₦airaland Forum

NaMe4:
Thanks Hakir. I actually did mine at AGIS. I intend to commence the process of obtaining the TDP + RofO and was directed from AGIS to area council (AMAC) and AACTRIS.

To fulfil all righteousness, I went to AMAC to get directions only to experience some funny behaviour from members of staff there.

I would advise everyone to be careful when taking even photocopies of land documents to that place. Jeeeezzz!

You can do your T.D.P at AMAC if you know the right source.

Senegal are chasing a first ever major continental title against a Nigerian hoping eyeing a record extending seventh title as the curtains on the 19th edition of the African U-20 Championship folds up.

The two sides will square up in the ultimate game of the competition, which has been highlighted by two-weeks of high class and entertaining football by the some of the finest youth talents in African football.

The encounter is a repeat of the tournament opener which the Flying Eagles of Nigeria won 3-1, with a performance that earned them the favourites tag for the title. However, ‘Les Lionceaux’ have since recovered from that poor start and bagged Senegal’s first ever win in the history of the championship, a 4-3 win over Congo, which not only landed them a place at the last four, also the 2-15 FIFA U-20 World Cup in New Zealand, joining Nigeria, Ghana and Mali.

The hosts will go on to mastermind one of the biggest shocks, beating the highly-rated Eaglets of Mali 2-1 in the semis and set up a date with Nigeria in the decisive match on Sunday, 22 March 2015 at the Leopold Sedar Senghor Stadium.

The secret behind the successful journey of ‘Les Lionceaux’ has been the ‘never give-up’ spirit of Joseph Koto and his charges, coupled with the huge support of the local faithful, who have stood firmly behind the team from the onset.

Despite three triumphs in the African Beach Soccer Championship – 2008, 2011 & 2013; Senegal has yet inscribe its name on a major continental trophy, and Koto believes this generation can break that jinx by completing their fairytale story with an upset against the Nigerians.

The Flying Eagles still start as favourites, but Koto is targeting a sweet revenge that will land him the ultimate or congratulate the Nigerians if the results go the other way. With the Nigeria squad dominated by members of the 2013 FIFA U-17 World Cup winning team, the Senegal trainer admits his players are short of experience but believes in their abilities to deliver in the biggest game of their young careers.

“I firmly believe in the players. At the beginning, they were under pressure since it was the first time they were playing at an African championship. After achieving qualification to the FIFA U-20 World Cup, they are now liberated and against Mali they produced their best game.

“The final is a party and the big day and I expect them to be at ease since they will be playing in front of their fans. Senegal needs an African title and I’m urging all the fans to come to the stadium and rally behind the boys to achieve victory. Our celebration won’t be complete without the title.

“I’m happy to meet Nigeria again and this is an opportunity to judge whether they are better than us. If they beat us again, then I will congratulate them,” said Koto, who welcomes defender Alassane Sylla back from suspension.

On the otherhand, Nigeria coach Manu Garba is upbeat their chances against the host nation, who will have the support of the entire country.

“We will not go back to Nigeria without the trophy. Senegal has done very well to recover from that opening day loss and reach the final. We are ready for them and they cannot stop us.

“Before we arrived in Senegal, we made it clear that we want to go to the FIFA U-20 World Cup as African Champions, and we are on course to achieving that target. The final is the most important game of my team at the tournament. It is important for the careers of the players and us coaches, and we will take this opportunity with both hands,” said Garba.

The Flying Eagles are bent on avoiding a third defeat at the final after 1999 and 2007, where they lost 1-0 incidentally to hosts Ghana and Congo.

Familiar foes, Ghana and Mali will square off in the third-place match, just before the final also at the same venue. Mali won 1-0 in the previous meeting between the two sides at the group phase.

http://www.cafonline.com/en-US/NewsCenter/News/NewsDetails?id=w4g5EMxLpZD2vykfPIY2FA%3d%3d

In exactly one week from today, Nigerians go to the polls to elect their next President in a tightly contested election.

The election pits incumbent Goodluck Jonathan against Mohammed Buhari, a former military ruler.

Vivian Adeyemika and her husband, a banker in Lagos will spend the night at a hotel in Victoria Island, 20 minutes drive from their Lekki home so they can vote.

“Our vote matters. This year, we cannot let anything go to chance; we have to do our part to bring in our choice of candidate. Even if he does not win, we will have done our part,” she says.

All but necessary travel is restricted in the country on voting day. Kunle, an engineer who works on the Island says he will possibly not vote as he registered for his card near his workplace, but he is a resident in Ikeja.

To cast his vote Kunle would have to cross the 10km Third Mainland Bridge answering to a barrage of soldiers whose task is to ensure that movements are contained to voters and not troublemakers. “It would be too risky for me,” he says.

The nation will be holding its breath, hoping that the elections will finally come and more importantly, they will be free and fair under Prof Attahiru Jega, current chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).

As late as Monday, seemingly orchestrated protesters congregated in Abuja, the nation’s capital, demanding the removal of Prof Jega. The protests, led by groups that support Jonathan wanted the INEC chairman to be sent on compulsory leave on account of his incompetence in preparing for the elections.

Should Jega be sent home, it will be a tragedy for democracy, but not altogether surprising. He assumed office after his predecessor, Maurice Iwu, was sent home months to the 2011 elections.

Part of the President’s credibility lies in whether he will replace Jega at the last minute or allow him to freely preside over this election.

The Presidential and National Assembly elections were initially scheduled for February 14 until several factors forced them to be rescheduled to March 28. The Governorship and State Assembly elections will be held on April 11.



Announcing the change of dates, Jega cited safety concerns stating that the security agencies had written to say they were unable to guarantee support for the elections had they been held in February.

In the following weeks, the military has run a joint force operation with neighbours Cameroon and Chad in the North against Boko Haram. It has been largely successful.

Senators from the North East have come out to say that 18 of the 20 local government areas that were under Boko Haram have been liberated, according to Beegeagle, a blogger who reports on Nigeria’s military strategy.

“As BH get uprooted from the far-flung border districts, they are likely to blend into urban centres to carry out a campaign of suicide bombings. The Nigerian forces are even better at urban warfare, and are now prepared for it,” notes Beegeagle.

The military has since received positive goodwill, beginning with the Nollywood fraternity — a huge influence in the country— who last Sunday turned out in military fatigue for the Presidential interactive session.

TECHNOLOGY FAILURE

In a tweet, the military appreciated their efforts, calling for Nollywood to go further and produce a movie titled 'Never Again'.

The six-week break was also a godsend for INEC as it gave the it time to fully prepare itself logistically. Coming against a barrage of criticism for its own unpreparedness, INEC seems to have put its house in order.

The number of voter cards that remained uncollected has decreased and more than 75 per cent of registered voters are now ready to go to the polls.

Yet the issue of whether INEC will employ the use of technology in reading the cards to reduce fraud has been contentious. Those against the use of the card readers have cited their failure during testing but overall, the commission says quality assurance tests have proved successful and is confident they will work.

Indeed, this is a closely contested election and those involved have everything to lose or win.

Last year, President Goodluck had an almost clear chance at getting back to Aso Rock, but if he does, he will have fought for his legitimacy.

Buhari, though remembered as a brutal dictator, is admired for fighting corruption and his personal simplicity in life. He is the only Nigerian to have left the Presidency without amassing tonnes of wealth for himself; a trait that many say speaks for itself.

The business world is however torn between stability and a new dawn. With so many projects having been sanctioned under a Goodluck Jonathan administration, many are of the opinion that the economy is better off with continuity.

There is much for them to worry about. The election comes against a backdrop of falling oil prices and a devalued Naira, which the Central Bank is scrambling to protect. No matter the electoral outcome, this is a tough year for Nigeria, in what Bismarck Rewane, CEO of Financial Derivatives Company has called, the beginning of a 7 lean year period for Nigeria.

http://www.nation.co.ke/news/africa/Nation-holds-its-breath-as-Nigerians-prepare-to-cast-vote/-/1066/2662082/-/iinww7z/-/index.html

Pics:

1. A man walk past campaign posters of Nigerian President Goodluck Jonathan and candidate of the ruling People's Democratic Party (PDP) in Lagos

2. A man tries to remove a tire of a bus branded with a campaign picture of the main opposition party All Progressives Congress (APC) presidential candidate Muhammadu Buhari in a mechanic workshop in Lagos

The youth wing of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), Bauchi State, on Saturday alleged that there are plots to disenfranchise Christians in the state in the forthcoming general elections. Addressing a press conference on Saturday in Jos, Plateau State, the CAN coordinator of Bauchi Local Government Area, Mako Gwanmis, said, “Many Christians within Bauchi metropolis and surroundings are still in the dark as to if INEC (Independent National Electoral Commission) will deliver this most important assignment of conducting elections successfully.”

According to Gwanmis, “This is because Christians in Bauchi LGA of the state are facing the threat of being disenfranchised, if no action is taken to avert the evil plan. In most Christian areas like Bayara, Yalwan Tsakani, Tsakanin Bayara, Gudum Sayawa and other areas, according to our findings, we have about 10,000 people who took their time to stand under the sun and registered for the coming polls, but not up to 2,000 of them had their permanent voter cards (PVCs) due to INEC’s deliberate act to make PVCs unavailable to their polling units for distribution.”

He added that, “In an attempt to find out what exactly is going on, voters in the above mentioned areas were asked by INEC officials to travel a very far distance to Kofar Ran, about 40 kilometers, to collect their PVCs, and this shows a hidden agenda and conspiracy to disenfranchise our people, and the few people who went to Kofar Ran to get theirs were stranded as they did not find INEC officers on ground.

“If nothing is done to solve the problem, it is undoubtedly clear that this situation would have negative effects on the conduct of free and fair elections in Bauchi LGA. We insist strongly that all the PVCs be returned to the respective polling units and distributed to registered voters immediately, whatever it would take to do this, as we would not accept to be disenfranchised in the forthcoming polls.”

http://dailyindependentnig.com/2015/03/can-alleges-plans-disenfranchise-christians-bauchi/

Ukraine is at war how can they send mercenaries to fight in Nigeria when they are actually looking for external help.
South Africa refuse to sell weapons to Nigeria how come they have mercenaries fighting in Nigeria? Would a South African Soldier leave his duty in his home country to fight in Nigeria without the knowledge of the South African Army?

I hope this report from foreign media is not to look down on our Army that are winning the war for us. How come the natives that are seeing the war live are praising our Army

For anyone with memories of the apartheid era, there will be mixed feelings about the news this week that South African mercenaries are playing a key role in turning the tide against Boko Haram, in northern Nigeria. Years ago, many of those same South African fighters were engaged in domestic attacks on activists in the anti-apartheid movement, and led sustained campaigns against liberation movements in Angola, Mozambique and elsewhere. Under the name Executive Outcomes, they were also involved in the civil war in Sierra Leone.

Reuters first broke the news of the South African presence in northern Nigeria. In recent weeks, hundreds of South African mercenaries have reportedly been using “attack helicopters and armoured personnel carriers and fighting to retake towns and villages captured by the Islamist militant group” senior officials in the northern region have told the New York Times.:

The Nigerian military,under pressure because of a presidential election to be held this month, has recently claimed a string of successes against Boko Haram, boasting about the recapture of a number of towns……A senior Western diplomat confirmed that the South Africans were playing “a major operational role,” particularly at night. Equipped with night-vision goggles, the mercenaries “are whacking them in the evening hours,” the diplomat said.

“The next morning the Nigerian Army rolls in and claims success,” the diplomat added. The mercenaries “are doing the heavy lifting,” said the diplomat, who was not authorized to speak publicly on the matter.

Other countries in the region have also joined the fight against Boko Haram, with Chad, Niger, Cameroon and Benin all contributing troops to a regional force of nearly 9,000 troops. Chadian troops in particular, have reportedly played a role in re-taking some towns. The South Africans though, have proved to be the decisive factor in changing the course of the war.

When questioned, Nigeria’s chief of defence intelligence has claimed that the South African contractors are only present in a “training” role. While training the Nigerian Army has been part of their duties, their role also apparently includes planning military operations, gathering intelligence, flying Russian Mi-24 attack helicopters and other combat activities.

“They’re relics of apartheid,” Jakkie Cilliers, executive director of the Institute for Security Studies in Pretoria, said of the South African mercenaries in Nigeria. “They love this gung-ho kind of stuff, and they’re good at it.”

Mercenaries from the Ukraine and other former Soviet republics are also involved in the Boko Haram campaign. This report spells out the South African contribution in more detail.

All of this is however, a mere sideshow to the March 28 presidential elections in Nigeria. This will be a re-run of February’s postponed encounter between the incumbent Goodluck Jonathan – who is a Christian from the Ijaw tribal groupings in the south - and Mohammadu Buhari, a former military leader and Sunni Moslem from the Fulani people in the north that has long been linked to Boko Haram. More accurately, Boko Haram has capitalised on the genuine grievances felt by Fulani herdsman against the enchroachment on their lands by sedentary farmers and agri-business interests. That long simmering conflict is explained in detail here.

Although its own ethnic roots are among the Kanuri tribal grouping Boko Haram has been playing on the Fulani’s list of grievances, and even traces its own lineage back to the regional Caliphate founded by an ethnic Fulani called Usman Dan Fodio in the early 19th century, in order to promote its own plans for a new Salafist Caliphate stretching across the entire Sahel region. In a sense though, Boko Haram has played right into Jonathan’s hands by declaring its allegiance earlier this week to Islamic State. As Bloomberg News says :

Boko Haram’s recent pledge of fealty to Islamic State has fed Jonathan's narrative that Nigeria is helping to fight a global war on terror, rather than flailing before a decentralized insurgency that draws on local grievances.

And in the long run… Supposedly, the South African mercenaries will face prosecution by the ANC-led government if and when they return to South Africa. Lets not hold our breath on that one.

http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/HL1503/S00179/gordon-campbell-on-south-african-mercenaries-in-nigeria.htm

President Goodluck Jonathan on Thursday assured that the terrorist Islamist sect, Boko Haram, will be completely crushed by Nigerian troops.

He gave the assurance in Damaturu, the Yobe State capital.

He assured the people of North-east that the federal government was committed to wiping out the Boko Haram sect completely from the zone and the country.

"We are not yet completely saved from the hands of these criminal elements because some of them are living with us. They can sneak in and with their improvised explosive devices cause damages, especially at soft targets.

"But we are working day and night, both the security services and the intelligence services to make sure that we continue to clean our country until we get this Boko Haram menace behind us.

"Fortunately we are here today. So, thank you for the patience and thank you for the reception. For me, I am a member of the Emirate council as a title holder; I am in my palace,
"Let me also convey the sincere condolences of the federal government and our empathies to you on the number of deaths that have been caused by the excesses of the Boko Haram.

"It is regrettable that some Nigerians were so fooled by few people to take to such a callous act, killing men, women, children, innocent people and destroying properties. But we thank God that at least their main bases have been cleaned up by soldiers.

"It is unfortunate that some group of people became mad men and caused such a havoc to us. It is very regrettable but the Federal Government is totally committed to rout Boko Haram. we are lucky that as we are talking today there is no territory that is in the hand of Boko Haraam again and the federal government will not allow them to take over any territory in Yobe state again.

"You know that they have been sneeking in to do havoc but the security services and the intelligent services are working day and night to make sure that that also stop. Security is key because without security you cannot develop" Jonathan said.

http://www.thisdaylive.com/articles/boko-haram-will-be-completely-crushed-jonathan-assures/204533/

A concerted push by Nigeria's military and neighbours Chad, Cameroon and Niger has regained considerable ground in the fight against Boko Haram. The Nigerian army said it has repelled Boko Haram from all but three local government districts in the north-east.

"We have three local governments remaining, Abadam, Kala-Balge and Gwoza, and we are optimistic that with time we will liberate those," Lieutenant-General Tobiah Minimah, the army chief of staff, told reporters.

Waving captured black and white militant flags, soldiers from Niger and Chad celebrated their liberation of the Nigerian town of Damasak from Boko Haram.
The insurgents had seized Damasak with little resistance in November 2014

Boko Haram has been fighting a six-year insurgency to create an Islamic state and had taken control of large parts of Nigeria's north-east in the past year. It became notorious internationally after kidnapping more than 200 schoolgirls last April.

At the start of this year, Boko Haram controlled around 20 local government areas, a territory the size of Belgium. In recent months, Nigeria has stepped up its campaign against the militants, and, with the help of a regional force that includes Niger and Chad, has retaken dozens of towns.

Tens of thousands of refugees fleeing Boko Haram have crossed into neighbouring Niger. Among the world's poorest countries, Niger has suffered from recurrent poor harvests, and says it will struggle to feed its people as well as the refugees.

http://www.ibtimes.co.uk/boko-haram-nigeria-neighbours-chad-cameroon-niger-celebrate-victories-over-islamic-forces-1492699

PICS:
1. Soldiers from Niger hold up a Boko Haram flag that they seized in the town of Damasak, Nigeria

2. Chadian soldiers drive in the recently retaken town of Damasak, Nigeria

3. Debris is scattered in front of a building that Boko Haram insurgents used as their base in Dikwa, Nigeria

4. Weapons captured from Boko Haram are seen in the recently retaken town of Damasak

Ekiti State Governor, Mr Ayo Fayose, has lauded the Nigerian military for recovering Nigerian territories from the terrorist group, Boko Haram and bringing the terrorist group to its knees.

The governor also commended President Goodluck Jonathan for his commitment to a united Nigeria, saying that his efforts have been a moral booster to the soldiers in recording victories over the terrorists.

In a statement in Ado-Ekiti yesterday by his Chief Press Secretary, Idowu Adelusi, Fayose said that the nation needs a level-headed person like Jonathan to lead it at this point in time.

“This is to commend the Nigerian military for their patriotic efforts at ridding our country of Boko Haram terrorists. Nigerians, who are not blinded by the politics of not seeing anything good in other persons, are appreciative of the efforts of the military.

“Those who feel that nothing good can come out of our military men have been put to shame. Those who feel they will gain political relevance by denigrating the military have no where to hide their face.

“I also commend President Goodluck Jonathan for helping to boost the morale of the military by providing the necessary wherewithal for them to perform. Our President’s commitment to one united Nigeria is unparalleled.

“President Jonathan truly believes in the capability of Nigerian military. He has equipped the military more than any President or Head of State before him. He has also redressed the wrong in the rot foisted on the military by previous regimes.

“Nigerians should vote for President Jonathan and the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and not the All Progressives Congress (APC) or Buhari because those sponsoring Buhari are corrupt and will always corner the military budget, become the suppliers to the detriment of Nigerian military.
http://sunnewsonline.com/new/?p=109907

KANO – A suspected suicide bomber was lynched by mob at Ungwa Uku bus station in Kano metropolis Wednesday.

The middle aged suspect was reported to have refused screening at a local check point situated at the entrance of the bus station manned by officials of National Union of Road Transport Workers.

Ungwa Uku bus station is located at Zaria road opposite the Federal Government College, Kano.

Police Image Maker, ASP Magaji Musa Majia confirmed the incident but says “the suicide bomber is in coma and effort is on to revive him.”
http://www.vanguardngr.com/2015/03/mob-lynch-suspected-suicide-bomber-in-kano/

fumisko:
IF God is God let him fight for himself. if they insult the quran or muhammed, it does not mean the person should die or is an infidel. and you christains because the insult jesus and anyother thing you stand for does not mean you should act likewise. i believe the coming of christ removed the evils in the bible about killings and all. because this evils existed in the old testament of the bible too. what removed the "jihad" let me put it this way of christainity was simply the coming of christ which christains have and muslims dont have so dont blame islam or the terrorists that come out from islam. imagine if christains had to live only on the old testament without christ are you sure you christains wont be worst than islam terrorists? and since una jesus came, he was love. now love covereth a multitude of sins and wrong doings. so i believe you chrsitains know better than to fight for a GOD that can fight for himself so please kinldly SHUT UP thanks.

even the Muslims know about Christ but they can't accept him because he preaches true peace and love which is at variance with Islamic principle of murder

akwunmi:
shatap ur mouth n stop lukin 4 trouble 4wey e no de,she get rite 2decicdes wot she tinks is best 4 her n mind u we b muslims 4our family n we get brother n sister wey later join christainity n evn if we were not too happy abt it,we nid 2respect their choice n we are still one family n have d same rite.............islam isnt a killer disease like u n some ignorants label it.....

nobody labels Islam as a killer disease rather Islam exhibits and encourage and shows it to be a killer disease.
No other religion is as murderous as Islam

halix239:
idiot na internet b ur power, cum to where there are gathering of muslims n say such shit, u ll visit the grave. LL ALWAYS BE PROUD TO BE A MUSLIM. ve u read the bible, im sure they ve released the new version. abi is it the old one u ve. holy book indeed painted with all sorts of lies.

What else can a Muslim say than a violence statement like to visit the grave( commit murder). They know nothing but to kill( murder). No wonder the Bible said the thief( devil) comes to kill, steal and to destroy......

uselessgoat:
I'm trying to save your soul. Convert to Islam today and witness everlasting peace and you will enjoy your share of purified virgins in paradise. The choice is yours. Islam is peace

You mean Islam is all about Islamic peace(murder) and Sex. Murder here on earth and sex in heaven.
Na wao! even Cultist don't commit murder like Muslims.

(Vatican Radio) Pope Francis has sent a letter to the Bishops of Nigeria expressing his closeness to all those suffering in the country.

While acknowledging the progress the nation of 160 million has made in recent years, Pope Francis laments the “new and violent forms of extremism and fundamentalism” which are affecting the country on ethnic, social and religious grounds, which has led to murders, kidnappings, and forced many people to leave their homes.

“Every day I remember you in my prayers and I repeat here, for your encouragement and comfort, the consoling words of the Lord Jesus, which must always resound in our hearts: ‘Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you,’” Pope Francis writes.

“Peace – as you know so well – is not only the absence of conflict or the result of political compromise or fatalistic resignation,” the Pope continues. “Peace is for us a gift which comes from on high; it is Jesus Christ himself, the Prince of Peace.”

Pope Francis reminds the Bishops that, at the same time, peace is “a daily endeavour, a courageous and authentic effort to favour reconciliation, to promote experiences of sharing, to extend bridges of dialogue, to serve the weakest and the excluded.”

“In a word, peace consists in building up a ‘culture of encounter’,” he said.

The full text of the Pope’s letter to the Bishops of Nigeria is below:

To the Bishops of Nigeria

Dear Brother Bishops,

While we walk this Lenten journey towards the Resurrection of the Lord united with the whole Church, I wish to extend to you, dear Archbishops and Bishops of Nigeria, a fraternal greeting, which I extend to the beloved Christian communities entrusted to your pastoral care. I would also like to share some thoughts with you on the current situation in your country.

Nigeria, known as the “African giant”, with its more than 160 million inhabitants, is set to play a primary role, not only in Africa but in the world at large. In recent years, it has experienced robust growth in the economic sphere and has again reasserted itself on the world stage as an attractive market, on account of its natural resources as well as its commercial potential. It is now considered officially the single largest African economy. It has also distinguished itself as a political player widely committed to the resolution of crisis situations in the continent.

At the same time, your nation has had to confront considerable problems, among them new and violent forms of extremism and fundamentalism on ethnic, social and religious grounds. Many Nigerians have been killed, wounded or mutilated, kidnapped and deprived of everything: their loved ones, their land, their means of subsistence, their dignity and their rights. Many have not been able to return to their homes. Believers, both Christian and Muslim, have experienced a common tragic outcome, at the hands of people who claim to be religious, but who instead abuse religion, to make of it an ideology for their own distorted interests of exploitation and murder.

I would like to assure you and all who suffer of my closeness. Every day I remember you in my prayers and I repeat here, for your encouragement and comfort, the consoling words of the Lord Jesus, which must always resound in our hearts: “Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you” (Jn 14:27).

Peace – as you know so well – is not only the absence of conflict or the result of political compromise or fatalistic resignation. Peace is for us a gift which comes from on high; it is Jesus Christ himself, the Prince of Peace, who has made of two peoples one (cf. Eph 2:14). And only the man or woman who treasures the peace of Christ as a guiding light and way of life can become a peacemaker (cf. Mt 5:9).

At the same time, peace is a daily endeavour, a courageous and authentic effort to favour reconciliation, to promote experiences of sharing, to extend bridges of dialogue, to serve the weakest and the excluded. In a word, peace consists in building up a “culture of encounter”.

And so I wish here to express my heartfelt thanks to you, because in the midst of so many trials and sufferings the Church in Nigeria does not cease to witness to hospitality, mercy and forgiveness. How can we fail to remember the priests, religious men and women, missionaries and catechists who, despite untold sacrifices, never abandoned their flock, but remained at their service as good and faithful heralds of the Gospel? To them, most particularly, I would like to express my solidarity, and to say: do not grow tired of doing what is right!

We give thanks to the Lord for them, as for so many men and women of every social, cultural and religious background, who with great willingness stand up in concrete ways to every form of violence, and whose efforts are directed at favouring a more secure and just future for all. They offer us moving testimonies, which, as Pope Benedict XVI recalled at the end of the Synod for Africa, show “the power of the Spirit to transform the hearts of victims and their persecutors and thus to re-establish fraternity” (Africae Munus, 20).

Dear Brother Bishops, in perseverance and without becoming discouraged, go forward on the way of peace (cf. Lk 1:79). Accompany the victims! Come to the aid of the poor! Teach the youth! Become promoters of a more just and fraternal society!

I gladly impart to you my Apostolic Blessing, which I ask you to extend to priests, religious, missionaries, catechists, lay faithful and above all to those suffering members of the Body of Christ.

May the Resurrection of the Lord bring conversion, reconciliation and peace to all the people of Nigeria! I commend you to Mary, Queen of Africa, and I ask you also to pray for me.

FRANCISCUS PP.

http://en.radiovaticana.va/news/2015/03/17/pope_francis_sends_letter_to_the_bishops_of_nigeria/1129957

London (AFP) - Nigeria has begun the "final onslaught" against Boko Haram, the country's national security spokesman said on Tuesday, after the militants were ousted from the strategic town of Bama.

On a visit to London, Mike Omeri told AFP that "significant strategic military successes and gains" had been made against the Islamists in recent weeks.

"Bama (the second biggest town in Borno state) was retaken yesterday (Monday) and we have Abadam, Gwoza and Askira as part of the remaining areas where we still have this presence," he said.

Abadam, Gwoza and Askira are also in Borno, which has been worst hit by six years of violence and was under emergency rule from May 2013 to November last year with neighbouring Yobe and Adamawa.

The military announced that Adawama was "cleared" last Friday and that Yobe was retaken on Monday from Boko Haram, who have pledged allegiance to the Islamic State group in Syria and Iraq.

There was no independent verification of the claimed successes, which followed the deployment last month of troops from Cameroon, Chad and Niger, as well as foreign mercenaries.

The operation not only aims at reducing the regional threat from the militants, after several cross-border attacks in recent months, but also to secure the northeast for elections to be held.

Voting was initially scheduled for February 14 but was rescheduled to March 28 because of the counter-offensive on the grounds that soldiers would not be available to provide security on polling day.

Omeri refused to be drawn on when the insurgency would be declared over, although President Goodluck Jonathan said in an interview published last Wednesday that Borno would be free in three weeks.

"As for the other three areas (Abadam, Gwoza and Askira), help is coming," said Omeri, who announced last week that 36 towns had been recaptured from Boko Haram.

"Soldiers are still out there working hard and we're en route to the final onslaught because it has started already from Bama."

The insurgency has left more than 13,000 people dead since 2009 and forced some 1.5 million others to flee their homes.

But Omeri said that once the affected communities were free, "they will be advised to return home and continue with their lives".
https://www.modernghana.com/news/235921/1/nigeria-begins-final-onslaught-against-boko-haram-.html

The Nigerian military took us to towns taken back from Boko Haram in the north-east.
Some are almost impossible to reach by road because the insurgents have blown up bridges.
From one town to another, Boko Haram fighters have left their imprint of destruction - the charred remains of market places, homes, government buildings and farms.
Signboards have been painted over in black and replaced with Boko Haram insignia and inscriptions in Arabic.

"Thank you! Thank you!" a group of women chant as they praise the soldiers who reclaimed their town, Doron Baga, from Boko Haram.
They are the few people we found in the area. Most others fled after possibly the worst insurgent attack yet in the region.
It has been suggested that during the January attack, Boko Haram killed hundreds, possibly more - and then set fire to dozens of buildings.
'Those bastards kill men'

Now the town is deserted. At the main market area, blackened-out shells have replaced what would have been busy shops.
Mangled motorcycles litter the streets, their tyres blown out. Decomposing bodies lie by the roadside and fill the air with the stench of death.
A group of women take shade under a tree away from the scorching heat. "Boko Haram fighters killed my sister," one tells me.
"We attempted to leave three times for Maiduguri but the militants threatened to shoot us. They hardly fed us and we were very hungry. But when the soldiers liberated us, they gave us some food."

Despite the successes of the military, many of the reclaimed towns are empty. Only small groups of women, children and the elderly can be found.
Abubakar Ali is one of the few young men around. He had a fractured leg and could not run away when insurgents attacked Monguno town.
"My grandmother hid me under the bed," he says. "They don't touch women, especially old women, but those bastards kill men. They came searching but they didn't find any man in the house so they left."

Even Mubi town, a major commercial centre in Adamawa State, is largely deserted, except for the troops on patrol.
"I would plead with the people of Mubi," says the town's traditional Muslim leader, Emir Abubakar Ahmadu. "Come back home so that we develop Mubi more than ever before."

With widespread destruction, the region is in need of massive rehabilitation - far more than what the residents can do on their own if they return.
There are murmurings within the military that soldiers have been left to do the work other government agencies should be taking on.
There is also the question of whether the people should return to restore a semblance of normality or whether they should remain displaced until the military completes its operations.

There are regular reports of troops getting killed or maimed by mines planted by the insurgents.
Boko Haram fighters are known to surround their locations with hidden bombs. Some soldiers showed me a stretch of about 20m (60ft) where they say they detected 29 improvised explosive devices.
The army says such dirty tactics complicate the fight. This has not dampened the spirits of the troops.

They have recorded major successes recently, reclaiming many of the towns taken by the militants. This has elicited as much praise as it has criticism over why it took so long to act.
The military's gains were achieved in just a few weeks, while Boko Haram has been tormenting the region for the past six years.
The successes also came when Chad, Niger and Cameroon joined in the fight against the Islamist insurgents.
The subsequent plaudits these neighbours received proved embarrassing for Nigeria, the outshined regional powerhouse.

Nigeria's military spokesman, Maj Gen Chris Olukolade, denied reports of tension between members of the anti-Boko Haram coalition.
"Many of the opinions out there that seem not to be complimentary about participating colleagues are definitely not the positions of the countries," he said.
"They are positions of individual officials. We don't expect it to affect the co-ordination within the force."

At the Multinational Joint Task Force base in Baga near Lake Chad, only Nigerian troops are present.
They seem motivated, regardless of the problems at the diplomatic level. The soldiers promise not to let Nigeria lose its territory under their watch.

With new supplies of equipment, as well as fresh combat strategies from their superiors, morale is high on the frontline.

Source : http://m.bbc.com/news/world-africa-31902549


Pics: 1 The main market in Baga is now empty and scarred by fire

2 A view of Mubi from above reveals a town without residents

3 Signs - such as this one in the town of Michika - were painted over by Boko Haram fighters

4 The militants left behind a makeshift camp in Buni Yadi

A suspected child thief was Tuesday nabbed, stripped naked and clubbed to death in Owerri, Imo State capital.

The middled aged woman, who was identified simply as Chioma, was allegedly caught while trying to steal a baby boy at the Ogugba Park, in Owerri municipality.

Vanguard gathered that before the angry mob snuffed life out of the alleged child thief, she was made to confess her sins.

She allegedly confirmed had she was the only daughter of her parents and hailed from Obudi Agwa in Oguta local council area, but resided at Ogbaku in Mbaitoli local government area of the state.

A woman, who claimed to be an eye witness but simply identified herself as Nnenna, told Vanguard that “the lady carefully took the little boy from where his mother laid him”.

Continuing, Nnenna said that the now dead child thief wanted to hurriedly leave the scene after picking the boy but luck ran out on her as she was nabbed by people around the scene.

“The angry mob was not prepared to listen to those that wanted her to be handed over to the police for proper investigation. Barely a few minutes after stripping her, the mob descended on her and the rest became history”, Nnenna recalled.

Speaking to Vanguard also, the stunned mother of the child who could not find the strength to mention her name, thanked God for saving her family from the agony that would have befallen them.

She thanked those who spotted the child thief early enough and stopped her from taking her child away.
Efforts made to speak with the Police Public Relations Officer, PPRO, Mr. Andrew Enwerem, failed as his mobile line could not be reached before going to press.

http://www.vanguardngr.com/2015/03/female-child-thief-nabbed-stripped-clubbed-to-death-in-owerri/#sthash.bnQDU0yZ.dpuf

PEOPLES Democratic Party, PDP Presidential Campaign Organisation, PDPPCO yesterday took a swipe at the Presidential candidate of the All Progressives Congress, APC, General Muhammadu Buhari, retd, saying President Goodluck Jonathan has successfully fought corruption, just as it stressed that Buhari cannot give what he does not have.

Reacting to Buhari’s declaration on how he would fight corruption through Public declaration of assets by the President and all his aides, the Director, Media and Publicity of PDP Presidential Campaign Organisation, Chief Femi Fani- Kayode ranked President Jonathan better than his predecessors in office in the fight against corruption.

In a statement yesterday, Fani- Kayode who noted that President Jonathan has successfully plugged all loopholes which corrupt persons take advantage of to operate freely in the country, however declared that the APC Presidential candidate has no wherewithal to fight corruption against the backdrop that he was not only surrounded by corrupt men, but also unable to give what he does not have.

According to Fani-Kayode, “more than any other President in the history of Nigeria President Goodluck Jonathan has fought corruption and has successfully plugged all the loopholes that allow corrupt persons to operate freely and with impunity in our country.

“His reforms in the agricultural sector with special reference to the new system for the procurement of fertiliser and his reforms in NNPC and the whole area of oil subsidies prove this. Millions of dollars have been saved in these areas alone as a consequence of Mr. President’s new and innovative initiatives.

“His focus is not just on arresting people without any credible evidence and parading them before television cameras in handcuffs. He believes in fighting corruption in a responsible, humane and credible manner with special emphasis on civil liberties, human rights and the rule of law.

“Unlike others that came before him, he believes that the fight against corruption should not be selective and neither does he believe in using the security agencies to intimidate or persecute innocent people or his perceived enemies. This was not the case up until he became President and everyone knows this.

“With respect to General Buhari, it is clear to the discerning that he is the last person that can offer and deliver a credible and honest fight against corruption simply because the rule of law and due process are completely alien concepts to him. The truth is that the man belongs to the dark ages and he cannot rid himself of that mindset.

“The government that he led between 1983 and 1985 did not fight corruption but was, in fact, the biggest manifestation of corruption and abuse of power in the history of Nigeria. He jailed innocent people and sent many to their early graves for no just cause. He also applied retroactive legislation to kill people.

“Buhari says he now wants to fight corruption but the truth is that this is a contradiction in terms and it cannot be so simply because he is surrounded by some of the most corrupt, dishonest, incompetent, irresponsible and perverse souls in Nigeria. Anyone that doubts this just needs to consider the names of some of those that are leading his party.

“A snake cannot give birth to a lion and a monkey cannot bake bread. Buhari cannot give what he does not have. He cannot fight corruption because he is surrounded by those that bask in it. His latest song about fighting corruption does not make sense simply because his party is the greatest promoter of lies, deceit, doublespeak, dishonesty and subterfuge on the African continent.

“His promise to fight corruption must be taken with a pinch of salt and can best be described by Shakespeare’s famous words when he said ‘it is a tale told by an idiot, full of sound and fury, signifying nothing’.”
http://www.vanguardngr.com/2015/03/buhari-is-surrounded-by-corrupt-dishonest-incompetent-irresponsible-perverse-souls-pdp/

cold:
Which American military report states this? I need to read directly from the report. Not from a Nigerian news print. I find it difficult to take sections of the Nigerian press seriously.
However,that is not to say that boko haram does not have moles in the Nigerian army. Even as the military continue to gain the upper hand in the north,such moles still exist.

The report is nothing but lies. The American government have not said so. Trust the Americans if such things happened they would never hide it, they would use it to their own advantage.
The reason for blocking the government from buying arms was because of the accusations of northern leaders against the military, they accused the military and Ihejerika of genocide and even reported them to ICC.
The sending of raid mission to rescue the girls prove that it is a false information because the Americans had said they would only provide intelligence and their booth would not be on Nigerian soil.

baslone:
When the war started, the Nigeria Army were always no where to be found whenever BH attacked.

Just like the the Nigerian police, Innocent villagers were being arrested, molested and killed after every attack in the name of fighting BH. The news of their actions were all over the place.

But for the cry of the Northern elders, we would still have been going about in circles deceiving ourselves that we are fighting a war and killing Shekaus

You are talking as if we are not in this country. We knew how the northern leaders oppose the war against BH and even equating it to the Niger Delta militant that never attacked civilians. When BH started they were attacking churches and Christians( which were their primary target) and northern leaders turned a blind eye not until it started affecting them they begin to cry out.
Ihejerika was accused of genocide because he fought BH to standstill , the civilians were deceiving the military into BH traps, but when BH turned against the Muslims,the Islamic north begin to cooperate with the Army, it was then they begin to condemn the activities of BH.
You can also read https://www.nairaland.com/2167921/why-troops-winning-war-against

I think the most difficult one is keeping the sabbath day Holy. How many people have kept the sabbath day Holy

yibomustgo:
Meanwhile, some foolish yeebos keep insulting Muslims and Islam. Are the people fighting and killing Boko haram in the video not Muslims? Muslims have been fighting, dying and killing Boko Haram in the Northeast, yet foolish yeebos and some naughty Islamic haters keep talking rubbish.

What you are saying only defines what you are.The war against Boko Haram are not fought by Muslims rather by the Nigerian Army and civilian JTF. The Army is made up of Christians and Muslims and the Civilian JTF are also made up of Christians and Muslims.
Don't forget when the war against BH started most of the northern Muslims condemn the Army fighting BH( some said a fight against BH is a fight against the north) now they are condemning and fighting BH because it is also attacking Muslims and yet no mosque have been brought down by BH.
Did you say Islamic haters? hmmm which religion carries hatred?
Hatred does not just come what are their antecedents.

Clerverly:
He came to solicit votes from the "Born Troway" ethnic group! Foolish man with a useless wife!

This what the bible says:
Mathew 12:34
O generation of vipers, how can ye, being evil, speak good things? for out of the abundance of the heart the mouth speaketh.
and in
Luke 6:45
A good man out of the good treasure of his heart brings forth good; and an evil man out of the evil treasure of his heart[a] brings forth evil. For out of the abundance of the heart his mouth speaks.

paxonel:
you quoted 2cor 5:10 For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ...
i am telling you that this is not the kind of judgement i was talking about when i say God is not judging us anymore.
I am talking about the kind of judgement Jesus meant when he said judge not so that you will not be judged, meaning, be merciful so that you will obtain mercy at the time you sin
2 cor 5:10 is judgement to prove that people were actually guilty of sin just like what is obtainable in the court of law.
But the kind of judgement i mean is after we were proven to be actually guilty of sin, God is merciful not to put us in lake of fire because of Christ.
Another name for this kind of judgement is being merciful.
The statement of Jesus "today you will be with me in paradise " on the cross to the thief that was about to be crucified is actually a judgement ( verdict ).
judgement can also be seen as a verdict.
note: the guy has already been proven guilty before then

You are now telling me that the judgement in 2cor 5:10 is nothing buy a formality.

paxonel:
what i mean by God is not judging our sin anymore is, God is not putting any christian in lake of fire.He made us to be righteous through Christ.
Not that God will not judge us on judgement day.
Even after the judgement we were justified because our name was in the book of life, not because of our works.
we have obeyed the truth by believing what Paul preached which is Christ. unlike the jews in romans 2:6-10.
By this, our name is in the book of life

you are not consistent with your statement.

paxonel:
to deliberately live and abide in sin is not a good thing,we will suffer the consequence like anyone else if we do. This is the judgement of this world. whoever break the law must go for it.
that's why Christianity do not promote sin like you say.
But in the spirit realm where our justification lies it's a different thing entirely. we are justified by our faith (which is Christianity ) into eternal life, not by the law or any of our good action in this physical life.
so, if you are good you will enjoy your eternal life on earth.
if you are bad you will suffer your eternal life on earth.
there is suffering in heaven.
it's as simple as that

You said God is not judging our sin anymore and I am saying that is a pure lie.
Romans 2:6-10

.......... but for those who are self-seeking and do not obey the truth, but obey unrighteousness, there will be wrath and fury. There will be tribulation and distress for every human being who does evil.................
2 Corinthians 5:10

For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ, so that each one may receive what is due for what he has done in the body, whether good or evil.

paxonel:
yes, as a Christian we live above sin, that doesn't mean we cannot sin, it means, from God's point of view God is not judging our sin anymore, But he is judging humans whether they were born in Christian home or not.
whether they are in the Christian faith of not.
to be in the Christian faith is to be in the book of life, cos we are justified by faith, not by works.
all church goers are already in that faith no matter their sin, the same thing goes to christians who chooses not to go to church, they are also saved by their believe (in Jesus )

I see! you mean as a Christian you have a free ticket to live in sin and abide in sin and you would not be judged by it. Religion of sin? No. Christianity is not a religion that promotes sin or a religion that those not condemn sin.

The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) yesterday called for the prosecution of Borno State Governor, Alhaji Kashim Shettima, over the abduction of over 200 pupils from the Government Girls’ Secondary School, Chibok. Director, Media and Publicity of the PDP Presidential Campaign Organisation (PDPPCO), Chief Femi Fani-Kayode, in a statement yesterday accused the governor of ignoring security reports and the counsel of the Federal Government against allowing the pupils to write the 2014 May/June West African Examination Council (WAEC) in Chibok.

The PDP’s demand came just as Shettima’s party, the All Progressives Congress (APC), alleged a plot by security agencies, acting at the behest of President Goodluck Jonathan, to harass and intimidate the party’s financiers. Justifying the call for the governor’s trial, the PDP said the abducted Chibok schoolgirls would have been saved the ordeal to which they have been subjected in the last 329 days had the governor heeded the advice that the town was not safe for the examinations.

“Shettima will not be governor forever and when he is no longer in office, his role in the Chibok affair would be investigated and, if found wanting, he would be prosecuted,” he added. Under the 1999 Constitution, Shettima, like other governors as well as the president, vice-president and deputy governors, enjoy immunity from prosecution while in office.

But Fani-Kayode said Shettima should be ready for investigation and prosecution after leaving office if found complicit in the circumstances that led to the abduction of the girls. He said the governor, more than anybody else, was responsible for the abduction of the Chibok girls. “The circumstances that led to the abduction of the innocent girls, who were writing their examination in an environment that was everything but secure, underscored the governor’s negligence.

“The governor must give account to God and to the Nigerian people for what he has done to those girls. We are accusing him of being responsible for the abduction of the Chibok girls because he was warned by the Federal Government and by the West African Examination Council (WAEC) not to allow the examination take place in Chibok. “He ignored the warning and promised to guarantee security for those girls. When time came, the governor did not even deploy one policeman, let alone adequate security.

“He betrayed the girls; he set them up; he opened the door for them to be abducted by the Boko Haram and instead of asking for forgiveness and repenting of his wicked ways, he is talking nonsense,” he added. But Shettima dismissed the PDP’s allegations, saying the party cannot blame him for the abduction. The governor, through his media aide, Alhaji Isa Gusau, said he was a victim of the attack on Chibok and he could not be prosecuted, as he has not been found culpable of the incident.

He said: “Long before Fani-Kayode was appointed, his employer and our dear President Goodluck Jonathan had, in 2014, set up a Presidential Fact- Finding Committee on the missing Chibok schoolgirls which was made up of serving and retired security officials, civil societies, elders from Chibok, the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), Muslims, journalists, labour groups, the National Council on Women Societies and many others with the mandate of establishing facts concerning the circumstances that led to the kidnap of the schoolgirls. “The committee was in Chibok and met with all those it marked as stakeholders, security chiefs in Borno State, officials of WAEC and analyzed documents. In the end, the committee gave a clean bill to Governor Shettima as he was rather a traumatized victim that was doing so well in managing the security challenges in the state.

“The report is there and no one has so far contradicted the report of the committee.” Gusua accused Fani- Kayode of speaking with so much arrogance and ignorance. He said: “We don’t take Femi Fani-Kayode serious and nobody does in Nigeria. He had pronounced a different group guilty over Chibok girls long before now, so if he is reversing himself over that like he contradicted many others, there is nothing new.

“Fani-Kayode, to us and many, is an adult with the mentality of an infant. Again, like I said, no reasonable adult dialogues with an infant because it will amount to going into dialogue with a blind, deaf and dumb which will be an eternal waste of time and we don’t have luxury of time for his kind. We have serious issues we are dealing with. We are just waiting for him to contradict himself in future because he will surely. Character is like smoke, it never hides.” Meanwhile, the governor’s party has accused the president of initiate moves to use the security agencies to harass its supporters.

The APC, in a statement yesterday in Lagos by its National Publicity Secretary, Alhaji Lai Mohammed, stated that the plot was part of ongoing efforts to cripple its activities in the run-up to the March 28 presidential poll. But the PDP and presidency denied the allegation, saying it is just part of the antics of the opposition party in feeding the public with lies. “We made it clear early on that our party, which has now become a peopledriven movement, is being bankrolled by ordinary Nigerians, who have contributed generously to the party through the platforms that we published in the newspapers for all to see.

”Though the Federal Government has used some national institutions to stifle our party’s fundraising efforts, Nigerians have utilised the available platforms to make their donations. It is therefore a futile exercise for anyone to harass some innocent people for supposedly financing the APC,” the statement said. APC urged the security agencies to be non-partisan, professional and patriotic in carrying out their duties before, during and after the general elections.

However, PDP rebutted the allegations and accused the opposition of spreading falsehood. PDP National Publicity Secretary, Mr. Olisa Metuh, said: “But if the source of their campaign funds is from slush fund or from corrupt persons, then they can’t stop security agencies from investigating them.” Also, presidential spokesman, Dr. Reuben Abati, said the APC was only chasing shadows.

“Don’t mind them. Seeing the defeat that already stares them in the face, they are now busy chasing a crooked shadow. I won’t be surprised if one of these days Lai Mohammed issues a statement blaming the PDP and the presidency for the sun rising in the East and setting in the West. His allegations do not deserve any serious attention,” Abati stated.
http://newtelegraphonline.com/try-shettima-over-chibok-girls/?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+newtelegraphonline%2FGKzz+%28New+Telegraph%29

Nigeria is getting civilized. i hope those serving long terms should be made to engage in some form of modern skill acquisition and positive economic activities.