The Chairman of the Integrity Group of Federal Commissioners of the Federal Character Commission- FCC,  Wokocha Augustine Onyekachi has called on all relevant authorities to restore sanity at the commission following what he described as negation of federal character principle by the chairman of the commission,  Muheeba Dankaka.


Speaking on behalf of 33 other federal commissioners, Wokocha Augustine Onyekachi representing rivers state accused Dankaka of selfishness, greed and vindictive and further call on President Muhammad Buhari to immediately intervene and restore sanity in the commission. 

Dankaka is alleged to have severally
Negated federal character principles
By employing over 20 person's without following due process and With half coming from her own village.

The fcc chairman who is also accused of running the commission as a sole administrator is said to be carrying out ongoing renovation of the office, a capital project which the chairman is carrying out without following due process and was never in consultation with other stakeholders. 

According, to Onyekachi other accusations against the fcc chairman shall be unfold in the following days. 

Section 14 (3) and (4) of the Constitution  provide thus: 

“(3) The composition of the Government of the Federation or any of its agencies
and the conduct of its affairs shall be carried out in such a manner as to reflect the
federal character of Nigeria and the need to promote national unity, and also to
promote national loyalty, thereby ensuring that there shall be no predominance of
persons from a few states or a few ethnic or other sectional groups in that
government or any of its agencies.

“(4) The composition of the Government of a State, a local government council, or
any of the agencies of such Government or council or such agencies shall be
carried out in such manner as to recognize and the conduct of the affairs of the
Government or Council the diversity of the people within its area of authority and the need to promote a sense of belonging and loyalty among all the people of the
Federation.” 

Source: https://www.naijavoicenews.com/urgent-call-on-president-buhari-to-restore-sanity-in-federal-character-commission/

By Kingsley Mba

The founder/president Bukar Foundation, Abuja, Dr Usman Bukar has advised Nigerian government to prioritize its development agenda to accommodate more youths and women 'to enhance their roles in nation building.'

This was contained in the key note address Dr Bukar delivered during the Peace, Unity And Nation Building dialogue organised by StandTall Africa Initiative in Abuja under the theme, "Building A Better And Stronger Africa & Nigeria Through Peaceful Co-existence, Unity And Intellectual Engagement."

Dr Bukar in his address said that the speed with which Nigeria's population is growing, more efforts should be channelled toward empowering the youths and women as critical partners in nation building.

"Nigeria has over 250 ethnic groups and 500 languages. From a population of about 50 million in the 1960s, it has grown to become not only the most populous black country and the largest economy in Africa but also the one with the largest youth population in the world, next to China and India." Dr Bukar stated

He therefore contended that given the above scenario, it is therefore pertinent for Nigeria to reset it's development focus to cater for the needs of the youths and women as a result of their size and potentials.


Speaking on the concerns raised by the population size of the country, Dr Bukar noted that there would be conflict as people scramble for limited land spaces, scarce resources while identifying poverty, joblessness and corruption as the root causes of the hopelessness and atrocities by some people against fellows citizens.

He pointed out that the increasing number of the population has also placed more demand for security and welfare of the people.

On the agitation and clamour from many Nigerians for restructuring and Constitutional review, Dr Bukar stated that those craving for more states or local government creation should know that the already existing ones are yet to be consolidated and the group should align their actions with positive contributions and the realities facing the country. He nevertheless believes that only good governance and sound leadership can address the many challenges and agitations in the country.

A former governor of Niger state, Dr Babangida Aliyu in his contributions during the event called on the National Assembly to take decisive action in addressing the problem the Joint Admission Matriculation Board (JAMB) exam pose to students seeking admission particularly foreigners as JAMB has no provisiosn to accommodate foreigners who wish to study in Nigeria.

"JAMB has become a problem to many students and foreigners seeking admission in Nigeria, the national Assembly should look into this especially private schools in Nigeria"

Speaking on insecurity and the problem posed by secessionists, Dr Aliyu said it is wrong for public figures and politicians to have dual citizenship. This he said gave them undue advantage as they find easy way to escape after heating up the polity.

"When those people causing problems know that the other foreign Nations where they are citizens would offer them assistance, they become more emboldened "

He mentioned the Yoruba nation agitator, Sunday Adeyemo AKA Sunday Igboho, the leader of IPOB, Nnamdi Kanu and the Publisher of Sahara reporters as some of the people using their dual citizenship as a privilege to cause unrest.

"Public figures and politicians seeking any position should first renounce his or her dual citizenship,"

The former governor advised the government to focus more on building strong institutions as only strong institutions can produce good leaders and good citizens.

Speaking on insecurity, Aliyu stated that there is need for the government to strengthen the traditional institutions and leaders to fight insecurity. "These traditional rulers and village leaders have impeccable intelligence gathering networks. They know new faces and strangers coming into their communities through an established system of local administration".

Source: https://www.naijavoicenews.com/2021/07/29/nigeria-needs-to-re-focuse-its-development-agenda-on-the-youth-and-women-dr-bukar-usman/

By Francis Izekwe

Less than two years to the 2023 General elections, political predators and a section of powerful vested political interest in the state have set in motion, a vast conspiracy to sabotage the genuine political aspiration of the Ezza people for the governorship of the state.

This plot is steeped in a history predicated on scare mongering, vicious propaganda, blackmail, intimidation and blatant falsehood. Having worked so well for this cabal since the unfolding Fourth Republic politics in 1999, these desperate and vicious political operatives are determined to foist their narrow selfish interest on Ebonyi people at all cost.

The battle for the soul of Ebonyi, at a time when politics at both national and sub national levels have adopted zoning in recognition of the need for fairness and equity to curtail heightened ethnic saliency, which has continued to spew instability in our nation, portends grave threat and danger to the peace and well being of the state, if not properly managed by the political class.

In pursuit of justice and fairness, states and local governments should micro-zone positions and political offices to correct anomalies and historical injustices.

The Ezza Ezekuna people whose progenitors constitute the Abakaliki bloc in the state, it must be stated, are imbued with patriotic zeal and are perhaps the most committed group to the Ebonyi project. The depiction of Ezza people as the most committed group to the Ebonyi project is not a hyperbole but is anchored on empirical evidence and a history of selflessness, sacrifice and enormous contributions to the cause of Ebonyi state. The riveting account of G.B.G Chapman, the British Intelligence Officer with jurisdiction covering the present Ebonyi state is indeed illuminating and instructive.

The warriors of Ezza Ezekuna saved the people of Ezillo from looming defeat in the hands of more powerful foes at the dawn of the 20th century. Again, the people of Effium relied on the heroics and exploits of the warriors of Ezza Ezekuna to repel the offensive of external aggressors who were poised to decimate them in 1928. In moments of profound challenges in the past, the Ezza people summoned their mighty men of valour for the common good.

In effect, it is accurate to state that Ezza people have always been the protectors of minority groups since time immemorial.

In recent contemporary history, the selfless and sacrificial nature of the Ezza people has been on full display. They have never shied away from confronting challenges and advancing the collective interest of the state.

For instance, when duty beckoned during the agitation for the creation of Ebonyi State, Ezza Ezekuna sons and daughters played critical and frontline roles in the struggle that eventually led to the creation of the state.

It is a historical fact that Monday Umanyi, an Ezza son who championed the campaign for the creation of Ebonyi State was persecuted and eventually paid the supreme price at a time it was a taboo to advocate for the new state. Another prominent son of Ezza, Chief Samuel Okohu was the highest donor at the fund raising of the Movement for the Creation of Ebonyi State.

Senator Offia Nwalli, an influential political leader with prodigious intellect from Ezza Ezekuna submitted the formal request for the creation of Ebonyi state to the National Assembly. As a matter of fact, Ezza sons occupy prominent places in the pantheon of heroes whose sacrifice and contributions made the creation of Ebonyi State a reality.

When Fourth Republic politics berthed in 1999 and a son of Ezza in the person of Geoffrey O. Chukwu (GOC), became the State Chairman of the ruling People’s Democratic Party(PDP), the sacrificial and selfless nature of Ezza people was again brought to the fore. Instead of using his powerful position to work for the emergence of a son of Ezza as governor of the state, he instead supported and worked tirelessly for the installation of Dr. Sam Egwu, a minority from the Northern Senatorial zone as Governor.

The Ezza people and their political elite also supported the emergence of Chief Martin Elechi from Ikwo (2007-2015) and Engr. Dave Umahi, the current governor of the state who is in his second and final tenure.

Despite these noble acts of selfless service and contributions towards the growth and development of the state, there has been deliberate efforts by enemies of progress who feel threatened by the progress recorded by the Ezza people. Since the creation of the state in 1996, many crises have been contrived by visible and invisible political actors with the aim of decimating and diminishing the stature of Ezza people in the eyes of other groups in the state.

In 2002, attempts were made by these powerful forces to expel Ezza Ezekuna people from Effium. This orchestrated plan failed woefully to the consternation of the sponsors. Given their determination to execute this agenda of ethnic cleansing, the same crisis exploded again in 2020. What started as a disagreement between factions of the transport union soon snowballed into a full- blown war between Ezza and Effium people, exposing in the process, the political nature of the crisis.

The fact that the recent Ezza-Effium crisis broke out so close to 2023 is seen by many discerning observers as the opening salvo of delegitimization campaign against the Ezza people in the run up to 2023. To these purveyors of violence, it does not matter those lives and properties running into millions of naira have been lost by both sides. This delegitimization campaign by 2003 was allegedly sponsored by the state government as the plan to sow seeds of discord among the Ezza people gathered steam.

Two groups- Ezza Ezekuna Consultative Forum and Ezza Ezekuna General Assembly were said to have been created and funded by the state government to pit the people against each other.

Over the years, there has been deliberate campaign to diminish the voting strength of Ezza Ezekuna people. Part of this deliberate strategy involved the deployment of faulty biometric data capturing machines to areas populated by our people. Between 2007 and 2015, this strategy was deployed with devastating effect by the state government in cahoots with compromised agents of the Independent National Electoral Commission.

In 2008, the state government teamed up with Ezillo people against Ezza- Ezillo community. At issue was a dispute over the location of a pay-phone between two teenagers whereupon the state government instead of nipping the dispute in the bud took side against the Ezza-Ezillo people. Tellingly, only Ezza people including their traditional rulers and political leaders were detained. The state government practically supervised the sacking of Ezza-Ezillo people from their ancestral homes and the widespread destruction of their possessions.

To legitimize the atrocities visited on our people, the state government used the state-owned media to denigrate and condemn the Ezza -Ezillo people as the aggressors.

The emergence of the Engr. Dave Umahi administration brought succour and an end to the maltreatment of the Ezza-Ezillo people as he made a powerful push for peace. He released all the people that had languished in detention for years and for once the state government became an impartial arbiter. A committee composed of clergymen was empaneled to uncover the immediate and remote causes of the crisis and advise the state government on how to bring lasting peace to Ezillo. In the end, the panel established the status of Ezza-Ezillo people as co-owners of Ezillo.

The current state administration, it should be stated has been in the main even handed in handling the affairs of the state especially the intractable communal crises that has reared its ugly head from time to time. The governor has demonstrated leadership in this regard. But certain elements within his administration, vestiges of the old discredited era are bent on executing a vile campaign of calumny and blatant falsehood with the aim of tarnishing the reputation of Ezza-Ezekuna people in the run up to 2023 general elections.

These agents of hate and deception ordinarily cannot succeed in an environment devoid of confusion and have as their lifeline and political survival, the destructive tools of blackmail and scare mongering to rely on and deploy to devastating effect.

As 2023 draws closer, these political predators who perceive the Ezza Ezekuna as potent threat to their political survival will thrown everything in their arsenal of propaganda in the attempt to scuttle the aspiration of our people. It is this people that Governor Engr. Dave Umahi should be wary of if he wants to finish his administration on a high note.

(Izekwe, a Public Affairs Commentator based in Enugu, can be reached on izekwefranc@gmail.com).

Group under the aegis of Progressive Ambassadors (PAs), has expresses confident that Yahaya Bello would deliver if voted as number one citizen of the country. The group regarded as frivolous, a comment by one Usman Okai Austine to demarket Governor Yahaya Bello of Kogi state whose popularity hinges on the fact that he is building bridges of unity and inclusiveness within his state in particular and across the nation in general.

According to the forum, Okai, in a publication on his Facebook page circulated to other social media platforms painted Gov. Bello as being divisive and tribalistic in his handling of affairs of the state with particular reference to the recent visit to President Muhammadu Buhari by a delegation from Kogi state, tagging the Governor, alleging that he selected only people from his senatorial district.

In a statement by the National Coordinator, Secretary general and Treasurer, Abba Adaudu, Mr. Omale Omale and Chris Ngara respectively, says "Ordinarily, one would have ignored Okai whose regular media outings is not only mischievous and malicious but aimed at distorting facts and misinforming the unsuspecting public to score political points, however, we feel duty bound to put the record straight especially on the recent visit to Daura.

"Apart from the delegates which the poster deliberately mentioned in his publication to have been selected only from the governor's tribe, others on the delegation were CPS Unogwu (Kogi East), MD Confluence Rice, Segun (Ogun State), Chairman KGIRS Isah (Kogi West), Solid Mineral Commissioner, Bashir (Kogi West), GYB, President, SA Youth, Jibril (Kogi West) DG protocol, Sunday (Kogi West) SA PR Bolori (Borno) Omala LG Secretary, Joy (Kogi East), SA Haruna is from Kogi East and several others including the governor's driver who is Austin Okai's kinsman.

"Instructively also is the fact that the deligation was made up of people from the local government level and not just top state government functionaries.

Stressing that the poorly fabricated article lamented the total neglect of infrastructural development in Kogi state at a time the Governor is transforming the state infrastructurally exposes the author's mischievous characteristics.

Pointing that Ganaja fly over project is ongoing, operation light up Kogi East project is at 95% completion, the Referral Hospital in Okene as well as the Zonal Hospital in Idah, Isanlu and Kanto-Karfe which are all to be completed this year. Remodeling of the state Specialist Hospital and rehabilitation of the University Teaching Hospital and many more are infrastructural testimonials of the Bello's administration.

With all these couple with regular payment of workers salaries and the towering popularity of the Governor, it has become difficult for his detractors to constructively criticize him, hence the resort to mere mischief, malice, fabrication and blatant falsehood.

The group urges Austine Okai and his diminishing sponsors to rechannel their efforts towards doing something meaningful as the arrow of GYB has already left the bowl, and no amount of falsehood will stop it from hitting the target.

By Isaac Michael & Oriri Peter

The Etsu Karu in FCT, HRH Bawa Jatta, has called on highly placed individuals and corporate organizations in the Country to complement government's efforts towards community development.

He made this plea at the inauguration of a bye-pass road between Karu and Jikwoyi communities in the FCT, initiated by the Dunamis International Gospel Church, and commissioned by its Senior Pastors, Dr. Paul Enenche and his wife Dr. Becky Enenche on Friday, July 9 2021.

The Monarch while prayed God to reward the church for the noble gesture, noting that the road was a huge burden for motorists in that axis before the intervention.

In his remarks, Pastor Enenche stressed the need for Nigerians to always dedicate themselves to the service of God and humanity, emphasizing that the church had embarked on several projects across the Country, as part of its Corporate Social Responsibility. He further stressed that a good christian makes a difference by what he gives to those around him.

According to the Senior Pastor, "The major assignment of leadership is the welfare of the people and I believe as we look more into the welfare of the people, we have a better life".

Pastor Enenche explained that the church was reaching out to people on monthly basis to empower them do a lot of things such as trading, tailoring. He further noted that on a quarterly basis, the Church organises mega outreaches to enable it undertake such projects as renovation of schools and provision of transformers.

Also speaking, Pastor Yakubu Usman, Resident Pastor, noted “that the gospel is unto good works, we are the salt of the earth, and a city set upon a hill cannot be hidden."

The Karu-Jukwoyi branch of the Pentecostal Fellowship of Nigeria, PFN chairman, Rev Amos appreciated Dunamis for the gesture, describing Pastor Enenche as a holiness preacher and a preacher with a lion and large heart. He prayed for more grace for the church. "Pastor Enenche has continued to demonstrate the true virtue of Christianity of love and care for the people."Above all, he is not just a preacher but one with large and lion heart."

On his part, Simon Nehemiah, a resident of the community said "it is a project that God has ordained and will eventually change the face, as it were, of the whole community, before now the dust around was very terrible, there is even the health aspect because of the dust which can cause respiratory challenges and problems but now Dunamis church has to solve the problem. God bless the church and the senior pastor."

In the same vein, Mr. Alex Bako, a motorist said "it is a laudable project and it is going to be beneficial to all and sundry especially the immediate community the church operates. Dunamis Church has always contributed positively to the nation, and am sure this road is not going to be the last the church will construct."

Dignitaries present during the commissioning included Maj. Gen. Chris Garba, Maj. Gen. John Enenche, Hon. Samuel Godday, Hon. John Dyegh, traditional rulers and other dignitaries from all works of life.

It could be recalled that the Church had constructed and commissioned other road projects including the Nyanya-Mararaba checkpoint road, Phase 4 Kubwa, Area 1 Durumi, Garki road in Abuja among others.

Source: https://www.naijavoicenews.com/2021/07/10/motorists-jubilate-as-dunamis-church-constructs-another-road-in-abuja-photos/

The viral story making the rounds on social media with the headline, How I love the ‘evil’ of prophet T.B Joshua, credited to Dr. Pastor Paul Enenche, Senior Pastor, Dunamis International Gospel Centre was actually written by a totally different person.

The attribution of the story is misleading as the said statement did not emanate from the Senior Pastor.

The said story was authored by Enenche Obonyilo Peter, also known as Enenche Enenche, a comedian and it was first published on Daily Post online with his name boldly written below the article.

To set the record straight, Enenche Enenche is an entertainer while Dr. Paul Enenche is a pastor and both are separate individuals.

Those sharing the story should be aware of who the real author is, as any attribution of the article to Dr Paul Enenche is false and misleading.

Source: https://www.naijavoicenews.com/2021/07/10/re-how-i-love-the-evil-of-prophet-t-b-joshua/

By Yemi Itodo

Leaders and relevant stakeholders of the All Progressive Congress (APC) from the 9 local government areas of Benue South, yesterday converged on Otukpo, the traditional and political headquarters of Idoma nation, as Rt. Hon. Nelson Alapa declared his intention to fly the party's senatorial flag, come 2023.

Alapa, who made history as the Minority Whip of the 6th House of Representatives while representing Otukpo/Ohimini Federal Constituency of Benue State, is currently a member of the National Working Committee of APC and had served the party in various capacities.

Addressing party leaders from the various local government areas of Benue South in his country home, Otukpo, Chief Alapa said he was consulting the party hierarchy for their blessings to clinch the party's senatorial ticket and for eventual victory at the general elections, come 2023.

Having served the party since inception to the highest echelon of decision making, and having served as a principal officer of the National Assembly, the grassroot politicians said he appeared most qualified, to represent the good people of Benue South at the negotiating table, when issues of development, security, women and youth empowerment would be discussed at the upper legislative chamber.

The seasoned Parliamentarian stressed that, he stepped down from the gubernatorial race to ease the chances of Benue South in producing and projecting a consensus candidate amongst all those aspiring for the office of first citizen of Benue State in 2023.

Responding, the Zonal Chairman of APC in Benue South, Alhaji Hassan Mohammed, said Chief Alapa was the first aspirant to have officially made his intention to contest the senatorial race known to the party leadership at the zonal level, corroborating the saying that, 'he who gets to the river first can never fetch dirty water'.

On his part, a stalwart of the party, Hon. Eddy Anyebe, described Chief Alapa as a product which can be sold anywhere because he is a people-oriented person.

Hon. Anyebe further reminded the gathering that it was until Chief Alapa got to the green chamber that the people believed there was money meant for projects in the House of Representatives, adding that, the entire Benue South would benefit more, when he gets to the red chamber.

He urged the leadership of APC at the zonal level to consider the candidature of Chief Alapa, since he is sellable and those who profited from his enormous projects while he was in the House of Representatives could still attest to his ability to deliver on mandate.

Speaker after speaker from various local government areas, including party chairmen, women leaders, youth leaders and other stakeholders, in affirmation, lauded the leadership qualities of Chief Alapa, whom they described as "humble" and "perfect gentleman", pledging their commitments in domesticating the campaign in their locality.

Source: https://www.naijavoicenews.com/2021/07/02/benue-south-2023-hon-alapa-declares-for-senate/

By Yemi Itodo

The newly inaugurated Senator representing Imo North, Senator Frank Ibezim, has clamoured for an additional state to be created for the South East region, to balance some political equations.

According to the lawmaker, additional state for the region would go along way to pacify the people, while suggesting restructuring to help strengthen the nation's democracy.

Speaking to Journalists in Abuja on Friday, on the gains of democracy, to mark the 2021 democracy day celebration, Senator Ibezim also remarked that, democracy had faired well in Nigeria, compared to the days of military regimes.

He said during the military era, due to some draconian laws, people were not supposed to speak against the government; "but today, people have freedom to speak and you have free speeches also".

On the clamour for restructuring and secession, the lawmaker said it was high time the government listened to the people and harmonized the differences to ensure peace is restored.

"Now, most Nigerians are calling for peace, and I believe that, with the challenges of our time, maybe it is a way to eventually help this nation. So, I can't throw away those that are talking about succession.

"All I want for Nigerians is to listen to everybody, because by the time you listen to everybody we will be able to come together. I believe that, this is a great country. I believe that there is hope for positive development and I believe that now is the time for us to look inwards and work together", Ibezim said.

He said restructuring the country would further strengthen the unity of the people and restore peace and security.

Senator Ibezim, while throwing his weight behind creation of additional state in the South East, added that, it could only be possible through the instrumentality of the amendment of the 1999 constitution, which process is currently ongoing.

He called on Nigerians, especially, agitating groups to remain calm and await the outcomes of the constitution amendment process, which he said would address many issues raised by various groups.

It would be recalled that, the South East region is the only geopolitical zone in Nigeria with only 5 States.

Each of the South South, South West, North Central and North East has 6 States, while the North West had 7 States.

Attempts to create additional states under the current democracy have failed, due to botched constitution amendment processes and unimplemented resolutions of national conferences.
Source: https://www.naijavoicenews.com/2021/06/12/constitution-review-senator-ibezim-wants-additional-state-to-balance-equation-in-s-east/

Ado Local Government Chairman, James Oche has said his administration would support Governor Samuel Ortom and the Benue State Government in seeing to the full implementation of the law establishing Community Volunteer Guards.

James Oche who gave these words at the expanded stakeholders security meeting of Ado local government area, held on Sunday, 9th May, 2021 in Igumale maintained that it was indeed sacrosanct to, in the wake the security concerns, rise up to the task in defence of the lives and properties of people of Benue State.

At the stakeholders meeting the political class was led by the Member, House of Representatives for Ado/Okpokwu/Ogbadibo Federal Constituency, Hon. Francis Otta Agbo, the Ado Local Government Chairman, James Oche, the Member representing Ado State Constituency, Hon. Mrs. Agnes Uloko and the Benue Commissioner for Urban Development Chief Dennis Ekpe Ogbu as well as other prominent individuals including former state assembly members, past chairmen and leaders of various political parties in Ado. At the stakeholders meeting were also religious leaders, heads of security agencies and traditional rulers.

The modalities for the implementation of the law on Community Volunteer Guards and sundry security issues affecting Ado LGC and Benue State were deliberated and consensus reached as contained in a communique issued immediately after the meeting.

The stakeholders while commending Governor Samuel Ortom for his efforts especially as regards security of lives and property of Benue People noted that the implementation of the law was long due having been passed since 2000.

The assembly of stakeholders urged the Benue State Government to as quick as possible support the Ado Local Government with the provision of logistics and material support for the new guards and further commended the efforts of Mr. James Oche in ensuring the security of the people of Ado.

Speaking on the crisis between Effium and Ezza communities, the stakeholders warned Effium and Ezza people to desist defiling Ado land with blood of innocent ones in the name of fighting each other and further urged the security agencies to go after all those behind the crisis in the two communities and arrest them for prosecution, directing that a curfew be placed in affected communities to limit movement of persons pending when normalcy would return.

The stakeholders also commended the senator representing Benue south senatorial district, comrade Abbah Moro for raising up the Ado security situation in the floor of the Senate, stressing that his action further strengthened and restored their confidence in his ability to representing them. They saluted the gallantry of the operation Whirlstroke and the Police as well as other security agencies in Ado.

The Ado stakeholders used the forum to condem in totality the recent statement and actions of the Ebonyi State Governor, Engr. David Umahi, who falsely accused the peaceful and vulnerable Agila people for the attack on the Umugodu-Akpu community of Ebonyi State and commended the Ado council chairman for his prompt action in ensuring that the truth was told to the public through the media and called on the Federal Government and relevant authorities to hasten the delimitation of the Benue/Ebonyi Boundary.

The stakeholders further charged the Hon. Francis Ottah Agbo and the Mr. James Oche to create an opportunity for them to have an interface with the Benue State Governor, Dr Samuel Ortom over recent developments within the Local Government.

Source: https://www.facebook.com/471512546385252/posts/1548112302058599/

By Our Correspondent

A Patriotic Call On His Excellency, The Executive Governor of Bauchi State, Sen. Bala Mohammed (Kauran Bauchi), to Contest for the Office of the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, come 2023 has been made.

The call was made by the National Coordinator of the Bala Mohammed Support Group Dr. Engr. Richard J. Agene among others.

READ THE FULL PRESS SPEECH BELOW

Gentlemen of the Press, the Leaders and critical stakeholders of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Leaders of the various PDP support groups, ladies and gentlemen.

It is with a great sense of responsibility in the collective search for a true leadership to salvage our nation from the current state of affairs including the unfortunate security situation of our dear country Nigeria, that we have embarked on a nation-wide consultation with critical stakeholders across the 36 states of the federation and the FCT, as well as 774 local government areas across our country for this very important gathering.

It is no longer news that our country is in dire need of leadership; our security architecture have collapsed, the economy is in shambles, government institutions have become helpless, poverty has taken over the land, killings, kidnapping, banditry, maiming, arm-robbery, insurgency, sexual abuse, corruption among other vices have almost become our new national anthem; our nation, the once pride of Africa has been brought to her knees.

As Dr. Maxwell once posited that, “everything rises and falls on leadership”. It is incontrovertible that the Nigerian enterprise is no doubt in dire need of a strong, visionary and purposeful leader, who has the capability, will power and zeal to lead our nation on the right path and correct the abnormalities confronting us as a nation.

As patriotic Nigerians and members of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), we are aligned with the efforts of our great party as the rallying point of all men and women of goodwill in our country to rescue our nation from the stranglehold of the incompetent, divisive and overtly corrupt All Progressives Congress (APC), come 2023.

It is in this regard that we believe that the right step must be taking by throwing up a Presidential candidate that will be generally acceptable to the Nigerian people across board for the task ahead.

After a very thorough and extensive consultation among stakeholders from across the six geo-political zone, and after due review of the array of credible leaders in our party, there is an emerging consensus towards competence, reliability, performance and pan Nigerianism in the choice of the next President.

In these consultations across stakeholders, one name continued to future over others among our array of contemporary leaders in our country. Ladies and gentlemen, with humility, we wish to report that that name is Governor Bala Mohammed of Bauchi State.

It is in this regard that this group is calling on the Governor of Bauchi state, Sen. Bala Mohammed, to please answer the call by compatriots to lead in the task of salvaging the country from total collapse, by making himself available to CONTEST for the President of the Federal Republic of Nigerian come 2023.

Senator Bala Mohammed, without any contestations, possess the much-sought credentials for the purpose and visionary leader, who can unite our nation and redirect our national energies for productivity, wealth creation and political stability of our country.

Senator Bala Mohammed is a leader, who understand the nuances of our nation with an inherent zeal and will power to effectively manage our national diversity for that united and virile nation of the dreams of our founding fathers. This ostensibly is why he is widely accepted across the nation as the desired leader to lead our nation out of the wood.

Born on the 5th of October 1958, Senator Bala Mohammed, the Governor of Bauchi state, was also Minister of Federal Capital Territory from 2010 to 2015, where he led many reforms and laid solid foundation for the stability and massive development of the federal capital. He was a Senator from Bauchi State between 2007 and 2010.

A journalist, public servant, legislator and administrator, Senator Bala Mohammed possesses the skills and experience needed to fix our ailing nation.

His proficiency in public service in the ministries of Internal Affairs, Solid Minerals, Power and Steel and Transportation and Aviation; as well as his experience in administration of the FCT, administration in the Nigerian Meteorological Agency, administration of the Nigerian Railway Corporation and government of Bauchi state, set him out for the task ahead.

Moreover, considering the zoning principles of our beloved party, and the inclination by party stakeholders to zone the presidency to the North East or South East in the interest of equity, justice and fair-play our country, we are pleased tom report that consultations so far made indicate a preference for Senator Bala Mohammed, who is from the Northeast.

It is against this backdrop that the Sen. Bala Mohammed Support Group is strongly recommend him to the PDP as a viable option for us to wining the general election, come 2023.

We implore all our party faithful to support in mobilizing the youths and the entire party faithful for this unstoppable movement.

Thank you and God bless you all.

The Effium/Ezza crisis in Ado Local Government Area of Benue State yesterday took a violent turn in Odoke and Odum communities leading to the death of woman identified as Uzoamaka Ekpuma.

Ado Local Government Chairman, James Oche in the wake of the renewed hostility directed the Operations Whirlstroke and Puff Adder who immediately reported at the communities to stop further threat to lives and properties.

The chairman has in unequivocal and strong terms warned factions to exercise restraint and resist the temptation to undertake reprisals as the security agencies were directed to decisively deal with anyone who would contravene law and order.

The crisis which ensured in the early hours of Sunday 2nd May, 2021 led to destruction of properties worth millions and has caused spill over effects to several other communities and created a situation of IDPs.

Mr. Oche has saluted the efforts of Rev Fr Solomon Ujah whose proactive steps aborted the imminent murder of persons caught by opponents in the course of yesterday's crisis.

In a statement signed personally, James expressed the resolve of his administration to remain proactive and concerned to issues that threaten the lives and welfare of his subjects.

By Abdul Seye

The war Of attrition between members of the House of Representatives over Ali Pantami saga continues.

On Saturday, the Spokesperson of the House, Benjamin Kalu in a statement insisted that the Minority Leader, Ndudi Elumelu used the wrong order in his legislative intervention.

The statement was in response to a press statement by the Spokesperson of the Minority Caucus, Francis Agbo, who said on Friday that Mr Kalu erroneously misrepresented legislative proceedings on the point of order raised by Mr Elumelu.

It would be recalled that Mr Elumelu had on Wednesday raised a point of order on privilege. Elumelu in his point of order called for resignation of the Minister for alleged links to extremists.

Mr Kalu, in his statement, insisted that the House will entertain a motion on Pantami, if properly presented as a motion of urgent public importance or motion on notice.

"The House acknowledges the severity of the issue and its nature as a matter of public concern. As always, the House stands ready to give audience to Rep. Ndudi Elumelu or any other member of the House on this issue, provided that such audience is sought through the proper channels and brought under the relevant rules of the House," the statement reads in part.

Mr Kalu explained why the use of Order 6 rule 1 and 2 was erroneous.

"That there are only two motions recognised by the House rules; Motion on Matters of Urgent Public Importance and Motion on Notice, the minority leader could have come under either of these but he erroneously chose to come by way of privileges.

"That the relevant issue raised by Hon Elumelu which is of national importance is inadmissible under privileges for what it seeks to address, since matters under privilege, once breached, must be personal and internal to the House.

"This is why all matters of privilege are sent to the House committee on ethics and privileges, not to the President directly as the house resolution as alleged by the yet to be tutored “spokesman” of the minority caucus. One wonders what the house committee on ethics and privilege will be doing with the sack of Pantami," he stated.

He also explained, "That there is no debate on privileges unless a motion has arisen from it, in which case, it must be seconded before debated in line with the house rules and procedure to a motion."

The Spokesperson reiterated that the House stands by the legislative procedure as interpreted by the Speaker, Femi Gbajabiamila on Elumelu's point of order.

According to standing rules of the House, Order 6 allows lawamkers to raise a point of order in the event of breach of individual or collective breach of privilege.

Order 6 (1) reads; Privileges are the rights enjoyed by the House collectively and by the members of the House individually, conferred by the legislative Houses( Powers and Privileges )Act, 2017 and other statutes, Practices, Precedents, Usages, and customs. Purposively speaking, privileges are House-specific either individually or collectively. Therefore, issues that come under privileges must have this all-important element and must not be general in nature.

 

Order 6(3) reads; A member raising a matter of privilege shall draw the attention of the House to the provision(s) of the Legislative Houses ( Powers and Privileges) Act, 2017 or the standing orders of the House and other statutes breached in relation to him or the House. At no point did the minority leader, Hon Ndudi Elumelu comply with these provisions of the house rules, simply because there was no nexus between the issue and the provisions of this Powers and Privileges Act, 2017. The matter did not and will never qualify to be brought to the house under Order 6. (Privileges).

Source: www.naijavoicenews.com

A Law firm based in Abuja, Alex Oketa Chambers, has exposed how a young man has been kept in detention at the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission's (EFCC) facilities in Wuse, Abuja, for a week running, without disclosing his offence to him.

In a letter to the Commission's Chairman, Mr. Abdulrasheed Bawa on Wednesday, the law firm also accused the EFCC of keeping Mr. Muktar Habibu Ali in same cell with a COVID-19 patient identified as Mr. Mbah, without a detention warrant.

Barrister Alex Oketa, Head of Chambers, who signed the petition, also copied the Attorney-General of the Federation (AGF) and Minister of Justice, Mr. Abubakar Malami (SAN) and the National Human Rights Commission, urging them to intervene and free Mr. Ali, whom he said was being held without any just cause.

"Our Client was arrested by men and officers of the EFCC from the Abuja Zonal Office since the 30th day of March, 2021 and dumped in detention till date.

"Our client is being detained alongside a Covid-19 Patient named Mr. Mbah from Abia State and risks contacting the deadly virus.

"Since the time of his arrest till the time of writing this letter, Our Client has not been told or confronted with the reason for his arrest and inordinate detention and no statement whatsoever has been obtained from him", the petition reads.

Barrister Oketa said the family of his Client suspected that, his arrest was not unconnected to a debt of N1.5m between him and his friend.

He said the debtor "had boasted few days to his arrest that the new Zonal Head is his friend and that he would use him to ensure that our client is arrested and detained until he pays him the desired amount".

The Lawyer added that the continued detention of his Client without valid warrant or arraignment in court, violates his fundamental rights as enshrined in the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (1999 As Amended), which the EFCC Chairman swore to uphold.

By Yemi Itodo

Abuja based legal practitioner, Christopher Emeka-Izima, has explained how the Abdulrasheed Bawa-led Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) is conniving with one Chief Ezeani Okoye to detain his Client, Mr. Ifeanyi Israel for two weeks running.

Mr. Israel, a 45-year old Estate and Property Manager, is being detained on the order of Chief Okoye, an 83-year old businessman, over a mere allegation of non-remittance of rents paid through him by the tenants occupying Okoye's properties, which he (Israel) was managing.

In a four-page petition submitted to the EFCC headquarters, on behalf of the detained client on Tuesday, Emeka-Izima also copied the Attorney-General of the Federation and Minster of Justice, Mr. Abubakar Malami (SAN); the Senate Committee on Human Rights and the National Human Rights Commission.

He alluded that, despite meeting bail conditions, the EFCC had refused to grant administrative bail to Mr. Israel, whom the anti-graft agency is allegedly planning to keep in custody till 25th April, when he is likely to be arraigned at Gudu High Court on one-count charge, without a detention warrant.

Emeka-Izima also added that, his Client was first arrested in March 2019 on same allegation and kept for days without arraignment, even after he had met all bail conditions, saying, he was later granted bail and asked to be reporting to the agency every two days, which he had complied with for over 2 years.

He said, his Client was invited again by one Mr. Bakare on the 25th March, 2021, claiming to be the new officer assigned to the case by the new leadership of Bawa.

"Our Client is being detained at the instance and pleasure of Chief (Dr.) Ezeani J.K. Okoye who had vowed to use the Commission to keep our Client perpetually 'out of circulation' in this town after his failed attempt at this with the Navy and DIA sometime in 2018.

"Chief (Dr.) Ezeani J.K. Okoye has filed a civil suit at the FCT High Court in Suit No. FCT/CV/2050/2019. Dr. Joseph K. Okoye vs Ifeanyi Israel & Anor, where he is claiming the same money for which our Client is now detained, but he abandoned the said civil matter since May 2020 after our Client presented before the court all the evidence of the remittance of all the money being claimed. For fear of our Client defeating him in the process of prosecution of this case, he has made sure that our Client would not be granted bail again by this 'new officers' led by one Mr. Gudu Modibo", the petition reads in part.

The lawyer, while praying the relevant authorities to intervene and release his Client, added that his health was deteriorating and that the medical team of EFCC was currently administering drugs to him, even as he said that was not sufficient enough.

He called on the EFCC Boss, Bawa, to grant his Client administrative bail, reminding him of his duties to the good people of Nigeria, especially, the generation of the young, to uphold and respect the rule of law, as no society would grow in absence of the rule of law.

When contacted, Hajia Aisha Larai Musa of the Public Relations Unit of EFCC said she was far away and could not comment on the issue at the moment. She, however, promised to get back to this reporter on Thursday.

Chief Okoye on his part, refused to speak with our correspondent. He cut off the telephone conversation when the topic was introduced and also refused to respond to text messages.

The Kebbi State Chapter of the International Federation of Women Lawyers (FIDA), has conferred an award of honour to the First Lady of Kebbi state, H.E Dr Zainab Shinkafi Bagudu in appreciation of her efforts in the fight against Gender-Based Violence in the state and the country at large. It was presented at the association’s award night and IWD celebration on Friday, 19/03/2021 in Birnin Kebbi.


Speaking at the occasion, H.E Dr Zainab Shinkafi Bagudu thanked FIDA for being able partners in the struggle to have Gender protective laws passed in Kebbi state. She advocated education and a culture of awareness, discouraged stereotypes and superstitious beliefs and called on society to equip young girls with the confidence to call out perpetrators as a way to fight the scourge.


In a statement signed by the SSA to the Dr. Bagudu, Mr. MUKTAR ABUBAKAR BAGUDO, the First Lady spoke on activities of the Nigerian Governors Wives Forum NGWF and their efforts to bring these problems to the fore. She used the opportunity to present a grant of N100,000 each from the Forum to two survivors and from 9 of N50,000 each to other survivors present on the night. Each recipient had a sadly moving story. Examples include 3 nursing mothers raped by one man (who claimed to be a Mahdi and conned them separately with a fake story of how he flies by magic to Mecca 5 times in a day to say his prayers) and an 8 year old with unrepairable fistula etc following rape. The grants will help support the women in restoring normalcy to their lives.


Earlier, FIDA president Barrister Kudirat Shuaibu in her welcome messages described Dr Bagudu as the champion of GBV advocacy in Kebbi and one who is passionate about curbing the scourge.

Also honoured was Justice Halima Aliyu Yauri, a serving high court judge in the presence of other distinguished ladies such as Justice Asabe Karatu, former acting CJ and Justice Nusirat Ibrahim Umar.

Highlights of the event were the recitation of a poem on GBV and the first public sighting of a transformed Jibril Aliyu, the abused boy tied to an animal stall by stepmothers.

An Ambassador-Designate identified as Ambassador Mohammed Abubakar that was nominated by President Muhammad Buhari and confirmed by the Nigerian Senate from Jigawa state has broken diplomatic protocols.

It was gathered that the Ambassador designates to the Republic of Guinea Bissue has insulted diplomatic courtesies, showed no regard for public service rules and has assumed duty at the Embassy of Nigeria Conakry, Guinea on 15th March 2021.

He has been tagged the black-sheep among his equals as he has assumed office while others are yet to be cleared to depart for official resumption.

We can not deny the fact that his actions show a high level of gross insubordination, flagrant disrespect of constituted authority, and an act unbecoming of a Diplomat.

Further, Concerned Nigerians who consider his actions to be against an expected behavior of an Ambassador has call on the Minister of Foreign Affairs and Mr. President to immediately recall him back to Nigeria and replace him with someone who depicts the ideals of foreign service, tranquility, and composure.

Moreover, report has it that Mohammed Abubakar will be retiring in January 2023 and as such has less than 24 months to act as an Ambassador so it’s a sheer waste of Government limited resources to send an Ambassador and his family and return him back after 20 months while scheduling another Ambassador to go to the mission when there are other qualified and competent officers to stay the required 3 years.

Such display of diplomatic naughtiness from a Mat is thought to be a representative of the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria cannot be tolerated or swept under the carpet like other issues.

By Yemi Itodo

About ten million additional child marriages may occur before the end of the decade, threatening years of progress in reducing the practice, a new analysis released by UNICEF has shown.

A statement released by Helen Wylie on behalf on UNICEF, in commemoration of the 2021 International Women's Day, the UN body also warned that, school closures, economic stress, service disruptions, pregnancy and parental deaths due to the pandemic were putting the most vulnerable girls at increased risk of child marriage.

UNICEF stressed that, in the last ten years, the proportion of young women globally who were married as children had decreased by 15 per cent, from nearly 1 in 4 to 1 in 5, the equivalent of some 25 million marriages averted, a gain that is now under threat.

“COVID-19 has made an already difficult situation for millions of girls even worse. Shuttered schools, isolation from friends and support networks, and rising poverty have added fuel to a fire the world was already struggling to put out. But we can and we must extinguish child marriage,” said UNICEF Executive Director, Henrietta Fore.

She explained that, the “International Women’s Day is a key moment to remind ourselves of what these girls have to lose if we do not act urgently – their education, their health, and their futures".

Explaining the dangers of child marriage, the UNICEF said, "Girls who marry in childhood face immediate and lifelong consequences. They are more likely to experience domestic violence and less likely to remain in school. Child marriage increases the risk of early and unplanned pregnancy, in turn increasing the risk of maternal complications and mortality. The practice can also isolate girls from family and friends and exclude them from participating in their communities, taking a heavy toll on their mental health and well-being".

On how the global pandemic is aiding child marriage, the UNICEF stressed that, "COVID-19 is profoundly affecting the lives of girls. Pandemic-related travel restrictions and physical distancing make it difficult for girls to access the health care, social services and community support that protect them from child marriage, unwanted pregnancy and gender-based violence.

"As schools remain closed, girls are more likely to drop out of education and not return. Job losses and increased economic insecurity may also force families to marry their daughters to ease financial burdens".

Worldwide, an estimated 650 million girls and women alive today were married in childhood, with about half of those occurring in Bangladesh, Brazil, Ethiopia, India and Nigeria. To off-set the impacts of COVID-19 and end the practice by 2030 – the target set out in the Sustainable Development Goals – progress must be significantly accelerated.

“One year into the pandemic, immediate action is needed to mitigate the toll on girls and their families,” added Fore.

“By reopening schools, implementing effective laws and policies, ensuring access to health and social services – including sexual and reproductive health services – and providing comprehensive social protection measures for families, we can significantly reduce a girl’s risk of having her childhood stolen through child marriage", she stressed.

By Oriri Peter

A Non Profit Organization, Husband of Widows Foundation International, (HOWFI) founded to improve sustainable grass-root community development by enhancing gender equality, and improving the welfare of vulnerable groups such as Widows, Orphans, Children, and Youths has conferred a 'Humanitarian Idol Of the year Award' on Mr. Chuks Ozegbe Emmanuel, the President of the Global Youth Skills Acquisition and Poverty Eradication Organization (GYSAPEO).

According to the Chairman of HOWFI, Mr. Ngozi Chinatu Dickson, Global Youths Skills Acquisitions and Poverty Eradication Organization emerged as the winner of 'Humanitarian Idol of the Year’ after a rigorous process of nomination, vetting and voting describing him as an emotional person who has a soft spot for Widows, orphans and the vulnerable.

The Husband of Widows Foundation International is an organization with the core vision to develop and implement tailored sustainable programs for effective capacity building and poverty reduction at grassroots levels, empowering women and youth, and communities to be self-sufficient in their diverse field of endeavors.

GYSAPEO is one of the leading Humanitarian NGO in Nigeria and has for over 10 years proven credible and reliable through its numerous community service projects and events that have transformed individuals and communities at large, this have earn them several awards and honors.

The Award was presented to the organization by the Chairman Board of Trustees, Mr. Ngozi Chinatu Dickson and the host of others on the 9th of March, 2021 at his Cooperate Headquarters in Abuja.

The occasion was graced by dignitaries from all works of life.

According to the GYSAPEO National president, in his speech, noted that “It is quite heartwarming that today, the Husband of Widows Foundation International has grown and it's doing well in it's humanitarian drive, I'm excited to see you grow to this level, I appreciate God for seeing your organization through, the Award will energize me to do more, caring for the needy and the less privileged is a call I must answer and I believe that's what God want everyone of us to do. I dedicate this Award to my Lord Jesus Christ, my Board Members, All state coordinators, my staff and the less privileged", He said.

Source: www.naijavoicenews.com

By Yemi Itodo

A conference of Civil Society Groups, known as Coalition for Good Governance and Rule of Law, on Tuesday, raised alarm that, the Muslims Rights Concern (MURIC), was pushing to turn the Industrial Training Fund (ITF) into a religious organization.

Ishaq Akintola, the leader of MURIC, had reportedly accused the Director-General of ITF, Sir Joseph Ari of recruiting only Christians into the agency, since his assumption of office.

MURIC was reported as saying, out of 487 staff employed at the ITF in 2019, only 90 were Muslims and that this was just 18.48 percent, while Christians were 81.52 percent.

But at a Press Conference in Abuja on Tuesday, Leader of the Coalition, Comrade Isaac Ikpa, said the allegation of nepotism in the ITF was an attempt by MURIC to cause unnecessary distraction in the operations of the agency in an attempt to malign the character of the leadership.

He said Sir Ari was reputed to have entrenched a regime of transparency and accountability in the operations of the ITF since he assumed office.


“The Coalition for Good Governance and Rule in its numerous engagements with Ministries, Departments, and Agencies in the country indeed finds it worrisome that MURIC would elect to turn the truth on its head in a most brazen and despicable manner.

“We are constrained to add our voice to this narrative for the fact that the allegations are unsubstantiated. The allegations are also lacking in merit because it is obvious from all indications that MURIC relied on hearsays before making its position known in the public space”, the Coalition said.

The group also described as “uncharitable”, the allegations by MURIC, saying, it was an indication that the leadership of MURIC was not in tune with reality and the operational structure of the ITF that emphasizes meritocracy due to the sensitivity of its operations.

“It is our considered view that MURIC mistook the ITF for a religious organization where religious considerations should be the yardstick for employment as against experience, qualifications, and suitability for the job” the group added.

The Coalition stressed that it had on several occasions, continuously tasked agencies of government on good governance and the rule of law, “and it is instructive to state that the ITF remains one of the agencies of government that has displayed a high level of compliance to the extant laws guiding its operations, including recruitment at all cadres”.

The group said the ITF Board was known to have carried out its employment in line with the federal character principle and there was no iota of favoritism or nepotism as being speculated.

“We believe that MURIC was misled into its hasty conclusion without carrying out a detailed investigation. We, therefore, implore a respected organization like MURIC to do some research before making public statements on petitions before it and will encourage MURIC to continue to carry out its roles as a respected civil society organization, or at the risk of been labeled as a tool for inciting religious tension in the country” Ikpa added.

By Yemi Itodo

A conference of Civil Society Groups, known as Coalition for Good Governance and Rule of Law, on Tuesday, raised alarm that, the Muslims Rights Concern (MURIC), was pushing to turn the Industrial Training Fund (ITF) into a religious organization.

Ishaq Akintola, the leader of MURIC, had reportedly accused the Director-General of ITF, Sir Joseph Ari of recruiting only Christians into the agency, since his assumption of office.

MURIC was reported as saying, out of 487 staff employed at the ITF in 2019, only 90 were Muslims and that this was just 18.48 percent, while Christians were 81.52 percent.

But at a Press Conference in Abuja on Tuesday, Leader of the Coalition, Comrade Isaac Ikpa, said the allegation of nepotism in the ITF was an attempt by MURIC to cause unnecessary distraction in the operations of the agency in an attempt to malign the character of the leadership.

He said Sir Ari was reputed to have entrenched a regime of transparency and accountability in the operations of the ITF since he assumed office.


“The Coalition for Good Governance and Rule in its numerous engagements with Ministries, Departments, and Agencies in the country indeed finds it worrisome that MURIC would elect to turn the truth on its head in a most brazen and despicable manner.

“We are constrained to add our voice to this narrative for the fact that the allegations are unsubstantiated. The allegations are also lacking in merit because it is obvious from all indications that MURIC relied on hearsays before making its position known in the public space”, the Coalition said.

The group also described as “uncharitable”, the allegations by MURIC, saying, it was an indication that the leadership of MURIC was not in tune with reality and the operational structure of the ITF that emphasizes meritocracy due to the sensitivity of its operations.

“It is our considered view that MURIC mistook the ITF for a religious organization where religious considerations should be the yardstick for employment as against experience, qualifications, and suitability for the job” the group added.

The Coalition stressed that it had on several occasions, continuously tasked agencies of government on good governance and the rule of law, “and it is instructive to state that the ITF remains one of the agencies of government that has displayed a high level of compliance to the extant laws guiding its operations, including recruitment at all cadres”.

The group said the ITF Board was known to have carried out its employment in line with the federal character principle and there was no iota of favoritism or nepotism as being speculated.

“We believe that MURIC was misled into its hasty conclusion without carrying out a detailed investigation. We, therefore, implore a respected organization like MURIC to do some research before making public statements on petitions before it and will encourage MURIC to continue to carry out its roles as a respected civil society organization, or at the risk of been labeled as a tool for inciting religious tension in the country” Ikpa added.

By Yemi Itodo
A conference of Civil Society Groups, known as Coalition for Good Governance and Rule of Law, on Tuesday, raised alarm that, the Muslims Rights Concern (MURIC), was pushing to turn the Industrial Training Fund (ITF) into a religious organization.

Ishaq Akintola, the leader of MURIC, had reportedly accused the Director-General of ITF, Sir Joseph Ari of recruiting only Christians into the agency, since his assumption of office.

MURIC was reported as saying, out of 487 staff employed at the ITF in 2019, only 90 were Muslims and that this was just 18.48 percent, while Christians were 81.52 percent.

But at a Press Conference in Abuja on Tuesday, Leader of the Coalition, Comrade Isaac Ikpa, said the allegation of nepotism in the ITF was an attempt by MURIC to cause unnecessary distraction in the operations of the agency in an attempt to malign the character of the leadership.

He said Sir Ari was reputed to have entrenched a regime of transparency and accountability in the operations of the ITF since he assumed office.


“The Coalition for Good Governance and Rule in its numerous engagements with Ministries, Departments, and Agencies in the country indeed finds it worrisome that MURIC would elect to turn the truth on its head in a most brazen and despicable manner.

“We are constrained to add our voice to this narrative for the fact that the allegations are unsubstantiated. The allegations are also lacking in merit because it is obvious from all indications that MURIC relied on hearsays before making its position known in the public space”, the Coalition said.

The group also described as “uncharitable”, the allegations by MURIC, saying, it was an indication that the leadership of MURIC was not in tune with reality and the operational structure of the ITF that emphasizes meritocracy due to the sensitivity of its operations.

“It is our considered view that MURIC mistook the ITF for a religious organization where religious considerations should be the yardstick for employment as against experience, qualifications, and suitability for the job” the group added.

The Coalition stressed that it had on several occasions, continuously tasked agencies of government on good governance and the rule of law, “and it is instructive to state that the ITF remains one of the agencies of government that has displayed a high level of compliance to the extant laws guiding its operations, including recruitment at all cadres”.

The group said the ITF Board was known to have carried out its employment in line with the federal character principle and there was no iota of favoritism or nepotism as being speculated.

“We believe that MURIC was misled into its hasty conclusion without carrying out a detailed investigation. We, therefore, implore a respected organization like MURIC to do some research before making public statements on petitions before it and will encourage MURIC to continue to carry out its roles as a respected civil society organization, or at the risk of been labeled as a tool for inciting religious tension in the country” Ikpa added.

The Kebbi State Governor, Senator Abubakar Atiku Bagudu, on Saturday witnessed the turbaning ceremony of nine District Heads and three traditional title holders performed by Emir of Gwandu, Alhaji Muhammadu Iliyasu Bashar.

The historic ceremony took place at the Abdullahi Fodio Palace, in Birnin Kebbi, amidst pomp and pageantry.

Shortly after the turbaning ceremony, the Emir of Gwandu, Alhaji Muhammadu Iliyasu Bashar, who is also the Chairman, Kebbi State Council of Chiefs, admonished the celebrants to embrace all segments of the society and dedicate themselves to the service of the people.


He also charged participants to always remain peaceful with one another, be security concious and seek divine intervention from God, through fervent prayers.

“You have to offer selfless service to all manner of people in your domains .

”Our country is passing through a trying period of security challenges, seek divine intervention from God,” he charged.

According to a press statement signed by the Special Adviser to the Governor, Mr. Yahaya Sarki, The monarch thanked Governor Abubakar Atiku Bagudu for approving the appointment of the new District Heads and the Emirate Council for their support.

Those turbanned were : Alhaji Buhari Muhammud Gidado, District Head of Aliero, Alhaji Siddiku Ibrahim Saad, Ubandoman Gwandu, Alhaji Aminu Abubakar Dangaladima, District Head of Gulumbe and Alhaji Muhammadu Aliyu Maiyama, Sarkin Kudun Maiyama.


Others were: Alhaji Yakubu Abubakar Kaoje, Sarkin Yamman Yamusa and Alhaji Hassan Sulaiman Jega, Marafan Dangamaji.

Others were: Uban Kasar Kimba, Alhaji Bashar Aliyu Muza, Alhaji Umaru Dodo Aliero, District Head of Sabiyel and Alhaji Tukur Umar Bahindi, Ubankasar Bahindi

The three traditional title holders turbaned were: Alhaji Haliru Haruna Rasheed, as Katukan Gwandu, Sarkin Edo Gwandu, Mohammed Kaseem Oshame and Sarkin Delta Gwandu, Elder John Ovuerhiroye Emeni.


The turbaning ceremony was attended by the Speaker, Kebbi State House of Assembly, Rt Hon. Samaila Abdulmuminu Kamba, Members of the National and Kebbi State House of Assembly, Judges, Khadis, Commissioners, Permanent Secretaries, Advisers, Local Government Chairmen, District Heads, businessmen and put, among others.

Her Excellency, the Kebbi First Lady, Dr. Zainab Shinkafi Bagudu, on Saturday 27th February 2021, visited Vastum Aluminium factory in Tondi, along Yauri – Koko road with her team.


The factory, which is about to start full operations, specializes in the corrugation of aluminum roofing sheets and alloy zinc, among others. It is the second of its kind in the state and only one in the Yauri axis.


The company’s Managing Director, Engr. Ahmad Rufai Khalifah, who received Dr. Bagudu at the factory, thanked her for the visit, and her commitment as the mother of the state, to see young people succeed in their various fields of endeavors. He said that the company was set up to reduce the burden for builders around the axis, who always have to buy roofing sheets from far locations, and in most cases damages due to occur before it arrives. The MD also thanked Governor Abubakar Atiku Bagudu for providing an enabling environment for entrepreneurs in the state.


Dr. Bagudu expressed satisfaction in the work done so far in the factory. This includes the assembly of two machines and their test running. She commended the young entrepreneur and further assured that the Bagudu-led administration will patronize and support the company in line with the governor’s vision to support emerging businesses in the state to thrive.

By Yemi Itodo

National Commandant of Peace Corps of Nigeria (PCN), Professor Dickson Akoh, has said the frequent kidnapping of school children by armed bandits would be a thing of the past, if the Bill establishing the Nigerian Peace Corps is given speedy passage at the National Assembly and eventually assented to by President Muhammad Buhari.

Akoh said members of the Corps had been sufficiently trained to tackle insecurity and other social vices around educational institutions in the country.

The Bill for an Act to establish the Nigerian Peace Corps, to give legal backing to the existing PCN under Prof. Akoh, passed second reading at the Nigerian Senate December 2020, while the House of Representatives is set for its final passage.


President Buhari had in 2018, declined assent to the Bill passed by the 8th National Assembly, citing paucity of funds and duplication of roles of existing agencies.

The Bill, however, has been re-gazetted by both chambers in the 9th Assembly, after “the grey areas raised by the President had been addressed”.

At a world press briefing in Abuja on Monday, the Peace Corps Boss called on National Assembly to quickly pass the Bill for onward assent of the President.

“In view of the heightening insecurity challenges in our country, I strongly appeal to the leadership of the National Assembly to fast-track the passage of the Bill and for Mr. President to assent to this all-important Bill.

“This will indeed, enable the Peace Corps to deploy its Officers and Men to educational institutions as they have been adequately trained and oriented to serve as supporting agents of social order by providing a second line of public safety”, Akoh said.


He explained further that, the Peace Corps can “adequately address insecurity in schools by upholding bottom-up surveillance through monitoring, observation, evaluation and to detect, collate and analyse intelligence data on matters that may likely cause breach of peace and security within the school community and properly transmit same to appropriate Security Agencies for preventive actions”.

Statistics have shown that a total of 1,140 school children/students have been abducted in the period of seven years, ranging from Chibok to the most current incident in Jangede.

Some of the abducted students were either killed, forcefully married away, maimed or remained traumatized even after regaining freedom.

Source: https://www.naijavoicenews.com/2021/03/01/akoh-to-nass-immediate-passage-of-peace-corps-bill-will-checkmate-students-kidnapping/

By Yemi Itodo

The House of Representatives is set to commence investigation into
allegations of unlawful waiver, obtained by a private equity firm, Alta Semper Capital, to co-own a popular retail pharmacy, Health Plus, in Nigeria.

The Spokesperson of the House, Rep. Benjamin Kalu made this known while addressing newsmen on Wednesday.

He said the decision by the House to investigate the matter, followed a petition by one Oladimeji Ekengba, challenging alleged waiver granted by Pharmacists Council of Nigeria (PCN) to Alter Semper Capital, also known as Idi Holdings.

According to him, the petitioner argued that according to Section 2(2) of the Pharmacists Council of Nigeria Act, P.17, 2004 (PCN Act), a retail pharmacy can only be wholly owned by a registered pharmacist or in partnership with other registered pharmacists.

Kalu stressed that petitioner further stated that the letter of ‘No Objection’ allegedly issued to Alter Semper as a waiver by PCN was illegal.

"The Committee on Public Petitions has been mandated by the House to investigate this issue.

"The management of Health Plus, Alter Semper Capital, Pharmacists Council of Nigeria plus and every other person who has played a role in the issue will soon be invited to the House.

He noted that, " as you are aware, the PCN Act established the PCN, a body charged with responsibility for regulating the practice of the pharmacy profession in Nigeria, and also charged with the responsibility for maintaining a register of qualified pharmacists and pharmaceutical businesses.

"The combined provisions of the PCN Act and the PCN Regulations stipulate that a retail pharmacy can only be owned by a registered pharmacist or in partnership with other registered pharmacists.

"So it was shocking to learn that by a letter dated 30 October 2017, the PCN Registrar granted a waiver to an equity investment relationship between Health Plus Limited and Alta Semper Capital (a.k.a. Idi Holdings) in March 2018.

" This is in defiance of the clear stipulation of our laws, which does not permit unqualified persons to own or operate a retail pharmacy business in Nigeria.

"A mere letter cannot and must not be allowed to abrogate an Act of the National Assembly.

"Therefore, any structure put on that weak foundation should not be allowed to stand because it was not birthed by legality.

"The only remedy for the Alter Semper-Health Plus anomaly is for parties to be returned to status quo. While we are open to foreign direct investment, private equity companies must come through the front door and not the back door.

"We are a rule of law compliant nation. Investors must understand this and comply with our laws."

The spokesperson further pointed out that "the Covid-19 scourge has critically impacted medicine security in Nigeria.

"So, as we navigate the challenges of the pandemic, now more than ever, there is a grave responsibility on the government to ensure best practices and a healthy regulatory space for local pharmaceutical businesses to thrive.

"Pharmaceutical practice standards and the integrity of the supply chain should not be distorted or compromised.

"We cannot allow unlicensed practitioners in Nigeria’s pharmaceutical space because it could create a window for fake or substandard drugs to be introduced into the system," he said.

Kau expressed confidence that the House would do justice to the concerns raised by the petitioner to ensure the health and safety of Nigerian citizens were safeguarded against predatory or charlatan practitioners in the pharmaceutical sector.

Reacting, some pharmacists in Nigeria expressed displeasure with the development.

They argued that the relationship between Alter Semper Capital and Health Plus, was based on an illegality which they said was harmful to the pharmaceutical sector.

A pharmacist based in Abuja who preferred to remain anonymous said, "what happened with Health Plus and the foreign investors sets a wrong precedent in the pharmaceutical industry if allowed to stand.

"It is an affront to the integrity of the profession that an unqualified person will be allowed to run a pharmacy in Nigeria simply because he is a foreign investor.

"This cannot happen in the legal profession or the medical profession, so why should it happen to pharmacists?

The pharmacist stressed that "the Registrar was wrong and acted illegally by issuing a letter of no objection to a flagrant abuse of the PCN Act.

"In my own mind, let the investors be refunded and health plus made to wait for them to come through the proper channels."

He said if the allegations were found to be true, the disciplinary committee of the PCN should invite the Registrar for questioning.

He commended the House for rising to the occasion, saying, "we hope it will return sanity to the profession by returning all parties, both Health Plus and Alter Semper to their initial positions before the letter of no objection.

By Yemi Itodo

A Chieftain of the ruling All Progressive Congress (APC), Dr. Garus Gololo, has called for the arrest and prosecution of the Minority Leader of the Nigerian Senate, Senator Enyinaya Abaribe.

This was coming on the heels of the statement credited to the leader of opposition in the Senate, when he appeared at a Television program Monday morning.

Abaribe had reportedly faulted President Muhammad Buhari, for not declaring Fulani herdsmen as terrorist group.

But addressing newsmen in Abuja Monday evening, Gololo lambasted Senator Abaribe, describing him as a hypocrite.

He said the lawmaker had no moral justification for suggesting that "the largest tribe" in Nigeria be proscribed.

"It is very unfortunate that, same Senator who stood as surety to abate the release of a man who was being prosecuted for crimes against the state, and the man later jumped bail to a foreign land; could still have the mouth to speak against Fulani people.

"What crime could be more terrible than that of a man who sought to disintegrate the Federal Republic of Nigeria, with the intension to having his own sovereign state and be printing his own currency at will? Treason is a serious crime all over the world. Yet, Abaribe stood for him.

"Senator Ali Ndume who stood as surety for someone who was just accused of embezzlement, was arrested and imprisoned, until the accused showed up, I wonder why they still allow Abaribe to be moving freely and still be attending plenary, to the extent of having the guts to speak in a manner to disintegrate this country.

"The Inspector General of Police should work with the Federal High Court and have him arrested, so he could produce the culprit he assisted to run away. The Senate President should not even allow him attend plenary, because his conduct is not that of a leader", Gololo said.

He said at a time when the nation is in a turmoil, what a good leader would do is to proffer solutions on how to arrest the insecurities and unrest, to enable Nigerians stay as one indivisible entity, and not to be making inflammatory statements that could further jeopardize the peace and tranquillity of the nation.

Gololo added that, like other tribes, criminal elements also do exist amongst the Fulani people, saying the government and security agencies should rather go after the criminals and bring them to book, instead of listening to enemies of one Nigeria.

In addition to the 20, 000 customers metered so far under the National Mass Metering Programme, the Management of Jos Electricity Distribution Plc through its Head, Corporate Communications, Dr Friday Adakole Elijah has assured electricity user that 100,000 customers would be metered in the next six months.

This was disclosed last weekend during a three day Strategy Retreat organised by the Management for Divisional and Departmental Heads, alongside Regional Managers.


Titled “Turning The Tide For Improved performance “, the Managing Director, Engr Hashim Ibrahim Bakori said that the company would provide 20 more operational vehicles to enable the field staff discharge their work more effectively.

Engr Hashim disclosed that an additional 500 Maximum Demand meters would be procured and installed for customers before July ending.

He cautioned that on no account should Regional Managers allow the meters to lie fallow saying all meters supplied must be installed for customers at no cost.

The Managing Director also directed the Regional to ensure that all prepaid meters in their domains are polemounted with immediate effect.

Engr Hashim also disclosed that in order to ease the work of the field workers, Management has procure 50 ladders, Toolboxes, Pliers, Led phases testers, Operating rods, Safety belts, Boots, Hats and Jackets for usage.


In addition to the above, the Chief Executive Officer of the company further revealed that network consumables such as fuses, cross arms , sockets, ferrules, aluminium conductors, disc/pot insulators, transformer oils amongst others have been procured and distributed with the aim to stabilising and solidifying the network.

He said that the company under his leadership would embark on aggressive rehabilitation of lines and feeders so as to enable the company deliver stable, reliable and durable quality energy to her customers.

He called on the Regional Managers to constantly check and guide against overloaded transformer in their domains stressing that effective and beneficial customer relationships management should be their priorities.

The Managing Director therefore appeal to customers to reciprocate the quality services being provided by the company by timely paying for their consumed energies stressing that at the moment, the company was going through a lot of difficulties with most customers whom he said were hugely indebted to the company.

By Yemi Itodo

A Chieftain of the ruling All Progressive Congress (APC), Dr. Garus Gololo, has cautioned Benue State Governor to stop using ex-convicts and other criminal elements to kill and extort Fulani men around the state.

At a press briefing in Abuja Sunday evening, Gololo specifically accused one of Ortom’s appointees, Mr. Linus Zaki, the Benue State Commander of Livestock Guard of extortion money from Herders whose cows they arrested, in the name of anti-open grazing law in the state.


Gololo said, aside empowering the one time most wanted criminal in Benue, Late Terwese Agwaza (Gana); Ortom also allegedly secured the release of Mr. Zaki, who served 5 years out of his life sentence, owing to series of cases of murder, and made him to head the team fighting Fulani herdsmen who were going about their normal business.

“You can see from this picture here, the carcass of a young Tiv businessman, Derga Yasfa, whose mother is an elder sister to Ortom’s orderly. He was lured and murdered by the same man Ortom appointed in his government as Commander, in Guma local government in 2013.

“Same Zaki was accused of killing Alhaji Shayi, leader of Fulanis in Gwer West in 2010. When you go to State CID in Makurdi, you would see many of his files involving killings, robbery and others. When you come to Federal SARS in Abuja, you would also see many case files of Zaki bothering on so many crimes.

“Few days ago, he went to Keana, a place in Nasarawa and claimed one Alhaji Gajere was indulging in open grazing. He arrested 120 cows belonging to him and took to Makurdi. Gajere had to pay N10m as ransom to collect his cows back, that was after about 30 cows were declared dead or missing.


“Everyday we get reports from our tribesmen how Ortom’s men arrest their cows and collect ransom, ranging from N3m to N10m. All the criminals recruited by Linus Zaki are now big millionaires, from Fulani sweats. I have told you last week how they stop and search for Fulanis and kill them.

“But you won’t see any of these in the media, because the Fulanis don’t have such influence on the Nigeria’s media. But I have just told you the reality”, Gololo said.

He added that, when Governor Ortom proposed the Anti-Open Grazing Law in Benue in 2017, he promised to run a ‘Pilot Ranching’, where there could be borehole water for the cattle and herders, Police Stations and Livestock Guards as well as Veterinary and other healthcare services.

The APC Chieftain advised the Governor to put those things in place and also stop his boys from attacking Fulani herdsmen so he could be running to the media to cry the victim.

He also described it as “laughable”, the statement credited to Governor Ortom in many pages of Sunday newspapers that he (Ortom) was ready to receive those Fulani herdsmen being displaced in the South West.

“How can someone who is asking the indigenous Fulanis born and bred in Benue, that have been living in peace with their host communities to leave the state, and then turn back to mock the Fulani nation that he would receive those coming from Yoruba land?”, Gololo rhetorically asked.

According to tradition and the culture of the Igala people, if an Attah Igala goes on a hunting expedition and he does not return home on time, another Monarch is selected to take his place because an Attah never dies as believed by the Igala people. So when HRM Michael Idakwo Ameh Oboni II left for hunting and could not be found, the stool spiritually became vacant after the traditional rights of passage had been completed. The processes for the enthronement of a new Monarch kick-started from then on.

The four (4) ruling royal houses know whose turn it is to ascend the throne and those that are qualified from the particular lineage lines up in contest by submitting their expression of intent to the Etemahi of Igalamela, who is the Head or Chairman of the Council of Kingmakers.

But to the bewilderment of the Igala race, the Etemahi called for expression of interest from the four ruling houses instead of the Ameacho lineage that is supposed to produce the next Monarch. This misnomer by itself created acrimony and confusion in the selection processes. This was done in our judgement to create an avenue for manipulations and compromises.


The selection is supposed to be based on the 2015 Kogi State Government Gazzete. But all those that submitted an expression of interest were invited by the Etemahi on the 15th of December, 2020. On that day, the Etemahi constituted a Committee of eminent persons headed by Pastor William (Aju Ocholi) while the secretary was Aminu Sule from the four ruling royal families and enjoined the Committee to come up with a report by selecting the most qualified candidate among the sixteen (16) contestants. He gave the Committee up to 29th of December, 2020 to submit their report. The Committee finished their assignment in accordance to the terms and reference and submitted a report on the 29th of December, 2020. The report of the Committee was read to the hearing of all and sundry in the Palace of the Etemahi on the said date of 29th December, 2020.

From the report read, Prince Matthew Opaluwa Oguche was recommended by the Committee with the findings and reasons for the recommendation in the presence of all other contestants. It was applauded by some while 3 members of the Committee did not sign, reason being that they have their own candidate (Aju Akogu) They committee was appreciated for a job well done which will create an easy process for the final selection by the Kingmakers.

Rather than the Etemahi working with the report of a Committee he set up by himself which was hailed by all those present at the presentation of the report, he gave another date for the screening of the interested individuals. The candidates all endured and faced the screening squarely for over a month on daily basis except Sundays. After the screening was concluded he told the candidates to go and that soonest, they will hear from him. By normal practices, he is supposed to meet with other Kingmakers two to three times. The other kingmakers are the likes of Achenya Attah, Agukele, Onubiogbo, Ananya Attah, Onede, etc.

After three weeks of completion of the screening, news filtering around is said to have the Etemahi picked Ocholi Opaluwa Oguche, the most junior of the Opaluwa Oguche children in the contest. This volte-face we understand is as a result of the under-arm tactics being employed by Juliana Idakwo Ameh, the wife of the immediate past Monarch.

The Etemahi we understand resorted into intimidation and name-dropping by telling the other Kingmakers that His Excellency, the Executive Governor of Kogi State, Alhaji Yahaya Adoza Bello has been on his neck to forward the name of Ocholi Opaluwa to him for approval against his interest and the interest of due processes and procedures. It is absurd and unthinkable that an Executive Governor will descend so low to concern himself with the selection of a Monarch that entails custom and due processes. That the Etemahi in conjunction with his Secretary, Mahmoud Okpanachi and J S A Idakwo will drag the Executive Governor into a matter he has absolutely nothing to do with is the highest height of sacrilege. Two names we heard, was finally submitted to the Achadu for Selection, why was it suddenly changed to one without due process? Why did the Ètèmahi not work with the report of the committee he set up? May God Almighty give us a leader that will redeem the Igala kingdom!!


They must remember that “Akpane, ane-akpa.” What a sacrilege!!

Written by Omichi Ejuile Sani
Source:
https://www.naijavoicenews.com/2021/02/06/kogi-attah-igalas-vacant-stool-is-on-sale-at-the-etemahis-palace-sani/

Dr. Garus Gololo, a Chieftain of the All Progressive Congress (APC), has called on President Muhammed Buhari-led federal government, to quickly intervene and stop the killings of Fulani herdsmen in Benue state and other part of the country.

Briefing newsmen in Abuja on Thursday, Gololo lamented the killings of dozens of Fulani people in Benue State within the last one week, accusing Governor Samuel Ortom of being the cause.

He claimed no Fulani man or woman could travel through Benue to another state anymore, as those suspected to be of Fulani origin were being stopped and dragged down from their vehicles for onward massacre.

"Last week, the youth militias empowered by Ortom, stopped a commercial vehicle in Gboko and the 7 Fulani people in the vehicle were burnt to ashes. Few days ago, they also did same in Yandev.

"Fulani people now are afraid to travel through the state to their respective destinations. They now have to pass through Gombe state to access Taraba, even those that are Civil servants can't travel through Benue to their office. Even me, when I enter Benue now, they would stop me and check if I'm Fulani, the next thing is to execute me", Gololo lamented.

He said the Fulani had suffered more casualties in Benue than the locals. Gololo argued that, an average Fulani man always minds his business and has no business to be going to the media all the time like Ortom does, stressing that, they don't have a voice even in their own country, the reason people don't get to hear of their plights.

Gololo dares Ortom to announce and parade the 7 Fulani herdsmen he claimed he arrested with guns last week, adding that, he should also disclose the names of 17 militias of Tiv origin arrested with Ak-47 too, believing to be followers of the late Mafia, Terwase Agwaza (aka Gana).

He pointed that, "the South West governors are currently fighting Fulani people, the South East and South South too. The Fulani people are becoming helpless and hapless in their own country, yet, the President watches and does nothing, simply because he is a Fulani man and he is probably being careful so they won't blackmail him that he is taking sides with his people.

"No one is asking the President to take sides with anyone. We are only saying a life of a Fulani man matters as that of other tribes too. No life is more important than the other, he should intervene and stop all the killings".

Gololo admitted that, there are criminals amongst the Fulani race, just like every other tribe in Nigeria also has criminal elements too, "but those who are genuinely doing their business should be allowed to do so. Everybody cannot be bad in a tribe. The robbery, kidnapping and other crimes going on across the country are being committed by all tribes in Nigeria and the security chiefs should intensify to bring anyone involved to book".

The APC stalwart also berated former Chairman of People's Democratic Party (PDP), Abubakar Kawu Baraje, for saying the APC imported Fulani to the country in 2015 for the purpose of winning elections.

He said, "before APC came to power in 2015, there were kidnappings, bombings, insurgencies, militancy and other form of criminality", asking where did PDP import machineries from that period?

Source: https://www.naijavoicenews.com/2021/02/04/apc-chieftain-gololo-charges-fg-to-end-fulani-killings-in-benue-other-states/

By Yemi Itodo

In reaction to the removal of Service Chiefs in Nigeria by President Muhammad Buhari, calls have continued to mount from various sections of the country that the immediate past military heads should be probed.

This became intense as serving officers of the Nigerian military, Army and Navy in particular, have continued to jubilate over the removal of the service Chiefs.

In a press statement signed by himself on Thursday, Dr. Garus Gololo, specifically called on President Buhari to set up an independent Commission of Enquiry, to probe the activities of the immediate past Chief of Army Staff, Lt. Gen. Tukur Yusuf Buratai and his Navy counterpart, Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ekwe Ibas.

Gololo said, he has personally interacted with members of the milliary force in all formations and could authoritatively say the tenure of Buratai and Ibas was the worst off, buttressing the reason for jubilations over their sack.

"I want the President to probe the former Chief of Army Staff and Chief of Naval Staff. The jubilations amongst Army and Naval officers shows that a lot went wrong under their regime. But as serving officers, they could not have voiced out to avoid being court-marshaled.

"I could still recall how many times Buratai organized court marshal for serving officers, most of whom were fighting insurgencies. Even his two predecessors didn't do that.

"That was same man that boasted he could end Boko Haram insurgency within 6 months, yet, the security situation became worst after his fruitless and wasted 6 years as Army Chief. Yet, he had the temerity to redeploy the Commander of Ops Lafiya Dole, for failing to capture Shekarau within 6 months.

"Buratai should also tell us why over 270 Nigerian Army personnel resigned from service within 24 hours. Could it be that their entitlements were not being paid? Was their welfare not properly handled? What happened to billions of naira being budgeted and released to Army to purchase weapons and equipments to fight terrorism? Why couldn't they make any headways with the fight against insurgents, bandits, despite all the allocations?

"Why are Air Force officers not happy that the Chief of Air Staff left? We want the President to assist us get answers to above questions. Failure to probe the two of them, will afford me the opportunity to drag them to court and see that serving officers including families of slain officers get justice", Gololo said.

He added that, since Buratai enjoyed taking soldiers to court marshal, he is now in the court of public opinion and the best thing Nigerians want from President Buhari was to bring the aforementioned ex-service Chiefs to account.

President Buhari had on Tuesday, relieved Nigeria's Service Chiefs of their duties, having served for 6 years and replaced them with new Heads from the ranks and files of the military.

Source: https://www.naijavoicenews.com/2021/01/28/apc-chieftain-gololo-wants-buhari-to-probe-ex-service-chiefs/