₦airaland Forum

Simon Ekpa has been sued by Igbos in Germany for what was termed as leading, participating in, supporting, funding, and encouraging a terrorist organization currently engaged in several acts of killings and intimidation of law abiding Nigerians.

Please who Nose this man, I want to meet him. ���

This country would have gone in flames if not for DSS unflinching commitment to their job of securing this Country. Many don’t know how relevant, up and doing they are except if u go close to them. Because they don’t make noise about their achievements on media doesn’t mean they are less relevant than the most revered defense organization in the country. ….. the OP is right.

Police and lies na 5&6, they will always frame anyone to cover up or defend their illegal actions.

Her breast her cat

What will one possibly hope to gain by setting up his colleague, exposing him to danger like this, this is beyond wickedness. I hope the evil colleague gets what he deserve (sacked and thrown in jail).

It is totally wrong for a public figure like himself to align or identify with a proscribed group whose recent violent activities have been condemned even by their own people. Its just wrong

By Ademola Lawrence

The parable of the Prodigal Son is one of the parables in the Bible, found in Luke 15:11-32. The story tells of a son who asked his father for his inheritance. The father obliged him and the Prodigal Son went on a spending spree in foreign lands and squandered his inheritance. With nothing left of his fortune, he was forced to work as a hired hand for a pig farmer before he returned to his father asking for forgiveness.

The above parable is most analogous to the manner in which the Rivers State coffer is being managed by Governor Wike. The difference is that the Prodigal Son in the Bible had ownership status of what he squandered while Governor Wike is only entrusted with the State purse through the mandate given to him by the Rivers State people. This pre-supposes the fact that he can be reined in from his profligacies if the people of Rivers State are quick to wake up from their slumber. Failure to do this will not only send Wike to the "pig farmer" when the State becomes bankrupt, the people of Rivers State might also be forced to lend hands in the looming state of servitude. This is possible as the technogically-driven world powers are frantically looking towards much more environmentally-friendly alternative to oil, the pride of Rivers State.

One of the African proverbs has it that one cannot place on his head heavy loads belonging to others and barely hold those belonging to him. I have actually watched with keen interest how the Rivers State Governor jumps at providing solutions to problems in other states at the expense of the people the State.

The financial role the Governor played in the Edo gubernatorial election held on 19th September, 2020 cannot be wished away. He was the PDP's National Campaign Chairman for the election that saw the re-election of the incumbent Governor, Godwin Obaseki. Wike was also in Ondo State for the gubernatorial election held on 10th October, 2020. Expectedly, this did not go without coughing out funds belonging to Rivers State.

In the middle of this year, Governor Wike spearheaded a visit with others to the Zamfara State Governor, Bello Matawalle in a bid to dissuade the latter from defecting to the APC. The Governor did not succeeded in this as Matawalle eventually defected to the APC on 11th June, 2021.This was after all the entreaties from Governor Wike.

On 19th January, 2021, Sokoto State Central Market popularly called "New Market" was gutted by fire. Barely 24 hours after the incident, Wike, in his characteristic manner, jetted to the State. During the solidarity visit, the Governor donated #500m to the victims of the fire incident, while also promising to be part of rebuilding the market. The action generated wide condemnation among the State Civil Society Organizations and the pensioners who had been complaining about non-payment of their pensions and gratuity by the Governor.

Beyond the negative impacts of the Governor's activities on the people of Rivers State, the PDP is largely being scandalised, making the Party to be heading for the rocks. This is evident in the recent defections to the APC by some of the Party's stalwarts. Governor Wike is certainly blinded to all these by his political agenda for 2023.

The question that begs for an answer is that: Whose interest is Governor Wike serving? The interest of the people of Rivers State, those of the states he extends largesse to or his personal interest. Isn't the recent dust he raised on the collection of VAT by the states a way of making more money available for him to throw weight across states, ostensibly for self-aggrandizement. The people of Rivers State really have to stem this prodigality to avert the looming journey to the "pig farm".

This is an opinion article

The recent unprecedented happenings in Afghanistan and the devastating taking over of government by the Taliban has unfortunately put many Nigerians on the edge, prompting questions and leading some to falsely prophecy doom, speculating that the nation’s domestic terrorists comprising Boko Haram, ISWAP and their variants could be emboldened by the good fortune and audacity of the Taliban to launch a renewed offensive against our troops and the entire country.

Accepted that the manner with which the Taliban captured Kabul with ease is most worrisome, especially with the way the President Ashraf Ghani and his family fled the country without even informing his ministers, the way Americans themselves scampered, there are however many lessons for Nigerians to learn and live by.

Before I get to the lessons I will like to mention that Femi Fani-Kayode, former Aviation Minister like other Nigerians falsely prophesied that what is happening in Afghanistan will eventually happen in Nigeria. He said terrorism will take over if Nigerians fail to stop fighting themselves and unite against insurgency. He added that Afghanistan tops the list on the World Terror Index, with Nigeria coming third, rather than condemn I believe we should be preaching that all Nigerians, must stand with our military and support our troops with useful information and intelligence. We cannot afford to surrender our country to terrorists, marauders, kidnappers, rapists and the likes of them.

Lauretta Onochie, President Muhammadu Buhari’s aide, while reacting to a social media post on 17th August, 2021post showing dangerous scenes at Kabul Airport where Afghans swarmed a U.S plane in desperation to leave the country, she warned that we must stand by our country, jealously. She said Afghanistan has a population of only about 38 million and Nigeria has close to 200 million people. Let’s guard our utterances.

Some Nigerians in reaction to the report that Uganda said it has agreed to a request from the US to temporarily take in about 2,000 fleeing Afghanistan refugees, have called on President Buhari not to consider such a move arguing that the country cannot add to the number of IDPs to the ones in Benue, Borno.

This is not about President Buhari or APC or PDP. This is about our homeland. Some Nigerians believe just like the Americans go to other countries, create a mess and scamper away, that our rich politicians who apparently have Plan B for themselves will do the same and flee. What about the ordinary folks where do we escape to if, God forbid, this country goes up in flames? Who will accept us? Who will accommodate us? Who will feed us? The devastation and peril in Kabul in the past few days show just how horrible and unimaginable war can be. The above is among the reasons why I hate the idea of secession, why am vehemently against IPOB and all every other group calling for breaking up of this country.

This country has survived perilous times. The military is on top of its game. This is evidenced by the increasing numbers of Boko Haram and ISWAP members surrendering to troops in their numbers almost every day. In just the past 8 days over 1,000 of the terrorists laid down their arms owing to intense pressure from troops’ sustained offensive actions. Key leaders of the groups renounced their membership.

I am not oblivious of the security problems Nigeria is facing. The government has spent billions of Naira and lost thousands of civilians and military men and women in the last 12 years while fighting against terrorism, but then never for once have our troops surrendered, shown cowardice or any form of fatigue like the one in Afghanistan. This is despite being underfunded. There have been cases of mutiny, internal sabotage and betrayals by some unscrupulous soldiers, but overall, Nigerian troops have been professional in their operations, patriotic, heroic and loyal to the Constitution and civilian authorities of the nation.

We must applaud them for their bravery and a sense of patriotism, this will encouraged them to defend us with their lives even more.

We survived the Nigerian civil war fought between July 6, 1967 and January 15, 1970, we survived the ENDSARS protests in October 2020, we can survive anything.

Accepted that terrorists may appear resilient, and because there usually is an ideological war, they typically fight to their death. This still doesn’t mean our security challenges cannot be surmounted. Our military is strong and capable, our intelligence agency is always working round the clock to prevent total breakdown of law and order, our police is not the best in the world but they are tirelessly fighting crime daily, there are challenges sure but our security agencies have continued to defend the country for years with limited foreign help. Our hope continues to rise especially with the recent procurement of Super Tucano Fighter Jets.

Among other issues of concern this period is the spreading of false and misleading reports. A viral picture surfaced online alleging that a Taliban's flag was hoisted at the office of the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA), in solidarity with the Islamist group. The trending image posted on August 16, around 9:53 pm by Twitter user, @OlufemiSP, with the caption “Nigeria has a terror-loving Pantamias minister, pampers Boko Haram terrorists, and pays murderous herdsmen. As if that’s not enough, look at the office of the NEMA DG.” “Taliban Would be proud,” attracted massive condemnation from many social media users who lampooned the agency and the Federal Government, alleging that it was encouraging 'terrorism'.

Fact check however proved that the picture was a misrepresentation and a false post. It was proven that the flag with Arabic inscriptions is not that of Taliban or any religious organisation but Saudi Arabian Flag. Because of a bilateral meeting with representatives of the Saudi Arabian Government it was used for only few minutes during the occasion to show appreciation to the government of Saudi Arabia because of the high profile representation of the government.

Such deceptive publications can only hurt the country. We must desist from fake news spreading.

This is the time to give government more support to strengthen its effort towards safeguarding Nigerians and not distract it with unnecessary pressure.

WHAT WE NEED TO DO

In view of the numerous lessons which could be learnt from the Afghanistan saga it has become necessary for Nigeria to prosecute the war against terrorists in Northern Nigeria with a single-minded fervor.

Nigeria should develop its strategic national interest and pursue it vigorously in the context of its foreign policy.

It is also vital conduct the business of security with limited expectation of foreign assistance.

The government should recognize and encourage local research and development of weapons, there are a lot of talented Nigerians whose potential can be harvested to develop defence weapons to boost our military’s capacity.

Nigerians, Corporate organizations must show support to our troops materially and psychologically.

“When life gets blurry adjust you focus” focus more on positive
Nigerians need to keep a positive mind set.


By Amos Dalyop

It is unfortunate how people are so blinded by hate for this country that it is beclouding their judgement and reasoning. Such fake news can only mislead and breed trouble.

Agents of discord

Really felt the shame when almighty amnesty international played deaf.

The world watched in shock on January 6, 2021, when pro-Donald Trump supporters stormed the Capitol Hill, Washington DC, the seat of the United States Congress. The US Congress was in a joint session as constitutionally required to confirm Joseph Biden the winner of the recently concluded US Presidential Election.

Peaceful protests are a part of the constitutional right of citizens to embark on in a democratic nation such as the USA. But the protest at Capitol Hill was far from peaceful with scenes of protesters smashing doors and windows, it was also reported that at least 5 people were killed including a policeman.

One of the most amazing aspects of the protest witnessed at Capitol Hill and its aftermath was the portrayal of the protests by major US media agencies like CNN and the absolute silence of international human rights groups like Amnesty International.

CNN and other US media groups claimed the protests were an “insurrection” because it is a more favorable narrative, meanwhile, protests in countries such as Nigeria, China, Iran, Venezuela, etc are portrayed differently.

CNN’s double standard is more apparent when the US-based news agency released an in-depth exclusive report of the Lekki Toll Gate Incident where #EndSARS protesters were allegedly shot at by members of the Nigerian Army. The news agency was quite vocal about why armed men would be deployed on the streets during the #EndSARS protests. During the Capitol Hill protests, policemen, soldiers, personnel of FBI, and other security agencies were deployed to disperse the rioters; CNN was surprisingly silent about the deployment and depicted it as a necessity to restore law and order.

There are currently 18,000 American troops protecting the Capitol from a potential security threat to the inauguration ceremony of the newly elected president, Joseph Biden; the highest amount of troops ever situated in the Capitol throughout the nation’s history. America and its European allies will not condemn this massive deployment of troops but are justifying it is for a worthy security reason, on the other hand, the Nigerian government was highly criticized by the USA and its allies for deploying security agencies to disperse #EndSARS protesters.

Also complacent in this high level of double standards areCNN, Amnesty International, and other similar groups who apparently understand differently when it involves developed countries like the United States but refuse to apply the same standards to other countries such as Nigeria.

Blackmail is now a career i see....

FULL REPORT : https://www.vigil360.com.ng/nationwide/61-security/17970-endsars-ohanaeze-ndigbo-dissociates-self-from-nnamdi-kanu-s-outburst.html

The highest socio-cultural body of the Igbo tribe, Ohanaeze Ndigbo, Yesterday Thursday, October 22, denounced the leader of the proscribed Indigenous People Of Biafra (IPOB), Nnamdi Kanu, saying that his recent frenzy was merely targeted at exacerbating discord in the nation and also to soil the age-long cordial relationship that has been existing between the Igbo and the Yoruba.

Kanu had on Tuesday called on his supporters who are at the moment disguising as #EndSARS protesters to among other things ambush and kill any policemen, soldiers, governors, their children and destroy properties of the leader of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Bola Tinubu, as well as government infrastructures.

The acclaimed IPOB leader claimed responsibility for burning down Oriental Hotel in Lagos and other government infrastructure in the state, even as he suggested that the ongoing crisis in Lagos which has consumed properties worth billions of Naira was because of the state governor’s decision to impose a 24-hour curfew.

Link:- https://www.vigil360.com.ng/nationwide/61-security/17970-endsars-ohanaeze-ndigbo-dissociates-self-from-nnamdi-kanu-s-outburst.html

Abeg ooooo, I understand us as citizens’ have the constitutional right to protest, I have participated myself, but I don’t think it’s necessary to completely block access and major roads and leave them inaccessible in case of emergencies.... If you or your friend’s house is on fire and the road is blocked by us the protesters How will Fire service help out? What about emergencies of women in labor who need to get to hospital fast. This blocking of roads can lead to more deaths sef. So I think there is no need for us to protest and block major roads Abegggggg, na beg I Dey beg ooooooo.

Nigerians everything is fake news even when they are told the truth. God please liberate Goddy from the hands of evil men.

The tired old man is supposed to be holding the wheelbarrow, while his successors clean up his mess. He is bereaved of any meaningful contribution to the countries problems. He should go and sit down jooor.

Him go do the bad belle tire. Na only to dey criticize government na im dey sabi, never making tangible contribution.

Nigeria, just like most other nations of the world is currently transiting through uneasy times occasioned by the Coronavirus (COVID-19) global pandemic which has caused socio-economic uncertainties leading to the near collapse of economies even global super-power like the US, UK, Russia as well as the Asian tigers are dealing with the exigencies of the times. Sports and entertainment industries across the globe are in the doldrums.

The wave of terror across the globe from armed groups including ISIS, ALQAEDA, ISWAP, among others also pose another cause of major concern to all and sundry. The activities of ISWAP Boko Haram terrorists and other violent armed groups in West Africa and Nigeria in particular has assumed a different dimension in recent times due to the increased killings, kidnapping, banditry and other violent crimes it has brought about.

This recent development which is flourishing in the Northern part of the country has continued to elicit reactions and outcry from the citizenry with majority blaming the present administration for these woes bedevilling the country. There has been series of protests and agitation in Northern States like Kaduna, Zamfara, and Kastina all in a bid to draw the attention of government.

However, a critical assessment of security situation in the country will clearly suggest that since the return of democracy in 1999, successive administrations have faced different economic and security challenges. For instance, the administration of President Olusegun Obasanjo faced security challenges of the Odua’s People’s Congress (OPC) armed robbery, kidnapping among others.

That of President Yar’Adua was greeted with Niger-Delta militancy that witnessed bombing of oil installations and abduction of expatriates. Then ex-president Jonathan administration saw the evolution of Boko Haram terrorism in Nigeria which witnessed the attack of sensitive installations of government including military barracks, bombing of the UN building in Abuja, abduction of over 200 school girls in Chibok, Borno State among others that left scores of people dead.

These challenges persisted and became more sophisticated with time as successive governments failed to address them adequately. The current banditry ravaging the north western part of the country, particularly in the rural areas of Katsina and Zamfara States has become heinous, what initially presented to be a conflict between pastoralists and farmers over land evolved into banditry with loss of lives and property.

Local government administrations and Traditional leaders in these areas have not done enough to ensure that these issues are addressed. Most times, they are found guilty in playing enabling roles where as it is their responsibility to assist security forces to identify the unscrupulous individuals involved in these attacks. This is in spite of the huge security funding they receive from the federal government.

Another enabling factor to these challenges can be attributed to the dearth of infrastructure, poverty, hunger and unemployment coupled with the porosity of the nation’s borders which is as old as the existence of the country and as such can only be addressed by proper policing of the borders, job creation and introduction of Social Investment (SI) packages among others.

The present administration has no doubt made effort to address these challenges by providing adequate funding and equipment for security agencies. This has led to the domestication of attacks by insurgents in the hither lands unlike before. Also, the introduction of SI packages including NPOWER, Conditional Cash Transfer to the poorest of the poor, all aimed at creating jobs and reducing hunger and poverty seems to be variable road maps to addressing insecurity.

Terrorism, banditry, and other violent crimes ought to be seen as a common enemy to all Nigerians as such requires a unified effort to address it. All levels of government and entire citizenry must work together to defeat insecurity.

It is from the write ups that we will get the appropriate attention that will provoke the right actions.

Hypocrites will always throw stones when they themselves have glass houses. We must also realize we have a big responsibility in keeping ourselves and people safe. NEF should focus more on preferring realizable solutions and take a leave from playing the blame game.

AGAIN! THE UNENDING HOSTILE POSTURING OF THE NORTHERN ELDERS FORUM AGAINST PRESIDENT BUHARI



The sustained hostile posturing of the now disreputable Northern Elders Forum (NEF) has come to the fore again with the recent harsh and unjust criticism of President Buhari’s handling of the long established security challenges bedevilling the country. Again in its usual manner the NEF is playing to the gallery like the proverbial ostrich, the NEF has buried its head in the sand claiming to be oblivious of their role in further worsening the situation in the North rather than provide genuine solution to the challenges they highlighted.

Be that as it may, the Federal Government has put in place measures and is consistently implementing comprehensive security strategies with a view to overcoming the myriad of security challenges confronting the nation. Some of the strategies on ground include but not limited to, the expansion of the National Command and Control Centre to 19 states of the federation, resuscitation of the National Public Security Communication System and commencement of the implementation of the Community Policing Strategy etc.

Firstly, Prof. Ango Abdullahi, the self-acclaimed convener of the NEF, whom the Presidency responded to his criticism with some scathing acidic words of themselves highlighting Prof. Ango’s-led NEF in its antipathy against President Buhari, and its preference for another candidate which could not stop the president’s re-election in 2019. The NEF has failed to realise President Buhari’s good intentions and his commitment to the Nigerian project as well as securing all lives and property across the country as his constitutional mandate states.

Secondly, in enumerating the challenges faced by the country, the NEF, is to say the least, is only playing the ostrich as I have earlier noted. However, the NEF needs to bring out workable solutions to nation building, peace initiative and strategies that will have the buy-in of the northern populace in addressing the security challenges of banditry, kidnapping, cattle rustling, rising numbers of out-of-school children, sedentary farmers and nomadic herdsmen clashes etc in the north.

Thirdly, the likes of Hakeem Baba-Ahmed, who was in the forefront of NEF’s vituperation against the President was a seasoned technocrat with vast experience in governance and administration. Following his retirement by the then Yar’adua’s administration, he sought political relevance by lobbying for political appointment in the advent of President Buhari’s administration in 2015. In the aftermath of failing to clinch any position, he later aligned with Atiku Abubakar in the run up to the 2019 elections. Suffice to note that disparaging the President instead of joining hands towards nation building is simply not statesmanlike. For Prof. Ango, there is no better response that what he was rightly referred to as an irritant and featherweight by the Presidency.

To build this nation is a task we all must strive towards irrespective of tribe, religion, ethnic affiliation, political orientation and beliefs.

Isa Umar writes from Zaria, Kaduna State.

Some certain truths have been said here, with all due respect to our brothers, a call to secession is a call to war.

This is as much threat to Nigeria’s unity as that of the Biafran struggle. This deserves adequate attention. Meanwhile, we r still waiting for them.

Amidst the global pandemic, Coronavirus aka COVID-19, nations across the world have not only raised concerns about the virus, but they have also categorically warned about its devastating impact on our post COVID-19 World economy. This has precipitated the call for debt relief, especially for third world countries, which Nigeria is one of. The idea is to enable such nations deal with the depression that will follow after the pandemic has been successfully contained.

However, while such external considerations are being fine tuned, it is very expedient that internal economic measures be set in motion, to compliment such global gestures and set the nation on the path of quick recovery from the imminent economic turbulence.

This was the premise on which the Federal Government considered the decision to ease the lockdown; a painful but necessary decision, which a few have decided to twist into looking like a deliberate government attempt to put citizens in harm's way. While the need to ensure public safety cannot be overemphasised, there is also an underlying need to save the economy from imminent doom, so as not to erode the gains we have recorded in that sector, as a nation; a situation, which if not curtailed may likely trigger opposition reaction.

It is expected that opposition will have a different view, after all that's why they're called an opposition. However it is not healthy to paint a false image of Government complicity in harming the citizenry.
The decision to ease the lockdown was a carefully thought out plan aimed at ensuring economic continuity and sustenance, in a bid to keep the nation's life line up and running and avert the impending doom.

This decision was made with the input of professionals in disease control, citing best practices such as social distancing and wearing of nose masks. While it is unfortunate that Nigerians have failed to comply, the Government in collaboration with enforcement agencies and the NCDC have re-strategized, to ensure full compliance with safety rules and prevent further spread of the virus.

It is therefore important for all Nigerians to support the Government and the professionals to whom we have entrusted our safety and shun politics of opposition. It suffices to add that while politicking is for politicians, disease control is for health professionals. Let us allow them do their work. The Government has appointed the best hands and given them free room to work; let's tow that line.
Like they say, too many cooks spoil the broth.

.

na her mama she dey ask "what is wrong with you" If na naija mother the girl for dey intensive care unit by now.

This is properly projected, PMB yesterday declared that d Abuja stadium will be name after MKO Abiola.

it will take more than fifty years for that kind of agenda to be realized abeg.

Women that once slept with Obasanjo and had kids by him, Mrs Oluremi, Mrs Stella, Gold Oruh, Mrs Taiwo, late Mrs Lynda, Mrs Mabel Okosode, Mrs titilayo, Kofoworola mojisola, Mrs Bola, Mrs Mofo, Mrs Oluremi, Mrs Labo salako, Mrs Lamide Adegbenro, the list goes on. This comedian is a sucker for women.