₦airaland Forum

Ngozi123:
The evil you are trying to cause will surely be visited on your head. Iseeeee!

Nigeria’s Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), General Christopher Musa, has revealed that the military, in partnership with the federal government and international organizations, has successfully rescued 60,000 children born to Boko Haram terrorists, shielding them from extremist indoctrination.

Speaking during a visit by a delegation from the Alliance of Sahel States—comprising Mali, Niger, and Burkina Faso—Gen. Musa stressed the importance of a united front in combating terrorism across the Sahel region.

He disclosed that since 2023, over 120,000 terrorists and their families have surrendered, with children making up half of that number.

“These children were born into violence, and if left in that environment, they would grow into the next generation of extremists,” he warned.

To prevent this cycle, Nigeria established Safe Camps where surrendered terrorists and their families are provided with rehabilitation and reintegration programs.

The initiative, part of Operation Safe Corridor, seeks to remove children from violent influences while offering education and vocational training.

Gen. Musa emphasized that many Boko Haram fighters were either forced into insurgency or manipulated through fear, adding that Nigeria worked with state governments, religious leaders, and international partners to encourage voluntary surrender.

“We assured them they would not face immediate execution, as their leaders falsely claimed,” he noted.

Highlighting the broader security threat, Gen. Musa called on Mali, Niger, and Burkina Faso to strengthen border security and share intelligence to curb terrorist movement across the region. He stressed that terrorism thrives where governance is weak and justice is lacking, urging a focus on economic inclusion and education.

“When people feel marginalized, insurgents exploit their grievances. We must address poverty, illiteracy, and criminal networks fueling terrorism, such as illegal mining and kidnapping,” he added.

At the National Counter Terrorism Centre in Abuja, Major General Adamu Laka, the National Coordinator, reiterated Nigeria’s commitment to regional military cooperation. He cited the Multi-National Joint Task Force (MNJTF), which has been instrumental in dislodging Boko Haram strongholds across Nigeria, Chad, Niger, Cameroon, and Benin Republic.

Aliyu Gebi, Coordinator of the Fusion Center for Dialogue and Peace Processes, noted that while military efforts had weakened Boko Haram, true peace required long-term, non-kinetic strategies.

“We have won the war against terrorism, but not the peace. To achieve lasting stability, regional collaboration and sustained counterterrorism efforts are essential,” he stated.

As Nigeria continues its fight against terrorism, its call for stronger Sahel-wide cooperation remains crucial in preventing extremist resurgence and ensuring lasting security in West Africa.

The CNG Ecosystem Players and the Presidential Compressed Natural Gas Initiative (PCNGI) has presented a locally-made CNG-powered VIP Bus to the Presidential Fleet to appreciate President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s support for the industry.

The ultra-luxury CNG VIP Bus was inspected by the Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy of Nigeria, Chief Wale Edun, ahead of the presentation to the Presidential Fleet.

According to Presidential Compressed Natural Gas Initiative (PCNGI), the locally designed and manufactured vehicle was produced in Onitsha and Lagos.

“Coordinating Minister for the Economy, Chief Wale Edun inspects CNG VIP Bus to be presented to the Presidential Fleet by CNG Ecosystem Players with PCNGI Program Director/Chief Executive, Engr. Michael Oluwagbemi in appreciation of the President’s support for the industry,” PCNGI said.1

“In December 2023, we bought bags of maize for N60,000, and by March, when prices went up, we sold them for around N120,000 and made lots of money. But this year, we were hoping that prices would go up.

owobokiri:
You guys should go and sit down. I beleive it is a case of mistaken identity. The fulani who are busy going to farms to rape women have not been condemned. Not for once. This ACF is a very arrogantly 3vil organisation

The Arewa Consultative Forum (ACF) yesterday expressed concern over the attacks on drivers of trucks conveying goods from the North to the South-East by suspected members of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB).

The ACF warned that the killings of the drivers and the destruction of their vehicles constitute a serious threat to national security that could lead to the breakdown of law and order and generalised anarchy.


This comes as the Department of State Service (DSS) yesterday, invited Daily Trust reporters in Plateau State over reportage of the protest over the killing of the drivers.

Daily Trust had reported that trucks’ drivers and owners on Sunday, protested in Jos, Plateau State capital, lamenting that many of their members had been killed and their vehicles burnt in the attacks.

The report stated that more than 20 truck drivers had been killed and many others missing in attacks on them in the South-East in the last one year.

In a statement yesterday by its National Publicity Secretary, Professor Tukur Muhammad-Baba, the ACF said it had observed that drivers of heavy-duty haulage trucks/trailers conveying goods to and from, or merely traversing roads in the South-East had and were still being subjected to what it called vicious and unprovoked attacks, leading to the murder of drivers, burning of vehicles and looting of goods.

The ACF accused the security agencies and the federal government of doing nothing to tame the attacks.

“The attacks are being brazenly carried out by the euphemistic gunmen/gun-women who openly claim membership of terror groups such as the so-called Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) and Eastern Security Network (ESN), with the attacks directed only on northerners and northern-owned property.

“The terror merchants have continued to double down on the savage attacks and even posting video clips of the results of their gruesome actions, with gleeful taunts, on social media. Often, the savagery extends to burning of the corpses of hapless victims. Only a few days ago indeed, members of the National Association of Road Transport Owners (NARTO) and the National Union of Road Transport Workers (NURTW) demonstrated at Jos, the Plateau State Capital, to draw attention to the attacks and the over 50 drivers and about 100 trailers burnt over the last eight years,” it stated.

The ACF added: “Equally worrisome is the silence of national security agencies and the federal and state governments. ACF asserts that the attacks constitute a serious threat to national security with the potential to lead to the breakdown of law and order and generalised anarchy.

“Needless to assert, absolutely, no individual or groups should be allowed free rein to visit murder, looting, arson, vandalism and general brigandage on innocent citizens. ACF is gravely saddened by the development and fully supports the contemplation by NARTO and NURTW to boycott the haulage of goods to and from the South-East until the situation is brought under control.

“ACF further extends condolences to the families and friends of victims of the attacks, calls on the federal and relevant state authorities, as well as the security agencies to step-up to stop the unprovoked and extra-constitutional actions by the terror groups.

“At the very minimum, perpetrators of the dastardly acts must be fished out and brought to justice. The relevant authorities ought to declare a state of emergency on the matter”.

The group added: “The ACF further decries the silence or lip service by South-East elite, politically exposed persons and socio-cultural groups on the issue and calls on them to end the lip service and neglect but publicly condemn the barbarism being visited on northerners and northern-owned businesses in the region.”

It further called on the governments of Enugu and Imo states to pay full compensation for lives and injuries as well as the goods lost to the attacks.

DSS invites Daily Trust’s reporters over story

The Department of State Services (DSS), Jos office on Tuesday interrogated two Daily Trust reporters covering Plateau State, Ado Abubakar Musa and Dickson S. Adama, over the newspaper’s Monday lead story.

The reporters were invited through Ayuku Pwaspo, Chairman of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Plateau State Council, but no reason was initially given for the summon.

Upon arrival at the DSS office at 11am, an officer escorted them to the Deputy Director’s office, where they were informed that their invitation was related to the story titled “Protest in Jos over killing of truck drivers in S/East”.

According to the DSS officers, the report was disturbing and written in bad faith, particularly criticising the use of the word ‘protest’ in the headline and the accompanying images.

The reporters defended the article, explaining that other media outlets also reported the incident, which was based on the grievances of truck drivers.

They also explained the term ‘protest’ has various meanings in media parlance, and its usage was editorially justified.

The DSS officers revealed that the report had drawn reactions from Abuja, the Office of the National Security Adviser (NSA), and other parts of the country, prompting them to manage the situation carefully.

During the question-and-answer session, the officers initially stated that one of the newspaper’s reporters would be detained and taken to Abuja the next day while the other should report back to the Daily Trust headquarters in Abuja.

However, the reporters were later taken to the director’s office, where he reiterated dissatisfaction with the report, advising journalists to consider that some media terms may be misinterpreted by the public.

The director confirmed that one of the reporters, Ado, would be taken to Abuja for further explanations, but first, had to write a statement regarding the report.

After completing their statements and providing their names and phone numbers, the reporters were released around 3pm.

The DSS director said the reporters would be invited again for questioning if necessary.

fergie001:
Very funny take...

Who in that Senate will endorse her petition? The Committee only gave Nigerians more reasons to just feel there is something hidden.

chiiraq802:
Falana we've not heard u and Ikenga Imo Ugochinyere own version of supreme Court verdict on Rivers matter.....

Falana na badt guy. mugu fall guy man chop am.

A three-member panel of the appellate court delivered the unanimous judgment on January 30.
Polycarp Terna Kwahar, who read the lead judgment on behalf of the panel said:

“It will be an infringement or breach on the fundamental right of Nigerians be they public officers or not to prevent them from seeking medical attention outside Nigeria when the need arises, and it will therefore be draconian to grant the request.”

Falana, a senior advocate of Nigeria (SAN) and human rights lawyer, filed a suit against the federal government before the trial court, seeking, among other things, a declaration that Nigerians are entitled to the best attainable state of physical and mental health as guaranteed by law.

He argued that the failure of the government to repair and equip public hospitals and medical centres in Nigeria constitutes a violation of the right to protect the health of Nigerians and to ensure that they receive medical attention when they are sick.

He sought a court order directing the government to repair and equip the hospitals and another restraining public officers from accessing medical checkups in any foreign hospital and being treated at public expense in such hospitals.

However, the trial court struck out the suit on the ground that the provision of adequate medical and health facilities is “not justiciable” by virtue of section 6 (6) (C) of the 199 Constitution.

Dissatisfied with the judgment, Falana appealed the ruling in 2021.

But the appellate court agreed with the verdict of the federal high court.

The judgment reads in part, “…how would the matter of public officers’ treatment outside Nigeria be an issue that is linked with the fundamental right of the appellant? The question to ask is, what does fundamental right mean?”

“A fundamental right is a right guaranteed in the Constitution. Fundamental rights mean any of the fundamental rights provided for in Chapter IV of the Constitution and include any of the rights stipulated in the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights (Ratification and Enforcement) Act 2004.

“Merely entrenching a right in the 1999 Constitution does not automatically make such a right a ‘fundamental right’.

“Of all the cases referred to by the appellant, none of them has any link with our jurisprudence. They are all from India, and this court is not bound to follow them. Persuasive as they are, I refuse to follow those cases as highlighted below:

“(a) Paschin Banga Kher Mazdouer Samity V. State of West Bengal (1996) 4 SCL.
“(b) Pt Parmanand Katara V. Union of India & Ors (1989) CS 2039.
“(c) Consumer Education and Research Centres & Ors V. Union of India.

“On the contrary, it will be an infringement or breach on the fundamental right of Nigerians, be they public officers or not, to prevent them from seeking medical attention outside Nigeria when the need arises; this court will therefore be draconian to grant the prayers.

“Although the averments of the applicant/appellant were not controverted at the trial court by the respondent, this court, being a court of justice, looked at the affidavit of the appellant at the lower court, and the facts therein do not fly with the extant laws on fundamental rights,

so they cannot be swept under the carpet, since doing otherwise will be going against judicial precedent and against the settled principle of stare decisis.

“This application brought by the appellant seeks to import into Chapter IV what was not and is not provided for; granting the prayers in this appeal will be a travesty of justice.

The lower court did a very perfect constitutional law analysis and rightly too, by explaining the difference between economic, social, and cultural rights since these human rights fall under Chapter II of the 1999 Constitution and not under Chapter IV of the 1999 Constitution.

” I find no merit in this appeal; I dismiss the appeal and affirm the ruling delivered by the Federal High Court, Ikeja, on the 10th of January, 2011.”

Reacting to the judgment in a statement on Sunday, Falana said,

“The court of appeal failed to appreciate that it is discriminatory to allow a few public officers to seek medical treatment abroad while the millions of poor citizens are allowed to die in ill-equipped local hospitals.”

“The court equally failed to realise that the fundamental right to life is incomplete without the protection of the right to health by the federal, state, and local governments in Nigeria,” he added.

“I will certainly challenge the erroneous judgment of the court of appeal at the supreme court on account of the constitutional guarantee of the right to life and equality before the law.”

betbaron:
Beautiful.
Achebe-Man without dent, unlike the other one whose hands are filled with blood of youths being killed everyday because of his selfish establishment

The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) is making strides toward launching a unified regional currency by 2027.

Finance Ministers and Central Bank Governors from across West Africa gather in Abuja for the 11th ECOWAS Convergence Council meeting, focusing on strategies to accelerate the implementation of the Eco currency.

The high-level meeting highlights the need for greater economic integration and financial stability in the region. Mohammed Manga, Director of Information and Public Relations at Nigeria’s Federal Ministry of Finance, confirms the discussions in an official statement.

Nigeria’s Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Wale Edun, who presides over the session, stresses the importance of fiscal and monetary discipline in achieving the Eco currency.

He identifies inflation, security concerns, and global economic instability as major obstacles to full monetary convergence among ECOWAS member states.

Edun outlines Nigeria’s recent economic measures aimed at stabilizing its economy and setting an example for the region. These include:

According to Edun, these reforms contribute to a 3.4% GDP growth in 2024, reinforcing Nigeria’s economic resilience and paving the way for a stronger regional economy.

The Minister highlights the necessity of deeper regional collaboration, stating that ECOWAS must align its economic policies with global financial trends. He also emphasizes ongoing discussions with South Africa’s G20 presidency, which offer an opportunity to integrate West Africa’s economic priorities with broader African and international financial policies.

“This is a defining moment for our region. Through unity and collaboration, we can build a stronger, more stable, and prosperous West Africa,” Edun states.

The proposed Eco currency aims to drive economic growth and financial integration by:

Facilitating seamless cross-border trade and transactions,

Enhancing price stability and reducing inflationary pressures,

Attracting foreign direct investment (FDI) by presenting a more stable economic environment, and

Strengthening financial cooperation among ECOWAS nations.

Despite its potential benefits, the successful rollout of the Eco currency depends on overcoming key challenges, such as:

Diverging fiscal policies among member states,
Persistently high inflation and currency fluctuations, structural weaknesses in certain economies, and the need for strong regulatory institutions to manage monetary policy effectively.

ECOWAS leaders reaffirm their commitment to addressing these obstacles through policy harmonization, economic reforms, and enhanced regional coordination. The West African Monetary Institute (WAMI), established to guide the Eco currency’s implementation, continues to play a central role in ensuring a smooth transition.

[With 2027 approaching, ECOWAS remains focused on fostering a more unified, resilient, and globally competitive regional economy, positioning West Africa as a key player in international trade and finance.

Governor Sim Fubara's government finally recognizes Wike's ally, Martin Amaewhule, as Speaker, in a letter addressed to the Rivers State House of Assembly.

In the letter, Fubara's government denied receiving the resolutions of the Rivers State House of Assembly, where he was ordered to present the 2025 budget within 48 hours.

GOVERNMENT OF RIVERS STATE OF NIGERIA Office Of The Secretary To The State
Government 5th March, 2025GO/SSG/M/130/1

The Right Honourable Speaker,Rivers State House of Assembly,Port Harcourt.

RE: RESOLUTIONS OF THE RIVERS STATE HOUSE OF ASSEMBLY PURSUANT TO THE JUDGEMENT OF THE SUPREME COURT OF NIGERIA DELIVERED ON FRIDAY, 28TH DAY OF FEBRUARY, 2025

I hereby refer to a letter dated 3rd March, 2025, on the above subject, which we came across on social media, and notify you that:

1. As of the close of work on Tuesday, 4th March, 2025, we are yet to receive the said letter. Neither the office of the Governor, nor the Deputy Governor's office, nor the office of the Accountant-General of the State has received the said letter.

2. Please recall that His Excellency, Sir Siminalayi Fubara, GSSRS, Governor of Rivers State, had in a State Broadcast on Sunday, 2nd March, 2025, stated clearly that notwithstanding his personal opinion on the Supreme Court Judgments, he will, as a law-abiding Nigerian, obey and implement their decisions in accordance with the rule of law and the best interest of the people of Rivers State.

3. We have since been in contact with our lawyers, who are still awaiting the certified true copy of the judgments of the Supreme Court, and hereby reassure you and all the good people of Rivers State that as soon as His Excellency receives the judgments, he will strive to implement the same timeously in the best interest of our people.


Please accept the esteemed regards of His Excellency, the Governor of Rivers State.Yours faithfully,

(Signed)Chief Dr. Tammy Wenike Danagogo, DSSRSSecretary to the State GovernmentGovernor's Office, Point Block, 2nd Floor, Wing A, Rivers State Secretariat Complex, P.M.B. 5021, Port Harcourt

Chairman of Bayelsa State Traditional Rulers Council, King Bubaraye Dakolo Agada IV, Ibenanaowei of Ekpetiama Kingdom, has rejected the calls for President of the Senate, Senator Godswill Akpabio, to resign following an allegation of sexual harassment made against him by Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan.

“We reject calls on him to resign based on a mere allegation,” his royal majesty said in a statement yesterday, according to him the Senate President deserves a fair hearing.

Natasha in an interview with ARISE NEWS Channel on Friday accused Akpabio of victimising her because she refused the Senate’s presiding officer’s sexual advances.

The allegation attracted mixed reactions from Nigerians, with some asking him to step down pending an investigation.

However, Dakolo backed Akpabio, saying, “The South-South stands with Akpabio.”

He expressed implicit confidence in the presiding officer’s integrity,

“I have confidence in Senator Godswill Akpabio. He is a son of the South-South who has lived a life that has projected a commendable legacy thus far. “Additionally, he has been pivotal to Nigeria’s political stability for the last two years.”

He called for an inquiry to determine the veracity of the allegation,

“When an accusation of the type that Senator Natasha Akpoti has made against the Senate President is made, the best course of action would be to institute a Senate Inquiry into the matter, which will examine the veracity of the claims and the past of the claimant and the accused.”

Saying it was not the accused’s duty to prove their innocence, Dakolo picked holes in Natasha’s allegation, wandering why it came at the time a disciplinary action was being taken against her by the Senate.

“The allegation is suspicious. It is extremely suspicious,” he said, adding, “the South-south has given so much to Nigeria over the years.

Therefore, it is hoped that Nigeria and Nigerians can provide justice and respect back to a region that has shown total commitment to Nigeria by treating its son with the respect he deserves.”

It’s mere storm in a tea cup, says Senate spokesman

The Chairman, Senate Committee on Media and Public Affairs, Senator Adeyemi Adaramodu, has dismissed alleged sexual harassment made against Akpabio, as a storm in a tea cup.

Adaramodu stated this yesterday during a national television programme.

The Senator representing Ekiti South said there is no formal petition from Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan before the Senate Committee on Ethics, Code of Conduct and Public Petitions for investigation concerning her claim.

He said the Senate would not react to issues raised on a television programme as its affairs must be conducted solely within the confines of the Red Chamber.

Adaramodu said: “The Senate does not conduct its affairs based on what is trending on social media.

“There must be a formal petition or a matter raised before the Senate before any investigation can take place.”
On the uproar generated by reallocation of seats, Adaramodu said Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan must submit herself to rules of the Senate as a legislator.

Citing Order 6 of the Senate Standing Orders which vests on the Senate President the power to assign seats to senators, Adaramodu declared that all lawmakers are expected to speak from their designated seats, and any breach of this rule undermines order in the chamber.

He argued that if a senator follows due process in raising a point of order, no Senate President would deny him or her recognition.

He equally dismissed insinuation that the President of the Senate could intimidate his colleagues by denying them recognition, saying that all senators are equal in the chamber.

The Senate spokesman also aligned with his colleagues who rejected the call by former Senate President, Bukola Saraki asking Senator Godswill Akpabio to submit himself to an open probe to clear his name and that of the Senate as an institution from the allegation made by Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan.

“There is presently no formal matter before the Senate regarding these allegations.
“The only issue before the Senate is Senator Natasha’s non-compliance with the standing orders.”