₦airaland Forum

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Misconception about Rwanda genocide and the Igbo agitation
By Abdulrazaq O Hamzat

After the genocide experience in 1994, Rwanda continues. In remembering its dead population during the ugly tragedy, a museum was created in their honor with a bold inscription written on it ‘’Never Again’’. This is the best that has happened to those victims of human cruelty.

With the above understanding, it has become imperative for we at the Foundation for Peace Professionals to re-direct a certain misconception about the Rwanda genocide that is being thrown around by analysts, when they are commenting on the implication of ethnic based secessionist hate campaign in South East Nigeria, which may lead to similar thing as experienced in Rwanda.

While most commentators are right in quickly referring to the Rwanda Genocide experience in other to caution agitators about the consequences of their actions, it is important to bring us to another perspective that is yet to be properly looked at and fully appreciated.

In 1994, when the ethnic based hate campaign began in Rwanda, the total population of the country was just a little over 6 million.

Hate campaign by Hutu agitators against Tutsi eventually led genocide, which claimed almost 1 million lives in about 100 days. The casualty figure of lives lost within that short period of time is over 16% of the total population of the country.

Nigeria today has more than 180 million populations and 16 % of it is a little below 30 million.

What happened in Rwanda that year was the gruesome murder of innocent and defenseless 16% of its total population due to perceived filling of marginalization and expectation that the mass murder of another ethnic group may possibly lead to separation.

The question we must all ask is that, what happened to Rwanda after losing 16% of its population in mindless killing? Were the expectations of those who lead the hate campaign fulfilled? What does the 1 million lost lives amounted to?

The answer to the above questions remained a united Rwanda.

It was too late, when those who expected division as a result of the mass murder discovered that the killing of their fellow country men and women will not make a country divide. Those who also thought that instigating hatred against fellow country people will help them in their quest for separation were also disappointed. This point to the fact that, if you promote hatred against other ethnicity in your country for whatever reason, you have to be ready to live with the hate, because it won’t help you fulfill your separatist agenda.

In a report by UK Guardian to commemorate 20 years of the Rwanda genocide, victims were reported to have said, they now live in the same country with those who killed their families. The killers are our neighbors now." One respondent said.

Furthermore, one of the perpetrators of the hate campaign and killing, Thomas says he learned a lesson from the killing.In his views, "You find out killing is not a solution''. ''We killed thinking we would get something and we found out it only brought misery."

What they didn't want to do before, which is ''tolerance'' is what they have now learned to do the hard way. The people are now learning to tolerate the people they hate, though difficult, but necessary. This was made possible through the gacaca court arrangement.

The name Gacaca is derived from the Kinyarwanda word umucaca meaning “a plant so soft to sit on that people prefer to gather on it”. Originally, Gacaca gatherings were meant to restore order and harmony within communities by acknowledging wrongs and having justice restored to those who were victims.

After the conclusion of the Rwandan genocide, the new Rwandan government was having difficulty prosecuting approximately 130,000 alleged perpetrators of the genocide.

Originally, perpetrators of the genocide were to be tried in the ICTR (International Criminal Tribunal for Rwanda); however, the vast number of perpetrators made it highly improbable that they would all be convicted.

Given that there was insufficient resources to organize first-world courts then the Gacaca system had to be preferred over the only alternative to the Gacaca system for local communities which might have been revenge. Rwanda implemented the Gacaca court system which necessarily evolved to fit the scenario from its prior form of traditional cultural communal law enforcement procedures.

What must be understood here is that, in this 21st century, any secessionist group that gained notoriety with hate speech is as good as a nuisance and misplaced agitation. It will never achieve its aim. Rwanda teaches us that, not even the death of 16% of the total population will change this fact.

In other words, you can instigate hate as much as you want in your agitation, you can even lead the country to war and genocide, but one fact is clear, you will never achieve anything. Not the separation, not the fulfillment. So why promote hatred among people on the basis of quest for separation?

Additional lesson learned from Rwanda is that, instigating hatred against fellow human being on the basis of ethnicity will not be rewarded by the global community. Hate speech is a crime in international law. The world didn’t reward Hutu’s in Rwanda; it won’t reward any other agitators in any part of the world.

The Nigerian Civil war, which claimed about 3 million lives, also offers another lesson. Despite losing that magnitude of casualties, the aims of the promoters of the war were never achieved. The global community will not aid personal ambition of individuals or groups, at the expense of the general good.

It is on this basis that the Foundation for Peace Professionals is calling on the leaders in South East region to prevail on their sons and daughters to allow reason prevail.

The need for peace cannot be over emphasized. All those who succeeded in their agitation across the world only did, because of their decency and peacefulness. The world saw that though they are agitating for a cause, but they did it decently within the confine of the international standard. The same cannot be said of the agitation in the South East. I appeal that we shouldn't allow Nigeria become a 21st century Rwanda, which only offers 16% of its dead population a slogan, never again.

Abdulrazaq O Hamzat is the Executive Director of Foundation for Peace Professionals.
www.fpp.com.ng

How APC, Saraki and Kwara State Govt masterminded Kidnapping of activist in Ilorin

Kwara Must Change can now authoritatively reveal the Senate President, Dr Bukola Saraki, Kwara State All Progressive Congress (APC) and the Kwara State Government are alleged principal suspects in the kidnap,
torture and de-humanization of Crown Ahmed Olanrewaju Buhari, a social justice activist in Kwara State.

The activist was kidnapped in Ilorin, the Kwara State capital on 30th August, 2017 at the Kwara State High Court, while observing a case between Sahara Reporters and Bukola Saraki.

It was reported that the first day of SaharaReporters’ appearance to contest a bizarre judgment obtained in a Kwara State High Court by Nigeria’s Senate President Bukola Saraki quickly turned bloody as armed thugs invaded the court premises to abduct activist, Crown Ahmed Olanrewaju Buhari who showed up in court in solidarity with
SaharaReporters.

Before his abduction by the kidnappers and political thugs, Comrade Ahmed had sent distress messages to different people including Kwara Must Change. We later learned that the comrade was eventually kidnapped and driven away to the Government Reservation Area (GRA) of Ilorin, where he was assaulted, tortured, de-humanized and forced to
make false confession at gun point before a legislative aide of the Senate President, Olaitan Obalowu, APC Publicity Secretary, Sulyman Buhari and Chair Person of Local Government Commission, Mrs Saratu Adebayo.

The victim was later released by the kidnappers and the video evidence of his kidnapping was released by social media aides of the Kwara State Government and the Senate President, Bukola Saraki, who also tried to defame another political activist known as Kayode Oyin Zubair, claiming he was a sponsor of what they described as attempt to
detonate bomb at the court premises.

Mr Kayode quickly wrote a petition to the Kwara State Commissioner of Police on 31st August 2017, alleging criminal defamation and threat to life. We are informed that several suspects had been questioned by the police about the source of the recorded video of the victim with all
fingers pointing to a shady website known as fidelity reporters.

Kwara Must Change investigated the website to establish the fact of the matter and we unraveled the identity of the website operator. Our investigation, through the aid of some IT experts reveals that, Fidelity Reporters which posted the video of the kidnap victim is owned by one Osinuga Oriola, an ilorin resident living at 10 Mandate Estate in Ilorin, Kwara State Nigeria.

People that are at the court premises on that day informed Kwara Must Change that they saw Oriola at the court premises. Osinuga Oriola is also the owner of Sahara Reporter Rescue, a clone of Sahara Reporters,
Channelsreports, a clone of Channels TV website and naijaeverything.
He is suspected to be a former scammer known as Yahoo Yahoo, who specializes in buying electronics on internet with stolen credit cards before venturing into blogging.

The victim of the kidnapping had gone quite since the occurrence of the traumatic incident, but he reached out to Kwara Must Change yesterday to identify some of the people who participated in his kidnapping and the role they played. Although, he said they are more people involved, but he can identify at least 3 people from pictures posted on the social media during the court hearing.

According to the victim, a legislative aide of the Senate President, Olaitan Obalowu was one of those who carried out the kidnapping. He stated that Obalowu was the one who kept an eye on him until he was abducted. This is not surprising because Obalowu is also the same person who had called to threaten violence against Kwara Must Change
over the planned recall of the Senate President few months ago.

Also identified as part of the kidnappers is the All Progressive
Congress (APC) woman leader in the state, Mrs Saratu Adebayo, who is also the Chairperson of Local Government Commission.

According to the victim, while he was being beaten, tortured and recorded at the GRA residence he was taken to by the kidnappers, Mrs Saratu was in their midst, cursing and raining abuses on him for working against their leader, the Senate president and trying to bring him down.

Additionally, the victim also identified Mr Sulyman Buhari, the APC Publicity Secretary in the state as one of those who not only supervised the kidnapping, but also witnessed his de-humanization.
According to him, the APC spokesman was also standing there while he was being brutalized and recorded by the kidnappers. He noted that after he was asked to go, his mobile phones, money and everything was seized. The APC spokesman then gave him N1000 for transportation.

With this latest revelation, we have no doubt whatsoever that the kidnapping of a free citizen, Crown Ahmed Olanrewaju Buhari on 30th August, 2017 at the Kwara State High Court during the appeal of Sahara Reporters Vs Bukola Saraki was a top level decision between the Senate President, Bukola Saraki, the Kwara State Government led by the Governor Abdulfatai Ahmed and the leadership of the Kwara State All
Progressive Congress (APC).

Although, the Nigerian Senate has not enacted law that would prescribe capital punishment for kidnappers across the country, we strongly advocate for strong punishment against those who sponsored and carried out this act of criminality against Comrade Ahmed Buhari. They must never go unpunished.

We therefore call on the Inspector General of Police to immediately arrest all the identified suspects and take over this matter to ensure justice is done without delay.
Let it be known that, the perpetrator of this dastardly act must never go unpunished. It doesn't matter who they are, the post they occupy or those who are supporting them. Justice must be served.

We also call on the national leadership of the All Progressive
Congress (APC) to condemn the criminal act of its Kwara State leadership, because the APC is now being associated with terrorizing citizens, kidnapping activists and doing everything possible to silence all voices speaking reason.

Kwara Must Change also calls on the Nigerian Senate to dissociate itself and condemn the undemocratic activities of its President in Kwara State. The President of the Nigerian Senate cannot be seen to be aiding the kidnap of free citizens exercising their rights in Nigeria. This is an impunity taken too far.

We also urge the Nigeria Governors Forum (NGF) to call the Kwara State governor, Abdulfatah Ahmed to order for aiding its appointee, who participated in the kidnapping and torture of a citizen. A responsible state government should not have in its cabinet, a woman participating in kidnapping of perceived political dissent.

We at the Kwara Must Change will not continue to watch helplessly for the good people of Kwara State to be denied of their rights. More than ever before, we are determined to keep speaking up for all victims of bad governance and right abuses.

Abdulrazaq O Hamzat
President
Kwara Must Change

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ITANJE DOPIN NI ILORIN- RECALL SARAKI NOW
Kwara Must Change is back on track with the recall of the Senate President, Bukola Saraki.
We meet during the holiday in ilorin to take a deinite stand and it was indeed a fruitful meeting. Meeting our friends, families and members all across Ilorin during the holiday was a blessing. I never knew there people at home that are more committed more serious and more ready to lead this struggle. Wow, I am excited.
The first surprise I saw upon entering Ilorin was this giant Kwara Must Change poster. A day before Sallah Celebration, it was a surprise getting to ilorin and seeing a very large poster screaming at my face ‘’ITANJE DOPIN NI ILORIN’’.

I can’t believe my eyes. Everybody in Ilorin seems ready for change, save for the few alatenuje’s.

The poster was designed and pasted by some supporters of Kwara Must Change. It was done with Owo oniru and Owo Oniyo. The same Oniru and Oniyo that will lead the way to recall Mr Saraki and sanitize the state of harmony.

To be candid, I wasn’t expecting to see such a poster. Although, some of our members had called to inform me of their desire to do a poster, but I wasn’t very sure. For some time, we didn’t talk about it until a week before Sallah, when my opinion was sorted about the poster. I told them there is no need for the poster for now. I recall that I told them to wait until I also come to ilorin for us all to review the situation together before deciding on the way forward.

But more passionate and enthusiastic about the prospect of ending deceit in our most cherished Ilorin, our patriotic members went ahead to contribute their hard earned money to design such a massive poster. I must commend your zeal guys and everyone should be following in your foot steps.

Now that we have decided to proceed with the recall of the Senate President, let the mobilization began afresh. Ward by ward, door to door, polling unit by poling unit.

We now need all the support we can get.
Please, get involve.

The youths are ready to lead, the elders are supporting.

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Between hate speech and freedom of expression
By Abdulrazaq O Hamzat

Few weeks ago, the Vice President of Nigeria, Prof Yemi Osinbajo declared that henceforth, the Federal Government of Nigeria will classify hate speech as specie of Terrorism and offenders will be charged under the Terrorism Prevention Act, as amended.

The Vice President, who is also a Professor of law stated that,Terrorism Prevention Act 2011 as amended defines ‘’terrorism as an act deliberately done with malice, which may seriously harm a country or
is intended or can be reasonably regarded as having been done to seriously intimidate a population’’ and for this reason, hate speech is considered an act of terrorism.

Since this declaration was made weeks ago, the debate about what constitute hate speech, particularly on social media has become the new national discuss.

While some people are claiming that the classification of hate speech as act of terrorism infringe on the rights of citizens to freedom of expression as guaranteed in the constitution, others including this writer hold the view that, hate speech is not free speech and its
criminalization has not in anyway, infringe on citizens right to freedom of expression. Instead, we are of the view that, criminalization of hate speech is more like holding citizens accountable to their freely expressed views, thereby encouraging responsibility in expression.

It is therefore important to explore the concept of hate speech, as it relates to the freedom of expression and determine whether or not, the criminalization of hate speech constitute an infringement on free speech.

My understanding as a peace professional is that, hate speech is an act of emotional terrorism, done with the intention of injuring, damaging or inciting a person or group of persons. Or better still, we can see hate speech as anti peace advocacy or an act to cause mass
disruption of personal emotional peace. It can aptly be described as an act of violence against the mind with the intention of instigation or subduction.
ARTICLE 19, a global organization working to ensure people everywhere can express themselves freely define hate speech as the advocacy of hatred based on nationality, race or religion.

In a publication titled ‘’hate speech’’ by article 19, the
organization stated that generally speaking, the right to freedom of expression extends to unpopular ideas and statements which “shock, offend or disturb” and a number of human rights treaties, including the ICCPR, not only permit states to prohibit hate speech, but
actually require them to do so.
In other word, prohibiting hate speech is not only permissible by several international human right treaties, it is actually a requirement. All multi racial, multi ethnic and multi religious countries seeking to build or sustain peace must as a matter of
necessity have regulations to check hate speech. Faily to do this will cost the nation more, not only in term of resources, but also human,as hate advocacy will hinder reasonable collaboration between citizens from different groups due to inherent suspicion and quest to guard themselves from emotional violence and disappointment.

The International Criminal Tribunal for Rwanda, established by UN in 1994 elaborated somewhat on the definition of the crime of hate speech is all about. In The Prosecutor v. Nahimana, Barayagwiza, & Ngeze, it
stated that the defendant’s intent must be established, and that “[t]he actual language used in the media has often been cited as an indicator of intent.”

However, it is not necessary to show “any specific causation ...linking the expression at issue with the demonstration of a direct effect.”Article 19 said.
Article 20(2) of the ICCPR requires states to prohibit hate speech.
Any advocacy of national, racial or religious hatred that constitutes incitement to discrimination, hostility or violence shall be prohibited by law.

Article 20(2) does not require states to prohibit all negative statements towards national groups, races or religions but, as soon as a statement “constitutes incitement to discrimination, hostility or violence,” it must be banned. Article 19 publication said.

By this regulation, citizen’s consciousness will be raised and UN-intentional hate speeches, or hate speeches made unconsciously will be considerably reduced, and those who made them can quickly retract their statements.

Regarding the claim that regulation on hate speech violates citizens right to freedom of expression, Article 19 went further to state that,the UNHRC has stated that there is no contradiction between the duty to adopt domestic legislation under Article 20(2) and the right to
freedom of expression, In the opinion of the Committee, these required prohibitions are fully compatible with the right of freedom of expression as contained in article 19, the exercise of which carries with it special duties and responsibilities.

Other critics have argued that the term "hate speech" is used to silence critics of social policies that have been poorly implemented.
But this is not close to the truth. Hate speech is distinctly different from policy criticism. Criticism of policy can not be classified as an incitement against any particular group on the basis of tribe, region or religion, neither can it incite people to cause genocide.

In a detailed submission on wikipedia, hate speech regulations is said to be divided into two types: those which are designed for public order and those which are designed to protect human dignity. Those designed to protect public order require a higher threshold to be
violated, so they are not specifically enforced frequently. For example, in Northern Ireland, as of 1992 only one person was prosecuted for violating the regulation in twenty one years. Those meant to protect human dignity have a much lower threshold to be
violated, so those in Canada, Denmark, France, Germany and the Netherlands seem to be frequently enforced. (Wikipedia)

As Nigeria take the giant step to ensure sanity in its polity by taking steps to hold every citizen accountable to their freely expressed speeches, we should understand that this it is not the first to do so. Many countries have enacted law against hate speech. Belgium did so in 1981, Brazil in 1988, Canada in 1990. France, Germany, Japan, South Africa, Denmark, Finland and host of others have also done so. In Canada for example, someone found guilty of hate speech
may get as much as 5 year’s imprisonment.

Finally, every nation that wants to develop first say good things about itself. if Nigerians truly want peace and development as many claim they do, we must be responsible in our speeches, as this is the first sign that signify readiness for growth. No nation grows by
consistently advocating hatred against itself.

Abdulrazaq O Hamzat is the Executive Director of Foundation for Peace Professionals.

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Buhari’s health challenge and foreign media hypocrisy
By Abdulrazaq O Hamzat

Nigeria’s President, Muhammadu Buhari has been out of the country for the past 100 days, attending to his health issues in London, United
Kingdom.

Before he becomes president, London is where Mr Buhari receives medical treatment due poor management of Nigeria’s health system. His
doctors have been the same for decades, they have his medical history and it would be unwise to change his health manager’s now, considering
his old age. This is a reality no one can ignore.

Mr Buhari is a sincere President, with high level of integrity. Upon departure from Nigeria to attend to his health, he told his country men and women about his health complications and appropriately transferred power to his vibrant Vice, Prof Yemi Osinbajo, who has since been acting with full authority in Buhari’s absence. This is a very commendable act and something unrivaled in Nigeria’s recent history.

However, since Buhari’s departure from the country, the opposition elements have been mocking the President and his health, raising all sorts of spurious claims to instigate citizens against the President. Some said he his dead already, while others claim he his on life support. But majority of Nigerians are still behind the man many consider a special breed among politicians in 21st century.

Recently, the British Broadcasting Corporation (BBC) and the United States television medium, Cable News Network (CNN) mocked President
Buhari over his continued absence due to illness. Similarly, a group known as ‘’OurMumuDonDo’’ led by Charlie Boy, a veteran comic artist
started a protest in Abuja, Nigeria’s capital to demand that the President should ‘’ResumeOrResign’’. Majority of Nigerians condemned the protest, including the Nigerian senate, which stated that the president has done all that is required of him by law.

However, the protest against President Buhari’s Health situation resonated with some people, especially Nigerians in diaspora, who maintain that a President shouldn’t remain in office if found to be ill. Some even boasted that such situation can never happen in civilized nations because of what they described as ‘’working institutions’’, but this argument is unfounded. It is not based on any known fact.

The numerous examples in U.S and Europe clearly tell us that no president resign over ill health in those part of the world, no matter how severe their conditions are, except if the situation has gone out of hand and irredeemable.

Republic records show that, former Presidents who are so ill to the extent that they couldn’t speak, stand, sit or even see in U.S, France
and U.K at different times never resigned from office. Some even went ahead to contest for second term despite their illnesses and they
still served their tenure. This is why I find the BBC and CNN mockery of Nigeria because of President Buhari’s health as uncharitable.

Woodrow Wilson for example is a former U.S President, who in the midst of a campaign to promote the Treaty of Versailles across the US in
1919 suffered a severe stroke that left him incapacitated until the end of his presidency. Records show that, despite his bad health, Wilson remained in office until the end of his term in 1921. This was said to be made possible by his second wife Edith, who acted as a mediator between the largely immobilized president and his cabinet.

What about former U.S President, Franklin Roosevelt who was diagnosed with polio in 1921? Record have it that, despite the disease leaving
him unable to stand or walk without support, he went on to serve 12 consecutive years as US president.

Again, we have another former U.S President Dwight Eisenhower, who lived through three major medical crises while in office. In September
1955 he suffered a heart attack that resulted in several weeks of hospitalization. Less than a year later, he underwent urgent surgery to treat Crohn’s disease, and in late 1957 he suffered a light stroke that left him temporarily unable to speak. But he went ahead to contest for second term despite poor health, he won and still served out his tenure.

Even the famous JF Kennedy suffers ill health while in office as U.S President. Details of Kennedy’s ill health were largely said to be unknown during his presidency, but only emerged after his assassination in 1963. According to Dallek, John F. Kennedy was hospitalized 9 times during his 2 ½-year presidency, a fact kept secret until his demise.

The people mentioned above are not the only former U.S Presidents who suffered ill health while in office, one of the pioneers of United
Nations Ronald Reagan also underwent several surgeries that raised questions as to whether he was medically fit for office. In 1985, he
temporarily transferred presidential authority to his vice-president, George H.W. Bush, yet still served out his tenure.

Even Mr Bush senior himself fell ill in office. In 1992, Mr Bush vomited and then fainted in front of television cameras at a banquet hosted by the prime minister of Japan, Kiichi Miyazawa. He still continued in office, managing his health until he finishes his tenure.

Let it be known that i am not trying to dive into the morality of holding unto power in the face of illness, but I make bold to say that, if any moral question will arise from this Buhari’s incident, many great leaders that the world celebrate today are guilty of this. But despite that, some of them still achieve great things in face of severe health challenge and we can’t take that away from them.

The above explanation is to inform those, who claimed the health status of Mr President should automatically make him resign, even after legally transferring power to his vice. This is unheard of in any part of the world and all those blackmailing Nigeria, include some UN-informed Diasporas, BBC and CNN should henceforth desist from doing so.

Furthermore, if anyone is questioning the U.S examples as articulated above, maybe we should take them to Europe, where François Mitterrand,
former French president died of prostate cancer in 1996, a year after the end of his two-term presidency. It was reported that during those
long years in the Élysée Palace, he and his doctors concealed his condition from the French public. David Owen, in his book ‘’ Sickness
in Power, reveals the lengths they went to conceal Mr Francois condition.

Owen explained that, the illness was so severe that, the President couldn’t live without daily routine of drips before he could speak in public. When Mitterrand may have been power crazy, the president’s personal physician “hung the intravenous drip on a picture hook or a coat hanger so as not to have to hammer a nail into the wall of an embassy or another government’s guest house”.

Additionally, Harold Wilson is another example of note. During the British prime minister’s second term of office from 1974-76, he suffered symptoms that were later diagnosed as colon cancer. He may also have suffered from Alzheimer’s while in office (like Reagan). But Harold is not the only UK prime minister who served his tenure with severe illness; even the famous Winston Churchill combated different illnesses all through his tenure as UK Prime minister. Apart from depression and mental over strain experienced by Churchill over a long period of time, he also suffered a heart attack at the White House in 1941 and contracted pneumonia a few years later. It was explained that, during his second term as prime minister from 1951 to 1955, Churchill was, in the words of his biographer Roy Jenkins, “gloriously unfit for office”. Ageing and increasingly unwell, he often conducted business from his bedside. He had suffered a stroke while on holiday in 1949 and, while in office in 1953, suffered another.

Despite being paralyzed down one side and doctors fearing he might not survive the weekend, he conducted a cabinet meeting without; it is
claimed, anyone noticing his indisposition. News of this stroke was kept from parliament and the public, who were told that he was suffering merely from exhaustion.

With the above, we can all see that all over the world, leaders get sick in office. Some hide their illnesses from the public, while others don’t. Nigeria is blessed with a leader who is so open about his health issues, not leaving us to continue guess endlessly. It would not be appropriate to use President Buhari’s sincerity against him.

If global practice is anything to go by as seen in the above list, then, we can say that it is not a practice for most leaders to resign from office simple because of illness and we should not demonize our President for his own choice.

President Muhammadu Buhari has proven to be among the rare few who are truthful and courageous enough to inform the people about their
condition. Even when his aides were busy trying to conceal his health situation, the President openly explained his condition to Nigerians and sorts our support during this trying period. Let us support him as much as we can; this is the least we can do.

Legendary Senegalese born U.S singer Akon, had said in one of his business interaction with young people in Africa. “Hip hop singers in U.S are very rich. The only problem is that, immediately the video shoot is over, they call uber driver to take them home, continuing their life off camera and without any Bentley as shown in the video.

In Nigeria however, The Olamide’s, Wizkid’s and Davido’s all use Bentley, Benz and others, but in this case, they really own those cars’’. The irony of it, according to the U.S music star is that, many believe it is the American rappers that are rich and the Nigerians are not, but in reality, the reverse is the case. Akon opined that, this is all about branding and we must tell our story how it should be told, not allowing others twist it for us.

The same situation is playing out in the case of President Muhammadu Buhari. While many foreign leaders in U.K, France and U.S often conceal their illnesses, the Nigerian leader informed the public and even transfer power to his Vice in compliance with the constitution,yet foreign media, whose leader are less open and sincere want us to think less of our President for daring to do what their leaders couldn’t do. This shouldn’t happen and our media have a major role to play in this regard.

It is my sincere hope that President Buhari will return home soon and achieve great things for Nigeria.

Abdulrazaq O Hamzat writes from Abuja and can be reached on discus4now@gmail.com

Lol

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Group Which First Identified Circulating Anti-Igbo Song Appeals For Calm, Cautions Nnamdi Kanu, Reno, others
The Foundation for Peace Professionals (FPP), the civil society group which first raised the alarm over an anti-Igbo song circulating in Northern Nigeria, has appealed to well-meaning citizens to prevail on the authorities to save the situation before it is too late.

In an unsigned statement issued on Wednesday, the group noted that it had raised the alarm out of concern for peace and stability, and towards taming the situation early.

“This was why we called on government, security agencies and traditional rulers at all levels, to promptly device methods of checking the hate song from degenerating into a public attack, if not genocide,” it said.

“What we did is known in conflict management as an early response, which is to prevent the outbreak of conflict to save lives and resources,” it noted. “The public alarm was aimed at preventing a situation with an obvious capacity for violence from deteriorating into armed conflict.”

It commended the condemnation of the song by such prominent Nigerians as former President Goodluck Jonathan, former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, and former Governor Orji Uzor Kalu, but cautioned that arresting and prosecuting the sponsors of the offensive song should not be the immediate course of action. See Also
AUDIO AND TRANSCRIPT: Anti-Igbo Song in Hausa Language Now In Circulation
168 Comments 5 Days Ago

“This is so because condemning and arresting the sponsors will not prevent the song from spreading, neither would it check its destructive capabilities,” FPP said.

Instead, it recommended the adoption of proactive steps to check the continuous spread of the song and embark on widespread sensitization in local communities to dissuade people from taking its message seriously, while putting quick response security team in place in the volatile states in place to promptly respond to any outbreak of violence.

It noted the recall of Mr. Abubakar that the hate song is reminiscent of the beginning of the Rwanda genocide and that Simon Bikindi, was responsible for that song, was eventually found guilty and sentenced, but that the sentence didn’t bring back the lost lives in Rwanda.

“This is why our major focus, at this moment should be more on preventing any ugly situation, while we deal with the sponsors later,” the group advised, cautioning those who have capitalized on FPP’s public alarm to advance their ethnic and political campaign to desist from exploiting its well-intended call for action into a tool for advancing their divisive engagement.

Expressing appreciation for the condemnation by Reno Omokri, a former social media aide to former President Jonathan, it observed that his condemnation has taken a new dimension, as it focused more on wrongly accusing some political opponents of supporting the sponsors of the hate song. It described that dimension as uncalled for, and urged him to be more concerned with averting the current danger than pointing accusing fingers.

“We also observe that Nnamdi Kanu of the Indigenous People of Biafra [had] also capitalized on our genuine call for peace to advance his divisive campaign, but we urge him and others like him to desist from divisive campaign,” FPP said, adding that division will never be the solution to any situation.

We call on all well-meaning Nigerians to prevail on those in authority to take immediate action to save the situation before it is too late, and media organizations to use their platforms to disseminate positive messages of peace that will improve efforts at peace building.

http://saharareporters.com/2017/08/09/group-which-first-identified-circulating-anti-igbo-song-appeals-calm-cautions-nnamdi-kanu

Mathias Baba And The Young President For Nigeria

August 9, 2017


By Abdulrazaq O Hamzat

There comes a time in the life of every nation, when its young and competent people must stand up and say to themselves, “Let’s take charge of our destinies, away from the grip of the old brigades.” That time for Nigeria is now and young people from all across the country are yearning for change in the manner the country is being managed. No doubt, we have seen different people indicate their interest, whether directly or indirectly in running for the number one office come 2019, but out of all those that have shown interest in running the affairs of this nation, the one that has caught my attention is Eng. Mathias Baba Tsado, the convener of Hope Platform and an excellent personality.

You can’t but feel the passion in his words, observe the commitment in his drive and competence in his ideas. To him, integrity is success, which is what Hope Platform stands for. Besides his youthfulness and unrivalled patriotism, it will be of greater benefit to the nation, if we have such a visionary young person as our leader. Although, some people might feel that this dream is too tall and not achievable at this time, Nigeria’s history tells us otherwise. If you believe it would be done; if you work to achieve it, it will eventually come to reality. Just believe.

A brief glance at our history tells us that the young people of Nigeria played a very significant role in facilitating the Independence of this country. People like Obafemi Awolowo, Tafawa Balewa and Nnamdi Azikwe were all young people during the struggle for Independence. However, as at 1960 when they took over the mantle of leadership from the colonial administrators, many of them had loss their strength and energy. They had become old, crossing the line of 50 years. This was the same time the new generations were yearning for space.

At the Independence in 1960, Obafemi Awolowo was 51, Nnamdi Azikwe was 56, Ahmadu Bello was 50, Samuel Akintola was 50 and Tafawa Balewa was 48 years old. These illustrious founding fathers of Nigeria gave their best to the country in their youthful moments. After leading the country for few more years after independence, the next generation of young people that are burning with passion, strength and energy stepped in to push the older ones aside. Unfortunately, the violent path to change they took led to a bloody Civil War that still casts a dark shadow over our country.

Nonetheless, Nigeria has had several stints of young leaders. Aguiyi-Ironsi took over office at 42, Yakubu Gowon 32, Murtala Muhammed 38, Olusegun Obasanjo 39, Muhammadu Buhari and Ibrahim Badamasi Babangida were 41 and 44 respectively. By any standard, these men were at the prime of their lives.

More importantly, the current global trend of young people taking over leadership in their respective countries reaffirms the achievability of the dream in Nigeria and if this will be realized, it has to be capable young people like Mathias Baba Tsado that should be in the driving seat.

Every generation has a strength span. When a generation’s strength and energy is drained, its life span ends and another generation is expected to send it to retirement. However, after the exhaustion of the most productive years of the next generation of leaders after our founding fathers, the generation that followed could not assert their influence to take their rightful place, they went to the back seat, leaving the old brigades to continue. This lack of decisiveness marked a major setback for the country’s growth and development.

From the time of Sani Abacha in 1993, our return to democracy in 1999 and till today, only tired men of above 50 years of age, who have exhausted their strength and energy have continued to lead the country, giving an impression that only the old people are capable of steering the wheel of the nation. But this is a dangerous perception that must be erased from the minds of the people.

Asides Tafawa Balewa who in 1960 became Prime Minister at 48, all democratically elected Presidents in Nigeria have been above 50 years as at the time of their elections. From Nnamdi Azikwe to Shehu Shagari, to MKO Abiola, Olusegun Obasanjo, Umaru Yardua, Goodluck Jonathan and now, Muhammdu Buhari. We have not been taking our rightful space in the democratic process, leading to our being pushed aside by the older generation. This must change now, and with Mathias Baba Tsado, it is possible.

As succinctly captured by an analyst, the age of ‘youth’ has for too long been seen as an age of much strength and vigour channelled into non-productive activities. Times have changed and knowledge increased though. The world has experienced innovations and exploits in various facets of life, championed by young people. Following the trend of this age in which young people are doing greater things than their fathers and generations before them, many nations have thought it wise to place trust in the capabilities of their young people to actualise the transformation agenda. It is in this light that countries around the world have continued to elect young leaders to manage the affairs of their nation.

These global best practices should no longer exclude Nigeria. Nigeria needs its own Barrack Obama, who became US President at 47 and brought in so much freshness and innovation. We need a David Cameron and a Justin Trudeau who both became UK and Canadian Prime Ministers at age 44 and an Emmanuel Macron who emerged as the President of France at 39. With Mathias Baba Tsado, we can have one of ours too.

To achieve this laudable dream, we must transform the youth population into a major force to ensure the emergence of a Young President for Nigeria. This is the task ahead of 2019. Recall that more than 60% of Nigerian populations are below the age of 35 years and more than 80% are below 50 years. The President of Nigeria come 2019 should definitely be below 50 years of age.

Many African politicians have utilized the youths’ voting clout for their own political agendas. They have effectively exploited their young through the skewed political process. In Nigeria, it is time for the youth to exploit their own voting clout to advance their political productivity.

The most dominant voices now maintain that Nigeria is in dire need for younger and eloquent leaders who are also futuristic thinkers, not those who are in the typewriter generation mentally, thinking of manufacturing jobs and agricultural exports when the world is in the milieu of the Fourth Industrial Revolution.

Thabo Mbeki, a former South African president, said, “I asked myself how an ordinary African, particularly the youths, could make the 21st century an ‘’African century’’?’’ He noted that, As African youths, it is not easy to influence your community, country or continent because of the economic, environmental, cultural and political barriers. However, he advised that, Young people should stop talking and acting for the future, they should start talking and acting about now.

It is on this basis that the Nigerian young population must decide to work for the emergence of a young president for Nigeria come 2019. A Young President for Nigeria is our dream, and with our collective efforts, we shall make it a reality.

Like a social media commentator I G Wala had said, “If you want to follow thieves, go with PDP. If you want to follow crowd without knowing where you are going, follow APC.” To this, I add that, if you want a new Nigeria, support a young President for Nigeria in 2019.

Abdulrazaq O. Hamzat writes from Abuja.
https://www.pmnewsnigeria.com/2017/08/09/mathias-baba-young-president-nigeria/

9jii:
Interesting.
I like it wen the winter is coming from the north

Stop acting like you are any better. Why can't you for once leave your sentiment aside and see the danger ahead.

Human lives are much more important than your sentiments.

Have real concern devoid of sentiments

Anti-Igbo Song Calling For "Genocide" Now In Circulation In Northern Nigeria- Group
by Abdulrazaq O. Hamzat Aug 05, 2017


Foundation for Peace Professionals has in its possession, a hate and inciting song, obtained through the social media and currently circulating in Northern Nigeria. We urge the Federal Government to take immediate action to avert the Rwanda Genocide experience that may likely occur as a result of the destructive song.

The trending song, which was voiced by an unknown female artist in Hausa language, was carefully worded, with the intention of causing deliberate mass incitement of Nigerians from the North against those from the Igbo extraction. This is a serious matter that must be addressed with the speed of light if the current peace shall be preserved.

In our candidate estimation, the song is a threat to national security and we can’t imagine the extent of genocide that may likely occur, should the Federal Government not mobilize all resources within its capacity to avert the catastrophic response that may break out in the next few weeks, if not days.

The song is dangerous, inciting and capable of drawing the country into another civil war and we must act fast to stop it.

Pro-Biafran protesters at a recent protest on the Onitsha bridge

We are using this opportunity to call on the Federal Government of Nigeria under the leadership of the acting President, Prof Yemi Osinbajo, all security agencies, all Northern Governors and traditional rulers, particularly in fragile states like Kano, Kaduna, Jos, Bauchi, Borno, Yobe and others to immediately take steps, not only to withdraw the song from circulation and embark on extensive media advocacy in Hausa to counter the deadly incitement, but to also mobilize strategic security responses to address any reaction that may break out as a result of the hate song. This is an emergency that must be taken with all seriousness.

All Northern leaders must with immediate effect, condemn and dissociate themselves from this barbaric song and urge the people never to attack any Nigerian of Igbo extraction living in the North.

While we strongly condemn those who produced the song and circulated it on the social media, we urge them to understand that the fire they are about to light may not spear them.

Finally, inciting the masses into committing genocide against a people is not the best way to respond to whatever situation. We urge all Nigerians to cherish peace and continue to work towards building a better understanding.

http://saharareporters.com/2017/08/05/anti-igbo-song-calling-genocide-now-circulation-northern-nigeria-group

EMERGENCY PRESS RELEASE ON THE INCITING SONG CURRENTLY CIRCULATING IN NORTHERN NIGERIA

Foundation for Peace Professionals has in its possession, a hate and inciting song, obtained through the social media and currently circulating in Northern Nigeria. We urge the Federal Government to take immediate action to avert the Rwanda Genocide experience that may likely occur as a result of the destructive song.

The trending song, which was voiced by an unknown female artist in Hausa language, was carefully worded, with the intention of causing deliberate mass incitement of Nigerians from the North against those from the Igbo extraction. This is a serious matter that must be addressed with the speed of light, if the current peace shall be preserved.

In our candidate estimation, the song is a threat to national security and we can’t imagine the extent of genocide that may likely occur, should the Federal Government not mobilize all resources within its capacity to avert the catastrophic response that may break out in the next few weeks, if not days.

The song is dangerous, inciting and capable of drawing the country into another civil war and we must act fast to stop it.

We are using this opportunity to call on the Federal Government of Nigeria under the leadership of the acting President, Prof Yemi Osinbajo, all security agencies, all Northern Governors and traditional rulers, particularly in fragile states like Kano, Kaduna, Jos, Bauchi, Borno, Yobe and others to immediately take steps, not only to withdraw the song from circulation and embark on extensive media advocacy in Hausa to counter the deadly incitement, but to also mobilize strategic security responses to address any reaction that may break out as a result of the hate song. This is an emergency that must be taken with all seriousness.

All Northern leaders must with immediate effect, condemn and dissociate themselves from this barbaric song and urge the people never to attack any Nigerian of Igbo extraction living in the North.

While we strongly condemn those who produced the song and circulated it on the social media, we urge them to understand that the fire they are about to light may not spear them.

Finally, we must state that, inciting the masses into committing genocide against a people is not the best way to respond to whatever situation. We urge all Nigerians to cherish peace and continue to work towards building
better understanding.

Abdulrazaq O Hamzat
Executive Director
Foundation for Peace Professionals
www.fpp.com.ng
05/08/2017

Leboska:
But why is that Sahara scammer not in jail yet? it baffles me.

Because only criminals go to jail

?

krendo:
I really don't know why INEC is making this process difficult, if the correct thing is to make the electoral register available then please make it available.

Obtaining the electoral register is the easy bit in a recall process.

Shebi they have to go and convince hundreds of thousands of voters to change their mind?

Many are still wondering how a local affair has to be referred to the national Chairman

iabdullahi:
If you don't have something tangible enough to contribute on issues, you had better kept your mouth shut. This is better for you than spewing rubbish.

Don't mind busy body e-rat

Sowore is light, Saraki is darkness
By Abdulrazaq O Hamzat
Truly, money can buy them position and influence, but it can never buy them integrity. If integrity is a commodity being sold in the market, they may be able to afford it, but unfortunately, this is not the case. Integrity cannot be bought.

Apart from on the media, i have never seen nor met with Omoyele Sowere, founder of Sahara reporter, neither have I ever seen, nor met with Bukola Saraki, former Kwara State Governor. However, I have encountered both personalities based on their activities as it affects the general public.

My conclusion based on public records of the activities of both party is that, one specializes in looting public resources; while the other specializes in exposing loot and impunity. This explains why they can’t cohabit. Light and darkness won’t be friends.

Take it or leave it, Sowore is light, Saraki is darkness. If both of them die today, the world will forever remember Sowore for his outstanding contribution to government accountability, but as for Saraki, the world will be a better place without him. His praise singers will simply move on to praise other looters who can pay the piper.

Let me break this down for you all to understand.

In retrospect, the first time the name, Bukola Saraki was ever mentioned in public document was in 1990, when he was standing trial for theft and fraud perpetrated at the Society General Bank (Police Document Attached).

The name, Omoyele Sowore on the other hand made it to public document in 1992 as an activist, anti military dictator, and President of University of Lagos Student Union Government.

Public record as you can see shows that in early 90’s, one was fighting for democracy and students right against military dictatorship, while the other was alleged of stealing customers money at a bank owned by his father. Between this two, who is light and who is darkness? You decide.
Fast forward to our return to democracy in 1999.

The name Bukola Saraki came back to public consciousness in 2003, when he ran for Kwara State Governorship position. Sowore on the other hand returned to public consciousness in 2006, not just as a critic of public irresponsibility, but also as a champion of free expression.

Sowore established Sahara Reporter to democratize journalism in Nigeria and encourage everyday people to report stories about corruption, human rights abuses and other political misconduct in Nigeria. Again, one was spending his time, money, intellect and energy to empower other Nigerians and create a decent society worth living, while the other was only interested in having access to public purse.

When Saraki came on board in 2003, he said he wanted to end poverty in Kwara State and build infrastructure, but 15 years after taking charge of the state of harmony, Kwara has been dragged deeper into poverty and its infrastructure in greater shamble than ever before. All major companies had closed down, no single school built and our hospitals remain without drugs. This is the legacy that has continued.

Sowore on the other hand has not only succeeded in getting people to be telling the real stories of corruption, human right abuses from all across Nigeria; he also made his platform readily available for the stories to be told. This was the objective of Sahara Reporter from day one and it has been achieved. Again, Sowore has passed and Saraki nko? A massive failure.

Personally speaking, I have been publishing articles and reports on Sahara reporter for over 5 years. On no occasion did anyone ever asked me to pay any money. This is not a small feat, considering the brown envelop syndrome prevalent among media organizations in Nigeria.

More surprisingly, a friend had written a PR content for someone running for office at a time. He approached Sahara reporter to publish the content as advert, but to my greatest surprise, Sahara reporter told him they don’t publish sponsored political content. I mean, every media outlet carry sponsored content to make money. If you ask Linda Ikeji, she will tell you the meaning of getting patronage from politicians, but Sahara reporter doesn’t care about money, all they want is to telling the real and factual stories. Any content that is geared towards promoting any person for political office is not allowed, no matter how much you want to pay. This ensures that nobody influences the platform with money. This is the person some nonentities are accusing with fake account statement. I just dey laugh. Some people are too valuable than money.

It is a public knowledge that many politicians, including presidents have attempted to influence Sahara reporters with money on several occasions, but none of them succeeded. There is something money cannot buy. It is called Omoyele Sowore. Saraka has tried it several times and failed. The same way he failed Kwara and now failing Nigeria. He his a specialist in failure.

Let me narrate a special encounter with Omoyele. During our struggle at the National Open University of Nigeria (NOUN) which led to our expulsion, Sowore whom I have never met surprised me. Apart from the fact that he assigned a journalist to always cover our story, he did something remarkable. My colleague, Elias Ozikpu who was the Public Relation Officer of the Congress of NOUN Students informed me that Sowore had called to ask if we need financial assistance for our lawsuit. I mean, an unknown person, calling to offer financial support to us, isn’t that remarkable?

Although, we told him we had sorted the finance, but the fact that he was ready to give us funds, without even asking for his assistance is something that shocked me really. Is this the person you are comparing with Saraki?

When our case was eventually reversed for judgement, Sowore offered to finance a victory party for the Congress of NOUN students. This is somebody I have never met before.
The point is that, if Sowore have $100 million dollars, he will give it out to young people in need. He will use it to empower hundreds, if not thousands of youths. He doesn’t need it for himself. He his a man with high moral standard.

If Sowore decided to open Sahara reporter to sponsored content today, I can assure you that the first person that will pay him for sponsorship is Bukola Saraki. All politicians in Nigeria will queue to pay Omoyele. Some will even dobale (prostrate) to give him the money. But to hell with blood money. Sowore needs it not.

Abdulrazaq O Hamzat
Kwara Must Change

INEC RESPOND TO BUKOLA SARAKI'S RECALL
On August 1st 2017, Kwara Must Change announced the postponement of the recall exercise of the Senate President, Bukola Saraki over the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) inability to formally respond to our request for the certified copy of voter’s registration list.

Sequel to our complaint about INEC lack of prompt response, Kwara Must Change received an invitation to meet with leadership of the commission yesterday, 3rd August, 2017 at their Kwara State head office, located at Western Reservoir Road in Ilorin, the Kwara State Capital.

At the brief meeting, which took place around 1pm yesterday, we were made to understand that the state office INEC cannot release the copy of the voters register as requested by Kwara Must Change. Consequently, we were given a letter, which directed us to the Chairman of the Commission in Abuja. (Copy Attached)

The letter with reference no INEC/KW/299/17, signed by the Administrative Secretary, Mr Paul Atser has as its heading, ‘’RE: REQUEST FOR KWARA CENTRAL VOTERS REGISTRATION LIST FOR THE RECALL OF SENATOR BUKOLA SARAKI’’.

The letter reads in part, ‘’I am directed to request you to forward your request to the Honorable Chairman of the commission for his consideration.

It is important to state that, while we do not have any issue with approaching the Honorable Chairman as directed, we find it strange that a Senatorial District affair cannot be handled by the state office of INEC. We contend that, if each of the 109 Senatorial Districts of Nigeria has to approach the Chairman to request for their voter’s registration list, certainly, it is going to bring some unnecessary complications.

Furthermore, while we are currently seeking legal advice on this development, not withstanding, we shall immediately proceed to the office of the Honorable Chairman in Abuja for prompt action on our request to fast the recall exercise.

We however maintained that, the recall of a Senator in 1 out of the 109 Senatorial Districts of Nigeria should be a local affair and the release of the voter’s registration list, in our opinion, shouldn't be outside the capacity of the state Resident Electoral Commissioner.

In the main time, the general public should know that the recall exercise of Senator Bukola saraki is still very much alive and it shall be actualized in due time.

Abdulrazaq O Hamzat
President
Yusuf Olatunji
Kwara Central Coordinator

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