₦airaland Forum

Buhari carry go...no more lockdown again Baba

The government of Nigeria should be commended for easing lockdown. Take a close look at other nations, and u will be glad our own President Buhari heard the many cries of Nigerians.

As mixed reactions continue to trail the decision of the federal government to ease lockdown measures against COVID-19 pandemic, it has become imperative to point out a few concerns thus reminding the good people of Nigeria that any decision taken by government is both to protect lives and also preserve livelihoods. In particular, the ongoing decision which was carefully and meticulously reviewed with the best intentions to ease the suffering of Nigerians puts the government alive to its responsibilities. The FG has made it clear and have addressed if not all aspects surrounding the lockdown lifting in Abuja, Lagos and Ogun states, which it stressed will be phased, thereby leaving no room for ambiguity yet some Nigerians and groups opt to make pronouncements implicating the government.

A particular case is that of the broadcast made by the Spokesman of The Nigerian opposition coalition under the umbrella of "Coalition of United Political Parties (CUPP) on May 3, Mr Ikenga Imo Ugochinyere, wherein some phony claims and accusations where made against the government. The spokesperson, while calling on the government to rescind its decision said relaxing the lockdown in the affected areas would translate to exposing the members of the public to danger and abandoning them to their fates more so that health workers were already raising the alarm over lack of adequate medical equipment including a shortage of bed spaces and isolation centers to manage the cases at hand.

Mr Ugochinyere on behalf of CUPP said Nigeria is one of the countries with the least testing capabilities, this claim may not be true because as of April, the Nigerian Centre for Disease Control (NCDC) accredited 15 laboratories across the country with an aggregate capacity to undertake 2,500 tests per day across the country. Several new fully equipped treatment and isolation centers have been operational across the country thereby increasing bed capacity to about three thousand.

The Government has also explained they are reviewing laboratory testing strategy to further increase the number of tests that can be performed including the accreditation of selected private laboratories that meet the accreditation criteria.

Based on federal government's recommendation State Governors activated State-level Emergency Operation Centre’s, established new treatment centres and ensured the delivery of aggressive risk communication strategies.

The group in their response also raised alarm of looming total outbreak of the deadly pandemic in the country based on emerging reports from the States of the Federation and Abuja. Such alarm will amount to a prophecy of doom, moreover, facts have proven that the measures emplaced thus far have yielded positive against projections and anticipations.

Mr Ugochinyere further mentioned that the appropriate step for the government was addressing the issue of the complaints of the health workers by mass acquiring modern equipment, stock the isolation centre’s, provide super palliatives to the citizens and then shut down the entire contents as being witnessed around the world in a concerted effort to curtail the further spread of the deadly pandemic. He should be reminded that over ten thousand healthcare workers have been trained. For their protection, additional personal protective equipment has been distributed to all the states and more training are being arranged.

The group also pointed out that the relaxation of the lockdown orders would lead to lawlessness and rubbished the little signs of progress already recorded as it would be impossible to enforce the protocols of the pandemic.

This may not be true as security agencies have risen to the challenge of imposing the necessary measures including restriction of movement of non essential staff and persons across states and within, enforcing mandatory use of face mask, mobile courts are being run against lockdown defaulters specifically in Abuja etc.

We need the support and cooperation of all if we must beat this disaster. The Government is doing its best as it continues to adopt and adapt new global realities put out on a daily basis to best suit the current local realities.

Abia State Government even try say dey recognize Mazi...However, we have learnt that faithful course must b followed in the best of manners...

The media has been awash with reports of offensive against Boko Haram terrorists by Chadian Army, led by President of Chad Idris Deby. According to Sahara Reporters, Chad, with the help of the Israeli intelligence had mapped out the entire Lake Chad region containing both natural and artificial islands for the operation, which is already yielding positive results. The report claimed that the battle at Kelkoua, bank of the Lake Chad, saw the killing of many Boko Haram terrorists, as well as the discovery and destruction of bunkers hiding key commanders.

The onslaught by the Chadian troops have triggered widespread criticism of Nigerian Army, by the Nigerian public, most of whom have begun to sing praises of Chad. Interestingly, Nigerians tend to downplay or out rightly ignore the effect of these harsh criticisms on Nigerian troops who have consistently shown gallantry even in the face of adversity. A Military defending our territorial sovereignty on numerous fronts, against terrorist, insurgents bandits, Sea Pirates, Kidnappers, militants, etc.

It must be stated that as far as counter-terrorism campaign is concerned in West Africa, the Nigerian military has consistently shown professionalism and unrelenting spirit, attracting global recognition and respect in process. This is even with the US and UK blocking the sale of arms to Nigeria for the prosecution of the Anti-Boko Haram campaign. Despite these constraints, the Nigerian military has shown so much resilience in the fight against terrorists, severally decimating the terrorist sect.

In recognition of their gallantry, the Nigerian Army recently rewarded thirty-seven (37) officers and soldiers of Operation Lafiya Dole (OPLD), involved in the ongoing counter insurgency campaign in the North-east. According to The Nigerian Army Operations Media Coordinator, Col. Aminu Iliyasu, the 37 officers and soldiers were identified by the military authorities to be deserving of the meritorious awards, having distinguished themselves on the battle field, for outstanding gallantry; professionalism, profound commitment, exemplary conduct and other sterling qualities in the face of the adversary.

Regardless of several campaigns against the Nigerian military, one cannot deny that the Troops have recorded significant victory over Boko Haram. While most Nigerians revel in the theatrics of Chadian Troops, it is best we don’t forget that our Nigerian Troops have limited the operational reach of Boko Haram to a few States in the North East. That is quite commendable when you consider that Boko haram hitherto operated unrestrained across the country with bomb going off all over Abuja, Kano, Kaduna and other states. All they need is our support and encouragement, as countrymen.

Indeed, the military is winning the war against this terrorist group. We must therefore support them by recognizing their sacrifice in keeping us safe. The men and women of the Nigerian Military are also mothers and fathers; brothers and sister; uncles and aunts; friends and lovers. They are not robots or inanimate machines that have no emotions or feelings. The Nigerian military are the only ones standing between us and a group of misguided crazy sect ready to destroy everything we hold dear. Supporting them is not an option, it is our patriotic duty.

The most trending discuss in public domain today is Corona Virus disease. The disease which originated from Wuhan, China was officially tagged “COVID-19” by the International Committee on Taxonomy of Viruses (ICTV), a subsidiary of the World Health Organization (WHO) and has since brought the planet earth to a standstill. The disease knows no boundary, race, religion or sociology-economic status. As such, any informed Muslim would not hesitate to call for closure of Mosques and suspension of all religious gatherings, since only the living worships

Globally, Islamic scholars of repute have lend credence to suspension of “UMRA”, the lesser Hajj, Jumu’at Services and even the five (5) daily congregational prayers. These according to them was not the first of its kind in the Islamic history. For instance, on 17th March, 2020, Prof. Abdur-rahman BIN Abdul-Azeez AS-SUDAIS, the Grand Imam of the two(2) most holiest Islamic sites in Makka and Madina, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia(KSA) informed while declaring the temporary closure of Ka’abathat, the Mosque has experienced similar closures at different times in the past. Adding that, in 1814 AD, the annual Hajj ritual was suspended due to the outbreak of an epidemic in the city of Makka.

Notwithstanding, there are pockets of Scholars who view the closure of places of worship as too extreme. They posited that closure of Mosques meant man can fight the scourge without God’s intervention. However, their opinion is considered more emotional then logical.

To recap the whole discuss. It is con sensually established that a Muslim can pray at home if there is a heavy down pour, waterlogged ground after rainfall, insecurity, having infectious/contagious disease such as leprosy, among others. Let’s pose with a question; is COVID-19 similar or more deadlier than the aforementioned situations? Can it be justified as ‘NO’ and if ‘YES’, then Mosques have to remain close till the pandemic disease of COVID-19 is over.



Mallam Mohammed Ibn Abu writes from Gombe

The intrigues in the quest for self-determination mostly championed by socio-cultural groups in Nigeria have an underlying reason laced in agitating for the well-being of the region. We all know self-determination is a desire of groups of persons to freely choose and develop their socio-cultural, political and economic systems. I shall quickly in this short piece attempt to draw a parallel between Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) and AMOTEKUN, as canvassed for by Yoruba World Congress (YWC).

The Governors of the six western states of Oyo, Ondo, Ekiti, Osun, Lagos and Ogun initiated the Western Nigeria Security Network codenamed Amotekun. This is a security outfit based in all the six south western states, with the sole responsibility of curbing general insecurity in the region. It was formally launched on 9th January, 2020 in Ibadan, Oyo State.

The establishment of the security outfit was a follow-up to the regional security summit held in Ibadan, Oyo State, Nigeria on June 2019 through Development Agenda for Western Nigeria Commission (DAWN). In support of the outfit, all the six state governors contributed 20 vehicles each, except Oyo that contributed 33 vehicles, in order to assist the operatives in carrying out their duties, making a total of 133 vehicles for the start up, they also procured 100 units of motorcycles each, making a total of 600 motorcycles.

Following the announcement of Amotekun, the Yoruba World Congress (YWC) is an umbrella body of all Yoruba socio-cultural, self-determination and advocacy groups worldwide. The group has been in the fore front in galvanising local and international support for Amotekun, just as Nmandi KANU has done/is doing with IPOB. The group’s main objectives and vision may be different but their modus operandi seems to be the same. It is safe to say that YWC would make Amotekun end up as IPOB.

Undoubtedly, an increase in the agitation for self determination has led to an increase in government responsiveness. This growing demand for secession has particularly being used as a powerful tool for political negotiation in the country that has seen the proliferation of ethnic and sub-ethnic militia groups in the political landscape of the country.

What is left to be seen is if Amotekun will eventually metamorphose into IPOB like agitation. We have a few rhetorical questions to ask. Will the creation of the sub-ethnic give the south west the political capital to clinch leadership come 2023? Are the south west political leaders are hell bent on hoodwinking the south in event the presidency is zoned to the south, edging out South east from political equation? Is it the end that will justify the means? We wait.



Obinna Jide writes from Owerri.

The National Leader of the ALL Progressives Congress, APC, Bola Ahmed Tinubu on Tuesday revealed why the recently established security outfit in the South West, Amotekun will not live up to expectations. Tinubu who has been under intense pressure from leaders across the country to state his position on the outfit, since the Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Abubakar Malami declared it illegal to the consternation of leaders from the region, said the group's regional outlook may hinder its operation.

In a statement he personally signed on Wednesday, Tinubu said the group should have focused on grassroots local organization at the state level without a regional command hierarchy, stressing that the current structure may undermine its efficiency.

"In regard to actual performance of its appointed tasks, “Amotekun should have focused on grassroots local organisation at the state level without a regional command hierarchy. The regional approach may undermine efficiency.

“There is no compelling logic why the same personnel providing security & informational assistance in Ado-Ekiti should be under the same functional and operational leadership as those providing assistance in Lekki or Akure. This will not lead to optimal performance.

“The regional approach has only limited benefit with regard to the procurement and maintenance of vehicles and communications equipment because this wider approach allows for economies of scale.

"Some things need to be corrected before Amotekun becomes operational. If not, it will not live up to expectations. Thus, the current formulation of Amotekun is in need of repair before it takes to the road only to quickly slip into a ditch."


https://vigil360.com.ng/politics/22-trending-now/16247-why-amotekun-will-not-live-up-to-expectations-tinubu-2.html

I have being so careful as to commenting on the Sowore and DSS saga...But truly, checks have showed that no revolution have been peaceful. Sowore from available records even went ahead to say the govt and it's institution would cease to exist by the time he is done with the planned revolution. While I do not understand how govt is run, the Young man went far too much above what he can chew...DSS will cease to exist...that was much... an institution that has existed since 1948? When you play a drum, u r ready to dance. My take, Sowore is only dancing to a drum he knew too well that playing would cause him much...

In the military, rank, medals and appointments are not stuffs u joke with...Buhari earned being a Maj. Gen...that he will be forever...Punch are only reminding him of his many medals..

Abeg Dr Omole should go to the University and lecture if he feels he is intelligent...his craze for writing (mostly) copy and paste articles on topical issues in the country is far below the standard of a pH.D holder...

From every indication, Dr Charles Omole seems to be the latest personality to join the clout chasing bandwagon. Surmise it to say that his new found passion for the Department of State Services (DSS) has not only earned him cheap popularity on social media platforms but more gullible followers as well. I am not a staff of DSS, however, as a retired staff of one of the country’s reputable paramilitary establishments, my fair knowledge of the operations of the intelligence community qualifies me to give credible guidance. Hinging on misconstrued interpretation of the Intelligence Agency’s mandate, Omole’s poorly opinionated annotations are nothing but a desperate and demeaning mode of cashing in.
On the pretext of dishing out ill-conceived recommendations, he jumps on every trending issue with publications that reeks of despairing efforts for pecuniary gains. A very smart business strategy… in addition to doing the bidding of his paymasters…

It is high time Omole took lectures on evolving nature of time and why a counterintelligence agency like the DSS needs to align with current reality in the discharge of its functions.

In recent times, the bouts of sponsored attacks from varied angles against the intelligence organization seem to be an attempt to distract it from its responsibility of ensuring internal security. Security in this perspective means internal order, national cohesion and unity and ensuring a stable environment for citizens.

The DSS by law is empowered to do all within its constitutional power to ensure that. In his next trend, Omole may need to humor us by spelling out categorically how the DSS should handle unbridled backlash by the public, particularly in an era of social media. Especially when it is an attempt succinctly conceived by misguided persons and interest groups to tarnish its image and demoralize thousands of its staff “who lose sleep in order for the rest of us to sleep.” The social media without any doubt is being used as a weapon to misguide, incite and pitch up

To an extent, I believe the DSS was the probable dream job of Mr Omole who is still wallowing in the despair of that lost opportunity hence his new obsession for the agency he missed to work with. And like a woman that missed marrying a man of her dream, he has continued to either deride the Service or express his frustrations for not having his ways with it. This has turned to an obvious hate. But why?

It is high time Omole and his likes allow the agency focus.

The relative peace being experienced in the country if objectively analyzed is linked to efforts by our security agencies to ensure our collective safeguard as well as provide an enabling environment to pursue our legitimate businesses.

Threads and articles that permeate disdain for the security agencies particularly written with partial knowledge can only serve as a channel of distraction, mislead the public and undermine endeavors of thousands of our security men and women. As a heterogeneous society, we have religious, cultural and ethnic fault lines to deal with already. Being unpatriotic can only serve as a minus. Omole, you can use your platform as a learned person who is also a Ph.D holder (if true) to advance positive postulation in the interest of peace and stability of the country. Omole could also chose not to allow enemies of Nigeria taint his personality over a morsel of bread. Be a patriotic Nigerian, Dr Charles Omole.

Michael Akpan, a management consultant lives in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State.

The High Court of the Federal Capital Territory, Court 12, sitting at Bwari, Abuja on Thursday dismissed the case filed by Busola Dakolo against Pastor Biodun Fatoyinbo of the Commonwealth of Zion Assembly (COZA).

According to Vanguard, Justice Oathman A. Musa, in giving the judgment, held that the matter amounts to injustice and an abuse of judicial process adding that the case is empty and purely sentimental. He further submitted that the case was aimed more at cruelty than obtaining justice.

The court also awarded costs of N1,000,000 against Busola Dakolo and held that the fine should have been 10 times more because the court’s time was wasted.

Dakolo filed the suit against Fatoyinbo after alleging that he raped her in 2002 and caused her emotional distress.

Fatoyinbo’s team of lawyers, led by Dr. Alex Izinyon (SAN), had however argued that the prayers in the suit were ungrantable by the court, and that the suit was frivolous and an abuse of court process. Fatoyinbo wasn’t in court because he’s not required to appear in person for a civil matter. He was however represented by his lawyers.

Abeg Bubu... anything wen u go do to save us from hunger...Biko do jare. One man 85 aides...

I knew from the very start say na scam...Fake news

Person personal life no suppose enter PDP na...but no, they want relevance and must tweet lies to sell!

No man challenges a legitimate government...let Sowore answer for himself jare!

I have watched and read with utmost interest the call for the release of the convener of the #RevolutionNow protest and publisher of Saharareporters, Omoyele Sowore. The call began to build due to the expiration of the 45-days granted to the DSS by the court to detain him to allow for the conclusion of ongoing investigation.

Sadly, eminent Nigerians including Oby Ezekwesili and Wole Soyinka are among the proponents of #FreeSowore campaign. Interestingly, some NGO’s earlier accused of aiding insurgent groups and maliciously working against the interest of the country have also joined the call seeking the release of Sowore.

Now, what did the Federal Government charge Sowore with and what are those calling for his release saying? Firstly, Soyinka, Oby Ezekwesili, SERAP etc have said the charges preferred against Sowore are bizarre and meant to stifle democratic norms. The Government on the other hand said Sowore’s action constituted treason. Secondly, that he was engaged in money laundering, having transferred several thousands of Dollars in shady manners. Five other charges are still remaining.

Now, treason, money laundering and related offences are serious crimes any where in the world. Such crimes could disintegrate countries, collapse the economy and project any country negatively before the comity of nations. The question now is, have those calling for Sowore to be released established that he is Innocent without trial? Or that his acts are not capable of instigating civil unrest enough to threaten peace?

This is someone that said he would cause the non existence of security agencies and the country at large. The video footage are online. Someone that is alleged to be making suspicious transactions in thousands of Dollars, shortly after meeting Nnamdi Kanu in New York and threatening to cause problem in Nigeria. This is someone that has attempted to severally use his media platform to defame, malign, blackmail and corner stakeholders.

This is the time for Nigerians to galvanize and defeat elements seeking the country’s disintegration. It’s a time to strengthen democracy and build a more responsive society. It’s a time for constitutional democracy to be entrenched. This means that the law should have its cause, if the government feels he has commuted crime, he should defend himself.

If government’s charges are watery, he should be freed. The law should be tested following the weighty allegations leveled against him. Attempting to blackmail the government into submission because of interest seeking to destroy the nation is dangerous.

Nigerians desirous of a better country must seek justice and hold every one accountable. No amount of blackmail or muscle pulling will work.




Bayode Famakinde Writes This Piece From Abeokuta In Ogun State

Every man for himself. Baba Sowore go answer your own sins tomorrow 4 court...

Show me just one organisation that is professional to the core in Nigeria...DSS I will say. If I have my way...I will want to join this dudes. Una professionalism dey finish me anytime...

Nigerians now wiser...

#NotoRevolutioninNigeria

I dey wish all of una well ooo...Baba wen don collect bar na una what follow do revolution...him dey chill now self

Obasanjo's long letters are becoming one too many abeg...His vexation over the pronouncement of June 12th by President Buhari may have again informed this lone new note. What did he do while as President...always pointing accusing fingers on everyone...Baba face your phD jare...

Buhari renames Abuja National Stadium, MK Abiola National Stadium...what a great way to celebrate a compatriot. Buhari again again...

Nigeria is too big for any Islamisation agenda...that one na story for the gods...

OBJ should just go rest abeg...who him abeg?

When an ordinary man (and by ordinary, I mean a common man or woman) peddles an inflammatory statement that is divisive or diversionary in nature, in most cases it is dismissed with the wave of a hand and usually goes unnoticed by most people as it may be borne out of frustration.

However, when the same comment emanates from someone with significant clout, and who is generally considered an eminent statesman, it then calls for a critical review of the message and the messenger. Going by Nigeria’s nature characterised by a plurality of Languages, Ethnicities and Cultures, achieving unity is the most cherished value amongst lovers of such a nation-state.

Former President Olusegun Obasanjo recently at the synod of the Anglican Communion in Oleh town Delta State, said that the violent acts of Boko Haram insurgents and Fulani herdsmen are no longer an issue of lack of education and lack of employment for our youths in Nigeria but an agenda he simply described as; “West African Fulanisation” and “ African Islamisation”

This statement intends to portray the activities of some misguided bandits and herdsmen as deliberate and calculated actions towards an expansionist agenda by the Fulani Muslims in Nigeria.

One tends to wonder why such divisive comments are coming from Obasanjo, who had fought to keep Nigeria one and built bridges across the divergent ethnic, religious and cultural divides. Obasanjo has hitherto portrayed the North as his second home because of his long standing history of comradeship and mutual trust with the people of the region (North). A region that even his kith and kin agree made him what he is today.

His affiliation with the North has at various times earned him chieftaincy titles as, the ”Yallabai of Sokoto” conferred on him in November 2016 by the Sokoto Caliphate. His northernisation also earned him another chieftaincy title from the Kano State Emirate by his eminence, Late Ado Bayero as “Danwajen Kano.”

Former President Obasanjo has always been a faithful partner/friend of many a northerners.
General Murtala Mohammed, a Fulani man from Kano made Obasanjo his Deputy when he was the Military ruler of Nigeria in February 1976 until his assassination in June of same year.

T.Y Danjuma, another northerner during their Provisional Ruling Council (PRC), meeting suggested that Obasanjo be made the next president being the deputy and all other northerners concurred to the move considering Obasanjo being a loyal friend of the North.

When General Abdulsalam Abubakar promised to organise election in 1999,the same northerners, Fulanis and Muslims organised themselves, packaged and convinced Nigerians with their resources to massively vote Obasanjo that saw him emerged as president in 1999. His people on the other hand, wholly rejected him, he could not even win his polling unit talk more of his state.

The massive support from the North continued even in 2003, where he beat a Fulani man ( Muhammadu Buhari) to serve his second term up till 2007.

However, since leaving office, he has been masquerading himself as the Godfather of Nigerian modern day democracy. He has never commended any government even if he helped in the installation of that Government; all his predecessors became victims of his pungent criticism. All he wanted is more power and being in a position to dictate to the sitting government.

At this juncture, the question that readily comes to mind will be ; what does Obasanjo want? The answer is simple. The octogenarian has always seen and acted like a ‘philosopher king’ – only Obasanjo can govern till eternity. This explained his desperation to perpetuate himself through the failed third term bid. The old man wants Power to himself and him alone. Power enables him to continue with his amorous lifestyle unchallenged. It enables him to freely dish out oil blocs for sexual gratification as claimed recently by Wole Soyinka.

Former president Olusegun Obasanjo’s outburst is indeed both an act of frustration and a gimmick. He is frustrated that he no longer has access to resources of the state; that he can no longer facilitate government contracts/favours for sexual gratification; that he cannot railroad President Muhammadu Buhari and his amiable Vice Yemi Osinbajo into doing his biddings; that the apparatus of state are not at his beck and call.
General Obasanjo’s outburst is also a gimmick! ; a gimmick aimed at casting aspersion on a democratically elected government; a gimmick designed to whip up sentiments against a democratically elected government; a gimmick hoping to generate negative conversation against a democratically elected government; a gimmick desirous of seeing the escalation of religious/ethnic mistrust in Nigeria; and indeed a gimmick aimed at scuttling democratic growth in Nigeria.

The message subtly calls for anarchy and ostensibly charges the divergent religions and tribes to unite and ethnically cleanse their fellow countrymen – the Fulani Muslims.

For those that were seeing Obasanjo as an elder statesman, the ball is in their court to believe whether he is actually a statesman or is just masquerading as one.




Ugoh Chinwelu

After all the talk, so Buhari's car na motor self!!! Giant of Africa indeed!!! Davidoo go just dey laugh now self...

Sometimes man suppose laugh small abeg...make una allow Baba laugh jare

Make una allow Dr OBJ talk his own...is like he is got a pH.D in pointing fingers now...

I give it to the DSS any day, anytime. Those guys are not just peace makers, they are professionals in their job.