People’s Democratic Party, PDP. None of the earth shaking revelations he used to deceive our people to get our bloc support are anywhere to be seen, which has now made it clear that he scammed the Igbos into making enemy of the incumbent government of President Muhammadu Buhari.

Igbos for Nigeria Movement has been closely following these development in addition to reviewing Atiku’s utterances, both on the petition and contemporary national issues. What he have concluded from our observation is that recent events from the tribunal seems to have forced Atiku to give up and that he has now resorted to exploiting desperate attempts to destabilize the country.

What we have learnt is that there is a plot to activate the third phase of a “Plan C” that we have now found out involves flooding parts of the South-East and South-West with killers who will disguise as herdsmen and as armed protesters of the Shiites sect to torment the nation particularly these two geo-political zones. The objective is to create the impression that the current government is incapable of securing the lives of Nigerians, incite people to violence and shut the country down.


This plot was initially unbelievable to us until our contacts within and outside his camp validated them for us. We therefore use this press conference to raise the alarm that our people in the South-East are being set up for death by the same man they supported as a bloc. He wants to exterminate Igbos to make certain political points about how the country is not safe under the Buhari Presidency. It is the most bizarre and inhuman political strategy we have ever seen or heard of.


We are specially appealing to the federal government not to allow this calamity befall the Igbos before it wades in and do the needful. This is not the kind of scenario where the government should wait for the act to be committed before issuing condolence statement and vowing to punish perpetrators. The plan and the person behind it are already known now so we demand that the appropriate security agency should immediately arrest Alhaji Atiku Abubakar, the presidential candidate of the People’s Democratic Party, PDP now before he activates his “Plan C”. He should be prosecuted under the relevant law.

It must be noted that Atiku and his associates had successfully activated the Plan A and Plan B of his agenda, even though unsuccessfully. The implementation of these plans was responsible for the massive propaganda that was intended to destroy the military. The Plan B component has been behind the upsurge in the attacks and kidnaping in the northwest and northcentral. The pursuit of Plan C is to spread the problem to the southeast and south-south to achieve a total breakdown of law and order.


The federal government should not allow the Igbos to be victimized as being planned by Atiku. The various security agencies should be deployed to our aid because the threat posed by this man is credible to the point that we live in fear in our home states as we speak.

By Bonaventure Ogar

The resurgence of the activities of the Islamic Movement in Nigeria (IMN) has raised some weighty concerns in some questers. While it may not be out of place to take a cursory look at the activities of the IMN and its violent tendencies, it is sufficing to state that there may be more to the sudden resurgence of the IMN than what you and I might know.

As a start, I would say boldly that there are indeed political undertones to the activities of the IMN in Nigeria and with the renewed boldness to confront security agencies that led to the death of two or so law enforcement officers.

I recall that I have stated in numerous forums that not until we stop playing politics with human lives, Nigeria would continue to sit on the brink. This is more worrisome when it is realized that those set of politicians that preach one Nigeria during the day, and at night fund the nefarious activities of militant groups to destabilize the country.

And when the destabilization plot is gathering momentum, they take to the pages of newspapers to issue statements calling the government inept and clueless. They also whip up unnecessary sentiments all in an attempt to turn the people against the government of the day. These have been their stock in trade and no longer a secret to some of us, but a big secret to the majority of the members of the unsuspecting general public.

It must be stated in clear terms that the activities of the IMN are being funded by an all righteous individual that has refused to come to terms with the outcome of the recently concluded general elections. For that individual, Nigeria is his birth right, and he cannot seem to come to terms with the result and as such, all must be done covertly to make the country ungovernable.

But there is a snag for him. And that is the fact that he is still living in delusion, thinking his funding of the activities of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) went unnoticed. The IPOB issue was one of the lows of this same individual when he indeed thought he could use the IPOB agitation for his political advantage and so he pushed forward the restructuring narrative.

To some it might be a pleasant coincidence, but in truth, it was a well thought out strategy which eventually didn’t see the light of the day because Nigerians indeed decided to take their destinies in their hands by refusing to be pushed around and deceived by the same set of politicians that have been part and parcel of the rot in the system since the advent of democratic dispensation in Nigeria in 1999.

The sad thing about the whole script is that the victims are usually ordinary citizens on the street. Those that struggle to make ends meet. Those that line up at the motor parks to board buses. Those that go about their daily lives with a firm hope that one day, their dreams and aspirations would be translated into tangible realities. Yes, these are the victims of the selfishness and wickedness of some highly placed. Those whose children dot the nook and cranny of Europe, America, and the United Arab Emirate. Those who after setting a dangerous destabilization agenda would be pictured in the United Arab Emirate with cronies celebrating the success of an evil plot.

Indeed, a sad episode in the annals of Nigeria. To think that all of a sudden, the IMN would come out so daring and armed with dangerous weapons and well-mobilized leaves all to the imagination. This is also akin to the creation of what I call the “killer herdsmen gang” soon after the results of the general elections were announced. For some of us that are students of history, we were able to put one and two together and come to the conclusion that would stand the test of time.

That of the killer herdsmen was so glaringly a creation of the disgruntled politicians club ostensibly headed by this same politician whose marabout had told him in times past that he would win elections in the country. And we are still waiting for that to happen. Just maybe how that could happen is through unorthodox means such as sponsoring violent protests across the country. Funding and arming militant groups to cause untold hardship to the ordinary and unarmed citizens of our great nation.

And to also cause international and national embarrassment to the efforts of the government of the day. This is called politics, I think. Yes, but at the expense of human lives? At the expense of the destruction of properties? At the expense of disrupting economic activities?

All of these are questions the prominent politician must answer in the solitude of the four walls of his room. He needs to dig deep into his soul and search for answers to the above questions and to ask himself if his actions are indeed patriotic or unpatriotic.

I could go on non-stop on highlighting the grand plot against Nigeria by the prominent politician. And I would be able to justify every line or paragraph because the signs are apparent. Having said that. It behoves on well-meaning Nigerians see that big man politicians as the unseen finger in the spate of violence in the country. And it is my prayer that in due time, he shall be made to account for his misdeeds against that country that made him who he claims he is. Time shall tell.


Ogar is a forensic psychologist and contributed this piece from Akwa.

The Management of the Nation Youth Service Corps (NYSC) and that of Independent Corrupt Practices and other related offences Commission (ICPC) have agreed to partner in ensuring that graduates mobilized for national service are genuine. This came at the instance of a courtesy visit to ICPC Headquarters, Abuja by NYSC's Director General, Brigadier General Shuaibu Ibrahim recently.

Briefing the Chairman of ICPC, the NYSC boss said that the scheme recently uncovered where unqualified persons were mobilized for national service, and sought for cooperation to halt the practice.
Responding, the Chairman of ICPC, Prof. Bolaji Owasanoye said that his commission is ready to work hand in hand with NYSC in putting eyes on the mobilization process of all institutions that produce Corps members.

He said "my one year of national service under NYSC was the defining moment that brought me to where I am today. I see NYSC as a great institution that no one should take for granted. I therefore give you my word that we shall work together to ensure those who are involved in the ungodly act are apprehended and sanctioned."

The Human Rights Writers Association of Nigeria (HURIWA) has been warned against their constant anti-Nigerian propaganda, capable of heating up the polity in the country.

The Nat Democratic Front, which handed down this warning on Friday, described HURIWA and its leader, Emmanuel Onwubiko, as commissioned agents to escalate anti-Nigerian state propaganda.

NDF was reacting to a recent statement by HURIWA where it accused the Chief of Army Staff, Lt. General Tukur Buratai and the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rt. Hon. Femi Gbajabiamila, as working against the Nigerian state.

Bolaji Abdulkadir, NDF National Secretary, while addressing a press conference on the constant media propaganda by HURIWA on Thursday in Abuja, said Onwubiko and his group are agents of destabilization that are in pursuit of ethnic agenda in Nigeria.

It, therefore, asked Onwubiko to refund their paymaster as their task of tarnishing the images of Buratai and Gbajabiamila has failed woefully.

Full text of his speech below.



The National Democratic Front (NDF) has become aware of escalation of anti-state propaganda by one Emmanuel Onwubiko and his blackmail group, the so called Human Rights Writers Association of Nigeria (HURIWA). This is not his first time but we are seeing a dangerous pattern that requires that the lies he is putting in the public space are expeditiously corrected before people think that is the correct state of affairs.

The latest of this failed attempt at using negative propaganda against the Nigerian state involved Onwubiko disparaging the Chief of Army Staff, Lt. General Tukur Buratai and the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rt. Hon. Femi Gbajabiamila. He futilely strived to create the impression that these reputable men are the enemy when the real enemy of the people is the person attempting to shove falsehood down their throats.

This refined urchin accused General Buratai of sophistry because he dared to expose how politics and politicians are the real factors driving the widespread security breaches in the country. Interestingly, Onwubiko alluded to how banditry, kidnapping and terrorism are happening across the country without acknowledging that the people he works for are the ones that unleashed these evil as punishment on Nigerians for not voting to reintroduce corruption during the recent general elections.

It is common knowledge in Nigeria that because of monetary and ethnic considerations, Onwubiko is a die hard supporter and canvasser for Atiku Abubakar, the presidential candidate of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP). The HURIWA businessman is aware that his client famously declared that killings and violence will intensify when President Muhammadu Buhari gets re-elected. The predicted violence has not taken hold and one of its promoters is blaming the Chief of Army Staff for situating the problem where it is.

At the right time, Onwubiko will have to answer for his contributions to the carnage that has been witnessed in some parts of the country. When that time comes he will be able to tell Nigerians how much he collected to launch the evil propaganda against the government and the persons that paid that money.

Meanwhile, we realise that Onwubiko’s main interest is not General Buratai, whom he merely used to gain relevance and attract attention to his wares as a blackmailer. His intended target is the Speaker, Rt. Hon Gbajabiamila, whom he believes would be amenable to blackmail, only that his projection was wrong. Not only is the strategy wrong, the premises upon which he attempted to tarnish the image of the Speaker were faulty to the point where one have to begin to review his mental state.

He has a problem with the peace mission embarked upon by Rt. Hon. Gbajabiamila in Zamfara state, which he concluded was high treason. While this appear logical on the surface, an actual understanding of it will show a kind of deviousness that merits being confined to supervised care. He rather wants the bandits to be tried and no talks held with them even if that will bring solutions.

We are at a loss if this is the same HURIWA/Onwubiko that chastised the government for not negotiating with extremists of the Islamic Movement in Nigeria (IMN) and the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPoB), two groups that have been outlawed on account of their being militarised and being a terrorist group respectively.

Two things stand out in this historic transaction of Onwubiko. He is first about the money and will sing to support any group that drops coin in his bowl, which was the basis on which the IMN bought his services to argue that government should dialogue with them.
The second thing is that Onwubiko is an irredeemable ethnic bigot who thinks a terrorist IPoB should be pampered with negotiation and amnesty while bandits should be treated differently simply because they are from the north that he hates with all his being. The records are there and they speak to how the HURIWA leader has been playing two sides of the divide.

It is therefore not in doubt that HURIWA and Onwubiko are agents of destabilization that are in pursuit of ethnic agenda. Since the organization and its leader are one and the same, we confidently say that Onwubiko has proven that he does not know the difference between politics and agitating for human rights. If he does he would not have disingenuously attempted to retire the political contract he got to malign Buratai and Gbajabiamila under the sub-head of human rights. It stuck out like a sore thumb for what it is. A cheap propaganda that was badly packaged and delivered.

We know Onwubiko as a confused bigot that can sell his family to the highest bidder or if the money arrives at a certain time in the right amount. His brand of activism is purely monetized at the very least it must appeal to his ethnic jingoism, for which he must be paid anyway.

Our charge to Onwubiko with his HURIWA is simple. He should go back and refund whatever he has been paid to carry out his latest assignment because he has not only failed those who sent him the errand but has also failed himself for not being able to come up with something more creative than the watery non-issues he tried to raise against the two leaders.

He must also learn to not try gaining political capital out of something that Nigerians are trying to get rid of. His attempt to leverage on the terrorist attacks and kidnappings for making money is reprehensible and he is advised to desist from such irresponsible acts.

The Progressive Yoruba Youth Council, the umbrella body of southwest youths has cautioned members of the Islamic Movement in Nigeria, IMN, against taking their protest to Lagos State and the entire Oduduwa region.

The youth group strongly warned members of IMN to desist from its plan of inflicting harm on innocent citizens in an attempt to make the country ungovernable.

Addressing newsmen on Thursday in Lagos, Dayo Jacob, National Chairman of the group, fingered some politicians as faces behind the activities of the sect.

The group warned the IMN and their sponsors to desist from their “nefarious activities and explore peaceful means of airing their grievances if they are indeed genuine.”

The statement reads.

The Progressive Yoruba Youth Council the umbrella organisation for the youths of Oduduwa extraction in South West Nigeria dedicated to sustaining the ideals of the Oduduwa Empire took a cursory look at the sudden resurgence of the violent tendencies of the Islamic Movement in Nigeria (IMN) with a view to ascertaining the motives behind their actions and putting issues in proper perspective for the discerning members of the general public.

The Islamic Movement in Nigeria in recent times have undertaken violent protest in the federal capital territory Abuja and some parts of Nigeria in an attempt to drive home a hidden agenda of making the country ungovernable and thereby subjecting innocent citizens to untold hardship.

The Progressive Yoruba Youth Council in line with its core mandate of bringing to the fore issues that affects the relative peace and tranquillity in the Oduduwa kingdom and by extension Nigeria, undertook a systematic research on the issues been canvassed by the IMN that led to the death of law enforcement officers and the disruption of peace and tranquillity in the country.

The Progressive Yoruba Youth Council consequently deployed its resources and network across the country with the sole aim of unravelling the motives of the IMN that led to the resurgence of violent protest in the country.

The Progressive Yoruba Youth Council commissioned a high powered delegation of a special investigative committee to look at the issues objectively by activating its array of network in Nigeria, and the findings were subjected to series of checks in an attempt to put forward a balanced discovery for the members of the unsuspecting general public.

The findings of the committee were mind-boggling, and an indication the indeed the activities of the IMN are sponsored by individuals and organizations with an ulterior motive on the continued existence of Nigeria as a country.

It was discovered that some disgruntled politicians who ended up at the losing side during the recently conducted general elections were behind the resurgence of the activities of the IMN in Nigeria, and with a vow ensure that the country is made ungovernable for the present administration.

This much was gathered by the various report gathered from credible sources which indicated that the protest by the IMN is sponsored by wealthy politicians that are yet to get over their electoral defeat at the recently concluded general elections in the country.

These set of politicians have devoted a vast amount of money towards actualizing their nefarious motive by mobilizing the IMN with dangerous arms and ammunition as well as logistics for wreaking havoc on innocent citizens.

We also have it on competent authority that a key member of the position party that aspired for one of the highest position in the country is indeed the brain behind the protest in the country. This individual owing to his massive war chest has devoted a large amount of money through proxies to continue to encourage and fund the activities of the IMN towards painting a picture of a high level of insecurity in the country.


It was discovered that the target of the IMN is innocent citizens that are going about their normal businesses and operatives of the security agencies which culminated in the disruption of businesses and the death of some police officers.


The Progressive Yoruba Youth Council having studied the facts before it consequently made the following resolutions.

The IMN and their sponsors should desist from their nefarious activities and explore peaceful means of airing their grievances if they are indeed genuine.

That the politicians that have vowed to make the country ungovernable by devoting vast amounts of money in the destabilization plot should desist from such as it has become apparent that national interest should surpass personal and selfish interest.

That the IMN and its sponsors should stay away from southwest Nigeria and other parts of Oduduwa kingdom in the interest of peace and tranquillity.

That the IMN should in clear terms desist from extending their nefarious activities to Lagos State, the commercial nerve centre of the country as such moves would be resisted vehemently.

That the interest of the country should be taken into consideration due to the heterogeneous nature of the country at the risk of insulting the sensibilities of the generality of Nigerians.

That those politicians that are behind the violent activities of the IMN should have a rethink and explore other civil avenues towards driving home their reservations on the electoral mandate freely given to the present administration by the people of Nigeria.

That given the magnitude of the evidence at the disposal of the Progressive Yoruba Youth Council , there would be no hiding place for sponsors of political unrest in the country.

That the Progressive Yoruba Youth Council has initiated various mechanism towards ensuring that sponsors of violent protests in the country are made to face the full wrath of the law given the present circumstances.

That the unity of Nigeria is not negotiable and as such, they should have a rethink in their destabilization plot and instead channel their time and resources towards productive ventures in the interest of peace and tranquillity.

That the Progressive Yoruba Youth Congress has notified its members of the impending plot by the IMN and its political sponsors to disrupt activities in southwest Nigeria.

That the Progressive Yoruba Youth Council would not hesitate to present the array evidence of the destabilization plot to the general public and the various security agencies in the country.

By Anthony Kolawole



There is an image that the promoters of the Islamic Movement in Nigeria (IMN) want people to have about the Shiite group. It is image of a docile group that continues to maintain civility even in the face of provocations, a collection of religious devout who only hold hands and chant prayers as their mode of protest. The pictures and videos they are ever willing to share and promote online are the ones in which IMN members are on the receiving end of the supposed brutality of law enforcement agencies, oftentimes these are images of wounded members or those fleeing from teargas.
An objective flip of the channel will however reveal an IMN that is so militarized that the Kaduna state government, following a Judicial Commission of Inquiry, issued a White Paper that outlawed the group. Part of the reason for the ban was that IMN was found to be a militarized extremist group, whose members were not only armed but also dangerously radicalized. With the ban came the realization for IMN that it can no longer freely operate in Kaduna state since there is a framework under which its activities are effectively criminalized.
Compelled to relocate its activities to a more tolerant Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nigerians are now able to fully appreciate the full extent of harassment and intimidation that the people of Zaria and environs in Kaduna state had to endure at the hands of these fanatics before their reign of intimidation was cut short. But that realization might have come too late as the extremist members of the group now have the nation’s capital in their rabid grip.
Dislodging them from Abuja is proving difficult. First, they have in the course of the past three years infiltrated the satellite towns of the FCT and set up cells that they easily activate for their so called protest for the release of their leader, Mr Ibrahim ElZakyzaky, who is standing trial for treason before a court in Kaduna. It should be noted that they refused to protest in Kaduna, where their leader is on trial but rather preferred to punish the inhabitants of Abuja. Considering that IMN has only so far activated its brigades assigned to protests, we should all be afraid of when its actual militants wings, already ensconced in the satellite towns, are activated.
Secondly, IMN enjoys some misplaced sympathies from Nigerians who are not necessarily supporters of the group but who end up sympathizing with them while castigating the authorities for the wrong reasons. Among these are those who do not fully appreciate the risk posed by IMN members to the society – these ones see the issue purely from a misplaced human rights perspective, they want IMN members to be accorded liberties they deny other Nigerians. The other sympathizers are those who, for political reasons, find it expedient to demonize the government of President Muhammadu Buhari and the Armed Forces of Nigeria, with the Nigerian Police Force, simply because it fits into their own larger agenda. The mix of these two categories of sympathizers is catalyzed by the die-hard campaigners of the IMN – ranging from paid activist lawyers to erstwhile journalists and columnists that have switched alliance to become part of terrorists.
There is a thickening of the support from those sympathizing with IMN for political reasons. They have seen that Nigerians have come to disregard the group’s provocative protests that consist of denying Nigerians right of way, vandalizing cars and property along their protest routes, launching projectiles against security personnel, defacing public property and just about any other criminal thing that can be done in the course of protests. The images that the IMN propaganda machine shares from these confrontations usually omit IMN militants throwing back teargas canisters at policemen, they edit out the members hurling stones and sticks and the IMN camera somehow always miss its members dressed in military fatigues and camouflage, with some influence peddling such pictures also do not make it into the publications that are tolerant of the IMN nuisance.
But the recent attack on the National Assembly by IMN militants during which shots were fired and some policemen sustained gunshot wounds, others were stabbed or clubbed, is a wakeup call to the growing rabidity of IMN extremists. It does not matter whether its members came with the weapons they used or snatched the ones with the policemen, the warning light is blink red and rapidly. An outlawed organization that attacked two critical institutions in a democracy – the parliament and police – has crossed the Rubicon. The only outrage left for the group is to launch full scale terrorist attacks on key national institutions.
It is critical to at this stage interrogate what emboldened IMN militants to attack the National Assembly without the fear of repercussions. An immediate answer is to be found in the violence that has spread across the country. The spate of kidnappings, banditry and terrorism (in the north-east) have stretched the military and police thin. The start of IMN’s terrorism will open a new front that will further burden law enforcement and the military, which will certainly give IMN an upper hand.
Interestingly, the spate of kidnappings, banditry, and other forms of violence besetting the country are not unconnected with IMN’s growing rabidity. It is has been revealed that the massive attacks and killings that have taken hold of the country after the general elections are meant to culminate in political instability, which the opposition has reportedly engaged the IMN to precipitate, hence its decision to invade the National Assembly and make that arm of government unable to function afterwards. A desperate opposition found in the IMN a willing vehicle for achieving the destabilization of Nigeria and some citizens that are no wiser are cheering them on.
Between the IMN and the opposition, the conspiracy to destroy Nigeria’s democracy is thickening. When democracies fail, the first casualty is often if not always the parliament – the executive arm will survive and judiciary will exist as a tribunal of sort. The burden is on the members of the National Assembly to shake off their present lethargic silence especially since it was their institution that was targeted by the extremists. They should collectively, as an institution, demand an end to IMN’s menace while uniting across party lines to call the opposition to order and ask that it stops using the Shiite group as a prop.


Kolawole PhD, a University lecturer wrote from Keffi, Nasarawa State.

....say movement remains a political group


Commercial activities in the Federal Capital city were on Tuesday halt momentarily following a protest against the menace of the Islamic Movement in Nigeria, INM.

The protest, which was championed by the Concerned Women/Africa Arise for Change Network was well attended by angry Nigerians, who insisted the activities of INM have political undertones.

The tall took off at Unity Fountain and is terminated at the National Assembly complex.

Speaking during the well-attended rally, Princess Ajibola, convener of the group, called on the National Assembly to pass a resolution, compelling the Office of the Attorney General of the Federation to file a suit for the court to declare IMN a terrorist organization so that law enforcement agencies can better respond to the threat it poses to the country.

Her speech below.


Concerned Nigerians Women and the Africa Arise for Change Network are staging this rally today in order to put it on the record that we are not in any way part of the conspiracy of silence in the glaring threat now posed to the country by the Islamic Movement in Nigeria (IMN).

Nigerians and the entire world was last week threated to the macabre spectacle of IMN members invading the National Assembly, the most important site for our democracy. While every Nigerian has the right to protest to the National Assembly, the intention of the IMN militants was very obvious because they were there to sack the parliament as demonstrated by their attack on the policemen on duty.

IMN attacks on members of the public and security operatives is not new. Killing law enforcement officers is also not new to them. What however became alarming in this instance was the sheer intensity of the attack during which they shot several policemen in addition to wounding others with catapults and cudgels.

It is laughable that the IMN extremists resorted to playing the victim after their attempt to overthrow the National Assembly failed. Had they succeeded in entering the chambers and killing our federal lawmakers like they planned they would have by now been declaring that Nigeria is a Shia Republic. Further proof that they intended to overthrow the government was their decision to target the Federal Secretariat within hours of attacking the National Assembly. This was the IMN militants targeting the buildings that implement the policy of the executive arm of government. With this pattern, it is a matter of time before they launch crippling attacks against the court in order to instil fear in the judiciary.

We have heard the lies that have been repeated over and over by IMN sympathizers that the group is harmless and non-violent. Our rally today offer a demonstration to such people on how non-violent marches are held. Peaceful protests does not involve protestors menacing other citizens, chanting anti-government slogans and definitely does not involve attempting to forcefully take over government building, neither does it involve killing policemen that are on legitimate duty for the country.

We therefore question the conspiracy of silence by those who think Nigeria deserves to have another terror group when the vestiges of Boko Haram is still being eradicated from their remaining strongholds. We condemn those that have obstinately refused to see nothing wrong with recent attempts by IMN insurgents to take over the National Assembly. Equally condemnable are those that are advocating for the extremists to be pampered and allowed to wreck the country for other law abiding citizens.

This is why we are dismayed at the discovery that disgruntled and defeated political actors were the ones that sponsored factions within the IMN to carry out the attack. It has been revealed that associates of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) presidential candidate, Atiku Abubakar, Atikulooters are behind the recent wave of coordinated protests across Nigerian cities by the IMN. We gathered that the objective is for the IMN extremist to sack the government so that the opposition can exploit the ensuing confusion to demand for the installation of an interim government.

Some members of the National Assembly that were in on the game went on the defensive for the IMN insurgents when the invasion was discussed on the floors of the Senate and House of Representatives. These are the lawmakers that would have called for an interim government had IMN succeeded with the evil plot it was executing on behalf of the opposition.

The failure of the plot has however seen the opposition accusing the incumbent government of harshly clamping down on IMN extremists while ignoring their treasonable acts. The opposition, in its criticism, largely ignored the shooting of policemen by the IMN fanatics. It glossed over the attempt to take over the National Assembly as if it was a natural everyday occurrence. It is interesting that while the IMN leader, Mr. Ibraheem El-Zakkay, is being tried for treason in Kaduna, his radicalized members are protesting in Abuja, in yet another confirmation that it is high politics at play. The opposition knows that it is responsible for this latest mayhem and has continued to wrongly accuse the government. This attitude derived from the fact that IMN was running errands for the opposition.

Concerned Nigerians Women and the Africa Arise for Change Network use this opportunity to warn the compromised members of the National Assembly that are collaborating with IMN that their plot is no longer secret. Details of their deal with Atiku’s associates and the IMN are well known and will be revealed at the right time. They still have time to team up with their right thinking colleagues and do the proper thing before it is too late.

The right thing to do is for the National Assembly to pass a resolution compelling the Office of the Attorney General of the Federation to file a suit for the court to declare IMN a terrorist organization so that law enforcement agencies can better respond to the threat it poses to the country. This is the befitting response from Senators and members of the House of Representatives, whose sacred institution was violated by these aspiring terrorists.

We shall keep up this demand until the IMN is designated a terrorist group. We will not stay silent while neo-terrorists destroy our democracy.

The Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Tukur Yusufu Buratai has strongly warned those individuals who are unnecessarily politicizing security-related issues in the country for undue political gains to henceforth refrain from doing so.

General Buratai gave the warning when he paid an operational visit to troops of Exercise Harbin Kunama III at 1 Division Super Camp Kuyelo at Kuyelo district, in Birnin Gwari Local Government Area of Kaduna State on Monday.

Acting Director Army Public Relations Col. Sagir Musa who stated this in a Press Release signed and made available to Journalists said the Lieutenant General emphasized that the security and unity of the country are non-negotiable. 

He therefore cautioned all those playing politics with the Security issues of our country to have a rethink as the Nigerian Army will continue to remain firm and decisive in combatting all threats to the security and unity of the nation towards the continuous provision of an enabling environment for peace, national security, and national development at large.
Lieutenant General, Burrata used the opportunity to inspect troops tactical deployments and later addressed the soldiers and enjoined them to be ruthless and decisive in dealing with the bandits. 

Col Musa said General Buratai observed that the security situation in the country as a whole has greatly improved, and commended them for the commitment and sacrifice which they have continued to demonstrate in the discharge of their constitutional roles to their fatherland. 
He said: “General Buratai noted that owing to such commitments and sacrifices by them as well as their colleagues in the North East, armed Bandits in the North West and Boko Haram terrorists in the North East have been technically defeated.”

COAS, therefore, urged the troops not to relent or become complacent until all the remaining bandits and other criminal elements are completely eliminated from our communities.

However Col Musa said Kuyelo Super Camp is one of such Camps established recently by the Nigerian Army across the North West region which is similar with one established in the North-east zone to deal decisively with the menace of cattle rustling, kidnapping, armed banditry and other acts of criminality being perpetrated by armed bandits, Boko Haram and other criminal elements within the regions. 

He said that during the visit 1 Division Garrison Commander Brig Gen OJ Akpor briefing the Chief of Army Staff on the operational activities and successes recorded achieved so far since the establishment of the camp include the neutralization of several bandits during engagements with own troops, the recovery of assorted automatic weapons from the bandits, the recovery of several rustled cows, the rescue of 20 kidnap victims, amongst others. 

Akpor said the Troops also conduct medical outreaches aimed at winning the hearts and minds of the local populace with a view to garnering their support especially in the area of volunteering useful information required for the successful conduct of the operations. 

“It was clear from the Commander’s briefing that no major acts of banditry have been recorded recently, that the security situation in the general area has greatly improved and that the locals, especially farmers are now going about their businesses without lets or hindrances owing to the operational activities of troops of the Super Camp.
Col Musa said also General Officer Commanding 1 Division Nigerian Army, Maj Gen F Yahaya has given some clarifications on the current and projected operational activities of his Division at large especially with regards to the conduct of anti-banditry operations.

Maj General Yahaya thanked the COAS for providing adequate operational and logistics requirements to effectively execute its roles of combating banditry, cattle rustling, kidnapping and other associated insecurities across his Divisions area of operation.

The Acting Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Ibrahim Magu has conferred on the Director-General of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) Brig. Gen. Shuaibu Ibrahim, the honour of ‘Anti-Corruption Ambassador’.

The anti-graft agency boss awarded the newly appointed NYSC DG with the prestigious award on Monday when the latter led his team on a visit to the headquarters of the EFCC.

Among others, the pair discussed potential collaboration between the two agencies in the fight against corruption.

Like Magu, the NYSC DG is renowned for his uncomprising, dogged and zero tolerance to corruption.

The visiting DG was also presented with a gift by the EFCC Acting Chairman.

By Usman Bello

Since 2015, there have been some remarkable improvements in the operations of the Nigerian Army. The Nigerian Army, though not my constituency I have over the years followed its affairs critically, and it has somewhat become my hubby to make analysis whenever there is a change in its leadership, when redeployments are carried out and the likes.

You reading might be wondering why my passion is in the affairs of the Nigerian Army. The reason is simple. As a young boy in the streets of Kaduna, I have had the privilege of seeing soldiers from the Nigerian Defence Academy carry out morning drills. I have always been fascinated by their way of life, though regimented, it still interests me. In a way, that gave rise to a desire for me to enrol in the Nigeria Army, but as they say, man proposes, and God disposes. That dream didn’t materialize, but the interest remained.

I recall that I made a scanting remark when President Muhammadu Buhari appointed the present Chief of Army Staff, General Tukur Buratai. My statement was not in any way meant to slight him. But instead, I believed that there were other better-qualified people to have been so appointed.

I wasn’t swayed by the fact that he was a northerner like myself, but I was somewhat interested in what he would bring to the table since the little I gathered about him was that he was at a time commander of the Multinational Joint Taskforce situated in Chad. In truth, he wasn’t flamboyant and was always wearing a smile. I felt as a general in the Nigerian Army; he should smile less and wear the dreaded look that would send chills down the spine of the enemy. But I was wrong.

Back to the crux of this article. I won’t mince words. I have never liked General Buratai because he is a hardliner despite his meek looks. Even though from all available records, he has done quite a lot since he came on-board, I still had some reservations. I was propelled to write this article upon a discovery which was brought to my attention by bosom friend Aminu Saleh, a military historian on a research he conducted titled “Operational Effectiveness of the Nigerian Army (2015-2018)

The report looked at the various innovations in the Nigerian Army since 2015 in details. It touched on the war against terrorism, the quality of postings and appointments, promotions, discipline, welfare, amongst a host of others.

I must confess that I was astonished by the revelations in the report. It contained facts and figures and concluded that the Nigerian Army in the years in the review had indeed experienced tremendous improvements in the areas mentioned above. One of the areas was in the over 50 commissioned projects that cut across education, infrastructure, innovations, and capacity building, and research.

I recall the report contained over 50 laudable projects that were initiated and commissioned under Tukur Buratai as Chief of Army. From the establishment of a Nigerian Army University to the reintroduction of military training in the Nigerian Military School. There is also the establishment of a Directorate for Civil-Military Relations, as well as the creation of a Human Rights Desk in all Nigerian Army formations.

There was also the resuscitation of all Command Secondary Schools across the country to the establishment of the Nigerian Army Aviation, as well as the Nigerian Army Vehicle Manufacturing Company. There was also the commissioning of housing accommodations across military formations in the country. And the list is endless.

But my point of departure was the way and manner he has executed the war against Boko Haram. In my opinion, the approach has been that of a hardliner giving no room for a flexible approach. Of course, this position of mine would be contested by some with a view that disapproves a soft approach in dealing with a terrorist group that has caused wanton destruction to the economy and the lives of the people of North East Nigeria.

But they must understand that I am not in any way in support of the activities of Boko Haram, but I thought that the Operation Safe Corridor initiative should have been more expanded to allow the Boko Haram fighters the window to surrender peacefully and embrace peace. But that has not been the case. Instead, the approach has been that of crushing them.

But I have realized that it is too late in the day for General Buratai to change his hardliner stance. In a way, it has paid off, with the decimation of the Boko Haram group, but we must also realize that we would have achieved more if the approach had been softer. This is my opinion.

To me, General Buratai shares some similarities with President Muhammadu Buhari, who once he believes in a cause goes all out for it. Yes, this has its merits, it also has its demerits, and that is the point I am trying to make with profound respect to their personalities and commitment to the Nigerian cause.

In all, the Nigerian Army has witnessed tremendous transformation under General Tukur Buratai. That much I admit and appreciate. He has done more for the Nigerian Army than any other Chief of Army Staff in times past. He has added value to the operational effectiveness of the Nigerian Army. This was the position of my friend Aminu Saleh, and I concur with him. My disagreement with his execution of the Boko Haram war is a personal opinion being a northerner, but it did not in any negate the numerous achievements that litter the Nigerian Army.

Borrowing from the words of my friend, Aminu Saleh, General Buratai is the Mr. Commission of the Nigerian Army. Somewhat hilarious, but the truth and a reflection of the reality on the ground.

Most times, I wonder where he derives his energy from. And what are the factors that propel him to do what he does? No doubt, he has done well, and the Nigerian Army is better for it. It is hoped that he should continue in this fashion for as long as he remains at the helm of affairs at the Nigerian Army.

Bello is a retired civil servant and wrote from Kaduna.

By David Onmeje

The promotion of Lamidi Adeosun to the enviable rank of Lieutenant General by President Muhammadu Buhari recently has got the country talking. In some quarters it was stated that he was by this promotion appointed the Chief of Army Staff. And of course, the Nigerian Army was quick to clarify that the elevation of Lamidi Adeosun was in reward for “extraordinary feats, courage, exemplary leadership, loyalty, uncommon commitment and valour in the counter-insurgency operation in the North-East part of the country.”

The accolades mentioned above were showered on Lamidi Adeosun not on the strength of his religion or ethnicity, but for the fact that he has indeed distinguished himself as an infantry soldier of repute with his exploits in the counterinsurgency operations in North East Nigeria.

According to reliable sources within the Nigerian Army, Lt. Gen. Lamidi Adeosun has been around leading some of the deadliest battles in counterinsurgency operations. His penchant for excellence earned him the nickname “star boy” by officers and soldiers because of his approach to work.

It has been stated that while he was the General Officer Commanding 7 Division of the Nigerian Army in Maiduguri, his exploits were commendable. He led his men to confront the Boko Haram insurgents in some of the deadliest battles in the history of the insurgency in North East Nigeria. It was also stated that Lt. Gen. Lamidi Adeosun is not the type of commander that would give orders from behind. That he was always ahead with his troops and lead by example.

According to information gathered from impeccable army sources, it was stated that it didn’t come as a surprise to officers and men of the Nigerian Army that President Muhammadu Buhari indeed recognized the numerous sacrifices of Lt. Gen. Lamidi Adeosun that culminated in his special promotion.

In some quarters, it was stated that is boyish looks always gives a wrong impression about his personality, but upon close contact with him, the giant in him is revealed. He is easy going but firm. He abhors indiscipline and other acts that bring the institution of the Nigerian Army into disrepute.

This much was identified by the Chief of Army Staff, which resulted in his posting to head the prestigious Infantry Corp of the Nigerian Army in 2017. While leading the Infantry Corps of the Nigerian Army, it was stated that Lt. Gen. Lamidi Adeosun introduced radical reforms that repositioned the corps into taking its pride of place in the structure of the Nigerian Army.

In my opinion, the Chief of Army Staff, Lt. General Tukur Buratai must be commended for how he has been able to utilize the potentials of Lamidi Adeosun which was evident in his postings to strategic commands in the Nigerian Army including his present position of Chief of Training and Operations, Nigerian Army Headquarters.

This is indeed an example of the quality leadership the Chief of Army Staff has introduced in the operations of the Nigerian Army since he assumed command in 2015. I say this because as a commander, one must be able to identify talents and deploy them to where their services are needed in the overall interest of the country. It is instructive also to note that Lt. Gen. Lamidi Adeosun was once commander of the Multinational Joint Task Force fighting Boko Haram terrorist in the Lake Chad region. And his records are replete with phenomenal exploits.

How he does some of the things, he does remain a mystery to those that have worked under his commander in times past. Some say he is such a workaholic and one that was always thinking about the next step. He continually engages his lieutenants on policies and as well as the implementation of these policies.

And that today he is so celebrated is not a coincidence. The statement from the Nigerian Army on his special promotion indeed says it all about Lt. Gen. Lamidi Adeosun. His detribalized nature has also earned him praises from the unlikely of places while he was GOC of 7 Division of the Nigerian Army and as well as while he was Director of Administration at the Defence Headquarters.

Special praises also go to President Muhammadu Buhari who through his action has again proven to all and sundry that there is a reward for hard work and that the Nigerian dream is beyond religious or ethnic sentiments. But that of a strong commitment in service to fatherland.

It must also be noted that the likes of Lt Gen Lamidi Adeosun and many others have strived to give in their best to Nigeria. This story should encourage others towards giving their best in service to fatherland. We must strive and not be discouraged in the task of nation-building. Just like the citizens have a role to play, the government also has a role to play.

This demonstration by President Muhammadu Buhari is indeed a testament of his belief in a strong and united Nigeria that would be prosperous for all. The Chief of Army Staff, Lt Gen Tukur Buratai under whose leadership of the Nigeria Army, the likes of Lamidi Adeosun flourished tells of the attribute of a great leader that he is.

This is indeed a welcome development, and it is hoped that Lt Gen Lamidi Adeosun would continue to render his invaluable service to Nigeria in whatever capacity he finds himself.

Onmeje wrote from the United Kingdom.

The Coalition for Nigeria Movement has called for immediate stop to terror activates of the Islamic Movement in Nigeria, IMN, otherwise known as Shi’ites.

The coalition was reaction to the invasion on the National Assembly complex by members of the Islamic group on Tuesday, which led to the death of a police man and destruction of vehicles.

CNM described the attack on Police by members of IMN as height of barbarism and unpatriotic.

Addressing newsmen on the development on Wednesday, Honourable Gabriel Tavershima Tyonongo, political analyst and coordinator of the movement, urged the Nigerian government to take a decisive action against the sect group before it snobalws into another dreaded sect like the Boko Haram sect.

His statement below.


We invited you to this all important press conference to make known our position about Tuesday’s attempt by the Shiite group, the Islamic Movement in Nigeria (IMN) to overthrow the government of Nigeria. We said they want to overthrow the government of Nigeria based on their action at the National Assembly yesterday.

Without meaning to bore you, the action we are referring to was the terror attack by IMN members on the National Assembly during which shots were fired. The shots, as reported in the news and according to eye witnesses, where fired by IMN members using guns that they snatched from Policemen on duty at the National Assembly.

They shot several people and two policemen have so far died among those shot. They beat up and brutalized citizens in the place, ransacked the security post and set ablaze several cars.

The Coalition for Nigeria Movement, after carefully reviewing the situation, came to the apparent conclusion that the IMN action of Tuesday was an attempt to overthrow the National Assembly as part of a larger plan to form a parallel government in Nigeria. The sheer violence that was unleashed on the National Assembly and the resolve to kill as many policemen as possible is a confirmation that IMN was ready to begin implementing an agenda it has rehearsed for a long time.

We are referring to the fact IMN does not recognize the Nigerian neither does it accept its authority. The disdain it has for constituted authority is mirrored in the way it runs departments that are parallels to the federal ministries of the national government. It has its own quasi-judicial system and the only thing it has not replicated in its internal structure, the National Assembly. Became the first target of its attempt to create a parallel government.

It is interesting to note that in spite of the throng of people in the National Parliament, policemen and other para-military agencies were the direct target hence the reason that two policemen were killed. This raises questions: one, how was it possible that only policemen got caught in the hail of bullets fired by IMN? Such targeted shooting confirmed that there are many IMN members that have professionally trained in weapons’ handling. It also shows that there target is the state and every symbol of the state, including policemen on patriotic duty.

We have reasonable cause to believe that the group’s long running battle and lies against the Nigerian military was to a build up to Tuesday’s attack. The strategy was to demonize the military to a point where public opinion has pressured troops to ignore IMN even at their worst. Their objective was to overwhelm the regular police security at the National Assembly Gate and thereafter kill federal lawmakers and precipitate a constitutional crisis while announcing their own parallel government. Nigeria is indeed in danger from IMN’s extremism.

We are also concerned that the spate of kidnap for ransom that was recently witnessed in the country, in spite of a particular ethnic group being blamed for the crimes, is actually the handiwork of IMN militants that are using Fulanis as cover to raise funds from kidnapping.in order to finance their attempt to hijack the parliament. Note that the funds so raised are deployed for providing logistics for funding the groups’ cells that now permeate Abuja. This illegal money is being used to feed the group’s militant members that hide under the cover of “legitimate protests” to case the seat of power with a view to overthrowing the government when they think no one is watching. This was precisely what happened on Tuesday.


It must be noted that there are other countries with Shiite population and the kind of terrorism being unleashed on Nigerian by IMN is not consistent with the responsible behaviour seen among the sect’s members in other countries. The killing of policemen can therefore not be in pursuit of Shiites’ rights as these extremists want the world to believe but rather an implementation of IMN’s terrorist agenda.

We understand that the attack on parliament was a trial run as the militants only used the weapons they were able to snatch from policemen on the scene. There are feelers that the group will launch more attacks using weapons from their secret weapons’ cache. These attacks will simultaneously take place at several locations of Abuja so that they can overstretch, overwhelm and confuse security agencies. These are credible threats that cannot be toyed with.

The nation’s law-enforcement agencies are therefore urged not to allow themselves to be caught unawares by the IMN fighters and online components. The coming days will be critical as they battle a group that sees nothing good in Nigeria. Nigerians must see it as their responsibility to expose the lies of IMN and to the reign of terror that the group wants to unleash on the land.

We warn IMN members that the putsch they attempted at the National Assembly shall be with consequences. The Coalition for Nigeria Movement will among other things insist that the government of Nigeria gives the maximum punishment possible to those IMN members.

Boko Haram/ISWAP: Centre identifies high human rights compliance, Buratai’s regular visits to troops as factors in Nigeria’s war against terror

The Save Humanity Advocacy Centre (SHAC) has identified the secrets behind the success of the Nigerian troops in their fight against insurgency in the country.

The centre linked the success of the troops to high human rights compliance and regular visits of the Chief of Army Staff, Lt. Gen Tukur Buratai to soldiers on the battle field.

The Centre made the observation at the public presentation of its special report on the war against terror by the Nigerian military and human rights compliance.

The report, which was presented on Wednesday in Abuha, called on the Nigerian government to accept repentant terrorists so as to ensure they are fully rehabilitated so they can fit back into society.

The report jointly signed by Ibrahim Abubakar, Executive Secretary and Emmanuel Ogah, Director of Research and Documentation reads below.

Executive Summary:

The war against terrorism in Nigeria (North-east) had spanned over ten years since when the Boko Haram terrorist group resorted to violence against the state in 2009. The Nigerian military has since then been actively engaged in the battle for the soul of Nigeria. The turn of events has witnessed sordid tales of maiming and killings of innocent people by Boko Haram terrorist. This period also saw an increase in kidnapping of women and children, that drew the world attention to Nigeria.

The Nigerian military has indeed risen to the occasion in ensuring that the territorial integrity of the country is preserved due to concerted efforts of all relevant stakeholders, including President Muhammadu Buhari. This report took a cursory look at the various issues at stake as it concerns the protection of human rights by the Nigerian military in executing the war, as well as the multiple allegations of human rights violations against the Nigerian military by organizations such as Amnesty International.

This report was commissioned to put paid to speculation and to present issues in proper perspective for all sundry.


INTRODUCTION:

Boko Haram violence escalated from revenge attacks on the Nigerian police and security forces to (soft target) attacks on public servants, politicians, moderate imams, and civilians, through bombing and shooting attacks on schools, churches, mosques, markets, government installations, and other public places. Most writers and commentators have attributed the transformation of the group to the death of its leader, Mohammed Yusuf, ostensibly at the hands of government security agencies in 2009. Since then the group has launched a full-fledged military campaign against public institutions and civilian populations. Although its methods have occasionally included terrorist attacks in a few towns and cities in other parts of northern Nigeria, the most severely affected communities are in the North-east, (especially Borno State) where these attacks have been concentrated. In other cases, attacks on rural communities are routinely carried out, resulting in mass murders and abductions.

Consequently, the Save Humanity Advocacy Centre, a civil society organisation dedicated to the protection of human rights and the entrenchment of good governance in Nigeria commissioned a special report to look at the various lingering issues in the theatre of operations in North East Nigeria as it concerns the protection of human rights and the multiple interventions of the Nigerian military in ensuring that the security of lives and properties takes centre stage.




THE WAR AGAINST TERRORISM IN NIGERIA:

The Nigerian military has fought the war against terrorism in Nigeria since 2009. However, there was a period when the Nigerian military was struggling to understand the peculiarity of the war, and in that process, lots of casualties were inflicted on them by Boko Haram terrorist, who were engaged in guerrilla warfare and were also conversant with the terrain.

This gave rise to casualties on the part of the Nigerian military and also saw to the control of over 16 local government areas in North East Nigeria by Boko Haram terrorist. In some instances, it was reported that women and children were taken into forced marriages and as sex slaves. Young boys were recruited in the Boko Haram fighting force, and young girls were used as suicide bombers.

All of these changed in 2015 by the change of government in Nigeria that ushered in President Muhammadu Buhari as president and the subsequent rejigging of the operational strategy of the Nigerian military that also saw to the appointment of new service chiefs for the various arms of the Armed Forces.

From the observations gleaned from the research work, a lot has been done by the Nigerian military in the fight against terrorism since 2015. The present crop of service chiefs has displayed a commitment that has seen to the dislodgement of Boko Haram fighters from areas it once held sway including the notorious Sambisa Forest.

Our team of researchers made discoveries that explain why the Nigerian military was able to turn the tide against Boko Haram terrorist. And they are:

ROUTINE VISIT BY THE CHIEF OF ARMY STAFF TO THE THEATRE OF OPERATIONS:

It was observed that the Chief of Army Staff, as an operational strategy towards boosting the morale of the fighting troops, carries periodic visits to the theatre of operations. In some instances, it was announced and in other cases not announced in an attempt to gauge the mood of the troops.

It was also observed that there are several times the Chief of Army Staff when on routine visits, his convoy was ambushed. These incidents didn’t deter the Chief of Army Staff from continuing with the regular visits that also involves occasional dining with troops at the battlefront.

The team of researchers was able to identify that the impact of the routine visits by the Chief of Army staff has had a tremendous impact on the morale of the fighting troops, which has resulted in the renewed vigour as exhibited by the troops in the battlefront.

The soldiers in the battlefront always look forward to the visit of the Chief of Army Staff to the battlefront. In some instances, the Chief of Army Staff visits the troops in trenches and passes the night in the trenches with them.




COMMANDERS AND TROOPS OBSERVE THE HIGHEST LEVEL OF HUMAN RIGHTS WITHIN THE THEATRE OF OPERATIONS:

Another area where the routine visits of the Chief of Army staff have impacted positively in North East Nigeria is in the area of helping to ensure that commanders and troops observe the highest level of human rights within the theatre of operations.
This is on the heels that there has been a series of allegations against the Nigerian Army on human rights violations in executing the war against terrorism.

However, what was observed was that the bulk of the allegations are speculations that were propelled by rumours and not any verifiable fact gave the tough stance of the troops on the battlefield. It was also observed that so e aspect of the rumour was also fuelled by the narrative been pushed in the media by some foreign NGO’s whose activities have been questioned by the military authorities as to their sincerity in the rendering of humanitarian services in the North East region.

Available information that was deposed by locals and community leaders in the affected communities indicates that the issue of human rights violations is on the side of the Boko Haram terrorist who has carried on with a high level of recklessness and without regards to the sanctity of human life.

The team of researchers also noted that the operational structure of the Nigerian military in the theatre of operations is structured in such a way that ensures strict adherence to best practices as it concerns the civilian population. There is also a human rights desk that constantly probes cases of human rights violations that arises, and such cases are given speedy attention and action taken in the overall interest of all concerned.

This is also attributed to the routine visit of the Chief of Army staff to the theatre of operations alongside the Chief of Civil-Military Affairs who constantly briefs the Chief of Army Staff on the relationship between the military and the civilian populace in the theatre of operations.

COLLABORATION BETWEEN THE MILITARY AND THE GOVERNMENT OF BORNO, YOBE, AND ADAMAWA STATES:

The Save Humanity Advocacy Centre took out time to analyse the various collaborations entered by the Nigerian military with the government of the states of Borno, Yobe, and Adamawa. It was observed that the collaborations in place are yielding the required dividend that has manifested in some of the success stories of the Nigerian military in the war against terrorism. However, it was observed that more work has to be done in ensuring that the collaborations are watertight to yield more dividends in ensuring that more success is recorded.

The Nigerian military has always engaged these states governments on critical issues as it concerns its operational strategies, but there are some bottlenecks manifest in government bureaucracy that somewhat slows down the process. Therefore, there is a need for a review of the collaborations to make it more robust and encompassing to improve the synergy between the Nigerian military and the state government.

The state government must see themselves as critical stakeholders and live up to expectation by giving the Nigerian military all the necessary support it needs in the war against terrorism.


THE LAKE CHAD BASIN AREA AND THE MULTINATIONAL JOINT TASKFORCE OPERATIONS:

The Lake Chad Basin is the largest endorheic drainage basin in Africa, centred on Lake Chad. It has no outlet to the sea and contains large areas of desert or semi-arid savanna. The drainage basin is roughly coterminous with the sedimentary basin of the same name but extends further to northeast Nigeria. The basin spans seven countries, including Nigeria, Chad and a part of Niger.

By its geographic situation, the Lake Chad basin is the buffer zone between the Sahel and Sub-equatorial Africa; between Central and West Africa. Indeed, the former great lake is shared by Nigeria, Cameroon, Chad, and Niger. It is because of this strategic position in the trade routes that the British colonial power made Maiduguri as the capital of Borno state in Nigeria.
The first Joint Task Force operation aimed at the Boko Haram insurgents was code named Operation Restore Order I. It was established on June 12, 2011. Later in the year, Operation Restore Order II and III were launched to provide security against Boko Haram in Bauchi and Yobe states respectively. The mandate of the task force was to restore law and order to the north-eastern part of Nigeria and Borno State in particular.

The countries in the Lake Chad Basin region established the Multinational Joint Task Force (MNJTF) in April 2012 and upgraded it in 2015 for managing the Boko Haram crisis. The decision followed the realization that the problem is not necessarily Nigerian, as initially perceived, but a regional question. This security management formation is with a counter-terrorism mandate.

The most critical of the problems is that the countries need to work collaboratively at dealing with a common enemy, they are suspicious of each other over border issues. This factor has reduced the effectiveness of this security community.

It was observed that the current operations of the Multinational Joint Taskforce need to be scaled up for more effectiveness given the fact that Boko Haram/ISWAP terrorist has made the Lake Chad Basin region as a haven for their operations. There is also a need for an improved financial commitment from the countries in the Lake Chad Basin region for the effectiveness of the Multinational Joint Task Force operations.

CONCLUSION:

• The Save Humanity Advocacy Centre after comprehensive scrutiny of the operations of the Nigerian military in the war against terrorism states that the Nigerian military has displayed a considerable commitment towards the fight against terrorism in Northeast Nigeria. The determination of the Nigerian Army is impeccable and worthy of commendation given the fact that despite the avalanche of challenges associated with unconventional warfare such as this, it has strived to adhere to global best practices in human rights.

• The Nigerian military must sustain the tempo of the war by ensuring that Boko Haram/ISWAP terrorist are not allowed to regroup.

• Boko Haram/ISWAP terrorist must surrender in the light of the prevailing circumstances in an attempt to ensure a seamless transition into civilian through the instrumentality of Operation Safe Corridor.


• The Nigerian government must accept repentant terrorists but must ensure they are fully rehabilitated so they can fit back into society.

Signed: Ibrahim Abubakar
Executive Secretary


Emmanuel Ogah
Director of Research and Documentation