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  • Buhari, Obaseki, IBB, ACF mourn Shagaya

    Buhari, Obaseki, IBB, ACF mourn Shagaya

    President Muhammadu Buhari, former Military President Ibrahim Babangida, Edo State Governor Godwin Obaseki, former Senate President David Mark and the Arewa Consultative Forum (ACF) last night mourned the passage of Gen Shagaya.

    Special Adviser to the President on Media and Publicity, Mr. Femi Adesina, said in a statement:

    “The President pays tribute to the great Nigerian whose legacies will live on in the patriotic work he did as a military officer who rose to the position of a General, and a distinguished Senator of the Federal Republic that ably represented the Plateau Southern zone.

    “The President affirms that at each step of his distinguished career in national service and politics, Gen. Shagaya brought his deep convictions and discipline to national, regional and community assignments and was ready to always offer his best to the development and stability of the country.

    “President Buhari prays that God almighty will comfort all who mourn him and grant his soul eternal rest.”

    Gen. Babangida, who appointed the late Shagaya as minister of internal affair, said he “received with great shock the sudden demise of one of the brilliant retired military officers.”

    “General Shagaya until his death had been an ardent supporter of the unity of Nigeria as a nation and a peace builder irrespective of ethnicism, tribalism and religious bigotry.”

    Mark in a statement by his media assistant, Paul Mumeh, said: “I am shocked, I am sad, he was my friend, comrade and colleague. He was among the best fertile minds in the Armed Forces during our days in the Nigerian Army.

    “He believed in the sanctity of our unity. He believed in the rule of law and in a society where every citizen is free to pursue his or her legitimate ambition in any part of the country without fear or molestation intimidation.

    “After our retirement from the army, we reunited again in the 6th Senate in the service of our father land.

    “His death is a huge personal loss to me. I have lost a bosom friend, a pathfinder and a patriot.

    “Nigeria has lost one of her finest and fertile minds. I am however consoled that he left positive footprint on the sand of time. I am convinced that his legacy of uncommon commitment to the ideals of nationhood will endure and will be a reference point in many years to come.”

    The ACF, in a statement by its National Publicity Secretary Alhaji Muhammad Biu, “Nigeria has lost one of its fineness politicians, a bridge builder and a leader who lived a simple and humble life.

    “ACF extends its condolences to the Shagaya family, the government and the good people of Plateau state and all Nigerians over the demise of Senator John N Shagaya. May his gentle soul rest in peace.”

    Obaseki said Shagaya “was a strong advocate of a united, progressive and prosperous Nigeria and his contributions will be greatly missed as the nation’s democracy continues to evolve.”

  • ​Undocumented victims of human trafficking allowed to stay in the U.S

    ​Undocumented victims of human trafficking allowed to stay in the U.S

    Undocumented immigrants who are victims of human trafficking can  stay legally in the United States, an official of the U.S department of states, Steve Wagner, has said.

    Wagner who is the acting Secretary, Administration for Children and Families (ACF), U.S Department of Health and Human Services, spoke with reporters at the Foreign Press Centre in Washington.

    Providing an overview of the role of the of the U.S department of Health and Human Services in combating both sex and labour trafficking, Wagner stated that there is a category of visa known as ‘T’–visa, which allows for continued presence of trafficking victims brought into the U.S illegally.

    “Our job is to help restore them by getting them back to the place where they can function as healthy adults and children.  Rather than being deported, victims should have the opportunity, ideally to rebuild their lives and access the care they need,” he said.

    He added that the U.S government has granted 13, 856 T- visas out of 18, 917 applications.  Wagner explained that trafficking has nothing to do with movement of people but with exploitation and coercion as it relates to commercial sex and labour exploitation.

     Read Also: Obasanjo: Edo needs FG, Int’l agencies’ support in fight against human trafficking

    Citing the Federal law in the United States which defines anyone under 18 who engages in commercial sex as a victim, the diplomat revealed that the vast majority of people trafficked in the U.S are kids who are U.S citizens. He added that labour trafficking on the other hand has involved foreign victims who work mostly in the hospitality industry such as hotels, massage parlous, farms and nurseries.

    He said: “The major challenge with foreign victims is that they get hidden in ethnic communities and get trapped in debt bondage while working to make more money in order to pay their smugglers”.  trying to pay their smugglers.”

    Speaking on how the U.S combats human trafficking, he disclosed that the ACF leads works with local coalitions pushing community reforms and also giving grants to non-governmental organizations working with victims of human trafficking.

    “We believe victims of human trafficking are being encountered routinely by doctors and nurses in emergency rooms and if we train our medical personnel to identify victims, then we can find hopefully many more victims,” he said.

  • Act fast on herdsmen menace, ACF, Northern Elders, Okogie, others tell FG

    Act fast on herdsmen menace, ACF, Northern Elders, Okogie, others tell FG

    Concerned about the killings credited to Fulani herdsmen around the country, the Northern Elders Forum (NEF), the Arewa Consultative Forum (ACF) and retired Lagos State Catholic Archbishop, Anthony Olubunmi Okogie, yesterday asked the Fedral Government to act fast in finding a solution to the problem.

    While the ACF charged those vested with power to secure lives and properties to act before the crisis graduates to unmanageable level, the NEF asked the Federal Government to be proactive in handling the issue.

    On his part, Okogie, who spoke in an interview with one of our correspondents yesterday, warned that the challenge could spell doom for the country if the President fails to take proactive measures to address it.

    The Secretary-General of ACF, Mr. Anthony Sani, said that recent attacks by herdsmen on some communities across the country demand urgent attention from those vested with power to secure lives and properties before the crisis graduates to unmanageable level.

    He said Nigeria does not need a tsunami or hurricane to know that the country has serious security challenges at hand.

    The ACF Scribe however said that, the situation was not beyond redemption, once the measures that can be taken to bring about peaceful resolution of the crises are urgently considered.

    He said: “The recent attacks by herdsmen on some communities across the country have drawn the attention of the nation to security challenges which demand urgent attention from those vested with power and authority to secure the lives and properties of the citizens lest such challenges reach unmanageable level.

    “My advice is not only to the federal government and its agencies but also to the state governments as well as to all political, religious and traditional leaders, that they should all come together and think out the best way of overcoming the security challenges for larger interest.

    “I want to believe there are short term, medium term and long term measures that can be taken to bring about peaceful resolution of the crises at hand that are acceptable to all the parties concerned.

    “This is very necessary because peace is a precondition for any meaningful socio-economic development of any nation.

    “We do not need a tsunami or hurricane in order to know that Nigeria has serious security challenges which make the governments at all levels to need the support of all Nigerians as the nation grapples with them.

    “The situation is not beyond redemption.”

    Archbishop Okogie said it behoves the President to find a solution to the menace of herdsmen, adding that the ball was in the President’s court.

    He said: “The ball is in his court. He is the father of the nation, but have you heard him talk? If the President does nothing to solve the problem, your guess is as good as mine. You can feel it in the air.

    “I am not in support of giving lands to herdsmen. Let everybody keep to his zone.  This is why the Senate is against what is happening, since the President does not want to talk. His silence means consent.

    “The very first man that talked about herdsmen disturbing him in his farm was Chief Olu Falae, but they swept the thing off just like that.

    “Another case came up here in the West when a few people, looking like ruffians and pretended to be herdsmen with AK 47, were arrested. It was published in the newspapers, but nothing was done.

    “I wrote two articles on these things and nothing was done.

    “Look at what happened in Ilorin recently when small boys and girls went to churches and started damaging things. Up till today, nothing is done.

    “Let it be Christians that is doing that and you would see what will happen.”

    On his part, Prof. Abdullahi, who is the spokesman of the Northern Elders Forum (NEF), called on federal and state governments to be more proactive in protecting of lives and property of citizens across the country.

    Abdullahi said there was need for the authorities to take more decisive steps to ensure the security of lives and property of citizens, especially those that were currently involved in herdsmen/farmer clashes in Benue, Taraba, Adamawa, Kaduna, Zamfara and other parts of the country.

    He also advised the federal security agencies to step up their statutory responsibility of protecting the nation’s integrity.

    While he commiserated with all families and communities that have lost members and property, the Northern Elder urged the citizens themselves to be more vigilant.

    He said: “Our forum recently met to review critical national developments, particularly as they relate to tension around national security punctuated by killings in many parts of the country, and we condemned it and called for seriousness on the part of the security agencies in tackling the matter.

    “We condole all the families and communities that have lost members and assets, and we demand the federal and state authorities to take more decisive steps to restore the security of lives and property of citizens.

    “Also, all leaders must observe restraint and responsibility in the manner they exercise their powers to shape opinion and determine the responses of the citizens.

    “All communities must maintain vigilance over their relations with each other, and seek solutions that do not involve conflicts which in the end leave all of us as losers.

    “We at the Northern Elders Forum will continue to seek all opportunities and avenues to engage leaders, governments and all stakeholders in the search for peace and security in the North and Nigeria.”

    Kano-based politician, Alhaji Faruk Umar, opined a change in the Constitution so that that every Nigerian can become a citizen in the state that he or she resides.

    This way, he said, an indigene of any state would treat others in the state like his brother or sister, and would do away with ethnic or religious dichotomy.

    Aba based Civil Rights activist, Prof. Charles Chinekezi, called for the establishment of state vigilance groups to check attacks by herdsmen.

    Recruits into such vigilance groups, according to him, must be “very well trained personnel who are chosen based on the background of decency and fairness.”

    He said the wave of killings in the country “has to be quickly addressed.”

    He wondered how herdsmen who “have been grazing their cattle in the past 2000 years suddenly became tools in the hands of dangerous politicians.”

    He kicked against the planned cattle colonies, saying: “They know it is criminal and intended to fuel dispassionate and tribal fireworks which some people want to push.”

    Senior Advocate of Nigeria, Femi Falana, has doubts about the ability of the Yemi Osinbajo-led committee set up by the National Economic Council to resolve the herdsmen crisis to  achieve anything.

    “Committee to do what? To find out how many people have been killed? To establish that we have been this problem for more than five years and nobody is addressing this problem?” he asked.

    He advised the state governments to take advantage of the current situation by establishing ranches to provide the beef needs of their people.

    He said: “In 1951, we had the first ranch in Nigeria, in Calabar, Obudu cattle ranch. Now, it’s been converted to Obudu holiday resort.

    “The late Ahmadu Bello regime established the Mokwa ranch, the Obafemi Awolowo regime in the West, in the 50s, established the Akunnu ranch, now in Ondo State.

    “The late Governor Adekunle Ajasin of the old Ondo state established a dairy farm in Iko Ekiti. “What do you expect the government to do? Revive the dairy farm.

    “A pregnant woman was killed in Ekiti two days ago, it is a height of primitivity to kill a pregnant woman anywhere in the world. But you can be sure nobody will be brought to book. The point I’m trying to make is, it is not our culture, for people taking cattle round the country, it’s a recent phenomenon.

    “In the Southwest here, the late Obafemi Awolowo brought a specie of cattle from Argentina. They were locally bred and people had these animals.

    “Nobody destroyed anybody’s farm until recently. And if you are taking a cow from Sokoto to Benin or Enugu, the rearer has to be armed because of cattle rustlers. The animal has to feed on somebody’s farm and rape has to be committed since the rearer hasn’t seen his wife for two or three months. Nobody does this again anywhere in the world. African countries have solved these problems by establishing ranches.” Second Republic Senator, Chief Ayo Fasanmi advised the security operatives to be more vigilant and pro-active with a view to assuring Nigerians that they are capable of securing their lives and property.

    The Afenifere leader, who expressed dissatisfaction with creation of colonies for animals, maintained that establishing such is neo-colonialism, adding that cows are not human beings to enjoy an independent portion of territory within Nigeria. ”We must stand firm against what is not right. We are one nation with a common destiny. Nothing should be allowed to divide us. How could people not feel safe on their farms and land.” Fasanmi said he was confident that President Mohammadu Buhari would be able to stand up to the challenge posed by the menace, saying as “an outstanding retired military officer he must have seen as worst as this situation before.”

  • ACF condemns Biu attack

    ACF condemns Biu attack

    The Arewa Consultative Forum (ACF) has condemned last Saturday’s suicide attack at Biu market, Borno State. It urged parents to be watchful of their young girls, who are easily used as suicide bombers.

    ACF noted with dismay that fleeing Boko Haram insurgents are now infiltrating communities to commit heinous crimes.

    The forum, in a statement by its National Publicity Secretary, Muhammad Ibrahim Biu, said: “The Arewa Consultative Forum (ACF) learnt with shock, the death of 17 persons in two bomb attacks by two female bombers, at Biu market, Borno State.

    “These dastardly acts by remnants of Boko Haram terrorists using innocent children to perpetrate these barbaric acts are worrisome and condemnable.

    “The recent spate of suicide bomb attacks in Konduga, Borno State and that of Mubi mosque and Madagali in Adamawa State, are really disturbing.

    “The fleeing Boko Haram insurgents are now infiltrating various communities, having been dislodged by our gallant soldiers from their cells in the Sambisa forest and other places.

    “ACF, therefore, urges the various communities, especially in the Northeast, to be more vigilant, security-conscious and heed security advice by reporting suspicious persons, movements and objects to the military and other security agencies to avert a recurrence.

    “The forum urges parents of young girls to watch their wards who are easy prey to the sect, in the mistaken belief that God needs them to fight His cause. There is nothing like killing for God.

    “We hail the military, other security agencies and the civilian JTF in their fight against Boko Haram insurgency, and other crimes, and urge them not to relent but sustain the onslaught and constant surveillance in the affected states until security is properly restored.

    “ACF extends its condolences to the families of the deceased, the Biu Emirate Council, the government and people of Borno State, at this unfortunate incident. It equally praises efforts of Borno State government and other humanitarian organisations for their prompt responses in providing free medical treatment to the injured persons.”

  • Senate, Jonathan, ACF, Ita-Giwa mourn ex-VP Ekwueme

    Senate, Jonathan, ACF, Ita-Giwa mourn ex-VP Ekwueme

    THE Senate yesterday adopted a motion urging the Federal Government to immortalise the late former Vice President, Dr. Alex Ekwueme, by naming the Federal Polytechnic Oko or other key federal institution or assets after him.

    Former President Goodluck Jonathan, the Arewa Consultative Forum (ACF) and former Presidential Adviser Senator Florence Ita-Giwa also mourned the late vice president.

    The upper chamber resolved to send a delegation to condole with his family and the government and people of Anambra State.

    The resolution followed the adoption of a motion sponsored by Deputy Senate President Senator Ike Ekweremadu.

    Ekweremadu, in his lead debate, prayed the Senate to note with a deep sense of loss the passing on of the former vice president.

    He noted that the late elder statesman was an intellectual giant and consummate professional, who pioneered the business of architecture in modern Nigeria and paid his dues to the social, economic, and political development of Nigeria.

    Ekweremadu noted that late Ekwueme was a bridge builder, patriot, and pan-Nigerian, who played a major role in the post-war reconciliation process in Nigeria.

    Other senators who contributed to the debate, including Senators Enyinnaya Abaribe, James Manager, Bala Ibn Na’Allah, paid glowing tribute to Ekwueme, who died Monday night in a London hospital.

    The Senate also observed a minute’s silence in honour of late vice president.

    Jonathan, in a letter of condolence to the Ekwueme family and the government and people of Anambra State, described the late statesman’s exit as an irreparable loss.

    A statement by the ex-President’s Special Adviser on Media, Mr. Ikechukwu Eze, described Ekwueme as an intellectual giant and democrat, who took a principled stand against military rule.

    He said: “Ekwueme was a well-loved statesman, who played politics of inclusion and made useful contributions in charting a course for Nigeria’s geopolitical stability. A totem of courage and patriotism, the Second Republic Vice President’s role in deepening the roots of democratic rule was evident in his selfless and principled stand against military rule.

    “He was an intellectual giant, whose prowess in learning was as deep and profound as the love he had for his people and nation. His commitment to educational excellence is a trait we should encourage Nigerians to imbibe.”

    ACF said the former Vice President was one of the Nigeria’s finest politicians and bridge-builder.

    The forum, in a statement by its National Publicity Secretary, Muhammad Ibrahim Biu, said: “The late Dr. Alex Ekwueme was the Vice President to former President Shehu Shagari during the Second Republic and a great politician, who left an indelible mark in the political history of Nigeria. The late elder statesman was a qualified architect of repute, a man of great vision and intellect who was a strong pillar that continues to support the unity and stability of Nigeria.

    “We recalled that in October 2012, when a high powered delegation of the ACF paid a visit to the Southeast on the invitation of Ohanaeze Ndigbo, the late elder statesman came personally to receive the ACF delegation and also led the Ndigbo team to the meeting with the forum.”

    Senator Ita-Giwa described the late Ekwueme as a pillar of democracy.

    The foremost leader of the Bakassi people from Cross River State, in a message to The Nation in Calabar yesterday, commiserated with the Ekwueme family and Nigerians over his death.

    “Dr. Ekwueme was a man that I had a lot of respect and admiration for. He was a pillar of democracy in the country and played a tremendous role to ensure it was sustained in the country… He will be greatly missed by the country,” Ita-Giwa said.

     

  • Call for break-up: Northern elders, ACF, Arewa youths, disown Ango Abdullahi

    Call for break-up: Northern elders, ACF, Arewa youths, disown Ango Abdullahi

    The Arewa Consultative Forum (ACF), leader of the Northern Elders Forum (NEF), Dr. Paul Unongo,  and the Arewa  Youths Consultative Forum  are not on the same page with Northern Elders Forum  (NEF) chieftain,Professor Ango Abdullahi, on his position that Nigerians should “go our separate ways.”

    The former vice chancellor of the Ahmadu Bello University,Zaria,has also came under attack from the youth wing of Igbo socio-cultural group, Ohanaeze Ndigbo, which called his view “very, very unfortunate and unexpected from a man of his caliber.”

    Abdullahi, speaking on Wednesday at a public debate in Kaduna had said  the best option for the country was a return to 1914 or 1960 or  what he called “let us go our separate ways.”

    “If on the other hand we give credit to the British and our founding fathers (and they deserve credit), and we cannot contain restructuring based on what existed in 1914, we should go back to 1960 when the country operated regions. The north is not afraid of getting our north back,” he said  at the forum “The North and the Future of Nigerian Federation”, organized by the Arewa Research and Development Project, in collaboration with Sir Ahmadu Bello Foundation; the Northern Elders Forum; Arewa Consultative Forum; Code Group; Northern Delegates Forum; Arewa Reawakening; Jamiyar Matan Arewa and Forum for Northern Youths Organizations.

    Asked yesterday to respond to Abdullahi’s  view,the ACF Secretary General Mr. Anthony Sani said Abdullahi was on his own on.

    He said: “Prof Ango Abdullahi has the right to air his view, but he is on his own on this matter of public importance.

    “As far as we are concerned, the certain benefits of a big and united one Nigeria are more than the uncertain gains of split.

    “It is therefore defeatist to allow our temporary challenges to redefine our cherished common destiny and set our collective agenda.

    “Nigerians must know that in mechanism of community living, victory and defeat are never final. Our current challenges are not beyond redemption.”

    Dr. Unongo who heads  the NEF of which Abdullahi is a prominent member,said that the 1914 amalgamation of Nigeria by Lord Frederick Lugard was not a mistake.

     

    The Second Republic Minister of Steel Development said by phone that though  he supports devolution of power to the states, he is totally against any move to break  up Nigeria.

    His words: “Professor Ango Abdullahi has spoken for himself and he has a right to do so. But, going our separate ways is not the best for this country.

    “That we have challenges does not mean that we have not done well in so many other areas.

    “Nigeria has done very well as a nation state. The amalgamation of Nigeria by Lord Lugard is not a mistake, because we have come this far as a united country. But, the agitation by the youths and other groups is that  we ought to have done better, which the truth.

    “Mind you, this situation is like the car we use.There are times we need to change worn-out nuts and others like that. So, the most sensible way of addressing this situation is to address our challenges as a nation.

    “So, we should not split this country. Yes, I support devolution of certain power to the states. Let them be given power and resources to develop the states and same to the local governments.

    “What I will not support is allowing state police. States should not be allowed to form their own army, because states will go to war against each other.”

    The  national president of the AYCF, Comrade Shettimma Yerima, said the disintegration of the country would do no good to Nigerians and would amount to suicide.

    He said: “We respect Professor Ango Abdullahi and he might have his reasons for saying this.

    “That is his own opinion and that how he sees it.

    “ He saw yesterday but for us who are for today, we really don’t want to reflect on the past because it nothing to write home about. We are looking for how we can build a nation, how we can work together to make Nigeria stronger.

    “I don’t agree with him that Nigeria should disintegrate. We have more to lose now if the country disintegrates.

    “I am of the view that whatever the grudges are, we must know that all hope is not lost.  The  present generation (of Northerners) strongly believe that we can work together with our brothers from other parts of the country to build a nation where there will be no suspicion, where there will be equity and fairness to all.

    “That is what we are looking up to.  We are working towards building a nation where all of us will begin to see ourselves as Nigerians.

    “This is why the Arewa youths, the Ohanaeze youths and others across the country and working together to make sure peace reigns and that we have a virile nation. Disintegration will amount to total suicide.”

    The youth wing of Igbo socio-cultural group, Ohanaeze Ndigbo, also does not share Abdullahi’s view.

    In a chat with our correspondent, the President of the OYC, Mazi Okechukwu Isiguzoro, said the statement by Abdullahi was unfortunate.

    He said:”As a youth group, we have been working with the Arewa youths and other youth groups in the country to promote peace and cordial relationship among our people.

    “Why should  Professor Abdullahi now be making such statement that is capable of heating up the polity again and causing needless confusion. We stand for a united Nigeria where equity, fairness and justice shall reign.”

    Niger Delta leaders who were also contacted  insisted on a fair, just and equitable country as opposed to the  break-up canvassed by Prof Abdullahi.

    The National Coordinator, Pan Niger Delta Peoples Congress (PNDPC), Chief Mike Loyibo, said though the Southsouth was  not afraid of a breakup, the people  had unanimously agreed that Nigeria would be better as one entity.

    He said the zone  would continue to advocate a restructured Nigeria where states would be allowed to control their resources and pay certain amount of taxes to the Federal Government.

    He said they were tired of the current lopsided arrangement where the region which feeds the country, remained marginalized in key security and oil and gas positions.

    He said: “Our problem is that of injustice. The constitution itself is defective and we have been long marginalized.

    “What we are simply saying is give us  true federalism where all the regions are  allowed to develop at their own pace. Allow us to control and manage our resources and we pay certain taxes to the government.

    “Nobody is afraid of breakup, after all Nigeria is a forced marriage.

    “ Our position as Niger Delta leaders is that there should be restructuring. We want a structure that will address the injustice we have.

    “ I don’t support breakup but I support one Nigeria where there will be justice, equity and every side will be allowed to develop at their own pace.

    “ Ango Abdullahi is entitled to his opinion. The other day he said it was not resource control but resource management”

    Also speaking,a former President of the Ijaw Youth Council (IYC) Worldwide, Mr. Udens Eradiri, said Nigeria would be stronger as a united country.

    He said the country urgently needed restructuring to ensure equity and justice adding that devolution of power will  enable states develop at their pace.

    He said: “I think Nigeria is stronger as one nation where equity and justice will prevail. It is not difficult to get justice and equity. It is just that leadership is not serious.

    “Somebody said  something that the mineral resources offshore should belong to the Federal Government while the ones onshore should belong to the state. That could also be the starting point. But the important point is that equity and justice demand that the state must get what belongs to it.

    “In any case, Nigeria is failing. States can no longer pay salaries. The federal government is taking 87 per cent of the resources after giving 13 per cent to states, but cannot sustain infrastructures. Roads are nothing to write home about even in APC states.

    “It is not about supporting an administration, it is about a system that has failed and that cannot be sustained. It is only common sense that when you are doing something for many years and it is not working, you ought  to do it differently.

    “ The most important part is that there is failure of leadership. If we have had clear-headed leadership, we won’t be where we are today.

    “Even when we will be restructuring and devolving power, the people must take control of the electoral process. That is the only way you can guarantee responsible leadership. As we are today, it is not working.”

  • Reps, ACF, Clark, others demand enquiry, fair hearing

    Reps, ACF, Clark, others demand enquiry, fair hearing

    Ijaw national leader, Chief Edwin Clark, wants President Muhammadu Buhari to set up a commission of inquiry to investigate the allegations made by the Minister of State for Petroleum Resources, Dr.Ibe Kachikwu, against the Managing Director of the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation, Dr.Maikanti Baru.
    On the same page with him are the Secretary of the Itsekiri Leaders of Thought (ILoT), Sir Amorighoye Sunny Mene, and the Convener of the influential South-South Reawakening Group (SSRG), Joseph Ambakederemo.
    Although the apex Northern socio-cultural group, Arewa Consultative Forum (ACF), a former Deputy Speaker of the Rivers State House of Assembly, Leyii Kwanee, and some members of the House of Representatives  are  not categorical in demanding a commission of enquiry, they say the issue should be thoroughly investigated and the two sides given fair hearing.
    They were all responding yesterday to the crisis of confidence between Kachikwu and Baru.
    Both men were at the Presidential Villa yesterday on the matter.
    The Minister of State met with President Buhari while Baru consulted with Vice President Yemi Osinbajo.
    Kachikwu had in a letter to Buhari accused Baru of bypassing him and the NNPC board in taking crucial decisions including the alleged award of a $25 billion contract without due process.
    Clark said: “I think Mr President should look into the whole matter. This is like what they call ‘corruption fighting back’. He should set up a committee of inquiry to look into the allegations made by the minister.
    “Those he accused are now fighting back. They are now using the EFCC to fight him back.
    “I have also been seeing some articles written by some Northerners. It’s not a fight between
    Kachikwu and the North, but between the North and the South.
    “People should place Nigeria first and not self first. It’s very disturbing to read that people are writing articles, maligning Kachikwu, a very intelligent man, that he should be sacked and so on.
    “This is very upsetting and Mr. President must step in, otherwise there’ll be problem. If Kachikwu should be removed, who next?
    Mr. President should step in immediately and take over the situation, with no due regard to any
    person, no matter how close to him.”
    Mene was particularly irked by the NNPC appointments.
    He said: “The NNPC appointments did not take care of the sensitivity of the
    people of the Niger Delta.
    “The problem of this country, right from the independence is lack of balancing.
    “Whenever you do not do proper balancing in appointments, in any arm of the federal government, it leads to crisis and we are tending towards another crisis.
    “We are strongly urging the President to quickly intervene in this matter before it degenerates into another round of agitation and crisis in the Niger Delta.”
    The Convener of the SSRG, Ambakederemo, said no blame or
    judgment should be apportioned until due diligence is done.
    According to him, “let us not run to conclusions yet because we have
    only heard from one side.
    “We’re yet to hear from the Group Managing Director of the NNPC
    “We should not rush to the gallery to make untoward comments.
    “We’re not living in the jungle; we must follow due process. Allegation has
    come from one side, I expect the President to put up a team to look
    at the matter, hearing also from the GMD.
    “My advice is that Mr President should tread carefully on this issue.
    Look at the issues involved, hear from the other party, if possible
    set up a committee to look at the issues raised.
    “Like I said, we must expect squabbles like this from a big institution like the NNPC and
    Ministry of Petroleum Resources. They must always come.”
    A former Deputy Speaker of the Rivers State House of Assembly, Leyii Kwanee, said that the matter must not be swept under the carpet.
    He suggested an independent investigation similar to the one that probed the allegations against the suspended Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Babachir David Lawal, an engineer.
    “The Kachikwu/Baru matter must be thrown open for thorough investigation and never to be swept under the carpet, in order to serve as a deterrent to others. Nigerians are looking unto President Buhari at this critical moment,” he said by phone.
    Some members of the House of Representatives also bared their minds on the matter in separate interviews with The Nation.
    Hon. Ajibola Famurewa, APC member representing Atakunmosa East and West/Ilesha East, Osun State asked Baru to explain the source of his power to award such contacts without the approval of the board.”
    He added:” I want the President to fully investigate the matter. Anybody can lay an allegation against anybody. Let Baru now come out and say why he did that if truly he awarded the contracts.
    Hon. Babatunde Kolawole representing Akoko South-West/ East, Ondo State said: “We have relevant legislations and regulations that guide the operations of the office of the GMD and Minister of State.
    “I believe Kachikwu did the right thing by complaining to the President in the letter over how the process for the award of such huge contracts was breached, especially in a government that is fighting corruption.”
    Hon.Tajudeen Yusuf, PDP Kogi, Kabba/ Bunu/Ijumu Federal Constituency, said the alleged $25 billion contract was an opportunity for the APC- led government to prove its seriousness about the fight against corruption.
    His words: “It’s simple. The President should call in the relevant agencies, look at their books to ascertain the authenticity of the allegations, get credible hands to do it.
    “And I think the National Assembly too will not fail in its responsibility to look at the books to know who and who is culpable.
    The apex Northern socio-cultural group, Arewa Consultative Forum (ACF), said Kachikwu and Baru should be given fair hearing.
    ACF National Publicity Secretary, Alhaji Muhammad Ibrahim Biu, told The Nation that the allegations raised against the NNPC GMD were very grave and should be thoroughly investigated by the Presidency to unravel the facts.
    ACF, however, commended President Muhammadu Buhari’s intervention in the matter as timely and most appropriate.
    He said: “The issues raised in the alleged letter to the President by the Minister of Petroleum on allegations of unilateral awards of contract by GMD NNPC and other acts of insubordination are very grave and need to be thoroughly investigated by the Presidency to know the facts.
    “Therefore, the intervention of President Buhari in the matter as we read in the newspapers is most appropriate and timely.
    “We hope the GMD and the Minister would be given fair hearing so that Nigerians will know the facts. Thereafter, the President should do the needful” he said.
    Ex-President General Ndokwa Neku Union (NNU), Mr. Paul Enebeli said President Buhari’s anti-corruption stance would be irretrievably tarnished if the matter was swept under the carpet.
    He asked the President to use the opportunity provided by the current situation to holistically examine other federal ministries as it may be symptomatic of the rot in crucial sectors of the economy.
    Enebeli said it was more worrying that Kachukwu was unable to have access to the President, despite his position in an industry that plays a crucial role in the national economy.
    He said the allegations are grave and should be investigated, adding that if unchecked, it could send wrong signals to the Ndokwa Neku Union (NNU) is the umbrella socio-cultural organisation of the Ndokwa nation in Delta State.

  • No informed comment on Kachikwu ‘s memo yet – ACF

    No informed comment on Kachikwu ‘s memo yet – ACF

    The Pan-Northern social-political Organisation, the Arewa Consultative Forum (ACF) said on Friday that it will not make any informed comment on the allegations levelled against the Group Managing Director of the Nigeria National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC), Dr Maikanti Baru by the Minister of State for Petroleum, Ibe Kachikwu.

    The Forum said, however, that it was not opposed to any action taken by the government to unveil the truth needed for an informed decision in the interest of transparency.

    Secretary-General of the Forum, Anthony Sani told The Nation that the ACF does not have all the facts to be able to make any informed comment in the issue.

    He said: “ACF does not have all the facts on this matter. More so that the ministry has come out and said the letter by the Minister of State for Petroleum Resources was meant to draw attention to the need for due process in the management practices of contract award by NNPC. As a result, the forum is not in the position to make an informed comments on the issue.

    “However, given the fact that the matter is of public importance, ACF is never opposed to any actions taken by the government in order to unveil the truth needed for an informed decision in the interest of transparency.”

  • Support anti-graft war, ACF tells Nigerians

    Support anti-graft war, ACF tells Nigerians

    The apex northern socio-cultural group, Arewa Consultative Forum (ACF), has appealed to Nigerians to support the anti-corruption war of the current administration.

    It lamented the nation has not delivered on its full potentials 57 years after independence.

    ACF, in a statement by its National Publicity Secretary, Muhammad Biu, however, pointed out: “we cannot ignore the fact that, despite the upheavals due to shortcomings, we have been able to sustain the unity and stability of the country.

    “We have also recorded and witnessed some progress in many areas that include education, infrastructural development, economy and relative political stability.”

    It added: “Our leaders should refrain from fanning the embers of disunity, promotion of cleavages along ethnic and religious lines, rather, emphasis should be on the things that unite and make us great as a nation.

    “At 57, Nigerians expect to see more of transparency, prudence, fairness and equity in governance and to feel the dividends of democracy.”

     

  • ACF, Junaid Mohammed says no to withdrawal of troops

    ACF, Junaid Mohammed says no to withdrawal of troops

    The spokesman for the Arewa Consultative Forum (ACF), Alhaji Muhammad Ibrahim Biu and one of the prominent voices from the north, Dr. Junaid Mohammed have opposed the call for withdrawal of military from the troubled areas of South East.

    The security of every part of Nigeria, according to them, is the duty of federal government, and security agents should be allowed to deal with trouble makers accordingly.

    Biu told The Nation that  the agitation  for the  withdrawal of soldiers  from the Southeast was uncalled for, especially when similar security operations had one time or the other been carried out in other parts of the country.

    He hailed the Southeast Governors for banning the activities of IPOB and for restating their commitment to one united Nigeria, he said ACF would not back the withdrawal of soldiers from the Southeast.

    His words:”We are not in support of withdrawal of soldiers.

    “At least similar operations have been carried out in other parts of the country, from ‘Operation Lafia Dole’ in North East, to ‘Operation Sharan Daji’ in North West, ‘Operation Harbin Kunama’ in Kaduna, ‘Operation Crocodile Smile’ in the Southsouth and a similar one in Ekiti. So, why should this one be different? Why must soldiers be withdrawn?

    “ACF is reiterating its earlier appeal to the Military and the Security Agencies to be firm and resolute in not only discharging their constitutional roles of providing security to all law abiding citizens, but also deal decisively with those who do not wish this nation well.”

    In a separate statement, ACF lauded Nigerians outside the precinct of the Southeast and Southsouth, especially northerners, for “maintaining peace and understanding despite provocative messages and utterances over the unfortunate Abia crisis.”

    But it condemned “the clash between members of the banned Indigenous Peoples of Biafra (IPOB) and troops of the Nigerian Army in Aba, Umuahia and Oyinbo last week which endangered some northerners residing in those areas and even innocent people in those areas.

    “Many videos and write ups claimed to have been on the unfortunate incidences were posted by enemies of Nigeria on the social media. They were deliberately meant to provoke reprisal attacks from the North and make the Igbo residing in the North to begin to move to the Southeast and stoke the activities of IPOB.

    “But to the surprise of the enemies of a strong united Nigeria, the northerners displayed maturity, understanding and patriotic courage in handling the situation. This is a welcome development and very heartening, which should not only be applauded but encouraged by all in order to sustain our unity and peaceful coexistence.”

    In his own reaction Dr. Junaid Mohammed said: “IPOB has since the coming of the APC government been terrorizing people and challenging the government to do something about them.

    “So, I don’t think that the Governors are right by calling for withdrawal of soldiers, because they are soldiers of the federal Republic of Nigeria and they are there by right.

    “IPOB is a terrorist organization and if soldiers are there to check their excesses and protect other law abiding citizens of Nigeria, I don’t think there is something wrong with their presence. Nobody has the right to ask soldiers or police and others to leave.

    “The IPOB members should be given Boko Haram kind of treatment. If they behave like Boko Haram, why not if the military gives them Boko Haram treatment? It is simple, there is no big deal about it.”