₦airaland Forum

ANigerian policeman, Inspector Ekemezie Hycient has tendered his resignation over alleged marginalisation and victimisation of the South-East people.
The officer attached to the Inspector General of Police Special Taskforce on Petroleum and Illegal Bunkering Unit, Calabar sector in a letter to the police authorities, said he was quitting because “the Nigeria state has been so polarized that foreign machineries (mercenaries) and terrorists have surrounded the whole country, killing the indigenous owners of the land in the name of their Jihad.”



He called on the Nigerian government to immediately release the detained leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Nnamdi Kanu.
The letter dated July 14, 2022, reads, “I Ap No. 318093 Inspector Ekemezie Hycient attached to IGP Special Taskforce on Petroleum and Illegal Bunkering Unit, Calabar Sector, formally wish to tender my resignation letter to the Nigeria Police Authority. I am a graduate from the renowned Chukwuemka Odumegwu Ojukwu University, Political Science Department, I joined the Nigeria Police Force on the 1st day of July 2007.
“I decided to resign my position as an Inspector of the police after my fifteen years of service, my reasons for resignation are as follows: The Nigeria state has been so polarized that foreign machineries (mercenaries) and terrorists have surrounded the whole country, killing the indigenous owners of the land in the name of their Jihad, especially the indigenous people of Biafra IPOB, there is a systematic extermination of the indigenous government, Mazi Nnamdi Kanu is undergoing political persecution because he spoke and stood against this shenanigan of the present government in the name of Islamizing the whole country and to hand over the indigenous people land to the Fulanis.
“The Nigeria security forces go about killing innocent people leaving the Fulanis that are killing people everywhere, I can no longer continue to serve the government that cannot guarantee the safety of it’s citizens. I call the federal government of Nigeria to free Mazi Nnamdi Kanu for he has committed no offence known to law because self determination is not a crime, a call for referendum is not a call for war. It is also a democratic process just like election is. Hence this resignation.”

The Kulen Allah Cattle Rearers Association of Nigeria (KACRAN) has tasked the presidential candidate of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), Bola Tinubu, People’s Democratic Party (PDP) presidential flagbearer, Atiku Abubakar, Labour Party (LP) candidate, Peter Obi and others political parties candidates ahead of the anticipated 2023 general elections.

The National President of the Fulani socio-cultural group, Hon. Khalil Mohd Bello who gave the charge in a statement issued on Tuesday said that all presidential candidates across political parties must fully incorporate livestock development in their policies and programs or risk losing their bloc votes in the election.

The Association observed with dismay that despite herders’ numerous contributions to the nation’s economic development and provision of nutritional food to Nigerians, they were also ignored when it came to policy and program formulations.

Speaking further, the National President warned politicians not to underestimate the powers of the herders when it comes to voting.

He said, “Most politicians, with the exception of very few States, are neither mindful nor concerned with the vital role played by the livestock sector towards creating millions of job opportunities for our youths and people whose livelihood fully depends on the pastoral occupation.

“KACRAN noticed that it is only through the creation of the Federal Ministry of Animal resources that herders’ problems and daily pressing needs related to water points or animal feed during the dry period will be adequately taken care of.

“The Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development is fully charged with numerous responsibilities that cannot allow it to fully incorporate livestock development in its yearly or daily programs, hence necessitating our appeal for the creation of a special Ministry for Animal Resources.

“Most of the money given to the said Ministry is always spent on the development of arable farming to the detriments of Fisheries and livestock sectors.

“We want our politicians to note that we have millions of herders who have their PVCs at hand and are ready to cast them to candidates of their choice, more especially the ones who they noticed care about their interest and general survival.

“KACRAN also wants to draw the attention of our presidential and gubernatorial candidates that pastoralists’ block votes, especially in the Northern part of this country or at a highly competitive presidential level, will help one to clinch power.

“We KACRAN members always cast our votes en bloc, because we normally don’t want to divide our votes, but always put them based on the person or party we strongly believe will fully consider us in policy formulation and implementation”, he maintained.

Over 100 bandits, on Saturday, attended the turbaning ceremony of a bandit kingpin called Ada Aleru as the Sarkin Fulani by the Emir of Yandoto.

Meanwhile, a large number of bandits from Zamfara forest have  reportedly crossed to Tudunwada-Sabon Layi in the western part of Birnin-Gwari, Kaduna State, where they killed a local and injured three during a looting spree.

An official of Birnin-Gwari Vanguards for Security and Good Governance, said: “At the moment, they are on a looting spree at Ganun-Gari near Dawakin Bassa after they ransacked neighbouring Unguwar Baki.

“The bandits have rustled cattle and took away foodstuffs at Unguwar Baki. 

“Casualty figures are unknown at this time. But the bandits are expected to return through the same route (Tudunwada-Sabon Layi) to their hideout in Zamfara.

“One person was killed and three others injured at Ganun-Gari. The bandits are now at Dawakin Bassa. There is heavy gunfire at the moment. The gun sounds are heard at Unguwar zakara and Kubo villages.

“The bandits will retreat to their base after operation at Dawakin Bassa through the same route they followed.”

Turbaning of Zamfara bandits kingpin 

Locals in Tsafe town of Zamfara State said over 100 bandits on Saturday attended the turbaning ceremony of a bandit kingpin called Ada Aleru as the Sarkin Fulani by the Emir of Yandoto.

According to a source, “the bandits were going on motorcycles without their guns. It was a brief ceremony attended by a few people.

“The Emir of Yandoto, Alhaji Garba Marafa, gave the title of Sarki Fulani to the notorious bandit who operated in Zamfara and Katsina states because he was willing to embrace peace.

“At a meeting, Ada Aleru agreed to stop attacking the communities and villages in the emirate. He has also agreed to allow people to go to their farms.

“This made the emirate confer the title on Aleru so that he would help to ensure peace returns to the emirate.”

Acoalition of civil society, Workers and Human Rights Defenders (COCSWAHD), has called the Nigerian Government to release all political detainees across the country, including the leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Nnamdi Kanu.

The coalition demanded “the unconditional release of all political detainees including Nnamdi Kalu,” adding that the government should engage them constructively.

Nigeria's President Muhammadu Buhari.
The coalition which stated this on Thursday, during the unveiling of its South East headquarters in Enugu, urged President Muhammadu Buhari’s government to instead engage those detainees in constructive discussions instead of the use of arms.

Addressing journalists shortly after conducting them around the offices, the Convener of the Coalition and President, International Solidarity for Peace and Human Rights Initiative, Comrade Osmond Ugwu, lamented the impunity with which the government and security agencies abuse human rights in Nigeria, especially in the South East region.

Flanked by the Secretary of the Coalition, Comrade Chukwudi Aniachuna and other leaders, Ugwu said human rights violations have increased exponentially in Nigeria after the national protest against police brutality codenamed #ENDSARS rather than decreased.

The coalition, however, asked the Enugu State government to make public the report of the administrative panel of inquiry on #EndSARS as well as a full implementation of the recommendation of the National Economic Council as regards #EndSARS protests and mitigation of police brutality in Nigeria.

 We once again wish to use this opportunity to call on Governor Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi of Enugu State and his government to revisit the document we presented to him in November 2021 on about 16 fundamental issues affecting the people, workers and retired public servants in the state.

“The issues of impunity in the system and acting on the report of the representative of Civil Society in ENDSARS related Judicial panel on police brutality and other related extra-judicial killings.

"He should make public report of administrative panel on EndSARS as well as full implementation of recommendation of National Economic Council as regards to EndSARS protests and mitigation of police brutality in Nigeria.

"We want the government to pay the seized salaries, allowances and benefits of 14 former legislators of the state House of Assembly that were unjustly seized by former governor of Enugu state, Senator Chimaroke Nnamani during his regime because of their opposition to his unjust policies during his regime.

"We want the governor to stop the abuse of fundamental human rights of residents of Enugu State through the unjustified hardship he imposed on the poor that do not have vehicles as a result of the ban on movement of ‘Keke’ (commercial tricyclists) and commercial vehicles from 9 pm in the state capital among others."

Regarding the 2023 general elections, the coalition urged Nigerians to not only obtain their permanent voter cards (PVCs) but ensure they participate actively in the polls.

"We appreciate the interest being exhibited by the electorates this time in trying to get their PVCs and urge every person of voting age to ensure that he or she gets a PVC, ensure they vote during elections, resist monitory inducement and intimidation during elections. They should also make sure that they vote according to their conscience and stay behind to endure that their votes are counted and results announced.

"We also call on the Nigerians to rise up to the challenges of ending electoral manipulations and merchandising of elective offices by politicians and exclusion of credible persons from contesting elective offices through the high cost of expression of interest forms.

The Benue State Governor, Samuel Ortom, has called for the release of the detained leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra, IPOB, Nnamdi Kanu, for the peace process in the country to be taken seriously.
According to a release by Peters Ichull, the governor’s Senior Special Assistant on Diaspora Affairs, Ortom made the call in US when a group under the aegis of American Veterans of Igbo origin paid him a courtesy visit in Washington DC.

Ortom stated that Nnamdi Kanu's issue was a social-political challenge that must be dealt with politically.
He argued even members of Boko Haram who pose a greater threat to the country’s unity had often been freed, resettled and some integrated into the armed forces.
He tasked Igbo veterans in the United States of America to believe in one Nigeria, pointing out that no country on earth is without its challenges.

The Benue State Governor told the group that power shift to the South-East is possible, if the people of the region put their differences aside to pursue the objective in unity.
Ortom said his call for freedom of worship was not only to protect the rights of Christians, but so that all Nigerians will be free to practice their faith without intimidation or molestation in any part of the country.
He thanked the group for appreciating his modest contributions to national discourses but challenged South-Eastern Nigerians living abroad that charity begins at home, saying “there is nowhere better than home but only peace and security can guarantee the success of your investments back home.”
The governor therefore called on the veterans to support peace efforts in the Sout East region so that both their communities and investments will experience sustainable growth and prosperity.
The group was led by its President, Dr Sylvester Onyia, his vice, Dr Prince Joe Nduka. Other members of the delegation included Dr Ofo, the group’s PRO and Nigeria’s former ambassador to South Africa, Dr Mrs Ajulu. Dr Onyia was full of praise for Ortom’s fearless confrontation of Nigeria’s ills, insisting that only such a stand from leaders could build bridges of understanding and give hope to despairing Nigerians abroad that one Nigeria is possible.
The group however expressed fears for the upcoming general election owing to the spate of insecurity in the country and called on Governor Ortom not to relent on pursuing the best security options.

Elder statesman and the convener of the Pan Niger Delta Forum (PANDEF), Chief Edwin Clark, has criticised the nomination of Senator Kassim Shettima as the vice presidential candidate of the All Progress Congress, APC.

According to Clark in a statement on Monday, the action of the former Lagos State Governor, Bola Tinubu, in appointing a Muslim to run with him, even as a Muslim in a multi-ethnic and multi-religious country, threatened Nigeria as a country.


Clark asked if the action of the APC Presidential Candidate were not pointers to the confirmation and actualisation of such rumours to islamise Nigeria as a country.

The elder statesman who is the leader of the Southern and Middle Belt Leaders Forum (SMBLF) lamented that with a very sharp division presently in the country, Tinubu’s action and that of the APC would further worsen the situation in the country.

I feel threatened for our beloved country because of the way things are going. Nigeria is a multi-ethnic and multi-religious nation, with Christianity and Islam as the major religions, even though Nigeria is a secular state.

“In compliance with Constitutional provisions of inclusiveness, the number one and number two positions in the country, viz President and Vice President have always been occupied by practitioners of the two major religions, to ensure balancing.

He also noted that Tinubu could not be the vice presidential candidate to Buhari in 2015 because of the Muslim-Muslim ticket which was confirmed by Tinubu in Abeokuta, Ogun State.

“It will be recalled that the Presidential candidate of the All Progressives’ Congress (APC), Alhaji Ahmed Bola Tinubu, could not be chosen in 2015 as Vice President to Muhammadu Buhari, because he is a Muslim and Muhammadu Buhari is a Muslim. Alhaji Ahmed Bola Tinubu, in his own words confirmed this in his statement in Abeokuta, Ogun State. What has changed? One quality of a good leader is consistency.

“A good leader must act in the same way at all times, to all people. He must not display double standard. Today, what has the Presidential candidate of the APC, Alhaji Bola Ahmed Tinubu done? He has picked a person of his religion, a Muslim, as his running mate. Such choice is not inclusive; it is not good for a secular state like Nigeria.

“There is presently a sharp division in the country, even on religious lines, and all patriots are seeking ways to salvage the situation. Therefore, Alhaji Tinubu’s decision to take a fellow Muslim as his running mate will further worsen the situation in the country. He should know that patriotism is a quality of a good leader.

“On the reasons adduced by Alhaji Tinubu on why he chose Kashim Shettima as running mate, is the APC Presidential Flag bearer telling Nigerians that there are no Christians in the APC from the north who are “competent, capable and reliable?”

“There are rumours of an attempt to islamise the country. Are all these pointers to the confirmation and actualisation of such rumour. One needs to bear in mind the antecedents of the major backers of Alhaji Ahmed Tinubu’s ambition, which include Nasir Ahmad el-Rufai, the Governor of Kaduna State, Abdullahi Umar Ganduje, the Governor of Kano State, and the chosen one – Kashim Shettima.

“Both the Governor and Deputy Governor in Kaduna State, are Muslims. A blatant action by the Governor, Nasir El-Rufai; unfortunately, the APC gubernatorial candidate for the 2023 election, is following suit. Is there a deliberate move of making Kaduna an Islamic state?

“Unconfirmed statistics put the ratio of Christians and Muslims in Kaduna State as 50/50; some statistics even put it as 55% for Christians and 45% for Muslims, yet Nasir el-Rufai, despite complaints and agitations by people not only from Kaduna State, but from the entire country, “decided” to pick a Muslim as his Deputy,”

Kano State Governor Abdullahi Ganduje on Friday said presidential candidate of the All Progressives Congress, Bola Ahmed Tinubu, has agreed to pick a Muslim vice-presidential candidate.

He made the comment during a gathering of about 100 clerics at the Kano state government house as part of activities to mark Eid El Kabir.

“We have advised him to pick a Muslim deputy and he has agreed,” Mr Ganduje said.

A Muslim-Muslim ticket is a reality. It is not something new in Nigeria.”

Mr Ganduje asked the clerics to pray for Tinubu to emerge as Nigeria’s president come 2023.

He also urged them to offer prayers for his administration’s peace and progress.

Mr Ganduje asked the clerics to pray for his Deputy Governor, Yusuf Gawuna, who emerged as the APC governorship candidate in Kano State for 2023 elections.

Ahead of the plans by the minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Bello Mohammed, to stop the sale of alcoholic drinks in parks and gardens in Abuja, the parks and garden owners have written the minister reminding him of the pendency of the suit they filed against him.

They called on the minister to uphold the rule of law and call his aides to order and stop the enforcement of the closure of parks and gardens by 7pm in the Federal Capital Territory.

In a letter written through their lawyer Ifeanyi Remy Agu the group stated, “Re Suit No: CV/408/2008: Barrister (Mrs) Amanda Pam (Proprietor Suez Garden) & 60 Others -Plaintiffs Vs Hon Minister FCT Defendant. Enforcement of 6pm Closing Hour by FCTA-Action Sub-Judice,” he stated “as solicitors to the plaintiffs in the above stated suit pending before the FCT High Court, we draw your attention to the threatened enforcement of 6pm closing hour by proprietor of gardens in the FCT by your Senior Special Assistant (SSA) on Monitoring and Enforcement, Comrade Ikharo Attah which action is sub-Judice of the pending case before the court.

“Suffice it to say that we live in a democratic society where rule of law prevails against personal desires and brigandage of public servants. The terms of settlements in the above matter has been ordered to be filed by the Honorable court after the parties agreed in terms and principles,” he added.

Agu noted that “Our clients received with the greatest shock the threatened enforcement by the SSA against the claimants. Sir as a Minister in the temple of Justice, we appeal to you to use your good office to call the SSA to order more especially as the case is before a court of law and the parties have agreed in principles.

Jamar Ansarul Muslimina fi Biladi Sudan, popularly known as Ansaru, has accused the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) of killing Muslims in the Southern part of the country.

The group disclosed this in a video and bulletin about its activities released on Wednesday night.

In the 16 minutes video, Ansaru said the ‘unknown gunmen’ terrorising the Southern part of the country are IPOB members.

It also accused the Nnamdi Kanu-led group of killing a pregnant Muslim woman, Harira Jubril and her four children in Anambra State.

“Here is some committers of excess known as IPOB. Look at how they have been killing our comrades these days in the Southern part,” the leader of the group said in the video.

“Drivers are stopped, ejected from their vehicles and shot, a Muslim woman with her four children were stopped and killed, and then it was reported as unknown gunmen, this is lie. 

“The organization of IPOB has been supported to kill Muslims, then Muslims, who is yours? Who is it that will protect you?”

Ansaru also called on all Muslims to support the group’s cause to fight and defend them from alleged persecution by groups like IPOB.

It further denied the attack on an Abuja-Kaduna-bound train in March 2022, which claimed no fewer than eight lives. Many people were in the attack and some of those abducted have yet to regain their freedom.

According to the group, its main aim is to protect Islam and Muslims who have been cheated and oppressed, adding that a man called Abu Barra is not its leader.

The Presidential Candidate and National Leader of the All Progressives Congress, Asiwaju Bola Tinubu has travelled out of the country to France.

According to his media office, the trip followed a meeting with President Muhammadu Buhari on Monday morning.

While in Paris, the capital of France, Tinubu will hold some important meetings, his spokesperson, Tunde Rahman said in a statement.

However, multiple sources told SaharaReporters that the APC Presidential candidate was going to Paris to attend to his medical needs.

What kind of meetings did he want to do in Paris that can’t be done in Lagos or Abuja, he is sick and needs medical attention, the stress of the campaign and primary has affected him,” a source close to the former Lagos governor told SaharaReporters.

In 2021 alone, Tinubu spent over 80 days patronising hospitals in France, United States and the United Kingdom where he underwent surgeries amid the poorly equipped hospitals in Nigeria led by the APC government.

He was flown out of the country some days before Christmas in 2020 to Paris, France.

There were speculations that he tested positive for COVID-19 but his media aide later denied such reports.

The APC leader returned to Nigeria on January 24, 2021, after a month’s absence from Nigeria. 

He then went for a medical check-up on Thursday, June 10, 2021, to France and was conspicuously absent from the one-day working visit of President Muhammadu Buhari to Lagos State.
 
"Tinubu is in Paris, France for a medical checkup. His health is deteriorating due to old age," a top source had told SaharaReporters. 

Tinubu, amid death rumours, was forced to return to the country on Tuesday, June 15, 2021. 

SaharaReporters also reported that Tinubu was hospitalised in Maryland, the United States in July 2021 where he had knee surgery.

“Tinubu is hospitalised in Maryland, US. His health is failing. He couldn’t participate in launching his Arewa library, and he couldn’t participate in the Local Government Area elections last week. He could not attend today’s APC congress due to health reasons.

“He had a surgery last week,” an authoritative source had disclosed at the time. On August 9, 2021, Tinubu had another knee surgery at the John Hopkins University Hospital in Maryland, the United States. 

The APC chieftain, it was learnt, left the US for the United Kingdom on crutches, a few days after the surgery.

Sources close to Tinubu had told SaharaReporters that he wanted the surgery in Paris, France but changed his plan over rumours of his death.

“Tinubu had his second surgery at John Hopkins University in Maryland recently. He was accompanied by a popular Nigerian doctor in Chicago. He had wanted the surgery in Paris but when rumour was rife about his death, he hurriedly left for Nigeria and went to John Hopkins,” one of the sources had said.

"He left the US for the UK on crutches," another source had revealed.  
 
In 2021, the President paid a visit to Tinubu in London and the latter was seen with a walking stick during Buhari’s visit, confirming SaharaReporters’ story that he underwent a second surgery in the United States.
 
Tinubu currently toes the path of President Buhari, who himself has spent hundreds of days on medical leave in the United Kingdom since he assumed office in 2015.

Governor of Edo State, Godwin Obaseki, has raised the alarm about the impact of the ‘Obidient’ movement on the chances of the ruling All Progressives Congress and Peoples Democratic Party at the 2023 presidency elections.

The ‘Obidient’ movement refers to the supporters of the presidential candidate of Labour Party, Peter Obi.

In a video published by the AIT, which has now gone viral, Obaseki noted that youths in Nigeria no longer want APC and PDP.

“The future of our politics is changing. If you have been watching the level of disenchantment with the existing political parties.

“I’m sure in all our homes, we have people who call themselves ‘Obidients’. Ask them which party you belong to, they say ‘Obidient’ They don’t want us.

“They’re not talking about APC or PDP. They’re looking for alternatives.”

Also, the former National Chairman of the All Progressives Grand Alliance, Victor Umeh, has stated that the mass movement trailing the presidential aspiration of the Labour Party candidate, was giving APC and PDP “sleepless nights” and “serious scare”.

Speaking with journalists in Anambra, Umeh said, “The support of Nigerians for the former Governor of Anambra State and the Presidential candidate of the Labour Party, Mr Peter Obi, is giving sleepless nights and serious scare to members of the All Progressives Congress, the Peoples Democratic Party and other parties ahead of the 2023 elections.

“The APC, PDP and other political parties are afraid of Peter Obi because of his resolve to banish poverty and ability to manage resources.”

A man, like @officialABAT, with a drug linked case in the US will be vulnerable to blackmail if elected our President. He will be vulnerable to both governments and organised crime. Can he even pass a drug test? These are serious issues that Tinubu MUST respond to!

I challenge @officialABAT, if you were not involved in a heroin drug ring in the United States in 1991-1993, then take me to court. Nigeria cannot have a KNOWN DRUG LORD as her President. God forbid. I also challenge Tinubu to take a drug test with @NDLEA_Nigeria

No fewer than 16 kinsmen of Governor Samuel Ortom of Benue State were, Monday, reportedly murdered in a fresh attack by suspected armed herdsmen, who invaded Udei and Yelwata communities in Guma Local Government Area, LGA, of the state.

The latest attack is coming about 10 days after a similar attack claimed several lives in Igama village, Edumoga Ehaje, Okpokwu LGA and four days after a lawmaker and his sibling were also murdered and beheaded by the marauders in Orokam, Ogbadibo LGA of the state.

The victims of the Udai and Yelwata attack were said to be timber dealers, who were waylaid at about 7 pm in the bush by the assailants and murdered while carrying out their businesses.

Confirming the incident, Chairman of Guma LGA, Mr Caleb, said five of the corpses had already been recovered while the search for the remains of 11 others was ongoing.

According to the chairman, “those killed were timber dealers, who, Monday evening, went to the bush to collect the timber they had cut from the forest in Mbagwen.

“It was when they were coming out of the forest that they met the armed herdsmen who attacked and killed them. They were 16 in number. So far, five corpses have been recovered out of the 16 persons that were attacked.”

The chairman, who described the attack as unwarranted and unprovoked, said he had already reported the matter to the police.

Contacted, the Police Public Relations Officer, Catherine Anene, said she was yet to receive details of the incident.

Tinubu hasn’t become President and he is landing in the Presidential wing of the Murtala Muhammed International Airport, and closing Lagos traffic for 3 hours, while his thugs took over the state. What will now happen if, God forbid, he becomes President? Tufiakwa!

#TableShaker

Ahead of the 2023 general elections, some Nigerians have started a social media movement to reject the two leading political parties in the country, the All Progressives Congress, APC, and the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP.

This is not unconnected to the emergence of octogenarians as PDP and APC presidential candidates – Bola Tinubu and Atiku Abubakar.

Taking to their various social media handles, Nigerians are saying it’s time for the youths, competent, and healthy leaders to emerge in the country.

With the emergence of Tinubu and Atiku as presidential candidates of the two leading political parties, maverick songwriter and social activist, Charles Oputa popularly known as Charly Boy, vowed to relocate to Ghana if either of them became president in 2023.

He accused Tinubu and Atiku of lacking the integrity to rule Nigeria.

Tweeting while displaying photographs of both presidential candidates, Charly Boy wrote: “They can be as ATIKU~LATED as they want. But we trust INTEGRITY not words.

“NIGERIANS have been through Enough TRIBULATIONS, no more TINUBU~LATION.

“If any of these two wins, I go just leave una waka go Ghana, go beg dem for citizenship. Buhari will look like a saint.”

On her part, co-convener of BringBackOurGirls, BBOG, advocacy group, Aisha Yesufu, rejected Tinubu and Atiku’s option ahead of the 2023 presidential election.

Yesufu urged Nigerians to vote against them because they are not an option.

She commended Nigerians for their renewed drive to vote against APC and PDP in 2023.

“#TINUTIKU are not my options, and the more mistakes they make, the better for them not to be voted! The one that is an option is the one I will scrutinise the more so he doesn’t drop the ball!
You get it?

“#APCPDP decided to be unfortunate, and Nigerians are taking matters into their hands! I love it!,” She tweeted.

Recently, social media influencer and skit maker, Mr Macaroni asked Nigerians to get their Permanent Voters Card, PVCs, ahead of the 2023 election.

He had tweeted: “Everyday, we find ourselves dealing with one form of insecurity or the other.. Killings, kidnapping and attacks on Nigerians across different parts of the country.

“Our leaders have failed us!! We must be part of the movement to usher in a new dispensation!!! Get Your PVC!!!”

Despite the renewed social media drive, Deji Adeyanju, a socio-political commentator believes that online voting does not amount to actual physical votes.

Speaking with DAILY POST, Adeyanju said the PDP and the APC do not take the online clamour for votes seriously.

He explained that most of those clamouring for votes online do not have their Permanent Voters’ Cards, PVCs.

Adeyanju noted that contrary to the clamour online, both the PDP and the APC know that what is on ground is different from what is obtainable online.

According to Adeyanju: “I think APC and PDP are not taking the move seriously because they know that elections are not won on social media and the majority of those clamouring don’t have their PVCs; they know that elections are not won in the urban areas.

“If you look at the composition of electoral votes in the country or should I say electoral college, social media is not one of those places where elections take place in Nigeria. They know that this abdication and noise online have little or no impact on elections, it’s just for public perfection, and that is why you can see that both parties don’t care. There are no polling units on social media.”

The Abuja-based rights activist stressed that those clamouring for votes online do not participate in the actual voting.

He said: “If you look at it, people online don’t really vote because they are not patient enough to stay on the queue to go through the rigour of accreditations, they are not patient enough to go through the rigour of voting and staying behind to count the votes; so that is the challenge and why the majority of the political actors don’t see the online noise as anything.”

On his part, the former Acting National Chairman of APC, Hillard Eta, said the party has nothing to fear.

He told DAILY POST that most of those agitating online would vote for Tinubu in 2023, stressing that such is not a new thing.

“Let’s assure you that the APC has come to stay, and we will have an Asiwaju presidency. The agitation is not new, because it has always been with us.

“Go and check, the impact of social media on Nigeria’s political process is less than 10 percent. Go to the North that has the bulk of voters in this country and find out if they are on social media?

“So, there is nothing new and APC has nothing to fear. Half of those making noise will cast their votes for APC,” he said.

Babachir Lawal, former Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), says a Muslim-Muslim ticket for the 2023 Presidential election is dead on arrival.

The presidential candidates of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and other parties are currently searching for running mates.

On Thursday, the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) gave them a week to submit the names of their running mates.

When he featured on Politics Today, a Channels Television programme, Lawal said the consideration of a Muslim president and a Muslim vice president in the country in 2023 is dead on arrival.

He said it is out of place for anyone to consider such a thought considering the peculiarity of the nation’s political atmosphere which is divided along regional and religious lines.

“You can have the best ticket but if you don’t win the election, it’s a waste of time. So, we must bear in mind that the vice (presidential candidate) is going to contribute to winning that election.”

“Extending that consideration to the Muslim-Muslim ticket, I live among the Christians, and I know that among the Christians, the question of Muslim-Muslim ticket is a no-go area; it is dead on arrival.

“Buhari himself, even at that time, had to drop this present presidential candidate because of that tension of a Muslim-Muslim ticket, and we have not seen anything in the country that has changed significantly to allow that to happen. On the contrary, it has worsened.”

According to Lawal who is an ally of Asiwaju Bola Tinubu, APC Presidential candidate, a political party is in the business of winning elections, and to win elections, one must get the votes to beat the opponents.

He stressed the need for the party to make the necessary considerations before choosing its vice president ahead of the coming polls.

“The religious divide has increased, the tribal division has increased, the regional division has increased,” said the former SGF. “So, it will be a good thing if APC will settle for a Muslim-Christian ticket because we know the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), that is what they will do.”

Asked if he would like to be Tinubu’s running mate, he said, “God has not told me to aspire for that position. If you reach the level of Christianity that I am, you should be able to seek God’s opinion on everything that you do and get the indication.

“I will consider it. I have been in government before, and I have not seen any personal merit or advantage to me being in government. Since I left government, I have had a very good life and basically, a businessperson, and I have lived well. I am happy, my children are happy.”

The Southern Kaduna Peoples Union has stated that the Nigerian military aids terrorists in launching attacks on communities in the Southern part of Kaduna State.

Speaking with SaharaReporters on Thursday, Luka Binniyat said Southern Kaduna communities have come under terrorist attacks several times and on some occasions, the attackers were fully dressed in military uniforms and handled sophisticated weapons professionally.


Binniyat said, “We have always called on the military to investigate alleged complicity of its personnel because we are told that in some attacks, 'soldiers', people kitted in full military uniforms and handling weapons professionally, using military trucks but the military has never come out to refute this or own it.

“That is the arrogance with which they treat our issues. We've said it in many press statements that some rogue military men are involved in the attack on our people. In fact, we had at a time said the commandant of the Operation Safe Haven there should be removed because we don't have confidence in him but the military has not done anything to show that they're reading what we are writing."

His comment comes on the trail of attacks by terrorists and armed herdsmen on Ungwan Gamu, Dogon Noma, Ungwan Sarki and Maikori villages near Maro in the Kajuru local government area of Southern Kaduna.

At least 32 persons have been confirmed dead from the attacks, which began on Sunday, June 5, without military intervention, a statement by the Adara Development Association noted.

The association further claimed that while the bandits were on a killing spree in some areas, some of the villagers in Maikori prepared to repel the attacks when a helicopter appeared and started air strikes against the natives.

The report had attracted the outrage of Nigerians who noted that the military ought to answer questions with regard to the ownership and operation of the helicopter.

Meanwhile, Binniyat told SaharaReporters on Thursday that a similar incident occurred in February 2022 and up until now, the military had yet to do anything about it.

He said, “This is not the first time that helicopter shot someone. In February when a town called Kauru was attacked, a helicopter flew over Kafachan town and started shooting.

“A little boy was shot in the arm. The military has never done anything to resolve this. Where is the helicopter coming from? Who are the crew members? Who are those operating the helicopters? Are bandits now operating helicopters? Can helicopters fly over villages without the authorities knowing about it?”

While it had been reported that 32 dead bodies were recovered, Binniyat told SaharaReporters that another dead body was found on Thursday bringing the death toll to 33.

He said several persons were missing and they were suspected to have either been kidnapped or killed. He, however, said the kidnappers had yet to make contact with families.

He said, “Another dead body was recovered in the bush this morning. A lot of people are missing. We suspect that they might have been kidnapped or killed and their corpses are nowhere to be found. We suspect that a lot of people have been kidnapped, just that they haven't made contact yet.

”There has been no response from the military so far."

At least two people were killed by suspected herdsmen that attacked Kyungwa Tombo Ward, near the Ayilamo community in the Logo Local Government Area of Benue State on Monday.

According to Daily Post, the incident was confirmed by the Chairman of the local government area, Agber Terse, who identified the deceased as; Bem Uhembe and Mungwa Zuzu.

He said the deceased were returning from their farm around 5pm on Monday when they were attacked by herders, adding that their corpse had been deposited at Ayilamo mortuary.

He alleged that the deceased were all from Tse Ibor village, just as he alleged that the settlement was taken over by suspected herders.

The Chairman blamed militant herders for the killing of the duo occasioned by the consistent invasion of Tombo ward, a farming settlement, which had been under sustained attacks by gunmen suspected to be herders since 2016.

As of the time of filing this report, the Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), SP Catherine Anene, did not pick up her calls for comment.

Bandits have killed a newlywed groom and abducted his pregnant wife in Jere town, Kagarko Local Government Area of Kaduna State.

The bandits also abducted four members of the family of a former commissioner of Poverty Alleviation in Kaduna State, Abdulrahman Ibrahim Jere.

Daily Trust gathered that over 50 bandits arrived Jere, a community along the dreaded Abuja-Kaduna highway on motorcycles. They were said to have moved from house-to-house but residents said it appeared they had targeted the home of a former Commissioner, Abdulrahman Ibrahim Jere who was out of town at the time.

They, however, abducted his wife and a baby girl, his younger sister and his wife’s sister.

Hassan Adamu Jere, a resident of the community, said the bandits also attacked the home of a newly wedded couple and attempted to abduct the bride but the groom had resisted.

He said while dragging his bride with the bandits, they shot him dead.

He said there was tension in the community as youths expressed anger that despite the combined security presence of soldiers, divisional police office and area command, security agents failed to tackle the bandits who operated for over three hours.

“We made several calls to the various security agencies on ground and they all ignored us. This is the second major attack on our community in the last three months and we feel that the security agents stationed here are of no use to us,” Adamu Jere, an angry youth, said.

Ibrahim Salisu, another resident, said the community would lodge a formal protest against security agents in Jere, adding that their action portrays them as people who “are either colluding with the bandits or people who do not care about the security of the people.”

He said hours after the bandits had escaped, security agents made efforts to trail them and later informed the community that they had successfully killed two of the bandits.

Kaduna State Police Public Relations Officer, ASP Mohammed Jalige, did not respond to inquiries about the attack as at the time of filing this report.

Terrorists suspected to be members of Boko Haram/Islamic State of West Africa, ISAWP, have killed no fewer than 72 persons at Rann in Kala-Balge Local Government Area of Borno State and Jibia in Katsina State in the last 72 hours.

Among those killed in Borno on Sunday were over 60 farmers and scavengers, while 12 were killed at Gakurdi village in Jibia Local Government Area of Katsina State, yesterday.

The Borno killings came as local hunters ambushed a hideout of terrorists in Wanori village of Konduga Local Government Area, also of Borno State, killing two of the terrorists, while several others sustained various degrees of injuries.

The hunters also recovered 11 wheelbarrows used by the terrorists to loot foodstuffs owned by vilagers.

Kala Balge is a border town with Cameroon, with poor telecommunications network, which delayed  information on the latest massacre of farmers.

Sources said the insurgents, armed with sophisticated weapons, sneaked into the farms and started killing farmers one after the other.

“Over 50 people were buried in Rann on Monday. As at this morning (yesterday), more dead bodies had been found, the death toll is over 60 now,” said a farmer, Ali Isa, who escaped unhurt.

It would be recalled that Boko Haram had increasingly targeted farmers, herders and loggers, accusing them of spying and passing information to the military.

They have also been raiding herding communities, stealing cattle, a valuable commodity in the region, to fund their operations.

In 2020, the insurgents invaded a rice plantation in Zabarmari, a community in Jere Local Government Area, killing at least 43 farmers.

Victims had hands tied behind their back, shot in Borno— Source

Vanguard  also gathered that among those killed were scavengers who left their internally displaced persons, IDPs, camps to scavenge outside the camps.

A source told Vanguard  that most of the victims had their hands tied behind their backs and executed by the terroists.

When contacted for confirmation, the Police Commissioner, Abdu Umar, said he was yet to get details on the incident, even as he promised to furnish the media after getting in touch with the Divisional Police Officer, DPO of Kala Balge.

However, at press time, he was yet to do so.

But a member House of Representatives, representing Kala Balge, Bama and Ngala federal constituency, Zainab Gimba, confirmed the incident to BBC Hausa Service which was monitored by our correspondent in Maiduguri.

Hunters kill 2 terrorists, injure 20 others

In a related development, resilient hunters, led by their chairman, Mai Kyari, yesterday stormed Boko Haram hideouts in Wanori village of Konduga Local Government Area, killing two of the terrorists and injuring about 20 others, after recovering wheelbarrows used for looting foodstuffs and livestock.

It was gathered that the insurgents had been terrorizing the community for a long time, looting such fruits and crops as mangoes, cashew and cassava tubes.

It was learned that acting on intelligence, the leader of the hunters in Wanori, Mallam Kyari, notified the overall chairman of hunters in Borno, Mai Gana Mai Durma, who gave them the marching order to confront the terrorists.

Kyari said he mobilised his men to the hideouts of the terrorists and engaged them in a fierce battle, which led to the successes recorded against them.

Terrorists attack Gakurdi village, kill 12

Meanwhile, terrorists yesterday attacked Gakurdi village in Jibia Local Government Area of Katsina State, killing 12 residents in the process.

The hoodlums were also reported to have set farmlands belonging to members of the community ablaze during the attack.

According to a source, the gunmen, who stormed the community riding on four motorcycles, sent residents running helter-skelter when they began shooting sporadically.

After the havoc, Vanguard also gathered from a source that the terrorists further encroached into another community where they rustled several domestic animals before returning to their hideouts in the forest.

Confirming the report, police spokesman in the state, SP Gambo Isah, noted that some of the villagers were killed by the hoodlums while attempting to run into their farmlands for safety.

Consequently, the state Commissioner of Police, Idris Dabban, led a team of security operatives  to the scene to see things for himself.

Suspected Fulani herdsmen have reportedly butchered a farmer, Okeke Nkemjika in Amaeze Community in the Ivo local government area of Ebonyi State.

The incident, SaharaReporters learnt, occurred on Sunday.

The victim, who hails from Lolopa community in Abịa State but resides in the community, was reportedly attacked by the herdsmen at a palm plantation in the community where he was working as the plantation keeper.

A community leader, Egwu Chibueze, told SaharaReporters that the herdsmen had been terrorising the community for some time now.

He said that the herdsmen numbering about five had been spotted on Saturday night around a quarry located in the community.

"In the early hours of today, I got a call from the security officer at Yitter Quarry located at the former Setraco site at Umbro Ajanyim. He was complaining that he noticed the movement of five herdsmen with rifles and matchetes along the farm area as he came out in the night to go round the company,” he said.

Egwu said he mobilised the youths and the police to go in search of the herdsmen.

He said that as they were heading towards the factory they saw two boys coming back from farm with palm nuts on their heads who told them they just spotted the herdsmen entering the community.

According to him, when they moved towards the location but the herdsmen on sighting them fired gunshots in the air intermittently to scare the villagers away.

He said the herdsmen ran into Nkemjika at a palm plantation and attacked him with their matchetes.

When we got there, we saw that the herdsmen had attacked two men who came to carry palm nuts from the farm and they butchered one Okeke Nkemjika, the farm settlement keeper from Lokpa.
Egwu noted that the victim, who received deep matchete cuts on his back and arm was currently receiving treatment in the hospital.

Kano state Police Command has confirmed that last Tuesday’s explosion that rocked Kano was from Improvised Explosive Device, IED, and not gas cylinder as earlier claimed, even as two suspects have been arrested in connection with the incident.


This development followed an outcome of investigation by the Explosive Ordnance Disposal-Chemical, Biological, Radiological and Nuclear Defense, EOD-CBRN, and Operation Puff Ader.


Also, names of the victims who died in the explosion and whose bodies were recovered and names released by the Police were Ejike Vincent (welder), Michael Adejo (chemical seller), Musa Kalla (tea seller), Christiana Abosede and Mary.


Others were Austin Dada, Madam Owoleke, Omo Ben and Bose Oladapo.
Kano State Police Command, in a statement through its Public Relations Officer, PRO, Haruna Kiyawa, informed that “preliminary investigation revealed that among the nine victims of the explosion, one of them dealt in illicit storage of toxic chemicals and other hazardous materials.


He was later identified as Michael Adejo (now late). Items recovered at the scene include five bottles of different brands of Acidic Liquid, three bags of Potassium substance, one Jeri can of mixed chemicals, six and a half cartons of Snuff (Tobacco) and five drums of Polymer (Chemical).


“Technical Investigation conducted by the command’s Explosive Ordnance Disposal – Chemical, Biological, Radiological and Nuclear Defence, EOD-CBRN, revealed that the explosion is suspected to have occurred as a result of mixed Chemical / Gas reactions exposed to a source of heat, such as fire, spark or increase in pressure resulting in combustion/shock waves, creating an explosion which can have shattering effects.


“Meanwhile arrests have been made linking one of the collapsed shops with dealings in sales of illicit, toxic chemical substances and combustible materials suspected to be used for making Improvised Explosive Devices, IEDs,. Evidence of purchase was also recovered. An investigation is in progress” the police stated

In a similar development, another possible attack has been averted, as the police impounded a vehicle carrying IEDs in Kano.


“In another development, on Thursday, following an intelligence report that, a Mercedes Benz Motor Vehicle, Ash in color with suspected sophisticated IEDs was coming from Jigawa State to Kano State, the Commissioner of Police, Kano State Command, CP Sama’ila Shu’aibu Dikko, immediately raised a crack team comprising Explosive Ordnance Disposal – Chemical, Biological Radiological and Nuclear Defence (EOD-CBRN) and Operation Puff Adder.

At about 1630hrs of the same date, following a hot chase, the suspects abandoned the Motor Vehicle at Bubbugaje Quarters Kumbotso LGA Kano State. A technical search conducted by the team revealed that the motor vehicle was fully loaded with Improvise Explosive Device materials. Two (2) AK-47 Rifles, Four (4) AK-47 Magazines, One Thousand and Ninety-Eight (1,098) Live Ammunition, and Two (2) Pistol Magazines were also recovered. An investigation has commenced.


“The Commissioner of Police, Kano State Command, Sama’ila Dikko, thanked the Kano State Government, the people of the State, Sister Security Agencies, Traditional Rulers, Religious Leaders, Members of Police Community Relations Committee (PCRC), Civil Society Organizations (CSOs), Civil Liberty Organizations (CLOs) and Community Policing Stakeholders for their prayers, encouragement, continuous support and cooperation.

He urged residents to continue praying for the State, the Nation, be vigilant, and report any suspicious person(s), item(s), movement or incidences to the nearest Police Station, and not take laws into their hands. Round-the-clock visibility patrol and raids of criminal hideouts and black spots will continue throughout the State, as the command will sustain the ongoing “Operation Puff Adder” that has been yielding positive results.”

AFederal High Court sitting in Abuja has granted a leave to South-East groups that applied to be joined as parties to the suit filed by the Coalition of Northern Groups (CNG) seeking a referendum for an independent state of Biafra.

The trial judge, Justice Inyang Ekwo, granted the prayer on Friday as contained in the motion on notice filed by the interested parties to be joined in the suit.

The judge therefore joined the parties as 6, 7and 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14 15, 16, 17, 18, 19 and 20 defendants respectively.
The judge also gave the applicants 14 days to file and serve amended processes on the defendants.
He therefore adjourned the matter to October 20, 2022, for mention.
The Igbo groups’ lead counsel, Victor Onwaremadu, while addressing journalists said, “My prayer is that they should allow the citizens of this country to conduct referendum to determine whether they will continue in this country as on entity or whether they will go on their separate way. That is our main prayer in this suit.
“The Northerners are here, the Westerners are here and all the regions and my Lord accepted the application to join in the suit.”
Recall that a suit, marked FHC/ABJ/CS/538/2021, was filled in June last year by the plaintiffs and leaders of the Coalition of Northern Groups (CNG), including Nastura Ashir Shariff, Abdul-Azeez Suleiman, Balarabe Rufa’i and Aminu Adam.
They joined the Attorney-General of the Federation, Abubakar Malami; Senate President, Ahmad Lawan; the Speaker, House of Representatives, Femi Gbajabiamila and the National Assembly as defendants.

The Delta State Government has appealed to members of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) to adopt other ways of driving home their agitation.

Although it blamed the Nigerian Government for its poor handling of agitations in the country, it noted that the current sit-at-home approach was not only putting the lives of residents in danger but also negatively affecting the economy of the South-East and neighbouring states.

Hoodlums suspected to be linked to IPOB while enforcing the sit-at-home order allegedly killed one person, razed two trucks and one tricycle and riddled a Volkswagen car with bullets on Wednesday, in Ugbolu, near Asaba, Delta State.
 
Addressing journalists after the State Executive Council meeting in Asaba, Commissioner for Information, Charles Aniagwu, admitted that the Nigerian Government did not handle the issue relating to the leader of IPOB, Nnamdi Kanu, properly.
 
“It is true some of us believe the Federal Government should have been able to handle the issue of Nnamdi Kanu, our brother, much more mature in such a way that it will not lead to agitations.
 
“Nobody is happy about what is happening in the South East, and, so, we plead with our brothers who are asking people to stay at home to take a second look at it because it does appear we are inflicting more injury on our people.
 
“It is affecting our economy in the South East, I use the word ‘our’ because whatever that happens to our brothers in the South East also happens to us.
 
“So, we are pleading with our brothers to adopt another means of agitating without having to pose danger to the livelihood or any other person for that matter, while we hope that the Federal Government would possibly find reasons these things are happening,” he said.

THE Federal Government on Wednesday said it has no intention to ban Facebook over the alleged inciting statements by the Indigenous People of Biafra, IPOB.

The Minister of information and Culture, Alhaji Lai Mohammed stated this while fielding questions from State House correspondents at the end of the Federal Executive Council, FEC, meeting, presided over the President Muhammadu Buhari at the Council Chambers, Presidential Villa, Abuja.

Recall that Alhaji Mohammed, had at a meeting with a team from Facebook in Abuja on Tuesday, asked the social media platform to prevent IPOB, from using its platform to incite violence.

The Minister had said people had been killed because of the group’s activities.

But asked whether the Federal Government was contemplating to ban Facebook as it did to Twitter over the alleged inciting violence by IPOB, Alhaji Mohammed said, no plan yet as the government had a fruitful discussion with the social media platform.

According to him, “I had a very fruitful meeting with Facebook yesterday (Tuesday). At that meeting, we expressed our displeasure that Facebook was becoming a power of choice for those who stay outside Nigeria, in particular, to incite violence, killings, burning of government properties, killing of soldiers and policemen.

And that they should do more than what they are doing now in looking at the contents, which are unwholesome, which are being used on their platforms.

“Incidentally, the BBC did a documentary on this particular issue and found out that some of them who call themselves social media warriors in England, in France and other places, have in recent times, be using the Facebook platform to incite violence in Nigeria. And we’ve all seen the real life impact of those war mongering, the young couple who are going to marry, soldiers who were gruesomely murdered.

“Over this weekend in Anambra state police men were killed, military barracks were attacked. And we we did warn Facebook to please do more than what they are doing now. And I must say that their response was quite encouraging. They said you’re going to do much more.”

Asked whether there is any plan to ban Facebook if the inciting violence continues, he said, “I think I gave you an answer. We had a very robust discussion with Facebook. Facebook saw our point and they said they’re going to do much more than what they are doing. So if they do that, why would we ban them?

“We don’t ban for banning sake. We ban or we only suspend operations if for any reason, lives are threatened and they do not listen. But this is of engagement.”

Justice Binta Nyako of the Federal High Court, Abuja, on Wednesday struck out a six-count amended charge brought against the leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra, IPOB, Nnamdi Kanu.

The judge threw away the fresh charges following its withdrawal by counsel to the Federal Government, Adamu Kaatu.

Citing the need for the government to open the trial of Kanu after years of delay, Kaatu opted to withdraw the new charges when it was discovered the trial cannot be opened when an amended charge is pending.

Apparently desperate that witnesses be called to give evidence against Kanu, the government lawyer hurriedly applied for the withdrawal which was not opposed by Mike Ozekhome (SAN) standing for the defendant.

Justice Nyako, in a brief ruling, struck out the amended charge to pave way for the Federal Government to open its case against Kanu.

DAILY POST recalls that the Federal Government had amended charges against Kanu six times since the arraignment in 2015

Suspended Deputy Commissioner of Police (DCP) Abba Kyari says he is not safe being in detention with members of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) and Eastern Security Network (ESN), who he described as criminals.
 
Kyari disclosed this through his lawyer, Nureini Jimoh, while asking the Federal High Court in Abuja to review his bail application initially rejected.
 
According to the documents which contained details of the suspended police officer’s argument, his life is at risk for sharing the same correctional facility with criminals that he put in jail, including IPOB/ESN members and terrorists.
 
“At the centre, the applicants who were head and deputy head of the Intelligence Response Team of the Nigeria Police Force met stiff resistance, attack and open threats to the lives of the applicants by series head (sic) of criminal gang that they had busted.
 
“There is no correctional centre that the criminals that have been arrested by the IRT under the headship of the applicant in furtherance of their constitutional and statutory duties as police officers cannot be found and there is a high likelihood of threat to the lives of the applicants.”
 
This is not the first time Kyari would be attacking IPOB over his travails.
 
He had while appearing before a probe panel led by Joseph Egbunike, the late Deputy Inspector-General of Police (DIG), claimed the group and its security wing, ESN, were after him due to the onslaught launched against them in the South-East.
 
The Abuja court had in March ordered that Kyari be remanded at Kuje correctional centre pending the conclusion of his trial.
 
He was arrested by the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) on February 12 and was arraigned on March 7 over allegations of drug trafficking.

The Coalition of Northern Groups (CNG) on Tuesday said the North would prefer someone from South-South to emerge as President in 2023, noting that it is a “more friendly space for the North”.
 
The group said if power must shift to the South, the North would be more comfortable with the South-South, Vanguard reports.

The spokesperson for the northern coalition, Suleiman Abdul-Azeez, said although the defection of former President Goodluck Jonathan had not been confirmed, “I think, all the same, it is said that you never see smoke without fire.”
 
CNG, however, said it would be difficult for the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) to convince the voters in the North to accept Jonathan after they had called him all sorts of names in 2014.
Abdul-Azeez noted that there was the concern that Jonathan might return office as President with a grudge against the North and might not be as fair as he could be.
 
He said, “If it does happen eventually, it could be the saving grace. The reality is that the APC may lack the moral correctness to retain power in the North beyond these first eight years of Buhari.
 
 “And if power must shift to the South, the North would be more comfortable with the South-South. It is a more friendly space for the North.
 
“Jonathan is by far the most qualified from the South-South among all those that have indicated interest. The problem would be the burden the APC would have to carry having so severely decampaigned Jonathan just less than eight years ago.
 
“Unless they first apologize to him and to Nigerians generally and admit they judged his administration against the standards of fair judgment, they would only end up embarrassing themselves in the marketplace.
 
“Besides it would be really difficult for APC to be able to convince the Northern voter to accept Jonathan after they have bloodied him in 2014. And there is the concern that he may return with a grudge against the North and may not be as fair as would be expected.
 
“But taking away all unhealthy possibilities, Jonathan could provide a soothing relief to these current regional tensions being stocked by separatist forces.”

Deji Adeyanju, an Abuja-based activist, has described Goodluck Jonathan’s presence in the All Progressives Congress, APC, as a welcome development.

Adeyanju feels that Jonathan is the only aspirant that can challenge the likes of the national leader of the APC, Alhaji Bola Tinubu for the party’s ticket.

Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders’ Association of Nigeria on Monday purchased the APC presidential nomination and expression of interest forms for the former Nigerian leader.

The former President has, however, said he was not aware and did not authorize the purchase of the forms.

But Adeyanju believes it was a right call by the former Nigerian leader, adding that Tinubu will not be comfortable by the development.

“Former President Goodluck Jonathan has joined the ruling APC. This is a welcome development because GEJ is one of those who can effectively challenge the god of Lagos.

“Tinubu and those pushing the Yoruba presidency will be so angry right now, but on Igbo presidency I stand,” Adeyanju wrote.

President Muhammadu Buhari has warned military authorities not to let off their guards in the fight against banditry as he reacts to the murder of many villagers by bandits over the weekend. 

He said the days when the bandits had a free hand to do as they wished must not be allowed to return. 

The president gave the charge in a statement issued yesterday by his spokesman, Garba Shehu, following bandits’ attacks on Sabon Garin Damri and Kalahe villages in Bakura Local Government Area of Zamfara State between Friday and Saturday where between 40 and 56 people were killed.

Residents said the gunmen arrived at Sabon Garin Damri on Friday on dozens of motorcycles, firing at people. They also attacked a hospital in the community and razed it down. 

“In Sabon Garin Damri, they killed at least 26. Thereafter, the armed men moved to Kalahe village and killed more than 10 persons there. In between these two communities, at least 40 bodies were recovered,” a resident identified as Aminu Yusuf, told Daily Trust. 

Our correspondent gathered that at least 43 persons killed in the attacks had been buried. 

Two weeks ago, more than 10 of the bandits were killed by troops following a gunfight. 


The troops repelled an attack on the Bakura community and were able to seize large herds of cattle rustled by the armed men. 

It is unclear if the weekend attack was in retaliation for the killing of the 10 criminals.

The spokesman for the state Police Command, SP Muhammad Shehu, could not be reached for comment at the time of filing this report. 

Both the police and the Zamfara State government were yet to issue any public statement on the killings as of the time of compiling this report. 

Both the police and the Zamfara State government were yet to issue any public statement on the killings as of the time of compiling this report. 

Buhari, in the statement, lauded the military for the incessant onslaughts and for not showing any let up as they continued to achieve positive outcomes in the North West and particularly Zamfara State, which had been a hotbed of criminal activity.

He said there appeared to be a relative calm in the state, with situations returning to normal in most parts and the rural communities ready to live their lives normally again. 

However, the president said that there had been several breaches, especially in view of the bandits’ attack on Damri, Sabongarin Damri and Kalahe villages and lately, Maradun, where a number of casualties were recorded. 

“We mustn’t allow the return of days when the bandits had a free hand to do as they wished. The rural folk in Zamfara and elsewhere must be allowed to have peace. 

“Therefore, the momentum that has been developed must be sustained in order to bring closure to the activities of these murderers,” the president directed. 


Buhari, who expressed condolences to the families of the victims as well as the government and people of the state, said the combined efforts of the federal and state governments must do all that could be done to bring an immediate end to the horrific killings.