The Nation Newspaper

Author: The Nation

  • Don’t demystify the sacrifices of the military, Borno indigenes query traditional leader

    Borno Stakeholders Forum (BSF) has sent a stern warning to one of its traditional rulers to desist from undermining the sacrifices of the gallant Nigerian military in the state.
    In an open letter addressed to President Muhammadu Buhari on Monday, Zanna Boguma of Borno, Zanna Hassan Boguma, had attempted to rubbish the massive gains of the military even while acknowledging their “gallantry” in the frontline.
    In a press statement signed by President Ali Shettima on Tuesday, the group of indigenes, consisting of critical stakeholders, expressed dismay at the “misinformation regarding the operations of the Nigerian Military in the fight against Boko Haram/ISWAP terrorist”.
    According to the Borno Forum, the monarch’s assertion is merely a figment of imagination and not in any way the position of the people of the state “ who are appreciative of the efforts”.
    Acknowledging that the fight against insurgency is not restricted to the military alone, the group questioned the contribution of the traditional ruler in solving the myriads of challenges that he and his subjects may have indirectly created.
    The Borno stakeholders, however, advised the monarch to quit the blame game without evidence and raise up to expectations by ensuring that his subjects are of ethical behaviour at all times.
    Read the full statement below.
    Being text of a press conference by the Borno Stakeholders Forum on the Operations of the Nigerian Military in the fight against Boko Haram/ISWAP terrorist in Borno State and North-East Nigeria.
    Gentlemen of the Press and other critical stakeholders, I welcome you all to the important press conference organized because of the false information making the rounds in the public space as regards the efforts of the Nigerian Military in the fight against Boko Haram/ISWAP terrorist in Borno State and its fringes.
    The Borno Stakeholders Forum is an association, consisting of critical stakeholders drawn from various walks of life in Borno State devoted to the political and socio-economic upliftment of the state.
    This press conference became necessary because the Borno Stakeholders Forum is alarmed with the misinformation emanating from the state as regards the operations of the Nigerian Military in the fight against Boko Haram/ISWAP terrorist in the state.
    This is on the heels of the various news making the rounds on the social media space about Boko Haram attacks in Borno state and most recently an Open Letter written by Zanna Hassan Boguma (Zanna Boguma of Borno) to President Muhammadu Buhari criticizing the operational strategy of the Nigerian Military in Borno State.
    The Borno Stakeholders Forum is concerned with the way and manner certain individuals go about putting unfounded information in the public space without concern about the effect of such on the morale or psychological state of those involved in the fight against Boko Haram/ISWAP terrorist.
    This insensitivity was aptly captured in the Open Letter written by Zanna Hassan Boguma where he wittingly accused the Nigerian Military of indolence and lack of patriotism in the fight against Boko Haram/ISWAP terrorist in the state.
    The Borno Stakeholders Forum is alarmed as well as dismayed with such exhibition of recklessness and total disregard for the efforts of the Nigerian Military in keeping Boko Haram/ ISWAP terrorist at bay in Borno state since 2015.
    In the Open Letter by Zanna Hassan Boguma, he attempted to make a comparison of the operations of the Nigerian Military during the administration of President Goodluck Jonathan and the present administration. The Borno Stakeholders Forum frowns as such an unhealthy attitude as displayed by Zanna Hassan Boguma, which is at best a mischievous attempt at seeking public attention.
    The Borno Stakeholders Forum wishes to state in unequivocal terms that Alhaji Zanna Hassan Boguma’s postulations are at best a figment of his imaginations and not in any way the position of the critical stakeholders in Borno State who are appreciative of the efforts of the Nigerian Military so far in the fight against Boko Haram/ISWAP terrorist since the inception of the administration of President Muhammadu Buhari.
    The Borno Stakeholders Forum also uses this medium to reinforce its earlier position that the fight against Boko Haram/ISWAP terrorist does not stop at the table of the Nigerian Military alone. The traditional leaders, as well as the community leaders all, have a role to play in this all-important task.
    The Borno Stakeholders Forum wishes to ask Alhaji Zanna Hassan Boguma what his efforts are as a community leader as well as a traditional leader in the fight against Boko Haram/ISWAP terrorist in Borno State?
    What efforts has Alhaji Zanna Hassan Boguma made towards ensuring that our youths whom Boko Haram fighters have been recruiting into their ragtag army are no longer recruited? What message has Alhaji Zanna Hassan Boguma sent to the politicians in the state that capitalized on the Boko Haram insurgency as it were then to their political advantage?
    The Borno Stakeholders Forum wishes to advise Alhaji Zanna Hassan Boguma to take his plea to the politicians in Borno State who have in one way or the other contributed to the challenges Borno State is facing currently.
    The Borno Stakeholders Forum consequently views with reservations the Open Letter to President Muhammadu Buhari when there are other avenues with which Alhaji Zanna Hassan Boguma could communicate with the President. It is at best an attempt to play to the gallery or an attempt to portray himself as a concerned stakeholder in the state.
    The Borno Stakeholders Forum states authoritatively that Alhaji Zanna Hassan Boguma in his capacity as the Zanna Boguma of Borno has not been known to have contributed whether in ideas or actions towards solving the myriads of challenges confronting the state. And consequently, the Borno Stakeholders Forum would not tolerate attempts by individuals or groups to undermine the efforts of the Nigerian Military in its operations in Borno State.
    The action of Alhaji Zanna Hassan Boguma does not in any way reflect the level of gratitude Nigerians owes the Nigerian Military for its efforts in protecting the territorial sovereignty of the country.
    Alhaji Zanna Hassan Boguma must rise above petty interest in his conduct as a traditional ruler as well as a community leader. He must in the true Borno spirit deviate from apportioning blames without evidence, and he must also live up to expectations by ensuring that his subjects are of ethical behaviour at all times. As a community leader, he must educate the youths at all times on the demerits of joining the Boko Haram group.
    The Borno Stakeholders Forum is not ignorant of the numerous sacrifices of the Nigerian Military in the Theatre of Operation in Borno State, and consequently extends its appreciation as well as charge the troops to continue to give in their best.
    The Borno Stakeholders Forum extends its full support to the operations of the Nigerian Military in Borno State and wishes to advise individuals and organizations to desist from playing to the gallery by making unfounded and highly misleading statements on the pages of the newspapers.
    The task at hand requires all hands to be on deck. The Military cannot do it alone, and as such, it behoves on religious, traditional, and community leaders to play their role effectively if we are desirous of overcoming our present challenges in the state.

     

  • Police arraign three for allegedly stealing MFM’s N2.7m

    Three persons were  yesterday arraigned before a Yaba Chief Magistrates’ Court for allegedly stealing N2.7million from the offering box of the Mountain of Fire and Miracles Ministries (MFM), Onike, Yaba, Lagos Mainland.

    They are Osita Egbo, 32; Joel Okafor, 18; and a minor. They were charged with two counts of conspiracy and stealing.

    The defendants pleaded not guilty.

    Prosecuting Sergeant Modupe Olaluwoye said they committed the offence at midnight on July 2.

    Olaluwoye said Egbo was a night guard, adding that his co-defendants are members of the church.

    The prosecution alleged that they stole from the church’s offering boxes three times in the last one month with a fourth accomplice, but were never caught.

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    Olaluwoye said the fourth accomplice, another minor, confessed to the crime after he felt cheated by the defendants.

    He said the defendants stole N2.7million from the church’s offering box.

    Chief Magistrate Oluwatoyin Oghere admitted the defendants to N1million bail each with two sureties each in the like sum.

    She said the sureties must be employed and have evidence of three years tax payment to the Lagos State Government.

    The case continues on September 25.

  • Lagos begins sale of LAKE Rice

    Lagos State Government is today beginning the sale of LAKE Rice, in preparation for the Eid-el-Kabir celebration, Ministry of Agriculture Permanent Secretary Dr. Olayiwole Onasanya has said.

    He said the rice is available at sale centres across the state, including Agricultural Development Authority Complex, Oko-Oba, Lagos State Agriculture Inputs Supply Authority (LAISA), Ojo and the Blue Roof at Lagos Television (LTV) complex, Agidingbi, Ikeja.

    The permanent secretary added that other centres are Temu Farm Service Centre, Epe; Odogunyan Farm Service Centre, Ikorodu; Teslim Balogun Stadium, Surulere; Ministry of Agriculture Area Office, Ajah and Mobolaji Johnson Sports Centre, Rowe Park, Yaba.

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    He said the price of a 50kg bag of the rice is N14,000, 25kg bag costs N7,000, while 10kg bag goes for N3, 000. Onasanya said the rice should not be sold above the approved prices.

    He reiterated the government’s commitment towards boosting food security, saying it would ensure adequate production and fair distribution of the item across the state with a view to ensuring its availability to the masses.

    While wishing Lagosians in particular and Nigerians in general a very happy Eid celebration, the permanent secretary said the government would embark on agricultural policies and programmes that would enhance availability of food, in line with the Traffic Management & Transportation, Health, Environment, Education & Technology (THEMES) agenda of the Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu administration.

  • Engage youths to tackle killer herdsmen -Ohanaeze tells S’East govs

    Youth wing of Igbo socio- cultural group, Ohanaeze Ndigbo, has called on South East governors to engage youths in the 95 local government areas of the zone  to successfully check the activities of killer herdsmen in the axis.

     In a statement signed by the National President, Mazi Okechukwu Isiguzoro and the Secretary General, Mazi Okwu Nnabuike, the group said the governors’ position  on the suspended Ruga Settlement Programme  has opened new opportunities for Igbo to prove their business ingenuity in cattle rearing, rice production, among others.

    The statement reads in part: “We urge the governors to immediately open up new farm settlements across the states to serve as Joint South East Youth Empworment Programme for our unemployed youths.

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    We urge our businessmen to create opportunities for the youths through the establishment of farm settlements in their areas. Very soon Ndigbo will overtake the northern herdsmen in cattle business.

    “The South East governors have  achieved a rare feat through their decisive plan to checkmate the nefarious activities of killer herdsmen and ensuring safety on our major highways through the establishment of Community Policing Programme and Forest Guards.

    We insist that locally based community youths should be engaged adequately to fish out any herdsmen flouting the recent ban on conveyance of cattle on foot by the governors.

    This new policy will make South East a safe haven for investors. Igbo youths can be  vigilant enough to engage erring pastoralists across 95 LGAs in the South East. “South East Development Commission will accelerate the delivery of dividends of democracy in the South East and we insists that all the stakeholders in this project be adequately monitored to ensure that it’s achieved soonest.”

    He added: “We  observed that the South East governors’ meeting excluded some Igbo leaders and other stakeholders from their activities and deliberations, and we understood the action was a disciplinary measure over careless outbursts by the  leaders in the build up to the general elections.

    The affected leaders should openly apologise to the governors for jeopardizing the second term bids of some of them when they put them on headlong collisions with the Presidency. “We urge the governors not be distracted by the campaign of calumny against them by these leaders and but move forward to secure the South East economically and beef up security across the zone.

    The affected leaders should never should them be supported through monthly donation or included in their meetings until they do the needful.

  • 2020 budget: Abiodun sets agenda to grow local economy

    Ogun State Governor Dapo Abiodun has said the proposed 2020 budget will be a springboard for implementation of his administration’s economic growth plan.

    Abiodun spoke at a sensitisation programme by the Ministry of Budget and Planning to enlighten stakeholders across Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs) on the vision of his administration towards the preparation of year 2020 budget.

    The governor said his administration was already undertaking necessary amendments on the Security Trust Fund, a new bill to establish public works agency, the Public-Private Partnership (PPP) and Ogun Invest Promotion bills among others to accelerate economic and developmental plan.

    Abiodun said the amendment bill already transmitted to the House of Assembly would ensure the state becomes safer and conducive for investors and investments through the provision of state-of-the-art security gadgets and equipment for security agencies.

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    He added that similar synergy was already being planned to tighten security in Southwest states through a joint task force to be put in place by the governments of Ogun, Lagos, Oyo, Osun, Ondo and Ekiti states to address increasing insecurity affecting the zone.

    On road infrastructure, the governor said the attention of his administration would be shifted to developing township and rural roads to stimulate the local economy.

    The governor also hinted that his administration will engage more youths and provide food security through agriculture.

    He said the Federal Government has endorsed a partnership between the state government and the Central Bank of Nigeria to engage 10,000 youths by making available a hectare of land for each youth.

    Abiodun noted that while the CBN would assist in clearing the land and providing seedlings, the state government would render extensions services just as the CBN would ensure buyback mechanism.

    On his part, the Chief Economic Adviser to the Governor, Mr. Dapo Okubadejo, said the state government has mapped out an infrastructure development plan to highlight the commitment and role of all stakeholders towards funding it projects.

    Okubadejo said the plan has spelt out what would be spent by the state government, donor agencies and amount accruable from the Federation Accounts and internally generated revenue towards financing its projects.

    The deficit, he said, would be sorted through a bond programme, adding that the state presently did not have a credit rating in the capital market but assured that the administration was working towards ensuring that the state has a good stead at the capital market to access funds by ensuring fiscal discipline in its fiscal policies.

    Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Budget and Planning Mr. Hassan Adekunle, while appraising the mid-year budget for 2019, said: “Expenditure performance as at June 2019 stood at N85.90 billion, which represents 21.46 per cent of the total budget of N400.32.”

    Adekunle said the performance of 42.92 per cent of N200.16 billion, which indicated an increase in the expenditure by 5.72 per cent compared to the actual expenditure for the corresponding period of 2018.

     

  • Police advise vehicle owners

    The Ogun State Police Command has advised the general public especially those who lost their vehicles/motorcycles to thieves or left abandoned to come for identification and claims within 14 days of this publication, according to a statement by Police Public Relations Officer DSP  Abimbola Oyeyemi on behalf of the Commissioner of Police, Oogun State Command.

    The vehicles and motorcycles are as follows:

    Ifo Division vehicles: one Scrap white bus ford reg. no. YA 801 FKJ; one Scrap Corolla ash colour red reg. no. AKD 959 BX; one Scrap Paragon bus reg. no. AAA 933 XK; one Scrap accidented Rover car unregistered and one Scrap accidented Carina car reg. no. FM 336 AAA.

    Motorcycles: one Honda colour red reg. no. SRA 640 QD; one Scrap yellow unregistered; one Scrap Bajaj Boxer unregistered; one Bajaj Boxer reg. no. QP 749 FST; one Skygo reg. no. QP 220 LSD; one Bajaj reg. no. DE 705 WM; one Scrap Sinoki Supra unregistered; one Honda reg. no. FKJ 879 QA; one Scrap Suzuki reg. no. QS 410 JJJ; one Scrap Bajaj Boxer reg. no. FST 940 QB and one Scrap Suzuki 80 unregistered.

  • Human rights group calls for investigation over pupil’s death in Kaduna

    The Resource Center For Human Rights and Civic Education (CHRICED), on Sunday called for full scale investigation on the death of a pupil following the collapse of a school building in Zaria, Kaduna State.

    The Executive Director, CHRICED, Ibrahim Zikirullahi, made the call in Zaria during a town hall meeting on the state of UBEC/SUBEB interventions in Kauru, Kubau and Zaria LGAs.

    According to Zikirullahi, the deceased, Musa Umaru, an 11-year-old primary four pupil of Umar Isa LGEA Primary School, Dembo in Zaria Local Government Area, died when a pillar of a classroom collapsed on him.

    He said that the school building was poorly constructed in 2013.

    “We are calling on government to investigate this incident, hold the contractor who built the school accountable and also reach out to the family of the boy in question”.

    Represented by Armsfree Ajanuku, Media Associate, CHRICED, the director lamented that, even where no death occurred, the tragic consequences of sentencing children to learn in poor environment must be addressed.

    He expressed dismay over the poor infrastructure and lack of required inputs to make learning possible in primary schools.

    “We see these realities everyday in school buildings without roofs, classrooms without furniture, absence of functional toilets and running water, thereby creating hygiene crisis which jeopardizes the health of the children”.

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    Zikirullahi noted that many schools within the LGAs where projects are being monitored, lacked fences, which exposed children to security threats and vandalism of the already inadequate structures.

    He therefore called on communities to make enquiries about fundings, progress and quality of work on SUBEB projects and also show interest in understanding projects and other interventions relating to basic education.

    “Communities should note that goverment devotes a certain portion of public funds to basic foundational education.

    “They need to enquire if these resources are being utilized efficiently and if the projects match the resources allocated.

    “If otherwise, then people should raise concern and show commitment in addressing the accountability problems”.

    A participant at the meeting, who doubles as District Head of Kubau and a monitor of UBEC/SUBEB projects in various communities, Ayuba Abdullahi, complained of lack of teachers in schools.

    “There are about ten existing schools in Kubau with a population of about 300 pupils in a class without teachers.

    “The newly recruited teachers who were transferred to our communities sought transfer and left to teach in other LGAs.

    “They complain of security challenges despite our assurances of their safety in our communities. Our children are helpless despite their zeal to learn”.

    Another participant, who is also a tracker of school projects, Yusha’u Abubakar, complained of abandoned schools and uncompleted projects.

    “The newly recruited teachers complained of not being paid for seven months while other teachers that have been in active service and promoted to higher level are yet to receive salary upgrade”.

    While responding to issues raised at the meeting, the Assistant Director, Social Mobilization, SUBEB, Aminu Ibrahim said teachers with salary arrears had some problems, which the goverment is working to resolve.

    “On the issue of abandoned schools and uncompleted projects, we will do a follow-up and make investigations.

    “But we must not forget to appauld this present administration’s reforms in the education sector which has made remarkable impact on the lives of the ordinary people across the state”.

    Also speaking, the representative of Zazzau Emirate, Sarkin Kasuwan Zazzau, Alhaji Abdullahi Bamalli, urged both goverment and project trackers to draw out modalities to address the challenges affecting the sector.

    “The issues raised in the meeting regarding the poor state of some of the schools are crucial as it affect our children’s future.

    “There is need for goverment to urgently address them. Goverment needs to also track contractors in order to achieve efficient delivery”, Bamalli stressed.

    (NAN)

  • Police issue ultimatum on illegal firearms in Enugu

    The Police Command in Enugu State on Sunday issued a 3-day ultimatum for people in possession of unlicensed and authorised firearms to surrender them to the command.

    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the ultimatum was part of the decision reached at the emergency Joint Security Meeting held in Enugu on Friday.

    The Command’s Public Relations Officer, SP Ebere Amaraizu, said this in a statement made available to NAN in Enugu.

    Amaraizu said that those in possession of unauthorised firearms should surrender them to Commissioner of Police, Mr Sulaiman Balarabe.

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    He said it should be done through either the Deputy Commissioner of Police in-charge of State Criminal Investigations Department (SCID) or Divisional Police Officers.

    According to him, the Command is urging strict compliance to this with effect from Aug. 3, a day after the Emergency Joint Security Meeting.

    “The Command further wishes to make it categorically clear that anyone found in possession of any unlicensed/unauthorized firearms after the expiration of the three days given will be diligently prosecuted in line with the relevant section of the law.

    “The security operatives of the Command working in partnership with sister security agencies and relevant stakeholders have been directed by the commissioner of police to fish out those within the categories mentioned above.

    “The commissioner of police enjoins all to be law abiding,’’ he said.

    NAN recalls that the Emergency Joint Security Meeting was sequel to the brutal killing of a Catholic Priest, Rev. Fr Paul Offu, Parish Priest of St. James Greater Parish, Ugbawka in Nkanu East Local Government Area.

    Offu was killed by yet to be identified suspected armed men along Ihe-Agbudu Road in Awgu Local Government Area of the state on Thursday, Aug.

  • Elzakzaky’s trial: Kaduna Govt assures citizens of security, free movement

    Ahead of Monday’s ruling on Sheikh Ibrahim El-Zakzaky’s application for medical leave by a Kaduna High Court, the Kaduna State Government has assured citizens of security and free movement.

    This was contained in a statement by Samuel Aruwan, the Commissioner, Internal Security and Home Affairs, made available to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Sunday in Kaduna.

    According to the statement, appropriate security arrangements had been made to protect citizens and uphold law and order across the city.

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    It urged residents to go about their lawful businessess as their freedom of movement is guaranteed.

    The statement further stated that residents should ignore the scaremongering by certain interests making the round of possible breakdown of law and order in the city.

    “Therefore, citizens should go about their legitimate business and conduct their lawful activities without any hindrance.”

    The statement provided phone numbers to be called in case of any problem.

    The numbers are 09034000060 and 08170189999. (NAN)

  • El-Zakzaky: Police warn against procession

    As Kaduna State High Court decides today on the application by leader of Islamic Movement in Nigeria (IMN), Sheikh Ibraheem El-Zakzaky, to travel abroad for medical treatment, the state police command has reminded the public, especially members of the movement, about the ban on procession/demonstration.

    The IMN leader had requested to travel to India with his wife, Zeenat, for medical attention.

    The court adjourned last week till today for a ruling on the application.

    But yesterday, the police warned against any form of processions/demonstration in Kaduna State, saying the residents should be vigilant about the people around them.

    In a statement by its spokesman Yakubu Sabo, a Deputy Superintendent of Police (DSP), said: “The Kaduna State Police Command wishes to notify the general public to exercise more security consciousness as they go about their lawful businesses by being extra vigilant of their environment, persons around them, and activities of suspicious persons to prevent miscreants from disturbing the peace of the state.

    “Members of the public should note that the ban on all forms of processions/demonstrations in Kaduna State is still in force. The police will not hesitate to deal decisively with any person or group of persons who deliberately attempts to violate the ban.

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    “In view of the court trial of Malam Ibraheem El-Zakzaky on August 5, the peace-loving and law-abiding people of Kaduna State are to note that tight security has been put in place for a hitch-free court appearance.

    “Therefore, members of the public are advised to remain calm and not to be apprehensive where they observe unusual number of security personnel in town.

    “As part of the strategy put in place for a smooth process of the court trial, there will be traffic diversion in the following areas during the court session: Independence Way, Bida Road and all other roads leading to Ibrahim Taiwo Road in Kaduna.

    “The command uses this medium to call on the general public to report suspicious activities or persons around them to the nearest security agency. In this regard, police emergency numbers: 07039675856 and 08075391105 can be reached in case of any distress/emergency, please.”