shehuolayinka: In December 2018, Boko Haram insurgents pulled a blitzkrieg on military formations in Baga, Borno state, sacking the headquarters of the multinational joint task force and taking over the place (briefly). The group steadied its onslaughts on military formations, killing many soldiers, weeks after.
At least, 18 soldiers were killed in an ambush on Maiduguri road on December 26, 2018, in one of Boko Haram’s mortal offensives. The group also persisted in inflicting attritive damages on the civilian population in the north-east. The killings and destruction never let up; in fact, they had taken an upward trajectory since the current service chiefs were appointed.
But what did President Muhammadu Buhari say and do in the heat of the killing of soldiers, civilians and attack on military barracks and equipment?
This is what he said in an interview on Arise TV in January, 2019 – a few days after the attacks: “The head [him] has to be very careful on removal of the service chiefs because you don’t know [the] ambition of the ones coming up. I didn’t know them on [a] personal basis, I followed records and thought I picked the best then, of course, their performance may be disappointing but I accept responsibility for not changing them. My reason is based on my own experience.”
Now, compare Buhari’s complacent remarks to the action of President Issoufou Mahamadou of Niger Republic, who sacked his security chiefs after 89 soldiers were killed by terrorists in January, 2020.
My theory is, Buhari is keeping the service chiefs, who have failed in their duty, out of self-preservation. He is prioritising loyalty over competence because he still sees the wraith of the 1985 coup in which he was deposed. Boko Haram can sack the entire north-east, but the president will still keep the security chiefs. He considers any threat to his office of far greater concern than any threat to the lives of Nigerians.
because he is not buhari, that is agreement whit service Chief whit so call cabal that they will not be Cheng. Who will Cheng them if buhari is alive he could have Cheng them long time ago they are in power try it and see. Buhari is dead
LordVoldermort: Lately after the invention of Amotekun... we have seen many Igbos coming out to support Amotekun thinking it is in their interest...
Now we cannot blame them since Amotekun advertises itself as an innocent organization aimed at the security of Yoruba people...
But this is nothing new how many terrorist organizations are advertised as evil? Boko Haram members claim to be fighting against corruption, Delta militants claim to be protecting their people from capitalism, even Hitler himself claimed to be protecting his people, the truth is more innocent have been killed because of Boko Haram, Delta militants did nothing except make kidnapping a lucrative business and Hitler completely ruined his country...
My point here is that while Amotekun claims to be fighting against Fulani Herdsmen the truth is Igbos would suffer more from them, same way Hitler started with Jews and ended with Europe, they are starting with Fulanis but it would end with Igbos...
Amotekun would make the lives of Igbos in the South West very very difficult, naturally in the name of security...
Now IPOB would never condemn Amotekun because it is in their interest the more Igbos suffer in Nigeria the more they shall support Biafra...
Are Igbos destined to be slaves? to be tossed around? slaves to Nigeria or IPOB?
Even if we are going to be tossed around we should have an idea of where we are going, like a boxer walking into the ring instead of being thrown there...
We are not robots to get pressed around by anybody We have free will...
fergie006: Hope Uzodinma, governor of Imo, says the state will witness prosperity under his leadership.
Speaking during his maiden broadcast on Wednesday, Uzodinma announced the establishment of a security outfit code-named – ‘North East West (NEW)’ for the state.
He said the era of “executive lawlessness and neo-feudalism, in the state is gone forever”.
In a statement by Oguwike Nwachuku, his chief press secretary, the governor listed policy measures that his administration intends to apply to achieve the dream of a “new Imo”.
Uzodinma said his vision for the state is predicated on freedom, security and shared prosperity, and that the situation of things at present indicates that Imo requires fundamental reform to forge a new trajectory.
“To achieve his vision of Rehabilitation, Reconstruction and Recovery, Governor Uzodinma directed the overhaul of the bureaucratic structures to entrench strict adherence to extant laws, procedures and statutes to achieve efficient service delivery. He assured of prompt payment of salaries, pensions and other statutory obligations,” the statement read.
On education, the governor said his administration will establish the Imo State Education Opportunity Programme (ISEOP) focused on skill acquisition, innovation, manpower development and entrepreneurship.
He said the programme is with a view to producing a new generation of graduates equipped for immediate employment and self-reliance.
For the health sector, Uzodinma promised to pursue a policy of comprehensive medicare with primary and preventive components “which shall achieve 75% coverage of the populace across the 27 LGAs within the first two years”.
“In this vein, the state shall recruit 850 Community Health Workers, renovate and equip Community Health Centres in the 305 wards, procure modern diagnostic equipment, including CT scan and mobile X-ray as well as provide Rapid Response Ambulance Services (RAMS) at the Zonal Hospitals and Central Rural health Centres,” he said.
The governor also pledged to restore autonomy to the local government, and promised that a credible council election would be conducted in due course.
He said a forensic audit of the state’s finances would be carried out to establish its true financial status.
“To channel the economy to massive growth and job creation, Governor Uzodinma pledged to focus on Mainstream Macro-economic programmes based on his “3R Algorism”—Recovery of damaged economic structures, re-construction of core infrastructure and rehabilitation of component micro-economic institutions with the overall aim of achieving rapid economic diversification through ‘Backward integration’ involving a synergy of Rural-urban paradigm shift from a core public-sector-driven economy to Public-Private-Partnership (PPP),” the statement read.
“Governor Uzodinma also announced the establishment of a State Economic and Rehabilitation Council (SEDARC) to redress the fiscal and infrastructural deficits militating against economic development in the state.
“Additionally, the Council has the mandate to recover missing public assets as well as co-ordinate a forensic investigation into the finances of the state to establish the true financial status as at January 13, 2020; together with the recovery of all illegally acquired private lands to enable their return to their rightful owners.
“To boost the security architecture of Imo State, the Governor announced the establishment of a new Neighborhood Security outfit code-named “North East West” (NEW) involving a coordinated network of community intelligence-gathering programme to complement the conventional security Agencies. The Governor declared that Imo shall become uncomfortable for criminals with the launch of “Operation Flush Out Criminals” (FOC)” https://www.google.com/amp/s/www.thecable.ng/uzodinma-sets-up-security-outfit-for-imo-promises-to-grant-lg-autonomy/amp Lalasticlala Mynd44
ok see you then. Don't talk too much if you want to work start to work
Officialrero: [color=#006600][/color] Miyetti Allah said Yoruba's remain the most primitive in terms of political culture & that Amotekun was set up to target them!. One of their leaders affirm this on live TV. Subscribe to Rero TV for more breaking news
BabaRamota1980: Ansaru’s claim of responsiblility for Wednesday’s attack in Kaduna, its first attack claim since at least 2013. In its first claimed operation since at least 2013, the al Qaeda-linked Jamaat al Ansar al Muslimeen fi Bilad al Sudan, better known as Ansaru, has officially returned to Nigeria’s jihadist scene.
On Wednesday, at least six Nigerian soldiers were killed after being ambushed along the Kaduna-Zaira highway in the country’s north. The soldiers were part of the convoy of the Emir of Potiskum of Nigeria’s Yobe State, who was believed to be the main target.
While Nigerian officials initially reported that six soldiers were killed by “gunmen in military uniforms,” other officials have been quoted by local media as saying that the “feared death toll was at least 30 [soldiers].” Additionally, several soldiers have been reported missing or kidnapped.
For its part, Ansaru claimed to have killed 22 Nigerian troops, including destroying several vehicles. However, no mention was made of any kidnapped soldiers or civilians. The jihadist group also did not mention the Emir of Potiskum as being the target.
The claim was made via al Qaeda’s Al Hijrah Media, which routinely publishes claims and translations from various groups within al Qaeda’s vast global network.
Prior to the statement from Al Hijrah, several Ansaru and al Qaeda-linked social media channels also claimed the ambush was perpetrated by Ansaru’s men.
Today’s attack claim comes after Ansaru announced its return in October by releasing a new photo of its men inside Nigeria.
While the photo itself offered little information, the release was meant to demonstrate Ansaru’s continued existence and presence inside Nigeria. This attempted resurgence has been hinted at in al Qaeda’s propaganda in the past.
For instance, in 2017, Al Risalah Magazine, a former publication released by al Qaeda-linked jihadists in Syria, published an article penned by Usama al Ansari. Ansari, who was described as Ansaru’s emir, heavily criticized Abubakar Shekau, offered a detailed history of the group, and spoke highly of al Qaeda’s men around the world in the piece.
That article was the first sign of life for the group in almost two years at the time.
Prior to the magazine article, the last Ansaru publications were in early 2015. In January and February of that year, two videos were released by the jihadist group with the aim of distancing itself from the actions of Abubakar Shekau and his Boko Haram.
In the videos and aforementioned magazine article, Ansaru’s leaders closely stuck to al Qaeda’s guidelines for jihad. This was not surprising as the history of the group is closely tied to al Qaeda in the Islamic Maghreb (AQIM).
Two of Ansaru’s founders and leaders were trained by AQIM’s men in Mali. In some instances, Ansaru’s men even took part in al Qaeda’s operations in the Sahel and further claimed attacks inside Nigeria in defense of AQIM in Mali.
And in 2013, Khalid al Barnawi, the former leader of Ansaru, referred to Ayman al Zawahiri as “our good emir” and praised al Qaeda’s branches around the world.
After Boko Haram pledged allegiance to the Islamic State in March 2015, Ansaru has widely been regarded as al Qaeda’s franchise in Nigeria.
However, following fierce competition with Boko Haram, and later the Islamic State West Africa, and the arrest of Barnawi in 2016, Ansaru was severely weakened and largely relegated to a state of dormancy.
Today’s claim is meant to demonstrate that Ansaru has finally become operational after a long hiatus of dormancy and that it can be an alternative jihadist entity to join.
Though given the presence of both the Islamic State’s West African Province and Jamaat Ahl al Sunnah, led by ‘Boko Haram’s’ Abubakar Shekau, it remains to be seen how successful Ansaru’s resurgence will be.
Caleb Weiss is a contributor to FDD's Long War Journal.
booklover: A fast rising Media Company based in Lagos is looking to hire staff and freelance photographers to join their team.
Photographers should be skilled in taking documentary styled pictures, be willing to travel and should have the ability to work on a tight deadline.
Staff photographers would be paid monthly and freelance photographers would be paid on commission basis.
If you would like to join the team, pls send an email to mediahrtalents@gmail.com
The title of your email should read CALL FOR PHOTOGRAPHERS
In the body of your email, pls attach 10 original samples of your documentary styled photographs. Also include information about your country of residence in the body of the email.
All applications should come in latest 5pm (WAT) on Monday January 20, 2020.
Please share this information with anyone who might be interested.
ExAngel007: The governor-elect of Imo State, Senator Hope Uzodinma, has given an order to all financial institutions where the state funds are maintained not to honour any draft till further notice.
This order came a few hours after that the Supreme Court declared him the duly elected governor of the state on Tuesday.
A letter addressed to the regional directors and managers of all the financial institutions in Imo state and signed by Cosmos Iwu, director- general of Senator Hope Uzodinma campaign organization on behalf of the governor-elect, ordered the financial institutions to “post no debit” on all the accounts of the state domiciled in their banks till further directive.
The letter which was titled, “Order of post no debit on all accounts of Imo state government effective immediately 14 January 2020” stated that the order was a sequel to the apex court judgment which declared Uzodinma the new governor of the state.
The three-paragraph letter, which was sighted by The PUNCH‘s correspondent in Owerri on Wednesday read, “Following the Supreme Court judgment of 14 January 2020, I am directed by his excellency, Senator Hope Uzodinma, to take this as your authority/instruction to place a post no debit order on all accounts of the Imo state government maintained in your various institutions.
“You are by this letter directed to comply and await further instructions from the office of his excellency, the executive governor of Imo state. Thanks for your cooperation.”
BBBmall25: Stop Being Curious, Igbos Only Need Us When The Want Biafra. Their Aim Is To Use Us And Our Oil And Gain Relivant; Politically The Need Our Number To Unsettle The North Which Is Not Possible. On The Normal Sense Of The Igbos, The Envys Our Political Prominent And Emergence; They Hate Our Inclusion To National Discuss Tagging Us A Minority That They Majority With Good Business Accumen Are More Deserving. Back to Ur Answer Now: The People Who Are Suffering From Both Superiority And Inferiority Complex Will Never Whole Heartedly Support An Emergence Economic And Political Power House Of The Minority SOUTH SOUTH.
Nigerian army should stop watching too much move. Like commando and Jack in shin nonsense y can't them use it it on boko Haram. The weapon is useless like them
NwekeUG: IgbereTV reports that former Aviation Minister, Femi Fani Kayode has blasted Vice President Osinbanjo and Bola Tinubu over the recent appointments made by President Buhari in FIRS and AMCON.
Femi Fani Kayode posted on Facebook and Twitter:
Two sons of the South West removed as heads of two powerful organisations in the finance sector, namely FIRS and AMCON, in the last 48 hours and both replaced by northerners.
Bola Ahmed Tinubu and midget Vice President how market? It really doesn't pay to be a slave. After a while they take away even the tiny crumbs they gave you!
Priscy01: Sowore: Buhari Knows Nigerians Will Never Stand Up For Those That Stand Up For Them - Seun Kuti
Seun Kuti has reacted to Omoyele Sowore's rearrest at the Federal High Court in Abuja which led to an uproar yesterday December 6.
According to the music star, Buhari's biggest weapon is knowing that Nigerians will never stand up for those that stand up for them.
The son of Nigerian music legend Fela, recounted how same treatment was meted out to his father by Buhari when he was the military head of state. Seun Kuti said his father who had blood all over him was dragged through the streets while everyone watched.
Seun Kuti alleged that Nigerian professionals are Buhari's biggest accomplice as he pointed out that "Sowore is all of us without our shackles.
He wrote "They know the Nigerian professionals are their biggest accomplice. They know you have never gone on strike because poor people have no food, because u have food. You have never downed tools because poor people can’t go to school because u can afford school fees.
"You have never stopped yes sir for one second because innocent babies are dying by their thousands since u can afford private clinics for your kids ( some of u even employ the poor kids and nearly kill them yourselves). That’s why you can’t stand up and down tools for Sowore even after the courts of LAW that we all claim to obey has been spat on. I know the truth though cos the stigma of loving the African people is one I’m familiar with! How dare he?
"Who does he think he is?! Hmmmm. Let me tell u, Sowore is all of us without our shackles!!! This is our greatest opportunity to change this narrative. This is our biggest chance to insist on our dignity and our rights not just for Sowore but for our HUMANITY! Let’s change this narrative!! UNA GO RELEASE THIS ONE OOOO."
catoluy: When They Try To Rearrest Kanu Fatally, Killed over 10 people, manhandled his parents that ultimately led to their deaths, You Said Nothing out of the wickedness and hate in you for him and his tribe. Forgetting it may be your own one day. Today it's Sowore, You Are Talking and Disturbing everybody. Don't you think you are a selfish hypocrite?
that women think buhari will be the president for ever one day buhari will steps down and all of them will answer for their sin. Buhari can't be there for them. Let them continue making enemy for their self
tshege: A beautician who runs a skin lightening outfit in Lagos has been raised by NAFDAC officials after a trending video showed women peeling off the first layer of their skin.
Johnnyessence: Finally, Osun state governor is commissioning a project! Governor Oyetola Commissioned Iron pots (Aperin) to mark first year in office. #O'pot #O'meal Osun ti n dara ooo
I don't understand Nigerian at TAL what is this nonsense.
Omooba77: The former President of Ghana, Dr. John Dramani Mahama has come hard on the Nigerian government, calling on the immediate reopening of the the borders, which were closed a few months ago.
Mahama made the call while speaking as the guest speaker at the 7th Anniversary Lecture of Realnews magazine held at the Sheraton Hotel in Lagos, Nigeria. Hi
He said: “In Nigeria, the unilateral closure of the borders since August is a worrying development for the growth of free trade in the ECOWAS sub-region. Off course, one can understand the harmful effects of unbridled smuggling goods on the growth of local production. But it is problematic that sub-regional economic activity and trade should suffer because of domestic institutional weaknesses.
“Nigeria must invest in strengthening its institutions and systems that are responsible for preventing the importation of illegal or prohibited goods
“The total closure of, especially, the Benin border is having a significant toll on many small and medium businesses especially in Togo, Ghana and Cote D’Ivoire that rely on this inter-country trade. I am sure that businesses in Nigeria that rely on supplies from these countries are also suffering.
“With the signing of the joint border task force agreement between Nigeria and her neighbours, I would like to take this opportunity to appeal to Nigeria to open up her border so that economic activities can resume.
“As the largest economy in West Africa, I believe it is not by accident that Nigeria is home to the headquarters of the Economic Community of West Africa States. The import of the following quote from the objective principles for establishment of ECOWAS cannot be lost on us.”
naijadrivablog: Following the constant complaints and hardship faced by road users of the Calabar – Odukpani – Itu – Ikot Ekpene federal highway, the House of Representatives Ad-Hoc Committee on Works and Abandoned Projects, on Saturday 26th October 2019 embarked on a fact-finding mission.
The 6-man committee headed by Rt. Hon. Francis Uduyok, member representing Ikot Abasi Federal Constituency of Akwa Ibom State, was accompanied by a team from Julius Berger, the project contractors, led by its Regional Manager (South and East), Engr. Juergen Fischer to ascertain the actual state of the highly controversial Odukpani-Itu (with spur to ididep) – Ikot Ekpene Road in Cross Rivers and Akwa Ibom States.
Also on the delegation were the Members representing Ikono/Ini Federal Constituency, Hon.Obong Emmanuel Ukpong-udo, his counterpart from Abak/Etim Ekpo/Ika, Hon.Aniekan Umanah, Hon Bamidele Salam (Osun), Hon Makwe (Ebonyi) and Rt Hon Tunji Shoyinka (Lagos).
In line with its responsibility of investigating abandoned projects all over the country, the Committee found out that the contract for the 87km road which is supposed to start from Calabar-Itu road Junction in Ikot Ekpene and terminate at Odukpani Junction, was haphazardly and unprofessionally awarded due to political interest.
It was discovered that out of the proposed 87km, only 21.9km was awarded for construction at a whooping sum of 54 billion, with a large chunk of 65.1km not awarded. This is at gross variance with blatant lies by some persons that the entire stretch was awarded and work almost completed.
A breakdown of the “awarded” and “not awarded” portions of the road showed that Ikot Ekpene to Ididep which is 36.1Km had not been awarded, while the portion from Ididep to Ayadehe bridge which is a distance of only 12.2km was awarded. From Ayadehe bridge to the Power Plant which is 29km was also not awarded, while the remaining portion from the Power Plant to Odukpani Junction, totalling 9.7km, had been awarded.
Further investigations revealed that the contract, awarded on April 24, 2018, was supposed to last for 30 months but non-funding resulted in the suspension of the job in May 2019 by Julius Berger Plc. The project contractors, Julius Berger disclosed that they received only 7.4 billion out of the 54.1billion earmarked for the project, with about 60% of the 7.4 billion withheld for compensation purposes leaving them with a paltry 3.4 billion to execute the project, which was grossly inadequate. In other words, only less than 13% contract works and payment has been fulfilled.
The House of Representatives Committee wondered why the project would be punctuated by bushes in between, a situation it frowned at, describing it as unacceptable.
The Committee, having concluded investigations will present a final report about the actual state of the project to the National Assembly and the President through the Minister of Works and Housing. The committee has warned agents of falsehood peddling lies about the project to the undiscerning public, to desist forthwith.
Edygrin: Pride cometh before a fall. Dickson just lost his political relevance
In the good old days the PDP used to choose candidates that had the support of the massses and elders of the land but this days the highest bidder get the party's ticket. Jonathan just taught Dickson and the PDP a bitter lesson
the governor ignore Jonathan too much thinking he can do it alone nest time he will respect his elder
it will concern you soon whit your president who is embarrassing Nigerian all over the world. Ok you don't kn y Trump call him lifeless and don't want to meet him again. How can a whole president when to White House and remove his shoes before he get inside it is very embarrassing.
Politics › Re: Barely 24 Hrs Nnamdi Kanu Relaunched IPOB Security Arm (BSS), Over 100k Sign Up by madmohamed(m): 12:28pm On Jan 25, 2020
