The Rivers State Governor, Nyesom Wike has been warned against rubbishing the image and efforts of the Department of Security Service, DSS, to score cheap political points.


National Democratic Front, which gave the warning, said Wike developed the habit of trying to compromise security agencies ahead of the Rivers State governorship election collation.


NDF in a statement hailed DSS and Army personnel as professionals who can never be compromised and no amount of intimidation will force them to abandon the duty of safeguarding the country


Comrade Jasper Ojua, the Publicity Secretary of the group said it was appalled that Wike has continued with his perverted mission of destroying the credibility of critical national institutions in his bid to make the state a breakaway region of Nigeria, with the Department of State Services (DSS) being his latest target.

The statement warned that the attitude of undermining Nigeria for the interest of one individual is unacceptable in its totality.

The statement reads below.

The DSS was compelled to defend itself against Wike’s allegation that it was acting under instructions to undermine the electoral process in River state, which was suspended following elements of uncertainty, industrial scale violence and compromise of officials of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) by the Rivers State Governor.

The DSS is the most recent in the long list of Federal Agencies that Wike has falsely accused of interfering with the elections. The Nigerian Army, the Nigerian Air Force, the Nigeria Police Force, upstanding INEC officials that resisted being compromised amongst others have been accused by the governor at one time or the other of working on instruction from Abuja.

Wike might think he would be able to stave off judgement day indefinitely but lying that the DSS is working against the completion of the electoral process is disingenuous and will not avail him much especially when the world knows that he alone has to put an end to the orgy of violence he has mobilized against his own people for the process to resume and be concluded. The shock of being rejected by Rivers people, who have become wiser to his antics, is certainly what is making him hallucinate to the point of placing the blame on the doorsteps of agencies that have done much to prevent Rivers state from descending into chaotic hell.
This behaviour of the part of the governor is not surprising since it is typical of a drowning of person to clutch at the air, but Wike should know that he must not drag the name of the DSS in the mud having failed in its attempt to blackmail the Nigerian Army, Police and INEC. Like the Nigerian Army that displayed utmost professionalism in line with grand norm, the DSS has professionally proven its mettle in the course of providing cover during the elections and should not be added to Wike’s shopping list of agencies to discredit because they did not compromise to avoid rigging.

Perhaps Wike’s actual grouse with the DSS has more to do with his thug’s inability to impersonate the operatives of the service as they did with the military. He is also upset with the Service for blocking his attempts to promote separatist sentiments in River state. But same as Wike’s ‘boys’ were unable to impersonate the DSS, he should note that the service, like the Nigerian Army, will not compromise to partially take sides with him against the wishes of the electorates.

Instead of throwing tantrums and hallucinating a non-existent gang-up of federal agencies against him, Wike should rather focus on articulating his defence at the expiration of his immunity when the people of Rivers state drag him before various judicial institutions over the theft of their resources, attempt to pervert their votes, murder of their loved ones, attempting to declare a Rivers state secession from Nigeria and radicalization of their youths into terrorists. By the time the consequences of these sins against his own people start coming home to roost he would definitely be blaming the Nigerian Prison Service for accepting to making him serve the resulting multiple jail terms.

The National Democratic Front there advises Wike to desist from the already flopping strategy of discrediting security and military agencies in the hope that they will abandon Rivers state to allow him have the chance at successfully manipulating the elections. Even if he were to succeed in sending this agencies out of the state, which he is not constitutionally empowered to do, the rejection that he has suffered at the polls still stands and will not be reversed when the electoral process resumes and is completed with Rivers state remaining an integral part of Nigeria contrary to Wike’s wish to declare it a breakaway region.

In Nigeria or African generally, septuagenarian or octogenarian ages are like a double edged sword. It could be a curse or a blessing to someone depending on how he utilizes this special favour from God Almighty in spending these rare years of grace. So, both suffer either of these two afflictions.





They can be treasures of wisdom in their communities or nations. But the worse experience is when such people bow to the strings of senility and the instinctual drive of incoherence. The latter category is the problem tormenting Nigeria’s former President, Chief Olusegun Obasanjo (OBJ). And his case seems on the wayward side because innately, he brooks no opposition to his views and parades a fake aura of superior wisdom.



While serving as a Senator of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (1999-2003) Sen. JKN Waku (of blessed memory) saw the dictatorial personage of OBJ in democratic garbs quite early in the day. And he exposed and demystified OBJ in a lengthy interview he granted, Crystal International Magazine, with the caption, “Obasanjo’s Days Are Numbered.” What has stamped on the psyche of many Nigerians is OBJ’s flaunted penchant of Mr. Know-All. He erroneously passes himself as an embodiment of the collective wisdom of over 200 million Nigerians.



So, OBJ, the former Military and democratic leader of Nigeria has been restless on the political turf of Nigeria; making pronouncements at every point and countering or reversing himself on national issues in a manner that belittles his status, as elder stateman. More than a few Nigerians believe Nigeria has found itself in the subsisting mess President Muhammadu Buhari has bent backwards to re-fix because the likes of the nation’s former leaders like OBJ fretted away the golden opportunities they had to consolidate on the foundation laid by the country’s founding fathers and nationalists.



Therefore, the problems of Nigeria are created and nurtured to fruition by OBJ. But how he finds the conscience to exonerate himself and a heart to blame other leaders who are more transparent and honest with the leadership of Nigeria remains baffling. But it is not strange, if anyone is acquainted with OBJ’s obsequious character.



His inconsistent utterances in recent years have earned him all manner of derogative epaulets. But it appears, OBJ has no sense of shame. And so, he keeps parroting in Nigeria and around the globe on issues he embellishes to blend with his selfish agenda and egoistic pride.



A few days ago, OBJ was in Johannesburg, South Africa at the launch of a book he co-authored with Zimbabwe’s opposition leader and former finance minister, Mr. Tendai Biti and others titled, “Democracy Works — Rewiring Politics to Africa’s Advantage.” But in an asinine twist during an interview he granted AFP, OBJ deviated from the core issues in a book he co-authored to innuendic references in acerbic tirades on the reelection of Nigeria’s President Muhammadu Buhari for another term of four years.



One would empathize with OBJ’s failing senses when what he said in the interview is analyzed. He spoke distastefully about African leaders who are septuagenarians’ and octogenarians’ clinging unto power and promoting the sit-tight syndrome, which he opined, has slowed down the progress of democracy on the African continent. Good submission, to say, the least on face value.



But read OBJ’s suggested panacea to the younger generation of Africans in solving the problem; “If the youth think that they will get into power on a platter, they are not getting it right…They will have to snatch it, those (ageing leaders) will not go.”



It’s really amusing; but what good can anybody expect from OBJ, a leader without scruples? He imposed the politics of “do or die affair,” as serving President of Nigeria on the platform of the PDP. OBJ introduced anarchy and chaos in Nigeria’s electoral system and by this utterance; by all nuances means he has refused to purge himself of such tendencies.



Again, his words; “They will have to snatch it, those (ageing leaders) will not go,” is apt reference to the violence Nigerian people encounter during democratic transitions in Nigeria today. It explains why the people perceive general elections like a war, instead of a peaceful exercise of electing and empowering fresh leaders through the ballot.



Signs that senility has heavily weighed down on OBJ, he tacitly lampoons President Buhari for insisting to remain in power at his age, but based on popular demand by Nigerians. But in OBJ’s jaded perspectives, Buhari ought not to have sought reelection in 2019.



But who was OBJ’s preferred candidate against Buhari in the 2019 presidential contest on the platform of the opposition PDP? Shockingly, it was the septuagenarian Alhaji Atiku Abubakar, his former deputy and a man he had several condemned, even in his published book, “My Watch,” as corrupt, dubious and someone “with shadowy ancestry,” at the expense of other younger generation candidates in the 2019 general elections. Its not only when a man walks the streets naked that his insanity is confirmed. OBJ is a classic example.





Laughably, OBJ has forgotten that when he plotted his failed third term bid in 2006, on the eve of the expiration of his second term as Nigeria’s democratic President, he was in the twilight of his septuagenarian age. Yet, he dubiously and criminally sought to cause an illegal Constitutional amendment that would warrant him to contest the presidency for the third time. Nigerians rejected the idea. And he has nursed the wounds eternally, which accounts for why whoever occupies Aso Villa Abuja, the Presidential seat of power easily incurs the wrath of OBJ, if he fails to accept his besmirched counsels. Buhari is such a victim.



OBJ believes in his words or actions only when it serves his selfish agenda. He may feel pained that Nigerians have overwhelmingly reelected President Buhari for another term. But the difference between OBJ and Buhari is that the latter does not use his powers indiscriminately and dubiously to secure leadership unlike the former.



Buhari won his reelection on a clean slate, in free, fair and credible elections. Political spinners or jobbers couldn’t even buy car tyres off him in the guise of fixing his reelection victory. It’s novel in the history of Nigeria’s electoral process. OBJ’s lone desire cannot surpass that of millions of Nigerians who prefer President Buhari and, at this stage silence from OBJ would be more golden.



Truth is sacred and it must be told, no matter who is embittered by it. The series of gaffes committed by OBJ is an indication that he has more issues with aging than President Buhari. His inconsistency in actions and utterances have confirmed it indubitably. Conversely, Buhari has never changed unlike OBJ, his accuser, who changes from time to time like a chameleon. He needs real help to overcome his multiple personality issues from his nuclear family, to politics and leadership, which many believe undoubtedly, it is as a result of his age which has blurred his wisdom.



Those close to OBJ should begin to tinker with the idea of working on his senses and public outings. He is bringing too much shame on himself and his family for no justification. For all it takes, OBJ is not the only former President of Nigeria still alive. There are the likes of Gen. Yakubu Gowon; Gen. Abdulsalam Abubakar, and Gen. Ibrahim Babangida. But none of them is this excited on checkmating every shadow of the occupant of Aso Rock. And until recently, when he joined his ancestors, Alhaji Shehu Shagari was choosy in commenting on national affairs.





There is potent evidence that OBJ has wronged God and needs to plead for His forgiveness. It is shameful that OBJ who is a supposed elder statesman will embark on such an empty voyage to satisfy his ego and pride. A genuine Christian ought not to be as vindictive as OBJ portrays himself everywhere. He needs prayers and God’s attention urgently.


Tsav is former Commissioner of Police and Commissioner at the Public Complaints Commission, Abuja.

Nigerian Army And The Triumph Of Public Trust

By Nkechi Odoma

Framers of the Constitution of nations are like the Biblical three wise men. They belong to the realm of thinkers akin to the ancient and great Greek philosophy kings like Plato and Aristotle among others.





Everywhere in the world, the Constitution, which is the supreme document of all sovereign countries, prescribes the protection of lives and property of the citizenry as a cardinal and foremost responsibility of all governments.



Nigeria as a country has been a potpourri of violent crises and armed conflicts. The excitement of some debased citizens to take up arms against the state or their own country confounds infinitely. And most astonishing is that most times, the violence entrepreneurs and merchants of deaths have no cogent reasons for embarking on the demonic destructions they contrive and execute.



These forces of darkness unashamedly puncture the cord of their own fraternity for inexplicable reasons. In the recent history of African countries, Nigeria has portrayed itself as a nation intrinsically more abused with violence and deaths by its own people and in connivance with foreign allies than any other country on the continent through acts of terrorism and insurrections.



And the onus of restoring peace and security has always rested on the Nigerian military, particularly, the Nigerian Army. It is a heavy burden and sacrifice they make on behalf of the country, considering that some soldiers even pay the supreme price in battles to secure Nigeria.



The portrait of Nigeria is a sad commentary on this self-acclaimed giant of Africa. A roll call of the armed conflicts shuddering Nigeria leaves one gasping for breath.



Some few bad elements in the country have forced Nigerians over the years to contend with Boko Haram, armed banditry and cattle rustling, violent secession campaigns, militancy, farmers/herders skirmishes and communal clashes spurred by resolvable disagreements. There is a retinue of other armed militias who terrorize and torment the people, especially, at electoral seasons. This is in addition to kidnapping for ransom and armed robberies.



Its repeating the obvious to say, Nigeria’s 2019 general elections which have just been concluded appeared pregnable of enmeshing Nigeria into deadly electoral induced violence. It surely would have exploded into unimaginable and controllable violence and killings across the country had solders deviated or reneged on their sacred roles as sentries on election duty.





To say, Nigerians who are masterminds of these devious acts are insane might be too harsh; but unfortunately, it is an appropriate description in this circumstance.



In the years preceding the administration of President Muhammadu Buhari, the experiences of Nigerians with these wild security threats have been most horrendous. It became more painful and pathetic when the Nigerian military faltered terribly and incredibly in arresting these armed siege on Nigerians.



Meanwhile, the progression of these violent crises consistently brought deaths, pains, agonies and destructions to the people almost every day. The people genuinely lost confidence in the capacity or competence of soldiers to protect the territorial integrity and sovereignty of Nigeria. The public could no longer hold unto to the trust in the Army to defend them against both internal and external aggressions as the last resort. Wailings engulfed the land and the country became a laughing stock in the comity of nations.



The scenario marketed the then leaders of Nigeria and the military as incompetent and insensitive to the afflictions of the people. But joyfully, the Buhari Presidency from its inception vowed never to tolerate the festering armed conflicts in Nigeria. He vowed to end it. The President immediately reorganized the leadership of the Nigerian military and gave them specific assignments and targets.



What has remained a nemesis and nightmare to troubleshooters or promoters of armed conflicts in Nigeria was the emergence of a professional and craggy soldier, Lt. Gen. TY Buratai as COAS and Chief Armour bearer of the counter-insurgency operations. He identified needs of his troops, reoriented soldiers and repositioned the Army to face the assailing challenges of insecurity which nearly crumbled the country.





Looking back at yesterday, millions of Nigerians heaved a sigh of relieve because Gen. Buratai has posted marvelous and positive results in securing Nigeria and berthing the needed peace in war-torn communities. The dedication and hard work of the Chief of Army Staff in personally leading troops to battle insurgents and insurrectionists, in the past three years have rekindled the trust and confidence of Nigerians in the Nigerian Army. The aura of peace and security is felt in unusual places in the country, what was elusive in the immediate past.



And conscionable Nigerians had no option than to appreciate soldiers. The renewed trust and confidence in Nigerian soldiers by the people is further consolidated or deepened with soldiers’ demonstrated proclivity to remain apolitical, neutral and to religiously safeguard Nigeria’s democracy to maturity, insulated from the snares of destroyers.



The few Nigerians who nursed fears that the deployment of the Military on election duty would lead to the compromise of the ballot and rape of democracy are most consoled now. The splendid performance of soldiers throughout the two rounds of the 2019 general elections and the supplementary polls have enforced this feeling.



In fairness and truth, no Nigerian can conveniently claim soldiers on election duty interfered with the electoral process in aiding politicians thwart the popular will of the people or truncate democracy anywhere. Rather pleasantly, Army officers and personnel resisted the temptation of bribes from politicians, to mess up democracy, as emerging facts about the Rivers state instance among others are indicating.



So, the military supersonic outings in enthroning a secured and peaceful Nigeria for voters to perform their civic responsibility have obviated hitherto misplaced fears about soldiers involvement in the electoral process. The Army has made Nigeria proud.



Conclusively, the Army has earned and won the people’s trust; Nigeria’s democracy is now safe with the eagle eyes and alertness of soldiers in starving off anti-democratic forces from disrupting the system and creating unnecessary heat. Gladly again, no Nigerian now nurses the fear of the military actions or engagement into civil matters anywhere, anymore.



Such fears have been replaced with love and fondness, because Nigerians can now retire to night rest in any part of the country with their two eyes closed and in full pleasure of the bliss of peace and security. Gen. Buratai and the Nigerian soldiers deserve more accolades from Nigerians for their messianic roles in the country. And its obvious, such praises would keep coming in torrents. The restored trust and confidence of Nigerians in the Nigerian military, particularly, the Army is the real triumph of soldiers over terrorism and insurrections in the country.

Odoma wrote this piece from Asokoro, Abuja.

Source: http://abujabizreports.com/2019/03/31/nigerian-army-and-the-triumph-of-public-trust/

Some experiences in life makes you happy, laugh or smile; while others make you forever sad. Ask my candid opinion, I dare say, piteously that leaders of United Kingdom (UK) or Britain are in serious image crisis. That UK patriot and convener of the “UK Matters Most,” (UKMM) group Activist James Moore has murdered royal or kingly sleep.



Moore led a clan of angry soul mates in peaceful protest to #10 Downing Street, Buckingham Palace, the imperial home of Her Royal Majesty, Queen Elizabeth II and the Westminster Parliament, London. And if media reports are credible enough, Moore’s group is provoked over the inaction of the British leadership hierarchy to initiate a probe of the nearly month-old allegation as serious of a bribe of $1 million to Consulate staff of the UK, Nigerian Embassy.



In a written letter UKMM submitted defiantly that the alleged action of consulate officials was a disgraceful assault on the dignity of the Crown, reputation or image of Great Britain. UKMM’s letter read in part; “ It is consequently desirable for the Prime Minister to kick-start the process of recalling the consulate officers at the British High Commission in Nigeria and to initiate an investigation as to why they allowed themselves to be involved in politics (Rivers State), and how the monies were shared between them.”



I understand, the alleged kickback was reportedly given to the British diplomats by a desperate Rivers State Gov. Nyesom Wike. The Governor sought reelection in the 2019 general elections in Nigeria. So, the bribe is allegedly to grease the palms of UK Election Observers in Nigeria to cause fabrication or manufacture of false and misleading information against the Nigerian Military in support of Wike’s wired politicking.



President Muhammadu Buhari ordered the deployment of soldiers during the general elections to provide back-up security to curb violent electoral frauds as well as enable a secured environment for free, fair and credible elections.



Moore and his members were piqued at the conspiratorial silence of the authorities in digging this allegation. It tells me or anyone else like the UKMM that the British High Commissioner in Nigeria, Ms. Catriona Laing has faltered in her responsibility of keeping an eagle eye on staff of the British High Commission office in Nigeria.



Or suggestively, she benefitted from the alleged graft, he reason for her sealed lips; if not, Laing would have instantly initiated official action to ascertain the veracity or otherwise of the disreputable allegation. I am alarmed that Laing prefers to be mute, running into weeks, in spite of the damaging allegation against the image and interests of her country.



But if the High Commissioner erred, or she even deliberately ignored it, what has happened to Britain’s high-tech monitoring devices of its offices across the globe? Why is the British PM, Mrs. Theresa May mum on this matter to the extent ordinary Britons on the streets of London knew and had to stage a protest?



To my mind, Moore’s group has not demanded too much from their leaders, by requesting action be initiated on the Consular officials, as they have tainted the country’s image, by unpatriotically misleading Britain about the involvement of the military in Nigeria’s elections. The group urged immediate action from the Prime Minister to get to the roots and truths of matter.



But the scenario of Britain’s foot-dragging over inquest into such a serious allegation of graft makes me pensive. It has left me pondering about the sanctimonious posture of Britain over corruption. I vividly remembered how yesterday, former British PM, David Cameron openly satirized Nigeria before our democratic leader, President Muhammadu Buhari, as “ fantastically corrupt” and the several other attempts to demean Nigeria.



An African aphorism warns us that “Faults are like hills. You climb yours and then see other people's faults. “Cameron audaciously berated President Buhari by uttering that “We’ve got some leaders of some fantastically corrupt countries coming to Britain… Nigeria and Afghanistan, possibly the two most corrupt countries in the world.”



I think, the odious remark portrays Britain as beyond this malaise which is a global problem; it signifies and beckons to Britain’s high moral pedestal on corruption or acts of graft. But I can’t see the spirit applied in this instance, rather Britain is shirking. But i have found solace in UK’s inaction in a Sierra Leonean proverb which says; “It is not changing into a lion that is hard; it is getting the tail of a lion.”



And I am more disturbed that events in Nigeria’s post 2019 general elections era lends strong credence to the allegation, which propelled the Moore group into protests. In fact the UK election observer group, which monitored the governorship and states assembly elections truly and underhandedly, indicted the Nigerian military.



In an official report titled: Re: UK Expresses Concern Over Military Involvement In Rivers Poll,” the UK Election observers claimed the Nigerian Military interfered with the electoral process in Rivers state . It disclosed that the illegal military action imposed additional obstacles on INEC staff in the course of performing their legitimate duties and caused the political crisis in the state.



But what is still baffling to me is that the Military were drafted all over Nigeria for the elections. But such a damning report only came from UK election observers in Rivers state. The Nigerian Army through its Acting Director of Public Relations, Col. Sagir Musa relieved my anxiety by faulting the claims of the UK and described the report as baseless.



I am ashamed that Ms Catriona Laing is plotting to cover this alleged bribery scandal by Consulate officials which has already gone viral. My conviction is that her silence betrays her intention of sweeping under the carpet this allegation despite glaring and incontrovertible evidences.



I am emboldened to say, apart from circumstantial evidence, information which has so far leaked into public domain from the Rivers Government House have all pointed to the alleged crime. And added to it, my observation of the behavior of the Nigerian staff at the Consulate office while the scandal rage, unaddressed reminds me of a Swahili proverb which reveals that “A letter from the heart can be read on the face.”



And to my greatest consternation and curiousity, even the loquacious Gov. Wike has maintained a studious silence since the scandal broke out. Can Wike in all sincerity tell Nigerians and the world that he didn’t give any money ? Similarly, the British High Commission office has also sustained absolute silence; perhaps, in confirmation of the wisdom of a Nigerian adage which says; “If the vulture fails to hover at the end of a sacrifice, then you know that something happened in the land of spirits.”



I am now forced to burden myself with many rhetorical questions; Who is fooling who in this instance? Where is the flaunted moral pedigree of the United Kingdom, our former colonial masters, if it cannot investigate and discipline its own found guilty over alleged corruption?



I care less about politicians, especially, Wike’s supporters or anybody else who would spitefully term the scandal as fake news. But can there be smoke without fire? Is the British High Commission in Nigeria telling Nigerians or the rest of us that all their members of staff are saints that should be beatified and canonized?



Or that the political leader in Rivers state who gave the bribe to UK election observers has paid his way and become a saint because he has conscripted them to rubbish the Nigerian Military or Army? Another Nigerian proverb says; “A set of white teeth does not indicate a pure heart.”



I have every reason to pity Ms Catriona Laing. She does not know Gov. Wike. The Rivers Governor has travelled this path many times before since 2015. Wike believes in crude and violent politics. He is very free in using money to induce his targets for such hatchet jobs. Madam High Commissioner, you didn’t know Gov. Wike, but it appears you over romanced him for wrong reasons. Wike is like the proverbial Lucifer and those who know him, dines with him with a long spoon.



During the same elections, the Nigerian Army cried out at attempts by Wike to financially induce the General Officer Commanding (GOC) 6 Division of the Nigerian Army, Major General Jamil Sarham. When Sarham resisted Wike publicly smeared his name by accusing him of responsibility for the electoral violence and killings in the state. He proceeded to maliciously call on the International Criminal Court (ICC) to prosecute Major General Jamil Sarham for crimes against humanity.



And how did Wike overnight pulled out Mr. Akpo Bomba Yeeh, African Action Congress’s (AAC) running mate to the governorship candidate, Engr. Biokpomabo Awara into PDP, forcing him to dump the AAC for PDP? Reliable sources told me, Yeeh was kidnapped by Wike’s agents, who ferried him to Government House in Port Harcourt, “ where he was forced to resign/defect to the PDP and the sum of two hundred million naira, a SUV (car) and accommodation were given to him.”



Laing you may not get the full grasp of what I am saying or my expressed fears immediately; but Gov. Wike in the last few years has embarked on amazing state sponsored killings and forced disappearances of people with dissenting voices against him. But why are such issues scantily reported in the Nigerian media. Wike has recruited and trained armed militias who are killing recklessly, but the majority of the vibrant media in Nigeria I know are silent over the killings in Rivers state under Gov. Wike. So, those who transact illicit business with Gov. Wike must be mindful of his destructive antics.

Source:
http://www.streetreporters.ng/explosive-that-1-million-fraud-that-catriona-laing-wants-to-kill-agency-report/

Nigerian scholars abroad, under the auspices of Association of Nigerian Scholars in Diaspora, ANDS, have faulted the recent report by the US Department of State on Corruption and Human Rights violation under the President Muhammadu Buhari-led Federal Government.

A report by the US Department of State entitled, “2018 Country Reports on Human Rights Practices,” accused the Nigerian government and the military of arbitrary and unlawful killings.

However, ANDS believes that the report was apparently aimed at legitimizing criminal activities of terrorists and extremists in Nigeria.

The association made this known in a communiqué issued at the end of a meeting to review the country reports on human rights practices for 2018.


Prof Bitrus Gamwa and Pita Agbese, President and Secretary General respectively who signed the communiqué on behalf of the Diasporan Nigeria scholars, outrightly rejected the report in its entirety and, therefore, called on other professional bodies of Nigerian origin to do the same, while mandating the Federal Government to communicate the rejection of the report in writing to the United States through its embassy in Nigeria.

The communiqué reads in full.

The Association of Nigerian Scholars in Diaspora on Monday March 25, 2019 in London, the United Kingdom met to review the Country Reports on Human Rights Practices for 2018 published by the United States. Those in attendance held discussions that drew correlation with past incidents and the recently published report. They noted as follow:

The State Department’s Bureau of Democracy, Human Rights and Labour of the United States sometimes in March 2019 published its Country Reports on Human Rights Practices for 2018.

The 2018 edition was the 43rd annual Country Reports on Human Rights published by the US and it continued in the tradition of maligning Nigeria and countries that it may have other issues with.

Preface to the 2018 report stated that “individuals seeking reforms to end the wrongful interference in the exercise of unalienable rights – whether those individuals are in or out of government – will find a sympathetic friend and strong supporter in the United States of America.”

The section of the report that pertained to Nigeria was filled with half-truths, misleading information and outright lies that are meant to subjugate Nigeria by way of bringing the country to heel in aligning with US geo-strategic interests even where they run contrary to Nigeria’s interests.

It deliberately took aim at crucial government agencies of Nigeria in a bid to make it appear like a repressive regime contrary to its democratic credential as a popularly elected government.

The report was a covert disguise for putting ammunition in the hands of the opposition as proven by the assertion made by the United States in (3) above, by which it accepts that it is willing to work with individuals that sabotage Nigeria provided they serve the interest of America.

The questionable support for criminals as itemized in (3) above is the excuse under which the United States issued the report and similar reports that undermine the Armed Forces of Nigeria for the benefit of terrorists like Boko Haram, ISWAP, the Islamic Movement in Nigeria (IMN) and militants in the Niger-Delta. These groups that qualify as terrorists by internationally accepted definitions are apparently being supported by the United States.

The support for the opposition and terrorists extends beyond tactical backing with reports like the Country Reports on Human Rights Practices for 2018 include indirect arming of these groups with weapons that are first supplied to third party countries like Syria from where they will find their way into the hands of these US lackeys in Nigeria. The incursion of the US into Venezuela is a model that the opposition in Nigeria continued to use as blackmail against the government as they vowed to repeat something similar.

The US report made another attempt at delegitimizing the Same Sex Marriage (Prohibition) Act 2014 by presenting it as repressive, an inference that ignored the legislative process adopted by elected Federal Lawmakers to arrive at the legislation.

OBSERVATIONS

The meeting observed based on the linkages established with the antecedents of the US that:

The report is a recognized work of fiction taken too far. The kind of make-believe rendition and account of events showed that the people behind the report have lost the capacity to distinguish between what impacts the wellbeing of country’s citizens and the Hollywood script they modelled the report after.

Bearing in mind that a report is ordinarily supposed to be an academic work with facts and figures accurately stated to stand up to intense scrutiny and debates, the work of fiction being bandied around by the US group is a dent on the mental capacity of its authors.

It is most unfortunate that the US went ahead to publish the section meant to discredit Nigeria even when it is clearly does not meet the benchmark for a rigorous academic research to warrant being taken seriously by anyone anywhere in the world.

Considering the United States’ stated geo-political objective as stated in the general preface to the report, it is apparent that the assessment of Nigeria would have still been negative irrespective what steps the country had taken to address known lapses from decades ago.

The report is predicting and expectant of growing disaffection among the opposition, their becoming militarized and terrorists becoming more belligerent and escalating attacks against the state while the fear of censure would have pushed the military into inertia.

RESOLUTIONS

Following the background provided and the observations made, the Association of Nigerian Scholars in Diaspora resolved as follow:

The Association rejects the report in its entirety and invites other professional bodies of Nigerian origin to do the same, while mandating the Federal Government to communicate the rejection of the report in writing to the United States through its embassy in Nigeria.

The Association will withdraw recognition for any report to which the US government is connected or affiliated until it withdraws the questionable contents it has published against Nigeria. Such reports, including the Country Reports on Human Rights in its entire series, will not be recognized until the lies contained in the 2018 edition are corrected.

It urges all the government agencies that were maligned in the report to take advantage of the right of reply to set the records straight.

The Association urges the Federal Government to take all steps guaranteed under international conventions to demand that the United States correct the malicious lies being told against the country.

CONCLUSION

The meeting of the Association agreed to be proactive in preparing the correct assessment of Nigeria to coincide with the 2019 edition of the Country Reports on Human Rights to ensure that the records are not muddled up for Nigeria in another consecutive year.

The founder of Liberation City, Pastor Chris Okafor, has been warned against making reckless statement that could tear Nigeria into pieces.

The New Initiative for Credible Leadership (NICreL), which gave the warning, said Okafor’s recent outburst on the crisis in Kaduna State and Governor Nasir El-Rufai is unexpected of a preacher of the gospel.

Pastor Okafor had during a Sunday programme warned the Kaduna State Governor to avoid persecuting Christians and preachers in the state or risks the wrath of God.

The preacher gave El-Rufai, whom he likened to Biblical Herob seven days to reverse bill at the state House of Assembly to license religious bodies or would be visited by God.

Reacting to his comment, NICreL in a ststement through its Executive Director, Samson Onwu, said Okafor’s comment could undermine peace and security across the country.

Full text of the statement below.



The founder of Liberation City, Pastor Chris Okafor, recently sought to incite sectarian strife by interpreting “A Bill for a Law to Substitute the Kaduna State Religious Preaching Law, 1984,” in ways that suggest it was targeted at Christians in the state.

Pastor Okafor went further to warn the state governor, Nasir el-Rufai to abandon the bill within seven days or face the wrath of God and possibly die within the first two years of his next term in office. He went further to link Governor el-Rufai’s choice of a running mate in the just concluded election with the bill while citing this as basis to assert that Christians are being persecuted in Kaduna state.

The New Initiative for Credible Leadership, after reviewing a video clip in which Pastor Okafor made these and other inciting comments over the bill found it necessary to condemn the preacher’s action and utterances in the strongest terms possible. The kind of behaviour he exhibited has no place in a country governed by law and he must therefore be censured to prevent him from exploiting the cover of being a clergyman to promote ethno-sectarian hate at a time Nigeria needs healing from all the divisiveness that had held it back.

Interestingly, while Pastor Okafor presented the bill as something that was initiated just a few days ago, the bill has been with the Kaduna State House of Assembly for over three years. Furthermore, contrary to his claim that the bill’s main objective is to persecute Christians, the proposed legislation was informed by an urgent need to address the waves of sectarian strife that had repeatedly rocked the state leading to loss of lives. It was a response to unscrupulous and unschooled clergy men across religious divides, like Pastor Okafor, who abuse their position of influence to incite their followers against persons of other creeds.

It is therefore irresponsible of Pastor Okafor to use a proposed legislation meant to discourage hate preaching as a basis to incite further hatred along sectarian lines. Such behaviour calls to question what Okafor believes in as there is no record of Jesus Christ endorsing attacks against those in authority or violent response to even those that attacked him.

The pastor’s admixture of politics into his sermon equally signposts an emerging dangerous trend that could undermine peace and security across the country as clergymen encourage the faithful to migrate their sectarian biases, hatred and disaffection into everyday life. The 2019 elections saw the Christian faith being exploited and abused to promote politics of hate, a development that demystified many clergymen that were once held in high esteem but have now become false prophets before their followers. There is no doubt that this is the fate that would befall Pastor Okafor when the seven days ultimatum he handed to Governor el-Rufai to rescind the bill or die within two years fails to materialize.

While it is well known that many of the hire-for-pay clergy men are under pressure from those they sold fake prophecies to and therefore smarting from their failed predictions in the 2019 elections, there is no way to justify Pastor Okafor’s resort to incitement as a coping mechanism. The pastor has by his acts and utterances certified himself as a candidate for the International Criminal Court (ICC) in the event that any sectarian violence breaks out because of his preaching.
Pending when Pastor Okafor will keep a date with the ICC, we urge the Department of State Services (DSS) to do the needful by immediately investigating his motives and getting him to undertake not to give effect to his threats as this would lead to avoidable loss of life.

We urge the Kaduna State House of Assembly and the Kaduna State Government to note that the incitement by Pastor Okafor is a wake-up call that they cannot continue to delay passing the bill and signing it into law if fanatical and extremist clergymen must be checked. In the interim, the state government should explore exiting legislation, including the anti-terrorism laws, to discourage merchants of hate whose main intention is to cause crises that are of the magnitude as terrorism.

I am not one that partakes in mediocrity. I am also not one that encourages others to be mediocre. I say this because the general elections have come and gone and as usual words, merchants have begun to ply their trades on behalf of their principals that includes some of those that lost in their respective political bids.

In this article, I have decided to dwell on two critical institutions that made the headlines during the elections, and they are the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and the Nigerian Army (NA). These two institutions if you would agree with me were on the front pages of the newspapers all through the election period.

For INEC, it is understandable because it was the electoral umpire and as such its activities were always scrutinized especially when it shifted the presidential polls by one week. It was, therefore, no surprise that in spite of the reforms it has implemented and is still implementing, the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) was taken to the cleaners for even shortcomings that are not of its making.

But for the Nigerian Army, its activities were viewed with suspicion before the elections with the commissioning of the Situation Room to monitor the security situation around the country during the polls online and real-time and also the commencement of Operation Python Dance nationwide to ensure that the elections were peaceful. It is therefore not surprising that the Nigerian Army was at the receiving end of hostile propaganda because troops were deployed for election duty.

The strange thing about the sceptical view of the involvement of the Nigerian Army in the elections stems from two things in my opinion. Our experience with the military during the military era. And two the mentality that the Nigerian army still does things the brute way not minding whose ox is gored.

Having stated this, I think Nigerians need a mind-set reorientation on the Nigerian Army in this dispensation. Nigerians need to know that just as times have changed, the Nigerian Army has also changed, especially within the last four years of this present administration and with such a seasoned officer like Lt. Gen. Tukur Buratai as the Chief of Army Staff.

I recall that I was one of those that initially faulted the involvement of the Nigerian Army in the 2019 General election on the premise that the Nigerian Police and other civil authorities could handle whatever security challenges that would arise in the course of the elections. But I was wrong, and I quickly retraced my steps given the enormity of the task and the desperation exhibited by some politicians who felt that they had already won the elections.

And as usual, the opposition held unto just one part of the stick and forgot that a stick has two sides. They held on to the part that the Nigerian Army was involved in the election process and they refused to see the benefits of the involvement of the Nigerian Army in ensuring that the elections were credible, free and fair.

Today that the elections are over, what has now flooded the airwaves is the 2019 elections were militarised, and I wondered what they meant. The opposition party went to town with the propaganda to systematically rubbish the impact of the involvement of the Nigerian Army in the elections to give an impression that the polls were not credible, free and fair. But it didn’t fly. I say it didn’t fly because of the accolades that have poured in as regards the fact that but for the involvement of the Nigerian Army, Nigeria would have witnessed doomsday.

I stand to be corrected that we today live in peace even after a major election is indeed a testament of the invaluable role the Nigerian Army played in ensuring that the polls were indeed credible, free and fair. For example, in states likes Rivers, and Zamfara, the Nigerian Army were even victims, they were loathed by the government of these states and made life unbearable for officers and soldiers on election duty. But in all of these, it didn’t stop them from carrying out their duties in a most professional manner and concerning human rights. This is the new Nigerian Army under Lt. Gen. Tukur Buratai.

A new Nigerian Army that has repositioned for greater exploits in line with global best practices as exemplified during the just concluded general elections, and a Nigerian Army that embraces critical thinking in its operations. I recall that sometime in 2017, the Chief of Army Staff, Lt. Gen. Tukur Buratai launched three books on Critical Thinking as part of efforts to enhance the capacity of Nigerian Army’s personnel in creativity and innovation in modern warfare.

In the words of the Chief of Army Staff, “it is now a fact that the adversaries being engaged by most militaries are becoming wiser and more unpredictable. Therefore, to be ahead of them, militaries must ensure they have an adaptive mind-set that is realistic, open and unassuming, which no doubt requires the need to be aware of biases, logical fallacies, and assumptions. Thus, the concept of Critical Thinking is a necessity for future leaders of which the Nigerian Army is poised to be in the vanguard of the learning.” If this is not brilliant, I wonder what else to say. In a way, it gives us a peep into the mind of the Lt. Gen. Tukur Buratai and by extension how he has transformed the Nigerian Army into a better and more proactive organization poised to deliver on its core mandate of protecting the territorial integrity of Nigeria.

The way and manner the Nigerian Army has transformed within four years leave much to be imagined on the capacity and leadership style of the Chief of Army Staff who has only demonstrated that indeed things can be done quite better in Africa. I think that other African countries should take a cue from the present day Nigerian Army in terms of operational effectiveness, civil-military relations, respect for the rule of law, respect for human rights and others too numerous to mention.

And only recently, the Indian High Commissioner to Nigeria Mr Abhay Thakur in company of the Indian Defence Attaché to Nigeria, Colonel Derby Sachen paid a working visit to the Chief of Army Staff at the Army headquarters, where he described the role of the NA during the elections as professional and patriotic which is in line with global best practice and promised to sustain cooperation with the NA in the areas of training, defence procurement and sharing of intelligence that will assist Nigeria in the ongoing fight against terrorism.

Also, the newly appointed Commanding General United State Army Africa (USARAF), Major General Roger Cloutier paid a working visit to the Chief of Army Staff, where he commended the Nigerian Army's efforts in curbing contemporary security challenges especially the Boko Haram terrorism.

So in a way, the myth of militarization of the elections is uncharitable to say the least because but for the intervention of the Army, there would still not be a country given the fact that in some places, the military was called to the rescue of the police and they were able to save the day.
This much has been highlighted by scholars who have posited that every government prides itself with her military, and its ability to protect her democracy measures the strength of any government and that though the military is sometimes criticized for some of their extremism, democracy still depends on her for survival.

I cannot agree less with this position, because if one views the conduct of the military during the 2019 general elections, one will conclude that the Nigerian Army indeed saved the day and rose to the occasion of protecting our nascent democracy.

In my opinion, those that are propagating the militarization of the elections are out for mischief purposes because I cannot come to terms with the position. Instead, we must take out the positives from the involvement of the military during the elections and how it should serve as a reference point for other African countries. Just like I mentioned earlier, I am not one that partakes or encourages people to participate in mediocrity.

Instead of crying wolf where non exist, I think that the Nigerian Army under the leadership of Lt. Gen Tukur Buratai is highly commended for a job well done. We are all witness to the birth of a new Nigerian Army.

Udeike sent in this piece from Apo, Abuja.

Following an utterly biased election post-mortem and Country Reports on Human Rights Practices, the Coalition for Good Governance and Change Initiative has demanded an apology from United States Consulate in Nigeria.

Ex-Ambassador to Nigeria, Mr. John Campbell, had cast a racial slur on Nigeria with his article for the Council on Foreign Relations, claiming the country is incapable of managing her own affairs.

Mr Campbell rubbished the last presidential election, as he believes it does not inspire confidence in the democratic trajectory of Africa's most populous country.

In a clapback, however, the Coalition for Good Governance and Change Initiative ordered Mr Campbell to forthwith retract his so-called post.

The group made the strong demand in a letter addressed to the US Embassy by Egbunu Abutu Daniel, its Secretary General.

“ The first issue is the election post-mortem done for the for the Council on Foreign Relations in Washington DC by your predecessor, Mr. John Campbell, in which he cast the worst racial slur imaginable on Nigeria and the African continent at large by tacitly implying that Africans are incapable of managing their own affairs.

“ Mr. Campbell’s assertion in his post-mortem that “Nigerians have begun to question whether democracy is right for their country” is apparently aimed at setting the grounds for Nigeria to descend into chaos. The statement, from our perspective, tallies with the concerns that had earlier been raised about how the opposition People’s Democratic Party (PDP) has been making overtures to military officers to stage a coup, transit to interim government and transfer power to the PDP candidate, Mr Atiku Abubakar.

“ We wish to bring to your attention that the so-called post-mortem contained other insinuations that were calculated to incite supporters of the opposition to stage violent protests. This it sought to achieve through the claim that Mr Abubakar will lose his challenge of the election result in court, an assertion that is guaranteed to stir anger among his supporters, who have incidentally shown a disproportionate disposition to violence.

“ Any argument that Mr Campbell wrote his election post-mortem for the Council on Foreign Relations and could not have been a state backed operation is defeated with the publication of the Country Reports on Human Rights Practices for 2018 at about the same time. The report was published the State Department’s Bureau of Democracy, Human Rights and Labour, which leaves the United States with the burden of liability. “

Prior to the former Ambassador’s piece, the State Department’s Bureau of Democracy, Human Rights and Labour, the US Embassy in Abuja, had published a report seemingly aimed at undermining the achievements of President Muhammadu Buhari-led administration and the Nigerian Army.

The Coalition, however, joined the rest of the world to condemn the report.

“ The Country Reports on Human Rights Practices for 2018, unsurprisingly, was dedicated to sending out the wrong signals about Nigeria. This was apparently done in the belief that these negative messaging about Nigeria would catalyze some sort of citizens’ revolt against the government of President Muhammadu Buhari leading to a forceful change of government.

“ The actual objective of the report became obvious in the sections that accorded Boko Haram and ISWAP terrorists greater legitimacy than the Armed Forces of Nigeria that are fighting them to keep the citizens safe. We noted how the report specifically targeted the Army, Police and the Department of State Services (DSS) for demonization. Accusations that these agencies were high handed on terrorists could only have been intended for terrorists’ recruiters to deploy as props when they are attempting to gain new members.

“ Since the report emanated from the State Department’s Bureau of Democracy, Human Rights and Labour, the US Embassy in Abuja would have had the chance to make input while you would have signed off on the aspect about Nigeria, at least the embassy in Nigeria would have validated the claims made in the document and that is assuming the contents were not mostly generated under your supervision.

“ Irrespective of whether your predecessor, Mr Campbell wrote his election post-mortem in a personal capacity or not, and not minding that Nigeria is just one of the nations analyzed in the Country Reports on Human Rights Practices for 2018, the Coalition for Good Governance and Change Initiative hereby demands that the United States tender an unreserved apology to people and government of Federal Republic of Nigeria for malicious publication and promotion of falsehood about the country in a manner that is injurious to it as a nation.

“ The apology we are demanding must come with a commitment from the United States government and persons or organizations acting in its interest to cease and desist from further publishing reports, commentaries or analyses targeted at undermining stability of Nigeria.

“ A failure to tender the apology within reasonable time shall compel us to taking measures to educate Nigerians to resist the racist-oriented US interference in the affairs of Nigeria. We shall also do our best to criminalize the series of exchange programmes targeted at Nigerians youths such that the US will no longer have cohorts from Nigeria for such programmes.”

The 2019 general elections in Nigeria have come and gone. Another batch of democratic leaders have been empowered by majority of constituents to lead their destinies for another four years.

Spectacularly, the myths, the anxieties, the phobias and the uncertainty generated by the elections have also silently ebbed out for calm and introspection among Nigerians.

However, the tensions generated by the general elections had some outstanding issues worthy of further scrutiny in the post- election era. The fear of widespread electoral violence by political actors across Nigeria scrambling for power was real, scary and chilly.

And with the 2015 prediction by former American Ambassador to Nigeria, Mr. John Campbell that general elections in Nigeria would offer a plank for the total break-up of the country still hovering, the 2019 Nigeria’s general elections posed very disturbing challenges of insecurity.

This feeling caused more than a stir in Nigerians; it attracted lamentations from unusual quarters’. And for a nation which had once tested the bitter pills of a civil strife and which is currently confronted with multilayered insecurity threats, adding the fire of electoral violence on the subsisting problems was a nightmare.

President Muhammadu Buhari had to take pro-active measures by deploying the Army to ensure the security of Nigerians and a peaceful electoral exercise. Expectedly, in democracy, people are bound to oppose the best of intentions or policies of government.

There is the lawful tendency by opposition to stiffly antagonize, condemn and even berate government on every initiative, even if it is the best. Therefore, the deployment of soldiers to aid civil security, which postured apparently and conveniently as incompetent in handling the happenstance of security breaches that may sprout up also attracted criticisms and jibes from some Nigerians.

Opposition parties, human rights activists, patriots and the organized civil society community in Nigeria perceived it more as an attempt by the ruling APC Federal Government of Nigeria to use soldiers in order to compromise a free, fair and credible elections. They saw it more as militarization of the electoral process and a concealed motive to undermine the sanctity of the ballot in favour of the incumbent government which was also a major contender in the elections.

But with the general elections over, it is pretty good that whatever apprehension nursed by Nigerians, whether genuine or fake over the elections was never allowed to materialize. The proponents of doom were disappointed; the troubleshooters who plotted violent disruptions during elections were not given a chance to ply their evil trade on Nigeria. The anticipated consuming electoral violence, which many feared would extinguish the nation was imprisoned.

However, the lacuna in the post mortem analysis of the general elections is the lack of a corresponding capacity of those who dreaded the participation of Nigerian soldiers to applaud the Army for the intervention which immensely assisted to deliver flawless elections to Nigeria. The critics have forgotten so soon that the soldiers secured Nigeria and prevented electoral fraudsters from stimulating crisis that would have consumed the country. Nigerians are not oblivious of this reality, but are shocking mute, instead of open appreciation of the Nigerian Army.

Whatever is their mindset, today, it is easy to differentiate between facts and fiction from the assailing narratives which preceded the elections. And in most cases, it tended to unfairly cast aspersions on the institution of the Nigerian Army and our soldiers generally.

It was hard to discern how Nigerians could forget very easily the reforms the COAS and leader of the counter-insurgency operations in Nigeria, Lt.Gen. TY Buratai enforced on the Army. It was somewhat irritating that these critics ignored the consistent exhibition of professionalism by soldiers in all their national assignments under its current leadership.

Nigerian soldiers have demonstrated in words and actions in the past three years, a penchant of compliance with the Constitution of Nigeria, total submission to civilian authorities and sticking to rules of engagement; soldiers have evidently dispensed themselves as sticklers to international best practices in the observance of human rights of the people in all their operations.

And when it became expedient for soldiers to provide back-up security for the general elections, Gen. Buratai again spelt out clearly the rules of engagement to Army personnel. Soldiers were strongly admonished to preserve and respect the tenets of military professionalism; the rules of engagement and the Constitution of Nigeria during and after the elections.

The Army Chief was lucid that “None of our personnel will be involved in political campaigns, escort of VIPs for political missions and, above all, aiding or supporting any political party….Our rules of engagement and code of conduct have not assigned any political role to the army in this regard. The army’s involvement in the elections starts and ends with the provision of peaceful and secure environment for the conduct of the 2019 general elections.”

And throughout the duration of the series of elections held in Nigeria, the soldiers never deviated from this path of honour and respect for the rules of engagement. They provided escort for the haulage of sensitive electoral materials to various destinations; put a wedge to incidents of diversion of electoral materials; tackled ballot snatchers and other electoral fraudsters who often are the harbingers or stimulators of electoral violence, deaths and the concomitant protests and destructive arsons.

A number of election observers have glowingly acknowledged the wonderfully impartial and non-partisan roles played by the Army in safeguarding the sanctity of the ballot in the 2019 general elections. There is no modicum of doubt that the military as a professional institution offered a selfless and professional support which indubitably prevented doomsday in Nigeria.

Consequently, with the general elections over and conducted peacefully, with minimal cases of violence, the Nigerian Army deserve some accolades from the same critics and groups which demeaned it with vituperations and unfairly castigated soldiers. They should be humble enough to again embark on a voyage of deconstruction of their weird myth of militarization of the general elections as erroneously propagated. It is the only task they can perform now to free their conscience.

Critics and scholars alike, in Nigeria and beyond who are yet to properly comprehend the role of the military in a democracy, the Nigerian Army is now their resource material. The Army has offered them a pragmatic and priceless resource material by their highly professional and excellent conduct or actions, as signposted by their participation in the 2019 general elections.

Both the Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of Nigeria, President Buhari and the Army Chief, Gen. Buratai are not prepared to relent in ensuring the Nigerian Army remains a positive reference point on adherence to professionalism and rules of engagement. With the impressive outing by soldiers, the criticisms about the militarization of the general elections have been proven to be unfounded and baseless after all.

Onmeje writes from the United Kingdom.

United Kingdom Chapter of Arise Nigeria, a group of Nigerians in the diaspora, has reacted to the recent report by the United State through its State Department’s Bureau of Democracy, Human Rights and Labour under the title “Country Reports on Human Rights Practices for 2018.” which accused the President Muhammadu Buhari-led government of abating corruption and extra-judicial killing.


The group said the Country Reports on Human Rights Practices for 2018 was aimed at forcing homosexuality and sale of national assets on the current government.


Arise Nigeria made this revelation in a communiqué issued after its extraordinary meeting held in London on Saturday.


A communique jointly signed by Dr. Philip Idaewor Chairman, AriseNigeria and Charles Eze, Secretary, called on the Nigerian government to reject the report and make its stance known to the US without delay.


The statement reads in full.

Documents like this are equally cited as input for decision making by third party countries that could withhold economic, political, military and other critical co-operation from Nigeria based on the conclusions reached in the report, and similar documents.


The meeting of the United Kingdom Chapter of Arise Nigeria was therefore able to dispassionately deconstruct the content of the Country Reports on Human Rights Practices for 2018. It was found that there are areas where Nigeria has to shore up policies and their implementation in order to make progress.


Unfortunately, however, the bulk of the content of the report were found to maliciously target Nigeria in a manner that confirmed racist stereotype as well as laying the foundation for manufacture of dissent, in which citizens were being emotionally manipulated to stage uprising against their government.


The observation about manufacture of dissent suggests that the United States might be at the early stage of engineering forceful regime change in new set of countries.


Even though is recommended that the valuable strong points highlighted in the report should prompt the authorities to taking decisive steps aimed at improving Nigeria they must nonetheless focus on the more pressing issue of asking the international community to call the United States to order by way of discontinuing any of its subversive programs targeted at Nigeria.


PROCEDURE – The meeting dissolved into groups to consider the Country Reports on Human Rights Practices for 2018. Seven (7) groups considered the report under the corresponding sections it was partitioned into.

These are:


Section 1. Respect for the Integrity of the Person


Section 2. Respect for Civil Liberties


Section 3. Freedom to Participate in the Political Process


Section 4. Corruption and Lack of Transparency in Government


Section 5. Governmental Attitude Regarding International and Nongovernmental Investigation of Alleged Abuses of Human Rights


Section 6. Discrimination, Societal Abuses, and Trafficking in Persons


Section 7. Worker Rights


Another group briefly reviewed trend of reports for selected countries across the regions of world. The countries were selected to reflect a mix to reflect nations that are considered allies of the US and those against which it is known to belligerent.


All the groups reconvened into plenary after they have concluded their assignment. Each group presented its observations.


OBSERVATIONS -- The observations and findings of the eight groups were aggregated to arrive at the consensus view of Nigeria Arise (United Kingdom Chapter). It was observed that:

1. The Country Reports on Human Rights Practices for 2018 is a publication of the United States, which by default is intended to serve its interests in pursuit of global dominance. The relevance that is attached to the report comes from a misplaced relevance placed on it by other countries of the world, driven principally by aggressive media marketing that usually trail its release.



2. Nigerian authorities will have to set up a government team to study the report with the aim of further decoding it to get a fairer sense of the estimate in which the United States holds Nigeria. This exercise should be with a view to developing reciprocal measures that will ensure that the US will soft pedal on the promoting damaging content about Nigeria.


3. The Federal Government of Nigeria has to do more to counter the negativity that is reported about the country by promptly addressing the lies and inaccuracies compiled by organizations like Amnesty International, whose reports formed the major input for the Country Reports on Human Rights Practices for 2018. NGOs and CSOs that operate similar agenda to Amnesty International must be managed using similar approach.


4. The report, rather than commending the Nigerian Military for their feat in suppressing Boko haram, set out to make the war against terrorism appear like a criminal enterprise undertaken by the Nigerian state. It even went to the low ebb of suggesting that disproportionate force was being used in the anti-terrorism war.


5. The misinformation contained in the report in its assessment of the anti-terrorism war against Boko Haram and ISIS-WA strongly suggest that the only interest the United States has in the matter is for Nigeria to come under more terrorist attacks. This is especially so as the report failed to acknowledge the role of the US in aggravating the crisis through its policy that caused instability in the Middle East and North Africa to strengthen ISIS and accelerate the flow of weapons to terrorists.


6. The unfair demonization of the Nigerian military was matched by attempts to exonerate terrorist sympathizers like those who hide under the cover of being aid workers to support terrorists.


7. The anti-corruption efforts, which Nigerians continue to be supportive of, was undermined by the report, which created the impression that enough was not being done to fight corruption. It was noted that the United States only disparage the anti-corruption efforts without acknowledging its role in promoting corruption in Nigeria either as being a receiving territory for proceeds of corruption or a tourist destination for persons that have been indicted on corruption charges.


8. The report is proving to be a decoy to reignite the issue of lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and intersex (LGBTI) rights in pursuit of coercing Nigeria to repeal the Same Sex Marriage (Prohibition) Act 2014. The other areas in which Nigeria has made progress are being ignored to focus on an issue that the country legislated on based on democratic processes.


9. It also undermined the progress Nigeria has made in its democratic journey by presenting elections in the country as being flawed. It was apparent that this is being done by the US in its bid to empower the opposition as a fallback option for when it is interested in implementing forceful regime change in the country.


RECOMMENDATIONS – On the strength of the lies and disinformation contained in the Country Reports on Human Rights Practices for 2018 as published by the State Department’s Bureau of Democracy, Human Rights and Labour of the United States, Arise Nigeria recommends as follow:


1. The Federal Government must reject the fabrications contained in the report and make its stance know to the United States.


2. Efforts must be made to reassure commanders and personnel of the Armed Forces of the Federal Republic of Nigeria that their efforts and sacrifices in fighting terrorism are appreciated by government and citizens alike and that they must not be dissuaded by the neocon lies of the US.


3. Nigerians must remind the United States that the Same Sex Marriage (Prohibition) Act 2014 was the product of a National Assembly that was democratically elected such that blackmailing the military and security forces of the country to have the law repealed will be counterproductive.


CONCLUSION -- The United Kingdom Chapter of Arise Nigeria concluded the meeting by setting up a committee to interface with the Nigerian government in crafting continue responses to the disparaging submission about Nigeria in Country Reports on Human Rights Practices for 2018.

By Richard Murphy

Who else is an expert in Nigeria and Nigerian affairs if not former United States (U.S.) Ambassador to Nigeria, John Campbell? He also happens to be the go-to person for those that are desirous of setting the country ablaze. After all, Campbell happens to have the credibility as a onetime diplomat in Nigeria and is equally an American. As we have been told in a not too long-ago ignoble past, “America will know” if something is going wrong.


Consistent with the agenda and policy of the United States, Campbell saw an opening to further the destabilization component of this agenda in the recently concluded General Elections. He used election post-mortem for the Council on Foreign Relations in Washington DC to further demonstrate the animosity he harbors towards Nigerians.


In an irresponsible act that the US will not accept from anyone, he constituted himself into the approving authority with jurisdiction for validating Nigeria’s elections as credible and acceptable or otherwise. His verdict was that the 2019 General Elections were bad news for democracy in Nigeria. What is bad news, in reality, is that any right-thinking person can for a moment believe that Campbell is capable of being truthful, even to himself.


It sad that some people, driven by sentiments, especially the opposition, are cheering Campbell on without realizing that his assessment of the election was not driven by any genuine love of Nigeria but is a racist reaction on the part of man who perpetually thinks that by virtue of his white skin he is superior to Africans with their dark skin. His intervention was driven by a perverted belief that the west or the US must continue to sit in judgment over African, Middle Eastern and Asian countries because they are incapable of managing their own affairs.


Yet, Campbell is from the United States, which events of recent years have proven to be no better than other countries over, which its minions like the former US ambassador to Nigeria seek to subjugate for its geo-strategic interests. First, this is a country whose elections are also imperfect to an extent that it has itself confirmed that Russia was able to rig the election for its incumbent President, Donald Trump. Also, the Russian intervention in the US election still rankles for the Americans, who have continued to lament the sense of desecration they felt so why does Campbell think it is alright to meddle in Nigeria’s affairs. Lastly, the imperfection in the US election with the Russian rigging of Trump into power remains a sore point for Americans so where is Campbell’s moral right to questions elections that were held within the Nigerian reality?


The true scale of the frustration that propelled the former US ambassador to write his misleading submission is better understood against the background of the failure of the intelligence he provided to his country. It is understood that he misled his country into supporting the candidacy of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP)’s Atiku Abubakar. This shift from Atiku being a fugitive to him being an aide to visiting VIP was in part based on Campbell’s recommendations that his country should not be antagonistic of the “incoming president”. A footnote here is that Campbell will never accept anyone linked with the Congressman Jefferson bribe-for-influence scandal to be a councilor in his own country.


Campbell’s disdain and disrespect for Nigeria runs deep for him to pre-empt the judiciary. In his country, declaring that the candidate challenging the outcome of the election in court would not win his suit is would be considered sub judice, something for which he could be held in contempt and possibly spend time in jail. But knowing that he is beyond the reach of Nigeria’s jurisdiction, he cowardly made partial comments on a matter before the court in Nigeria, and in a manner likely to fuel violent reactions at that.


If Campbell were taken seriously then the US is guilty of the same offence as Nigeria by electing a 72-year-old Donald Trump in response to Nigeria’s 76-year-old President Buhari. Yet, this charlatan was pontificating about how “there would be no generational leadership change” because his permutation failed spectacularly.


The direction that Campbell and his clients will pursue next is already clearly indicated. They will intensify whatever it is they have been doing to destabilize Nigeria. The code for this was embedded in his analysis when he wrote “Nigerians have begun to question whether democracy is right for their country”. This is Campbell setting the stage for the violent street protests, replica of Arab Spring, to overthrow a duly elected government.


Fortunately, a lot has changed since 2007 when Campbell completed his assignment as an ambassador in Nigeria. He might have succeeded in the past with deceiving his clients about having contacts and leverage in Nigeria. His flawed recommendation that made his country bank on Atiku is enough proof that he has lost touch with the reality on ground here in Nigeria. His resort to hinting at non-democratic change in government or claiming that Nigerians are doubting their democracy is another faux that will further diminish his value as a diplomat as he will emerge as an analyst whose work is not reliable.


In conclusion, Nigerians that are setting stock in the mediocrity that Campbell presented as an objective analysis must enlighten themselves to reality. Even if Campbell were still the US ambassador to Nigeria his words are not law; incumbent Ambassador W. Stuart Symington, who was on the field and meddled endlessly realized the futility of interfering in Nigeria’s affairs so a former office holder will be even less successful. Campbell is past tense.

Murphy contributed this piece from Calabar, Nigeria.

By Chris Ugwuja, Enugu

The university community in Nsukka Local Government Area of Enugu State has been thrown into mourning following the tragic death of an undergraduate student of the University of Nigeria, Nsukka (UNN) after a motorcycle accident.


The victim who was identified as Mrs Helen Chiemerie Asogwa was involved in an accident at 'Nkpo' axis of Obollo-Road, Nsukka at about 5:30p.m. on Thursday.


Late Mrs Asogwa, who hails from Ibagwa-Ani in Nsukka West local council development area of the state, was said to have met her early death while returning from the university where she studied as an undergraduate.



According to eyewitness accounts, late Mrs Helen Chiemerie Asogwa was riding on her motorcycle when another rider coming from the opposite direction, from 'Ugwu' Sister to 'Nkpo', had a head-on-collision with hers, leading to a fatal fall.


She was said to have fallen under a stationary water tanker truck, while the other rider and his passenger fell to the opposite side but were quick to rise and zoomed off with their motorcycle.


The victim, who was said to have fainted after the incident was still under the truck when the driver, oblivious of the unconscious lady under his tyres, moved the truck and crushed the head of the lady who was returning from UNN to 'Ugwu' Sister where she lived with her Mother.


Another eyewitness told The Street Reporters Newspaper that the lady who remained motionless under the vehicle tyres was eventually killed by the driver of the truck, who was simply identified as one Mr. Aluu, an Igalla by tribe.


When the onlookers were able to get the attention of the driver who was driving towards the 'Ugwu' Sister, Mr. Aluu and his conductor, on realizing what has happened, abandoned their truck and ran away, probably for fear of their lives.


Our correspondent gathered, the eyewitnesses immediately contacted the Police.


The Divisional Police Officer, Nsukka Local Government Area, CSP Gbadamasi Musa, who raced the scene in company of his men, ordered the immediate evacuation the corpse to Michael Obayi Memorial Hospital Mortuary in Nsukka, while the vehicle was moved to the Police station.


Sources told The Street Reporters Newspaper that late Mrs Asogwa, aged about 28, was married and had a little baby girl.


The Mother of the victim, Mrs Chiebonam hails from Ngboko, Obukpa ares of Nsukka. She is said to be running a prayer house at 'Ugwu' Sister, Ihuama, Obige in Obukpa.

Source: http://www.streetreporters.ng/unn-undergraduate-dies-in-obollo-road-tragic-accident/

Baring the intervention of the security agents in kano state, former Governor of the state, Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso have concluded plans to to use hunters to unleash mayhem in the coming Governorship re-run in the state.


A competent source close to the Senator who preferred anonymity told our reporter that, Kwankwaso plan to use the hunters to “protect” PDP votes, because he doesn’t have confidence on the security agents.


“I can confirm, that Senator Rabi'u Musa Kwankwaso have mobilized thousands of “yan tauri “ (hunters) who have been paid upfront to cause mayhem during the rerun election.


“The thugs were drafted within and outside Kano state in the guise of providing security for leaders of the PDP at all election rerun areas.


"Kwankwaso's reason for deploying such massive number of hunters is to subdue security operatives and unleash terror and mayhem on APC supporters. The source reveled.


Kwankwaso had granted local radio interview recently calling on his supporters to all participate in the re-run as party agents and security agents, noting that coming out in their large numbers to provide security is the only sure way of protecting their votes.

The Middle Belt Conscience Guard has recommended the spokesman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) Presidential Campaign Organisation, Buba Galadima, for urgent medical attention.

According to the group, Galadima’s latest statements on the state of the nation call for urgent attention before it gets out of hand.

MBCG said the recent claim by Galadima that Operation Python Dance was launched “effectively to intimidate voters, to harass voters, to kill voters and write results for the APC” was totally false.

The group in a statement signed by its National President, Prince Raymond Enero, warned the PDP candidate in the last presidential, Atiku Abubakar to stop taking advantage of the old man.

The statement reads below.

The Middle Belt Conscience Guard has been following recent interventions by disappointed elder politician, Buba Galadima and has come the inevitable conclusion that the time has come for the loved ones of the old man to commit him for professional specialized care if only to save him from continuing to embarrass himself. We are also worried he is embarrassing his age and geo-political zone.

Our position is a difficult one that was adopted only after Galadima made a disgraceful accusation on a national television network to the effect that the military's nationwide Operation Python Dance was held to rig the recently held general elections.

Galadima claimed that Operation Python Dance was launched “effectively to intimidate voters, to harass voters, to kill voters and write results for the APC.”

The fact that Galadima bluffed about substantiating this fallacy before a law court has not done anything to relocate his claims from the realm of hallucinations into reality. Much as we sympathize with him, having been traumatized by supporting the defeated candidate of the PDP, we believe the logical thing would have been for him to reassess his situation and come to the realization that fraternizing with known treasury looters is not a desirable habit in one’s twilight.

It is most pathetic that the only strands of believability left for Galadima derive from his friendship with President Muhammadu Buhari, who he is now demonizing for a mess of pottage. Interestingly, Galadima's family continues to enjoy President Buhari's statesmanship as they occupy positions that their father grudges other Nigerians for aspiring to.

Even with these errant behaviors, our concern is for the well-being of this old man given the troubling signals emanating from him. Prior to the election, he declared that he remained a member of the ruling APC, which implied that he was either scamming the PDP candidate, Atiku Abubakar, or he was genuinely muddled up and unable to understand his affiliations.

Another indication that he may be mentally and emotionally traumatized was when he attempted treason by making a video in which he claimed election win on behalf of Atiku before he was invited to explain why he was usurping the Constitutional role of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC). The manner in which the PDP abandoned him to his fate after 18 hours should have been enough to stimulate him to the reality of his situation.

We assume that Galadima still has the luxury of lucid moments hence we advise him to desist from making claims that totally erase all doubts as to his mental state. This advice is in his own best interest because we envisage he might eventually make utterances or engage in acts for which diminished mental capacity will not suffice as defence.

Galadima should also note that Nigerians were happy and remain happy with the launch and performance of Operation Python Dance all over the country because they were confident the military would reduce the spreading criminality that had gone beyond the capacity of the police. It is interesting that it was later discovered that most of the terrorist acts and criminality that necessitated the operation were sponsored by Galadima’s newfound associates.

Had Operation Python Dance not held, the PDP had concluded plans, at its Dubai strategy meeting, to cause widespread bloodbath that would prevent the General Elections from holding. Even if Galadima is depressed because this plan has been thwarted it does not justify lying on the scale he did except of course he wants to claim he was too overwhelmed to understand the import of what he was saying in the television studio.

We, therefore, urge Galadima to voluntarily commit himself to care failing which his family members should urgently do something before his situation degenerates further. They should notify media houses to confirm with the family before putting on life television or publishing his comments.

Meanwhile, we urge the PDP and Atiku to stop exploiting the situation of Galadima by sending him on errands that he would not have run had he not been emotionally traumatized. To continue using him on disgraceful errands like this is the basest form of exploitation of a vulnerable person and it is condemnable in every sense.

Former American Ambassador to Nigeria, Mr. John Campbell’s obsession with the destruction or destabilization of Nigeria is renowned. No one cares about his ranting anyway.

But what amuses Nigerians is that each time he explodes with his personal emotions and anger against a united Nigeria, which is waxing stronger on all indices, he vomits gibberish and commits amazing blunders.

What is more bewildering about Campbell is his refusal to deploy his supposedly deep knowledge and experience about Nigeria to positive preachments on uniting a nation or assisting it to overcome its foibles in consonance with the sacred principles of his home country, America.

Campbell has worked twice in Nigeria; first as a political counselor in the late 1980s and later, as American envoy to Nigeria from 2004 to 2007. Very few Americans parade such record of official interface with Nigeria.

Ordinarily, and barring mischief, John Campbell’s enriching knowledge of Nigeria should position him on a pedestal to even represent the country anywhere in the world as its special ambassador and speak accurate facts. But it appears he is possessed or hued from the wrong side of humanity.

Campbell dispenses himself more as a masochist and sadist, who is only delighted when nations go up in flames over unresolved problems or people suffer the agonies of conflicts. This diplomat is anti-progress.

That Campbell is loquacious is obvious. But whether he makes sense to even himself is exactly the issue. He strikes like a man whose conscience is dead completely, somewhat of a dementia. He had in the past predicted distasteful things about Nigeria, specifically, it’s disintegration. But Nigeria survived his wish of doom.

He again repeated the empty prediction, in the build-up to the 2014 general elections in Nigeria. Campbell predicted the total collapse of Nigeria. He said Nigeria will cease to exist as a nation beyond 2015. But Nigeria is in 2019 today and exudes no signs of disintegration.

And he adduced very laughable reasons. Hear him; “My view has not changed about the serious challenges Nigeria faces. I think the challenges are more pronounced than they were before the Boko Haram insurrection began in the North. Political life is also unsettled by the approach of the 2015 elections.”

Ironically and contrary to Campbell’s satanic prayers on Nigeria, the country emerged from the election stronger and more united. What’s more? Years later, Campbell’s “bad belle,” predictions were vacated by a serving American Ambassador to Nigeria, His Excellency, James Entwistle who pointedly disgraced Campbell by asserting that though Nigeria faced “big challenges”, the problems were not beyond mutual resolution.

His position was more official hence as a serving envoy, he spoke at the behest of the United States Government. So, Campbell, a prophet of doom, was shamed.

Inexplicably, Campbell has refused to free his psyche from the affairs of Nigeria. He flaunts a fake sophistry of knowledge of affairs of Nigeria more than Nigerians. He is restless that Nigeria, like every other nation has managed its explosive problems and resolved them amicably overtime and she has refused to disintegrate to the excitement of the likes of Campbell.

And consistently, the American ex-ambassador to Nigeria throws some harsh salvos at Nigeria. It’s like his favourite past time is when he hurls meaningless jibes at Nigeria. He erroneously sees Nigeria as one small banana republic in Africa which must be denigrated by his tantrums and “superior” wisdom.

Having been silent since President Muhammadu Buhari shocked him with his unique leadership style in Nigeria, a diverse and complex nation, Campbell vainly scratched his head to find something to parrot.


So, the 2019 general elections offered him a faint opportunity. Nevertheless, he grabbed it with enthusiasm to replenish his image as the “bad news from America.”

In his recent post-mortem on Nigeria’s 2019 general elections to the American Council on Foreign Relations in Washington DC, Campbell mouthed that the election was bad news for democracy in Nigeria.

He discredited the polls, which again contradicted the verdict of international election observers who monitored it. Campbell was nowhere in Nigeria when the elections held.

He even convicted the judiciary in public court as unlikely to dispense justice to electoral litigants. He constituted himself into a mono-advisory body and advised the Federal Government of Nigeria (FGN) to review the conduct of the elections and make amends where possible.

Media reports quoted him as saying, “The poor quality of this election cycle and the low and declining number of voters do not inspire confidence, and some Nigerians have begun to question whether democracy is right for their country.”

For those who are familiar with Campbell this is not strange. He has vowed; his only mission on earth now is to discredit everything Nigerian.

What is new with his latest outbursts is the discovery of his capacity to twist obvious and indisputable facts. Campbell lied that President Buhari spent much of his first term abroad for medical treatment and hardly campaigned for his reelection. But in the last two years Buhari has been in Nigeria steadily.

That an American diplomat could condescend so low as to peddle such cheap lies is a big smear on the American image. It is shocking and embarrassing to his personality and his country.

But what is Campbell’s special interest in Nigeria’s 2019 general elections? Is he angered that America could not penetrate Nigeria to plant a surrogate leader? Granted that the Nigerian elections were rigged, as he wishes, is Campbell experiencing rigged elections for the first time in Nigeria alone? Are elections not rigged in America?

An American analyst recounted America’s experience about rigged elections in these words; “Since the 2000 election, which ended in a legal battle that stopped recounts of ballots in Florida, paranoia about the nation’s election system has mushroomed.

According to a Pew Research Center survey, just 48 percent of Americans were confident that “the votes across the country were accurately counted” in the 2004 election. After 2012, an election with a wider popular vote margin, that percentage fell to 31 percent. Among Republicans, it was 21 percent.”

During his electioneering campaigns, President Donald Trump bitterly complained about this possibility in the 2016 American presidential elections in which he was a candidate.

At a rally in Green Bay, Wisconsin, Trump was insistent that 2016 presidential election is ‘rigged’ and he accused the media of colluding with Hillary Clinton’s campaign organization by refusing to report that Americans who died 10 years ago are casting votes.

At another instance, Trump tweeted that “large scale voter fraud” is endemic and that “naive” Republican leaders needed to recognize it.” In all the instances, we never heard the voice of Campbell nor did he reel out the unsolicited recommendations he has hurled at Nigeria. Campbell should desist from fouling the air about Nigeria.

Campbell should not delude himself that he is in a position to certify or endorse Nigeria’s general election before the world recognizes that Nigeria’s democracy has stabilized and it is unshakable.


Like the international election observer missions in Nigeria have pointed out rightly, the 2019 general elections are freer, fairer and more credible than preceding ballots in the country.

The elections were conducted for Nigerians and the people have widely acknowledged the innovations and improvements in the elections. Nigeria for once deserve kudos.

It is an election devoid of executive interferences, manipulation of the electoral umpire, near zero incidents of electoral violence and the face of victories cut across candidates of different political parties.

Campbell can jump into the Lagoon, but Nigeria is not dazzled by his malicious outbursts about the 2019 general elections. He has an incurable hatred on anything Nigerian and no one is prepared to placate him.

Onmeje is Managing Director, TheNigerian News Group and wrote from London.

As confusion continues to trail to trail the outcome of just-concluded elections in Rivers State, the Niger Delta Volunteer Congress has accused the state governor, Nyesom Wike of conspiring with the Independent National Electoral Commission to hold the state to ransom.

The equally hailed the Nigerian Military for its role during the election and for restraints it showed in the face of grievous provocations in the oil rich state.

According to the group, the Nigerian Military stood on the side of deepening democracy in the country by deploying its men for election duty as duly directed by the Commander-in-Chief if the Armed Forces of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, President Muhammadu Buhari.


NDVC rising from an emergency meeting on Wednesday March 20, to review the tense situation that is prevailing over the conduct of Governorship and State House of Assembly Election in the Niger-Delta region faulted the failure of INEC to hold its staff to account after it emerged that many of them, including those in senior positions were compromised and were working for specific candidates and political parties in violation of the neutrality expected of them.


A communiqué jointly signed at the end of the emergency meeting by James Goodluck, President and King- James Egule, Secretary General, called on the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) to investigate the INEC staff that took part in the elections in Rivers State, policemen, military personnel and all other actors with a view to identifying the compromised ones among them and to diligently prosecute anyone indicted.

The communiqué reads.

The meeting particularly noted the impasse in Rivers State, where confusion continues to trail the outcome of the elections, such that the prospect of violence remains high. It is obvious that subsequent actions taken by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) will have implications for the peace and security outlook of not just Rivers State but the entire Niger-Delta region.

The meeting acknowledged the stabilizing role played by the Nigerian Military during the elections as the deployment of troops was crucial to the fewer incidents of violence that were recorded during the exercise relative to the heightened sense of imminent region-wide violence that had been anticipated.

Attendees however expressed concerns that the deployment of the military was exploited for evil by leading politicians in the region, particularly in Rivers State where thugs and hoodlums in military uniforms impersonated soldiers to cause mayhem at collation centres and other venues of electoral activities. The attendees expressed disappointment that INEC did not properly review the situation before concluding that those that disrupted collation centres and attacked its staff were military simply because of the uniform.

It was noted that the development in Rivers State, owing to its sensitive and volatile nature requires increased security and military presence to deter the violent thugs that are bent on sabotaging the electoral process to favour those that recruited them for such purposes. INEC’s misrepresentation of the vital role played by the military could however jeopardize its ability and that of other security agencies to provide protection to Nigerians during the remaining exercise.

The meeting was of the view that INEC must, within the limitations imposed by ongoing litigations and court pronouncements, immediately conclude the election in River State, and any other place with outstanding elections in the Niger Delta, in order to ease the tension that its poor handling of the process has created.

Niger Delta Volunteer Congress faulted the failure of INEC to hold its staff to account after it emerged that many of them, including those in senior positions were compromised and were working for specific candidates and political parties in violation of the neutrality expected of them.

Attendees observed that the people of the Niger-Delta region owe it a duty to themselves to remain law abiding, eschew violence, and alert law enforcement agencies to any breach as well as provide information that will assist in tracking down perpetrators of violence and those impersonating the military.

Following extensive deliberations and inputs from those in attendance, the meeting recommended that:
The Nigerian Military should be commended for standing on the side of deepening democracy in the country by deploying for election duty as duly directed by the Commander-in-Chief if the Armed Forces of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, President Muhammadu Buhari.

The Nigerian Military should be commended for its remarkable handling of the election coverage in states of the Niger-Delta while also being commended for the restraints it showed in the face of grievous provocations in Rivers State.

The Federal Government should order a detailed investigation to identify those that were responsible for mobilizing thugs to impersonate the Nigerian Military with a view to prosecuting anyone indicted as deterrence against the repeat of such dangerous act.
The Federal Government should direct INEC to apologize to the military for wrongly indicting it for the crime committed by hired political thugs in fake military uniform.

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) should investigate the INEC Staff that took part in the elections in Rivers State, policemen, military personnel and all other actors with a view to identifying the compromised ones among them and to diligently prosecute anyone indicted.

INEC must immediately act in accordance with its own guidelines and extant legislation to bring closure to the situation it has created in Rivers State.

The meeting ended with an agreement to give wide publicity to the recommendations made while appealing to the people of Niger-Delta to remain law abiding.

Former Governor of Adamawa State, Boni Haruna has hailed the effort of the Nigerian Army as well other security agencies over their prompt and gallant response to Boko Haram attacks in his community, Michika in Adamawa State.Members of the Boko Haram insurgents on Monday attacked Michika town, the headquarters of Michika Local Government Area of Adamawa State barely few days to the supplementary election, but the Nigerian Army in a gallant response quelled the uprising by neutralizing the terrorists who came in their numbersMr Haruna in a statement signed personally by him said; “It is quite worrisome for Michika to once again experience such attack when the people had almost settled to rebuild their lives after the 2014 invasion during which the area and indeed the entire Northern part of the state was overran by the insurgents.“I take this opportunity to condole with the people, particularly the families of those who lost their beloved ones most of whom were hit by stray bullets in the course of running for their dear lives. I pray for the quick recovery of the injured ones and for the restoration of the losses that have been incurred.“In the midst of this tragic event and the pains and agonies that come with it, I urge all our people to remain calm and steadfast. This sad moment shall also pass as we look into the future with hope and determination.” he added.Full StatementI wish to most profoundly commend the Nigerian army and other security agencies for the their prompt and gallant response to the attack in Michika, my community yesterday by suspected Boko Haram insurgents.It would be recalled that Michika came under intense attack yesterday night 18th, March, 2019 which lasted for hours during which the Nigerian army gallantly and professionally engaged the insurgents in a deadly gun battle, for which we are most grateful.It is quite worrisome for Michika to once again experience such attack when the people had almost settled to rebuild their lives after the 2014 invasion during which the area and indeed the entire Northern part of the state was overran by the insurgents.I take this opportunity to condole with the people, particularly the families of those who lost their beloved ones most of whom were hit by stray bullets in the course of running for their dear lives. I pray for the quick recovery of the injured ones and for the restoration of the losses that have been incurred.In the midst of this tragic event and the pains and agonies that come with it, I urge all our people to remain calm and steadfast. This sad moment shall also pass as we look into the future with hope and determination.In keeping with the spirit of steadfastness, we must not lose sight of our civic duties and responsibilities as we keep a date with the March 23rd, 2019 forthcoming supplementary election in 4 or 6 Polling Units in Michika and other 13 Local Government Areas across the state.We must be part of making history towards ushering in a purposeful and focused leadership that will fast track the full return to nomalcy of life for our people through the rebuilding of our destroyed houses, schools and infrastructure. It is doable. Yes! it is with the correct leadership.SignedBoni HarunaMichika is one of the populated towns in the state where some wards in the community were declared inconclusive during the March 9 the gubernatorial election and marked for a re-run on Saturday 23rd March 2019.

A coalition has raised alarm over an alleged plot by Governor Nyesom Wike of Rivers State to overthrow the government of President Muhammadu Buhari.

It would be recalled that after Governor Wike's failed attempts to compromise the military, he resorted to arming thugs and even bribing some foreign observers to propagate propaganda and fake news about the general elections and Nigerian Army.

This latest plot by the embattled governor, who appears to be running short of schemes, was again uncovered by the Coalition for Good Governance and Change Initiative in an emergency press conference on Thursday in Abuja.

According to the National Coordinator, Comrade Okpokwu Ogenyi, an utterly frustrated and desperate Wike has strategised with foreign-trained mercenaries to shut down Abuja, stretching to other parts of Nigeria - in the guise protests.

The statement further revealed that this violent exercise would be portrayed as a backlash against the outcome of the election in Rivers.

However, the group advised Mr Wike to be brave and accept rejection by his own people rather than embark on a self-destructive mission.

"What we uncovered is a plan by the Rivers state governor, Mr Nyesom Wike to overwhelm and shut down Abuja with violent protests. The protestors would reportedly claim their actions are in response to the outcome of the election in Rivers state. The protests in Abuja will be used as a cover to infiltrate the nation’s capital with militants, some of who have trained as terrorists abroad.

“ The intention is for these militants to blend with the population in Abuja and start planting bombs and attacking residents in terror attacks. There are a series of threats from the online units of these militants that prove this aspect of the plan. Should the Abuja leg of the protest succeed, other cities will become victims of the violence, bombings, arson and looting that are the agreed modus operandi of the protests, which is meant to anger other citizens and provoke law enforcement agencies to deploy corresponding force in restoring normalcy.

“ This will then be flagged as repressive by Wike’s foreign partners. This campaign of calumny, planned by Wike, would be branded and promoted as popular protests against President Muhammadu Buhari and the Nigerian Armed Forces. Wike’s Adviser on Media, Simeon Nwakudu has been mobilized with an estimated N200 Million to execute this evil plot. Nwakudu has been in touch with point person for election losers across the country. He has instructed them to be on standby to mobilize protests against their losses, even when the candidates that did not win are well aware that they lost for other reasons.

“ These disgruntled elements have also procured the services of foreign news channels that will report their paid protests as representative of the aggregate view of Nigerians and thereby undermine the credibility of the elections and the legitimacy of those declared winners. These paid protestors will be accusing President Muhammadu Buhari of deploying the military to intimidate voters during the elections.

“ What Wike, Nwakudu and their co-travellers are trying to divert attention from is the treasonable crimes of the Rivers State governor, who created and used a fake military against the people of his own state. Had he stopped at just sewing fake Army and Nigerian Air Force uniforms for the militants he assembled to impersonate the military his crime would have been considered minor, but he went to the dangerous extent of putting weapons in their hands.

“ The resort to arming and sewing military uniform for hoodlums was after he failed to bribe military officers to disobey lawful orders. The information we have is that Wike would have paid foreign currency to any military officer that proves unprofessional for the purpose of overthrowing the federal government. His inability to bribe soldiers to manipulate the elections for him, failure to rig the same election with fake military and the refusal of conscientious officers to overthrow the government for him has now made him to consider using a rabble of protesters to achieve the same purpose.

"Apparently because of the indifference with which his acts of treason have been treated, Wike has now taken his attack on the Nigerian state further by trying to overthrow a legitimately elected government using the so called “Venezuelan Option” by flooding the streets with violent protests. The objective of mobilizing people into the streets in this instance is not to express grievances but to shut the country down, induce security and military personnel to join their rebellion and get endorsement from greedy foreign countries.

“ We challenge Wike to be bold enough and come out into the open to challenge President Buhari since he is not brave enough to state his intentions. He should stop beating around the bush. We further challenge him to be man enough to face and accept his rejection by the people of Rivers State. If he were as popular among the people of his state as he claims they he should have garnered votes that give him outright win at the polls with the kind of percentage difference President Buhari won over his closest rival.”

The Coalition for Change and Transparency (CCT) has accused Governor Nyesom Wike of Rivers State of sponsoring propaganda and fake news against the Nigerian Army during the just concluded Governorship and State Assembly elections.

In a bid to undermine the military's exceptional and harmless conduct at the polls, Mr Wike and his wailing cohorts in the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) resorted to cheap blackmails, going as far as bribing the UK Consulate to the tune of $1 million.

In a press conference in Abuja, Monday, CCT's President Danesi Momoh revealed that the embattled governor's latest plot isn't particularly strange, especially after his failed attempt to induce military personnel to rig the elections in favour of the PDP.

The Coalition, therefore, concluded that the motive of Mr Wike was purely to manipulate the outcome of the elections and when that wasn't possible, he resorted to propaganda.

"During the state elections, fake news was deployed as a propaganda weapon against the military by those who felt they were unable to rig or manipulate the elections because of the critical role the military was playing. Interestingly, such fake news was targeted at areas where the military had successfully prevented violence from spiraling out of control.
Considering that fake news is now recognized globally as a weapon, and knowing the damages that could result from its deployment, the Coalition for Change and Transparency (CCT) reviewed instances of the use of fake news against the Nigerian Military with a view to identifying those that deployed it, those that exploited it, those that benefit from it and possibly understand the intents of those in the fake news chain.

"We have identified that cyber operatives of the opposition, notably the People’s Democratic Party (PDP), are behind the production, distribution and promotion of misleading content using new media and social media as vehicles of delivery. In some instances, such contents get into the mainstream media, whose credibility and traditional status and believability are exploited to confer credibility on the lies being told by the propagandists. It is most unfortunate that even these cyber operatives and the opposition are being used in the fake news chain as the real culprit are foreign operatives that exploit such content. A specific culprit is the United Kingdom, which based its assessment of the election on fake news about the military beating staff of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), effectively exploiting the fake news that it had trained the cyber operatives of the opposition to produce.

"The Coalition for Change and Transparency (CCT) therefore condemns in the strongest terms possible the United Kingdom’s unwarranted deployment of fake news to cause disaffection among Nigerians and against the Nigerian military. We see it as a deliberate and calculated attempt to cause violence against the military such that the situation will quickly degenerate to a point where violent anti-military protests will bring down the government and cause constitutional crisis for the country.

CCT hereby by asks the United Kingdom High Commission in Nigeria to retract the offensive tweet and apologize for willfully attempting to incite violence in Nigeria through the promotion of fake news. We in the same vein demand that @UKinnigeria including the UK High Commission in Nigeria cease further comments about the election in Nigeria or be faced with deterrent actions from citizens. Nigeria does not interfere in UK elections so there is no justification for the attempts by the United Kingdom to manipulate the conduct and the outcome of the elections in Nigeria."

The CCT, however, urged the Federal Government to " explore all available diplomatic channels and options to drive home the message to the United Kingdom that the British Empire expired long ago and Nigeria is not the place to revive the antiquated concept. The Federal Government owes it a duty to Nigerians, who were unnecessarily terrorized by the fake news, to ensure that the consular staff that were behind the offensive tweet are recalled by their country. This will also show that Nigeria will not tolerate undue interference by foreigners in the country’s affairs.
In the light of the fact-checking conducted by TheCable, the Nigerian Military should assemble fact, present same to the UK High Commission in Nigeria, and demand an apology and deletion of the lie from the timeline of @UKinnigeria."

Source: http://www.streetreporters.ng/coalition-accuses-wike-of-paying-uk-consulate-officers-1m-to-lie-against-military/

There will be abundance, surplus and serenity across Nigeria in President Muhammadu Buhari's second-term, according to 100 Inter-faith Clerics.

These 100 clerics had earlier predicted Buhari’s re-election at the February 23 polls after holding a 40-day prayer and fast last year.

As forecasted, the incumbent emerged victorious, defeating Atiku Abubakar of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).

In its usual trend of accurate and unbiased prophecies, the religious leaders have predicted enormous gains in the next four years.

The 100 clerics who are members of the National Inter- Faith and Religious Organizations for Peace made the declaration at the grand-finale of the 3- Days Thanksgiving and Salat Al- Shukur held in Abuja.

Speaking on behalf of the Islamic clerics, Sheik Ibrahim Bulama expressed that the co-inhibition of both religions is a testament of president Buhari’s impeccable personality.

“ We prayed and fasted for 40 days seeking the face of God for divine direction for Nigeria in our quest for greatness. We identified with President Muhammadu Buhari with a firm conviction that he would take Nigeria to the promised land. We also backed up our belief with prayers and supplements to Allah the most merciful and beneficent.

“ And he heard our prayers and supplication by granting unto us our heart desires by the resounding victory recorded by President Muhammadu Buhari at the elections. Consequently, I say we have all done nobly.

“ I want you all gathered her that there would indeed be a reward for the sacrifices in making supplications on behalf of President Muhammadu Buhari for his success at the polls.

“ In our actions, we have exhibited a resolve that Nigeria under Muhammadu Buhari is on the path to glory. In our prayer sessions, Allah indeed made us understand the uniqueness of the personality of Muhammadu Buhari in terms of his uprightness and sincerity of heart and purpose.

“ We have so far exhibited that resolve to identify with an upright man whose integrity is unquestionable. Those who submit themselves completely to Allah and do good have grasped the Firmest Handhold. The result of all affairs is with Allah. (Surah Luqman: 22)

“ Muhammadu Buhari has submitted himself entirely to Allah, and this much has been exhibited in his words and actions since 2015. We are grateful to Allah for the rare gift of President Muhammadu Buhari to Nigeria in whom we are pleased.

“ My brethren, the uniqueness of this occasion is the fact that we have displayed a love towards one God and one nation in the interest of peace and tranquillity. And the anointing on President Muhammadu Buhari has reinforced our belief that we are on the right track on the journey towards greatness in this country.

Speaking on behalf of the Christian clerics, Arch Bishop (Dr) Julius Ediwe, added that anyone opposed to the president is challenging God's authority.

This is because Mr Buhari is the anointed choice for Nigeria as revealed during the 40-day prayer and fast.

The cleric, Provost of the South-South College of Bishops, was particularly critical of some naysayers in disguise as prophets who forecasted defeat for the incumbent.

“ Brothers and Sisters, let me make it clear here about statements coming from some supposed men of God describing the elections as rigged and not in the interest of the people. I am taken aback with such a statement, and in my capacity as the Provost of the South-South College of Bishops, I abhor such statement because God is not a man that he should lie,” he stated.

“ When it was revealed during the 40 days’ prayers and fasting that President Muhammadu Buhari would win the elections, where were they? Or are they insinuating that they have a monopoly of the Kingdom heritage?

“ My brothers and sisters, I stand before you as a servant of God to say that God is indeed on the throne and for those that think otherwise should have a rethink. I say this with all authority that President Muhammadu Buhari was indeed Gods choice for Nigeria because I prayed and heard him clearly when he stated that Buhari is the chosen one to take Nigeria to greatness.

“ I want to assume here today that one of the reasons for the display of anger because President Muhammadu Buhari won the elections might be as a result of the victory rally that was aired on the television stations across the country.

Both groups, however, enjoined other Nigerians to pray and support the president to lead the country to greatness.

The South-South Coalition for Credible Leadership has described as a welcome the deployment of military troops to the region ahead of the Saturday’s governorship and house of assembly elections.

The coalition said the action would further boost the confidence of electorate during the polls.

Briefing newsmen on Thursday, Success Timothy, the Coordinator General of the group, said the deployment is necessary following the success of the troops in some south-southern states during the national assembly and presidential election on February 23.


According to him, the presence of troops during the elections proved to be the right decision in view of the fact that acts of politically motivated violence were limited to a few instances.

Success said the he pockets of violence witnessed in some parts of Delta, Rivers, Bayelsa, Akwa Ibom and Cross Rivers state would have been more widespread but for the presence of troops.

According to him, “Interestingly, the Niger-Delta, where political leaders clamored most against military presence for the election, recorded more of the instances of violence and ballot snatching during the exercise. It is logical that soldiers should be withdrawn from areas that were largely peaceful during the polls of two weeks ago to allow for the deployment of higher number of troops to the places that recorded violence.

“Meanwhile, we observed that the personnel of the Nigerian Army were able to maintain peace and prevent political brigandage while adhering to acceptable rules of engagement. They fear of abuse and intimidation of the civilian population, which opponents of military deployment had used to back up their argument, turned out to unjustified as law abiding citizens had nothing to be apprehensive about. Only attackers that had intended to deprive other people of their right to life were gunned down in exchange of gunfire with troops in Rivers state.
“
The South- South Coalition for Credible Leadership therefore passes a vote of confidence on the Nigerian Army and its personnel. They have the capacity to support security operations in the regions towards ensuring that elections hold without citizens being afraid for their lives or worrying that their votes will not count because ballot box snatchers. Their presence in the entire Niger-Delta region will ensure that there is no breakdown of law and order by any group of persons.

“We passed this vote of confidence cognizant of the campaign of calumny being waged against the deployment of the military for the elections. It does not take long to decipher the intent of those opposed to troops being in the Niger-Delta during this period. These people comprise of opposition political parties that lost in the presidential and National Assembly elections because they were unable to use thugs to snatch and stuff ballot boxes just as they were unable to intimidate voters.

“The other sets of people opposed to seeing troops in the Niger-Delta are the militants and sabotage economic infrastructure in the region as well as those that have their sight set on kidnap for ransom. These are backed up by separatist elements, including those that belong to groups that the courts have outlawed. They are apparently scared that the presence of the military in the area will yield credible intelligence that can be used to dismantle their non-election related criminality.

“It is most unfortunate that the criminal intentions of the aforementioned groups are being hidden behind the façade of ‘the opposition’ and for marshalling weak arguments against the deployment of troops to secure the country during the elections. The fake news they are peddling is that the Army is the region to favour particular candidates. This must rank among the greatest lies told so far in 2019.

“We note the charge by the Chief if Army Staff (COAS), Lt. General Tukur Buratai, to troops and commanders to do better during their deployment for Saturday’s election. Such decisive and responsive leadership has contributed to the sterling performance that the Nigerian Army displayed during the previous elections. His acknowledgement of the few instances of violence and a commitment to correct these errors is laudable for this gives the assurance that there will be improved voters’ turn out once the electorate are reassured that they are safe.”

President Muhammadu Buhari's victory at the presidential election is divine, hence those opposed to it are challenging “God's authority” according to foremost Christian preacher Arch Bishop (Dr) Julius Ediwe.

Dr Julius spoke at the second day of the ongoing Inter-Faith Clerics for the celebration of President Buhari’s victory held at the Unity Fountain, Abuja.

Despite massive propaganda by the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and its candidate Atiku Abubakar, Mr Buhari of the All Progressive Congress (APC) was re-elected in fascinating fashion.

Bishop Ediwe isn't surprised by the president’s overwhelming triumph, especially after it was revealed when some Christian and Islamic clerics met in a 40-day prayer and fast prior to the polls.

The cleric, Provost of the South-South College of Bishops, was particularly critical of some naysayers in disguise as prophets who forecasted defeat for the incumbent.

He, however, urged these critics not to oppose God's choice and instead pray for the president.

“ I won’t say I am surprised at the composition of the audience here. I would instead say I am moved to tears so much that I asked myself, could this be happening in Nigeria? Could a gathering a people from different faiths praying for a common goal happen here in Nigeria?

“ God is indeed faithful to his word and his people. When it was declared here some months ago that the Lord revealed that President Muhammadu Buhari would emerge victorious at the polls, many doubted us and called us all sort of names. But we preserved.

“ I, therefore, ask today been the 2nd day of the Thanksgiving and Salat Al-Shakur service that are we not sharing in the kingdom of light? In the same vein, in Surah Al-Baqara, 153, it is stated that “O ye who believe! seek help with patient perseverance and prayer; for Allah is with those who patiently persevere.”

“ What does this tell us? It merely tells us on the oneness of God, and that was why we have been able to assemble here together and united in one voice, spirit, body and soul.

“ Brothers and Sisters, let me make it clear here about statements coming from some supposed men of God describing the elections as rigged and not in the interest of the people. I am taken aback with such a statement, and in my capacity as the Provost of the South-South College of Bishops, I abhor such statement because God is not a man that he should lie.

“ When it was revealed during the 40 days’ prayers and fasting that President Muhammadu Buhari would win the elections, where were they? Or are they insinuating that they have a monopoly of the Kingdom heritage?

“ My brothers and sisters, I stand before you as a servant of God to say that God is indeed on the throne and for those that think otherwise should have a rethink. I say this with all authority that President Muhammadu Buhari was indeed Gods choice for Nigeria because I prayed and heard him clearly when he stated that Buhari is the chosen one to take Nigeria to greatness.

“ I want to assume here today that one of the reasons for the display of anger because President Muhammadu Buhari won the elections might be as a result of the victory rally that was aired on the television stations across the country.

“ They are also angry for lack of knowledge of the Buhari phenomenon. They also need to understand that just like God singled out Job as a man of integrity, he also singled out President Muhammadu Buhari as a man of integrity. And God always identifies with the pure in spirit.

“ Is it not funny on how some men of God prophesied that President Muhammadu Buhari was going to lose the elections? December 2018, an Anglican church prophet, Udoka Okechukwu, prophesied that Atiku Abubakar of the PDP would defeat President Muhammadu Buhari in the 2019 election.

“ On February 12, 2019, few days to the presidential election, the general overseer of Evangelical Bible Outreach Ministries Int’l (EBOMI), Prophet El-Buba, said President Buhari would lose the election.

“ The presiding Bishop of Divine Seed of God Chapel Ministries, Ibadan, Prophet Wale Olagunju, in October 2019, claimed that Buhari would lose to Atiku Abubakar.

“ My brothers and sisters, we can find the answers to the false prophesies in the book of Romans 8:31, “What, then, shall we say in response to these things? If God is for us, who can be against us?

“ Let me once again thank you all for your constant prayers towards the success of President Muhammadu Buhari at the elections. And I am not sure anyone of us here regardless of our ethnicity or religion would ever doubt the oneness of God.”

The Coalition of Civil Society Groups on Human Rights and Conflict Resolution said it has unraveled a plot by the Human Rights Writers Association of Nigeria (HURIWA) to incite violence in Nigeria over the outcome of the 2019 general election.

The coalition said HURIWA was only being used by some selfish politicians to cause anarchy in the country.

The group made this revelation in a supplementary report on the February 23, 2019 presidential/national assembly elections.

Maxwell Gowon, the Executive Director of the group, who presented the report on behalf of the group, said HURIWA, was attempting to use the outcome of the poll to reopen old ethnic crises that have no bearing with the matter under


The report below:

The Coalition of Civil Society Groups on Human Rights and Conflict Resolution had in the aftermath of the February 23, 2019 Presidential and National Assembly (Senatorial/House of Representatives) Elections issued a report on the security situation during the elections. That report found that the security and military did a good job in ensuring that security situation did not significantly degenerate in spite of the threat of violence that preceded the election.

The Coalition has further reviewed the prevailing situation in the aftermath of the declaration of the results for the elections. The findings are alarming as there are indications that some candidates that lost have been inciting their supporters to cause security breaches in their respective constituencies.
Below are the findings from a Post-Result Announcement Assessment carried out by the Coalition:

Candidates that lost in the elections have been publishing audio, pictures and videos to prove that there were incidences of vote tampering, intimidation of voters, destruction of ballot and other incidents that could be interpreted as capable of undermining the integrity of the polls. However, when extrapolated for geo-tagging it was found that these incidences were not localized to a specific part of the country. Further analysis of the multimedia content showed an even spread between the APC and PDP in terms of what political is being accused of responsibility for the infractions, which implies that neither party gained any advantage above the other from engaging in these acts.

Several groups have issued statements that are aimed at undermining the credibility of the elections. These groups are affiliated with the PDP and its presidential candidate, Alhaji Atiku Abubakar. Their statement or stated position on the election results are exact replicas of PDP’s and Atiku’s statements rejecting the Presidential Election Results. This aligns with the warning earlier issued by some groups that people are being mobilized to reject and discredit the election results irrespective of the degree of transparency attained by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC)

There has been several pockets of violence in several parts of the country. Like the multimedia detailing infractions, these were also spread across geo-political zones and involved supporters across political lines.

The Human Rights Writers Association of Nigeria (HURIWA) is one of the groups that has openly identified as a recruit in the plot to use the election result to incite violence. HURIWA issued a statement with which it intended to create the impression of ethnic persecution with the election result. While it is on record that the main contenders in the presidential election are of the same ethnic stock, HURIWA, is attempting to use the outcome of the poll to reopen old ethnic crises that have no bearing with the matter under discuss.

Alhaji Atiku Abubakar of the PDP has reportedly made demands on the National Peace Committee (NPC). He is yet to deny or refute reports that he made these demands. What is worrisome about these demands is that they are underpinned by an inferred threat of violence, which his supporters are already mobilizing for. It is noteworthy that one of the demands is for the military not to have any role in the states’ elections due on March 9, which is an invitation to anarchy because the military played a critical role in discouraging intending ballot box snatchers.

The threats of violence by PDP members are getting validation from some of their foreign partners that are issuing compromised reports about the elections. Atiku and the PDP are citing these questionable reports as basis for their supporters to reject the results, which these supporters have interpreted as a call to violent protests, even though Atiku had sought to insulate himself from liability by tepidly asking them to remain calm while stoking negative emotions in them with his assertions.

The conduct of the elections might have been largely peaceful but a combined interplay of the situations we have identified present a tense outlook for security in the country especially since states’ elections are holding in a matter of days. There is credible threat of violence arising from PDP supporters who are being primed to attack others by a group like HURIWA.

It is imperative that necessary actions are taken to identify areas where party supporters are likely to attempt unleashing violence and necessary steps taken to prevent this from happening since it will compromise March 9 elections.

Politicians, especially Atiku Abubakar and his party should be prevailed upon to desist from making utterances that could be interpreted by their supporters to imply a directive for them to attack those in other political parties.
The National Peace Committee must rise up to the task of holding signatories to the peace accord accountable to maintaining the peace while also cautioning groups that may be acting as proxies to incite or carry out violence on behalf of signatories.

The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) presidential candidate in last Saturday's presidential election, Alhaji Atiku Abubakar has been urged to tow the path of ex-president Goodluck Jonathan and congratulate President Muhammadu Buhari.

This appeal was made by Two Million Women Rally for Democracy on Friday.

Mr Buhari of the All Progressive Congress (APC) was returned as president for a second-term by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).

While the incumbent has continued to receive massive commendation over a free, fair and credible polls as well congratulatory messages from both local and international communities, the opposition has resolved to contest the people's mandate.

In a statement by Convener, Mary Onuche, the Two Million Women Rally for Democracy has advised Mr Atiku to quit his on-going disruptive stance on the election.

According to the group, although the PDP candidate is within his constitutional right to seek redress, such disruptive and frightful atmosphere could lead to an a anarchy.

“Fortunately for Nigeria, our democracy, though still young, has continued to evolve in ways that reassure us that things can only get better. One such leap is the development in 2015 when the then President Goodluck Jonathan called to congratulate the then winner of the presidential election, incumbent President Buhari, even before the votes’ tally was completed. That singular act of patriotism is today hailed as the benchmark of the level of statesmanship befitting of candidates in our elections. May God bless President Goodluck Jonathan, the hero of our modern democracy.


“This has become a modern democratic culture in Nigeria for which former President Jonathan will continue to receive accolades. Had he acted contrary at that time, perhaps democratic growth in Nigeria might have been stunted or even truncated.

“But thankfully he set the benchmark, a standard that we today expect from anyone that takes part in the presidential election.

“We therefore call on Alhaji Atiku Abubakar to emulate the statesmanship of President Jonathan and quit his on-going disruptive stance on the election. There has been series of calls on him to call and congratulate President Buhari as the winner of the election, which would infer that he would by consequence give up any legal challenge of the election result. We are tempted to align with the first half of this demand that Atiku calls President Buhari to offer his congratulations but we will not suggest that he forfeits his right to seeking judicial redress. He is very free to approach the courts to ventilate his grievances.

“What is unacceptable, however, is the adoption of positions and making of utterances that are being interpreted by his supporters and party members as a call to violence. We have become aware that his supporters are strategizing for violent protests that they are targeting to cause chaos nationwide and bring down the government. Some of Atiku’s lieutenants and political associates are subtly encouraging such protests through comments they have been making in the mainstream media and their social media accounts.

“The hostile environment being created by Atiku’s stance has been made even tenser by his reported demands on President Buhari, made through the National Peace Committee. Such behaviour suggests an opposition that has transmuted into a dictatorship, one that is hell-bent on blackmailing the country to impose itself on the people when it has been clearly rejected at the polls. This is not acceptable at a time when Nigerians expect that anyone that aspired to govern the country would at the very least imbibe the spirit of sportsmanship championed by former President Jonathan.

“Our democracy comes first before the personal fixations of any politician. We insist that the peace accord signed by political parties and their candidates, including Atiku must be respected .

“ Nigeria truly deserves peace and stability at this point in time, which is why we are holding this “Two Million Woman Rally for Democracy in Nigeria” to demand for national stability and peace in Nigeria.

“While we remain apolitical, we are encouraged by the assessment of international election observation missions, which in-spite of their earlier tilt in favour of Atiku prior to the election, have come out to declare that the conduct and the outcome of the poll was satisfactory to them. We suggest that Atiku takes time to slow down and listen to his foreign allies who have now concluded that even the Parallel Vote Tabulation they used as control showed that the PDP candidate was fairly defeated."

The main opposition party in Nigeria, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has decried the partisanship of the country's security forces being engaged as agents to manipulate the outcome of the presidential election held on Saturday in the country. 

According to the PPD in a statement signed by the party’s national chairman, Uche Secondus, the party hinted that it may reject the outcome if it varies from the results announced at the polling units. 

He revealed that "in full view of the watching world, and despite efforts by our great party and its agents to adhere to every laid down provision for the 2019 general elections, the APC in collusion with INEC have taken aggressive steps, mostly through inducements, manipulation and incarcerations, using the elements of state power including the Nigeria Police Force, the Nigerian Army in particular, alongside other organizations including the Department of State Security (DSS) and Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) to silence the voices of our long suffering people; this is disheartening, considering the terms of the Peace Accord, which called for impartiality and non-partisanship by members of our security organization with constitutional roles to play during this civic exercise."

The full statement titlet "Our Democracy is Under Threat" read: 

The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) is forced to take a stand and make the following pronouncements at this crucial point because our democracy is under threat of derailment.

Firstly, I want to categorically state that our collation centers have all original results from every polling unit, in every ward, in every Local Government Area (LGA) in Nigeria, of which the international community is well aware, implying all results currently being announced by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) is incorrect thus unacceptable to our party and people.

Secondly, officials of both President Buhari’s government and the All Progressive Congress (APC), working with INEC officers, have tried to alter the course of history and disenfranchise our people through the cancellation and manipulation of figures for results already announced at polling units, nationwide, in Local Government Areas (LGAs) where our party, the PDP, had commanding votes; this must now be resisted by every well meaning Nigerian.

Thirdly, the ruling party’s strategy has indeed been murderous, undignified, and disrespectful of the wishes of the electorate, our people and the international community who have been in solidarity with our nation as we attempt to strengthen our democracy and its institutions.

Fourthly, in full view of the watching world, and despite efforts by our great party and its agents to adhere to every laid down provision for the 2019 general elections, the APC in collusion with INEC have taken aggressive steps, mostly through inducements, manipulation and incarcerations, using the elements of state power including the Nigeria Police Force, the Nigerian Army in particular, alongside other organizations including the Department of State Security (DSS) and Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) to silence the voices of our long suffering people; this is disheartening, considering the terms of the Peace Accord, which called for impartiality and non-partisanship by members of our security organization with constitutional roles to play during this civic exercise. 

Fifthly, as results trickled in on the Sunday, February 24th, 2019, clearly putting the PDP in the lead, the ruling party and President Buhari dispatched high-ranking officials to coercively influence outcomes in different geopolitical zones in the country.

For example:The minister of the interior, was dispatched to the North West of the country The Secretary of the Government of the Federation was dispatched to the North East of the country; while theThe Attorney General and Minister were dispatched to the South East and South-South regions.

7. With the INEC IT server hacked by agents of the APC to manipulate results, we can with certainty state that results from the following polling units have, for example, been tampered with, note:Sarkin Dawaki ward in Doma LGA – Nassarawa stateDoka ward in Doma LGA – Nassarawa stateAgyaragin – Tofa ward10, 000 illegal votes added to already announced results in Wurno LGA in Sokoto state.

Additionally, violent and destructive attacks have been meted out to officials while counting at Lafia St. and police barracks polling units.

8. As if these provocations are not enough, our agents and officials are constantly arrested and in many cases locked-up for complaining that Card Readers were not in use in many Northern states, implying that all results from the Northern part of the country where Card Readers were not used should be voided in accordance with INEC guidelines.

9. I also believe, the arrest of Eng. Buba Galadima, who has been a great symbol of what is courageous about our people goes to show that one man’s ambition is greater than our collective good, and most probably worth the blood of all Nigerians.

10. In that context, I call for Buba Galadima’s immediate and unconditional release, as well as that of all officials and agents of the PDP, in the Southwest, who were mostly arrested on the eve of the elections where intimidation became the APCs sole election strategy.

11. Despite these provocations, intimidation and attempts to hijack our democracy and change the course of history, I must, in fact, convey to our good people the fact that the PDP is on course to victory and the Presidency; therefore, remain resolute and steadfast, because our party shares in your uncertainty and suffering, which must decisively come to a good end for us all.

12. Finally, and once again, we appeal to the leadership of INEC to remain impartial and not become willing agents to disenfranchise our people and derail our democracy, because the world is watching, and history will indeed pass judgment.

In addition, to the international community; we welcome your support for our democracy and extend our gratitude with great hope for our democracy.

Prince Uche Secondus
Chairman,
Peoples Democratic Party (PDP)

A coalition of civil society organisations, under the aegis of New Initiative for Credible Leadership (NICreL) has lashed out at the Youth Initiative For Advocacy, Growth And Advancement (YIAGA) for allegedly attempting to undermine the military's efforts towards a credible, free and fair conduct at the general elections.

In what is gradually becoming a routine, YIAGA, funded by certain foreign bodies, discredited the Nigerian military and the entire electoral process in it's report released on Sunday despite massive commendation coming from all and sundry.

However, NICreL, at a press conference by Executive Director, Rev. Patrick Onyeke, opined that this is another obvious coy to cast aspersion on the conduct of the polls while manufacturing evidence to pressure the security agencies.

Read full text below:

The (Youth Initiative For Advocacy, Growth And Advancement) YIAGA Africa Watching The Vote (WTV) Group on Sunday presented what it termed its own interim report on the General Elections (for President and National Assembly) in a development that did not come as a surprise because it was well known before now that the organization exists solely to deliver on a hatchet job.

YIAGA’s ultimate delivery is to cast aspersion on the conduct of the elections, undermine its credibility and nudge Nigeria closer to chaos. A secondary goal of this questionable group is to manufacture evidence against the security and military establishments in Nigeria so that they will be under pressure and unable to effectively contain the violence that the opposition People’s Democratic Party (PDP) is orchestrating to force its declaration as the winner of the polls.

This explains why the group manufactured lies about observers being arrested and detained in Kaduna and Yobe states without specifying the details of the infractions that necessitated the security measures. For avoidance of doubts, security agencies were compelled to screen out fake observers that were being used for vote buying, voter intimidation and as couriers between dubious politicians and a few compromised electoral officials.

It also made the allegation that voters were prevented from accessing polling units to exercise their right when in reality security operatives merely ensured that persons without PVC were not allowed access to voting areas as part of proactive measures to forestall ballot snatching and undue influencing of voters by hired thugs that were out to force people to vote alongside the wishes of certain candidates.

Had YIAGA AFRICA bothered to make legitimate enquiries as opposed to putting on an air of belligerence against state officials while belittling other election observers it would have been wiser to the reality of the foregoing. It however persisted in its predetermined mission and denied itself of the benefit of enlightenment. Its ignorance of these development was responsible for its error in progressing in error by publicising lies as facts.

But we doubt that YIAGA AFRICA would have acted differently even when given the benefit of accurate information. Our assertion is based on what we have since discovered that this group is one of those on the payroll of the opposition with the sole aim of perverting Nigeria’s electoral system against the will of the people. Evidence of its being in bed with the PDP abound in the many controversial stance it took against the conduct of the election right from inception.

We also found that this group, YIAGA, is an organization that imported illegal aliens into the country for the purpose of carrying out its hatchet job. The apprehension of some of the illegal aliens it brought into the country is what it described as arrest and detention of election observers. We wonder how persons that did not meet the relevant accreditation criteria and also circumvented immigration requirements will expect to get away with such infractions without being held to account. Nigeria’s immigration requirements remain in place even during elections and they are actually heightened for such period.

There is no gainsaying the fact that an organization that can deploy illegal aliens among the observers it claimed to have sent on the field cannot come up with any report that will be credible. Its stick in trade is illegality so the report it claimed to have presented is tainted and overshadowed by the questionable way it got some of its key members into the country.

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) is urged to note the crimes YIAGA committed against the Nigerian state and to promptly commence the process of reviewing the accreditation it has given to members of the group and its affiliates with a view to revoking same. Even if INEC neglects to revoke the accreditation NICreL and other concerned Nigerians are not helpless in bringing the group to account for its role in trying to destabilize Nigeria. This is a condemnable act of irresponsibility.

The New Initiative for Credible Leadership (NICreL) will not stop at decrying the irresponsible activities of YIAGA AFRICA as the group has proven impervious to censure. It did nothing to correct its questionable way when they were earlier flagged as being at variance with the imperative for peace and stability in Nigeria, which confirmed it as a nuisance. NICreL hereby demands that YIAGA Africa Watching The Vote (WTV) Group and the parent body immediately pack out of Nigeria. The demand for YIAGA in all its forms move out of Nigeria must be complied with under the next 12 hours failing which NICreL will lead a coalition of patriotic Nigerian group to physically enforce its expulsion from Nigeria.

We advise groups that had allied themselves with YIAGA to immediately terminate such relationships lest they would be treated as being a contiguous part of that group. This implies that their operations too would be targeted and shut down in the interest of our country and the security if its citizens.

The Coalition of Civil Society Organizations on Human Rights and Conflict Resolution has spoken on the role of security agencies in the Saturday’s presidential and national assembly elections across the 36 states of the federation.

The human rights group specifically lauded the nation’s security agencies for being professional in discharge of their duties before, during and after the nationwide polls.

Maxwell Gowon, the Executive Director of the coalition on the security situation during the conduct of the polls commended the Nigerian Military for its efforts at ensuring peace, stability and security even though the forecast for security and life during the election had been grim.

While giving detailed accounts of what happened in some states during the polls, Gowon called on the security agencies to be at alert, considering that the prospect of violence in the aftermath of the announcement of results remains high.

The group also warned parties to caution their supporters against engaging in violence.

His statement below.

“The Coalition of Civil Society Organizations on Human Rights and Conflict Resolution deployed 4,000 observers for the Presidential and National Assembly (Senatorial/House of Representatives) Elections that held on Saturday February 23, 2019 across the country.
The coalition made the call to increase its focus on security situation, compliance with observance of human right and the general atmosphere of the elections.

“This decision was influenced by the fact that several other observer organizations were on ground to focus on issues like transparency, timeliness, openness and other fine points of the elections. The decision is consistent with the primary objectives and thematic focus of the Coalition of Civil Society Organizations on Human Rights and Conflict

“It is pertinent to point out at this stage that the observation by the coalition had incrementally being in place in the period preceding the elections, with the implication that some of the observations made on the Election Day were not done in isolation but in relation to ongoing incident tracking.

“The Coalition of Civil Society Organizations on Human Rights and Conflict Resolution observed, from the data collected by its observers, that there were incidences on the Election Day:

“In Abonnema, Akoku-Toru Local Government Area of Rivers state, gunmen suspected to be thugs hired by politicians attacked troops in duty leading to six of them being killed when the personnel of the Nigerian Army repelled the attack. A lieutenant of the Nigerian Army died in the encounter while two civilians died from gunshots of the assailants.
The Army arrested 15 persons acting as political thugs in Southern Ijaw Local Government Area of neighbouring Bayelsa state.

“In Delta state, the police confirmed two (2) persons dead in Sapele axis of the state.
Edo state recorded incidents of ballot box snatching but the Army stepped in to get the situation under control with perpetrators that were apprehended handed over to the police.

“In Cross River and Akwa-Ibom, the earlier warning issued by the Army with other security agencies was heeded as the situation was conducive.

"Anambra state is one of the states where the Independent National Electoral Commission was compelled to reschedule elections owing to violence while Ebonyi state recorded violence that claimed three lives on the eve of the elections. Abia, Enugu and Imo states were largely peaceful.

“Lagos state is another state where some elections were rescheduled owing to violence. There were cases of ballot snatching and destruction of ballot at the point of counting in some instances. Overall, security agencies and the support of the Nigerian Army made it possible for the situation to remain under control without escalation.

“The pockets of violence in Ondo, Ekiti, Osun, Ogun and Oyo (one person was killed in Oyo state) states were easily managed. The presence of the military ensured that things did not overly get out of hand.

“In spite of the propagate threat to mar the elections, the explosions from Boko Haram/ISWAP in Borno state did not stop citizens from exercising their rights at the polls. The Nigerian Army successfully curtailed the ability of the terrorists to cause disruptions. Similar explosions in Yobe state did not prevent voting from taking place.
Gombe, Bauchi, Taraba and Adamawa recorded limited incidents that were not significant enough to affect the elections.

“In spite of the concerns previously held and incidents of pre-election violence recorded in Kano, the presence of the Nigerian Army ensured that voters were able to carry out their civic duties without fear. Kaduna, Katsina, Kebbi, Sokoto and Jigawa were largely free of major incidents to warrant concerns as the Nigerian Army’s presence in these places took away the incentive for violence while one (1) person was killed in Zamfara.

The Federal Capital Territory (Abuja) had the elections taking places peacefully while pockets of violence in Kogi state resulted in at least two deaths. Kwara, Plateau, Benue, Nasarawa and Niger states recorded lesser violence than earlier feared.

“The feedback that observers got from voters is that there are factors that mitigated the risk of violence thereby leading to fewer cases of violence, voter intimidation and ballot box snatching than anticipated. Among the factors identified are:
“Rivers state, Lagos state and other places were violence was intense happen to be home to the strong critics of the directive for the military to deal with ballot box snatchers. These are also the places where the highest number of persons attempted to delegitimize the directive to the Army.

“The recorded instances of violence, especially where they resulted in the loss of life, would have been prevented if people did not attempt to criminalize the assigned role of the Nigerian Army in their bid to score political points.

“The Coalition of Civil Society Organizations on Human Rights and Conflict Resolution has adopted interim positions pending the conclusion of state elections scheduled for March 9, 2019:

“The coalition commended the Nigerian Military for its efforts at ensuring peace, stability and security even though the forecast for security and life during the election had been grim. It is noteworthy that the military, notably the Nigerian Army, discharged this onerous responsibility with full recourse to the rules of engagement.

“The coalition condemns in the strongest terms the attack on troops on election duties. The act amounts to unnecessary provocation and aggravation that continues to make it necessary for the country to deploy troops for elections even though this is ordinarily a duty for the civil police.

“Urge all security to remain on high alert considering that the prospect of violence in the aftermath of the announcement of results remains high.”

Election observers under the platform of Independent Foreign Observers have commended the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), and Nigerians for transparency and credibility of the yesterday's Presidential and National Assembly elections.

They gave this commendation at a press conference this afternoon in Abuja. The team leader, Dr. Stuart Young, an academic and diplomat spoke on behalf of other members of the team at its presentation of preliminary report.

The observers in the text entitled, "A Preliminary report on the 2019 Presidential and National Assembly Elections in Nigeria" described the conduct of the elections as as fair and an indication of non-interference by the government or any of its agents.

The text reads, "In the build-up to the 2019 General Elections in Nigeria, the Independent Foreign Observers mission, a team from the United States of America, United Kingdom, and the European Union (EU), visited Nigeria with a view to observing the elections, in line with best global practices. Consequently, more than 200 local observers were recruited and trained to monitor the polls, with a view to ascertaining if the elections were free, fair and credible.

Observations:

From the reports filed in by our observers deployed all around the country, it was recorded that the turnout of voters across the country was impressive, as supporters of the All Progressive Congress (APC) and the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) were active in casting their ballots for their respective candidates.

The conduct of the electoral officials appeared to be consistently fair and an indication of non-interference by the government or any of its agents. There were, however, some polling units that experienced late arrival of voting materials.

In both Abuja and Nassarawa state, observers witnessed polls opening late, and voting beginning after the scheduled start. In Abuja we saw voting begin as late as 9:30am, and in a Mararaba polling station in Nassarawa voting did not begin until 1pm.

Observers in Asokoro 1, Abuja witnessed a situation where there was confusion over the exact location of a polling station, because of the previous demolition of a Total service station that had been used to identify the location for voters. INEC officials set up at the nearest Total service station where they performed their duties for citizens who had lined up there. Upon discovering there was a collection of voters in a different location, where the former service station was located, INEC officials moved their voting materials to this location. Some citizens were worried that the votes that officials brought to the new station indicated ballot box stuffing, but were eventually mollified when officials explained the confusion over the location.

There were also reports of unruly behaviour at some polling units that required the immediate deployment of security to restore order. An example was in Kaduna state where voters attempted to provoke security personnel of which a senior military officer quickly resolved the situation. There were additional reports of scattered violence in Lagos, Obu state, River state and Bayelsa state.

Incidences of votes buying were dealt with by surveillance mounted by operatives of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission and other security agencies that consisted of the Army, police, and the civil defence.

The various security agencies were professional in handling incidences of ballot box snatching and other forms of electoral malpractices. Worthy of mention is the professionalism displayed by the Nigerian Army.

The security agencies were on top of the situation in areas that were hitherto known for election-related violence and the other regions as a whole.

Observers watched votes being counted at polling stations, noting that the announcement of the vote from each ballot was announced clearly, and citizens were monitoring the process along with officials and party monitors.

From reports collated from our field officers, the 2019 general elections to this point seem free, fair and credible as neither party can fault the transparent process that occasioned accreditation and voting.

In Area 10, Garki, Abuja, observers noted a disabled (blind) person, who was given assistance in entering the polling station, allowed to progress to the front of the line unimpeded by the voters present, and was able to cast his ballot with relative ease. Observers were impressed that it was common citizens, not officials, who took the initiative to help their fellow citizen exercise his democratic right.

Suggestions:

The 2019 general elections in Nigeria, though appearing to be free, fair and credible at this juncture, using our international set parameters and the feedback gathered from the over 200 observers deployed to the various states, there are a few areas that need to be looked into in the conduct of elections in the future.

The functionality of card readers must be fully tested and properly calibrated before deployment to the polling units, before the elections to reduce the use of manual voting which takes time and might be exploited.

Improvement is needed in the areas of logistics and training of electoral officials. For example a digital voting system, perhaps using mobile phones, tablets and/or voting cards embedded with codes that can be swiped to register a voter’s choice, should be explored.

A stronger effort to start voting on time would make the process more comfortable and healthy for voters, as well as improving voter turnout.

Continuing voter education beyond the election period should focus on efforts to identify and weed out Fake news in order not to mislead the public.

Nigerians should be able to vote in their current place of residence, provided they have lived there for a designated minimum amount of time. A mechanism should be put in place to cancel their registration in their home state, when they register in their new home area.

Conclusion:

The elections appear to have been free, fair and credible to this point. It is therefore advised that winners and losers should see beyond themselves and their political aspirations, to promote the unity of Nigeria as a country.

Worthy of commendation are the staffers of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), the officers and soldiers of the Nigerian Army and other security agencies for maintaining orderliness and contributing to a sense of calm and security which enabled domestic and foreign observers to efficiently carry out their duties, and voters to exercise their democratic right and responsibility.

We would like to congratulate the Nigerian government and Nigerian citizens for their enthusiasm, perseverance and fair play in pursuing their democratic ideals through this election.

A coalition of Civil Society Groups under the umbrella of Coalition of Civil Society Groups on Human Rights and Conflict Management has called on the Nigerian military to sustain high complaisance on rules of engagement before, after and during the poll. 



The group said in a bid to assess the preparedness of the Nigeria military in ensuring that the 2019 general elections are hitch free security wise has commissioned a systematic monitoring of the activities of the Armed Forces by deploying men and resources across the federation.



The Coalition said it had observed the threats of violence in the polity by paid political merchants desperate to turn the tide in favour of their paymasters.



Maxwell Gowon, Esq, Executive Director of the coalition, said it also observed that there are possibilities of attacks from terrorist organizations especially in the North East region of Nigeria.



According to him, “There is also the possibility of outright provocation of military personnel in the South East region by adherents of the Indigenous People of Biafra.



“The Islamic Movement in Nigeria (IMN) has perfected plans to attack military personnel on election duty with a view to disrupting the polls.



“It was however observed that the Armed Forces had deployed means quelling whatever uprising that may occur in line with the presidential mandate of ensuring that the human rights of every citizen of the country are safeguarded.



“After a review of the military security architecture put in place, it was observed that the military has continued to maintain a very high standard of compliance with its human rights obligations to the citizenry through the continuous engagement by the Department of Civil-Military Relations.



“There were also regular operational meetings by the Chief of Army Staff and Top Commanders of the Nigeria Army on how to curtail attempts by unscrupulous elements to infiltrate the troops.



“There is a functional situation room that is linked to all military operational bases around the country which is highly commendable and indicative of the preparedness of the Nigeria Army towards ensuring the safety of lives and properties before, during and after the elections. This is quite commendable.



“Based on the findings of the Coalition of Civil Society Groups on Human Rights and Conflict Management, the followings are recommended:



“The Nigeria Army must continue to ensure that it’s troops deployed to provide security cover for the citizens as well as to uphold the highest level of standard.



“The military authorities must put in place measures the would curb overzealousness amongst the troops and in the event of such, appropriate sanctions must be implemented to serve as a deterrent to others.



“The military authorities must ensure that the welfare of the troops is adequately taken care of to minimize any form of enticement in the line of duty, especially those mounting checkpoints in strategic places.



“The Chief of Army Staff must continue to ensure strict compliance with rules of engagement by the troops.



“In conclusion, the Coalition of Civil Society Groups on Human Rights and Conflict Management is impressed with the level of preparedness and therefore of the opinion that the Armed Forces of the Federal Republic of Nigeria are adequately prepared to deal with any form of violence that might erupt during and after the elections.



“The measures put in place are top-notch and in tandem with international best practices. Also, the level of coordination and cooperation between the various wings of the Armed forces (Army, Navy, and Airforce) is highly commendable.



“The Coalition of Civil Society Groups on Human Rights and Conflict Management would deploy its members to monitor the polls to measure the level of compliance by the military on the rules of engagement.”

By Philip Agbese

I recall that a section of the polity has decided to drag the Nigerian Army into the murky water of politics for their selfish reasons. This arose from the charge given by the Commander in Chief of the Armed Forces President Muhammadu Buhari for the Nigeria Army to deal ruthlessly with those who intend to snatch ballot boxes during the elections or engage in acts of thuggery aimed at disrupting the polls.

I must confess that I am amazed as to how the PDP bigwigs and sympathizers have blown the issue out of proportion. They forgot that for the credibility of the polls to be achieved, there ought to be a level of security in place to guard against vices such as ballot box snatching, vote buying and other evil acts associated with elections in this country.

While I am not against these folks airing their opinion on issues they have reservations, I am however taken aback with the way and manner they have so politicized the issue with the aim of misleading the unsuspecting members of the public to believe that there is indeed something sinister in the directive.

Yes, the Chief of Army Staff addressed his principal officers that included the General Officers Commanding the various divisions in the country to remind them of the task at hand which is necessary to safeguard the territorial integrity of the country and the need for the troops to respect the constituted authorities. I see nothing wrong with this. And I wonder how the PDP interpreted or is interpreting issues, especially in the build-up to the elections.

It even gets confusing when it is common knowledge that over time, the Nigerian Army in discharging its constitutionally recognized and authorized mandate, focuses on two cardinal objectives, and they are subservience to constituted authority and the respect for human rights.

This is also sufficing to add that the Nigeria Army has overtime provided that needed support to the Nigerian police in the effective discharge of its duties in times of elections and other emergencies. And if this is and has been the case, why cry wolf where none exist? I think that the members of the general public should resist the antics of some unscrupulous elements hell-bent on causing disaffection in the polity to win the sympathy of the electorates with some days left to the general elections.

There are abound instances where the Nigerian Army had ensured that voters carry out their civic responsibility without fear or favour. The Ekiti and Osun states elections are glaring examples of the invaluable role the Nigerian Army plays in entrenching and sustaining democracy in Nigeria. Ordinarily, Nigerians should not have any cause for worry or concern if they do not have ulterior motives during the elections.

But those that want to incite and cause mayhem should have every reason to be afraid because I think that any action that negates peace and tranquility would and should be resisted by the Nigerian Army. And this should give every true lover of democracy a cause for concern.

The desperation to rig the election at all cost is what has driven the PDP to begin to act towards every other citizen even worse than what Boko Haram have done in North East Nigeria.
This desperation led by Obasanjo and some Governors to return an Atiku Abubakar who has become desperate as to drag the Nigerian Army despite its apolitical nature into politics is what many today have become afraid of.

The fear of ballot box snatcher is real, and every Nigerian looks up to the Army to be able to provide the needed security for them to be able to exercise their franchise. One would, therefore, plead with the PDP to allow the Nigerian Army to focus on its role and responsibilities as those who have nothing to hide should have nothing to fear.

The Nigeria Army under Lt GenTukur Buratai is a responsive organization and one that has tremendously shown respect for the constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria. Worthy of mention also is the fact that the Chief of Army Staff, Lt. Gen. Tukur Buratai is a professional officer and one whose loyalty can never be doubted.

He is also a refined promoter of human rights as evident in his numerous interactions with the civilian populace through the Directorate of Civil-Military relations. This much has been said about him in multiple forums and how he has done so much in three years to reflect on the average soldier in the country.

It is also on record that the Nigerian Army has not unlawfully engaged any citizen in any arms’ struggle and this very much we are aware the Army has continued to imbibe. An example of the professionalism of the Nigeria Army under Lt. Gen. Tukur Buratai was in 2016 in Rivers state when militants opened fire on troops during a rerun election. Guess what? The Army didn’t retaliate but instead fished out the criminals and handed to the police.

Now, that is just an example of the professionalism of the Nigerian Army under Lt. Gen. Tukur Buratai in recent times. The public outcry by the PDP and its agents are in poor taste and meant to mislead. Needless I add that there is no rest for the wicked. And make no mistakes, the Nigerian Army would rise to the occasion during and after the elections in Nigeria. For those who may not want a python dance with the Army, it is simply thumb print on your ballot paper and AVOID the box itself.

Agbese is a researcher in human rights law at the Middlesex University, London.(PA542@live.mdx.ac.uk)

By Isaac Ikpa

Interestingly, I am getting to know more about the impressive, but silent aspects of President Muhammadu Buhari’s life and personage. I have never met him personally.

But with his credentials as a retired Army officer, and given the military culture, it was safer for me to believe he is rough and unapologetically ruthless.But I was damn wrong! He is just a leader who is blunt and plain. He hates any brazen act of trampling on laws of the land or decency in conduct.

President Buhari, as Nigeria’s incumbent President is gunning for reelection in 2019 for another term of four years, on the platform of the ruling APC. But he was enraged over INEC’s sudden postponement of the February 16, 2019 Presidential and National Assembly ballots.

His party, the APC was equally angered and condemned the impromptu shift of elections, barely five hours to the commencement of the ballot. I think, the electoral umpire knows better why the decision was taken. We are sad, but what else can anybody do?When I listened to INEC chairman, Prof. Mahmood Yakubu’s address to the nation on the elections postponement, I pitied him. From his facial scowls, it was clear to discerning minds that something terribly went wrong.

And discontinuing with the ballot as scheduled became inevitable.Prof. Yakubu nicely concealed his anger in these official explanation; “Following a careful review of the implementation of its logistics and operational plan, and the determination to conduct free, fair, and credible elections, the commission came to the conclusion that proceeding with the elections as scheduled is no longer feasible.”But political actors and Nigerians did not swallow this excuse lightly. And it has sparked very profound reactions from all segments of the Nigerian community. I may not bother with every view expressed by every Nigerian.

But at least, we can speak to our conscience and it will certainly prick us in glaring terms that the ballot was compromised even before the vote cast. And our leaders know this; INEC knows it; critical stakeholders in the Nigerian project are aware and Nigerians know everything dubiously contrived affected the ballot in focus.President Buhari was more disappointed.

And so, at the opening session of the National Caucus meeting of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Abuja, the President who is not oblivious of what crooked politicians planned in dark chambers and rigged the ballot before the vote fumed; “The security agencies have identified hot spots and flash points and should be prepared to move. We have made as much arrangement as possible for them as much as the country can afford. Anybody who decide to snatch ballot boxes or lead thugs to disturb the process, may be that will be the last unlawful action you will take.We have directed the military and other security agents to be ruthless. We are not going to be blamed that we want to rig elections.”

This innocent comment from Mr. President has provoked partisan outbursts, especially from PDP chieftains and stalwarts. These Nigerians have imputed very funny meanings into the comments, which are beyond any reasonable limits of decency. I understand the intention of antagonistic elements to spite and slight the President in order to diminish his electoral value in the eyes of Nigerians.

But in truth and to our conscience, what contents of the presidential statement alludes to an order calling for the killing of Nigerians as propagated by the opposition? There is none! An election rigger is worse than an armed robber. Accepted, we are guided by laws, which presumes every person is innocent until pronounced guilty by a competent court. But why do we think, criminals should be allowed to ply their trade unmolested by security agents?

I do not buy the arguments of the vocal PDP analysts. They have repeatedly said the President has issued a direct order to security agents to kill Nigerians. Why would any decent Nigerian think the best thing to do is to foist a regime of electoral violence on Nigerians, but gets offended when the President ask security agents to ruthlessly handle such miscreants or hoodlums?

And why would anybody happily contemplate this absurdity? Is it because the potential culprits know there are elder statesmen and people who would rise up to their defence?

APC national leader, Asiwaju Bola Tinubu has been speaking on Buhari’s presidential statement. He has done what is humanely possibly to deflect the misconstrued interpretations. But trust Nigerians! We are more comfortable promoting evil than good.

But let me leave the mischief makers and the drugged or incensed partisans that President Buhari never wished the death of any Nigerian because he wants to continue as Nigeria’s leader.Let’s get some sense in what Tinubu said on the misinterpretations of the President’s comments.

He said; “These are not his words; he is a law abiding person and he understands categorically and clearly what rule of law is and the lives of individual citizens that he is in that office to protect. Now, let me run this; he has been fighting Book Haram, kidnappers and all these before this election, did you hear him asking them to be shot and executed summarily?”

However, we cannot pretend that elections results were written before the ballot. How can Nigerians explain the pre-ballot violence, deaths and destructions in some states in Nigeria?

Are we canvassing that President Buhari, as Chief Security Officer of the nation should be soft with such characters so that tomorrow, we shall gladly also blame him for a degenerative insecurity in the country? This is not wisdom from any sane mind.

Let me leave these adversaries of Nigeria with the sound advice from my friend, Alhaji Aminu Musa. His words; “Those with ears have been so blessed. I believe, the words that made up the statement of Mr. President are unambiguous. We are by it advised to stay clear of any form of malpractices in the forthcoming rescheduled election.”So, those who have plotted violence and rigging are forewarned. Security agents would ruthlessly handle the destroyers of our nation’s democracy and the electoral process. Well done, Mr. President for this forewarning.

Ikpa is Executive Secretary, Centre for Social Justice, Equity and Transparency (CESJET) and wrote this piece from Abuja.

The Progressive Yoruba Youths (PYY) has backed president Muhammadu Buhari over strict measures put in place against Nigerians plotting to jeopardise the forthcoming elections.

President Buhari, had yesterday, during the All Progressive Congress’ (APC) caucus meeting threatened to come hard on those with plans to rig the elections.

The president's honest warning didn't go down well with the opposition, who appear hell-bent on reclaiming power by any means whatsoever, even by snatching ballot boxes.

However, the foremost Yoruba youth group has thrown its weight behind the president's latest move to drastically halt this shameless trend.

The Progressive Yoruba Youths offered their support in a press statement released by Kola Salawu, it's National President.

According to the group, the declaration was a wake-up call to security agencies to be unrelenting and decisive in dealing with potential ballot box snatchers, an ugly practice that has been the bane of previous elections.

The PYY added that the target wasn't innocent, law-abiding Nigerians rather miscreants, hiding under the shade of IPOB, state government armed militias, armed terrorists and other scum of humanity that the PDP had mobilized for the purpose of snatching ballot boxes.



“Once these ballot boxes have been snatched the result written under the supervision of our disgraced elder, Chief Olusegun Obasanjo, in Abeokuta, Ogun state would have then been substituted for the actual votes in the stolen ballots.

"As part of the scheme, the PDP has compromised some corrupt senior officials of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), who would have gone ahead to accept the pre-written results since they have pre-thumb printed ballot papers that match the fake results they were to declare.

“More than the angst at the prospect of their errand boys being killed in the course of snatching ballot boxes, the critics of President Buhari’s assertion are pained that their overall plans have been thrown into a shambles because the scheme to rig cannot be implemented in the absence of violence and ballot snatching. The pre-written result in custody of the compromised INEC officials will no longer tally with the vote cast once the ballot snatchers have been put out of commission.

“We therefore see no reason for law abiding citizens to be concerned over the “snatch ballot box and die” comment. Those that had earlier signed up as ballot snatchers have option of refunding the amounts they have been paid to become cannon fodder. They can also opt to hold onto the money they have been paid since it is not possible for the PDP chieftains that mobilized them to sue for breach of contract as an agreement entered into in pursuit of committing a crime is non-enforceable, especially when this particular deal is with the intention to tamper with Nigeria’s democracy.

“It is however pertinent that we point out where our position slightly differ from that held by Mr President. It is not enough to decisively deal with ballot snatchers, who are mere puppets. It is pertinent that the hands manipulating the puppets are decisively dealt with. With the benefit of technology and forensics, law enforcement agencies should track down those that issued the order for ballot snatching and make them pay for their crimes against democracy and for insulting Nigerians in the worst way possible. So we appeal to Mr President to so direct law enforcement agents.

“Those who were to validate and accept pre-written results, made possible by ballot snatching, should be treated as accessories to this nefarious election crime in Nigeria. We understand that several of them have not only been identified but the tainted money they were paid for this coup against the country have been traced to several accounts. Persons that allowed themselves to be compromised in such manners have no business around election matters. They must therefore be immediately arrested and arraigned for trial on the strength of the evidence against them.

“We expected that the directive to security agencies to be ruthless should extend to those that carry out acts of violence in and around voting venues since there are indication that PDP has also recruited thugs to prevent people from voting in areas that are not its stronghold.

"The point must be made for the PDP to understand that it does not have the monopoly of violence and that no individual, organization or political party can match the sanctity of the state and its legitimacy to protect citizens. Law enforcement agencies must therefore be ready at all times to prove everyone wrong that the sovereignty of Nigeria cannot be negotiated with any band of miscreants."