₦airaland Forum

A concerned indigene of Kebbi State, Mallam Umar Ahmed has berated a Kebbi based non governmental organization (NGO), MALLPAI Foundation over claims of empowering less-privileged children in the state through enrollment in schools.

Ahmed in an interview said for the past 10 years, activities of the Foundation has not quite been commensurate with the achievements it has claimed, adding that some of the operations of the organisation are not innovative.

Ahmed revealed that, funds are being targeted towards a wide and unending scope of unsustainable and imprecise projects. He regretted that there was no figures to back the impact the NGO claim to have achieved.

"This means little or nothing is done with quality of funds being collected from our state to carry out humanitarian and development projects"

"10 years of Almajiri deception, and I have heard several stories of how they claim to help people, but turn out to be untrue with outdated content on media platforms and poorly built website showing pure lack of focus and inconsistency.

"And now, to see the 10th year anniversary of a Kebbi-based Foundation celebrated at the Transcorp Hilton in Abuja is terrible. Seeing the line up of invited guest list, from PMB to VP and SGF to a shabbily packaged event?

Ahmed said funds received should improve the condition and livelihood of the benefactors that they have identified, not being massively spent on a massive celebration with high dignitaries in attendance.

"I went abroad to school and I am back to my native home - Kebbi State. I have a passion to drive out poverty and enhance the standard of living. Ending poverty is possible, but it will take the role of every one of us. With the power of many voices speaking together, we can call on legislators to change the laws and practices that keep people in poverty in Nigeria"

"I have been unhappy with how things are being done in terms of development work in the state. What irks me most at this moment of my return is to see what is currently being made of the 10th anniversary of #MallpaiFoundation which is supposed to be focused on giving life a meaning through training people in their locality on how to produce, package, sell and export their goods."

Suspension of NBET DG Illegal – Presidency source

The reported suspension of the Managing Director of Nigeria Bulk Electricity Trading PLC (NBET) by the Minister of Power,  Saleh Mamman, on Tuesday 24th December 2019, has been described by a source in the Presidency, as illegal and abuse of power.

According to the source who preferred anonymity, said the minister has no right to sack or suspend any head of a parastatal either under him or elsewhere as he did not appoint such head of the agency. He explained that it was only President Muhammadu Buhari that has such power to suspend or even sack any head of federal parastatal.

In the case of NBET boss, the source further explained that the presidency is aware of what is happening in the parastatal and would make its position known soon.

“The terse statement from the minister on Wednesday, purporting the suspension of the NBET MD, is tantamount to bringing chaos to the power sector. Also,  you should know that from the very day that a  retreat was held for these ministers before they assumed  duties, the Secretary to the Government of Federation (SGF) made it known to them that they (ministers)  don’t have right to remove any head of agency under them, as they are not the appointees of the minsters.”

He urged the general public to disregard such moves by the minister of power, adding that at the appropriate time, the presidency will react to what is happening in NBET.

The United Nations Security Council has been alerted to the United States of America's (USA) alleged role in escalating and encouraging the spread of conflict and crisis across the globe.


This notice was sent to the UN by the International Centre for Global Crisis and Conflict Management (ICGCCM) in a detailed report highlighting factors fuelling global conflicts around the world.


In the document carefully signed by Andrew Young and Chris Ratzinger, ICGCCM’s chairman and co-chairman, the group said it came to this conclusion after extensive research on the trends and some of the factors that shape/influence global conflict.


According to the international centre, this research work took an estimated seven months and three weeks to undertake and complete.


Among others, the group recommended that the US should be placed on the watchlist for negligence and aggravation of global conflicts through despicable actions and inactions.


It further revealed that the US' ban on arms procurement to counter-terrorism has led to more deaths as many countries are unable to fight terror.


The Centre added that the US has been identified to be covertly supporting extremists and terrorists through unsubstantiated allegations on home countries involved in the war against terrorism.


The International Centre for Global Crisis and Conflict Management, therefore, called on the United Nations Security Council to initiate sanctions on the United States in a bid to ensure that there is justice for all concerned.




Read full report below:


Introduction


The world has become less peaceful over the last ten years, mostly due to conflicts in the Middle East and Africa. An international index paints a dark picture, although with some brighter spots. Europe was the most peaceful region in the world in 2017, while the Middle East and North Africa were the least peaceful, the Institute for Economics and Peace (IEP), said in its 12th annual report. 2019 was a year of global unrest, spurred by anger at rising inequality – and 2020 is likely to be worse if urgent steps are not taken.


There is an ongoing deterioration in global peace. The conflicts in the Middle East and North Africa and the spillover effects into other areas have been the main drivers in the decline of universal peace. In a word, the world is in a mess, made more threatening by the retreat of the Trump administration from America’s traditional role as a stabilizing force.


Consequently, the International Centre for Global Crisis and Conflict Management, a think tank of crisis managers and conflict resolution experts based in Geneva-Switzerland, undertook extensive research on the trends and some of the factors that shape/influence global conflict.


This research work is a partial fulfillment of our 2019 strategic goal, which is to identify how conflicts can be mitigated around the world.


Research Findings


It must be stated that quite substantial efforts were put into making this research work worth the while. Documents were studied, conflict zones were visited, interviews were conducted, on the spot assessment tours were carried out, victims of the conflict were identified, as well as the military strategies of some select countries were examined.


The research work took an estimated seven months and three weeks to undertake, with particular emphasis on primary sources of data. The highlight of the research work was the identification of the critical factors responsible for rising global tension, which would be highlighted and discussed below.


The Factors necessitating Global Unrest


Negligence: was identified as one of the significant causes of tension and conflict around the world. This, it was also identified to have been primarily motivated by the United States of America whose military, in some instances, has been negligent in the discharge of their responsibilities.


In some instances, there were established cases of deliberate instigation of conflict in some regions/countries by agents of the United States of America in an attempt to ensure that their whims and caprices are carried out, or for the United States to control or access economic resources in such locations.


In the several locations and interviews conducted, there was always finger-pointing in the direction of the United States of America for inexplicable reasons, and that largely explains where in some cases where they have an interest, the United States is quick to assert authority. In places where they do not have an interest, they feign ignorance.


The sale of arms and ammunition: to countries in war is always at the behest of the United States of America. This factor has led to a wanton loss of lives around the world. The United States sanctions the sale of arms to some countries, where its interest is adequately protected. This tread was also identified as responsible for the proliferation of small and light weapons in most African countries.


Religion, Governance, and Politics: These issues and their allied topics of human rights, justice, have historically caused many of the world’s most significant conflicts, and continue to do so as often these issues are the most fundamental in the structure of a society.


If anything, the United States of America is a disruptor in its abandonment of international agreements. These include the Paris Agreement on climate change and the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership, previously the Trans-Pacific Partnership, aimed at liberalizing the Asia-Pacific trade. The US has also withdrawn from the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA) that froze Iran’s nuclear ambitions.


US’s defenestration of the JCPOA and its re-imposition of tough sanctions on Iran has further destabilized the world’s most volatile region. This is not helped by the administration in Washington that has yielded ground to authoritarian dictatorships at a time of global unrest in which stable Western leadership has hardly been more necessary.


Recommendations


In the light of the above revelations, it is expedient on the United Nations Security Council to impose some sanctions on the United States of America for aiding and encouraging the spread of conflict and crisis across the globe.


The United States of America should, as a matter of urgency, be placed in the watch list for negligence and aggravation of global conflicts through despicable actions and inactions.


There must be sanctions for the inglorious role of the United States of America in the covert sponsorship of violence and for making more people die, especially in instigating crises globally through the use of NGOs in espionage activities and compromising national security in most cases.


The ban by the United States of America on arms procurement to counter-terrorism leads to more deaths. Many countries are unable to fight terror because of such a ban and embargoes that are often not justifiable. They must be held accountable for the deaths that have occurred as a result of this.


The United States of America has been identified to be covertly supporting extremists and terrorists through unsubstantiated allegations on home countries involved in the war against terrorism.


The United States of America must be warned to deviate from actions that would embolden the criminals; they should stop funding NGOs, media organizations, and narratives that promote terror, extremism in foreign lands.


Conclusion


The International Centre for Global Crisis and Conflict Management concludes that the United States of America is indeed fueling conflicts in the regions of the world in his quest to dominate the socio-political landscape. In achieving this, nocturnal and covert activities are initiated and sponsored with the sole objective of causing unrest anywhere it deems to have an interest.


The United States sponsorship of humanitarian organizations in war-torn countries is also the avenue with which the spread of terrorism is sustained.


The consequences of such actions are that the world might erupt in flames in the nearest future if the relevant bodies do not begin the process of checkmating the unbearable attitude of the United States of America on the rest of the world.


The United Nations Security Council must initiate sanctions on the United States of America in a bid to ensure that there is justice for all concerned. The United Nations Security Council must set in motion a strategy that would ensure that the United States of America does not infringe upon the sovereignty of other countries under whatever guise.

Senator Ndume Reveals Why President Buhari Can’t Appoint New Service Chiefs Now

The Chairman of the Senate Committee on Army, Senator Ali Ndume, has given reasons why President Muhammadu Buhari cannot afford to change or appoint new service chiefs for now.

Ndume said Buhari could not afford to change the military leadership because Nigeria was in a complete state of war.

The Chief of the Defence Staff, Gen. Gabriel Olonisakin; Chief of Army Staff, Lt. Gen. Tukur Buratai; Chief of Air Staff, Air Marshal Sadique Abubakar; and Chief of Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ekwe Ibas.

He further said the president could not but retain the service chiefs because Nigeria is in a state of war, not only in the North-east, but all over the country with serious military deployments to quell crisis and maintain peace

He said: “We are in war. Definitely, we are in war. We are fighting the insurgents in the North-east and in the North-west.

The military is so much involved and are being deployed in so many zones of the federation. The security situation is such that that the military is involved almost in all parts of the country. So, we are in war.

“The military is so involved in so many security challenges. In fact, in almost the 36 states, in fact, this is a pointer that we are at war.

“Coincidentally, the president is a retired army general and he knows this war situation better than most Nigerians; and he knows when to change his army commanders and when not to do that. As a commander-in-chief, he understands this war situation better than we the civilians.

“I’m sure he is doing the right thing as the commander-in-chief and when he finds it necessary, he will effect changes.”

He stated that he didn’t think that changing the service chiefs would solve the insecurity in the country.

“I don’t think that changing the service chiefs will be the solution to the insecurity in the country. I don’t think that this war is not won because the service chiefs are still there and have not been changed.”

Maina: Of Administrative Issues And The Rest Of Us

By Temidayo Olusegun

The return of the controversial ex-head of the Presidential Task Force on Pension Reforms, Mr Abdulrasheed Abdullahi Maina into the country did ignited a firestorm of revelations which raised more questions than answers and also called to question the actions and or inactions of some prominent members of President Muhammadu Buhari’s administration.

At various levels, key actors in what was for all intents and purposes, a national embarrassment sought to advance their roles in both Maina’s return to the country, his posting and subsequent promotion. The revelations which, arguably has consumed the Head Of Service, Mrs Winifred Oyo-Ita, but continues to raise eye-brows within the polity.

President Muhammadu Buhari had asked for a report on the issue to be submitted to him by Mrs Oyo-Ita on the circumstances surrounding Maina’s re absorption and promotion to the post of a Director in the civil service.

However, in the grand ploy to ensure that there were several other people to share in the huge embarrassment that they had caused the nation, more persons were sought to take responsibility for what they had absolutely no inkling about. For instance, the Ministry of interior was a good place to also link to the ‘crime’ and several positions were canvassed just as it was done in the case of Mrs Oyo-Ita.

Incontrovertible sources from the ministry had disclosed that then Minister of Interior, Abdulrahman Dambazau, had asked the wanted former chairman of Pension Reform Task Team, Abdulrasheed Maina, to report to the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).

The source added that The Ministry of Interior sent a letter to the EFCC informing the commission that it had mandated Maina to make himself available for questioning at the EFCC headquarters in Abuja.

This goes to show that the Minister had no tolerance for persons or issues that bordered on alleged corruption and violation of administrative best practices.

For the records, the then Minister of interior, Gen. Abdulrahman Dambazau or any Minister for that matter, does not Chair the Senior Staff Committee of the Ministry. It is the sole responsibility of the Permanent Secretary to superintend over the committee as the Chairman and therefore, the decisions of such a Committee are sent to the Head of Service, and not Minister.

Secondly, the discipline, promotion and appointments of civil servants lies with the Civil Service Commission hence, no civil servant is posted to any Ministry with the prior knowledge of the Minister. One then wonders how Gen. Dambazau could have been complacent in this case?

Furthermore, the then Permanent Secretary (as the engine room of the ministry) claimed sole responsibility before the Senate for the processes leading up to the time Maina reported in the ministry. This fact is in the public domain already and this is at one level.

It is important to further stress here that all civil servants in any Ministry report to the Permanent Secretary, not the Minister. Even where specific assignments are given to them, it is routed through that office. So there is no direct relationship between a Minister and the civil servants in the Ministry. The Permanent Secretary is the accounting officer and head of the civil servants in any Ministry, while the Minister serves only as a political head. The roles are therefore clear in the constitution.

At another level, the Attorney General and Minister of Justice had also narrated all the process that took place for Maina to return. Coincidentally, the former Minister of Interior, Gen. Dambazau was not even in the country when Maina returned, and he (Maina) was in the Ministry of Interior before his disappearance out of the country, an incident that happened during former President Jonathan's government. This is probably the reason why he was sent back to the Ministry by the Head of Service and Federal Civil Service Commission. It could have been any ministry!
As Minister of Interior, the Minister chairs the Civil Defence, Immigration, Prisons and Fire Service Board only. The Board has responsibility for the discipline, promotion and appointment of personnel in Civil Defence, Immigration, Prisons and Fire Service only.

In the final analysis, there are persons who have betrayed the system, they live amongst us; we must know who they are and what they have done and still can do. This is the only way we can put this issue behind us and avoid future reoccurrence.

Temidayo Olusegun wrote in from Akure

Gov Okowa Urges Graduates To Go Into Entrepreneurship

Delta Governor, Senator (Dr) Ifeanyi Okowa, on Saturday challenged graduates of tertiary institutions in the country to pursue entrepreneurship rather than not rely solely in pursuit of white collar job.

The governor gave the charge at the 2nd Combined Convocation of Delta State Polytechnic, Ogwashi Uku.

He observed that though the society and education prepared people for white or blue collar jobs, with the exploding population, digital economy and an opportuned society driven by change.

He pointed out that entrepreneurship was the key to unlocking the doors of prosperity and personal fulfillment.

According  to Okowa, the reality of today’s turbulent economy is that even the best graduates are likely to be without a job for relatively long periods of time after graduation; the solution to this problem lies in job creation through entrepreneurship.

``This is why, as a government, we have made entrepreneurship training the pivot of our educational policy and job creation programmes.

“In this new world characterised by dazzling speed and rapid change, graduates who excel are those whose best skill is thinking outside the box; be prepared to learn new things and acquire new skills.

``As I always say, graduation does not mean the end of learning; it just means you are now responsible for your own learning; so, invest time, energy and resources to acquire skills that will put you on the path of profitable entrepreneurship.

“Avail yourself of the wealth of online education available free of charge; in an economy on a growth curve, opportunities abound for new ideas and businesses.

``Pay attention to the needs of the society and find creative means to address those needs; money gravitates towards those who solve problems for others,” he said.

The governor congratulated the graduands and management of the institution, and recalled that ``on assumption of office in 2015, I announced that I would only attend the convocation of any university or polytechnic if the certificates and transcripts of the graduates were ready for immediate collection.

``It gives me great pleasure that the certificates and transcripts of graduates from the 2013/2014 through to the 2018/2019 academic sessions are ready.for distribution after this ceremony.

He announced the grant of N50 million for the development of entrepreneurship units of the institution.

Okowa also announced the appointment of one of the graduands, Francis Osedume, as a Special Assistant to him, for the leadership role he played as one of the leaders of the students of the  institution.

Earlier, Chairman of the Governing Council of the school, Dr Festus Okubor, had listed its achievements and thanked the governor for his administration's support for the growth of education in the state.

In her speech, Rector of the Polytechnic, Prof. Stella Chiemeke, said that 9, 359 Ordinary National Diplomas and 11, 574 Higher National Diplomas were conferred on graduands.

She added that 241 distinctions were recorded in the results, of which 96 were in OND and 145 in HND.

Of ICPC And Unlawful Interference In Civil Matters

By Chukwudi Obi

The Independent Corrupt Practices and other related offences Commission (ICPC) has received heavy knocks from the FCT High Court for unlawfully interfering in what the court adjudged a civil matter arising from simple commercial transaction, which it tried without success to criminalize.

The court presided by Honourable Justice V.V.M. Venda in the strongest of terms lampooned the commission for delving into a matter that does not only fall outside the scope of the ACT establishing it but also smirks of a corrupt interference in what could pass simply as a normal commercial transaction and without criminal undertones. This is the meat of the judgment delivered in Nature Assets Limited v. Aso Savings and Loans Plc on June 27, 2019.

While in the employ of Aso Savings & Loans Plc, Ms. Maimuna Aliyu was assigned the property known as house No. A6 Plot 3111 Cadastral Zonee FFO4, Mpape, FCT, Abuja as performance bonus, in recognition of her exceptional performance on her job role in the financial institution. Upon retirement, she registered the property in the name of her company Nature Assets Limited. Several years after, following Ms. Aliyu’s anti-corruption posture which led to her stepping on “some big toes” in her former employers’ board, attempts were made to dispossess her of the property hitherto given to her as performance bonus. This led to the suit before Hon. Justice VVM Venda.

During the pendency of the suit, the Defendants – Aso Savings and Loans Plc, approached ICPC and got the commission to assist her with forfeiture order against Nature Assets. It should be noted that the facts to be relied upon and evidence are the same as what the Defendants hoped to use in securing their “black market forfeiture order.” ICPC failed to avoid being dragged into this clear abuse of court processes, as it was a ready tool to helping the Defendant in the earlier matter – ASO SAVINGS to achieve her aim.

The ICPC in doing the bidding of her hirers instituted another case in the guise of the Federal Republic of Nigeria against Maimuna Aliyu at FCT High Court, Kwali. The said suit was on the same facts, circumstances and narrations as that pending in before Justice V. V. M. Venda. ICPC sought for and obtained an Interim forfeiture order of the court on the same property, which is subject of litigation before Hon. Justice V. V. M. Venda.

When Ms. Aliyu discovered the corrupt act of the ICPC, she instructed her lawyers to write a petition to the Chief Justice of the FCT High Court. The Order was later set aside.

Reprieve; however came the way of Ms. Aliyu when on June 27, 2019 Hon. Justice V. V. M. Venda gave her judgment on the suit before her.
In the said judgment, the judge held that the allegation of fraud and criminal breach of trust against Ms. Aliyu was not proved. In the words of the Hon. Judge:

“Is a far cry of an attempt to prove a criminal allegation. These allegations of fraud and criminal breach of trust are therefore not proved.”
The Honourable Court further held:

“The Defendant is hereby restrained from forcefully evicting or otherwise dispossessing the Plaintiff of the subject property.”

It is curious to note that Ms. Aliyu has never known rest since her nomination in 2017, into the Board of the ICPC. Notwithstanding that her nomination and that of another were later stood down, no thanks to her detractors, it is such an irony that same commission on whose board she was to serve has become a ready ally of her traducers.

As the ICPC shops for courts to decimate Ms. Aliyu, the God of justice surely has stood in her defence. Recently, the ICPC suffered an embarrassing defeat in a criminal suit she instituted against Maimuna Aliyu before the FCT High Court presided over by Hon. Justice Mamman Nasir.

Nigeria has so many genuine cases of persons who have looted this country dry while occupying elective offices, yet the ICPC has not gone their way in discharge of their constitutional role. It is therefore very worrisome that for three years running, all the commission elects to do is connive with Aso Savings and Loans Plc to seek for means of exhilarating and decimating a law abiding Nigerian Citizen whose only fault is challenging financial impropriety and governance issues in her place of last paid employment.

I have always wondered if the Nigerian people have sat down to ask why Maimuna Aliyu was earlier nominated to serve in the ICPC Board. Why are some persons uncomfortable with her nomination? If Maimuna is corrupt, is it not expected that the corrupt elite would want her in that board to be their eye? These and more need answers.

Let’s hope that ICPC would rebrand and turn a new leaf while ensuring it does not embarrass itself and the government any further.


CHUKWUDI OBI, Writes from Abuja.

Anti Party Activities: Former Presidential Aide Accused Of Working For PDP

Former Aide of President Muhammadu Buhari, AbdulRahman Sulaiman Kawu Sumaila has been accused of subterraneanly trying to work for the opposition Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in the contention for the Sumaila/Takai Federal Constituency seat for Kano State, it has been learnt.

It could be recalled that Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) had in May, 2019 withdrew the certificate of return issued to AbdulRahman Sulaiman Kawu and issued same to Muhammed Shamsudeen Dambazau as the House of Representatives Member-elect for Sumaila/Takai Federal Constituency in Kano State on the platform of the APC.

Dambazau had earlier sued the INEC and Kawu Sumaila challenging the recognition of Sumaila as the candidate of the APC at the election. He had contended among other things that Kawu Sumaila did not participate in the House of Representatives Primary election of the APC and he was the validly nominated flagbearer of the APC.

On April 18, 2019, the Federal High Court in Kano disqualified Kawu Sumaila as the duly nominated candidate of the APC for the House of Representatives election at the last general election of February 23, 2019; hence not the validly returned winner of the election. This judgment was further affirmed by the Court of Appeal Kaduna Division and the Supreme Court.

However in a twist of event, Kawu Sumaila has been reportedly hobnobbing with the PDP in an election petition tribunal court process wherein he had been erroneously sued by the PDP. According to the judgment made available to our correspondent, Kawu’s Lawyer had consented that the judgment been given in favour of the PDP candidate in the petition notwithstanding that the PDP candidate did not have valid court documents nor seek the prayer eventually given in his favour.

It should be noted that in election matters, the tribunal is not allowed and precluded from granting prayers not expressly sought by any petitioner nor prayers not recognized by the Electoral Act.

Similarly, Kawu Sumaila also vehemently opposed the application of the current occupant of the Takai/Sumaila Federal Constituency, Mr. Muhammed Shamsudeen Dambazau who had filed an application seeking permission to be allowed to appeal the judgment of the National and State Houses of Assembly Election Tribunal which had directed the withdrawal of Certificate of Return issued to him/the current occupier and re-issued to the PDP candidate, Surajo Kanawa Kanawa.

In the court processes filed by lawyer to Kawu Sumaila, M.A Kofa Esq, Kawu Sumaila had alleged rather strangely that Dambazau should not be granted permission to appeal the judgment of Election Tribunal which had ruled that the certificate of return be withdrawn from Hon. Dambazau as he did not take part in the substantive election. This is notwithstanding that the courts have affirmed the candidacy and return of Hon. Dambazau.

In the said court paper sighted, Kawu Sumaila directly prayed the court to deprive the party of its seat by making specious claim which run counter to the pronouncement of the Federal High court, Court of Appeal and Supreme Court which recognized the candidacy of Dambazau. Infact, Kawu Sumaila was very active in justifying this which does not only run counter to the law on the point but on the overall interest of the party. His lawyers’ arguments reinforced and aligned with those of the PDP which suggest they were working hand in hand.

In a well considered ruling on the application, the Court of Appeal on the 11th September, 2019, in a unanimous decision dismissed the contentions of the PDP and Kawu Sumaila and granted Dambazau’s application thus allowing him to appeal the decision of the Elections Tribunal which had earlier directed the issuance of the certificate of return to the PDP candidate, Surajo Idris Kanawa.

If the antics of Kawu Sumaila is not stymied or nipped in the bud, the party and its candidate, i.e. Muhammed Shamsideen Bello Dambazau risk losing the highly coveted seat of the Takai/Sumaila Federal Constituency to Surajo Idris Kanawa of the PDP should the case go the other way.

The APC and Dambazau team of lawyers has so far taken all the necessary legal steps to foil this judicial travesty and to ensure the mandate freely given to the party and Dambazau is not deprived of them through the backdoor with the anti-party activities of Kawu Sumaila and his cahoots.

Jauro, Making History At NESREA

By Joseph Daniel

From the earliest days, man has always had to take good care of his environment so as to be able get the best out of it. As a matter of fact, recent history shows how we have had to pay very dearly for failing to deal fairly and responsibly with our environments. Even today, the care of our physical environment remains a continuous exercise that is sacrosanct – one which continues to require our brightest minds not only to champion but to also coordinate.

This is because as civilisation and technology continue to advance, so also does our responsibility toward our environment advances. Achieving the mandate of the National Environmental Standards and Regulations Enforcement Agency (NESREA), which is a positive and realistic planning that balances human needs against the carrying capacity of the environment, requires nothing short of a square peg in a square hole.

Although, President Muhammadu Buhari’s administration may have been criticised across some sections of the country as rather slow, what his critics cannot accuse him of is the fitness and efficiency of most of his appointees for the businesses committed into their hands.

I daresay quickly at this point that whereas it is instructive to point out where a government needs to do better, it is equally compelling for anyone who considers himself or herself a partner in these arduous tasks of nation building to also beam the spotlight on the areas where the government is doing well. It is no longer fashionable to consistently run a negative commentary on the nation so beloved. And, in fact, it never was.

The atrocious dumping of toxic wastes on our shores in 1984 by the those who knew clearly the dangers of toxic wastes has no doubt put the Nigerian state on high alerts in guarding against similar dangerous activities not only from abroad but also within the country. This is why President Buhari’s pick for the herculean task of environmental standards enforcement is of interest. Professor Aliyu Jauro is not merely distinguished on the basis of his towering yet impeccable academic profile. The industrial chemistry guru is a born administrator who, like his principal, Mr President, loathes corruption in all its ramifications.

The responsibility of NESREA being the protection and development of the environment, biodiversity conservation and sustainable development of Nigeria’s natural resources entails the engagement of men and women who do not merely have an head knowledge of the nuances of the environment, but those who possess the right heart for nation building. It is when the right heart meets the technical know-how that real leadership can be found. Professor Aliyu has begun giving a manifestly contemporary leadership to NESREA through a strategic coordination and liaison with stakeholders within and outside the country. It is noteworthy that NESREA stands strategically at the intersection of intense intellectual and industrial pillars to do justice to the enforcement of environmental standards, regulations, rules, laws, policies and guidelines of the nation.

This is of a particular interest given the deathly gulf between the ivory towers and policy drivers in our country. For instance, only a few months ago, the Chemical Society of Nigeria led by its President Professor Sunday Okeniyi paid a visit to the NESREA director general in an apparent show of the readiness to make their patriotic energies count in the efforts to make our environment safe and sustainable. Himself, a long-standing member of the society, Professor Aliyu is setting a pace for heads of agencies in Nigeria on the need to strike strategic partnership that works.

The NESREA Act empowers the agency to be responsible for enforcing all environmental laws, guidelines, policies, standards and regulations in Nigeria, as well as enforcing compliance with provisions of international agreements, protocols, conventions and treaties on the environment to which Nigeria is a signatory. The outlook is pretty much positive as per Nigeria’s capacity to effectively police its environment against all forms of degradations.

The DG must therefore ensure he continues to ensure a judicious use of resources available to him. He must leverage on the power of the media to educate the public on safer and more sustainable ways of dealing with our environment. Meanwhile, the Nigerian state must continue to give priority attention to the needs of NESREA so that it can effectively carry on with its mandate. This is by no means an easy task. Nevertheless, it is achievable.

Daniel writes from Kaduna

FG commends Delta State Govt. on Asaba Airport facilities

...Says facilities are of international standards
...lauds transparency in concessioning process

The Federal Government has commended Delta State Government for the quality of facilities at the Asaba International Airport, saying the facilities are of international standards.

Minister of Aviation, Senator Hadi Sirika stated this on Sunday in Asaba shortly after he inspected facilities at the airport.

He noted that the state government has done well in developing the airport to meet international standards especially in the area of upgrade of the runway and other ancilliary works.


He particularly commended Governor Ifeanyi Okowa for sticking to standards and for ensuring transparency in the concessoning process of the Asaba airport.

"Governor Ifeanyi Okowa is always a very serious minded person, very focused, principled and always committed to doing the right thing, I have been informed how he ensured transparency in the concessioning of the Asaba Airport, adding some of his friends bidded for the Airport and lost and in the interest of his people he didn't interfere and didn't care whether his friends lost but what he wanted was quality and the right people to run the airport and I think this is what will help our nation.

"The Asaba airport is strategically located, it is right there at the centre of very many good locations in the country, it is good for business, good for civil aviation, and we are delighted that the Delta State Government has taken aviation as one of the catalyst for growth and development and for identifying and also understanding the importance aviation could add to the economy of the region.


"Am here because we believed that the best way to manage our airports is to concession them to private hands to make them better managed and better operated and to get value for our money.

"The Delta State Government took up the challenge and they attended to so many conferences with us, they dialogued with us at the ministry and they decided on their own to concession the Asaba Airport and here we are after three tedious years, and being fully guided by the Infrastructure Concession Regulatory Commission ICRC to put this to reality.


"The Asaba Airport is on its way to being fully concessioned, they have feeder airlines that will operate as well as a principal airline coming in to Asaba and feeding other stations, they have a hotel, Business park, cargo and they have everything here an international airport needs to operate and all of these are from the private sector and if it works, this is a classical example of partnership with the private sector to develop our infrastructure for the common good of our people”.


"This is a modest example of how things should be, we will carry out more of these inspections, as a ministry we are responsible for civil aviation and air transportation in general and we will not be found wanting in this regard. Coming here excites me, it shows me the courage and determination by the State Government to partner with the private sector to develop this airport.

"From what I have seen here and from what we have on ground and also the planned expansion of the terminal building, the Asaba Airport is indeed an international airport in that regard," he said.

The Minister who was conducted round by the Delta State Commissioner for Information Mr. Charles Aniagwu and Senior Policy Adviser to the Governor Prof. Sylvester Monye was accompanied by the Acting Permanent Secretary Ministry of Aviation Engr. Hassan Musa; Managing Director of Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria FAAN Capt. Rabiu Yadudu; and Technical Assistant to the Minister Engr. Ben Tukur.

Dambazau's Son Not Affected By Tribunal Judgement - APC Chieftain

A chieftain of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) has reacted to online reports that a son of the immediate past Minister of Interior, Hon. Shamsudeen Dambazau, has been sacked from representing the people of Sumaila/Takai federal constituency in the House of Representatives, describing it as propaganda.

The party chieftain from Kano state chapter, explained that the Friday's tribunal judgement has nothing to do with Hon Shamsudeen Dambazau.

The party leader, who pleaded not to be named in print told newsmen in Abuja that he surprise "because up until this moment he (Shamsudeen) did not even know of a tribunal case going on.

"It was a tribunal case ongoing between the sacked hon Kawu Sumaila and the People Democratic Party (PDP), and Dambazzau's son was already at that time at Federal High Court, Appeal Court and Supreme Court categorically stated that Dambazzau's son was the authentic candidate of the APC.

"So, the tribunal judgement of Friday in Kano is between the PDP and a person who is not a candidate of the party but went to concede in Court, in collaboration with the PDP. He felt that if he could not be in the House let nobody be there.

"The judgement has nothing to do with Shamsudeen Dambazau. His name is not stated in any of the documents as you can see."

The APC chieftain advised Hon. Shamsudeen Dambazzau to "take a further step by set his legal team in motion because it is an injustice for not informing him that a tribunal case was as the authentic candidate of the APC.

"I want to assure Dambazzau's supporters and the Nigerian youths in general that they have nothing to worry about and that his team is working hard to ensure that a mandate given to him is protected. So, let everyone, especially, Hon. Dambazzau' constituents remain calm and resolute. He will not be distracted and all what he has set out to achieve in the House of Representatives will be achieved," the party chieftain stated."

NBA Global B'ball Championship: Okowa hails Merit Atebe for making African team

Delta Governor, Sen. (Dr) Ifeanyi Okowa, has congratulated Delta born, Nigerian basketball star, Merit Atebe-Innocent, on her inclusion in the Africa team at the second edition of the NBA Global Basketball Championship in Florida, United States of America.

The Africans participated in the junior world tournament which held between Aug. 6 and Aug. 12, and lost at the semi-finals to the Latin America side.

The governor, in a statement by his Chief Press Secretary, Mr Olisa Ifeajika, on Saturday in Asaba, commended 13-year-old Atebe-Innocent who hails from Oyede in Isoko North Local Government Area of Delta, for making Nigeria and Africa proud.

He said that the state government would continue to support youths to excel in sports in order to curb crime in the society.

"On behalf of the government and people of Delta, I congratulate an illustrious daughter of the State, Miss Merit Atebe-Innocent, on her inclusion in the Africa team that participated at the second edition of NBA Global Basketball Championship in Orlando, Florida.

"Her exploits in the tournament justified her inclusion and we are glad that she lived up to expectation by adding seven points and 10 rebounds in the African team's semi-final 44-36 loss to their Latin American girls.

"As a leading state in sports, it is a thing of joy that a Deltan was among the four selected from Nigeria to represent Africa in the global championship.

"As we build on our Stronger Delta vision, we will continue to encourage our youths to take to sports as a means of livelihood and as a way out of vices, poverty and unemployment," he said.

Miss Atebe-Innocent plays basketball for St. Jude Secondary School, Yenagoa, Bayelsa, where she is a student.

Atebe-Innocent and Bisola Badmus were the Nigerians in the African girls’ team at the tournament while Hassan Amer and Emmanuel Owonibi made the boys team.

Okowa Wants FG To Tackle Menace of Herdsmen

Delta Governor, Senator (Dr) Ifeanyi Okowa, has urged the Federal Government to take strident measures to curb protracting clashes between herdsmen and farmers in the country.

The governor made the call on Saturday at the 21st Ogwa Ika and 17th Ika Ka Mma Annual Lecture Series organised by Onu Ika Nigeria at Abavo, Ika South Local Government Area of the state.

He disclosed that his administration was doing its best to check the havoc being wrecked by Fulani herdsmen on famers through interface with critical stakeholders.

Okowa, however, regretted that his efforts had been restrained by his limited control of security apparatus.

He decried the frequent loss of lives from herdsmen attack on defenceless farmers and other Nigerians, and insisted that the Federal Government must curb the menace.
The governor also urged the government to tell Nigerians the steps it had taken to stem the ugly trend.
On irregular migration of youths seeking greener pastures in foreign countries and increasing child-trafficking cases, he charged parents and caregivers to live up to their responsibility by openly condemning the act and restrain their children from embarking on such dangerous journeys.

Okowa condemned the situation where parents mounted undue pressure on their children and wards to embark on journeys to Europe through the desert, saying that the lives of many promising Nigerians had been lost in the process.

He commended Onu Ika for organising annual essay competition for secondary schools in Ikaland, and urged the people to encourage government to carry out development projects through the donation of land.

Earlier, the Head, Collective Leadership, Onu Ika Nigeria, Mr Daniel Usifor, had said in an address that “for three consecutive years, Onu Ika has consistently forewarned of the devastating influx of these deadly Fulani herdsmen in our communities.

``We even saw them as foot soldiers on reconnaissance mission waiting for trigger action or orders to act; we also cautioned that there is an undeclared war in Nigeria.”
He urged the government to take actions to check the menace of the herdsmen and thanked the governor for his administration's commitment to the development of the state.

Governor Okowa condemns attack on Ekweremadu in Germany

Delta Governor, Sen. (Dr.) Ifeanyi Okowa, has condemned the attack on Sen. Ike Ekweremadu at the 2nd Annual Igbo Cultural Festival held in Nuremberg, Germany, on Saturday.

Okowa said in a statement by his Chief Press Secretary, Mr Olisa Ifeajika, on Sunday in Asaba, that the incident was pathetic, shameful and an embarrassment to Nigeria.

He stated that Ekweremadu, the immediate past Deputy President of the Senate, had been a great patriot and defender of his people as well as the down trodden, and did not deserve the kind of ill-treatment meted to him by Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) members in Germany.

“I join men of goodwill in condemning the attack on Senator Ike Ekweremadu, who has been a great patriot and leader of exemplary behaviour.

"It is pathetic and shameful that an event organised to chart the way forward for the Igbo race and Nigeria in general ended up in such a disgraceful and embarrassing manner to the country.

"As Nigerians, we are trained to respect our elders and leaders as well as people in authority.

"I am particularly happy that some of the culprits have been arrested and I urge the German authorities to take necessary action on the perpetrators of the heinous act.

"I urge all Nigerians, home and abroad, to be of good behaviour wherever they find themselves as such acts of lawlessness do not bring glory to the nation," he said.

Okowa To Contractors: Adhere To Projects’ Timelines

Delta Governor, Senator (Dr) Ifeanyi Okowa, on Thursday, urged contractors handling state government projects to adhere to timelines for executing the jobs.

Okowa made the call on Thursday in Asaba while inspecting ongoing projects, including the multi-billion naira Central Secretariat, Delta State Traditional Rulers Secretariat and the Specialist Hospital

He said that complying with deadlines for projects execution was critical for effective planning, adding that contractors must also ensure that the jobs were executed to specifications.

At the Central Secretariat, the governor expressed satisfaction with the level and quality of work, saying ``I am very impressed with what I saw.

``The Secretariat project seems to be getting massive as it is nearing completion; we are happy with the pace of work.

“We have talked so much about the Central Secretariat project, and I can tell you that where we are now, the Secretariat for Traditional Rulers Council is amazing with the way work is going on.

``You will recall that some time last year when we were commissioning series of road projects was when I noticed its deplorable state and we pulled down the old structure and awarded the contract for a befitting secretariat for our traditional rulers.

“Our traditional rulers have done a lot for us to have a peaceful state, which has enabled us to execute our programmes to the satisfaction of our people, and they deserve a befitting accommodation as their secretariat.

“On its completion, which I am aware will be in the next six months, it will house the Directorate of Chieftaincy Affairs. We hope that it will provide a good environment for our traditional rulers to meet.”

On maintenance of the structures, the governor said ``when a building is well constructed, I can tell you that its maintenance will not pose a challenge.

``We have capable hands in the respective Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs) but, the most important thing is that I believe that our people have adopted the mind-set of taking care of facilities and cleanliness, which is very important.”

The Consultant for construction of central secretariat and traditional rulers’ council secretariat, Mr Kester Ifeadi, conducted the governor round the projects, while the Commissioner for Health, Dr Mordi Ononye, took him round the Specialist Hospital facilities.

At 78, Okowa hails IBB for creating Delta state

Delta Governor, Sen. (Dr.) Ifeanyi Okowa, has congratulated former military president, General Ibrahim Babangida, as he clocks 78 years on Aug. 17.

In a statement by his Chief Press Secretary, Mr Olisa Ifeajika, on Friday in Asaba, the governor said that Babangida was an elder statesman whose commitment to the unity and indivisibility of the country remained resolute.

He extolled the former Nigerian leader for his leadership qualities, and acknowledged his role in the creation of Delta as a state and for remaining an elder statesman and rallying point since leaving office in 1993.

Okowa said that the people of Delta remained eternally grateful to him for the creation of the state in 1991.

“You created Delta in 1991 and as we celebrate the 28th anniversary of the creation of our dear state, we remember your astute and sagacious contributions towards the realisation of our dream.

“You had an illustrious military career which culminated in your becoming military president of the country.

``As a national icon and statesman, you occupy a special place in the hearts of the government and people of Delta, because without your benevolent act, perhaps Deltans would have still been agitating for their own state.

“So, on behalf of my family, the government and people of the state, I heartily congratulate you, our great leader and elder statesman, Gen. Ibrahim Badamasi Babangida, on your 78th birth anniversary.

“As a distinguished patriot and leader, you served the nation diligently in your quest to keep the unity and diversity of our beloved country.

"As you continue to age gracefully, we thank you for your kind contributions to nation-building, particularly for the creation of our dear state, Delta.

"It is my prayer that the good Lord will continue to uphold and guide you in all your future endeavours," he stated.

https://www.google.com/amp/s/www.vanguardngr.com/2019/08/at-78-okowa-hails-ibb-for-creating-delta-state/amp/

Abia Youths Decry Ex-Commissioners Continuous Intervention In State's Finances

An advocacy group, Concerned Abia Youths (CAY) yesterday urged the Governor of Abia, Dr Okezie Ikpeazu, to ask some ex-commissioners to desist from giving directives over state's affairs.

The group stated this when it accused the immediate past commissioner of Finance in Abia State, Obinna Oriaku of still parading himself as commissioner and issuing directives to financial institutions for the state government.

The chairman of CAY, Cyril Ahamefula, further expressed concern that the finances of the state are not safe if the former commissioner, who has questions to answer over the alleged use of his consultancy firm, Llyodant Business Services to manage the financial transactions of the state without appropriate approval.

"It has come to our knowledge that the finances of Abia State is under threat because of the activities of a former commissioner, " Ahamefula said in a statement.

He continued, "as concerned youths from the state, we are deeply worried that despite the petitions raised over the financial activities of Obinna Oriaku as the immediate past commissioner of finance in Abia State, he still gives directives on behalf of the state government on the finances of the state.

"We have it on good authority that Oriaku communicates with and gives directives to financial institutions on behalf of the Abia State government even after he was relieved of his position as finance commissioner by the governor. We have also learnt that he has been parading himself still as the finance commissioner for the state.

"We wonder why and how Oriaku, who lacks the legal and moral authority to give such directives on state finances could continue to do so," he said.

The CAY chairman however urged the Abia state governor and other authorities to look into the matter before it gets out of hand.

"While we shudder at his brazen act of impunity, we call on the appropriate authorities in the state to immediately commence an investigation into this issue in a bid to save the state from being further shortchanged.

"We are constrained to urge our amiable governor, Dr Okezie Ikpeazu, to ask the former commissioner and others who may be engaged in such practise to desist before they drag his administration further in the mud."

Abia Youths Decry Ex-Commissioners Continuous Intervention In State's Finances

An advocacy group, Concerned Abia Youths (CAY) yesterday urged the Governor of Abia, Dr Okezie Ikpeazu, to ask some ex-commissioners to desist from giving directives over state's affairs.

The group stated this when it accused the immediate past commissioner of Finance in Abia State, Obinna Oriaku of still parading himself as commissioner and issuing directives to financial institutions for the state government.

The chairman of CAY, Cyril Ahamefula, further expressed concern that the finances of the state are not safe if the former commissioner, who has questions to answer over the alleged use of his consultancy firm, Llyodant Business Services to manage the financial transactions of the state without appropriate approval.

"It has come to our knowledge that the finances of Abia State is under threat because of the activities of a former commissioner, " Ahamefula said in a statement.

He continued, "as concerned youths from the state, we are deeply worried that despite the petitions raised over the financial activities of Obinna Oriaku as the immediate past commissioner of finance in Abia State, he still gives directives on behalf of the state government on the finances of the state.

"We have it on good authority that Oriaku communicates with and gives directives to financial institutions on behalf of the Abia State government even after he was relieved of his position as finance commissioner by the governor. We have also learnt that he has been parading himself still as the finance commissioner for the state.

"We wonder why and how Oriaku, who lacks the legal and moral authority to give such directives on state finances could continue to do so," he said.

The CAY chairman however urged the Abia state governor and other authorities to look into the matter before it gets out of hand.

"While we shudder at his brazen act of impunity, we call on the appropriate authorities in the state to immediately commence an investigation into this issue in a bid to save the state from being further shortchanged.

"We are constrained to urge our amiable governor, Dr Okezie Ikpeazu, to ask the former commissioner and others who may be engaged in such practise to desist before they drag his administration further in the mud."

Okowa calls for speedy resuscitation of Warri port

Delta Governor, Senator Ifeanyi Okowa, has called for the resuscitation of Warri Port, saying it is a key factor to the economic development of the state and the nation.
Speaking when the Olu of Warri, Ogiame Ikenwoli I, visited him in Asaba on Wednesday, the governor observed that with the congestion of the ports in Lagos, the Federal Government should revive Warri Port and other sea ports to boost the nation’s economy.

“There is no doubt that the Warri port is a key economical factor for our state and the nation; the earlier we get it working the better for us.

``It is in the best interest of this nation to expand, create and develop port facilities because, Lagos ports are already congested and more ports mean more boost to our economy,” he said.

Okowa used the occasion to inform the Warri monarch of his administration’s commitment to meeting the yearnings of the people through projects that would impact positive on them.

According to him, I want to thank you for the partnership that exists between your kingdom and the state government.

``This partnership has helped the traditional council to grow and work together with the state government and it has made for a very peaceful state.

“I have made it very clear that political appointees must go back home to pay their loyalties to their traditional rulers, work with them because, they cannot work from Asaba and not liaise with their traditional rulers and the kingdoms.

``This is very important in our commitment to execute projects in consultation with the monarchs and constituents.

“We are committed to the construction of Ogheye floating market; we have gotten a combination of the Ministries of Works, and Housing to do a complete assessment and budget breakdown, so that work can commence as quickly as possible on the market.

“Trans-Warri road is a project that is very dear to me and we will do the best we can to achieve it.

``The contractors have been to site and there is not much that can be done during the raining season, so, we will endeavour to utilize the dry season and ensure that work commences,” the governor said.

Earlier, the monarch had congratulated the governor on his electoral victory and thanked him for the appointments given to Itsekiri sons and daughters in his administration.

He assured the governor that he would ensure that peace reigned in Itsekiri kingdom to engender development.

No One Saved Abia From ‘Hawks’

By Emmanuel Ukwa

Modern life and living revolves around money. The relatively scarce characteristic of money makes “prudence” in its management topmost priority.

The recent publication in a national daily wherein a full page comment was sponsored by “Concerned Abia Youths Forum”, signed by its Chairman, Comrade Cyril Ahamefula, and et al, raised a question-mark on the person of Obinna Oriaku. The publication brought to light the case of the dog that ate the bone hung around its neck. The newspaper commentary begs so many questions about Obinna Oriaku while he held sway at the helms of Abia State Ministry of Finance.

In his feeble attempt to discharge the burden of obvious facts against him, like expected, he went on a wild goose chase in his rebuttal.

Did any sane mind expect, our 2023 “Governor” to own up to those staggering facts?

His explanations are vague, devoid of substance but laden with self-praises and invisible records of his achievements while the situation on ground differs from his claims.

May I remind Oriaku that good financial management is like salt in the soup, you need not tell the blind about its presence. It seems only Obinna Oriaku sees the good in his efforts. Facts are, we handed our Ministry of Finance erroneously to the wrong person who has no good intentions for Abia State. He sees himself more as ‘Onye Enugu’ than ‘Nwa Abia’. Obinna Oriaku claimed that he is being persecuted because he “refused to play ball”, if I agree without conceding, could Obinna Oriaku show us the visible and impact assessment of his “refusal to play ball” on Abians and the state?

Mr Oriaku is on a mission to tarnish the image of our hardworking governor. During the 2019 Workers Day, the pensioners clearly stated who the architect of their troubles is. We may recall that not even the governor’s name was on their placards but Obinna Oriaku, our billionaire commissioner for finance.

Obinna Oriaku often claims to be a billionaire even before coming to work as commissioner, can he prove this with substantial evidence? Talk is cheap Mr. Finance Commissioner. Fresh from the banking industry, you were nothing close to a billionaire. Mr. Oriaku, you cannot be claiming that you have saved Abia from “hawks” when there are no physical evidences to support your much taunted managerial prowess to counter those who are constantly saying that you are the real enemy of the state.

Please show us your achievements, then explain the myriad of difficulties that have bedeviled Abia State under your watch. You have done enough damage to Abia State. Please take a bow and leave us in peace.

Can Mr. Obinna Oriaku answer these questions about Lloydant Business Services Ltd to the satisfaction of Abians?

Where is the Exco and Governor’s approval for their engagement? What was the process of their bidding? Why is Abia’s payroll done in Enugu? Where is Governor’s /Exco resolution approving such? Did their engagement receive clearance and the approval of Abia State House of Assembly? How come, despite his claim of doing a good job, salaries are owed in ministries and the higher institutions where this company is operating?

He claimed that the company has been operating in Abia State long before he took over, can he react to the date on the letter he endorsed which obviously contradicts his claim? Could You, Mr. Oriaku, substantially address the allegations raised by the “Concerned Abia Youths Forum”?

– Ukwa is a member of Abia Youths Vanguard

A'Ibom Landlord Demands Compensation Over Demolished Building

The chief Executive Officer of Nigerian Company Food Affairs (Nig.) Limited,  Mr. Isidore Ebong has called on the Akwa Ibom State Government urgently pay him compensation for demolishing his building.

The shopping complex, situated at No.1 Uyo Road, Ikot Ekpene town, Ikot Ekpene Local Government Area of the state was said to have been demolished by the state government on the 27th June, 2019 as part of effort to construct the Ikot Ekpene road.

Godwin U. Oyong ESQ , Head of Practice, G. U. Oyong & Co., who are the solicitors to Mr. Ebong, alleged that a mass force comprising, civil servants of the Ministry of Works Headquarters Uyo, Soldiers and Mobile Policemen led by a former Commissioner for Works, one Ephraim Inyang Eyen, “at 11:30AM of 27th June, 2019, ordered bulldozers to smash two large silent generators, fence wall and proceeded to bring down to rubble the main purpose built Eatery on two floors and other bungalows that make up the complex.”

According to Mr. Oyong Esq, his client had made efforts to get his compensation when he heard that government had commenced payment of compensation on their part of the road from Ikot Ekpene but the payment consultant had been avoiding him.

“Before leaving the Head office of their business in Uyo on the 26/06/2019, the CEO called the payment consultant and he advised him to proceed to their branch facility at Ikot Ekpene and he did, but discovered after getting there the payment team and their Leader were not there, and at 5:00PM when the last call was made, Elder Ubongabasi Williams told him they will not come because of the heavy rains and they now postpone the payment to the 27th June, 2019”, the lawyer claimed.

The lawyer said it was in the process of trying to sort the compensation aspect out that Mr. Eyen led fully armed soldiers and Mobile Policemen “to unleash terror and wantonness on the entire establishment.

“Preliminary inquiries has shown that N100,000,000.00 (One Hundred Million Naira) worth of properties and equipment were crushed into dust and several jobs lost and the owners are in great pain, trauma and fear for the future.

“The most disturbing is the minimal valuation of N47,317,000.00 (Forty Seven Million, Three Hundred and Seventeen Thousand Naira) only on the physical development was not paid”, the lawyer lamented.

He said a petition had been sent to President Muhammadu Buhari, the President of the Senate, Senator Ahmad Lawan, Speaker of the House of Representatives Rt. Hon. Femi Gbajabiamila, Inspector General of Police and the human rights community in Nigeria and abroad.

He appealed to the authorities to prevail over the state government and secure the full compensation of his client.

While reacting to the claim that he was avoiding the complainant, the payment consultant, Mr Ubong Williams denied that he was not accessible to present a cheque of compensation to Mr Isidore Ebong.

He said; "To the best of my knowledge, there's no delay. As I speak to you right now I am in the office, tell him to come and take his cheque if he so claim that I have been avoiding him."

CSOs Laud PIRPP Boss Over Anti-corruption War Under PMB

The coalition of Nigeria Civil Society for Peace, Unity and Development has praised the landmark achievements of the Chairman of the Panel on Presidential Initiative on the Recovery of Public Properties (PIRPP) Chief Obono Obla under the leadership of President Muhammadu Buhari.

The coalition which is the amalgamation of 377 Non-Governmental Organisations with branches in all the 36 state of Nigeria and Abuja, gave their positive commendation on the Chairman of the panel when they paid an-unscheduled courtesy call on him in his office.

Speaking during the courtesy call, the National President of the Group, Alhaji Comrade Dauda Balale Sokoto, called on the Chairman of the Panel to immediately swing into actions to bring to book all those that their names were released recently by the panel to have illegally amass public wealth.

He specifically directed the Chairman to ensure the immediate prosecution of all those named in the list released by the panel including Senator Peter Nwaoboshi who is also among.

He therefore urged the chairman not to leave any stone on turned until all those on the list are brought to book in accordance with the constitution of the federal republic of Nigeria.

While responding, Obono Obla praised the groups for what he called doggedness, integrity and fearlessness to ensure that Nigeria is free of corruption.

He urged them to join hands with him and other anti-corruption agencies to put total end to menace in Nigeria.

Building Strong Institutions And The Security Chiefs

By Idoko Ainoko

The second term of President Muhammadu is a month's old by today. As usual, Nigerians are very anxious and expectant of the caliber of men and women Mr. President would recruit to assist his administration in the #NextLevel.

Ardent critics of the Buhari Presidency have been consistent that his first tenure which just expired failed to fully meet it's targets. The experience was inevitable given the pressure politicians in Nigeria mount on any leader over appointments of surrogates into government.

And even granted the proven integrity of President Buhari, but it was impossible to completely resist such lobbyists based the peculiar senario of politicking in the country. So, most of Buhari's appointees were incompetent and disconnected from the vision of the administration.

And reenacting the criticisms of the First Lady, Hajia Aisha Buhari, most of those Buhari assembled in his cabinet were strange bedfellows and anti-change mantra agents. It was convincing argument that most of them still believed in the old order and never shared the President's vision of Nigeria's redemption.

These arguments and assessments on the President's former cabinet are intrinsically plausible. But it is also unarguable that some of his cabinet members- from FEC to expanded appointees and heads of the over 500 federal MDAs performed creditably.

Recently, there were speculations in the media which tipped over 30 women as likely to make the list of President Buhari's expanded cabinet in the second term. These names included notable women who served in various capacities and truely distinguished themselves on their schedules by assisting the President drive home his vision of regeneration and redemption of Nigeria.

And even in public domain, Nigerians can attests to their excellent performances in the areas they superintended. And the current, chorus, bargain and even persuasion of President Buhari to retain these respectable women on their portfolios streams from the track records of splendour on the job.

These virtuous women have contributed in building strong institutions, as against powerful elites/politicians as was the tradition yesterday. It is a mark of honor for them in striving to elevate the pride of their country before the comity of nations.

Elsewhere, there are also men who keyed and religiously adhered to President Buhari's 'Change mantra,' and transformative agenda. They worked assidously and devotedly in the service of their fatherland. They risked everything, including their precious personal lives to serve Nigeria and berthed succour to distressed or traumatized people around the country.

The crop of current Security Chiefs, led by the indefatigable Chief of Defence Staff ( CDS) Gen. Gabriel Olonisakin are also pictured in this illumination of men who have offered rewarding service to Nigeria. They gave their soul to it and ought to be considered for reappointment in Buhari's second term.

Gen. Olonisakin has also marketed himself as an effective leader and courageous soldier whose performance is reflective in his building of the institutions of the different arms of the Nigerian Armed Forces.


The burden admiringly discharged by the CDS can only be properly decoded to understand that he came on board at a time the Armed Forces were fragmented and fractured within. The ardous task sank into oblivion many of his predecessors.

But he stood firm and tackled every obstacle on his path to success. The first snag was that the Nigerian Armed Forces were devoid of professional co-ordination and synergy it needed badly to tackle the multiple security challenges crumbling Nigeria.

Before Gen. Olonisakin emerged, Nigerians were compelled to bear the brunt of triumphant militants in the Niger Delta; victorious Boko Haram insurgents on forceful conquest of Nigeria; rampaging armed bandits in the Northwest; senseless chants of war in the Southeast by violent secessionists and the celebration of carnivals of bloodletting and arsons by ethnic warlords as well as the herders and farmers incessant upheavals.

But Gen. Olonisakin reviewed the ugly trend and declared it unacceptable. He introduced reforms and undertook sensitisation visits to military formations.It paid off handsomely, by restoring trust, mutuality, operational coherence and confidence among personnel of the Nigerian military.

Therefore, the songs of war have quietened in virtually every part of the country and Boko Haram is fruitlessly struggling to retake territories reclaimed by Nigerian troops. Terrorists have been severely decimated and Nigerian troops now mock their power to recklessly visit horrendous atrocious on Nigerians.

The United Nations ( UN) can declare states previously very insecured because of herders/ farmers carnages, including Benue state as safe; while armed bandits and militias are singing mourful lullabies of defeat. These milestones only trumpets loudly, the ingenuity of the CDS in dispensing his coordinative and supervisory responsibilities on the Nigerian military.

Gen. Olonisakin is completely loyal and patriotic to his country. He has inculcated same spirit in all military personnel. So, at the risk of flattery, it is pertinent to assert that Nigeria needs leaders with his mindset on the job to pair up with President Buhari, if Nigerians must continue to sustain the growth and development of the country.

The Chief of Army Staff (COAS) and leader of the counter- insurgency operations in Nigeria Lt. Gen. TY Buratai typifies the teamwork in insecurity operations in the country, as preached and stamped by the CDS. This is glaring in the manner he leads troops, comprising soldiers from all arms of the military to victorious operations.

Indeed, during military operations, in any part of the country, there is usually smooth and effective cooperation among air, naval and ground troops. And the results of this understanding spurred by patriotism and elevation of national interest above personal considerations is responsible for the winning streaks Nigerian military have recorded against the country's armed enemies.

Many Nigerians are aware that the present crop of Security Chiefs have extricated Nigeria from very dire threats to national security; attempts to pierce a knife on cord of national unity, and cohension which would have ultimately led to the much hyped disintegration of the country.

It is relieving to know that 18 local government areas in the Northeast under Boko Haram capacity have been reclaimed by troops. And nearly 20,000 Nigerians held hostage by insurgents have been freed by Nigerian troops and reunited with their families.

Today in the Northeast, IDPs camps are no longer swelling with populations of people displaced by insurgency. Instead, IDPs have gradually deserted the camps to their ancestral communities and villages because of the aura of palpable security pervading the region.

Nigeria's crude oil exploration and exportation have witnessed a steady climate in the last three years. Niger Delta militants have been tamed. And the respite is everywhere because the CDS, Gen. Olonisakin has provided the right leadership to the Nigerian military and the troops.

The armouries of all arms of the Military are replenished with weapons from time to time and simultaneously. And no one is in doubt that the CDS is not only focused, but knows the briefs of his job.

What is striking is the overt desire of President Buhari to sustain and consolidate efforts on areas the administration has been impactful in his first term.


He has been clear that the economy, security and fighting pervasive corruption in the system will be pursued with greater determination and vigour in his second coming. Even Buhari's most staunchest of critics, including former President Olusegun Obasanjo have given him credit in these areas.

It is therefore, instructive that President Buhari would not be out of tone with reality by retaining this clan of hard working and committed Security Chiefs to complete the assignment of securing Nigeria. They stood firm for Nigeria in the worse moments.

It's obvious these Security Chiefs can even perform much more better now that they are very conversant with the terrain and nuances of such operations.

In essence, there is every sense of wisdom for these Service Chiefs to also make the President's second term list for another for years. It is necessary as he contemplates the re-engagement of professionals who have actively contributed to the success narrative of his first term.


There is really no difference between civilian and military appointments. And come to think of it dispassionately, it is the prerogative of the President to make appointments into offices be it civil or military in order to achieve his mandate and programmes he has outlined for himself and his government. He solely bears public backlash for success or failure of his administration.

So, it is unfair for anybody to blackmail him into discarding his best hands on the simplistic reason that they have overstayed in office. Or the excuse that a new tenure necessarily means total overhaul of appointments.

The Security Chiefs also worked in tandem with Mr. President's vision who is equally interested in building and restoring back to Nigerians the institutions of state, as examplified by the armed forces. They combined both anti- terrorism combats with development of the Nigerian Armed Forces into a virile and professional institution.

President Buhari had bemoaned from the outset of his administration the preponderance of strong men in Nigeria, instead of strong public institutions. He yearned for a change.

The Security Chiefs have lived up to this expectation as today, Nigerian Military has regained it's lost glory, by conducting itself as a responsive and responsible military, earning the pride of Nigerians and recognition of the world as a force in warfare.

Gen. Olonisakin and his colleagues in the security sector have done an excellent job and deserves Presidential commendation. An extension for these Security Chiefs to finish what they have started is critically sensitive and important.

Ainoko wrote this piece from Kaduna, Kaduna State.

Court Dismisses Charges, Acquits Former Aso Savings Boss

A former Executive Director of Aso Savings and Loans, Maimuna Aliyu has had the charges brought against her by the Independent Corrupt Practices and other related Offences Commission, (ICPC) dismissed and acquitted on all counts.

The case which was before Justice M.A Nasir of Court 11, FCT High Court, Jabi had the matter slated for ruling on the No Case Submission on her penultimate Wednesday.

Mrs. Aliyu was accused of diverting funds belonging to Aso Savings while she served as head of the financial agency owned by the Nigerian government through the Federal Capital Territory.


It will be recalled that at the wake of Ms. Aliyu’s nomination into the ICPC Board by the Presidency in 2017, the commission was approached with allegations of financial impropriety leveled against her to the tune of N57m, she was subsequently charged to court.

But in a letter sent to her by her team of lawyers from J K Gadzama and Sighted by LEADERSHIP, Haj. Aliyu’s charges were dismissed and was subsequently discharged and acquitted on all counts.

The letter reads: “The above matter came up before Hon. Justice M.A. Nasir of Court 11, FCT High Court, Jabi, for ruling on the No Case Submission today, 19th June, 2019.

“You were represented by a team of lawyers from the firm. The matter was slated for ruling on our application for No Case Submission.

“After a well considered Ruling, the court upheld the No Case Submission entered on your behalf. Consequently, the charges against you were dismissed and you were discharged and acquitted on all counts.

“While congratulating you on this victory, we thank you for the confidence reposed in us to handle this case. Please be assured always of our highest professional regards.”

ECOWAS Adopts Regional Certification Mark On Products, Services

The West Africa Quality System Programme has organised a third meeting of ECOWAS Community Committee For Conformity Assessment (ECOCONF) to adopt the draft documents relating to the implementation of the ECOWAS regional Product Certification System.

Product certification in the region is designed to help consumers in the ECOWAS region to recognize safe and secure products and services that meet established standards.

At a 4-day workshop held in Abuja between 18-21st June, 2019 on the “Adoption of the operational documents of the ECOWAS Regional Mark of Conformity (ECOQMARK),” participants discussed ways to facilitate trade at intra-regional and international levels, to protect consumers and the environment, and promote sustainable economic development.

Speaking at the event, Representative of ECOWAS Commission for Industry & Private Sector Promotions, Yaya Niato in his address said the aim of the programme is to help ECOWAS implement its regional quality policy, adding that the programme has helped ECOWAS to set up quality structures and institutions in the region.

“We have a regional concept for quality. These concept for quality has five committees, which are on accreditation, technical regulation, meteorology and conformity assessment.

“These committees have been set up and are functional. We are working to make them start practical activities in the field. We are also working on a certification mark to show how products and services conform with established standards.

“We have selected first five products to begin certification, which are fish, cement, water and two other products. The meeting today is to validate the processes and rules to select the products and enterprises that conform with the certification mark,” he said.

Also speaking, UNIDO Regional Director In Nigeria, represented by the National Programme Officer, UNIDO Regional Hub Nigeria, Dr Osuji Otu thanked the European Union and the Commissions of ECOWAS and UEMOA, for their confidence in UNIDO, especially for the implementation of their Quality Infrastructure projects in West Africa for the past 20 years.

He said commitment to product certification is of great interest for the region, for both public and private structures, but also for women's entrepreneurship, adding that with the program, the aim of sustainability for the ECOWAS Quality Infrastructure Scheme could be achieved.

Otu maintained that the success of a mark requires the existence of expertise in several areas, including in the field of calibration, standardization, technical regulations, and testing.

“UNIDO’s vision for inclusive and sustainable industrial development stands on three pillars which are; improving economic competitiveness, create and share prosperity, and protecting the environment to allow an inclusive and sustainable industrial development,” he said.

The West Africa Quality System Programme (WAQSP) of ECOWAS, implemented by the United Nations Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO), is funded to the tune of EUR 12 million by the European Union (EU).

The program supports the implementation of the ECOWAS Quality Policy to "establish a framework for the development and operation of appropriate, relevant, efficient and effective quality infrastructure, to facilitate trade at intra-regional and international levels, to protect the consumer and the environment, and promote sustainable economic development.”

Buratai: How Not To Re-Write History 

By David Onmeje 

Sometimes, I prefer to allow certain media publications pass without the necessary reactions.  But I have burdened myself by ardently believing in the axiom that silence, means consent or approval of an act which falls prostrate before reason, facts, truths and wisdom.

The penchant of some Nigerian media to celebrate negativity in sensationalism most times unsettles me. The Sun Newspaper is famed for this proclivity and often, twists facts, sensationalize and infuse extraneous embellishments into news stories to water the appetite of its vulnerable fans.

Let us guide ourselves properly!  I know Nigeria is still battling with the scourge of Boko Haram resurgence in the Northeast and security challenges. And with the activated backing and increased funding in cash and weapons to insurgents by Iraqi’s Islamic State (ISIL), defeated Boko Haram, rechristened as Islamic State West African Province (ISWAP) has bounced back around the Lake Chad enclave with an astounding strength against the Nigerian people .

But our troops in the frontline have not relented, but working round the clock to contain the menace. And if you ask me, I know that had troops relaxed, Boko Haram insurgents would have recaptured reclaimed territories in the Northeast and smoothly be expanding tentacles to other parts of the country.

However, it has been impossible and thumps up for Nigerian troops! Indubitably, the war is stiff and sustained on both sides. But I cannot concede to arguments that insurgents have repressed or overpowered the Nigerian troops to such weakening levels as bandied in the media or elsewhere, conscious of the high possibility of deaths in war.

I find it patriotic, the zeal to succeed at all cost by the Chief of Army Staff (COAS) and ombudsman of the counter-insurgency operations in Nigeria, Lt. Gen. TY Buratai. So, the avertable lapses on battlefield in the Northeast has understandably poked his anger. No boss of his ilk will take the frustrations with a smile.

His indignation came on the heels of what I may be permitted to describe as an “in-house,” interaction with his team over the renewed atrocities of Boko Haram in the Northeast.

Therefore, at a “Transformational leadership workshop”, organized by the Army through the Department of Transformation and Innovation at the Army Resource Centre, Asokoro, Abuja two days back, the Army Chief frowned at his officers and troops in the battlefield.

Let me replay a portion of what Gen. Buratai said at the workshop, which has become sensationally celebrated by some Nigerian media for reasons I can hardly discern. Some media houses even imputed their own interpretation of what the Army Chief voiced to his team, by claiming Nigerian troops are Ill-equipped and suffer neglected welfare.

Gen. Buratai  stated; “It is unfortunate, but the truth is that almost every setback the Nigerian Army has had in our operations in recent times can be traced to insufficient willingness to perform assigned tasks or simply insufficient commitment to a common national/military course by those at the frontlines.”

He fumed further, “Many of those on whom the responsibility for physical actions against the adversary squarely falls are yet to fully take ownership of our common national or service cause.”

I have always known Gen. Buratai as an officer who is always blunt; stands by the truth at all times, but hates with a passion any act of professional indolence or negligence. So, did we expect him to remain silent in the face of the obvious sabotage of the ongoing counter-insurgency operations by his troops?  Should this caution have translated into his “blame” or “accusation,” of his troops as reported by some media?

What has pained me more is that everyone of us is aware of Boko Haram agents everywhere, including the Military, who are playing the roles of sabs in the efforts to contain insurgency. Buratai has only reduced their number, but the remnants are still within the fold of troops.

I am not consternated at the reportage of what the COAS mouthed at the workshop. But I am certainly sad, at its promotion and elevation by some media outfits like The Sun Newspaper. It is not enough that the news qualified for  The Sun’s cover story, but the embellishments and imputations were of extreme dimensions.

It told me clearly, that the gatekeepers failed patriotism by ignoring the protection and safeguard of national interest on security matters. It is barefaced lack of professional and ethical wisdom on the part of The Sun editorial team in appreciating national ethos on security.

And  by the ownership and regional flavor traditionally aligned with the medium, it tells anyone in unambiguous terms that the newspaper is discreetly working for Nigeria to be declared a failed state.

The Sun celebrated what I think, they presumed a plus for themselves. But I rather mirrored Gen. Buratai, as a soldier and leader pained by the deliberate frustration of the counter-terrorism war now by a gang of conspirators, whose penetration in the Nigerian entities in unpredictable.

I asked myself why troops would suddenly develop cold feet or apathy in performing the same tasks; under same conditions which they previously excelled? Something is amiss!

And we all shall be damn wrong to think it is the psyche of Gen. Buratai alone that is being tormented by our reckless conduct; we shall be wrong to think only Buratai, officers and soldiers have a divine duty to battle terrorism. It is a task for all of us in our own minute ways.

And it is naïve to think abusing the chances of contributing to the complete routing out of Boko Haram from our shores is praiseworthy and might of journalism that would earn us a trophy in media excellence. It is   an unpardonable mistake that may boomerang on all of us.

Today, our troops have compelled Gen. Buratai to remind them and indeed, Nigerians about what President Muhammadu Buhari, who is still the Commander-in-Chief echoed 35 years ago that  “this generation and indeed, future generations of Nigerians have no other country but Nigeria, we must remain here and salvage it together”.

I believe absolutely that the Nigerian Military is not a lame duck anywhere in the world. It has always been trailed by successes’ and accolades anywhere it has served humanity in international, multinational operations and other military assignments.

Why is the case of their country different? I sense that they are being prodded by covert forces to disloyalty and unpatriotic acts, as manifest in the backslide in their professional performances on the battlefield now. It was Sun Tzu who said,  If the mind is willing, the flesh could go on and on without many things.”

And Sun Tzu again says,  “Regard your soldiers as your children, and they will follow you into the deepest valleys; look upon them as your own beloved sons, and they will stand by you even unto death.” Precisely, no one needs a soothsayer to confirm that Gen. Buratai has not only imbibed this principle, but applies it meticulously on his officers and soldiers, especially his troops since he assumed the leadership of the Nigerian Army.

I see in Gen. Buratai an Army Chief who is extremely proud of his troops. He holds them in very high esteem and  fetes   them both home and abroad in glowing tributes.

In Gen. Buratai’s actions, I see a boss in a warm relationship with his officers/troops. He  introduced  the culture of constant visits to troops at the frontline and interactions  with them to have firsthand knowledge of their personal problems. He stimulates their psyche by participating in victory camp carnivals in the Northeast, trainings, battles in the trenches and celebration of special festivities like Sallah, Christmas and  New Year with troops in the battlefield even at the expense of spending such seasons with  his family.

And Buratai  also rewards troops who have recorded exceptional performances on the field; while promotions of deserving personnel are timely implemented. His concentration on the welfare of the Army is very uncommon.

Gen. Buratai ensures  Army personnel’s prompt payment of salaries and allowances; renovation of Army barracks, investing in retirement housing schemes for personnel and personally interacting with spouses of troops at the warfront very frequently and solve their problems.  How else could a leader dispense himself to get the targeted outcomes if sabotage is not involved?

So, although, several newspapers and online platforms published the news, but I consider, The Sun’s version very offensive and disheartening by its elevation and mischief contents. I have no doubt that the editorial team did a very unpatriotic job by undermining national security and infusing interpretations’ outside the intendment of the Army Chief when he thundered in admonishment of his team at the workshop.

Finally, a word of caution for the other herds of unprofessional practitioners in the media industry, too enthusiastic to promote the enemy against Nigeria to have a rethink. We shall only be doing a disservice to ourselves and our country by failing in our gatekeeping prescriptions with the neglect of due diligence on stories before going out to mislead the public or elevating terrorists exploits against our nation.

The conduct of The Sun newspaper to say the least, is nothing but a glaring attempt by the organization, which has obviously lost its credibility years back for its undisguised promotion of narrow-minded ethnic and sectional agenda in Nigeria to bounce back to reckoning.  But the Nigerian Army is the wrong choice for this experiment.

Onmeje wrote this piece from London, United Kingdom.

Buratai Achieving Peace Without Military Fire In Niger Delta

By Jimitota Onoyume

It has been peace in the Niger Delta without much of military fire since Lieutenant General Tukur Buratai was appointed Chief of Army Staff, COAS, by President Muhammadu Buhari in July 2015.

The incessant clashes between military and communities in the region that hitherto dominated media space has disappeared with his emergence as COAS. Though there were few occasions when some persons , not comfortable with military presence in their areas had tried to cook up lies against the soldiers but interestingly within the same communities arose those who spoke in glowingly of military conduct in the communities.

In time past when soldiers stormed communities in the region virtually all residents, natives fled the area. But this has not been the case in the last three years. “ There is hardly any community in the Niger Delta you will say that soldiers came into and residents fled, relocating in mass to other areas for fear of their lives. The military has been very decent in the last three years. Where they had need to go for targets they went smoothly for it without turning the entire community upside down”, an Ijaw activist , Fred Inefa said.

Enefa recalled that there was no tension in Brass local government area, Bayelsa state when four soldiers drowned in the Atlantic fringes of the Brass river at the launch of Operation Crocodile Smile 1 in September, 2016. He said two of their riffles got missing in the water, adding that in the past there would have been panic in the town. “ You would have heard natives fleeing to other communities for fear that soldiers would harass the entire community, residents for the missing riffles. Rather what we saw were local divers recruited by the army to join the search for the riffles. It speaks of a friendly military in the region.

I give it to the new culture of peaceful, military relations in the region “, he said An Ogoni youth, Kpabare Charles also said when the army had need to go for an ex militant declared wanted in Yeghe community, Khana local government area, Mr Ndigbara Solomon, aka Osama Bin Ladin in January 2016, Brigadier General Stephen Olabanji who was then Brigade Commander 2 Brigade went straight for his target even if the soldiers missed him at the end of the exercise. “ In the past the entire community would have paid dearly, probably the whole place would have been pulled down like the case of Odi in Bayelsa state.

But all Commanders under Lieutenant General Buratai have kept to the new tradition of not using a sledge hammer to kill a fly since the nation is not at war with her citizens in the Niger Delta region. And this has enhanced military/community relationship across the region”, he said Intelligence gathering has heightened to an appreciable level in the military. The era when the army tumbled a community for the sake one target is far gone.

When soldiers went for Don Wani, an alleged kidnap kingpin and cult leader, in Omoku, Ogba Egbema Ndoni local government area, the community was not not reduced to rumbles. Where they had to allow sister security agencies to contribute to achieve maximum result it was encouraged and at the end of the day the remains of the dreaded Wani was displayed in Omoku with residents jubilating to high heavens. The last general elections was another case where the army displayed its new tradition of peace with no reckless military might.

When the media reported alleged presidential directives that ballot box snatchers should be gun down there was initial fears, some electorates said they would rather remain indoors on the election days to avoid any ugly incident. But those who came out on the election day in Delta and several other states in the Niger Delta region came back with heat warming news that the soldiers were extremely professional in their conduct, they kept their distance from polling units. “ We saw them on the roads.

They were not in any way near ballot boxes in Delta state”, a resident of Jakpa area of Warri said. Deputy governor of Delta state, Mr Kingsley Otuaro hailed conduct of the army during the general elections when the Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Buratai paid a courtesy visit on him in Government House, Asaba before the funeral of former first indigenous Commandant of Nigeria Defence Academy and Chief of Army Staff, General David Ejoor.

In Rivers state most residents were firm in their stand that they would not have participated in the election if soldiers had not been on ground to provide security. “We all saw how charged the atmosphere was in the state before the elections with all political divides talking so tough. Some of my family members had to travel out of the state for fear of their lives before the elections. “ a youth who did not want his name in print said. There were killings in several parts of the state, some attributed to cult related differences. “ The state was really unsafe. And even after the elections we still read reports of the insecurity , killings in several parts of the state.

The media is awash of the killings “, the youth added. A native of Emohua who also spoke under condition of anonymity said the killings before the general elections in several parts of the state generated so much fears , stressing that it sent panic down the spine of many to the extent that many concluded that Police alone will not be able to secure lives during the elections.

“There may have been some bad eggs among the soldiers during the election in some parts of the state .but we must be honest that without the soldiers there would have been no election in the state. Who would have come out with the way the politicians were sounding. There were fears in several quarters that politicians had armed thugs to secure victory “, Mary who lives in Mile 2 said.

‘There have been allegations of involvement of some soldiers in electoral related offences, I think this should be thoroughly investigated to get to the root of the matter for the good of our democracy”, she added. The army has also intensified its war against oil thieves in the region without pulling down entire communities. In Ughelli in Delta state , a long stretch of illegal oil bunkering site was destroyed in a military operation led by Sector I, recently . And at the end of the exercise which lasted about two weeks, a major illegal refinery point was pulled down completely with no loss of lives. The operation enjoyed support from communities.

In Delta several communities have had reasons to protest against activities of oil companies in their areas, they marched to flow stations with no shots fired by military men protecting the facilities. “ We were only told to be peaceful while our protest lasted”, Secretary, Kokodiagbene community, Warri South West local government area , Mr Timiyan Jackson said. The community had marched to the Chevron flow station in the area and even shut it down, demanding for development attention from the oil giant. The new resolve to achieve peace in the region with little or no gun fire under Lieutenant General Buratai has also saved the army unnecessary friction, clashes with communities in the region. The army Chief also won the heart of the civil populace in the Niger Delta region with his introduction of civil , military relations in the Operation Crocodile smile launched in the area.

There were initial fears that the operation would result to another round of crisis in the area between the army and communities. Some youths in the region had even alerted of their battle readiness to engage the military . But contrary to expectations the military Operation further endeared the army to the people as the army went round primary schools donating note books, chairs . They even embarked on environmental exercise, cleaning up markets and streets.

At the popular Effurun market in Uvwie local government area traders who spoke said they had not seen the army doing such in the area. “ “When we saw army on the streets of Uwvie before now, the wisest thing to do for the day was to pack your wares and go home. Because the calculation was that they had come out for war with some bad boys. But we were surprise to see the army coming out to help clean our markets. “, Madam Agnes, a trader at Effurun market said. The army also carried out medical outreach program in Umuaji community, Asaba that was flagged off by the Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Buratai. Excited community folks came out in their large numbers for free medi care while the program lasted. The army boss is not new to the Niger Delta region.

He was former Commander 2 Brigade ,Port Harcourt barracks before it was relocated to Akwa Ibom state. The region is like his second home. And to ensure security of lives and properties in the area he established additional two Brigades, one in Bayelsa and the other in Asaba Delta state. He also created 6 Division in Port Harcourt to directly oversee activities of the various Brigades in the region. Lieutenant General Buratai as Chief of Army Staff is achieving peace, reduction in oil theft and crimes in the Niger Delta region with little or no military might , kinetic force,gun shots, leveling of communities.

A resident in Bayelsa, who gave her name as Preye said with the way things are going, militancy was gradually becoming oil fashion in the region. The army is building bridges of friendship , confidence and healthy relationship across communities in the region as it goes about securing lives and properties.

‘NASS Leadership: Zoning Formula Best Suits Omo-Agege’

The coalition of the Northern Civil Society and Social Cultural Movement for Peace, Development and United Nigeria, which is an amalgamation of over 219 civil society groups and countless diverse associations of Christians and Muslims groups has said that the current zoning formula of the All Progressives Congress (APC) best suits Senator Ovie Omo’Agege for the Deputy Senate Presidency slot.

The group with branches in all the 19 Northern States and beyond, also stressed that this will give all regions a sense of belonging, especially the south in the current leadership equation of the country.

The statement was issued at the end of their quarterly meeting held in Jos, the capital of Plateau State.

Speaking at the end of the meeting, the movement’s National President, Alhaji Sadiq Ibrahim Doma, called on the leadership of the All Progressive Congress (APC) to stand by their earlier decision to zone the position of the Deputy Senate President to the South-South to give every segment of the country a sense of belonging even as he described Senator Omo’Agege as the most competent aspirant among all those clamoring for the position.

“He said Ovie is intelligent, he has the legislative experience, he is a legal luminary and a very detribalize Nigerian with huge nationalistic spirit that many may mistake him to be a Senator of all Nigerians in view of his love for every Nigerians irrespective of their ethnicity, religion and political affiliations that by every tickling of the clock crosses his path.

“In fact, if not him to occupy such exalted position with huge intellectual and magnanimous demands, who else among the APC Senator from the South-South could occupy the position? The zoning formula as decided by the leadership of APC favors him, then there’s no need to search too long, the president said.’

“Again, if they want to base their debate on loyalty to the executive arm of the Buhari lead government, Senator Ovie should be the number one.”

He implored President Muhammadu Buhari, the leadership of APC and Members of the red chamber of the National Assembly not to trade their destiny and the future of the entire Nigerians by mistakenly given the position to those with selfish and greedy mind while calling on all the aspirants contesting for the position from the South-East to step down for Distinguished Senator Ovie Omo Agege to ensure spirit of sportsmanship.

He implored all the Senators elect of the 9th Assembly to handsomely reward the humble, fearless, loyal and hard-working Senator Ovie with the Deputy Senate President in view of his loyalty which in most cases has caused him a lot of pains, humiliations and embarrassments.

Danjuma, innocent blood and wrath of the gods - By Okanga Agila

The United Kingdom Parliament (UKP) has some difficult task on their hands in Nigeria, a formal colony. The initiative and wisdom of the “All Party Parliamentary Group for International Freedom of Religion or Beliefs, UK Parliament” (APPG-UKP) to request for written submissions on the recurrent crises in Nigeria, especially Boko Haram Terrorism (BHT) and herders/farmers crises is eloquent expression of the United Kingdom’s inclination to peaceful nations and peoples around the world. 

I construe the motive of APPG-UKP as a genuine quest to impact on the global congregation of nations in finding solutions to the threatening and perennial human problems of violence, killings and destructions. But as now focused on Nigeria, there is every reason for me and other Nigerians to suspect it might be misled by several self-seeking groups led by inherently self-centered personalities.   

And the Nigerian Christian Elders Forum, (NCEF), led by  the trio of  Nigeria’s former Defence Minister, Lt. Gen.Theophilus Yakubu  Danjuma (rtd); former Military Governor of Rivers state, Gen. Zamani Lekwot, (rtd), and Chief Solomon Asemota, SAN, smacks like one of such groups intent on misleading the UK Parliament. Its latest outing drapes with undisguised attempts to blur or twist facts on the ceaseless BHT and herders/farmers crises in the country.  

So, NCEF presented a paper to the  APPG-UKP on the  multidimensional crises in Nigeria titled, “Competing Ideologies of Democracy and Sharia in Nigeria; The Nuance Understating of the Drivers of the Conflict in Nigeria by Farmers and Herders,” in which they reeled out half-truths, blatant lies and hypocritic mouthing of accusations on President Muhammadu Buhari’s  pursuit of a jihad or Islamisation agenda in the country.

Danjuma who led the group claimed to my utmost amazement that President Buhari is unserious about tackling insecurity arising from Boko Haram insurgency and herdsmen-farmers crises in Nigeria. I conducted a profile check of the prominent members of NCEF and discovered they had rich credentials as former leaders in Nigeria.

It told me clearly that this assemblage comprises elders who have the history of every problem in Nigeria. Therefore, I least expected that they could forget yesterday’s history this easily and mingle today’s realities in a blemish manner, while consciously exonerating themselves of culpability simply because they angled to crucify and pin on Buhari a non-existent Islamism and Sharia agenda in Nigeria.

Nevertheless, some of these NCEF elders were either part of the establishments which created these problems or ignored it to flower into its monstrous, nightmarish and tormenting levels to Nigeria now, to which Buhari is having sleepless nights to re-fix.

 Let me pretend to overlook the pungently sustained indictment of Britain and Lord Lugard who was singled out for condemnation by the Danjuma-led NCEF’s paper to APPG-UKP by their repeated harping on Britain’s colonial favouritism to Muslims than Christians even before independence.

These elders are really confused and haunted by past sins against Nigeria. The manner Danjuma and his apostates sounded, you would think part of Nigerian natives domiciled in the North were all illiterates. I find it difficult to discern this wisdom, but it thus appeared to me that NCEF convicted Britain of bias in favour of the Caliphate or predominantly Muslim North in their pre-independence handling of political cum religious affairs in this former colony. But it is the same people they are seeking intervention in the present crises whose roots they have already situated in colonial times.

Its sounds like a deliberate mockery from apparently and unjustifiably incensed elders of Nigeria. But the insight from NCEF, though unbelievable, assisted me immensely in elucidating the mindset of the NCEF elders and which largely has watered down the weight of their arguments before the UKP. 

And to expatiate on their direction, but lucidly trumpeted preconceived mindset to cry wolf where there is none, a quote from the NCEF paper says inter alia;

“Democracy and Sharia are no fake news. Those who cry fake news are those promoting jihad and Taqiyya, so as to provide an excuse for stealth jihad and the protection of jihadists. An Imam in Plateau State was rewarded for saving hundreds of Christians from the jihadists which showed that not all Imams in Nigeria are Jihadists.”

So, I asked myself, if the focus of President Buhari or the Sokoto Caliphate is to relaunch another jihad in Nigeria, which Imam presiding over a mosque anywhere in the North would not consent to the idea? It amplifies the fact that what is happening to Nigeria is the struggle of intertwined economic forces far severed from religion.

Clearly, Boko Haram operations in the Northeast, or anywhere in Nigeria, do not discriminate between Muslims and Christians. I know terrorists’ atrocities have no apartheid policy. Before Buhari became a democratic president of Nigeria, he narrowly escaped death from Boko Haram in Kaduna when they targeted and detonated bombs on his convoy. Should I think, insurgents would be foolish enough to seek to kill their “sponsor and sympathiser?”

Can Danjuma recall why there was a split in the Boko Haram leadership between Abubakar Shekau, who succeeded the founder, Yusuf Mohammed, and Musab Al Barnawi? It was because of differences in ideology, while Shekau killed indiscriminately, Al Barnawi advocated the attacks or killing of infidels alone.

What it implied was that field dynamics defined the ideology of Boko Haram which the Republic of Iran has publicly confessed to its sponsorship. How is it is tenable to link Buhari to this devious sect, when I know, even as a serving Nigerian leader, Boko Haram threatened to kill him by attacking the Villa in Abuja because he has fortified the military to stop them in their tracks?

No normal elders under any banner would be vociferous on such assertions except haunted by the blood of the innocent.  Therefore, exhuming and quoting Buhari’s utterances or speeches before he became a democratic president is stretching the insanity too far. I don’t think any law prohibits Mr. President from practicing his faith and holding tenaciously to its tenets. 

And Danjuma who is mouthing sharia under Buhari has conveniently forgotten that sharia had existed as a criminal law for the Muslim core North and enshrined even in the 1999 Nigerian Constitution. But the then-Zamfara state Governor, Sen. Ahmad Sani Yerima, began the push for its implementation at the state level from 1999. It was under the Presidency of Olusegun Obasanjo, a Christian southerner who held democratic power for eight years.

Strikingly, Danjuma was defence minister under the Obasanjo presidency for four years when sharia enforcement gained roots. How did Danjuma disagree with his boss over this matter, if he truly believed it was a clandestine plot to Islamise Nigeria and what did he do to avert it?  Is Danjuma only getting to realise it under a Buhari Presidency because there is an easy plank to cross by falsely labelling him an “Islamic fanatic?” 

Danjuma mentioned the “Maitatsine inquiry”, and the violent El Zakzaky’s shiites in Nigeria movement outlawed in 2016.  But he deliberately refused to acknowledge that in these two separate instances of state forces to quell religious fanaticism or  Islamic expansionism in Nigeria, Buhari was instrumental in the disparate phases of history. As a serving Army General in the early 80s, Buhari obliterated the Maitatsine uprising by chasing its survivors to Chad and under a Muslim President Shehu Shagari.  

Therefore, an elder f Danjuma and his comrades should be sensible enough to have been circumspect to make berserk claims on Buhari promoting jihadism.

The Group alleges that, “This can be attributed to various acts of “stealth jihad” by the federal government whereby arms in the hands of law-abiding citizens, mainly Christians, were confiscated while the Fulani herdsmen and Boko Haram retain their AK47 rifles. When these terrorists are arrested, they are “re-habilitated” and sent back into the society. They are never prosecuted.”

It’s another flank of the brazen lies peddled by supposed elder statesmen. Buhari recently issued an Executive Order directing the withdrawal of all arms licenses issued to Nigerians, except authorised security agents. In truth, can Danjuma and coy claim the order has been applied selectively to only Christians and Muslims have been left to possess the illegal arms?

But I know, some Boko Haram suspects have been charged to court and convicted; while those who voluntarily surrendered and renounced terrorism were accepted, rehabilitated and absorbed into society. It is based on the policy of “stick and carrot,” as adopted by the Nigerian Army in combating terrorism.  

Danjuma also claimed: “The case of an arms dealer, a Nigerian who lives in Egypt, was reported to the Department of State Security (DSS). The DSS did not carry out the directive of President Jonathan that the suspect be arrested and interrogated. Intelligence report in 2010, found (former governor of Borno) personal involvement in the recruitment, training and dispatch of Boko Haram fighters….”

  It is utterly incongruent with a matured mind like Danjuma to confess that the DSS under the then serving President and Christian, Dr. Goodluck Jonathan, who appoints the Head of DSS, would have his order flouted over the arrest and interrogation of a Boko Haram arms supplier from Egypt and nothing happened?

Danjuma is also telling us today he did nothing as an elder statesman versed in national security? And that when former Borno state governor, Sen. Ali Modu Sherrif, introduced and funded Boko Haram, Danjuma was Nigeria’s minister of defence, but folded his arms and allowed the sect to nourish and fester only to undermine the current efforts to tame the sect and blame Buhari today over plots to Islamise Nigeria? This is infantile and the British parliamentarians should be circumspect about NCEF’s submissions.

Okanga writes from Agila, Benue state.

Group Accuses Amnesty International Of Plot To Instigate Crisis In Nigeria

Concerned Diasporas, a group of Nigerian intellectuals in the United States and Canada has accused Amnesty International (AI) for the rising cases of violence in most countries across the globe.

The group came to this conclusion having thoroughly reviewed the activities of the UK-based humanitarian organisation in recent times.

To avert impending occurrence in Nigeria, however, these intellectuals have alerted the Federal Government and Nigerians about AI's systematic plot to disintegrate the nation by whipping up ethnic and religious sentiments.

In the report jointly signed by Esther Ede and Olajuwon Olagunju, President and Secretary General respectively, the group reckons AI carries out psychological terrorism through the issuance of reports not often a reflection of the reality on ground.

While advising fellow Nigerians to disregard Amnesty's misleading reports, the Concerned Diasporas urged the FG to systematically flush the supposed humanitarian group out of its borders.

According to these distinguished Nigerians “the difficulties experienced towards procuring military hardware for the fight against Boko Haram/ISWAP terrorists are as a result of the activities of Amnesty International that has continually churned out false reports of the human rights compliance of the relevant authorities in Nigeria.

“Amnesty International has become a propaganda tool for Boko Haram/ISWAP and other militant groups to continue to perpetrate acts of violence against innocent women and children.

“Amnesty International deliberately feign ignorance to the dehumanizing acts carried out by terrorist groups in Nigeria, and tactically avoids presenting such violent acts in any of its reports on Nigeria since 2015.”

The Concerned Diasporas Group further asserted that “Amnesty International has taken this dishonourable path of causing the Nigerian authorities significant discomfort in the international community, and therefore is indeed an interested party on the side of Boko Haram/ISWAP terrorists.

“ That the continuous existence of Amnesty International in Nigeria is more than a necessary evil that cannot be tolerated if Nigeria is indeed serious about winning the war against terrorism and other related militant groups in the country.

“ The Nigerian government must activate all necessary machinery to see that the nefarious activities of Amnesty International in Nigeria are curtailed in the overall interest of peace and tranquillity.”

Among others, the Concerned Diasporas recommended the following:

“That the Nigerian government must encourage its citizens to disregard the reports of Amnesty International and also refuse to avail themselves to be used as a willing tool by Amnesty International in the disintegration plot of Nigeria.

“That the Nigerian authorities must scrutinize the work permit of the expatriates in the organization to ascertain their conformity to Nigerian immigration policies.

“That the Nigerian people must join hands with the government to ensure that Amnesty International does not in any way undermine the sovereignty of Nigeria as it is has done in other countries where it operates.

“That the Nigerian Labour Congress should investigate the compliance of Amnesty International to the Nigerian Labour laws.

“That the Federal Inland Revenue Service should audit the financial dealings of Amnesty International to ensure its compliance with Nigerian financial and tax laws.

“That the Nigerian Authorities must as a matter of urgency launch international advocacy to draw the attention of the world to the activities of Amnesty International in Nigeria and how it has continually endangered our relative peace and tranquility.”

I was extremely reluctant to subscribe to the argument that Amnesty International (AI) the global human rights watchdogs might be doing a hatchet job on Nigeria in a disguised fashion. Often, when I read AI’s bickering with the Nigeria Police, Civil Society Organisations (CSO) and lately, the Nigeria Military over reportage of conflicts and crises in the country, I dismissed it as the usual face-off between two antagonistic forces.

From my personal experiences, Nigerian security forces and CSOs have always faulted AI’s reports or public statements bordering on alleged human rights violations, casualty figures, illegal detention of suspects, extra-judicial killings, forced disappearances, torture and the likes. Quite frequently, one finds every establishment AI has labeled in negation and sometimes, even convicted in public domain of alleged crimes on humanity hotly contesting the factuality of such reports.

But it took a keener interest in the operations of AI when some CSOs and the Federal Government of Nigeria (FGN) also started questioning AI’s reports or outrightly branded them as fabrications or falsehood.  What ignited my interest more in the altercations between AI and its antagonists was the insinuation that the international organisation is suspected of being a masked agent secretly working for external forces determined to ensure the break-up of Nigeria by sponsoring violence and killings in the country.

And to my dismay, I discovered that the alarms raised against AI may not be far from the truth. But it needs further interrogation to unearth the unassailable truth. I decided to pay closer attention to its operations. And what repulsively struck my senses is AI’s marketing of itself like a media house or a fresh local tabloid struggling to catch the attention of readers.

Attempt to Google general news on Amnesty International, what assails you immediately is a thousand news bulletins or press statements about the crises or killings in Nigeria and other such allied crimes it reports rendered very sensationally. And at a point, I wondered whether AI has transmuted into a media organisation with such rampancy or Nigeria is the only country in Africa or the world under conflict. There are a plenty.

AI’s Nigeria country director, Ms Ossai Ojigho, is very active in engaging the Nigerian public and the international community about casualty figures each time Boko Haram strikes in the Northeast. What has appalled me is that sometimes, AI gets and publishes the death toll figure much faster than the military authorities on the field.

Or the news is released at a time it is not  even reasonable to assume the local population would have regained themselves from the attacks to gather the casualty figures bandied by AI in conflicts of that magnitude.  And they end up quoting anonymous sources in such reports to back up the clear fictitious claims. It all raises very fundamental suspicions about the real motive of AI in Nigeria.

For instance, AI released a statement on Friday, February 1, 2019, claiming Boko Haram has killed at least 60 persons (civilians) in Rann, Northeastern Borno state in an attack the preceding Monday, which was January 31, 2019. It beats my imagination or defeats the concept of reasonableness for AI to have gathered a figure of the people killed within three days of the alleged attack on Rann to publish.

And AI’s eagerness to stoke the fire is gleaned from this phrase in the report; “Witnesses told us (AI) that Nigerian soldiers abandoned their posts the day before the attack, demonstrating the authorities’ utter failure to protect civilians.”

Also, AI could not even feign reaching any official source for verification of the ‘facts’ it had, but proceeded to publish the story.  Was this action supposed to give the insurgents a feeling of triumph and embolden them into committing more atrocities?

To betray itself as unsure of what it was doing, AI further wrote; “This attack on civilians who have already been displaced by the bloody conflict may amount to possible war crimes, and those responsible must be brought to justice.” I sense this narration in every sense of accuracy and factuality as very poor and something which should not be credited to a supposedly responsible organization such as AI, if it is concerned about its reputation steadily being battered with its own hands.

And I kept encountering the same lapses even in AI’s previous annual reports. The reports pass more as a rehash what it packaged the preceding year. A Presidency amazed at this pattern of reportage reacted at AI’s 2017/2018 annual report on rights violations in Nigeria through its spokesman on Media and Publicity, Malam Garba Shehu who stated; “In some breath, the report seemed like the one in 2015, and the one in 2016 and the one after that year, the same things being recycled again and again. Engagement was claimed to have been made with Nigerian authorities but which authority is it, is not provided with clarity.”

Similarly, the Nigeria Army is also questioning the sanctity of the claims often published by AI and at a point advocated for the closure of Amnesty International’s country office in Nigeria and its operations.

But even when one tries to close his eyes to the defects in AI’s operation, the glaring lapses keep drawing attention. Furthermore, in same year 2018 ending, AI claimed at least 3,641 people have died from clashes between farmers and herders in Nigeria since 2016.

And the human rights organisation, like a court of law, passed its verdict of judgement on the Nigerian government, stating; “The Nigerian government has displayed what can only be described as gross incompetence and has failed in its duty to protect the lives of its population.”  It sounded to me like wordings of an opposition political on its campaign flyer.

But I believe AI has full knowledge of the intervention of the military in these crises and the Army’s operations in these conflicts at various times, such as “Operation Harbin Kunama I, II & III,” versions, “Operation Sharan Daji,” “Operation Whirl Stroke”, “Exercise Ayem Akpatema,” and so forth.

And arrests and prosecutions of suspects is ongoing in various courts in the land. So, when AI claims, “Yet, little has been done by the authorities in terms of prevention, arrests and prosecutions…,” it sounds hoarse and bespeaks of a concealed and dangerous agenda the organisation is promoting against the peace and security of Nigeria.

If AI honestly admits that the efforts of security agents have not ended the farmers/herders’ crises, which is not even true as admitted by Governors of Taraba and Benue states recently, it will appeal more sensibly than propagating this gibberish.

Therefore, I am forced to suspect, like others, that AI’s agenda in Nigeria is to disguise under the veil of an international human rights watch body, while its actions suggest backing foreign interests bent on the violent dismemberment of Nigeria. I understand that when AI harps on rampant rights violations in Nigeria, it is a ploy to prevent America and other countries from consenting to sell weapons to Nigeria in order to battle Boko Haram terrorism.

And it is pursuing this agenda very ferociously and without recourse to decency. I want to believe the scheming of AI is also to get some Nigerian military officers who have stood firmly against Boko Haram insurgency, charged for war crimes to weaken counter-insurgency operations so that the sect could triumph over the Nigerian state.

Agreed, AI is an international organisation and perhaps, initially came with every good intention for the country. But as things appear now, it seems they have betrayed this trust and Nigerians no longer trust their mission and operations in the country. Our citizens are still scared by AI’s record in other countries which have fueled conflicts and we see a conscious replication of same agenda in Nigeria.

Even for the media, ethical creed demand that you do not report violence crisis in a manner that can cause reprisals and escalation of the conflict. Such indulgence by AI is reprehensible.

Nigerians fear AI is being used to plunge us into war. The fit and most ethical thing to do for an organisation which has squandered it’s goodwill like AI is to quit our country. Please, AI, it must not be Nigeria. Look elsewhere and spare our citizens further agony. I like the wisdom of our people who say, marriage is not by force. AI cannot teach us how to better protect our citizens.

Njoku, a legal practitioner, wrote from Lagos.