The secretariat of the National Youth Council of Nigeria (NYCN) has dissociated itself from a protest action carried out using it’s name without authorization at the headquarters of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN). Speaking at a Press Conference at the council office at the federal secretariat in Abuja, the National Vice President of the NYCN Ambassador Akoshile Mukhtar described the protest as “a shambolic exercise using the cover of an institution such as the NYCN”.

Ambassador Akoshile clarified that “the NYCN is a duly registered organization by the body vested with powers to register corporate bodies in Nigeria the CAC, which registration does not recognize the persons that went to the CBN under the name and mandate of Nigerian youth.” The Leadership of the NYCN “expressed shock that in a society governs people would attempt to invoke law even when they themselves and the capacity in which they invoke those laws are not know to the very law they claim to rely on”.

The NYCN went further “to call on the security agencies to look into characters that carry out illegalities using the name of the federal Republic of Nigeria and a constituency such as the youth of Africa’s most populous country”.

The NYCN continues to “repose confidence in President Muhammadu Buhari for his commitment to ensuring that government touches the most important aspects of society as evidenced by the largest social investment programme in Africa, unprecedented interventions including the Nigeria Youth Investment Fund, Anchor Borrowers Programme, COVID loans among others that the youth have benefited from”.

The NYCN also commended President Buhari for allowing the due process of the law to prevail in the matter of the CBN and providing clarifications where such were needed at critical points in time.

The NYCN at the press conference, which had in attendance principal officers of Council, “commended the CBN for supporting President Buhari’s laudable programmes for the Nigerian people, while also calling on the DSS to continue on the path of legality it has chosen to tow in this sensitive issue at such a crucial time in Nigeria’s history”.

It was a historic moment for me today as I received my party’s flag from the National Chairman, Senator Abdullahi Adamu to officially contest in the forthcoming general elections. For me, this pennant remains the property of the All Progressives Congress, Ado/Okpokwu/Ogbadibo Federal Constituency, and the people at large.

It is a symbol of the trust bestowed on me by this great party to champion a new era of effective leadership, governance, and legislation. It is also a reminder of my pledge to my people and most importantly, my covenant with God to always put humanity first.

I wish to dedicate this feat to the great leaders of our federal constituency who have stood by me. I want to also thank all party stakeholders, my constituents, family and everyone else who have supported us in diverse ways.

I want to once again solemnly pledge to serve my people at all times. Ours is a divine mandate and nothing/ nobody can stop the will of God.

To my constituents, don't despair, keep the faith. We are almost at the finish line and together we will restore Enone's lost glory. On this note, I wish to announce that this magnificent flag will be presented to the party faithful at a small event on January 28th.

The Centre for Public Accountability CPA, has urged Nigerians, to be more involved, in demanding Accountability from their representatives, in every public elected and appointed positions in the country, most importantly, as the country embark on the journey, towards electing a new set of Leaders.

This charge was made, at the end of the Annual First Management meeting, of the CPA, held in Lagos. The group said, that the year 2023, represents a significant milestone, in the country's quest for the advancement of its democracy, and as such, every Nigerians, must be interested, in probing the performance of their leaders, and the plans of those, seeking to be elected in 2023.

The Organization applauded the Nigeria Media, for "the commitment, towards safeguarding Nigeria's Democracy, particularly, as it doggedness and resistance, of the antics of some desperate politicians, to silence the media, for obvious political reasons."

Speaking on the performance of the various security agencies in the country, the CPA Executive Director, Olufemi Lawson, gave special commendation, to the Inspector General of the Nigeria Police, Mr Usman Baba Alkali, for the commitment of the leadership of the force, towards pursuing the promised reforms, in the force.

CPA said, "the incumbent IGP's leadership of the Police Force, has shown an unprecedented commitment, towards bringing about the much-needed reforms, accountability and most importantly, the capacity for engaging criminal elements in ways too numerous to mention.

"We also wish to commend the leadership of the force, for it's commitment towards ensuring the respect for Human Right obligations, particularly the respect for citizens right and discipline, within the force. We are particularly delighted, about the speedy disciplinary process, for erring officers, especially those found abusing citizens rights."

"We must also acknowledge, the improved communication culture, between Nigerians, and the police force, as encouraged by the effectiveness of the the Police Force Public Relations Unit, at the force headquarters and at the various State Commands, of the force."

Ahead of the 2023 General elections, the group admonished Nigerians to take advantage of the ongoing distribution of the Permanent Voters Cards (PVC), to ensure that they are eligible to participate in the various elections, holding in the country, this year.

The group called on political parties, to caution their supporters, against all form of Violence, that can derail efforts, at ensuring the success of the 2023 General elections.

By Adedoyin Abayomi


Right from the era of antiquity up until the present age, records have shown that the leadership pattern of a leader is a function of the general wellbeing of the subject he leads and even the territorial integrity of the land. A prominent military juggernaut, General Norman Schwarzkopf, a man who exhibited stellar leadership qualities in the United States Army, once said, and I quote, "It doesn’t take a hero to order men into battle. It takes a hero to be one of those men who goes into battle." Theodore Roosevelt, 26th President of the United States and former Army Colonel, once quoted that, "If there is not a war, you don’t get the great generals; if there is not a great occasion, you don’t get a great statesman; if Lincoln had lived in a time of peace, no one would have known his name."
Lt. General Farouk Yahaya is a fantastic example of the above quotes. He has a humble, meek, and unassuming personality and has absolute respect for the Nigerian state and humanity in general. A passionate leader who adheres strictly to the philosophies of collectivism and idealism. Throughout his military career, he has demonstrated that he is a leader who strictly adheres to legitimacy, credibility, and moral authority and possesses a can-do attitude. He believes that the security of lives and property is a vital ingredient in any innovative and aspiring society. Lt.-General Farouk is a perfect gentleman, a game changer, who has an eagle eye for the Nigerian state. A complete compatriot who has been working diligently to defend the territorial integrity of the country. A statesman to the core. A cursory look at his antecedent in the Nigerian Army affirms that he is a man of many colors. He is a man who believes in the supremacy of God and coordinates himself in accordance with His will. Officers and men in the Nigerian Army can attest that he has no room for religious fanaticism, which is why he is loved by all. His big heart for giving and donating to those in need is obviously unrivaled.
Before being appointed as the 22nd Chief of Army Staff by President Buhari, Lieutenant General Farouk Yahaya was the Theatre Commander of Operation HANDI KAI, whose primary mission was to combat insurgency and terrorism in the highbrow areas of the Federal Republic of Nigeria. He enrolled in the prestigious Nigerian Defense Academy's 37 Regular Course. He began his cadet training on September 27, 1985, and was commissioned into the Nigerian Infantry Corps on September 22, 1990. His visionary leadership made him eligible to be appointed to the following prestigious offices: Headquarters Joint Task Force, Garrison Commander, Headquarter Guards Brigade, Deputy Director Army Research and Development, and Directing Staff at the Army Forces Command, Brigade and College (AFCSC). In other capacities, he served as Military Secretary, Principal General Staff Officer to the Honourable Minister of Defense, the commander, Headquarters 4 Brigade, and 29 Task Force (Operation Zaman Lafiya), and General Officer Commanding (GOC). 1 Division of the Nigerian Army. Lieutenant General Farouk Yahaya holds a master’s degree in international affairs and diplomacy.
In 2021, President Muhammadu Buhari placed a search light on the Nigerian Army to see who was absolutely qualified to oversee the activities of the Nigerian Army, especially to crackdown on the insurgency that had bedeviled the nation. The light beamed on him, and he was appointed. His antecedents spoke for him. President Buhari, having a military background, knew that Lieutenant General Farouk had the experience, charisma, and wherewithal to deliver. A lot of things were put in place immediately after he took office as Chief of Army Staff, and the record shows that the country's security posture has taken a commendable shape today. In office, he has been known for his leadership strategy, foresight, re-invigoration, and, of course, the internal working strategy of the Nigerian Army. In spite of the daunting challenges of the present day, like kidnapping, terrorism, pipeline vandalism, farmer-herder clashes, and a host of others, the Chief of Army Staff has shown professionalism at its peak, inspiring men and officers alike to be patriotic and resolute in the defense of the nation. More often than not, he has buttressed the importance of teamwork, discipline, and focus in the field of war, and all of these have helped gallant soldiers in the fight against insurgency in the North East and other parts of the country. If you randomly sample the opinion of the general public, I am confident that the majority will attest to the fact that security of life and property has significantly improved. The lieutenant has proven to Nigerians and indeed the world that the country can be very safe and, of course, a haven for citizens and even foreigners to do their businesses. I recently traveled along the Abuja-Kaduna route and found a heavy presence of military personnel, and I asked myself this question: “Has this road not been a dead zone and no-go area in the recent past?" The journey was quite smooth. I saw commuters ply the same road and businessmen and women going about their legal business. This is happening in the administration of Lieutenant-General Farouk Yahya.
Another thing the gallant officer is known for is the healthy and symbiotic relationship he established between the Nigerian Army and other security operatives, namely, the Police, Department of State Security, Navy, Air Force, and even the community-based security outfits. The synergy that has existed among these security outfits has since brought about significant results in battling insecurity. Definitely, this officer, who wouldn’t want the labor of our heroes past to be in vain, is apparently writing his name on the sand of time, which will definitely be indelible. Military formations are equipped with modern weapons that meet international standards; officers are given better field training; and there is a visible infrastructure development drive that will invariably improve the living conditions of the gallant soldiers in the field and their families. It can be succinctly said that this officer has reorganized the military with his wealth of experience as a soldier and uncommon wisdom. The president, in his wisdom, chose this officer to pilot the affairs of the Army, and for me, this is one of the nicest decisions that has been taken in the current administration. Without mincing words, he is one of the finest in recent history.
This man of valor garnered meritorious awards like the Meritorious Service Star, Forces Service Star, Distinguished Service Star, Pass Staff Course (Dagger), National Defense College Golden Jubilee Medal, Silver Jubilee Medal, Field Command of Honor, Economic Community of West African State Monitoring Group Medal, and a host of others. Now, let us analyze these prestigious awards critically, without any sentiment of any kind: it takes a man of repute and impact to get them; it takes an officer with great knowledge and who has explored to deserve them. This alone has inspired other officers and soldiers in the Nigerian Army to stay focused and make a significant impact. Leiutenant General Farouk is a hero whose image has undoubtedly launched him onto the world stage when it comes to military capacity, and generations to come will read about him and his stellar qualities of humility, doggedness, intelligence, compassion, and patriotism. On a final note, whichever way one decides to look at it, Farouk Yahaya is an accomplished man, Nigerian, and military officer. His good works will continue to speak for his children, the Nigerian Army, Nigeria, and this generation. Shannon Adler once said, ”Carve your name on hearts, not tombstones. A legacy is etched into the minds of others and the stories they share about you.” Lieutenant General Farouk Yahaya has carved his name on the hearts of many Nigerians, and they will surely share fantastic stories about him. Happy Birthday to a true General.


Abayomi is a public affairs analyst based in Lagos.

The All Progressives Congress (APC) United Kingdom chapter has concluded a plan to reach at least 20 million Nigerians with messages of hope imploring them to vote for the candidate of their party in the coming 25th February general election, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
This revelation was contained in a statement signed by the Interim Chairman of the Party in the United Kingdom, J K Adebola and circulated by the Publicity Secretary of the party Mr Jacob Ogunseye who stressed that the efforts shall be monumental and eventful towards the victory of Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu next month.

According to the statement, the party in the UK has partnered with a well-known technology firm in Nigeria to drive the idea, APC UK plans to reach at least 20 million people in its first phase while the second phase will reach a similar number to remind the Nigerian voters of the need to vote for APC and its candidates in all the elections.

The statement insisted that APC as a party has a clear edge to emerge victorious next month and be in effective control of the National Assembly while expecting the party to control at least 25 states of the federation by May 29th.

“We will do everything possible; we are working very hard; we are harnessing resources; we are touching every stone; we are speaking to our people in Nigeria; we have launched different initiatives; our last proposition achieved a lot; we are confident this will go a long way; we are seeing victory; we have the best candidate to sell; his achievements and capabilities are obvious; we will not relent until we win the election”, he said.

On how the text messages shall be distributed, the statement said, “the tech partner has assured them of reaching the people based on the number of registered voters in each state. The tech company has an extensive experience in the field, and with our experience with them in the past, they won’t struggle to deliver.

Adebola urged every Nigerian to see the coming election as a golden opportunity before them to elect the best, arguing that Asiwaju Tinubu represents the best among his peers in the coming election.

“I urge every Nigerian most especially the youths to jettison any propaganda that they might have been fed with and support a candidate that has a track record. If actually anyone wants to see the best of our country, the time is now, only Asiwaju has the foresight to deliver it, don’t let ignorance rule your hearts, your vote should be for Asiwaju”, the statement concluded.

Some stakeholders in disaster management have rated the National Emergency Management Agency highly on interventions.

The stakeholders, under the auspices of Disaster Management Situation Room came to this conclusion after an online appraisal.

In a statement by its President Dr. Maxwell Ogar, the group said NEMA has risen to the occasion with timely, proactive and rapid responses to natural disasters.

Ogar noted that the stakeholders carried out an extensive analysis of humanitarian interventions in the country and found NEMA to have exceeded expectations.

He said the agency has shown a mindful value to life, making "sacrificial efforts to ameliorate the recent devastating effect caused by the flooding".

Ogar recalled how NEMA aided flood victims across the country with relief materials, providing succor and support to the distressed.

He noted that the Ahmed Habib-led agency has also assisted Nigerians stranded in foreign countries to reunite with their families.

The Disaster Management Situation Room boss added that hundreds of Nigerians voluntarily returned to the country every month.

He also applauded NEMA for carrying out sensitization campaigns on disasters as well as routine training for staff in line with global best practices.

Ogar, therefore, urged the agency not to rest on its oars in handling disaster related issues through the establishment of concrete structures and measures.

Describing Habib as a patriot, with an unblemished record of integrity and accountability, he said he has ensured strict and prudent utilization of the agency’s resources to meet the needs of the common people.

The stakeholders also charged the Federal Government as well as local and foreign bodies to continue to support the NEMA.

Ogar, however, urged other agencies to follow the NEMA's example of proper leadership, accountability, and transparency

The North-East Development Commission (NEDC) has been named the Most Outstanding Agency in 2022.

This was according to 100 civil society organisations under the auspices of the Coalition of Civil Society Groups for Credible Leadership.

In a statement signed by Haruna Musa, the CSOs came to this conclusion after an online conference to vote and appraise critical sectors in 2022.

Musa said the conference took place on the 31st of December 2022 and was moderated from Lagos.

The CSOs unanimously agreed that the NEDC has fulfilled its mandate to coordinate “the resettlement, rehabilitation, integration and reconstruction of infrastructure for victims of terrorism as well as tackling the menace of poverty, illiteracy, ecological challenges in the North-Eastern states and other related matter”.

They concluded that the agency has gone beyond leading the reconstruction and development of the northeast to provide support and succor to the people.

Musa said the NEDC has effectively tackled the menace of poverty, illiteracy, and ecological challenges in the North-Eastern states.

He added that in 2022, the NEDC carried out massive empowerment, skills acquisition and training, infrastructural development, and many more across the member states.

He noted that no government agency had such an impact in the last year and it was no surprise that the NEDC topped its online conference.

Musa, therefore, urged the Mohammed Alkali-led agency not to rest on its oars until every citizen is resettled, rehabilitated, and reintegrated into society.

Describing Alkali as a patriot, with an unblemished record of integrity and accountability, Musa said he has ensured strict and prudent utilization of the agency’s resources to meet the needs of the common people.

The CSOs also charged the Federal Government as well as local and foreign bodies to continue to support the NEDC.

Musa, however, urged other agencies to follow the NEDC's example of proper leadership, accountability, and transparency.

The Chief of Defence Staff, General Leo Irabor, has bagged an award of excellence as Man of the Year.

The award was conferred on the CDS by media platform, News Headquarter Publisher Services.

In a statement signed by its Publisher, Gena Lubem, the company said the award is in recognition of Irabor's "track record of selfless service, professionalism and undiluted transparency introduced into the dynamic nature of making our dear country safer and much more habitable by the citizens and other categories of residents."

He added, "the CDS has restored discipline amongst the Officers and Staff.

"He equally moved a step further by confronting the Boko Haram terrorists, IPOB, bandits, insurgents and other criminals that constituted a wedge to the overall growth of the country as was contemplated by His Excellency President Muhammadu Buhari, GCFR and Commander-In-Chief of the Nigerian Armed Forces.

"We wish to thank him immensely for coordinating and sustaining all the actions, programmes, efforts and special projects that have accounted for the liberation of communities and return of peace across Nigeria.

"We are optimistic that by injecting hardwork, perseverance, renewed commitment and effective deployment of material and human resources, to carry out his assigned responsibilities, he has equally indelibly placed your precious name on the sands of time in service to nation and mankind."

The organiser added that the award will be bestowed on the CDS on 12th January, 2023.

A Constitutional Lawyer, Barr Kayode Ajulo says the Presidential Candidate of Labour Party (LP), Mr Peter Obi is in order for appointing Mr Akin Osuntokun as the Director General of his Campaign Organisation.


Ajulo said this while speaking with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) via telephone in London on Friday against the backdrop of the controversy sorrouding his appointment.



He said the former Managing Director of NAN was a member of the LP and was appointed as the campaign Director, South West for Obi Campaign organisation, a position he described as equivalent of a Deputy DG


He said Osuntokun's transition to the DG Campaign organisation was a natural thing following the resignation of Dr Doyin Okupe who was also from South West Nigeria.


Ajulo said Okupe's replacement by Osuntokun was in order because they were both from South West, stressing that Osuntokun was a veteran politician who was once the campaign Director for former President Olúsegún Óbasanjo.


He said Osuntokun was no longer a member of Zenith Labour Party since Aug. 2022, adding that he was only ZLP Senatorial Candidate.


According to him, no law in Nigeria governs the appointment of DG of any Campaign Platform in Nigeria, it’s simply a political appointment and what’s basically required is trust and competence.


Ajulo further said that no law governed the appointment of DG of any Campaign platform in Nigeria, adding that it was simply a political appointment and what’s basically required is trust and competence.


Mr Dan Nwanyanwu, the National Chairman and Presidential Candidate, ZLP in a press release also said the controversy generated by the appointment of Osuntokun was uncalled for.

According to him Osuntokun is no longer a member of our Party. We hold no grudges because it is his fundamental right to associate and exit from any organization.(NAN) www.nannews.ng

The Civil Society Network for Good Governance has called for Nigerians to play their part in strengthening the nation’s economy, adding that the success of the Central Bank Of Nigeria means success for all Nigerians. 


In a press release made by the organisation and signed by its President Barr. Kamal Adefila, the group noted that “economies are built by all hands being on deck and all stakeholders knowing that there are limits to power seeking and politicking at the expense of the greater good.”


According the Civil Society Network “the Nigerian economy is dealing with a lot of headwinds as many other economies around the world, which require everyone to do their part in the economy rather than trying to whip up sentiments against a key institution of state." 


The Network argued that “the failure of the CBN will be the end of our country,  and those pushing for the apex bank to be violated against legal fail-safes provided for in its enabling act, should know that the success of the CBN is success for all Nigerians and not any president alone”.


The statement further to call on the media not to allow to be used by vested interests and power mongers to push destructive narratives masquerading as public interest. 


"While calling on the Nigerian media to “stay professional, and be conscious of their role as a concreting rod between the people and authority”, Barr.  Adefila urged all Nigerians not to “allow themselves be used by those seeking to unleash anarchy on Nigeria rather than make needed sacrifices for the much needed development of the giant of Africa”.


The group said that it is “well aware, from its extensive intelligence networks across Nigeria, of plans by beneficiaries of the status quo to destabilize our country”. 


The group stated that “if these enemies of Nigeria do not desist from their destructive cause, Civil Society Network will not hesitate to name and shame them, without prejudice to their perceived standing in the public space.”


The Network commended President Muhammadu Buhari for respecting the independence of the CBN and not buying into the falsehoods being peddled in the public domain to discredit the CBN governor.

*Christmas: Group hold 10 million-man march to celebrate Buhari, armed forces and police*

Some patriotic Nigerians, today, held a '10 Million-Man Peace and Unity Rally' in Abuja to show appreciation to President Muhammadu Buhari, the Armed Forces, Police and other security agencies for a peaceful holiday so far.

Under the auspices of the Concerned Nigerians for Peace and Security, the visibly elated Nigerians, at the Unity Fountain, expressed solidarity with the President for the security in the land.

In his address titled 'Why The Bombs No Longer Go Off', the convener, Ben Amodu, recalled the horrific Christmas experiences before this administration.

He said: "Once upon a time, we were scared of where the next bang would resonate. We were afraid of the casualties in Abuja, Maiduguri, Yobe, Adamawa, Jos, Nasawara and all across the country. It seemed like Armageddon. The bombs went off at will, and the attendant flow of blood in the land.

"There were barricades everywhere that disrupted our socio-economic lives. It was unconvincing, but it was a security measure. Abuja, the federal capital territory, was not safe. We slept with one eye closed and one opened. That was once in a time.

"Our joy indeed knows no bounds with the efforts of the Armed Forces in preserving the country's territorial integrity over the years. A myriad of challenges has confronted us, from the Boko Haram insurgency in North East to armed banditry in North West and separationist agitations in South West and South East. The list goes on.

"We have witnessed leadership and what leadership entails. We have seen concerted efforts at addressing those threats that kept us in bondage even in our own country. We were not sure of anything. We waited to count the number of dead bodies. The various news mediums always had alarming headlines. It was terrible, and it was a period we never wish for again in the annals of our dear country."

Amodu said the success is due to President Buhari's proactiveness, foresight and determination to bequeath a legacy of secured and prosperous nation.

He said one of the drastic measures was the rejigging of security architecture as well as enhanced inter-agency collaboration.

"The Chief of Defence Staff, General LEO Irabor, is the everyday soldier whose passion for the country has never been in doubt. He is the leader that Nigeria deserves in all facets of our socio-economic lives. He is dedicated and has brought about an improved interagency collaboration in the Armed Forces of the Federal Republic of Nigeria," he added.

"The Chief of Army Staff, Lt. Gen. Farouk Yahaya, has also displayed an unalloyed loyalty to the country. His leadership stride in the Nigerian Army is second to none. The Nigerian Army today is the bastion of our democracy.
The Chief of Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Awwal Zubairu Gambo, has displayed that the Nigerian Navy is a veritable force to reckon with in counter-insurgency operations. Its involvement in joint military operations across the country had been noteworthy.

"The Chief of Air Staff, Air Marshal Isiaka Oladayo Amao, has made a loud statement in leading the air power component to address the country's various security challenges.The Inspector General of Police, Usman Alkali Baba’s leadership of the Nigerian Police Force, has revamped efforts at internal security operations across the country. The Nigerian Police Force has ensured a seamless collaboration with the security agencies in the country. This was brought about by a renewed vision for policing in Nigeria.

"We must salute the passion and commitment of Mr President in providing the political will needed by the Armed Forces in their efforts to address the security challenges in the country. The security agencies' recorded results are a function of various factors and chiefly amongst them is the provision of sound and purposeful leadership.

"Today, the bombs no longer go off. This is our reality. Why the bombs no longer go off is because of Mr President's ingenuity to appoint a former Commander of Operation Lafiya Dole as the Centre defender for the counter-insurgency operations.

"Mr President, we can't help but thank you for your efforts in the last year. Banditry is gradually becoming a thing of the past. Kidnapping for ransom has been addressed despite the challenges posed by it.The list goes on, and one of the takeaways from the recent happenings in the operational effectiveness of the Armed Forces is that leadership is a factor that we must take seriously at all times.

"Nigeria is a great country, and those in leadership positions must pledge Nigeria our country, to be faithful, loyal and honest, to serve Nigeria with all their strength, to defend our unity and uphold our honour and glory. So help us, God.The Nigeria of our dreams are possible. President Muhammadu Buhari has laid a solid foundation. The Service Chiefs have keyed into this new reality, and we are on the march again to greatness."

Group writes Interpol, want Emefiele extradited back to Nigeria to face prosecution

A group, Concerned Citizens Of Conscience (CCC), has written International Criminal Police Organization (Interpol) demanding the immediate arrest of the Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), Godwin Emefiele.

The group in a letter dated 23rd December, 2022, requested Interpol to arrest and extradite Emefiele who is currentlt hiding in the United States of America (USA) "in his bid to abscond from facing the wrath of the law", back to Nigeria to face prosecution.

CCC in the letter signed by its President, Samuel O. Ojonugwa, and addressed to the Head of InterPol via the Nigerian Police Force, alleged that the CBN Governor has committed infractions that put the country's economy under severe strain.

It also alleged that Emefiele has been covertly funding the activities of terrorist groups in the country through round tripping of the forex regime in the country.

The group noted that Emefiele was "nothing but a politician" who not only sponsored the People's Democratic Party (PDP) campaigns for the 2015 General Elections but also expended billions from the CBN’s vaults to pursue his selfish presidential ambition in 2022.

It further noted that the CBN governor coughed out a whopping 100 million naira and purchased the All Progressives Congress (APC) Presidential Expression form of interest at a time when the country is facing severe inflation and economic meltdown due to his ineptness.

CCC listed other corruption charges against Emefiele including diverting 89 trillion naira in stamp duty fraud, granting of loans without following the due process of loan grants by the CBN, and the fraudulent naira redesign policy.

The letter read titled, 'A Passionate plea for the immediate arrest of Mr Godwin Emefiele' read:

"With deep concern for Nigeria, we write to you demanding the immediate arrest of Mr Godwin Emefiele, the Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN).
Mr Godwin Emefiele, as the Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria, has committed infractions that put the country's economy under severe strain. We also have it on good authority that Mr Godwi Emefiele has been covertly funding the activities of terrorist groups in the country through round tripping of the forex regime in the country.
You may wish to recall that on 21st March 2016, barely two years in office, Mr Godwin Emefiele was asked to resign his appointment within 14 days by a group named “The Save Nigeria Anti-Corruption Initiative.” The group’s reason was based on his incompetence as they called on him to resign and save the Nigerian economy from collapse.

"The group noted that the CBN governor was nothing but a politician. They firmly stated that Emefiele joined in sponsoring PDP campaigns for the 2015 General Elections. As a result, the group called for his immediate resignation based on his incompetence, corruption and partisanship. However, due to his corrupt nature, he manoeuvred his way as he refused to resign from his appointment.

"Recall that in 2017, it was published by Premium Times about how the CBN Governor was secretly and illegally operating secret companies in tax havens. By this, Mr Godwin Emefiele as CBN governor, violated the laws governing the dictates of his office as the head of such a sensitive institution as CBN. While Premium Times indicted Emefiele as far back as 2017, we do not understand why Mr Godwin Emefiele was neither relieved of his duty nor arrested and prosecuted by the requisite legal and security agencies as he failed to resign on personal grounds.
Under Emefiele’s watch, the naira has constantly lost value, further running the Nigerian economy aground. It is worrisome why a supposed economic expert cannot deliver on the dictates and responsibilities of his office, upon which the survival of the Nigerian state largely depends.

"Mr Godwin Emefiele took his political interest and ambition to another level when his presidential campaign posters filtered every nook and cranny of Abuja earlier this year (2022). In his usual corrupt nature, Mr Godwin Emefiele denied his presidential bid when concerns were raised. After his denial, the CBN Governor approached an Abuja High Court to be allowed to contest the All Progressives Congress (APC) presidential primary election while retaining his appointment.

"At a time when the country is facing severe inflation and economic meltdown, Mr Godwin Emefiele, who has been unable to manage the Nigerian economy and not stabilize the naira to be in relative competition with other leading currencies of the world, coughed out a whopping 100 million naira and purchased the APC Presidential Expression form of interest.
This was in addition to existing customized coaster busses, SUVs and other exotic cars he had purchased and distributed for his presidential ambition. Had the court not stopped him, Mr Emefiele probably would have been APC’s presidential candidate while still serving as CBN Governor. With this, what further proof does anyone need to know that Mr Godwin Emefiele is a politician?

"Other corruption charges against Mr Godwin Emefiele include diverting 89 trillion naira in stamp duty fraud. The CBN Governor is the chief conspirator. We need to understand why the man supposed to be responsible for fixing the Nigerian economy was instead ruining the economy.
This is Nigeria's biggest financial scam and should not be swept under the carpet. Mr Godwin Emefiele is an economic terrorist, a scammer and a fraudster. He has milked Nigeria dry and has committed many crimes against the Nigerian state. We, therefore, call for his immediate arrest and prosecution with further delay.

"In another instance, the naira redesign by the CBN Governor is another scam and financial looting against the Nigerian state. While the intention is good, the process is fraudulent. Hence, the money budgeted for redesigning the naira is way above the expected gains from the exercise.
The bulk of the money ended up in the coffers of Mr Godwin Emefiele and his cohorts. Following all of the above, it is unarguable that Mr Godwin Emefiele is nothing but a criminal who was determined to ensure the collapse of the Nigerian economy and supervise Nigeria's looting to last.

"Mr Godwin Emefiele has also single-handedly approved and supervised the grant of loans to many of his cohorts without following the due process of loan grants by the CBN. These loan grants, as granted by this impostor, Mr Emefiele, were part of the strategy of diverting Nigeria’s funds while many sectors of the economy suffered low funding.

"On this note, we, Concerned Citizens of Conscience, write to demand the immediate arrest and prosecution of Mr Godwin Emefiele, who, while a fugitive in the United States of America, is purportedly acting as the Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria.
Sir, on several occasions, Nigerians have called for his resignation, and on several occasions, he has ignored this call by patriotic Nigerians who want the best for our country. He ceased being CBN Governor on 21st March 2016; he was asked to resign on verifiable cases of corruption, partisan politics and incompetence.

"You will agree with us that a politician is not supposed to, in any capacity, occupy such a sensitive office. By his actions and crimes, he has broken the laws of Nigeria governing the office he was appointed into.
He has on several occasions refused appearance before the Audit Probation of the National Assembly's Public Accounts Committee, which has also indicted him for financial crimes and inappropriate accounts reports. Based on Section 89 (d), among other sections of the Nigerian 1999 Constitution as amended.

"Sir, it might interest you to know that Nigeria's secret police, the Department of State Security, has applied to an Abuja Federal High Court to be issued a warrant for the arrest of Mr Godwin Emefiele over his involvement in financial terrorism against Nigeria.

"Aware of his actions and crimes against the Nigerian state, Mr Godwin Emefiele has travelled to hide in the United States of America (USA) in his bid to abscond from facing the wrath of the law. But with your good office, there shall be no hiding place for him as we believe in your capacity to arrest and extradite him to come and answer for his offences and as well, pay the supreme price of his crimes and for engaging in partisan politics while serving as CBN Governor, for looting and supervising the looting of Nigeria and for running the Nigerian economy aground among other crimes he has committed against the Nigerian state.

"We have confidence in the capacity of your office to arrest and extradite Mr Godwin Emefiele to answer for his crimes. While we anticipate a favourable response, please accept the assurances of our highest regards.

"CC:
DG DSS
IGP
Chairman of the EFCC
The US Ambassador to Nigeria
British High Commissioner
The Canadian Ambassador
The European Union Commission, Abuja."

The Coalition Against Corrupt Leaders in Nigeria (CACLN), on Thursday, held a peaceful protest to the Presidential Villa demanding for Godwin Emefiele's dismissal as Central Bank of Nigeria Governor.

The protesters lamented Emefiele's policy summersaults and inconsistencies that have hurt the country's economy in unimaginable ways and made it a laughing stock in the comity of nations.

They also bemoaned Emefiele's foray into partisan politics, expending billions from the CBN's vaults to achieve his selfish interest.

A statement by the convener, Dauda Yakubu, described the CBN governor as an economic saboteur without the moral right and strength of character to superintend over the affairs of the Central Bank of Nigeria.

He added that the naira redesign and withdrawal limits was the straw that broke the camel's back.

"We know that the CBN governor introduced the naira redesign as a medium to cover up for some of the anomalies he perpetuated in office. Consequently, several billions of naira were expended for changing the colour of some naira denominations," he said.

"Godwin Emefiele is an economic saboteur that should be arrested and prosecuted for fraud, diversion of government funds, perpetuating unwholesome practices in the Forex management in the country and other acts too numerous to mention.

"The recent revelations regarding the stamp duties account indeed bring to the fore why Godwin Emefiele must be relieved of his appointment as the Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria.

"He lacks the moral right and strength of character to superintend over the affairs of the Central Bank of Nigeria. He is morally bankrupt and on the verge of plunging the country into an unimaginable economic crisis. His voodoo economic policies have brought woes and untold hardship to the country. Nigeria cannot afford to have the likes of Godwin Emefiele occupy any position of authority in the country, talk more of staying in office as the Central Bank Governor.

"Godwin Emefiele has bled the country through his nefarious activities that date back to the Goodluck Jonathan era, where he superintended over shady deals that almost crippled the country's economy.

"In the struggle against corrupt and incompetent leaders in Nigeria, my comrades, we stand united to ensure that Godwin Emefiele is relieved of his appointment as Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria.
We are aware of many unanswered questions concerning what happened to monies realized through the federal government stamp duty fees. We are also aware that there are spirited efforts by Godwin Emefiele and his goons to kill the agitation in the media, with hundreds of millions of naira earmarked for that purpose."

They, therefore, demanded that Godwin Emefiele be relieved of his appointment, investigated and made to face the full wrath of the law for "causing so much harm to the economy of Nigeria through the implementation of dubious and abracadabra policies that favour him, his cronies and his political patrons".

Yakubu added: "We are calling on the President and Commander-in-Chief to wield the big stick and save the country from further disintegration as a result of the ignoble activities of Godwin Emefiele at the Central Bank of Nigeria.

"We also call on the security agencies to launch a full-scale investigation into the operations of the Central Bank of Nigeria from 2014 to date to unravel the rot in the system. Nigeria deserves better leaders to actualize our hopes and aspirations."

A cross-section of security experts from across the country has scored the Nigerian Army high on its efforts in combating insurgency, especially in the last one year.

The security experts who spoke at the presentation of the Annual Report On The Federal Government's War Against Insecurity/Insurgency In Nigeria by the Centre for International And Strategic Studies, CISS, in collaboration with the Coalition Of Civil Society Organizations On Rights And Security (CCSOHRS) held at the International Conference Centre in Abuja, on Wednesday, also lauded the army for upholding Human Rights.

Over 500 Civil Society Organisation (CSOs) across the country attended the well planned event.

In his welcome address, Chancellor, Centre for International And Strategic Studies, Prof. Shaibu Danfulani, gave the Federal Government, the military; especially the Nigerian Army, a pass mark in the war against terrorism.

He said terrorist groups like Boko Haram, IPOB, bandits, and other insurgents have been fought to a standstill by the Nigerian Army's special forces such as Operation Lafiya Dole, Operation Python Dance, Operation Crocodile Smile, among others.

Prof. Danfulani noted that "between 2015 and 2022, Boko Haram has degraded significantly. They no longer carry out attacks on government facilities and public institutions."

He commended the efforts of the government and the military in the ongoing war against insurgency.

"The government is working. Nigeria is safe. Kudos to His Excellency, President Muhammadu Buhari.

"The new inter-agency collaboration is very strong. We have several departments; the diplomatics, the DSS, the Army, the Air Force, the Navy, everybody is working.

"Chief of Defence Staff, Gen. Lucky Irabor, and other service chiefs have shown their passion and they have carried out the best war against insurgency...It's a pass mark that I'm giving to the government in their efforts in addressing the security challenges."

Similarly, Dr. Abdul Ahmed, a seasoned politician and security expert, hailed the Nigerian Army for collaborating with other sister agencies to ensure maximum security in the country.

Harping on the imperatives of inter-agencies collaboration, Dr. Ahmed said, "the importance of inter-agencies collaboration cannot be overemphasized. The military agencies have been complementing one another beautifully, which I think deserves commendation.

"The Nigerian Army under the Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Farouk Yahaya, has done beautifully well in terms of inter-agencies collaboration. And it has yielded positive results. Today, I can travel from Kaduna state by road to Abuja without experiencing any terror attack because of the relentless efforts of the Nigerian Army in collaboration with other security agencies."

A security expert, Dr. Abu Dahiru, applauded the Nigerian Army for collaborating with other government agencies to ensure that surrendered ex-terrorists are rehabilitated and de-radicalized.

Dr. Dahiru said: "There is a programme that is in place by the Nigerian government to rehabilitate ex-Boko Haram combatants that willingly surrendered to authorities. And I'm aware they have a camp somewhere in Gombe. The programme is called Operation Safe Corridor. And I'm privileged to have stepped that camp in 2020. I was there. It's a multi-organizational planning facility. You've all security agencies working hand-in-hand with the National Orientation Agency, religious groups, and other authorities toward the rehabilitation and decriminalization of ex-Boko Haram militants.

"And, what I saw at the camp was actually very revealing. First, the ex-combatants are actually very well taken care of. And they have learned skills like carpentry, laundry, weaving, welding, and tailoring.

"Religious and traditional leaders visit the camp from time to time to de-radicalize them and try to make them normal citizens. It is a very successful programme, I must admit," he added.

The keynote speaker, Prof. Katuka Yaki, urged Nigerians to be patient and have faith in the Nigerian Army, stressing that even developed nations have their own security challenges.

Prof. Yaki who was represented by Associate Professor Okpe J. Okpe said despite Nigeria's huge size, the army has been able to achieve significant success in the war against insecurity.

He said: "Irrespective of the fact that Nigeria's security is overstretched, they (army/military) have achieved a significant goal. They have achieved the goal that would be difficult for any country to write off."

He also praised the role of the army in the management of Human Rights in Nigeria.

Other speakers including ASP. Olugbenga Joseph (rtd.), Rev. Dr. Theodore Orji, and Dr. Steven Audu, among others, all praised the Nigerian military especially the current service chiefs for changing the narrative in the last one year and urged them to maintain the tempo.

The Presidential Candidate of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), Dumebi Kachikwu, has applauded the Federal High Court decision removing the erstwhile Chairman of the African Democratic Congress and his management. According to him, Justice Binta Nyako’s ruling was a Christmas gift for the entire ADC family who can now focus on rebuilding their party and taking their campaign to the Nigerian people.

Kachikwu said: “Nwosu did everything possible to destroy our party and our collective ambitions all for personal gain. He and his management encouraged down ballot candidates to enter negotiations with other parties thus further strengthening the prevalent view that smaller parties are only in the race to negotiate payments with bigger parties.

This will never be the story of ADC going forward. We will exterminate this anti democratic cankerworm that almost destroyed our party and build a party that will be the pride of all Nigerians.

Change must start from within and this change has started within the ADC. I am sending a strong warning to APC, PDP and the Labour Party; ADC will not trade or negotiate any mandate. If you paid any money to anybody go and collect your money back.”

*Assent to NYSC-Trust Fund bill will institutionalise Buhari's achievements - Msuaan*

A member of the governing council, Federal Polytechnic Wanune, Mike Msuaan, has called on President Muhammadu Buhari to assent to the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) Trust Fund bill to institutionalise his achievements.

Msuaan, who is the North Central Coordinator of the Tinubu/Shettima Presidential Campaign Council spoke at an APC Presidential rally.

According to him, the NYSC Trust Fund will address the challenges bedeviling the scheme.

He said: “I see the Trust Fund law as a very apt one because there was an urgent need to address identified challenges bedeviling the scheme over the years, as nothing can be compared with the paucity of matching funds to discharge the lofty mandate of the scheme.

"It is believed that economic progress achieved by any society is strongly associated with the quality of its human capital and social interaction.”

He said the NYSC is still fundamental to the unity and survival of the entity called Nigeria.

"This scheme has continued to remain the most formidable, organised, and well-composed youth organisation in the country, without deviating from its mandate of integrating and unifying the country as one indivisible entity," he said.

Msuaan, therefore, urged President Buhari to
assent to the NYSC Trust Fund bill that has been placed before him as his parting present to Nigerian youths.

He reiterated that the bill will further strengthen the responsibility of expelling the erroneous conception and the few misguided expressions about the nobility of the intent of the NYSC scheme, and Nigerian youths in general.

"It is worthy of note that the Trust Fund will help prioritise human capital development and social inclusion as a central anchor of our nation’s development agenda.

"The effect of the Fund Is predictably foreseeable. Nigerian youths are creative, resilient, upwardly mobile, and ambitious."

The All Progressives Congress Diaspora Global Leaders Forum (APCDGL) chairman, Engr. Olabode Ajimijire has hinted at why the Nigerians living in the Diaspora should pitch their tent with the presidential candidate of the All Progressives Congress, Aswiaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu in the 2023 general election.

According to the leader of APCDGL, the forum was established on October 13th 2021 to make the voice of Nigerians in the Diaspora heard and give them a sense of belonging in the scheme of things in the party. Ajimijire said the forum wants Nigerians to participate and contribute their quotas to move our party forward and by extension Nigeria.

"As the ruling party and the largest in Africa, which will remain so for decades to come, we need to be more dynamic and proactive in catering to millions of Nigerians both home and abroad who look up to our great party for leadership and a better future which our President, Muhammadu Buhari had started by laying the foundation of critical infrastructure and which we believe Asiwaju Ahmed Bola Tinubu will improve and sustain.

APCDGL has in its folds all APC Diaspora Leaders, Chairmen, Stakeholders and members across all continents and we are the official representative of our party members in the Diaspora and are busy winning over youths and women in the Diaspora to our fold.

As Nigerians living outside the country, we have examined and analysed all the major Presidential candidates and are more confident than ever that Asiwaju is the outstanding candidate that has the political and economic sagacity to lead our country at the moment.

"Asiwaju is a detribalised politician, judging by his antecedents while serving at the Senate and as the Governor of Lagos State where he appointed non-indigenes of Lagos from all over Nigeria to his government, he identifies top talents in leadership and nurture them to greatness, if Asiwaju is likened to a soccer coach, then he is a world cup Champion coach by the array of talented individuals he grooms and we are confident of the team he would constitute as his cabinet which would be the best seen in the history of our country".

"Asiwaju Tinubu is the best head hunter and grooms leaders from obscurity to limelight, reasons his mentees of those days are now the shakers and movers of Nigerian politics and the business world, he is a leader of leaders, the mentor and father of fathers".

"Voting for Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu and Kashim Shettima in 2023 is voting for the emancipation of our fatherland and the unlocking of the economic potential of Nigeria, our desire is for Nigeria to be better and surpass the developments of the countries where we are residing and we ready to contribute our quota to the Nigerian project knowing fully well that our country is blessed with the human and material resources to lead the world".

"We are mobilising our people, especially associates and relatives at home to vote massively for APC and encouraging those of us with PVC to travel back to Nigeria for the elections to be part of the Asiwaju-Nigeria’s project while we are also committing intellectual, financial and material resources through the Diaspora Directorate of the Presidential Campaign Council led by one of our own, Prince Ade Omole as our contributions towards the realisation of Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu and Kashim Shettima winning the 2023 presidential election".

By Matthew Johnson

When President Muhammadu Buhari conceived the idea of establishing the North East Development commission (NEDC), in order to help reconstruct the North Eastern region after the damage done to the region by the Boko Haram insurgents, not many thought the commission would record the huge successes it has achieved within a short period of time it was established.   

For an interventionist agency like the NEDC, anybody heading it has to possess many undisputable qualities. As new agency inaugurated in 2019, the pioneer Managing Director had to first of all,  be competent, incorruptible, compassionate, courageous, brave and intelligent, humane, kind and must not shy away from taking critical decisions that are for the overall good of the Commission and the people it is meant to serve.

Luckily for the people of the North East, the pioneer Managing Director of the Commission, Mohammed Goni Alkali, possess all these qualities, and has deployed same to turn the story of the Commission around,  even after spending just a few years on the saddle as the Head of the Commission.

As someone thoroughly equipped with knowledge and experience, having attended several prestigious universities including Bayero University, University of London, Harvard Business School and the Columbia University, Mohammed Alkali, has shaped himself with all it takes to excel in any leadership position he is saddled with. Above all, the man has no questionable character; he is transparent and is simply a perfect gentlemen.

Mohammed Alkali, is indeed a patriotic servant and one that is more than committed to the restoration of normalcy in North-East Nigeria, in fulfillment of the strategic objective of the President Mohammadu Buhari administration for establishing the NEDC. The man, Mohammed Alkali, has so far proven to be a patriotic servant, a courageous leader, excellent manager that leads with the spirit of love, outmost concern and understanding for the victims of the Boko Haram insurgency in the North East.

The most interesting part of Mohammed Alkali, is the fact that he has been a silent achiever, delivering on his mandate with a humane face and kindness. He is a gentleman per excellence, and has been working assiduously to ensure that the people of the region forget the sorrow and the misfortune Boko Haram terrorism forced on them.

For a government agency that was inaugurated barely three years ago, the NEDC under Mohammed Alkali, has through effective and topnotch managerial skills, recorded huge and incredible successes in the intervention programmes of the Commission in the North Eastern states of Nigeria. There is no doubt that, the Commission is one of the shining lights of the President Mohammadu Buhari led administration, having achieved  a lot in fulfilling its given mandate issued to it by the president during its inauguration in 2019.  

For instance, the NEDC under Dr. Mohammed Alkali, has provided 1000 housing units to the people of Borno State alone, who were displaced by the Boko haram insurgency. The housing units consists of four blocks of well-furnished 2-bedroom detachable flats with verandas and a courtyard in a cluster arrangement. This is aside other interventions such as the provision of agricultural machinery and equipment, provision of seeds, fertilizers, agrochemicals and services under a programme tagged: Integrated Agriculture Programme (IAP), which covers all the 112 local government areas in the North Eastern States.  The Commission has also implemented the rehabilitation of drinking water and sanitation facilities in states in North-Eastern Nigeria. This project is part of the Multispectral Crisis Recovery Project (MCRP) with the support of the World Bank.

Again, the Commission under the compassionate leadership of Mohammed Alkali, has been granting scholarships to students studying in different institutions of learning. It has also at different intervals, organized entrepreneurship, vocational and skills acquisition trainings for both the youth and women in the region, with starter packs provided for the trainees. This has kept the youth and women of the zone busy, dissuading them from become willing tools in the hands of the Boko Haram insurgents and other criminal gangs. These interventions have served as a huge relief to the people of area and have also given them a sense of belonging.

Through sheer dedication and determination, the Commission has so far managed to achieve many of its set objectives. It has been able to surmount the many challenges it has been faced with, by spearheading effective rehabilitation and resettlement programmes, as well as construction and development of social and physical infrastructure in the North Eastern region of the country.

It is heartwarming to know that, while other similar government agencies in the country are always in the news over failure to achieve their mandates due to flagrant corruption, the NEDC under the leadership of Mohammed Alkali, has shown transparency by ensuring all the funds received by the Commission are put to good and proper use for the people of the North East.  Despite the huge amount of funds that passes through the NEDC, the idea of siphoning such funds has never been contemplated, solely because of the integrity of Mohammed Alkali, who is heading the Commission. His visionary leadership, unquestionable character and good standing has rubbed-off on everyone at the Commission, and it is an attestation that he means well for the people of the North East and Nigeria at large.  

Indeed, Mohammed Alkali has demonstrated that he is a man with great foresight and courage. His great intelligence and sagacity as the Managing Director of NEDC is obvious. He has proven that indeed, he is a round peg in a round hole. His humane display and compassion for the victims of the Boko Haram insurgency, is largely responsible for the massive successes the NEDC has recorded in the North-East, since its establishment to rehabilitate the region.

What differentiates him from many leaders in the country today is that, he is kind to a fault; he is a caring leader with a heart of gold. His love for humanity is unquantifiable. The NEDC Managing Director has done so well for his people, by uplifting the downtrodden through his people oriented programmes and activities. Yet, he has chosen to maintain a low profile as the arrow head of the Commission.

Although, Mohammed Alkali is not as loud as many people want him to be, the man has already proven that he knows his onions and is only passionate about achieving results. The workaholic Alkali, is a man on a mission and his passionate approach in the administration of the NEDC says it all.

Johnson wrote this piece from Abuja.

By Karen Goulding

Nothing happens in a vacuum. There must be an underlining objective. This much I learnt over time, hence my concern with the recent barrage from the French news platform Reuters. Nigeria is in their interest for inexplicable reasons.

The focus is the Nigerian Military in the prosecution of the war against terrorism in North East Nigeria. There is no other sector in Nigeria that interests Reuters. And the reason is not far-fetched. The Nigerian Military has recorded tangible gains in North East Nigeria, which has affected the French interest in the destabilization plot against Nigeria.

Some have argued that there is more than meets the eye. Some have also argued that, like other organizations against the interest of Nigeria, the French interest revolves mainly around economic interest. I say this for a reason.

North East Nigeria borders the francophone countries where France rules by proxy. The economic potential of North East Nigeria has continued to interest France. It is primarily responsible for the drive to ensure that the region stays destabilized so it can continue to exploit the enormous economic resources, especially in the Lake Chad basin region.

This recent drive by Reuters is by every stretch of imagination suspect. Reuters released three damming reports against the Nigerian Military in less than two weeks. While it is okay for a news platform to carry out investigative journalism, it is wrong when such reports are half-truths and illogical conclusions.

As mentioned earlier, there is a history. The attack by Reuters against the Nigerian Army dates back to when the Boko Haram crisis was at its peak. It was common knowledge then that whenever the Nigerian Military was making gains, Reuters was in the habit of churning out reports that would destabilize the troops and allow the Boko Haram terrorists to regroup and launch attacks against the Military.

This has been their stock in trade; therefore, the recent triple attack against the Nigerian Military didn't come as a surprise. Aside from the fact that the reports lacked objectivity, they showed a strong disdain for Nigeria.

The report on forced abortion in North East Nigeria is, at best, a miscarriage in journalism. It was a highly defective enterprise that exposed the shallowness of the promoters of Reuters. It read like a low-budget movie. That is what it is.

The second report was more of a caricature of what news reportage represents. It promoted innuendos rather than facts. It granted a flashy headline but was empty in content. It was a rehash of previous failed reports that failed. It was, at best, a story meant for kindergarten.

The third report on massacred children is not a topic for conversation. It remains one of the most illogical articles from a supposed international news agency. I am at a loss how such a story was sanctioned for release, and Reuters promoted it like an award-winning story. It was a poor plot that was laced with mischief and malice. It reinforces the hatred the promoters of Reuters have against Nigeria.

I am tempted to assume that this drive is not any different from previous failed attempts to dampen the morale of the Nigerian Military in the prosecution of the war against Boko Haram terrorism. The pertinent question is, why now?

Why did Reuters elect to release three reports consecutively against the Nigerian Military? What is it that they know that we do not know? Maybe Reuters is aware that the Boko Haram conflict in North East Nigeria is ending, which might spell doom for the French interest in its economic postulations in Nigeria.

It is time to call Reuters to order on its reportage on Nigeria. This is important to spare Nigerians the fallacies on the operations of the Nigerian Military in North East Nigeria. The promoters of the news platform must retrace its steps and give peace a chance in Nigeria. This is on the heels that its numerous attempts at unsetting the polity have failed to gain traction.

The Boko Haram conundrum is gradually ending, and no amount of negative propaganda can bring it back to life. The efforts of the Nigerian Military in addressing the Boko Haram challenge have been noteworthy and received commendations from near and far.

I would be pleasantly surprised if Nigerians take Reuters seriously. The news medium has lost credibility; it has been identified as acting against the journalism creed. And they reinforced it with this new drive to cause disintegration in the country.

In case they do not know, there is a limit to mischief. There is also a limit to the public dance of shame. Some of us are aware of the interests and strategy. Unfortunately, according to the idiom, "those whom the gods want to destroy they first make mad”. This is the case of Reuters, and it is a pity that they can’t see the handwriting on the wall.

They keep churning fallacies to their unsuspecting readership. There is nothing worse than the Reuters misinformation on Nigeria. Their credibility is on the fringes of extinction. Reuters must leave Nigeria alone. We are a strong and united country. We are not francophone and a former colony. We are Nigeria! They should learn from the Amnesty International example. A word is enough for the wise.

Goulding writes this piece from the United Kingdom.

The Centre for African Liberation and Socio- Economic Rights (CALSER) says the Armed Forces has demonstrated preparedness and zeal towards a credible, transparent and violence-free elections in 2023.

The Centre noted that the apolitical stance of the military is reassuring and enough reason for Nigerians to celebrate the protection and perseveration of their nascent democracy.

Speaking at a press conference on Wednesday in Abuja, Executive Director, Dr (Mrs) Cecilia Ikechukwu, described the Chief of Defence Staff, Gen Lucky Irabor as the gamechanger in the war against insurgents, bandits and other criminal elements.

She said as a leader, the CDS understands the value of teamwork which he has entrenched since his appointment.

"We must admit that the Armed Forces' involvement in internal security operations has indeed been the game changer in our efforts to address the threats posed by criminal elements and their sponsors across the country," Ikechukwu said.

"This much has been evident in the numerous gains recorded in the war against Boko Haram terrorists, separationist agitators, kidnappers, bandits, religious extremists and other acts of criminalities.

"The level of inter-agencies collaborations championed by the indefatigable Chief of Defence Staff, General Lucky Irabor, is worthy of commendation. It goes, therefore, to highlight that the Chief of Defence Staff as a leader, understands the value of teamwork, which he has entrenched since his appointment to lead the critical Armed Forces of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.

"As a group, we are not surprised by the exploits of the Chief of Defence Staff because of his track record, which includes but is not limited to Theatre Commander, Operation Lafiya Dole, where he led the ascendency of the military over the Boko Haram terrorist group in 2016 that saw to the recapturing of several local government areas that were hitherto under the control of the Boko Haram terrorist group, including the operational headquarters of the Boko Haram terrorist in Sambisa Forest.

"Our special commendation also goes to all heads of the various security agencies for putting the country's interest at heart in ensuring that activities of criminal elements are neutralized and we have a country.

"We are buoyed by the fact that the Armed Forces of the Federal Republic of Nigeria has risen above sentiments to give us a country by toiling night and day to ensure that we sleep with our eyes closed. This is remarkable and an indication that tough times await those planning to use the forthcoming general elections to cause unrest in the country.

"The capacity of the Armed Forces of the Federal Republic of Nigeria to deal with unscrupulous elements has never been in doubt. The apolitical stance of the Armed Forces is reassuring. It should give Nigerians a cause to celebrate in the protection and perseveration of our nascent democracy.

"As concerned stakeholders in the Nigerian Project, our position remains that the Armed Forces of the Federal Republic of Nigeria have proven to be reliable and well-positioned to defend and protect the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria."

The Centre, therefore, called on all well-meaning Nigerians to extend their support to the Armed Forces in the preservation of our democracy cannot be overemphasized.

She added: "Our commendation and appreciation are high. The Chief of Defence Staff has demonstrated that purposeful leadership is all that is required to address the country's numerous challenges.

"The Service Chiefs, the Commanders, officers, and men of the Armed Forces of the Federal Republic of Nigeria are indeed heroes of our democracy. We pledge our continued support in the country's fight against crime and criminalities."

The Centre, however, urged the Chief of Defence Staff not to rest on his oars in leading the Armed Forces in the most proactive and operationally effective manner.

By Philip Agbese

It was a tragedy for Nigeria when, on 28th March 2022, the Abuja-Kaduna train came under attack leaving some passengers dead and many kidnapped by the bandits or Boko Haram as alleged.
While ransom was paid in bits, the kidnapped victims were also being released in bits; a situation that halted the Abuja-Kaduna train from resuming operations. This development plunged the country into chaos and fear as scores were held captive.

When hope of having all of them released seemed to have been lost, the Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), General Lucky Irabor, waded into the matter and tactically brought the situation under control with the eventual release of what was left of the abducted train victims.
This particular development and special operations that involved a carefully crafted presidential think tank was made possible with the involvement of General Lucky Irabor and his show of patriotism, responsibility and desire to see that Nigerian citizens anywhere in the country are safe. It shows, in all ramifications, the mastery of the military art and craft by the gentleman General Lucky Irabor.
Hence, in General Irabor’s desire to secure the release of the train attack victims, he set up a seven-man committee, better known as the Chief of Defence Staff Action Committee, that was mandated to look into the situation and ensure the release of the remaining 23 victims that were still being held captive by the train attackers at the time.
In not mincing words, the Chief of Defence Staff Action Committee is the most efficient and effective committee so far in the country. Within a short period, the committee was able to articulate workable strategies that helped the Nigerian military achieve results in securing the release of the 23 victims that were left in the abductors' den. This committee showed high intellectual capacity and military prowess and was able to have the armed forces and the various security agencies collaborate in the clandestine operation that was initiated, carefully planned and executed.

In his nature, swiftness and artistry, the Nigerian Armed Forces, under the command of General Lucky Irabor, was able to take the Kaduna train attackers and kidnappers by surprise, dislodged them and successfully rescued the remaining 23 victims in their den without recording any casualty.
In Nigeria’s leadership of the Armed Forces of all times, the personality, character, courage, charisma and purposeful leadership being experienced by the Nigerian Armed Forces under the amiable Chief of Defence Staff, General Lucky Irabor, has not been heard of. The Armed Forces is lucky to have such a gentlemanly general dedicated to seeing an active and successful military living up to its responsibility and ensuring peace and security are restored in the country. General Irabor has repositioned the Nigerian Armed Forces to an enviable height as one of the finest militaries in the world.
The heightened insecurity that Nigeria faced before the appointment of General Lucky Irabor as Chief of Defence Staff is now a thing of the past. Aside from pockets of security threats being experienced from time to time in different parts of the country, insurgency and organized crimes, as were experienced with the activities and menace of Boko Haram and bandits, have entirely reduced if not eradicated. Thanks to General Irabor’s determination and focus on ensuring that Nigerians are safe and that their security is paramount.
General Lucky Irabotr has proven that results will always be achieved with exemplary leadership. In the fight against insecurity in Nigeria, the military has continued to pay the supreme price and has shown serious commitment to security. Therefore, there is a need to ensure that the armed forces continue to get the necessary support to keep delivering on security operations and further ensure that the peace and security that have now been restored in the country are sustained.
The Chief of Defence Staff, General Lucky Irabor, whom the country owes a debt of unalloyed gratitude for his purposeful leadership to the Armed Forces. Under his watch, the Nigerian military has brought insurgency and banditry under serious check and control. Almost nothing is heard of Boko Haram and bandits in addition to the general insecurity that almost overtook the country
earlier.
Undoubtedly, the security achieved under General Irabor is just the beginning of the security to be enjoyed by Nigeria and Nigerians. With General Lucky Irabor in charge, Nigeria’s overwhelming security threats and challenges are over. The Chief of Defence Staff is a man of competence, integrity, and capacity and an excellent military leader. He is success-oriented and has continued to push the armed forces to achieve nothing short of victory.
While we are grateful to the Nigerian military for their patriotism and commitment to tackling general insecurity in the country, we are thankful to General lucky Irabor, under whose watch; achieving security in Nigeria has been made possible. He set a standard that is worthy of commendation.

Agbese is a UK trained human rights activist and author.

Some Civic groups have dragged the Director General of the National Pension Commission PENCOM, Mrs Aisha Dahir-Uman before the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) and the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) over allegations of abuse of office and corruption.

The group led by its Executive Director, Comrade Olufemi Lawson, in a petition submitted the anti-corruption agencies on Monday, said it has taken the step, following earlier call by other patriotic Nigerians, and groups, including the Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP), which had earlier that President Nuhammadu Buhari, order a probe, into the activities of the Pension Commission.

The group is asking the EFCC and the ICPC, to conduct investigation, into allegations of several acts of corruption, particularly as related, “into several funds received by Aisha Dahir-Umar, from PENCOM for foreign trips and courses which she never attended.”



Part of the petition read “We hope to also intimate you, with the fact that after collecting those funds, Aisha Dahir-Umar, hides in her Abuja residence or outside Abuja for a few days and return to work pocketing Tens of millions of Naira and several sums of foreign currency. This act corruption, was recently repeated a few weeks ago as she was paid over Forty mllion Naira, for a foreign trip, which she never attended. ”


The group further urged the anti-corruption agencies, to carry out an audit of payments made to the PENCOM Boss, for foreign courses, requesting for attendance certificates, air tickets and boarding passes as proof of attendance.

The group called for the thorough and credible investigation of the allegation by the anti-graft bodies without minding whose ox was gored.

By Vincent Pam

A leader is not just a person that is known for his personalities, a leader is one that is remembered for the impact of the critical decisions he took while in position of authority, and this impact becomes the core element of his legacy when he’s long gone.

We say that, “The Youths are the Pillar of a Nation”, and we all know that the strength of a great nation is determined by the number of successful Youths in a nation.
It is without doubt concerning the place of the youths to lead tomorrow, and the future of this nation lies solely in the hands of our youths. Knowing that they majorly contribute to the Human capital in any nation, leading to her growth, it would have been unfair to not take their future into paramount considerations, nor put them first, not just them, but also their growth, their future, and their lives.

It is very heartwarming at this moment in time to be alive, when Nigeria is blessed with good leaders, and most especially, still in President Buhari led administration.
These are leaders that looked at the future of the nation and consider just how well our growth as a people is important to the success of governance, and how well the greater need of securing the future of the youths in this country.

It is worthy of note to state that the NYSC Trust Fund is one of the few bills passed by the National Assembly that received the highest number of memoranda from the public in support of it’s passage. This mass appeal towards the bill points to the acceptability of the trust fund chiefly because of the role the NYSC scheme has played in shaping the Nigerian economy and the lives of a average Nigerians amidst scarce resources. The Trust Fund therefore comes handy in consolidating funding lacuna in order to actualize the vision and mission of the scheme especially in the area of job creation and skill acquisition.

Our place as a nation in the continent and the world Is only further emphasized with bills such as this one, making it known who we are, and how we conduct affairs. It’s good to know that the full nation is coming to the realization of acknowledging that NYSC is the best way to imbibe the spirit of Nationalism in our youths. Now is the time for our young individuals to understand that the Nation that they’ve once thought of giving up on, actually cares about their welfare and survival. This is the time they need to understand that they are Nigerians and not just Igbos, Yorubas, Hausas and other tribes in the country. Meeting people from different parts of the country has helped many individual understand other cultures and promotes unity amongst diversity. This had NYSC made possible for our Nigerian youths. Wouldn’t it be considerate enough to engrave a life print of support in the action of the NYSC Trust Fund full acceptance by Mr President?

How then can we quickly forget the many benefits that we have enjoyed since the creation of the NYSC. Majority in this country have gone pass the obvious delusive opinion and rumors about NYSC being a time waster. We all have seen its ripple effect as an evidence which has countered ever libels against the scheme. From the mandatory COVID-19 tests are carried out on prospective corps members before their admittance into the orientation camps, to the top-notch basic amenities provided by the scheme to corps members, and top security measures being put in place by the efforts of the sagacious officials. Without also forgetting the renovations been carried out on several orientation camps across the country. This goes a long way to show that the Nigerian government and the NYSC officials have the corps members at heart and they take their health and safety as a priority. The onus is on those who disagree in the face multiple evidence.

As laudable as this piece of legislation is, one can also make haste to point out that it is one thing to make a law with far-reaching benefits as this Trust Fund is, and easily managed such a way that its aims and objectives are actualized over time. In making this assertion, one can draw attention to the urgent need to depoliticize the operations of the fund in terms of who benefits from it and not turn into a cash cow of sorts to political leaders, since NYSC scheme is itself apolitical. Mr President can have a good rest mind at its political-exclusive-political-exclusive-involvement in any corruptible participation.

I’m enchanted by the realization that the Fund and its operations will be building on the successes already established by the scheme over the years, and the Trust Fund instrument will help galvanize our youths development plans in creating sustaining growth and peace stability.

It is therefore a great step at this moment in seeing to our youth financial stability. As it is known, “Money is the answer most needs, and money can move a mountain”. No level of success can be achieved without the involvement of a functional fund/funding.

The impact and outstanding influence of the NYSC scheme in different sectors across the Nation, has made it now well-convincing and believed that recent efforts to set up the NYSC Trust Fund deserves the full support of all and sundry considering the fact that it will provide the impetus to boost the Skill and Entrepreneurship Development Programme for corps members. It is imperative if the nation must avoid the pitfalls of similar funds set up to empower targeted sections of the population.

All that is required at this time is a speedy conclusion, and a timely assent to it by the President. Assenting to this bill would see Mr President legacy designed in a plated gold in the heart of all youths, and many generations to come. The BUHARI led administration would go down in history as the trailblazers that made the world stood still. This action would create monumental history that will unaffected by time and seasons, and never to be erased from record, because such Bill would benefit every generations that ever existed to witness it.

Mr President, we implore you to create a legacy for this administration through NYSC Trust Fund bill, and history will keep smiling to our youths forever, the success of Nigerian Youth, is the success of Nigeria itself.

Pam wrote this article from Abuja.

_By Philip Agbese_

During the 2010 Jos riots and the subsequent months, international news wire service, Reuters, did a disservice to Nigeria that many people might not have noticed but which was nonetheless bad, horrible actually for a news outlet that is perpetually steeped in virtue signaling. At that time, Reuters was engaged in reporting the crisis in a manner that further pitched one side of the crisis against the others by constantly highlighting casualties on an ethno-sectarian basis, an approach that was intended to sustain a tit-for-tat killing spree as each side was engaged in constantly trying to avenge the casualty figures reported for its side by Reuters.

Being the resilient nation that it is, Nigeria weathered that storm and remained in existence despite this kind of psychological operation ((PSYOP), a war designed to undermine Nigeria and unravel the country for whatever benefit that global media operations like Reuters are after. Wikipedia described PSYOP as “operations to convey selected information and indicators to audiences to influence their emotions, motives, and objective reasoning, and ultimately the behavior of governments, organizations, groups, and individuals.”

It went on to explain that “PSYOP can encourage popular discontent with the opposition's leadership and by combining persuasion with a credible threat, degrade an adversary's ability to conduct or sustain military operations. They can also disrupt, confuse, and protract the adversary's decision-making process, undermining command, and control. When properly employed, PSYOP have the potential to save the lives of friendly or enemy forces by reducing the adversary's will to fight. By lowering the adversary's morale and then its efficiency, PSYOP can also discourage aggressive actions by creating disaffection within their ranks, ultimately leading to surrender.”
Reuters’ latest so-called investigative report against Nigeria, “The Abortion Assault: Nigerian Military ran secret mass abortion programme in war against Boko Haram” is a dangerous deployment of PSYOP that must be condemned by all right thinking persons as an irresponsible attempt at manufacture of dissent, which refers to a cause that is so unpopular that it is solely driven by money, fake news media, or rogue intelligence agencies, which Reuters is proving to be.
The opening lines of the report, which is marketed to be an investigative piece, actually read like a fiction novel, more vested in holding the reader spell-bound than conveying vital information, which ought to have been the intention of a news outlet. The writers’ style belied their confusion as they struggled to make sense of whether they are running a first person narrative, or a third person reported account. What they succeeded in doing was to largely assume the omniscient tone, a see-all-know-all format that is favoured by fiction novelists, which totally dismissed the entire report as something that should only be found on the fantasy section of fiction novels.
According to a research and policy group, Humanitarian Outcomes, “As of the end of 2019 there were 74 identified organisations working in the northeast, including 6 UN agencies plus OCHA and IOM, 28 INGOs, and 33 Nigerian national and local NGOs.” These NGOs have at various times raised alarm about issues, often accusing the Federal Government especially the military of one thing or the other but not once has any of them raised the issue of 10,000 forced abortions. Even the UN representatives interviewed in the report denied knowledge of what Reuters is insinuating.
In Reuters’ own words, “This investigation is based on interviews with 33 women and girls who say they underwent abortions while in the custody of the Nigerian Army.” This presents an interesting scenario. It reported there were 10,000 forced abortions but it was only able to sample 33 women and girls. St. Olaf College recommended that “Generally speaking, the smaller the population, the larger the sampling ratio needed. For populations under 1,000, a minimum ratio of 30 percent (300 individuals) is advisable to ensure representativeness of the sample. For larger populations, such as a population of 10,000, a comparatively small minimum ratio of 10 percent (1,000) of individuals is required to ensure representativeness of the sample.” So how come Reuters conveniently disappeared 9,977 other “victims” of the atrocity it reported and never bothered to interview them? How did speaking with 33 alleged victims become 10,000 forced abortions?
It is interesting to note that the news outlet doubted its own report and acknowledged it is part of a damaging operation targeting Nigeria. For instance, it stated that “Reuters was unable to establish who created the abortion programme or determine who in the military or government ran it. Nigerian military leaders denied the programme has ever existed and said Reuters reporting was part of a foreign effort to undermine the country’s fight against the insurgents.”
Reuters also exposed how its reported 10,000 forced abortions was a concoction of figures provided by sources that were so unreliable that they could not be named. The report is so trashy that the International Criminal Court (ICC) Office of the Prosecutor declined to comment on Reuters’ findings. The entire report was replete with phrases and clauses that hinted at uncertainty about the allegations being made, which makes one wonder why that organization proceeded to publish the report under such circumstances.
A five page statement that Director of Defence Information, Major General Jimmy Akpor, issued has totally rubbished the Reuters report for the hogwash that it is so there is no point rehashing the strong points that the military has raised about the sanctity of life and the military’s adherence to rules of engagement that ensure that even hardened terrorists are treated humanely when captured to talk less of their victims.
The tragic facing part, however, is that Reuters may succeed in its intention for publishing the report unless the Nigerian military and the Federal Government chose to be deliberately strategic and robust in their response to the propaganda attack. A critical factor to achieving this is to properly contextualize Reuters’ attack, identify its collaborators and anticipate the next moves in the PSYOP that has been revived against Nigeria. In terms of contextualizing the environment around the report, it is important to note how the publication was hastily pushed out at a time when there has been successive killing or capture of terrorists – Boko Haram/ISWAP and bandits; focusing on the publication could create distractions that would interfere with the progress of the counter-terrorism efforts.
It should equally be noted that Reuters, a news platform that ought to be neutral, openly participating in the propaganda war against Nigeria signals a desperation on the part of those that have been propping up the terrorists with propaganda support. In the past they have used groups like Amnesty International and Human Rights Watch without the kind of defining success they have in mind.
The Nigerian Army (and the Federal Government) should attenuate Reuters’ attempt to bring it into disrepute and promote terrorist propaganda against the Nigerian State. This should be done by outlining and highlighting the successes that have been recorded in dismantling the foreign-backed terror infrastructure that they want to gain root in Nigeria. The government should promote its rehabilitation and reintegration programmed for victims and repentant terrorists because these are the kind of success stories that make those running evil entities like Reuters to bristle and froth at the mouth. There is a whole lot of good things that the Nigerian Army is making to happen and that should be the focus and not wasting efforts on Reuters’ irresponsibility.

And for the records, Reuters got it wrong when it surmised that the pack of conjectures, half-truths, fictions, and the lies in its report would be swallowed by all and sundry hook, line, and sinker. Reuters got it wrong when it thought it could easily pick up with doing damage in Nigeria from where it left off in the 2010 Jos Crisis. The dynamics have changed in a manner that have left the Reuters goons behind. Its propaganda efforts will fail worse than those of its collaborators that had attempted to undermine Nigeria in the past.


Agbese is a UK trained human rights expert writing from Abuja.

The All Progressives Congress, United Kingdom (APC UK) held a private meeting with Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu immediately after his speech at Chatham House on Monday, 5th December 2022 accompanied by a high-powered delegation and dignitaries from Nigeria.

According to Jacob Ogunseye, the Publicity Secretary of the APC UK chapter, the private meeting was held next door to Chatham House at the prestigious ClubHouse located at No. 8, St. James’s Square as a gesture for Supporters of Asiwaju who couldn’t get a pass to access Chatham House had in attendance the movers and shakers of the political class seating with the in-coming President on the High Table like Rt Hon. Gbajabiamila Speaker of House of Representative; His Excellency Dr Kayode Fayemi, immediate past Governor of Ekiti State; Ogun State Governor H. E. Dapo Abiodun of Ogun State; Governor Abdullahi Umar Ganduje of Kano State; Governor Benedict Ayade of Cross River State; Gov. Simon Lalong of Plateau State; DG Tinubu/Shettima Campaign Council, APC PCC; Gov. David Nweze Umahi of Ebonyi State; Comrade Adams Aliyu Oshiomhole; and Hajia Hadiza Bala Usman.

Other important dignitaries at the shindig are Senator Musiliu Obanikoro; Senator Tokunbo Afikuyomi; Hon. Femi Pedro former Deputy Governor to Asiwaju; Hon. Dele Alake; Mr Tunde Rahman; Dr Betta Edu, APC National Women Leader and Hajia Zainab Abubakar Ibrahim, APC National Deputy Women Leader.

During the interactive session, Asiwaju encouraged Diasporans to always show interest in the politics of their fatherland and assured them that his government will look into the issue of Diaspora Voting and in Asiwaju’s typical ubiquitous style which seemed like he read the anticipation of the audience, he further gave an assurance that even if Diasporans cannot vote presently, it doesn’t stop them being appointed into government positions of their competence. This elicited thunderous applause and a standing ovation from the audience. In a nutshell, Jagaban held his audience in awe with his satirical comments.

J K Adebola, Chairman APC UK Presidential Campaign Council and member of Tinubu/Shettima Campaign Committee of APC PCC who read the welcome address eulogised Asiwaju and reeled out his traits which he said endeared him to Nigerians at home and abroad as well as his vision for Nigeria as expounded in his Action Plan titled Renewed Hope 2023 and enjoined Nigerians to obtain a copy, read and digest the content to keep themselves abreast of what Asiwaju’s government portends for the Country and its citizens scattered across the globe.

The Chairman of APC UK PCC also reeled out his Campaign Council’s activities which includes the procurement of a Helium Balloon emblazoned with pictures of Tinubu and Shettima on it which was flown at the flag-off of the APC Presidential Campaign in Jos and Lagos; the Town hall event held on Saturday 26th November 2022 at the prestigious Holiday Inn Express at Greenwich Peninsula, London.

J K Adebola further disclosed to the house that just as APC UK 4 Aketi Council did at the last gubernatorial election in Ondo State, in the run-up to the elections in 2023, APC UK PCC will conduct a mass SMS Campaign to reach about 20 million voters in Nigeria across the 6 geo-political zones in the 3 major languages in the Country with targeted messages educating the electorates to vote right by voting for Tinubu/Shettima and APC.

He concluded his welcome address that as the elections of 2023 draw closer, there is no better time than now for us in the Diaspora to demonstrate our importance to the politics and development of Nigeria. We will continue to engage with Nigerians at home and in the Diaspora about the benefits of voting for the man wey sabi road to enjoy the dividends of democracy that the Presidency of Jagaban promises to provide to Nigerians.

Prince Ade Omole, Director of Diaspora Directorate in his address which he delivered Ad-lib informed the house that he considers it a privilege that the very first leg of the campaigns outside the shores of Nigeria of our principal and APC Presidential candidate Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu is being commenced in the UK. He then implored all of Asiwaju's supporters and well-wishers in the United Kingdom, to see this visit as a privilege because there are many cities around the world with equally significant Asiwaju's supporters that the Presidential Campaign Council (PCC) could have picked for the commencement of our candidate's foreign campaigns.

He added that it is therefore against this backdrop of having been accorded this privilege that the onus is now on us as Progressives and supporters of Asiwaju who are residents in the United Kingdom to redouble our efforts in making sure that our Party's Presidential candidate win the February 2023 election.

Prince Ade Omole went further to say winning this election is extremely important not only because the stakes are high as to the trajectory that Nigeria must pursue towards her manifest destiny, but also because this is a different kind of sport in which you and I are the real players that will be on the field on February 25th and not Asiwaju. We should, therefore, see this win as not everything but the ONLY thing. Thus says the late Vince Lombardi, an American football coach.

He reminded Diasporans that our run of play on this game involves two strategic approaches; one approach is for those of us who can vote in Nigeria to prepare ourselves to be in our respective wards a few days before the match to exercise our voting franchise. The other is the serious mobilisation of our dependents such as Children and wards, Fathers and Mothers, Nephews and Nieces, and others whom we have some influence over to vote for our principal. This is what I call the "Each One, Reach Five" approach.

He further touched on the fact that our material support to further enhance this campaign in all its facets is still much needed.

He noted that with the serious commitment that Diasporans have demonstrated even before our principal won the primary election, I have no doubt in my mind that you're now more committed to the cause of Asiwaju winning this trophy come Saturday, February 25, 2023.

He concluded that I, therefore, do not doubt that victory shall be ours on this day.

During the interactive session, Hon. Ifeoma “Iyabode” Nwachukwu praised Asiwaju for his policy of inclusiveness whilst the Governor of Lagos by reaching far and wide in giving opportunities to other ethnicities to serve in his cabinet and how Lagos State has maintained that policy to date. She added that not many States in Nigeria have such policy which he pioneered.

The UK leg of Asiwaju’s campaign ended with an after-party where the incoming President and Comrade Adams Aliyu Oshiomhole had a dancing competition grooving to the globally popular Buga song. The jury is still out on who won the duel between the two dancing gladiators.

The UK leg of the Tinubu/Shettima campaign came to an end on a high. The next stop is the victory party after the 2023 elections.

Sections of the media tout some as the leading presidential candidates even though they show decline in cognitive and physical abilities, offer no solutions to our myriad problems or churn out fake numbers and statistics.

This is happening at a time when our nation is confronted with a war that has had devastating consequences on her people and economy. This is a period when over a 100 million Nigerians are said to be poor and about 50 million unemployed.

We have multifaceted problems that threaten our very existence, and this is no time for us to let primordial sentiments becloud our judgement. The next
president of Nigeria must in very clear terms tell Nigerians how he will create jobs for our youths and identify the specific industries that will anchor that employment.

Our President must tell us how he plans to bring this war to an end, protect our borders, highways and farmlands. He should tell us how he intends to manage our diversities, grow our economy and build an efficient workforce that can compete globally.

The next Nigerian President owes us all the duty of spelling out his plan to fix our infrastructural deficits, pay off our debts, grow tourism and support our small businesses.

This is what I and other presidential candidates owe the Nigerian people. This is what I am doing everyday.

By Monday Otairu

Peace is said to be an intangible commodity with a priceless tag, which once shattered, gaining it back requires huge investment in terms of human and material resources. Therefore, absence of peace implies that a given community, region or country has been inflicted with instability particularly if the nature of the conflict is overtly violent in character

In recent years, for a long time was peace seen as a luxury to be sought after in the North Eastern part of Nigeria, particularly Borno State which was hitherto been referred to as the “Home of Peace”. Getting a visitation from peace became a herculean task, and if experienced, it was in no time short-lived. This was a result of different hit caused by the activities of Boko Haram insurgency. Similarly, the issues of insurgency created a new dimension of communal and ethnic clashes between farmers and herdsmen in many regions in the North East, which raised the calls for proactive measures.

We must admit that in all human endeavors, the foundation is critical because when the foundation starts on a faulty note, it won’t stand the test of time.
Observing the toll violent conflicts in this region took on both material and human lives leaving the survivors with scars and gory tales of psychological trauma, a quest for growth and development in the NorthEastern region was set into motion, and the search for peace became a necessity. This necessity saw the birth of a perfect relief to the travailing effect; the birth of North East Development Commission (NEDC), charged with the mandated to coordinate the resettlement, rehabilitation, integration and reconstruction of infrastructure for victims.

It is worthy of note that prior to the advent of the Boko Haram insurgency in the NorthEast, other forms of conflict do occurred on both small and large scale be it communal, ethnic or religious or to a very large extent, the emerging trend of herders/farmers skirmishes which has become a defining moment of social relations between and amongst myriad of ethnic groups.

This brings our focus to the North East Development Commission (NEDC) that was established to lead the reconstruction and development of North-East Nigeria after years of conflict occasioned by the Boko Haram crisis. Many of us had reservations when the NEDC commenced operations. This was hinged on the past experiences where interventionist agencies instead of fulfilling its mandate end up as cash cows for politicians that are not shy to divert public funds to private pockets in the usual manner. Be that as it may, the phenomena of conflicts and indeed the questions of terrorism and insurgency is a global concern, owing to the fact that communities, societies, states and nation-states have experienced or are experiencing one form of conflict or the other, be it an overt or covert conflicts as the case may be.

The genesis of the NEDC success was approach the leadership of NEDC took in creating a holistic and acceptable Master Plan that can be implemented diversely and comprehensively in the North East. The Commission consulted relevant stakeholders in a bottom-up approach, by engaging them on the Master Plan in all the 112 Local Government Areas (LGAs) in the region, as well as with humanitarian, development and peacebuilding actors, representatives of member states, CSOs/CBOs, and private and federal legislators from the zone. This created a surge in the many breakthrough experienced nationwide, leaving everyone to the bewilderment of the “HOW?”.

The case of the NEDC has somewhat proven different from other interventionist agencies in the country. There has been a consistent drive towards achieving its core mandate in rebuilding North East Nigeria that had suffered phenomenal destruction since 2009 when the Boko Haram group began its violent campaign against Nigeria. They recognized transparency as one of the basic principles of good governance by giving the public wide insight in the work of public administration and bodies. It rejuvenated the trust and assurance of the North East region people, they trust of Presidential support in the person of NEDC became solidify once again.

However, one thing that I would harp on is the level of transparency entrenched in its operations, and this is not hinged on hearsay or assumptions, but rather a product of extensive scrutiny of its various interventionist programmes across the states in North-East Nigeria. The level of transparency introduced in the operations of the NEDC is tremendous as well as impressive. In my opinion, this is a function of two factors. One is the world view is on the North East and the desire for normalcy to return, and secondly the need to get things right at the foundation level for subsequent efforts in the future. Whichever of the factors that motivated the director, this shows that he has done well and has earned his price for the right appraisal.

Can a tree stand alone to be called a forest? Definitely no. Alkali, the director of NEDC is a man fill with wisdom, humility, and selflessness. At interval, he always openly acknowledged other brains of support that has been sustaining the NEDC before now. Knowing how important humanitarian duties are in the routine of his commission, he takes no time in acknowledging the support and inspirational guidance of the Minister of Humanitarian Affairs, Hajiya Sadiya Umar Farouq, which has led to numerous modest strides the Commission has accomplished, like humanitarian assistance, recovery, stabilization and peacebuilding. The NEDC is a new agency, and the fact that it has started on this note indicates that in no distance time, its impact would be felt beyond Africa as regards the rebuilding of North-East Nigeria in a well reformed habitable settlement.

It can be obviously stated that the crisis in North-East Nigeria that came with its attendant loss of lives, destruction of properties and displacement of thousands of people has been greatly managed and subdued, leaving its after effects less visible.
NEDC has set the pace of positive challenge to other public office holders in the country towards Peace- building, and the entrenchment of transparency in their operations using the NEDC model. I would implore this other public officers to take a great study of The North East Development Commission, to learn the ropes of their many strategies used in implementing groundbreaking success.

For a fact, it’s no doubt that NEDC has since become a reference point for accountability and transparency for other interventionist agency. They create the flow, while others follow.


Otairu wrote this piece from University of Maiduguri.

2023 Manifesto: Pro-democracy group berates Obi over plagiarism, unpreparedness to govern

The National Democratic Movement (NDM) has described the manifesto of the presidential candidate of the Labour Party, Peter Obi, as an old bunch of rehearsed script full of lies, falsehood, and deception which have become the trademark of the former governor.

The group which made this known at a press conference on Tuesday in Abuja noted that the manifesto is riddled with falsehood and error aimed to sway the support of Nigerians.

Speaking on behalf of the group, James Audu, however, advised every patriotic Nigerians to fight for justice and integrity.

He said: "We must not be swayed by political deceit in electing an incompetent person to head this nation. We need a man that can change reality, and not only give statistics."

In his words: "Firstly, it can be seen that the title of the manifesto leaves so much to be desired in repulsion. In the title of the manifesto is the emphasis on PO (Peter Obi - POssible) which speaks to the only “ME” mindset of Peter Obi. This is an egoistic man that put himself first before any other person. Always wanting to be at the forefront of the eulogy of every little achievement made.

"We are not surprised at the eventualities from the camp of Mr. Obi. What else do we expect from a man that boldly claimed he has no manifesto, pointing out not having a structure to lead Nigeria with? A man that is ready to lead a nation on the edge of a “Que sera sera” pillar, leading to confusion and destruction of a great historical nation.

"This is nothing but a primitive mindset of “ME”. This “ME”, that “ME”. To Obi, the presidency is all about him. The Same “ME” couldn’t change anything in Anambra. The same “ME” that was disgraceful caught in the web of Pandora papers' revelations, which has left many mouths across the world agape, and till today many of the mouths are still widely left open. The same “ME” that kept pronouncing he would take Nigeria from a consuming to a Producing Nation, But with no manifesto?

"We believe the few wise ones in his caucus later discovered the foolery in leading a nation without a written manifesto. Peter Obi had to be reminded before doing the needful. A man gunning for the presidency had to be reminded about the most basic thing in seeking an elective position, presenting your manifesto (I.e, your action plan if you get elected). Those who have overtime dressed him in the bogus toga of the most qualified Candidate would be licking their wounds now having seen that Peter is less qualified going by his shameful dealings and speech.

"The National Democratic Movement keenly warns the public to beware of many wolves in sheep’s clothing. Who openly express themselves as political orators of great change, but have no evidence to support their many claims of numerous acclaimed achievements used in masquerading their magnanimous woes and shortcomings. They are filled with shameful acts of secret investments, secret accounts, illicit funds ownership, and/or tax evasion.

"Here has Mr. Obi placed before every one of us, a manifesto which is an old bunch of rehearsed script full of lies, falsehood, and deception which have become the trademark of Peter Obi himself.
When he speaks, he attempts to make himself a God, he sounds and an image more like someone who has achieved a great fit and has done so much already. But a critical review will tell better that Obi is nothing but a singing canary who says so much but do less.

"We, therefore implore patriotic Nigerians to begin interrogating the competence of the Presidential candidates as they unveil their manifesto and share their views on key national and global issues.

"We ask every patriotic citizen, will the funds come from the chains of tax heavens where the looted treasury would be stored, or would the reformation come from different parastatals that being headed by every member of his nuclear and extended family?

"This is a man that has no right to speak on zero tolerance of corruption because if such mandate was fully seen through, the Pandora revelation should have landed him in prison, and cooling off for a long time without even giving it a thought running for the least political position. His actions against the Nigeria code of conduct should have reprimanded him in jail by now, and we are pleading with Mr. President to carefully look into that aspect also.
If elected President, at the end of Obi’s 8 years as President he would have invested all our resources for us in places where only Pandora papers can unravel.

"The National Democratic Movement is imploring every patriotic Nigerian to fight for justice and integrity. We must not be swayed by political deceit in electing an incompetent person to head this nation. We need a man that can change reality, and not only give statistics. We need a selfless and patriotic person that is not after self-aggrandizement. We want that man that puts Nigeria, and Nigerians first before himself. Peter Obi is a virus that would corrupt a functional system, he has cancer in Nigeria’s tissue, and he is all about himself. "

*Democracy: Group commends Nigerian Army's apolitical posture, urged to sustain Annual Conference for revitalization*

The Coalition against Terrorism and Banditry in Nigeria has described the Nigerian Army as a bastion of democracy through its numerous interventions, especially in internal security operations across the country.

Commending the Army for its uncompromising and apolitical posture, the Coalition said the Chief of Army Staff, Lt. Gen. Faruk Yahaya, has injected fresh ideas into the operations and welfare of troops in line with global trends in addressing security challenges.

In a statement signed by its convener,
Comr. Michael Obande, the group also hailed the leadership of the Nigerian Army for undertaking the annual Chief of Army Staff Conference held in Sokoto State.

Obande said the exercise is well-thought to
evaluate and reevaluate military strategies in line with the present-day realities regarding the dynamics of security threats in the country.

"We are impressed with the theme: 'Building a Professional Nigerian Army for the 21st Century Security Environment', which by all intent and purposes indicates that the leadership of the Nigerian Army is poised to address the various security challenges in the country," he said.

"We believe such events speak volumes of a deep-rooted culture of evaluating and reevaluating military strategies in line with the present-day realities regarding the dynamics of security threats in the country.

"It also goes a long way in serving as that avenue where the Nigerian Army refreshes all strategies hitherto deployed in the preservation of the territorial integrity of the country, as well as internal security operations.

"The Nigerian Army has remained the bastion of our democracy through its numerous interventions, especially in internal security operations across the country. The 2022 COAS Conference presents us with the fact that the Nigerian Army is not resting on its oars despite its numerous successes in addressing the various security challenges in the country.

"This is on the heels that the COAS Conference creates an opportunity for the COAS to have a face-to-face interaction with all the General Officers Commanding, field commanders, and other senior officers on enhancing the activities and operations of the Nigerian Army.

"The Coalition Against Terrorism and Banditry in Nigeria commends the Chief of Army Staff, Lt. Gen. Faruk Yahaya, for sustaining the legacy and improving it with noble introductions that are far-reaching and in line with global trends in addressing security challenges in the country.

"We agree with the position of the President and Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces that the Nigerian Army is a key element of our national power and will continue to be a significant catalyst for our development, especially by providing the needed aid to civil authority.

"The charge by President Muhammadu Buhari at the COAS Conference for the Nigerian Army to replicate the professionalism exhibited in the successful conduct of the Anambra, Osun, and Ekiti states elections should also be reflected in the 2023 general elections is instructive and an indication of the invaluable role of the Nigerian Army in the preservation of our nascent democracy.

"The Ekiti and Osun state gubernatorial elections are indeed worthy examples of the level of professionalism in the Nigerian Army under the leadership of Lt. Gen. Faruk Yahaya. It also goes a long way to assure Nigerians that the 2023 general elections will be given the required attention it deserves for peaceful and credible elections.

"The Coalition Against Terrorism and Banditry in Nigeria salutes the efforts and courage of the Chief of Army Staff, Lt. Gen. Faruk Yahaya, in positioning the Nigerian Army for optimal performance. He has indeed displayed an unalloyed commitment to entrenching discipline, nonpartisanship, and focus in the operations of the Nigerian Army.

"These and many more he has been able to achieve in a short period due to his track record of patriotism and dedication in service to the country in the course of his illustrious career in the Nigerian Army".

Assuring the Army of its continuous support, the Coalition, however, affirmed that "the troops are dedicated and positioned to assist the civil authorities in sustaining our democracy while ensuring a peaceful society in our quest for sustainable growth and development. "

By: Martins O. Itua

Preparatory to the elections in 2015, I had been quite vocal about the choices before Nigerians with respect to the candidacy of then President Jonathan and Muhammadu Buhari. I had taken time to explain to Nigerians that even though President Jonathan hadn’t performed up to standard, that he was a better candidate than Buhari. Again, in 2019, I warned Nigerians that another four years of Buhari would spell doom for the country. To support my point, I went as far as writing a book titled “Buharinomics: How President Buhari set Nigeria in reverse motion”. If you want to read the book, you will find it on Amazon. I have been proved right as 133m Nigerians have been thrown into abject poverty, according to a recent report by the National Bureau of Statistics. Today, I shall attempt to explain that politics is about personal interests and these interests always trump the national interest.

It is often easy for people to forget that politics is about interest. These interests are mostly personal interests and have nothing to do with the national interest. What makes this difficult to comprehend or accept is the fact that everyone claims that their interest is for the greater good of Nigeria. As a general rule, there are always winners and losers in every election. What makes elections unique is the fact that they are a zero sum game in the sense that there can be only one winner. Elections are sometimes compared to a battle where the winner takes it all. It is for this reason, particularly in Nigeria, that people go to great extent and do anything in order to win elections.

It is important to always bear it in mind that when you see people who are at the forefront of politicians, they are either benefiting something or looking forward to some reward. It is for this same reason that you always see an army of supporters who flock around every candidate. While majority of ordinary people genuinely support particular candidates and believe that they have the best plans for the people, there are several other people who only support particular candidates because for them, it is a job. This essentially means that while you may be busy making enemies through uncontrolled emotions and anger in showing support for a particular candidate, there are other people who are making a kill and smiling to the bank.

Broadly speaking, there are other interests that must be considered, especially in Nigeria. This is because our politics is still largely played at the local level. From the earliest times that we started voting, the primordial sentiments of religion and ethnicity have played critical roles in who becomes the leader of Nigeria or even at State levels. People look at candidates, not on the basis of what they have to offer, but purely on the basis of their faith and where they come from. So typically, a candidate from the North of Nigeria is expected to get more votes from people who are from the North. The same principle applies for all the other major tribes in Nigeria. Somehow, these people believe that they must vote for one of their own. In the same vein, people appear to be more comfortable with people who belong to the same religion. However, they often forget that there is absolutely no evidence on the ground that supports this barbaric practice. For instance, Niger State produced two of Nigeria’s former Heads of State, Katsina State produced two Presidents, Bayelsa State produced one President, Ogun State produced Olusegun Obasanjo, etc.

All these states, without exception, suffer extreme poverty, deprivation and lack of social services and infrastructure just like all the other States in Nigeria.
In all this, what many people don’t realize is that we cannot hope to build a nation as long as our decisions on who we vote for to lead us are influenced by the primordial sentiments of religion and ethnicity. We can never make real progress as a people as long as we are unable to put the national interest and greater good above our parochial self-interest. The predominance of self-interest is the main reason why Nigeria hasn’t developed compared to her potential. Everyone has been wired to think ONLY of himself or herself and many times, don’t ever think of the good of Nigeria. Many people aspire for office and many times, they are not concerned about the growth and development of your country but for purely personal reasons and enrichment. It is for this reason that the richest people in Nigeria are politicians. And the reason is simple: they all feed fat on the commonwealth of Nigeria. It is also for this reason that there is so much wealth without enterprise in Nigeria.

The most critical question that the electorates in Nigeria must ask themselves is: WHO AMONGST THE CANDIDATES CAN BE TRUSTED. All the candidates are basically saying the same thing, howbeit, using different modes of expression. They are all promising better life for Nigerians. They all want to eradicate poverty, provide jobs, fight the rampaging inflation, combat the monstrous corruption, secure Nigeria and Nigerians, diversify the economy from over dependence on oil, etc. So the issue is not necessarily about what they are saying and the promises they are making but who will you trust to deliver on their promises. Which amongst the candidates will Nigerians be able to hold accountable to his promises? Which of them will be accessible to Nigerians? Which of the candidates is more likely to turn Nigeria’s resources into personal assets and that of his friends? We must try and answer these questions honestly.

There are people who will make a lot of noise on social media and never vote. You should remember that not voting is actually voting for the wrong candidate. You have a constitutional responsibility to choose your leaders and you should never renege on this solemn duty. Just to be clear, you will be eight years older by the time the next government leaves office. You’re nearly eight years older than you were in 2015. So make no mistake, the election in February 2023 will determine the future of Nigeria and it is important that you play an active role in determining who leads Nigeria for the next eight years.

‘I have searched through the list of those who condemned Abacha’s tyrannical rule, Peter Obi’s name is missing, I have searched the list of the G-34 members who stood against the military in 1998, Peter Obi’s name is missing, I have searched the list of NADECO members who fought the military to stand still between 1993 and 1999, Peter Obi’s name is missing, I have searched through the list of financers of pro-democracy struggle in Nigeria where the likes of late billionaire Pa Alfred Rewane is standing gallantly tall, Peter Obi’s name is missing. What investment has Obi made into the Nigerian democratic project since 1993 and today apart from laying claim to been an ex Governor? The question is where was Peter Obi when men and women were fighting to restore democracy in Nigeria?

A frontline youth leader, Ambassador Akoshile Mukhtar has bagged a lifetime achievement award from the Aluta News organization, at its annual award and dinner program, scheduled to hold on 2nd December 2022 in Abuja.

The awardee has been at the forefront of the struggle for youth empowerment and capacity development, since the days he served as a leader of the National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS) before transiting his advocacy into core civil society and the National Youth Council of Nigeria (NYCN), where he now serves as the Vice President for the North Central Zone.

In a press release by the Office of the Vice President. North Central Zone of NYCN, the awardee expressed “appreciation to the organizers of the award ceremony for the recognition”, while assuring his “primary constituency of Nigerian youth and students of uninterrupted and unwavering service towards improving their lot by delivering a better society that carries everyone along”.

Aluta News was created to give voice to Nigerians, especially the youth, la, labor, and civil society spaces, where young people’s voices are usually not heard.

The Aluta awards are given to Nigerians doing well in different walks of life who have contributed to the deepening of civic spaces in Nigeria, with this year’s theme: recognizing pillars and living heroes of democracy in Nigeria.

The Other prominent Nigerians scheduled to be in attendance include the Minister of State of the FCT Hajiyya Ramatu Tijjani Aliyu and many others.