₦airaland Forum

The Northern Elders Forum, NEF, on Monday identified “lack of a strong will at the level of the presidency, deep-seated corruption, incompetence in governments and in the management of security challenges” as major factors fuelling the Boko Haram insurgency.

The body also advised President Goodluck Jonathan to bring an end the insurgency in all its manifestations and produce the Chibok girls before the end of October, 2014, saying In the event that he failed to do so, Nigerians would be left with the only conclusion that he had forfieted his right to ask for their mandate beyond 2015.

In a communique issued at a press conference in Kaduna, NEF said after a major review of the state of the nation, it resolved to continue to offer ways to resolve the country’s current political, economic, security challenges, and also facilitate the emergence of a more united, secure and prosperous nation out of its present limitations.

The statement obtained by DailyPost was signed by Barrister Solomon Dalung and Dr Hakeem Baba-Ahmed, OON, both NEF prominent members.

It reads: “The security situation in our nation today represents the most serious threat to our individual and collective lives in our entire history. The reality is that the threats posed by what appears to be an insurgency that has many manifestations and defies a clear and consistent identity is growing due to the absence of a clear national consensus over its nature, and it solutions.

“The lack of a strong will at the level of the presidency to fight it, as well as deep-seated corruption and incompetence in governments and in the management of our security challenges has allowed a band of terrorists to take and hold vast parts of our land and populations hostage, while every citizen lives in fear that they will be its next victim.

“The Northern Elders Forum does not believe that the Nigerian military cannot defeat these terrorists. We also reject the notion that multiple internal security challenges such as attacks on villages, ethno-religions conflicts and banditry springing up by the dayin many parts of the north are all a coincidence. Indeed, we are convinced that most of these conflicts are being engineered to weaken the North politically and economically by interests which intend to exploit such weaknesses for electoral benefits.

“In the light of our firm conviction that the insurgency and related security challenges pose threats to the 2015 elections and the survival of our nation, we strongly advise President Goodluck Ebele Jonathan to bring an end to the insurgency in all its manifestations and produce the Chibok girls before the end of October, 2014.The circumstances under which our fellow citizens in and around Gwoza in Borno state in particular live and die will not be tolerated by any people who have a government and a leader sworn to defend them, and they must be reversed immediately. In the event that President Jonathan fails to do this, Nigerians will be left with the only conclusion that he has forfieted his right to ask for our mandate beyond 2015″.

They added that, “The Northern Elders Forum calls on the President to immediately set up a Judicial Panel to investigate the recent killing of over 30 members of the Islamic Movement in Zaria. The internal investigations by the military in an event in which soldiers are involved will not meet the minimum standards of fairness and acceptability. The Forum reminds the nation that it was the murder of Muhammad Yusuf by the Nigeria Police in 2009 that formed the major point of escalation in the activities of the group(s) known today under the generic term of Boko Haram. We also call for a thorough investigation into the attempted assassination of General Muhammadu Buhari and Sheikh Dahiru Bauchi, and the publication of the outcome of these investigations.

“The Forum notes that the state of security and economic challenges of the North are deteriorating, in spite of its wealth of leaders and elders who should use their God-given privileges, power and influence to affect a reversal of these dangerous trends. It is no secret that the vast majority of Northerners lament their marginalization, insecurity and poverty, and blame it in large part on the inability of unwillingness of its past and present leaders to utilize all access to power which they enjoy, to bring us redress and relief. General Yakubu Gowon, Alhaji Shehu Shagari, General Muhammadu Buhari, General Ibrahim Badamasi Babangida, General Abdussalami Abubakar, Alhaji Atiku Abubakar, Architect Namadi Sambo, General T.Y Danjuma and all retired Chief Justices of Nigeria from the North represent grossly under-utilized assets of the North.

“The N.E.F joins millions of Northerners in appealing to these leaders to raise their levels of involvement in the fortunes of our region in every endeavour or fora they are involved. In these difficult days when every hand must be on deck, if these leaders cannot visibly help to transform the fortunes of the North in the next few months, they will leave northerners with the damaging impression that they have abandoned the region and the people to its seemingly irreversible decline and ultimate destruction.

“The Forum took stock of the performance of northerners at the National Conference, and commends the commitment of the vast majority of the delegates to the core interests of the north and the unity and survival of our nation on principles of equity and mutual respect. The N.E.F appeals to all leaders from other parts of the country to discourage tendencies which suggest that some parts of our federation are dispensable and undeserving of respect.

“The Forum has noted with relief the cessation of plans to single out northerners in many parts of the country for treatments which humiliate them and deprive them of their rights to live and work in any part of Nigeria. While commending the maturity and foresight of northern leaders which informed the restraints against retaliatory and other negative measures, the Forum appeals to young persons from the north to resist the temptation to operate by the very low standards of responsibility set by others. These young northerners should be reminded that their legacy includes the heroic efforts of their forebears to build and sustain this nation to its present state, and they did this in the face of massive provocations and threats. The Forum places on record its appreciation for the prompt response of President Goodluck Jonathan to appeals for decisive action against profiling and other threatening actions against northerners in some states in the southern parts of the country.

“The Forum invites attention of Nigerians to the critical role which the 2015 elections will play in the future of our nation. We call on all leaders and political parties to demonstrate the highest levels of commitment to the rule of law and the demands of the electoral process. At all cost, the 2015 elections must be free and fair. This means that any threat which may provide a cover for militarising the electoral process must be eliminated before the elections. Every part of Nigeria must participate in these elections, and no citizen should be deprived of his right to vote under any excuse.

“The Forum is concerned that political developments in some states which involve removals, threats or attempts to remove elected persons are being informed by partisan interests seeking advantages towards 2015. These are dangerous antics which will deepen violence and other acts of desperation by politicians. The Forum urges the convening of a genuine summit of political leaders and parties to create or reinforce consensus around the imperatives of security of the electoral process, and ensuring that 2015 elections are spared from widespread disputes”.

http://dailypost.ng/2014/08/11/breaking-northern-elders-give-jonathan-october-deadline-end-boko-haram-insurgency%e2%80%8b-produce-chibok-girls/

Very Strict!

It's Unfortunate!

This must be a delicious delicacy.
Will give it a try!

Lovely Performance by the bright Teenage Entertainer at the 1st Nigerian Young Professionals International Summit in Abuja

Princess2be: @ OP, Were the participants tested for Ebola virus? lol

LOL..

iamodenigbo1: ;Dam sory,didn't understand that you are not a young professional but just ordinary youth,thank you ;Dam sory,didn't understand that you are not a young professional but just ordinary youth,thank you

U're only looking for cheap attention. I'm done with you. Cheers!

iamodenigbo1: were are in in the pix,or are you not a young man?

Read meaning into what I wrote.
Nigerian Young Professionals International Summit. What's your own definition of a young professional? Is it that hard to comprehend?

iamodenigbo1: were are the young men?,

Participants at 1st Nigerian Young
Professionals International Summit in Abuja

L-R: FCT Minister Sen. Bala
Mohammed, Coordinating Minister of the Economy Dr Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, Governor Yero of Kaduna State and President Jonathan at 1st Nigerian Young Professionals International Summit in Abuja

Chairman NYPF Mr. Moses Siasa,
Coordinating Minister of the Economy Mrs. Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala and President Jonathan at the 1st Nigerian Young Professionals International Summit in Abuja

Participants at 1st Nigerian Young
Professionals International Summit in Abuja.

PRESIDENT Goodluck Jonathan has advocated for the removal of the constitutional age limit of 40 years for a Nigerian to become president.
Jonathan described the provision as discriminatory against young Nigerians with the energy, ideas and other qualities to lead the country to greatness.
Jonathan spoke at an International Youth Conference organised by the Nigerian Young Professionals Forum (NYPF) with the theme, “Capacity for change for a new Nigeria’’ yesterday in Abuja.
He challenged the youths to forward a constitution amendment bill to the National Assembly for the removal of all discriminatory provisions in terms of age and promised to support them.
The president said the call by the Chairman and Founder of NYPF, Mr. Moses Siasia, for 35 per cent affirmative action for youths in governance also limited the aspiration of the group.
He noted that asking for a percentage amounted to self-limitation, considering that youths had all that is required to govern, especially the numerical strength to get to the highest office in the land.
“The youths have no limit in terms of number and capacity to lead this country to greatness.
“The only limit is that for youths to contest as president, they need to be 40.
“If Gen. Yakubu Gowon was able to rule this country at 32, there is no reason why the youths should not be given the chance.
“So, don’t ask for percent because by that request you are limiting yourselves.
“I think what the youth should do now is to come together and I will support you, and take a bill to the National Assembly to amend some discriminatory provisions of the constitution in terms of age,’’ Jonathan stated.
He pledged the continued support of his administration to youths through policies and programmes that would continue to harness their huge potential for national development.
He said through schemes such as YouWin, SURE-P, Graduate Internship Scheme and the Community Service Programme, his administration would continue to create opportunities for young people.
He stated that youths deserve encouragement because they were the ones winning laurels and making the country proud in sports and other international competitions.
“These programmes and many more we are doing to make sure we give opportunities to our young people because we appreciate the young people; they have made this country proud.
“I always say that whenever you read newspapers, watch television or listen to the radio, those who preach hate, quarrel and try to divide us on the basis of ethnicity and religion are not the young people but grandfathers.
“The youths live with whomever they are comfortable with regardless of ethnic or religious affiliation; they want to marry whomever they love.
“They are not like those old people who are disturbing us, who want to divide us based on religion and all kinds of sentiments.
“But listening to you here gives me hope that this country is beginning to change, and it is changing for the better,’’ Jonathan said.

http://thenationonlineng.net/new/jonathan-advocates-removal-of-age-limit-for-youths/

PHOTO: President Jonathan at the first Nigerian Young Professionals International Summit in Abuja

There's tight security in the state as adequate security operatives have been deployed for the election.

Happy Birthday Sir!

JECBOSS: God Bless President Jonathan!
@OP, Did the President bath with salt water today?

LOL..
Prevention is better than Cure!

President Jonathan cancels scheduled trip to Owerri, summons emergency meeting.
The Presidential Spokesman, Dr Reuben Abati broke the news via his Twitter page few minutes ago.
Details later...

https://mobile.twitter.com/abati1990/status/497667211788812288?p=v

President Jonathan, US
Congresswoman Jackson-Lee, Nigerian Ambassador to US, Prof Ade Adefuye, Ministers Wali (Foreign Affairs) & Edem Duke (Culture and National Orientation) at Nigeria CulturalNite#USAfricaSummit#Washington DC

President Jonathan & other #African leaders at the African Business Forum. #USAfricaSummit in#Washington DC

President Jonathan with #US President@BarackObama & First Lady MichelleObama at the #Blue #Room ,#Whitehouse

President Jonathan at the Nigerian
Cultural Nite # USAfricaSummit

President Jonathan at the #Nigerian #Cultural #Nite , Kennedy Center #USAfricaSummit in #Washington DC

President Jonathan with Sheila Jackson Lee at Nigerian Cultural Nite, Kennedy Center # USAfricaSummit#Washington DC

President Jonathan & US Vice
President Joe Biden at US-Nigeria
bilateral meeting, Roosevelt Room.
White House

Omexonomy: The african leaders should have use the opportunity to beg for ebola vaccines from the US since most of them are beggers.

LOL..

President Jonathan with other
African leaders at a session of the
USA-Africa Summit in Washington DC

President Jonathan & other world leaders in a group photo

President Jonathan with other
African leaders at a session of the USA-AfricaSummit in Washington DC

NIGERIA NATIONAL STATEMENT

U.S-AFRICAN LEADERS SUMMIT

WASHINGTON, DC, 5-6 AUGUST 2014

We thank President Barrack Obama for convening the first-ever U.S-African Leaders Summit. This worthwhile initiative is a credit to his commitment to building and sustaining collaborative ties between the United States and Africa.

2. Being the first Summit level dialogue of its kind, there is understandable excitement about what the Governments of the United States and African countries can achieve working together on shared goals and priorities. Indeed, this Summit is well-timed, given the range of complex challenges confronting Africa at the present time.

3. Although there are country-specific priorities, the crises facing Africa are largely similar and cut across countries. These challenges are multifaceted. At their root are poverty, security, governance, infrastructure and capacity issues. It is apparent that many African countries, including mine, are not going to meet all the Millennium Development Goals by 2015. Overcoming the various challenges on the road to meeting MDG targets and the post-2015 SDGs will require strengthened cooperation with the United States and other development partners.

4. We believe that poor governance is a major cause of conflict in Africa. This is often exacerbated by closed political processes in several of our countries. We would therefore, do well to scale up efforts to nurture viable and capable States in our continent. We must have States that are able to provide security and ensure the equitable distribution of public goods and services. Africa must also institutionalize the principles of political pluralism, good governance and respect for human rights.

5. We believe that a future of peace, stability and democracy would be greatly rewarding for the continent. Only in a democracy can Africa’s ethnic, cultural and religious diversities find mutual accommodation and the freedom and opportunities that come with it.

6. Across Africa, the democratic process is on the move even though it has taken different turns and trajectories, with countries recording different levels of progress. On the whole, elections have become more regular even as we recognise that work remains to be done to deepen the democratic culture and strengthen its institutions across Africa.

7. Democracy, stability and prosperity are essential elements of Africa’s nation building process requiring the support of the international community. We believe the U.S can support Africa’s democratic rebirth, stability and creation of opportunities for millions across the continent.

8. The future belongs to our youth. The theme of this Summit, “Investing in the Next Generation”, is as appropriate as it is a call to action. President Obama’s Young African Leaders Initiative (YALI), complements Africa’s efforts to make the youth the centrepiece of our development agenda.

9. As the continent with the largest percentage of youth, to meet the yearnings and aspirations of our growing youth population, we have to continue to expand our economies, create wealth and employment opportunities. Africa cannot achieve this by depending on foreign aid from development partners, which has been declining in recent years. What Africa needs is real access to markets in the Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Department (OECD) countries. African countries must, however, start with expanding intra-regional trade. In the global trade, Africa will require transiting from exporting raw materials and primary commodities to higher value finished and semi finished products.

10. To achieve this, policy reforms and economic diversification are important. That is why, in Nigeria, we embarked on far-reaching reforms in the Power, Agriculture and Industrial sectors, which aim at attracting private sector investments, diversifying our economy and building of our productive capacity. Africa needs to intensify its efforts on drivers for economic growth including human capital development, regional and global trade integration and its business environment. In this quest, Africa needs assistance in developing high value non-primary commodities to fully take advantage of the African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA). Africa needs increased infrastructure and related services, including energy, transport, information and communication technology. In this regard, we welcome President Obama’s Power Africa Initiative which was launched in 2013. It is our hope that the Initiative will have wider coverage.

11. In addition to intra-State conflicts, several African countries, including Nigeria, are now challenged by terrorism and violent extremism. For several countries in the continent, terrorism has become a real threat to social progress, peace and security. Terrorism also threatens the continent’s state system and democracies.

12. The violent and criminal activities of Boko Haram in my country have captured the world’s attention. This has been especially so since the terrorist group abducted some girls from their school dormitory in the North-Eastern Nigeria in April. This vile act by Boko Haram in Nigeria typifies a dangerous trend by insurgent groups in the continent’s fragile security environment.

13. Boko Haram is more than a domestic terrorist group. The group is a threat to regional peace and security. This much was affirmed by the Special Summit on Security in Nigeria, hosted by President Francoise Hollande in Paris in May, 2014. We now know that this insurgent group has grown into the Nigerian wing of Al-Qaeda with its international network linking terrorist groups in the Sahel and Mali and Al-Shabaab in Somalia. Nigeria may be the epicentre of Boko Haram terrorist activities at the moment, but its affiliation with international terrorist networks, dramatically increases its capacity and reach beyond Nigeria’s borders.

14. President Obama has described Boko Haram “as one of the most dangerous regional terrorist organisations in the world.” Boko Haram kills anyone irrespective of gender, religion and age. It destroys everything in its sight. Since 2009, this terrorist group has killed over 12,000 Nigerians, and continues to maim many more as well as burn and raze down communities, places of worship, public institutions and infrastructure.

15. Nigeria is doing everything possible to combat Boko Haram and violent extremism. While we continue to enhance our intelligence and military capacities, we are, at the same time, working on political solutions by engaging State Governments and local communities. We are seeking economic solutions through various economic empowerment and job creation programmes. We are creating economic opportunities and addressing the root causes of youth restiveness.

16. We are also building partnerships, both at the regional and international levels, to combat the threat posed by terrorism in our sub-region. In this enterprise, we are pleased to acknowledge the supportive role of the United States. The assistance that we continue to receive from the United States and our other international partners is proof indeed that partnership can multiply our strengths in addressing common challenges.

17. We are optimistic that continuing international support will help us rid our continent of the growing incident of terrorism. We call for an effective international sanctions regime that would hold accountable any country, institutions and individual that financed terrorism in any part of the world. This inaugural Africa-US Summit must call for effective action and implementation of all existing international protocols on this critical issue.

18. The rise of piracy is of utmost concern to us. Growing piracy in the Horn of Africa, the “ECOWAS space”, as well as in the Gulf of Guinea is undermining the fragile security of the countries of the zone. Across the region, piracy is dovetailing into other forms of organised crimes, including oil theft, hostage-taking, human and drug trafficking and proliferation of Small Arms and Light Weapons. Regional efforts to forge initiatives to counter these dangers have so far proved ineffective, largely because these countries lack adequate and appropriate maritime surveillance and enforcement capabilities.

19. The security problems faced by the countries of Africa are transnational in scope. They, therefore, cannot be solved by one single country. The terrorism challenge in particular has posed gaps in individual nation’s capacities to deal with new complex security challenges. Because terrorism, piracy and transnational organised crimes are global in scope, they will require regional and international collaboration to combat. We must act in concert. U.S leadership on all these issues remains critical to successful outcome.

20. It is reassuring to have the U.S. Government pledge to enhance its partnership with Africa and to work with governments across the continent to address shared priorities. A large part of the task ahead would be to expand economic opportunities and enlarge the political space in our countries on the principles of popular participation, rule of law and respect for human rights. This is what all of Africa pledged to do in the Constitutive Act of the African Union. I believe these values must remain at the centre of governance in Africa, if we are to achieve our goals of stability, security and development.

http://reubenabati.com.ng/NIGERIAN-STATEMENT-DELIVERED-BY-PRESIDENT-JONATHAN.html