The Nation Newspaper

Category: Northern Report

  • Kogi under siege

    Kogi under siege

    Kidnappers are on the prowl in Kogi State but the state police command says it has the upper hand. JAMES AZANIA reports

    Not too long ago, the media was awash with the presumed kidnap of Kogi State police commissioner Adeyemi Ogunjemilusi. The command promptly issued a statement denying the rumour. But the police statement did concede that the state Commissioner for Land and Housing, Mr Stephen Mayaki, and some others were abducted but were released following police intervention.

    The statement issued from the police public relations office, advised residents to always clarify information with the PPRO.

    •The men IG sent to Kogi
    •The men IG sent to Kogi

    The police was a pointer to the precarious security situation in the confluence state. The situation became so worrisome the Inspector General of Police (IGP), Mr. Solomon Arase recently deployed a 350 Special Team from Abuja, aside the release of 30 Hilux vans to the Kogi State Police Command, to help fight the kidnappers and other criminal elements who have laid siege on Kogi.

    In March, 87-year-old American missionary Revd Phyllis Sortor was kidnapped at her school in Emi-woro, Ajaokuta Local Government Area. She regained freedom two weeks later. Her release, said an analyst, was due to the concerted effort of the Americans and not the power of the Kogi State Police Command.

    Before Sortor’s abduction, countless others, including seven Chinese nationals, had fallen into kidnappers hands. Many of the cases remain unresolved, or where the victims regained freedom, family members met the abductors’ demand for ransom.

    In the Kogi Central and Kogi East senatorial districts kidnapping is rampant. The Kogi West senatorial axis that appeared free from such dastardly acts has also picked up in the activity.

    Since 2013 when kidnapping began to rear its ugly head in Kogi, it has continued unabated, surpassing records from neighbouring Edo State. Like past commissioners of police in the state, Mr. Ogunjemilusi talked tough on arrival, warning the men of the underworld to relocate from the state.

    “I have zero tolerance for criminals,” he had said.

    Such threats appear to have fallen on deaf ears. Apprehension grows in the state, as no one knows who would be the next victim, just as well-meaning or rich individuals live in fear as they and their family members are the target of the kidnappers.

    Eighty per cent of kidnappings in the state have been of high profile individuals. Though the victims’ families always claim not to have paid ransom for the release of their loved ones, cases of kidnapping remain on the increase, bringing to question the claims of no ransom payment for previously freed victims.

    Between June 2013 and June 2014, close to 15 kidnap cases were recorded officially, with several other cases dealt with quietly. The development to some pundits must have worked against the government’s efforts to woo investors into the state. It has also affected some of its infrastructural development programmes, with the Chinese nationals who are behind many of such projects leaving in droves.

    The first reported case of kidnapping in 2013 was of one Mustapha who was abducted from his home at Ihima in Okehi Local Government Area. His remains were later discovered buried inside a forest around the area some weeks after. Sometime in August of the same year, the younger brother of a former governor of the state, Prince Abubakar Audu, was kidnapped by gunmen at his Aloma home in Ofu Local Government Area. He was freed after two weeks, with the arrest of a suspect whose bank account was used for the initial demand of N30,000, ‘for the upkeep of the victim’.

    Hardly had the dust of Audu’s brother’s kidnap settled when the bursar of the Federal Polytechnic Idah was kidnapped while his younger brother who was on the scene was killed by the abductors. The bursar was released three weeks after, following the payment of an undisclosed amount as ransom.

    In 2014, the kidnappers commenced their business early in February when the wife and daughter of the former Chairman of Adavi Local Government, Salihu Adaviruku was kidnapped from her house. The woman and her daughter spent over three weeks in captivity before their release, and after undisclosed amount of money was paid to the kidnappers.

    Barely a month after the release of the politician’s wife and daughter, the two sons of the Speaker of the State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Momoh-Jimoh Lawal were kidnapped at his resident in Okene, Okene local government. They lads, the oldest being seven years old at

    the time of their abduction, remained in captivity for over two months as a result of the inability of the Speaker to come up with the N200 million ransom demanded by the kidnappers.

    Though the police arraigned five women in court in connection with the Speaker’s children’s abduction, the case has continued to linger.

    While the people of Kogi Central were still contending with the kidnap of the Speaker’s sons, Hajia Hawawu Bello, the mother of the Managing Director, Fair Plus Transport, Alhaji Yahaya Bello, was abducted on May 28, 2014, at her Nagazi resident in Adavi Local government.

    The menace headed East, as the Rector of the Federal Polytechnic Idah, Mathew Akpata became the next victim. Luck however smiled on him when the vehicle in which his abductors were conveying him to their hideout got involved in an accident and the rector abandoned inside the boot of the car.

    On May 31, 2014, the Registrar of same higher institution, Idah Poly, Abu Kazim was abducted from his house at the school premises.

    Two days after Revd Sortor’s abduction, the Director of Adavi Local government, Abdulazeez Ohere, who had earlier been kidnapped, was rescued by the police.

    Kidnapping in Kogi had mostly been limited to the Central senatorial district, until the Chinese firm, CGC, arrived at the capital, Lokoja. By November 2013 when a Chinese worker was kidnapped in Ganaja village, a suburb of the metropolis, the rate had surged.

    Police advice to the Chinese firm not to pay the ransom demand was allegedly rebuffed as the firm did not wait for the security operatives to handle the matter. The Chinese, apparently unsure of the ability of the police to handle the situation, hurriedly danced to the kidnapper’s tune and paid the ransom. That, according to pundits, was their undoing.

    Within the next 30 days, seven other Chinese workers were abducted, and ransom secretly paid for their release. The state government only got wind of it when the Chinese Ambassador to Nigeria, Mr Gu Xiaojie visited the state last December and informed the state government

    of the ordeal his citizens suffered in the hands of kidnappers while working along Ajaokuta Road. Since then, it would appear that the kidnappers have gotten serious with the ‘business’ in view of the ease in getting ransom.

    A source who pleaded anonymity said kidnapping continues unabated in the state because some police officers are also part of the kidnap cartel. He alleged that some unscrupulous officers feed the kidnappers with information as to the movement of prospective targets and offer themselves as go-between in times of negotiation for ransom payment.

    Recently, the kidnappers struck once again, this time around kidnapping a High Court Judge, Justice Samuel Obayomi of Ebogogo High Court in Adavi Local Government Area.

    Obayomi had recently survived a motor accident and only resumed duty after three months on hospital admission.

    The gunmen who seized the learned judge while he was on his way to the office around 8.45am, shot his orderly Corporal Usman Musa who died on the spot. The operation was said to have lasted about five minutes.

    The driver, Mr. Ajayi Kolawole gave an insight into what happened, saying that the heavily armed gunmen numbering three wore no mask, only dark glasses, and stopped their vehicle in front of Executive Guest Villa, Government Reservation Area (GRA), Okene.

    “The gunmen ordered the judge and his aides to lie face down. We all complied but the hoodlums perhaps saw the armed orderly as a threat and opened fire on him, killing him on the spot,” he said.

    Area Commander of the Okene Area Command, Mr. Kehinde Kolawole who confirmed the story said the police had arrested the driver to help in their investigation, adding that the driver being an eyewitness, was likely to give them adequate information.

    The Chief Judge of the State, Justice Nasir Ajanah who later visited the family of the kidnapped judge said every effort would be made to ensure the release of their breadwinner.

    Barely one week after Obayomi’s travail, the State Commissioner for Land and Survey, Engr. Stephen Mayaki was seized by unknown gunmen.

    The commissioner was kidnapped at gunpoint in his farm located in Osara, in Adavi, the same LG were the High Court Judge was kidnapped.

    Sources said the gunmen numbering about five and driving in a Prado Jeep traced the commissioner to his farm.

    The commissioner was said to have been abducted along with four of his aides who were later released, with the instruction that they go and source for fund for his release.

  • FCT to imbibe financial transparency in all agencies

    The Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Permanent Secretary, Engr. John Chukwu has given the directive for all revenue accruable in the Administration to be properly paid into designated banks.

    He stated that all bank accounts records of the administration would be verified at all times for transparency and accountability and added that all infractions against service financial and administrative due processes; rules and regulations would attract strict sanctions and possible prosecution.

    This was made known in a press statement sent by Deputy Director/Chief Press Secretary FCT Muhammad Sule, who stated that Engr Chukwu made the revelation in Abuja, at the commissioning of the FCT Directorate of Road Traffic Services (DRTS) ICT Training Centre.

    It stated, “All revenues generated should be properly accounted for, and paid to only approved bank accounts as records would be verified.

    “Engr. Chukwu also instructed that all officers and men of the FCT Directorate of Road Traffic Services should adhere to the change mantra of the Federal Government under the leadership of President Muhammadu Buhari.

    “Thus, the Permanent Secretary implored the management and staff of the DRTS, to intensify efforts to continue to enforce the regulations on the ban of motorcycle, restriction of tricycles, un-painted taxes, illegal mechanic workshops and illegal car marts.

    “He admonished the motoring public in the Federal Capital Territory to always obey traffic rules and regulations. Engr. Chukwu however assured the resident of the Territory of the FCT Administration’s continued commitment to ensure efficient and excellent service delivery.

  • Catholic men thrill in altar boys role

    There was a thrilling role reversal as altar boys stood aside and watched their parents serving mass.

    The worshippers who took over the boys roles were the Catholic Men’s  Organisation (CMO) of St. Monica Catholic Church, Byazhin-Kubwa of  the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).

    The men did the duties in the humble altar boys uniform.

    Besides, about six parishioners said the prayer of the faithful in their different languages for the benefit of the language communities in the church.

    Speaking with The Nation, a parishioner that hails from Agenebode, Edo State, Mrs. Victoria Wayas said, “I was somehow carried away by some other side attraction like the men who served the mass when I heard a voice saying the prayer of the faithful in my Weppa-Wanno dialect of Edo language. I thought I was in a trance until I saw the parishioner on the front stage.

    The mass however led to the discovery of the strengths and weaknesses of some of the men since the church identified the hidden talents among them. On the other hand, St. Monica took delight in the humorous manner the CMO choir rendered the hymns for fun.

    The CMO Chairman, Mr. Oyefeso  Akinyemi, said it was very delightful to watch men work as mass servers, a role that is mostly performed by children and youths.

    His words: “It was very delightful because in the spirit of change and innovation because some of the fathers growing up were mass servers . This year we decided that we will make it unique. We find ourselves both as choir members, as church wardens and even serving at the altar. And that was what we did.”

    He explained that the father day celebration is to remind the men of their spiritual obligation to their families.

    He added that it is to demonstrate how to take care of the family in a proper Catholic way.

    The chairman recalled that there was a seminar in the church last Saturday when the men came with their wives to listen to lectures on what it takes to be a responsible Catholic father.

  • Buhari breaks a jinx

    One of the first groups President Muhammadu Buhari met face to face when he resumed at the Presidential Villa on Monday was journalists covering the State House.

    This was a sharp departure from what happened under the administration of the immediate past President Goodluck Jonathan.

    Apart from the fact that Jonathan and his handlers never saw the need for him to meet journalists when he assumed office as Vice President and later President, it became a taboo for Jonathan to directly meet journalists covering the Presidential Villa during the eight years he spent at the seat of power.

    The only exception was when selected journalists covering the Villa, numbering about six, were invited to interview Jonathan in his office towards the end of last year.

    But to date, it is still unclear whether the questions during that session freely came from the journalists or it was teleguided just to push out what the government wanted to pass out to the public.

    Whatever the case may be, that was the only face to face interview or meeting Jonathan had with State House correspondents in the Villa.

    Also only journalists from outside the State House were often invited to take part in the occasional Presidential Media Chat held by the immediate past President.

    But the doors are often open to State House correspondents to cover some of the official functions attended by former President Jonathan in the State House.

    Attempt in the ‘From the Villa’ write up of 23rd September, 2014 to encourage the last administration to change the trend and effectively engage State House correspondents in line with happenings in the developed world fell on deaf ears.

    But on his very first working day in the Presidential Villa, last week Monday, Buhari met with State House correspondents.

    During the meeting, Buhari defended his decision to appoint Femi Adesina as the Special Adviser on Media and Publicity to liaise with members of the State House Press Corps.

    Jokingly, he also said that he came to thank the journalists in advance for ýthe good or ill reports they will write about him.

    Buhari, who spent a total of twenty five minutes with the State House correspondents, took time to shake hands and posed for photograph with each of the over 80 journalists in the hall.

    By the time each journalist approached him and introduced himself or herself and the media house represented, Buhari exhibited an excellent knowledge of most of the media houses.

    When the Leadership newspaper reporter introduced himself to him, Buhari jokingly told him: “Tell your cartoonist my neck is fatter.”

    For the New Telegraph newspaper reporter, Buhari told him: “Okay, Orji Kalu, you guys are quite new.”

    He told the Tribune newspaper reporter: “You people have been consistent.”

    To the Daily Trust newspaper reporter, he said: “You are our own.”

    When one of the Nigeria Television Authority (NTA) reporter introduced himself, Buhari said to him: “Hope you people will be giving me good coverage now.”

    To African Independent Television (AIT) reporter, he said: “AIT, Great people.”

     

    Changing defence mode

     

    President Muhammadu Buhari, who was a general in the Army, is bringing his professional touch to bear in the fight against the terrorists group, Boko Haram.

    Like what a grand master in the game of Chess will do, Buhari is now changing the strategy against the terrorist group from defence status to massive attack.

    In the game of Chess, the best strategy to conquer the enemy is by marshaling out your troops and weapons in attacks rather than sitting at home to defend.

    To this end, every good Chess player will embrace the theory: ‘Attack is the best form of defence’, in order to capture the enemy.

    This is exactly what Buhari aims to achieve by ordering last week Monday for immediate dismantling of non necessary military check points put in place in many points across the country under the administration of former President Goodluck Jonathan in response to the onslaught by Boko Haram.

    In attempt to take the war to the enemy, Buhari is freeing more men and  weapons for massive attacks on Boko Haram’s enclave, Sambisa forest and their other strongholds within Nigeria’s territory.

    Even though some Nigerians have expressed reservations on the possibility of winning the war through only military operations, the high number of soldiers and weapons freed from the many dismantled military check points across the country, in addition to the troops already fighting the war, will go a long way in subduing Boko Haram.

    Sambisa forest and other stronghold of the enemy will definitely be soon flooded with Nigerian soldiers.

    If this step had been taking long time ago, there might not be need for calls for help from outside the country to defeat Boko Haram.

     

    Salary arrears drama in Villa

     

    Despite the fact that the current inability of many states to settle their huge workers’ salary arrears has been a serious issue, the matter became a source of drama that made many state governors and President Mohammadu Buhari to smile and laugh in the Presidential Villa, Abuja on Tuesday.

    The drama ensued when it was time for President Buhari and Vice President Yemi Osinbajo to pose for photographs with the 36 state governors who attended the meeting towards resolving the cash crunch hitting the country.

    The 36 state governors, who came out from the meeting venue first, left space for Buhari and Osinbajo in the middle of the front row as they prepared themselves for the photograph.

    As Buhari and Osinbajo approached them and took their space for the photograph, Ogun State Governor, Ibikunle Amosun, wearing his trademark long cap, cracked jokes concerning the workers’ salaries arrears.

    Before the photographers could take their shots, Amosun, who was standing directly behind the President, drew the attention of Buhari, who then turned back to listen to him.

    Amosun jokingly told him if it will not be better for the 36 state governors to be re- arranged for the photograph in a way that the states not owing salaries will stay in the front rows while others will be on the back rows depending on how much salaries they are owing their workers. Those owing more, he said, should stay at the back row.

    Buhari and other governors smiled and laughed at the joke.

    The President then tuned forward to pose for the group photograph.

     

  • Pupils restate rights on Day of African Child

    If those who massacred schoolchildren in Soweto, South Africa, in 1976 sought to silence them or belittle their rights, they failed. Pupils from elementary to primary and secondary schools have continued to raise their voices every year, demanding that they are entitled to the best of education.

    So it was at the anniversary of that mid-year tragedy in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) when the kids said education is their right, never a privilege.

    The pupils were affirmative. They insisted that good and qualitative education should be the right of every Nigerian child especially the girl-child.

    The students made their position known while commemorating the Day of the African Child in the nation’s capital. They demanded government should revisit the education sector and ensure every child in the territory is given special attention. Alongside their teachers, they sought the opportunity to showcase the future they so much craved.

    It was at an event organised by international and local non-governmental organisations (NGOs). They include A World at School, Global Youth Ambassador, Connected Development (CODE), DRPC, Civil Society Action Coalition on Education for All and Save the Children. The pupils are majorly from LEA Primary School, Kado Estate; Community Secondary School, Gwarinpa as well as students from a make-shift school for the Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs), Area 1.

    The day was set aside by the African Union (AU) to remember a tragedy- the massacre of hundreds of children in Soweto, South Africa who were demonstrating for basic right to a decent education. The incident has ever since showcased African child to global spectacle on educational right.

    So, students from the FCT schools wanted government to assist low income earning parents to support their wards; most especially in the area of free education as practiced in selected states in the country.

    They expressed fury over situations where their colleagues get to school late due to reasons that they would need to street hawk early in the morning before proceeding to school. Some of these are among list of circumstances they detest and urged government to address.

    Miss Judith Solomon, Primary 5 Pupil of LEA, Kado said as part of the participants, she was at the event to make her statements to the celebration of the Day for the African child. “I want the world to know that there is goodness in girl child education. I want the world to know that I am proud of myself and that I have right to education.”

    The 10-year old pupil emphasised that as Nigerian child, “We will stand for our right to get this education.”

    “I want government to develop my school by bringing more staff and providing more facilities necessary for the school.” Among other requests, relevant government authorities were tasked to perform their mandate and ensure every child gets access to good education.

    “Government should also ensure that all children in Nigeria have access to education. It is our right and not out privilege”

    “Government should ensure they provide whatever is possible for the children to get what they wanted and education is what we want,” Solomon, who aspired to be a medical doctor, said.

    As for Mohammed Garba, a student in one of the IDP camps in the territory, life without education is worthless. Garba, just like every other pupil in the IDP camps sacrificed his pains, despite previous encounter subjected to terrors of the Islamic sect. He strove to undergo some basic learning even barefooted with much struggle with hunger.

    “I am here to talk about my education. I just want to be in school. All I want is education. I want to become a doctor, so government should build school for us and give us good teachers,” Garba admonished.

    Community volunteered teacher who is also a victim of the Boko Haram attack in Maiduguri, Borno State, Abdul Tashiu pleaded with the government to come to the rescue of internally displaced children, especially in the area of feeding and education.

    Tashiu explained he chose to sacrifice his time for the children because when you educate a child, it is believed you have educated the society. He was able to voluntarily teach about 132 pupils in basic classes such as after their stay at the camp, they could continue their education.

    “I decided to become a volunteer in the society because there is low acceptance of education in the north which leads to early marriage.

    Children lack access to schools in IDP camps. Some of them even come from rural areas where they have no school around. So I decided to intervene providing three classrooms for the 132 pupils.”

    But he lamented over paucity of funds which he said had discouraged about four other teachers who joined him in the humanitarian work to suspend work. “The children come in mufti, barefoot. They need teachers and the environment is so poor so they need teaching aids such as desk, writing materials and are very hungry.

    “When the children come to school, they complain of hunger. So these children need to have breakfast before they go into their classrooms.”

    Maimuna Sidiham, an SS2 student of Community Secondary School, Asokoro advocated for every child to be in school. As for her, it is inhuman for parents or guardian to give young girls out for marriage.

    Describing the child marriage as worst thing that could happen to any girl child, the 16 year old student queried rationale why some children will be in school while others are on the street hawking to either feed themselves or guardian.

    The programme, according to her would enlighten them of their rights as a girl child and the essence of educating a female child. “I wonder why they will stop a child from school to get married in some states. Such action is so wrong.”

    “When you go to Karu, Nyanya, you will see young girls hawking when they are meant to be in school. Sometimes, it could be that the government cannot afford to take them to school but government could help,” she said.

    “I am not trying to discriminate here but the Muslims believe it is important for girls to get married early and not be in school be in their husbands house,” she added.

    She urged the organisers to do more of public enlightenment to change orientation of the parents.

     

  • Medals for gallant fighters

    Medals for gallant fighters

    For their bravery and success in tackling insurgency, officers and men of the army have got a pat on the back, plus medals of honour, DUKU JOEL reports

    It may well be a brand-new world for the armed forces. In the first month of the President Muhammadu Buhari administration, the morale of the forces has been boosted with an official recognition of officers and men who fought insurgents, even managing to grab back lost territories.

    It was a big day for the honoured. That was why they all came smartly dressed. The atmosphere was congenial. The guns bonded smartly with their bodies, stretching from the length of their arms down to their knees with only the magazines popping out just slightly at the waist. No bullet was fired. No sound heard.

    It was not a time for chasing the enemies but a time for rewarding officers and men of the Nigerian Army for their gallantry in fighting the Boko Haram terrorists in Yobe State.

    Over 2,000 soldiers, serving and dead who fought the Boko Haram insurgents in the state got a medal of honour for service to fatherland.

    The two-hour occasion kicked off at 10:00 a.m. when the guest of honour and the Governor of Yobe State, Alhaji Ibrahim Gaidam arrived at the beautiful Hockey Playground of the August 27 Stadium. He was received by the General Officer Commanding 3rd Division, Maj-Gen. Fatai Alli, Commander of 27 Task Force Brigade, Colonel Usman Yusuf who were on the ground to boost the morale of the troops as they received the medals of honour.

    For many civilians that attended the event, very few could envisage the importance of the occasion until the citation of the medals was read out by the Master of Ceremonies (MC) who doubles as the spokesman of the 27 Task Force Brigade, Capt. Eli Lazarus.

    He said: “As a result of the successes achieved by the Brigade and in recognition of the enormous sacrifices of the officers and men in furtherance of the Nigerian Army tradition on operations, the Chief of Army Staff, Lt. Gen. Kenneth Minnimah graciously approved the award of medals and honours to deserving personnel. These medals are: the Operation Zaman Lafiya Medals and the Purple Heart.

    To underscore the importance of the medals and also inform the audience on what they stood for, the Master of Ceremonies took time to read out the citation of the two medals, paying attention to every minute detail of the items of recognition.

     

    Operation Zaman Lafiya Medal

     

    Explaining the significance of “Operation Zaman Lafiya Medal, he said: “It is an additional medal to existing ones in the Nigerian Army. The medal is awarded to deserving personnel who have spent a minimum of six months in the ongoing operation in the Northeast against the Boko Haram terrorists.

    “The operation Zaman Lafiya Medal has seven stripes of four different colours namely; red, white, green, white, yellow ochre, white and red distributed vertically. “The red colour signifies the blood being shed in the operation. The white signifies peace while the yellow ochre (sandy brown) represents the terrain of the operation. The green white green stands for the national flag. The map of Nigeria also depicts the Northeast theatre while the Coat of Arms at the back signifies joint operations.”

     

    Nigerian Army Purple Heart Medal

     

    Throwing light on the second medal, he said: “The Purple Heart medal is awarded to any member of the Nigerian Armed Forces who, while serving within the theatre of operations, is wounded or killed. Specific example of such services include any action against an enemy of Nigeria; any action with an opposing Armed Forces of a foreign country in which the Nigerian Armed Forces are engaged. 

    “The Purple Heart differs from all other medal in that, an individual is not recommended for the award; rather a soldier or an officer is entitled to it upon meeting specific criteria.

    “However, not more than one award will be made for more than one wound or injury received at the same instance. Enemy-related injuries which justified the award of Purple Heart includes injuries caused by enemy bullet, shrapnel or other projectile created by enemy action; injury caused by enemy placed landmines or traps, among others.

    “It is also awarded posthumously to those killed in any operation. It is the most recognised symbol of combat injury and the sacrifice of personal safety.

    “The ribbon has the Nigerian Army colours between two stripes of purple. The medal is the shape of the heart (from which actions are initiated). Both sides are coloured purple (the deep love of a soldier for his country and humanity). The front side has four (4) drops of blood (the supreme sacrifice of a soldier) and Nigerian Army Purple Heart inscribed in a gold letters on the side.

    “The edge of the medal is golden (excellent sacrifice). The drops of blood increase in size downward to indicate the increasing degree of soldiers’ sacrifices for the benefit of humanity,” he said.

    Due to the size of the soldiers to be decorated with the medals and in an attempt to manage time effectively, some were selected for ceremonial presentation by the guest of honor, Governor Gaidam and Maj. Gen. Alli.

    Some of the wounded soldiers were seen walking with crutches to receive their medals, while the dead ones were also posthumously honoured.

    After the presentation of the medals, there was an address by Governor Gaidam during which he commended the troops for their gallantry and exemplary display of heroism despite the asymmetric war waged by the insurgents in the state and the region.

    Governor Gaidam noted that the Boko Haram insurgency is directed at gaining control over territory. In trying to achieve that, he said, Boko Haram terrorists employed various diabolical means, including armed attacks, suicide bombings, selective killings, threat text messages, intimidations, extortions, wanton destruction of lives, property and public installations, among others to achieve their objectives.

    He said: “Despite the challenges posed by unconventional and asymmetric warfare, our gallant, dedicated, disciplined and loyal members of the armed forces did not lose courage at critical moments…They refused to give up and faced each difficulty with confidence.”

    The governor added that to assist the military in ensuring peace in the state, his administration has continued to render various forms of support, including logistics, payment of allowances, footing medical bills of officers and men injured in battle as well as rendering support to members of the families of armed forces who died in the line of duty.

    “We pursue these policies as a token of appreciation and gratitude of the government and people of Yobe State for the exemplary heroism they display in the insurgency campaign.”

    According to the governor, officers and men of the armed forces killed in the line of duty ‘did not die in vain’, adding that “they lost their lives in the service of our great nation and their patriotic acts will remain evergreen in our memories”, he said.

    The parade was attended to by the General Officer Commanding 3 Division Jos, Maj. Gen. Alli, Commander of 27 Task Force Brigade, Col. Yusuf, the Field Commanding Officer Operation, Colonel Dahiru Bako, the Yobe State Commissioner of Police, Danladi Markus, the Director, State Security Services (SSS), other law enforcement agencies and officials of Yobe State Government.

    Though most of the soldiers refused to speak to the press to express their feelings, investigation revealed that medaling is a cherished tradition in the army.

    A retired soldier explained that soldiers proudly hang their medals at every opportunity available to them.

    “Soldiers value these medals so much. Don’t you see that they always put them on their shoulders at every opportunity they are in a ceremonial dress?

    The more medals you hang, the more respect you command in such gatherings,” he said.

  • Indigenes seek upgrade of chiefdom

    The Abuja’s original inhabitants of Garki community, have called on the incoming Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) to the upgrade the Garki chiefdom.

    They said, “The community is old enough to be controlled by a higher chief.”

    One of the leaders of the community, Rev. Danjuma Tanko, spoke on behalf of the natives to reporters, saying that the existence of Garki village goes as far back as 120BC, before the white missionary and industrialisation of Nigeria.

    He added that there is the need to grant the traditional institution in the FCT, the rights benefits on their thrones, so that they can contribute immensely in areas of promoting peace and other governmental affairs.

    He lamented that what the people of Garki has been experiencing from past administrations, without appreciating the sacrifice that have been made by the people of Abuja, saying that no government has shown sympathy to the people for their land that were forcefully taken away

    from them.

    “I must say that it is painful that after indigenes of Abuja have made sacrifices of giving their ancestral land for the development of the FCT, the past governments have not even see reasons to make us benefit from the government.

    “We are appealing to President Muhammadu Buhari to revisit the case of the FCT, also for him tore-address the rating of traditional institutions, in which he should use his good offices to upgrade the Chief of Garki, as a sign of considering the sacrifice we have made for the purpose of uniting Nigeria.

    “It is obvious that we have been denied equal participation in governance and polity. We have not been given any executive appointment; we have been denied quota system, no political elective positions as in states, not even equivalent or alternatives, considering the larger population increase.

    “The most shameful thing happening outside out community is where you find some traditional rulers who are supposed to be fighting for our course, running after government-appointed officers, just for their personal gains, instead of concentrating in their traditional

    responsibilities. It is wrong for a traditional ruler to do such,” he said.

  • ‘I hate to be called a beggar’

    ‘I hate to be called a beggar’

    He takes the maxim very seriously. In every disability, Ibrahim Yahaya sees ability. This saying is what has kept the 34-year-old man, who is living with disability, going.

    Yahaya hates to be seen as being physically impaired though he can’t walk or stand on his legs. To move around, Yahaya uses a flat wood which has small tyres to move around and by so doing, he prevents his clothes from dirt as he does not need to crawl like most people with similar condition.

    His upper body appears OK but his waist down to his legs is smaller, making it difficult for him to do anything other than seat.

    Disability is usually the consequence of an impairment that may be physical, cognitive, mental, sensory, emotional, developmental, or some combination of these.

    It is problematic to get the data of those living with disability but despite the difficulty in getting the accurate number of those living with disability, the World Health Organisation in 2012 estimated a world population of 6.5billion people and of these, nearly 650 million people, or 10%, were estimated to be moderately or severely disabled.

    Also an earlier report by the United Nations in 2003 showed that Nigeria has roughly 12 million citizens who are disabled. This disabled population includes people with functional limitations such as physical, intellectual, or sensory impairment, medical condition, or mental illness.

    There is no denying the fact that so many people who are living with disabilities either had it from birth or during their lifetime.

    Some causes of disabilities as indicated in 2004 by CLEEN Foundation includes birth defect and health issues, oil pipeline explosions and road accidents. The report added that disabled individuals include former soldiers, industrial workers, and victims of inter-ethnic and religious conflicts.

    Unlike those who encountered one form of challenge that resulted in their disability, Yahaya who spoke with our reporter claimed that he just woke up one morning and discovered that he could no longer stand on his legs.

    In spite of the disability Yahaya is living with, he has decided not to resort to begging which is the common practice in this part of the world. He instead decided to also give back to the society.

    The little way to give back in his own way is by keeping the pedestrian bridge, located in NNPC Junction of Kubwa, Abuja clean.

    This act of his has drawn the attention of many goodhearted persons to him, this was witnessed by our reporter who spent some time with him while he was doing his job on the bridge.

    While our reporter was on the bridge with him, not less than 18 passersby stopped to ask about his welfare as well as give him some money and in response to the kind gesture, Yahaya communicates with them in diverse languages and as they give him something, he is quick to appreciate and say some lines of prayer.

    In Abuja, it is common to see staff of the Abuja Environmental Protection Board sweeping the major streets in Abuja but very rare for them to be seen sweeping pedestrian bridges. The neglect of the bridges according to Yahaya is also part of what led him to take it upon himself to sweep.

    Mostly, traders take over many bridges in Abuja during the day and night, thereby making the place messy at the end of each day and for the sake of users of the bridge, Yahaya has made it a daily routine to sweep the staircases and the main walkway of the bridge.

    Just like normal workers, Yahaya who resides in Zuba, some kilometers away from Kubwa Pedestrian bridge makes it a point of duty to resume sweeping daily.

    On what made him engage in this exercise, he said he just thought of how he could also give back to the society instead of joining those who are handicapped to beg.

    He said: “It is normal in the north to see those with little forms of disability seating or standing in strategic locations begging but I hate it. I see myself just as every other persons and if others are not begging, I don’t see the reason why I should be begging.”

    Speaking about himself, he said: “I was not born like this and it is not accident. I used to walk before but I just woke up one morning and discovered that I can no longer stand with my legs. Whatever happens, I believe God knows best and I will still thank God.

    “I am from Katsina State, Daura Local government. I willingly decided to start sweeping the bridge, nobody compelled me to. It is just my own little way of contributing to the society. I come here every day in the morning, as early as 6:30 to 7:30, I resume here from Zuba just to come and keep this place clean

    One would expect him to go back home to his wife and one year old baby, Aisha after his daily sweeping routine but he does not because he also enrolled in tailoring school and after which he goes to his brothers shop to learn how to repair phones and other electronic devices.

    “I hate idleness and that is why I am learning tailoring, I want to be a designer and I need the designing machine to do that. I started learning in Zuba but he traveled and instead of stopping, I decided to join my brother who repairs handsets, radio and other electronic gadgets to learn pending when my boss in the tailoring shop will return.

    “I don’t want to stay idle and I don’t want to beg like others. I don’t even like associating with the beggars but while I sweep, I have had encounters with so many people, some people will just say, my friend, take N10 to buy pure  water and that is how I survive but I don’t leave my house with the intention to beg.

    Unlike most people whose desires is to become rich, travel all over the world, own many houses, numerous cars and other things, Yahaya’s utmost desire in life is to own an embroidery machine.

    “I am married to a wife and I have a child named Aisha, she is just a year old.  My dream is to have my own Tinko embroidery machine. It is a designing machine and it is about N75,000. I hope to be able to own one someday.

     

  • ‘New guideline ’ll stop drug hawking’

    The new guideline on operational drug distribution (NGDG) by the Federal Government will eliminate hawking of drugs by non-pharmacists, President, Association of Industrial Pharmacists of Nigeria (NAIPN), Gbenga Falabi has said.

    The new guideline was launched by the immediate past Minister of Health, Prof. Onyebuchi Chukwu.

    Falabi revealed this to reporters in Ilorin, the Kwara State capital, during the first anniversary of the state’s chapter of the association.

    The theme of the anniversary was “Sanitising Chaotic Drug Distribution System in Nigeria.”

    He said: “The major challenge is to let average Nigerians know that all drugs are poison, including vitamins, because somebody can die from an overdose of vitamin. Drugs are not commodities. That done, the next thing on the line is for us to agree to sanitise the chaotic distribution system that we have, so that drugs would not be bought on the street, but should be bought and be used as prescribed and dispensed by the pharmacists.

    “The Federal Government has developed a new drug distribution guideline launched by the former Minister of Health. The guideline was supposed to kick off effectively next month. We are not sure yet how it will start; what we are saying is that if every Nigerian will embrace the change which we know initially it can be difficult but necessary, it can be done.”

    He urged President Muhammadu Buhari to appoint competent administrator as the next minister for health.

    The pharmacist said, “the position of a minister is not something that should be reserved for any profession. A minister is an administrator and I believe that the best administrator that could best serve the interest of the nation should be considered. This has little or nothing to do with that professional background. Prof Eyitayo Lambo was a health administrator he performed excellently well as a minister. When Julius Adelusi was the minister for health he performed creditably well.”

    Earlier, the state chair of NAIPN, Durowoju Ayodeji said though Nigeria has the highest population in Africa, drug consumption is dangerously low.

    He said this unsavory situation informed federal government’s renewed commitment to ensure safe consumption of drugs.

  • FCTA cautions task team on violence

    The Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Permanent Secretary, Mr. John Chukwu, an engineer, has cautioned the FCT Special Task Team on City Cleaning and Management to avoid any situation that will lead to violence in dealing with environmental defaulters in the city.

    He also urged them to re-dedicate themselves to the onerous task of making Abuja cleaner than before.

    Chukwu insisted that members of the team should follow the rules of engagement as applicable to the task team.

    He stated this in Abuja at an emergency meeting with the members of the task team led by its chairman, FCT Police Commissioner, Mr Wilson Inalegwu.

    This was disclosed in a press statement by Deputy Director/Chief Press Secretary Muhammad Sule.

    He stated, “The FCT Permanent Secretary, Engr. John Chukwu has charged the FCT Special Task Team on City Cleaning and Management to re-dedicate itself to the onerous task of making Abuja cleaner than before.

    “ Engr. Chukwu however, urged the members to exercise caution in dealing with environmental defaulters in the city by following due process and avoid any situation that will lead to violence.

    “The Abuja city, more than ever, requires effective services and orderliness so that people can go about their lawful businesses in a very safe environment,” he stressed.

    “Engr. Chukwu reiterated that members should follow rules of engagement as applicable to the Task Team.

    ”Furthermore, the Permanent Secretary called for “self-assessment on how efficient we are delivering these services”; emphasizing, “the system must work in line with the vision of the Abuja founding fathers”.

    ”He warned, “all eyes are on us, so we must continue to do more than we were doing before” and insisted that commercial motorcyclists (Okada), street hawkers and beggars must be put-off the streets of the Federal Capital City, while KEKENAPEP restricted to designated areas.

    “Responding, the FCT Police Commissioner/Chairman of the Task Team, Mr. Wilson Inalegwu assured the Permanent Secretary of full support in the sustenance of the performance of the Task Team and in the management of the city and further announced that 51 fuel hawkers arrested by the Task Team are presently being prosecuted at the FCT Mobile Court.”