Johnie's Posts
Nairaland Forum › Johnie's Profile › Johnie's Posts
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 (of 108 pages)
 Politics › Re: My CFR National Honours Award, By Abubakar D Umar by johnie(op): 2:52am On Jun 30, 2025 |
Komo, The Military Administrator Who Watched Over Ogoni Massacres Dies in Port Harcourt Former Military Administrator of Rivers State, Col. Dauda Musa Komo, rtd, is dead, the source magazine reports. A native of Zuru, Kebbi State, Komo’s life, ironically, ended in Port Harcourt Rivers State where he held sway as Military Administrator between 1993 and 1994 during the regime of maximum Head of State, Late General Sani Abacha. Komo, reportedly, slumped in Port Harcourt where he had traveled to on an invitation to a public function, and died. He ruled Rivers State during a turbulent period as it was at the time the Ogoni crisis, which stemmed from the Community’s problem with Shell escalated. It was during his tenure as Military Administrator that four prominent Ogoni sons were gruesomely murdered on 21st May, 1994, at Gokana, Ogoni, while they were at a meeting. Their grissly murder led to the arrest of the ‘Ogoni 9’, which included Ken Saro Wiwa, an environmentalist, and leader of the Movement for the Survival of Ogoni People, MOSOP, for allegedly, instigating the blood cuddling incident. They were subsequently arraigned before a Special Tribunal, found guilty, and were hanged at the Port Harcourt prisons before their appeal could be heard. Only one of them, Ledum Mitte, a Lawyer was discharged and acquitted. Komo was a member of NDA 15RC/SS7, and was an illustrious son of Zuru and a gallant Military officer. He, along with other Military Officers who had held political offices, were retired in 1999 by President Olusegun Obasanjo at the inception of democracy. In the run-up to the 2023 Governorship election in Kebbi State, he was in contention under the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, but his ambition fizzled out. In a condolence message to Zuru Emirate and Komo’s family, a mourning Senator Bala Ibn Na’Allah stated that: “Col Komo was not only an outstanding Military Officer, but also a beacon of leadership and service to the Zuru Emirate and Nigeria at large. His Death is a profound loss to us all.” https://www.ogoninews.com/komo-the-military-administrator-who-watched-over-ogoni-massacres-dies-in-port-harcourt/ |
| Politics › Re: My CFR National Honours Award, By Abubakar D Umar by johnie(op): 2:37am On Jun 30, 2025*. Modified: 3:49am On Jun 30, 2025 |
johnie:Colonel Sambo Dasuki, later National Security Adviser under President Jonathan is the son of the 18th Sultan of Sokoto, HM Ibrahim Dasuki who was deposed by Col Muazu. The current Sultan of Sokoto, H.M. Saad Abubakar left the military as a Brigadier General not a Major. Col. Yakubu Muazu became military administrator of Sokoto State and deposed the 18th Sultan of Sokoto, HM Ibrahim Dasuki. Lieutenant Colonel Olagunsoye Oyinlola later became military administrator of Lagos State and retired as Brigadier General. He went on to become an elected civilian governor of Osun State and then National Secretary of the PDP. Major Dauda Komo later became the military administrator of Rivers State. He passed on recently. |
| Politics › Re: My CFR National Honours Award, By Abubakar D Umar by johnie(op): 2:12am On Jun 30, 2025 |
Some generals wanted to blow up plane carrying Obasanjo, others — Col. Oloruntoba 16th April 2017 Col. Olusegun Oloruntoba (retd.), one of the military officers arrested, jailed and tortured by the regime of Gen. Sani Abacha for the 1995 phantom coup, tells BAYO AKINLOYE about his view of Gen. Ishaya Bamaiyi’s book, calling it a tissue of lies How were you involved in that phantom coup? I think I was implicated as an organiser of the coup out of sheer malice and blackmail. In 1993, our brother, Chief MKO Abiola, won the June 12, 1993 presidential election, which was peaceful, free and fair but was annulled anyway. In the army, I was singled out as one of those officers who were highly and vehemently opposed to that annulment. Did you make your stance public? Yes. I was one of the officers in those days that questioned the military hierarchy concerning the annulment of the June 12 election. We wanted to know what led to the annulment of the election. I remember my then General Commanding Officer at Jos; he is still alive, Brig Gen. Ahmed Baku (retd.). He called all of us who were commanders and commanding officers and told us on a particular day that he wanted our views on the annulment; that he was going to attend the Armed Forces Provisional Ruling Council meeting. I was one of those who made an observation that the then Head of State, Gen. Ibrahim Badamosi Babangida, who annulled the election, should make a very clear broadcast to the nation if he had cogent reasons for annulling the election. And, if there were no reasons, he should call Prof. Humphrey Nwosu (Chiarman of the defunct National Electoral Commission) to announce the results of the election. That observation of mine was supported by most of the military officers present at the meeting – in 1993. I think from that period onward, it appeared I had been labelled as somebody who was not friendly with the military government. Therefore, when it was time to frame up people in 1995, it did not take them a second to add my name to the phantom coup plotters’ list. Back in 1993, I think shortly after the annulment, there were series of meetings. Then, towards the end of 1993, I was posted from Jos because they felt it was dangerous for me to remain a commander. They then posted me to Jaji to teach. It was while I was a teacher in Jaji that a gang-up occurred and my name was put on the list of alleged coup plotters trying to oust Abacha’s government. But all I had as a soldier was my marking pen and my students. Then, as an alleged coup plotter, I wonder how I would have organised troops and weapons to execute the coup by invading Aso Rock. I was accused of being the one to actually capture Abacha. As of that time, I had never set my foot in Abuja. How could a commander capture a city which he didn’t even know the direction (of)? You can see that it was a clear case of malice and blackmail. https://punchng.com/some-generals-wanted-to-blow-up-plane-carrying-obasanjo-others-col-oloruntoba/ |
| Politics › Re: My CFR National Honours Award, By Abubakar D Umar by johnie(op): 1:55am On Jun 30, 2025 |
Bamaiyi is wicked, he laughed when he saw us in chains – Col. Isa 16th April 2017 One of the military officers convicted in the 1995 coup, Col Jibrin Isa, speaks with BAYO AKINLOYE about his ordeals in the hands of Gen. Ishaya Bamaiyi (retd.) and his cabal under Gen. Sani Abacha’s junta. He also shares his views about Bamaiyi and his book How were you involved in the 1995 phantom coup? I left Lagos – Ikeja cantonment – in 1994. I was posted to Badagry and I moved my battalion there. I was posted out again same year to Jaji. Sometime in October of the same year, I reported in Jaji to take up my appointment. I was in charge of training in the Infantry Centre School, now College School of Infantry. I was more or less, the officer in charge of coordinating the training of officers. So, when we went on December break that year, I travelled to Ibadan in Oyo State. I went there to visit Patrick Aziza (now late). He was my commander and close friend. From there, I went to visit another colleague in Ondo, the then military governor, Usman. At the end of the visits I returned to Jaji in February. In the midnight of the day that I celebrated my 41st birthday, I was woken up by some soldiers who had surrounded my house. I was told that the General Officer Commanding 1 Mechanized Division, Brig. Ahmed Abdullahi, wanted to see me. I told them I had no business with Abdullahi. I was told he must see me in his guest house. I was in my apartment in Jaji, Nigeria Defence Academy quarters. So, I came out of the house and told my wife that Brig. Abdullahi wanted to see me. That was how I was taken away. I was driven to a guest house. ‘Where is the GOC now who wanted to see me in this guest house?’ I asked. He was not there; that was about 2am. Then, the soldiers said, ‘Oga, you are under arrest.’ I said, ‘For what?’ That was it. The following day they took me to another guest house where I was detained for more than a month and nobody told me what my offence was or anything. Eventually, in April we were flown to Lagos. I cannot forget the day I was arrested; it was February 21, 1995. It was my birthday. I was detained along with other military officers in the Inter Centre in Ikoyi and we were abandoned there. In detention cell there, I found myself with one Lt. Col. Oyewole. He was one year my junior in the academy. There were other people like Col. Olu Craig (now late); (Col. Lawan) Gwadabe; Col. Ndubueze, Oloruntoba and other[/b]s. I think (Col. Gabriel) Ajayi was there too or he was brought in later. It was an interrogation centre where people were brought out one after the other for interrogation and torture. [b]Was there any evidence presented against you then? No. The junta was arresting people and later trying to extract evidence by hook or by crook to nail those people. That was the stuff the 1995 phantom coup was made of. The regime arrested people at will and interrogated them to find out if they could be implicated in a coup that never existed. While in detention, I was called for interrogation once and never had any interrogation until all of us were charged with treason or treasonable felony. I was asked to write a statement in the Inter Centre in which I wrote how I travelled to Ibadan to visit Aziza and Ondo, to visit Usman. They asked only about my movement, nothing more. Then, they asked me if I visited Abuja. I told them I went to Abuja on the invitation of the head of state, Gen. Abacha, who invited me to the Villa to break the Ramadan fast with him. Because, when he was in Lagos, I provided gas in his house and other places in Dodan Barracks; most and used false witnesses to stand against us. They would force these ones to give evidence against us. So, how do you feel about Obasanjo’s action or inaction in getting you reprieve through implementation of the recommendations? You know when you are in power you look at things differently. Perhaps, my thinking is that since he was in power as of that time (between 1999 and 2007), if he implemented the recommendations, people might have made a noise about it; which is natural. Maybe, he was waiting for an appropriate time after he had left office. But since he had left office as the president, I believe he should have taken more interest in the plight of people with whom he suffered unjustly in the hands of the Abacha junta. He should have pushed the case further; what is remaining is implementation of the recommendations. As a former president and ex-military head of state, if Obasanjo talks, I am sure people in government will listen to him; that is what is lacking in the steps he had taken. There are people who had made a lot of representation on our behalf that they wanted to go and meet him so that he could say a word or two to the government concerning our welfare. Because if (Gen. Oladipo) Diya, who is known to have taken part in a coup in 1997 – with evidence, because he also confessed to the coup, while his bodyguard, Fadipe, corroborated that fact – was pardoned for committing a crime, why did it become difficult for the Nigerian government to exercise justice on behalf of innocent military officers incarcerated and tortured for no reason? Diya enjoys all benefits as a retired officer. He moves freely and enjoys himself. But in our own case, Obasanjo is the only person who is enjoying – he is a big guy. About six of us framed up in the phantom coup were full colonels; about three were lieutenant colonels; about two majors, captains, etc. Some other people were arrested along the road – people like (Senator) Shehu Sani. He was arrested for no good reason. They said he talked too much and they chose to silence him; that is all. When they took us to the tribunal, I saw him; he was handcuffed. It was unfortunate to handcuff a civilian just because the military thought that he was stubborn. Is being stubborn the same thing as planning a coup? And Sani ended up being jailed like the rest of us; that shows you that the 1995 coup was completely fabricated. If Bamaiyi still thinks that the coup was real, he should be left alone to deal with his conscience. There was every indication that military officers were framed up to get rid of them from service. At that time, there was tension in the military. It was the Abacha junta that created that coup to cow some people. Everybody knows that that coup didn’t exist except in Bamaiyi’s imagination. https://punchng.com/bamaiyi-is-wicked-he-laughed-when-he-saw-us-in-chains-col-isa/ |
| Politics › Re: My CFR National Honours Award, By Abubakar D Umar by johnie(op): 1:22am On Jun 30, 2025 |
Orkar coup: Why I kept mute for 35 years – Col Lawan Gwadabe Andrew Agbese & Clement A. Oloyede Sat, 19 Apr 2025 21:34:16 WAT Former military governor of Niger State, Col Lawan Gwadabe (rtd), speaks to our correspondents on why he had not said anything about Major Gideon Orkar coup of 1990, which attempted to overthrow the regime of military president, Ibrahim Babangida. He says he’s offering to speak on the matter now to commemorate the 35th anniversary of the putsch and to address some of the misconceptions about the coup. You have not been talking since your release from detention. Why? Well, I made a promise to myself while in prison that the only time I would speak publicly would be right in front of the prison after my release. I vowed to stay out of circulation, and honestly, it’s been for my own good. It’s perfectly fine to explore other aspects of life. After spending so many years in the limelight, I believe there comes a time when, as they say, when the beat changes, the dance must change too. So, I made a conscious decision to stay away and live more privately. I still attend events occasionally. For example, I served as the Chairman of the Nigerian Road Safety Commission for over two years, so I wasn’t completely out of sight. But as for constantly granting interviews and mingling here and there—I think I’ve had my fair share of that. Now, I prefer to keep things calm and maintain my peace. Having held numerous administrative positions, you could have made significant contributions when Nigeria transitioned to civilian rule. Don’t you feel any guilt about not playing a more visible role in that process? Well, you might be surprised. What you are seeing here (pointing at the numerous files on his table) are, in fact, contributions—first to Obasanjo’s administration, and later to Jonathan’s government. We were also active during Yar’adua’s time. He actually referred to me as his senior brother, because I had worked closely with General Shehu Musa Yar’adua in Lagos. So we had that bond. I’ve been doing my best. I’m just not someone who seeks the spotlight anymore. I used to be, yes—but those days are behind me. We’ve contributed a great deal. Let’s talk about the 1990 coup. At the time, you were still in active service and serving as the governor of Niger State. By April 22, it will be 35 years since that coup attempt. From accounts of several actors, you played a significant role in foiling it. Can you share your recollections of that watershed moment in Nigeria’s history? Don’t forget, I was a military governor then and if the Nigerian government were to fall, we’d all be gone. So, in a sense, it was also an act of self-preservation. We had to stay informed and take an active role. I got involved early on because I had intelligence about their plans as far back as February 1990. We infiltrated the system. As a governor, I had extensive contacts across the country, and my intelligence sources were broad and effective. Once I uncovered this particular plot, I began writing briefs regularly. Then I learned that Major Gideon Gwaza Orkar had been recruited into it. Orkar was a good officer—I knew him well. He served under me when I was at the Directorate of Armour in Lagos. And whenever he came to Lagos for meetings while stationed in Shaki, he would stay at my house. We had a strong connection. He had also met me at the Nigerian Defence Academy (NDA)—he was a cadet when I was about to graduate, so I was his senior. Later, he joined the Armoured Corps, where I served. So, I knew him as a bright young officer. When I found out about his involvement, I felt he was being used as a kind of conduit for the Niger Delta agitators. So, I asked his commandant if, in the interest of national security, he could allow Orkar to meet with me. I wanted to send him to the president directly. The commandant agreed, saying they weren’t in the middle of training at the time. So, Orkar was sent to me. I told him, “Gideon, you know I have vast information about what’s happening.” He acknowledged that. I said, “There are pockets of agitations across the country. At our last caucus meeting, we briefed our seniors, and they’ve been factoring this into their decision-making.” For example, the establishment of OMPADEC was part of efforts to address grievances in the Niger Delta. With the 13% derivation that was eventually granted, the region received substantial resources to accelerate development. But has that really happened? Not quite. Agitating officers in the Niger Delta hadn’t aligned with their leaders to understand what the federal government was doing—or failing to do. There was a disconnect. And yes, there was radicalism in their thinking. Emotional responses can cloud rational judgment. So, while the claims of marginalisation had merit, the government was working on interventions. I told Orkar, “Look, when they mention the Middle Belt—it’s just an aphorism. The Middle Belt is in Nigeria. Are you a Middle Belt officer?” He replied, “No, sir. I’m a Nigerian officer.” “Good,” I said. “So why are they trying to bring you into this? I don’t want to know what they’re telling you—but I’m giving you a chance, as one of us, to lay everything on the table with the president. Not to arrest them—but to disarm them. Let the government talk with them and understand their frustrations.” That was my intention. He responded, “Whatever you ask me to do, sir, I will do.” I reminded him, “If you’d done anything wrong, I could’ve had you arrested right here. But I didn’t. So go to the president and speak the truth about everything you know.” He mentioned that his car wasn’t in good condition, and I told him not to worry. I called my ADC and Director-General of Government House. I said, “Orkar is your guest. He needs new tyres.” The Niger State Supply Company provided four new tires for his car. The DG Government House gave him N20,000—quite a large amount back then—and he headed to Lagos. To his credit, he left very early the next morning. I don’t recall the exact date, but it was a Wednesday in March. By 2 p.m., UK Bello called me and said, “Sir, the officer is here.” I told him, “UK Bello, I beg you in the name of Almighty God, whatever the president is doing, he must see Orkar today.” He said, “Consider it done, sir.” I had already phoned the president that morning to let him know Orkar was on his way. Orkar sat in the ADC’s office until 6 p.m., there had been a Federal Executive Council meeting, which ran long. When the president returned and saw Orkar, he said, “Gideon, your boss told me you were coming. Okay, I’ve seen you, but I’m tired. Can you come back tomorrow?” And that was it. Orkar bantered a bit with UK Bello and left. But realistically, it’s likely he had already informed his co-conspirators and they were nearby in Lagos, awaiting the outcome of that meeting When that meeting didn’t happen, I believe it rattled them. They probably assumed their secret plan had been discovered; how else could we have known so much? So I believe they panicked, changed their timeline, and launched the coup earlier than planned. That’s why it didn’t succeed as they had envisioned. https://dailytrust.com/orkar-coup-why-i-kept-mute-for-35-years-col-lawan-gwadabe/ |
| Politics › Re: My CFR National Honours Award, By Abubakar D Umar by johnie(op): 12:51am On Jun 30, 2025 |
I SAW HELL UNDER ABACHA–COL. GWADABE Colonel Lawan Gwadabe (retd). Remember him? The colourful, debonair and intrepid Army officer who, along with a few others, formed the bulwark of the military power ring and protective rampart that propped the Generals Ibrahim Babangida and Sani Abacha juntas before he ran into trouble for allegedly plotting to topple the latter, whom he served as Personal Staff Officer and Commandant, Brigade of Guards in 1995. But, since the former governor of Niger State, reputed to be among the most intelligent military officers who helped to steer the two regimes especially on policy and strategy was retired after being vindicated in the now famous phantom coup , he has consistently and deliberately kept a low profile. However, he launched back into the limelight recently when he formed the New Arewa Vision Initiative, NAVI, a Pan Northern group that seems to be a rival to the Arewa Consultative Forum, ACF. Saturday Sun’s ABDULLAHI HASSAN, tracked Gwadabe for his views on the various burning issues of national discourse. And the man, whose views carried weight then did not disappoint. He revealed why it has taken him so long to break his silence and spoke on a wide range of other contentious subjects including disunity among Northern groups , restructuring, the quit notice served the Igbo by Arewa youths and the Buhari administration. Why did you disappear from the public radar for so long a time? If you recall the years 1995 – 1999 was a troubling period for me and all those who were detained by the regime of Gen. Sani Abacha for what turned out to be a phantom coup plot. Naturally, it was wise for me to remain within my space. While the episode of the alleged coup plot of 1995 has become part of our national history, it was, however, pertinent to note that the entire conduct of the investigations and the trials were a complete charade. The findings and the judgments delivered at best were a manifestation of the descent of Nigeria into medievalism. Truth was the greater casualty, at the expense of our country and its future. We were released on the 4th of March,1999 and one of the greatest lessons I learnt from the entire charade is that, no matter how long it takes, the truth must prevail over falsehood. It also strengthened my resolve to continue to be fearless and outspoken against all kinds of unfairness, injustice, oppression and intimidation. Unfortunately tragedy struck in the year 2000 barely before I could fully adjust myself to freedom, when fire gutted our house at night and several people died, including my beloved wife and son (may their souls rest in peace). That singular incident coming after the great agony of our trials and tribulation was to say the least, very devastating. It took me a very long time to recover from the shock, to the extent that public parley became a secondary issue. However, as a Muslim I take consolation in the fact that the Almighty Allah said in Qur’an 3:145 “That no one dies unless Allah permits. The term of every life is fixed”. But contrary to what you said, I was quite visible during my tenure as the Chairman of the Federal Road Safety Commission. Now with my membership of New Arewa Vision Initiative, I am sure from time to time, I would be participating in national discourse. My background training teaches that we only talk when we have an important contribution to make. https://thesun.ng/i-saw-hell-under-abacha-col-gwadabe/?amp |
| Politics › Re: My CFR National Honours Award, By Abubakar D Umar by johnie(op): 12:33am On Jun 30, 2025 |
Tinubu appoints Lawal Ja’afaru-Isa as executive secretary of Almajiri commission by Ahmad Sahabi March 16, 2024 12:46 pm President Bola Tinubu has appointed Lawal Ja’afaru-Isa as the executive secretary of the National Commission for Almajiri and Out-of-School Children Education. Almajiri is a system of Islamic education practised in northern Nigeria. https://www.thecable.ng/tinubu-appoints-lawal-jaafaru-isa-as-executive-secretary-of-almajiri-commission/ |
| Politics › Re: My CFR National Honours Award, By Abubakar D Umar by johnie(op): 12:18am On Jun 30, 2025 |
Ja’afaru Isa’s tour of duty in retrospect By Auwalu Umar Sat, 2 Dec 2017 4:00:00 WAT Looking at the unfolding developments in states across the federation in the current political dispensation reminds me of the time when Col. Lawal Ja’afaru Isa, who later retired as Brigadier- General held sway as military administrator for Kaduna State. I am not, in any way, comparing Ja’afaru’s administration with the present leadership in Kaduna under Governor Nasir el-Rufa’i or elsewhere in the country. It is just a reminiscence which I believe may be of tremendous benefit to some of our political leaders alike. I was a reporter of Daily Times in Kano when Ja’afaru was appointed administrator in November, 1993. I could vividly recall he was the darling of the press as he was always in the news. In fact, he was far ahead of many of his colleagues as he tried to make Kaduna a model in terms of infrastructure development and quality leadership for others to emulate. It was a great feat indeed; and that earned him a number of prestigious awards. For example, in 1995 he clinched BBC Hausa Service Man of the Year Award, and the following year he again bagged Voice of America Man of the Year, all for being an epitome of administrative finesse. Throughout his tour of duty as Kaduna military administrator he was never an arm chair administrator as he was very much on ground and in control of everything under his watch. Ja’afaru’s leadership dexterity was probably derived from the political philosophy of the founder of Sokoto Caliphate Sheikh Usmanu Danfodio who believed that a leader must not only be on ground but must also be visible and accessible at all the time. As a very charismatic administrator, Ja’afaru provided the needed leadership in Kaduna as every part of the state was given a sense of belonging irrespective of religious or ethnic affiliations. He was well known for his regular visits to churches and other places of worship all over the state just to ensure everybody lives in peace. This was after he successfully resolved the crisis that followed the Kaduna religious violence of 1992, and created chiefdoms for the very first time, a development that brought a lasting peace in the Zangon-Kataf area. Expectedly, Ja’afaru would continue to be remembered for a number of positive developments he brought to Kaduna. His administration designed an effective fertilizer distribution programme which the federal government adjudged the best, and thus recommended same to all other states. It was also to his credit the cracking down on the notorious roadside fuel marketers that permanently solved the protracted fuel crisis in the state. Equally, the administration was credited for introducing a novel practice where manufacturing companies were contracted to produce generic essential commodities, including textiles, drugs at half their brand name version prices. The initiative became so popular that government employees travelled all the way from Abuja, Jos, Kano, and Katsina to cash in on the savings to be made. And later the initiative was expanded to cover agricultural produce and livestock, especially at Sallah and Christmas celebrations. In an effort to ensure accountability and transparency the state published its budget performance in national dailies for all to appraise twice every year giving full account of government income and expenditure. This earned Kaduna government a commendation from the World Bank which recommended to other states in the federation to adopt. After leaving Kaduna as military administrator, he was appointed Nigeria’s Defence Attache to the United Nations in 1996. His schedule of office at the United Nations included among other things the administration of Nigerian military and Nigerian police on peace-keeping missions of the United Nations. It also involved extensive travels to UN mission areas, in which Nigerian troops were deployed in addition to assisting in projecting Nigeria’s interests in the UN drugs and other related issues as well as anti-financial crimes matters. On account of his leadership acumen he was made President Association of Military Advisers to United States. The annual performance evaluation reports written on Ja’afaru during his tour of duty both as military administrator and defence attaché were all rated excellent with each report attracted a citation and he was thus promoted to the rank of Brigadier-General in December, 1998, the rank on which he retired. The parade he conducted during the NDA Silver Jubilee in 1998 as Academy Adjutant was adjudged the best ever held by the Nigerian military; and his performance evaluation as Academy Adjutant at NDA earned him the maximum score possible and a citation. He was thus retained in his office much longer than any Nigerian officer to date and this is besides being the first officer to be promoted to the rank of Lt-Col in the office of the Academy Adjutant. And from then on, it became the standard that only officers of the rank of Lt-Col are appointed to that office. After joining politics soon after his retirement from active military service he easily became a leading politician in his home state, Kano when he picked the Congress for Progressive Change’s ticket to contest the governorship election. He was at one time special adviser on special duties to Vice President from 2003-2006, and currently member APC Board of Trustees. The former military administrator is also prominent for his active community service. He is chief executive of JAFCO Transporters, a non-profit organization aimed at promoting employment among the youth. Over 500 youths have so far benefited from the rider-owner scheme from this initiative. He is also chairman United Nigerian Development Forum, an NGO established for promotion of peaceful co-existence among Nigerians from all divides. Umar wrote from Samaru, Zaria https://dailytrust.com/ja-afaru-isa-s-tour-of-duty-in-retrospect/ |
| Politics › My CFR National Honours Award, By Abubakar D Umar by johnie(op): 12:04am On Jun 30, 2025 |
When the president called to inform me of his decision to magnanimously confer on me the the National Award of Commander of the Federal Republic, CFR, on account of my much advertised role in the struggle for the validation of the June 12th election and affirmation of Chief MKO Abiola’s mandate, my first reaction was why only me and not all those unsung heroes. Those officers and men who actively participated in that struggle, risking their careers and even lives. Although I was one of the leaders of that movement within the military, my contribution was by no means bigger than theirs. While I have been recognised and celebrated, including this National Honour by the President, they have remained anonymous. It is therefore incumbent upon me to reveal the identity of these patriots if only to acknowledge and commend their contributions to the emergence of the current democratic dispensation. The fact that Chief Abiola, the presumed winner of the June 12th election won over 80 per cent of the Armed Forces votes, clearly demonstrated the contribution of the other members of the military. I should add that this list is by no means exhaustive. There are a lot more participants who have remained unknown to me since they served under others. I apologise to all those whose names I must have missed. May God recognise and reward your sacrifice. Top on my list is my deputy at the Armoured Corps Centre and School, Colonel MA Garba, whose commitment was so strong that he continued with the execution of our plans after some of us were arrested, detained and mercifully retired in October, 1993. He went on, as he should, to attain the enviable rank of a Major General in the army. Others are: Lieutenant Colonel Lawal Jaafaru Isa Lieutenant Colonel UF Ahmed Lieutenant Colonel MS Dasuki Lieutenant Colonel ML Gwadabe Lieutenant Colonel. Temlong Lieutenant Colonel Musa Shehu Lieutenant Colonel Chris Eze Lieutenant Colonel HM Dzarma Lieutenant Colonel Isa Jibrin Lieutenant ColonelJOS Oshanupin Lieutenant Colonel A Oloruntoba (kabiesi Olugbede of Gbede kingdom) Lieutenant Colonel Moke Lieutenant Colonel Happy Bulus Lieutenant Colonel Olagunsoye Oyinlola Colonel J Okai Colonel E Ndubueze Lieutenant Colonel Yakubu Muazu Lieutenant Colonel Yahaya Abubakar (current Etsu Nupe) Major Saad Abubakar (current Sultan of Sokoto) Major Abba Maimalari Major Jamil Tahir Major Buzugbe Major LP Aprezi Major MK Yake Major J Dawah Major Suleiman Wali Major Dauda Komo Major Lucky Torrie Major JS Zaruwa Major M Sumaye Major Sani Bawa Major Ndaliman Major Ahmed. Major M Bawa Lieutenant Colonel JB Ahmadu Captain Junaid Bindawa Captain Lar. I therefore accept this award with all sense of humility on behalf of all these officers and men. Obviously, it goes without saying that this award will be doubly more meaningful if the democracy we all fought for delivers the real dividends. This can happen only if leaders at all levels govern with the fear of God and in accordance with the tenets of democracy. It remains the hope and prayers of all patriots that nothing is done to derail this infant democracy. To achieve the stability and progress of our democracy, leaders must prioritise good governance over politicking for self aggrandisement. The three co-equal branches of government must operate independently while cooperating with each other. One enduring lesson from the conduct of the officers and men is their decision to operate above sycophancy but to hold their superior officers to account Sadly, this does not appear to have a positive impact on our political leaders. Sycophancy everywhere has become the scourge of selfless and accountable leadership. It is the reason for the arrogance and vanity we see in our leaders at all levels. Men of straw are widely and falsely being elevated to the position of icons by self seeking sycophants. Mr President must lead in a war against sycophancy in all its forms. This must allow for no exceptions including the rapidly growing trend of naming and renaming public institutions, facilities and other infrastructure after a president or state governor while in office. The other day, the Senate President was reported to have predicted that President Bola Tinubu will win the 2027 election with 99.9 per cent of the votes! Even allowing for the fact that this Senate President is widely known for his humorous incitement, Mr President will do well to shun such oracles. God bless Nigeria. Abubakar Dangiwa Umar is a retired military officer and former governor of Kaduna State. https://www.premiumtimesng.com/opinion/804128-my-cfr-national-honours-award-by-abubakar-d-umar.html |
| Politics › Re: Throwback Photos Of Comrade Shehu Sani During The Struggle For Democracy by johnie: 3:26pm On Jun 21, 2025 |
Remembering Col. Yohanna Madaki, the iconoclast The Sun Newspaper 28th May 2024 By Osa Director To the younger generation, especially the Gen Z, with a very scant knowledge about Nigeria’s political history and the struggle for democracy and the rule of law, the name Colonel Yohanna Madaki (rtd.) might neither ring a bell nor strike a chord of familiarity. This is especially so in a country like ours where leaders are scared stiff of seeing their true reflections in the mirror. The fear of viewing the ruination our so-called leaders have brought upon the country has influenced them to ban the teaching of History as a subject in our secondary schools. So, how will the younger generation learn from the lessons of history? How will they identify the ignoble roles played by those parading themselves as leaders? Hence, it would be impossible too to learn of the heroic and patriotic efforts of the likes of Madaki. Madaki was born in 1941, in Ziturung Kuryi, Zangon Kataf Local Government Area of Kaduna State. After his primary education, he proceeded to the Nigerian Defence Academy (NDA), Zaria, in Kaduna State. While in the Nigerian Army, he had the privilege and excellence to participate in the Mons Cadet Officer Academy of Aldershot, England, and was an active soldier during the Nigerian Civil War after his commission as a 2nd Lieutenant. Being from a minority ethnic tribe in the North, Madaki learned early in life to struggle hard for all he ever desired. He was imbued with discipline, as well as the principles of justice and fairness. Therefore, as an officer in Ibadan, Oyo State, he enrolled for a Law degree at the University of Ibadan. He graduated with a degree in Law in 1984 and was called to the Nigerian Bar, in 1985. When the General Ibrahim Badamasi Babangida regime toppled Major-General Muhammadu Buhari in a palace coup in August 1985, Madaki was appointed military governor of old Gongola State (comprising today’s Adamawa and Taraba states). It was his reign as military governor that catapulted him into national prominence. He exhibited the sterling qualities of a rare gem and patriot with a courageous heart committed to the liberation of Nigeria from poverty, underdevelopment, prejudices and traditional blinkers. As military governor of Gongola State, Madaki was a no-nonsense officer and gentleman. He set out to tackle the exploitation of the poor by the powerful traditional institutions. He made no pretences at liberating the poor and underprivileged from the suffocating grip and manipulation by the rich and powerful, who disguised as traditional rulers and religious leaders. He was prepared to expose their underbelly and hypocrisy laced in religious dogma. He took it upon himself as a task to break the prison of ignorance and poverty that the powerful traditional and religious institutions have erected around the people in northern Nigeria. Consequently, Madaki railed and rooted against the Almajari system, where children of school age are sent to the streets to beg for a living under the pretence of religious training. He was against girl child marriage. Indeed, he detested the systemic exploitation of the plebians by the traditional and religious institutions in the North. Madaki was outspoken, daring, an avant-garde of a sort. He was remarkably different and by his ideological worldview he detested those who paraded themselves as overlords. Therefore, it was not surprising when, in a rare show of rage against the exploitative feudal system and against the threat that heavens would fall, he deposed the Emir of Muri, the traditional ruler of Muri. But heavens did not fall. As a matter of fact, Madaki gleefully told the media, “I have dealt a blow on feudalism.” It was such a rare act of courage in governance that prompted Newswatch magazine to describe Madaki as an iconoclast! A moniker that glued on him till death and even thereafter. In a bid to kowtow to the traditional forces, who hitherto were untouchables, Babangida in a humiliating soft-landing tactic removed Madaki as governor of Gongola State in August 1986, barely after a year in office. He was redeployed to Benue State. But after just a month in office, Madaki was dropped from the Maradonic cabinet of Babangida in September 1986. Radical and uncompromising, Madaki saw through the smokescreen and could decipher the dangers ahead. He retired from the military a few months after. Armed with his Law degree, he set up a law firm in Kaduna, where he commenced his private legal practice. As in the military, so he was in the legal practice. His law firm offered pro-bono services to indigent people, especially military officers who suffered any form of maltreatment in service. He engaged in many fierce legal battles in the defence of the weak, especially those of ethnic minorities. He was involved in the legal battle to save former military governor of Rivers State, Major-General Zamani Lekwot, from the hangman’s noose. And he succeeded. He was a fierce and uncompromising defender of ethnic minorities in the North. He fought for the rights of the Sayawa people in the southern part of Bauchi State. Oftentimes, they were attacked by gunmen; incessant religious riots broke out verging on genocide against the Sayawa. But Madaki like a rock of Gibraltar, again, used the instrumentality of the law and media to seek justice and protection for them. As a young journalist, I travelled to Tafawa Balewa Local Government Council, in Bauchi State, to unearth violence and destruction against the Sayawa people which the government of the day tried strenuously to hide, Madaki showed me the direction. Indeed, Madaki was a journalists delight. He led me in the direction of scoop after scoop. His interviews dripped with raw courage as they were always no-holds-barred interview sessions. He gave me access to his home and office 24 hours of the day. I could call on him at anytime, and he would be there. Madaki was one of the few voices of sanity and courage oozing from the North during the fight against military dictatorship, especially after the annulment of June 12, 1993, Presidential Election and when General Sani Abacha inflicted a rare kind of dictatorship upon Nigerians. https://thesun.ng/remembering-col-yohanna-madaki-the-iconoclast/ 1 Share
|
| Politics › Re: Throwback Photos Of Comrade Shehu Sani During The Struggle For Democracy by johnie: 3:18pm On Jun 21, 2025 |
johnie:I just realised that Ahaji Balarabe Musa was actually awarded the Commander of the Federal Republic (CFR) by President Tinubu. I don't know how I missed that earlier. This means only one person on my list above is yet to be honoured - Yohana Madaki. I hope that happens soon! |
| Politics › June 12: Tinubu Confers CFR National Honour On Dangiwa Umar by johnie(op): 7:21pm On Jun 19, 2025 |
President Bola Tinubu has conferred the national honour of Commander of the Order of the Federal Republic (CFR) on Colonel Abubakar Dangiwa Umar (Rtd), a prominent advocate of democracy and one of the vocal supporters of the June 12 election struggle.https://leadership.ng/june-12-tinubu-confers-cfr-national-honour-on-dangiwa-umar-apologises-for-omission/ 11 Likes 3 Shares
|
| Politics › Re: Throwback Photos Of Comrade Shehu Sani During The Struggle For Democracy by johnie: 7:19pm On Jun 19, 2025 |
johnie:June 12: Tinubu Confers CFR National Honour On Dangiwa Umar, Apologises For Omission President Bola Tinubu has conferred the national honour of Commander of the Order of the Federal Republic (CFR) on Colonel Abubakar Dangiwa Umar (Rtd), a prominent advocate of democracy and one of the vocal supporters of the June 12 election struggle. The President made the announcement on Thursday during the commissioning of a 100 CNG Buses in Kaduna. Colonel Dangiwa Umar, widely regarded as a “Soldier of Democracy” for his principled stand during Nigeria’s pro-democracy movement in the 1990s, was notably absent from the list of national honours awarded on June 12—Nigeria’s Democracy Day. His exclusion drew concern from many quarters, given his historical role in defending democratic ideals during military rule. In his speech, President Tinubu acknowledged the oversight and offered a public apology, stating: “The omission of Colonel Dangiwa Umar from the Democracy Day honours list was not intentional. It was a regrettable oversight, and I apologise. Today, I correct that by announcing the conferment of the national honour of Commander of the Order of the Federal Republic (CFR) on him.” Colonel Umar, a former military governor of Kaduna State, became one of the few officers who openly criticised the annulment of the June 12, 1993 presidential election, widely regarded as the freest and fairest in Nigeria’s history. His bold stance earned him national respect and a lasting place in Nigeria’s democratic history. President Tinubu praised Umar’s courage and unwavering commitment to justice and democratic governance, noting that his contributions could not be forgotten in the narrative of Nigeria’s democratic journey. https://leadership.ng/june-12-tinubu-confers-cfr-national-honour-on-dangiwa-umar-apologises-for-omission/ 1 Like 1 Share |
| Politics › Re: Throwback Photos Of Comrade Shehu Sani During The Struggle For Democracy by johnie: 7:28pm On Jun 12, 2025 |
I would have loved to see the following listed as heroes of the struggle by Comrade Sani also honoured: Alhaji Balarabe Musa - PRP governor of Kaduna State Col Yohana Madaki - action governor of then Gongola State and later a lawyer/activist Col Umar Dangiwa - former military governor of Kaduna State and later June 12 stalwart |
| Politics › Re: Throwback Photos Of Comrade Shehu Sani During The Struggle For Democracy by johnie: 7:17pm On Jun 12, 2025 |
It's unfortunate that a thread that should have served a platform for providing important information about the sacrifices of true patriots is being turned into a cesspool of tribal and political hatred. Within the few minutes of my reading the original post of this thread while it was on the first page and me typing a response, the thread has spiraled out of control. Pity! |
| Politics › Re: Throwback Photos Of Comrade Shehu Sani During The Struggle For Democracy by johnie: 7:11pm On Jun 12, 2025*. Modified: 7:35pm On Jun 12, 2025 |
Thanks for sharing Naptu2. Comrade Shehu Sani is among the recipients of national honours announced earlier today. I am very happy that at last the he, the following people (and others honoured today) whose sacrifices had/were gradually being forgotten are at last honoured: Alao Aka Bashorun - NBA President who used the platform to fight the military government and had to flee the country at a time Ayo Obe - President of the Civil Liberties Organisation and in my opinion she was the first lady of the movement. I used to wonder what a "lady" like her was doing in the movement! Chima Ubani - through and through democracy activist and later Executive Director of CLO who later died at the age of 43 in a car crash soon after restoration of civilian government. He died on his way back from a rally in Maiduguri to protest the incessant hike in the prices of Petroleum Products. This post (https://www.nairaland.com/1938/chima-ubanis-death-unfortunate-incident) on Nairaland about his death did not go beyond the first page and probably did not make front page. Bagauda Kaltho - Journalist. Erroneously linked to a bombing incident on January 18 1996 at the Durbar Hotel, Kaduna. The miliitary government's Special Task Force on Terrorist Activities insinuated that the body of someone found at the site of the blast was that of Kaltho, on assignment to destabilise the military regime, Festus Iyayi - Was ASUU president and use that platform to fight the military Gambo Sawaba - not as educated as the others on this list but was a defiant force, powerful mobiliser and loud voice of the movement Bamidele Aturu - During his NYSC programme, refused an award of the best corps member of the NYSC 1987/88 batch because he didn’t want to shake hands of the military administrator of Niger State, Lawan Gwadabe, in protest against military rule. I believe was sanctioned by NYSC for this. Emma Ezeazu - former NAN President and also former secretary of CLO 4 Likes 2 Shares |
| Travel › Re: lagos Marine Bridge To Undergo 60-day Closure For Structural Repairs by johnie: 11:42am On Apr 24, 2025*. Modified: 12:40pm On Apr 24, 2025 |
Cofficial:Picture shown above is Marina Bridge on Lagos Island not Marine Bridge at Apapa (shown below) which is to be repaired. 2 Likes
|
| Travel › Re: Videos Of Reconstruction Of Independence Bridge As Umahi Orders Reopening by johnie: 9:17am On Apr 03, 2025 |
naptu2:Thanks for this clarification Naptu2! |
| Sports › Re: Leicester City Sign Ademola Lookman On Loan by johnie: 5:00am On Dec 19, 2024 |
Numerouno94: Sharon6: Mangekyo: phemmyfour: inoki247: Trueigbo: seunmsg: Adegokenath: Mosopzy23: tnerro1:
|
| Politics › Re: Women Groups Demand Apology From APC For Scamming Over 400 Women In Abuja by johnie: 9:41am On Aug 01, 2024 |
thesicilian:Hence the new protest against the people who organised the former protest against the initial planned protest  2 Likes |
| Politics › The Theory Of Stupidity by johnie(op): 7:16pm On Jun 17, 2024 |
| Education › Re: Students' Impressive Sports Commentary Wow Audience by johnie: 7:05pm On May 23, 2024 |
EnglishUsa:https://www.nairaland.com/agriculture |
| Sports › Re: "I Am Incredibly Grateful" Nnadozie Celebrates French League Best Goalkeeper by johnie: 5:37pm On May 16, 2024 |
Racoon:Keep winning Champ! Looking forward to a captivating performance in the summer and a big beak in the coming season. |
| Sports › Re: Chiamaka Nnadozie And Rasheedat Ajibade Put In MVP Performances In Europe by johnie: 4:20pm On May 12, 2024 |
Thanks for the update Naptu2. Congrats to both of them! Very proud of them. Wish Nnadozie the best on the playoffs. It's time both of them move to bigger clubs. Maybe after the Olympics? Looking forward to a great things for the Falcons at summer Olympics. |
| Sports › Re: Chiamaka Nnadozie Is The Goalkeeper Of The 2023/2024 Season In France by johnie: 7:03am On Apr 30, 2024 |
W naptu2:Well deserved! More to come. |
| Culture › Re: Ile-ife Is Our Home, Benin Reps Tell Ooni (Video) by johnie: 8:25pm On Apr 27, 2024 |
3exe3:The Oba of Benin, Oba Ewuare II, has suspended six functionaries for allegedly presenting themselves as the palace’s emissaries before the Ooni of Ife in a function. DAILY POST reports that a statement signed by Chief Sam Igbe, Iyase of Benin kingdom and made available to newsmen in Benin City named the suspended palace functionaries as Johnbull Igbinosun, Iduhonre (Ihogbe), S.E. Aigbiremwen, Efesieoghoba (Ogbelaka). Sam Igbe, who signed the statement on behalf of the Benin Traditional Council, BTC, also listed Ogbeide Osagie and Osamudiame Edo among the suspended functionaries. He said they were suspended for allegedly engaging themselves in a sacrilegious show of shame and falsehood against the Benin Custom. According to him, these individuals not only declared themselves subjects of the Ooni, but also rendered an inaccurate and disjointed account of the connection between the Benin Royal Dynasty and the Ooni-ship of Ife. https://dailypost.ng/2024/04/27/oba-of-benin-suspends-six-officials-for-posing-as-palace-emissaries-to-ooni-of-ife/?utm_source=operamini&utm_medium=feednews&utm_campaign=operamini_feednews 1 Like |
| Sports › Re: Chiamaka Nnadozie Has Been Nominated For Goalkeeper Of The Season In France by johnie: 9:47am On Apr 23, 2024 |
naptu2:Thanks for the update. Chiamaka deserves this and more! Hope to see her do very well at the Olympics and then on the podium at the next FIFA Awards. Can you do an analysis of Super Falcons first choice goalkeepers over the years? Ann Chiejinne Precious Dede Chiamaka Nnadozie Others 2 Likes 1 Share |
| Romance › Re: Age Is Just A Number - Reactions As 'Young' Couple Set To Wed In Benue (Photos) by johnie: 7:19pm On Mar 21, 2024 |
| Politics › Re: Da Rocha- Nigeria's First Millionaire What Has Happened To This Family ? by johnie: 6:00pm On Aug 20, 2023 |
Christistruth03:Thanks for the update! |
| Politics › Re: Nigeria's 2022 National Award: List Of Awardees by johnie: 7:25am On Oct 02, 2022 |
Tboy222:Amusan Bags OON Award As Buhari Honours Nigerian Athletes Channels Television Updated September 15, 2022 Track queen Tobi Amusan on Thursday bagged the Officer of the Order of the Niger (OON) award as President Muhammadu Buhari honoured the country’s athletes for their spectacular performances in several competitions. The ceremony presided over by Buhari saw the Commander-in-Chief splash N200 million for Team Nigeria contingents to the 2022 Commonwealth Games and World Athletics Championships. He also conferred national honours on them. While addressing the athletes at the Banquet Hall of the State House in Abuja, Buhari said his administration is committed to rewarding excellence, no less for members of Team Nigeria who ignited the spirit of victory in the nation through stellar performances at international competitions “Your outstanding performances in recent times are consistent with the determination of a nation always yearning for excellent performance,” the President was quoted as saying in a statement by his media aide, Femi Adesina. He described the athletes as champions, worthy ambassadors, national heroes, and heroines, heaping praises on them for proudly flying the Nigerian flag in nine sporting events. “I watched with millions of Nigerians those exciting moments when you all brought smiles to us and our homes by breaking world, national, and games records, as well as achieving personal best in your careers. “You all, members of Team Nigeria, have ignited the spirit for victory in our nation but even more you have been victorious in major sporting championships and games. “I have followed keenly your achievements at the World Championships in Oregon, USA, and indeed your remarkable performance at the recently concluded Commonwealth Games in Birmingham, United Kingdom. “And I am very pleased that you displayed at both the personal and group levels great sporting talents and delivered for your country great podium performances.” Buhari noted that the athletes’ hour of sporting glory beamed the “radar of the world on Nigeria”, maintaining that their exploits have gone a long way in projecting the positive image of the country. He added, “Twelve times the world stood still as our green, the white-green national flag was hoisted and the National Anthem recited. Thirty-five times we made it to the podium. You all Team Nigeria made that possible. “You brought glory and honour to our country. And today, on behalf of the nation- I say, Thank You!” https://www.channelstv.com/2022/09/15/amusan-other-athletes-get-n200m-national-honours/
|
| Education › Re: Zazu Lyrics In UNILORIN Mass Communication Exam (400L) by johnie: 5:13pm On Feb 01, 2022 |
GeniusHawlah:Rain semester in February? Climate change or ASUU Strike? |
