The Nation Newspaper

Tag: boko haram

  • Before 13.2 million out-of-school children overrun Nigeria

    The Islamic State of West Africa Province (ISWAP) should not be allowed to recruit 13.2 million out-of school children in Nigeria who could serve as breeding criminals for kidnapping and armed robbery. The insurgents are desperate to overrun the northeast and render the government weak to respond to their criminal tendencies that had kept that part of the country under their control. Since the merger with ISIS, Boko Haram has developed into a desperate monster, devouring its victims and inflicting pains on people and the government of Nigeria. The group has changed tactics from attacking mosques, markets, public buildings and barracks to abduction of defenceless people.

    I implore the federal, state and local governments to work hard so that the 13.2 million out-of-school children are not recruited into Boko Haram, armed robbers or enlisted into kidnapping gangs. In the 21st century, we cannot afford to produce 13.2 million jihadists, kidnappers and armed robbers. Let us work hard to eliminate out-of-school children in our system.

    The 69% of the out-of-school children in the north could be classified as “vulnerable” and exposed to the jihadists and threatened by various terror organizations. Majority of the children could be recruited into Boko Haram terror group. The situation is that an entire generation of children in the northeast is being robbed of their right to education, an essential ingredient for their future and for the development of the northeast region, which for years has lagged behind that of other parts of the country. Without urgent action to address the lack of access to education occasioned by the Boko Haram attacks, the lives of these children could become locked in unending cycles of underachievement and poverty. Boko Haram is also a kidnapping group today. It has kidnapped some of these out-of-school children and recruited them into the terror group.

    For example, in Borno, one of the most affected states, schools at all levels were closed in 22 out of 27 local government areas for at least two years, and public secondary schools in the state capital, Maiduguri. They were only reopened in February 2016 after internally displaced people, or IDPs, who occupied most of the schools, were relocated elsewhere. Education might have ground to a complete standstill in even relatively safe Maiduguri if it were not for some private schools that remained open when state authorities shut down public schools in March 2014.

    As schools become targets, children are living and working on the streets and the government isn’t doing much to protect them. The unceasing conflict in northeast has destroyed the institutions meant to protect children. “Nearly half of the children aged between 7 and 14 years old in northeast are missing out on school.”

    Generations of children have paid the price in northeast that has not been at peace since 2010.There was widespread violence as a leading reason for children not attending school. Northeast remains in crisis between conflict and recovery, and despite millions of dollars being pumped into globally funded reconstruction efforts, protection for children – whether those attending school, working on streets or in factories, and others confined to their homes because of insecurity – remains precarious and their future prospects threadbare.

    An official of the United Nations Children Fund (UNICEF) said 69 per cent of Nigeria’s out-of-school children are located in the northern part of the country.

    Also according to the official, Bauchi State has the highest number with 1.1 million children followed by Katsina with 781,500.

    UNICEF’s Deputy Representative in Nigeria, Pernille Ironside, made the announcement at a Northern Nigeria Traditional Leaders Conference on out-of-school children held in Kaduna.

    Ms Pernille said a ministerial strategic plan states that Nigeria has 10.5 million children aged 6-14, out of school.

    Nigerian official last week said a more recent survey in 2015 put the number at 13.2 million.

    “When we speak of out-of-school children, who are they? It is too easy to keep them nameless and faceless. The latest MICS data tells us that 69 per cent of out-of-school children in Nigeria are in northern states,” Ms Pernille said.

    “These children are in your communities, on your streets, in the households, in your council area. Other sources say the number of out-of-school children is higher. But the focus is not the precise number, the focus should be on boys and girls in your communities who lose out on education, lose out of livelihoods, and lose out on hope and the future they can have for themselves, their families, their communities and their country. Nigeria loses out on a literate and skilled workforce it needs to grow economically.

    “Nigeria needs to take leap to bring more children into education and into learning. Partnerships and collective actions are essential.

    Ms Pernille explained that in the Northeast and Northwest states, more than half of primary school aged girls are not in school.

    “There are several reasons why these children are not in school. Gender is an important factor in the pattern of educational marginalisation.

    “In the conference, we will not only discuss these barriers, we will focus on actions that need to be taken to reduce them. Many parents in northern Nigeria prefer Islamic education over formal education but they are not mutually exclusive.

    “Children need both. They also have a right to learn to read and write, mathematics and develop the knowledge and skills that will enable them to be contributing citizens of Nigeria. One approach to address both needs is the integration of basic education subjects into Islamic centres, Quranic Islamiyya and Tsangaya to reach more children with basic education skills. Approximately 26 per cent of muslim children in northern Nigeria only attend Islamiic education,” she said.

    The official also said UNICEF recognises the key role of traditional institutions in northern Nigeria to positively influence parents and ensure that children under their councils are literate. “UNICEF also recognises the leadership of Sultan of Sokoto for this conference and for his partnership with the Sultan Foundation for Peace and Development, FME, UBEC, as well as development partners in changing the story of children in their communities,” she added

    The so-called Islamic State is collapsing. In Syria, Iraq and Libya, it is losing territory and they are using West Africa as their recruiting ground. Its ambitions of a global caliphate are unrealised. But perhaps this was predicted, even anticipated. First came the grooming, then the recruitment and training to create a new army of child jihadists, who might grow into adult militants. The Islamic State’s and Boko Haram are next generation of hate in West Africa.

    As children are immersed in this public violence in northeast, they are also targeted by ISIS and Boko Haram members who lure them with various techniques. “Sometimes they make parties for children, so if you answer the right question they will give you a present or a mobile phone. They recruit a lot of young boys” this way mostly those that are out of school,  ISIS and Boko Haram send some of its child recruits to military camps to train them in how to handle weapons and fight. Militants provide an incentive to poor families by offering to pay parents hundreds of dollars per month for each child they send, and some of the children Being Slaughtered Silently. ISIS calls these children, who have been featured in many ISIS propaganda releases, “Cubs of the Caliphate.”

    Boko Haram and ISIS could target 13.2 million out of school children specifically, aiming to create a generation of loyal followers who are indoctrinated from an early age and therefore might be less likely to dissent. It’s an issue that worries experts like me. It is instilling very young children with Islamism, jihadism, and it’s something that’s going to stick around for a long, long time. Boko Haram and ISIS target children because it’s easier to recruit them than adult men.

     

    • Donald writes from Benin City.

     

     

  • Boko Haram will soon become history, says Buhari

    President Muhammadu Buhari has said that the brutal activities of the Boko Haram sect would soon become history.

    He gave the assurance while hosting members of the Kannywood entertainment industry to a dinner at the Presidential Villa, Abuja.

    Speaking in Hausa language, he said that the Federal Government would not allow any group hiding under religion to unleash terror on innocent citizens.

    He said: “It’s totally wrong for any believer in God to kill innocent people either in the mosque, church or the market place.

    “You can’t be shouting Allahu Akbar (Allah is Great and killing innocent citizens and destroying properties all in the name of God. It is either you don’t know what you are saying or you don’t even believe in the existence of God Almighty. God has nothing to do with injustice.

    “So, now we are confronting them, and by the grace of God, we will destroy them.’’

    Recalling his political struggles since 2003 when he made his first attempt at the presidential seat, he lauded former President Goodluck Jonathan for accepting defeat in the 2015 general elections.

    “I’ll continue to hold former President Jonathan in high esteem as a result of that singular act. He (Jonathan) was in power as deputy governor, governor (Bayelsa), Vice-President and President, all for about 10 years and he voluntarily accepted defeat and surrendered power to me,’’ he said.

    The president also enjoined members of the Kannywood to use their respective talents in promoting the culture of peaceful co-existence and unity among the diverse socio-political groups in the country.

    Speaking earlier in his remarks, the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Mr Boss Mustapha, expressed the hope that Buhari had been guaranteed at least five million votes in the 2019 presidential election by the fans and followers of the entertainers.

    He, therefore, urged them to use their platforms in the social media in promoting the achievements of the Buhari administration.

    Mustapha thanked entertainers for the roles they played in 2015 which contributed immensely to the victory of Buhari in the presidential election, and called on them to repeat the same in 2019.

    Representatives of the Kannywood entertainers, who spoke at the event, pledged to mobilise support for Buhari and other APC candidates in the forthcoming 2019 general elections.

  • Nurses declare three-day mourning for health workers murdered by Boko Haram

    The National Association of Nigeria Nurses and Midwives (NANNM) has declared a three-day mourning period for the late Saifura Hussain Ahmed, a midwife, and another health worker, Hauwa Liman, who was recently killed by the Boko Haram sect.

    NANNM also called on the federal government to do everything humanly possible to secure the release of a nurse, Alice Loksha, who was abducted a few weeks ago and is currently held by the terrorist group.

    NANNM also asked members across the country to embark on three-day prayer and fasting for “the safe return of all our members who are presently in horrible situations of captivity in different parts of the country.”

    Besides, they are to wear black armbands within the period.

    The President of NANNM, Abdulrafiu Adeniji, who made the call at a media briefing in Abuja yesterday, regretted that nurses and other health workers have become victims of crossfire in different parts of the country.

    “The spate of kidnapping, maiming, raping, dehumanizing activities are becoming too much, unfortunately targeted at a group of innocent and peace loving, harbinger of comfort and those who work relentlessly to alleviate suffering and soothing frail nerves.

    “The leadership of NANNM is concerned about the gruesome killings in terrorist ridden areas of North Eastern Nigeria, those who are victims of communal and civil wars even in the North West and North Central.

    “Indeed, there seem to be no safe haven for Nigerian nurses where abduction and kidnapping are not rampant, (where) assault, rape and battery cannot be totally ruled out,” Adeniji lamented.

    He therefore called on the Federal Government to provide special protection for nurses and midwives and other health professionals.

    The NANNM President further appealed to the federal government to immortalise health workers who have lost their lives in the line of duty.

    He also called on the international community to intervene in the crisis in the North East and bring the federal government and the terrorist group to a round table in order to resolve their disagreements so as to restore peace in the region.

    NANNM president also appealed to terrorist groups in Nigeria “to please consider the prayers of Nigerians and international community to have a rethink and end the abductions and brutal killings.”

  • Between Boko Haram and Alaba Pirates

    The brazen impunity to steal intellectual property and resist the law enforcement agents violently in Alaba market, Ojo Local Government, Lagos State, still calls for serious concern.

    The Federal Government, Lagos State Government and filmmakers have been on this matter for about three decades with no hope in the horizon. And from all indications, right owners have come to accept this as a norm; when they talk about it, it is akin to the regular lamentation about erratic power supply in the country, because as a people, we have resorted to live our lives like that, with ‘generators’ as the surest bailout.

    I was at the Alaba market recently for the World Intellectual Property Organisation (WIPO) Day, and, from my experiences, that was the only time that hell was not let loose, because the owners of the pirated films that filled the nooks and crannies of the Film Plaza, as that wing of the Fancy and Furniture section of the market is called, went to ‘beg’.

    “Na beg we dey beg, those involved in pirating our works should please desist from doing so. We beg you in the name of God,” said a film marketer.

    The film and music sectors have been on this matter for a while, and each time there was any form of enforcement, the police would abandon their vans and run for safety. It was that bad.

    “You cannot come and arrest anybody here without the consent of our chairman,” said a daring-looking guy, as if I didn’t know. He was so proud of the cult-like operations of the market, that he told me of how the police had abandoned their armored tanks in times past.  He said of how a previous chairman who appeared to be ‘selling out’ was removed. He knew I was a journalist, so he didn’t mention names and didn’t want to be taped. But he wanted me to know that their territory is a government to itself, and its internal security (whatever that means) must be protected with the last drop of their blood.

    He said to me that I dared not move too close to their chairman ‘on a good day’ without being beaten up by the security guards. He said the chairman is like a governor or president and he is being watched by snippers who could shoot the enemy from a distance.

    I asked why the need for all that if the business they are into is genuine. He looked at me with contempt, then said something like ‘whatever business is truly genuine in Nigeria?”

    I pretended to be taken by his argument, and asked him if he thinks that piracy can really be eradicated. As bitter as it sounded, his response made sense to me.

    He revealed that majority of the marketers know who the pirates are, but it is difficult to bring the law against them because they are usually their blood brothers.

    “When a man produces a film, and two or three of his brothers are the pirates, how does he arrest them? He asked, explaining that piracy is like an extended part of the original works by close associates of right owners, who just needed to do something to survive. He said that if anyone is ever arrested to for piracy within the market, such person does not belong to the right caucus. I gave up.

    My worry: why is Alaba so untouchable that it festers so much in criminality? Why do these intellectual property thieves operate like a legitimate cabal, bringing the right owners and law enforcement agencies who have attempted to wield their force to their knees?

    I was a witness in 2006 when suspected pirates at the Alaba market resisted arrest and thus mobilized the entire market to launch an attack on the troupe of NCC officials and men of the Nigerian police force who were on a raid mission.

    Read also: More film pirates nabbed as filmmakers, police comb Alaba

    Are pirates as dreaded as Boko Haram insurgents and Alaba market as feared as Sambisa forest? Are things the way they are because government is yet to see piracy as a criminal offence; one that is bad enough to attract life imprisonment or death penalty? Are things the way they are today because government does not really understand the importance of the creative industry to the economy of Nigeria? If indeed, the creative industry is an alternative to oil in the light of the present diversification agenda, why would a pirate not be considered for capital punishment if the same is being proposed for pipeline vandals?

    The ones who protect their illegal businesses with guns and machetes are not different from insurgents, armed robbers, and kidnappers. They should be treated as such. If the Nigerian government can put Boko Haram insurgents on the run, who the hell are the Alaba market mafia? Indeed, our government is not ready.

    Yes, without fear of contradictions, our government is not ready and there is no hope in sight for Nollywood because like many people, I had thought that Eldorado had come for Nollywood with the anti-corruption wand of the present administration, but there seems to be a disconnect somewhere.

    For about three decades since the evolution of what today is called Nollywood, a home video phenomenon that kick-started another leg of the journey for the Nigerian motion picture industry; the fear of piracy, the monster that dealt a monumental ‘wreck’ on legendary comedian and filmmaker, Moses Olaiya, aka Baba Sala, as grown into an institution.

    There is no doubt that the recent case of piracy and prosecution of four suspects: Ndu Celestine, Okechukwu Ikuagwu,  Austine Ugokwe and one Mayor, who is said to be the Assistant Financial Secretary of the Fancy and Furniture section of Alaba International Market may have been swept under the carpet, foiling the effort and risk undertaken by the Executive Director of NFVCB, Adedayo Thomas, notable film marketer, Gabriel Okoye, aka Igwe Gabosky, Chairman of FVPMAN, Emeka Aduah and film marketer and lawyer, Nobert Ajaegbu.

    If indeed we have a government that is sincere, a law enforcement agency that is reliable and judicial system that is impervious, the confessions by the suspects should have led to further arrests and due penalty.

    I recall that one of the suspects, Austine Ugokwe from Anambra State, said: “I was set up by someone. It was a friend Mr. Obi who usually comes from Liberia that called me to come and he directed me there and immediately I got there, I saw taskforce people, and they arrested me. I am a business man, I sell Nylon and CDs.” And when asked how he got to know Mr. Obi, he said “he buys blank CDs from me.”

    This was just as another suspect, Celestine Ndu said: “I was arrested because I was trying to help someone to package his goods (CDs). I am not the one doing it, I was just helping the owner to package it. The owner calls me to help and he gives me some money.  Mr. Bassey the man who called me to come and package the CDs for him is not my boss. I don’t know where he lives; I only know his shop in Alaba, shop GJT28”

    I thought that if at least the practitioners are not worth more than ‘mere entertainers’ that policy makers have treated them, they could pretend to love the industry if only as an alternative source of GDP that was so touted. But alas, Nollywood has been fed with promises, and its protruding stomach is just as a result of the foul gas of empty political statements.

  • The unending Boko Haram murders

    ON September 2, 2018, the Sunday edition of this newspaper published a piece entitled “Leah Sharibu and presidential fatalism”. Written by Barometer, the brief essay bemoaned the inscrutable approach adopted by the Muhammadu Buhari presidency in rescuing three abducted healthcare workers and a schoolgirl taken from Dapchi Government Girls’ Science and Technical College in Yobe State.

    The columnist was unhappy that the government’s approach did not seem as urgent as the situation demanded, nor as optimistic as was expected of a government on whose shoulders the fate of the four young women rested. Less than two weeks after the piece was written, one of the three healthcare workers, Saifura Hussaini Khorsa, was murdered by her abductors, a splinter Boko Haram group called the Islamic State West African Province (ISWAP). Apart from Leah Sharibu, the Yobe State schoolgirl, two other abducted women, Hauwa Liman and Alice Loksha, remained in the custody of their abductors. But on Monday, after a deadline given by ISWAP expired, Miss Liman was also murdered.

    Responding to the execution, the presidency said they tried their best to secure the ladies’ release. According to the Information minister, Lai Mohammed, “everything a responsible government should do to save the aid workers” had been done. Few believed them; even fewer still felt comforted by the government’s failure. Both Miss Liman and Miss Khorsa worked in a hospital supported by the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) in Rann, Bala Kalge Local Government of Borno State, while Miss Loksha works in a health facility supported by UNICEF. The healthcare workers were abducted on March 1, 2018 during a raid on the town. However, the ICRC had alerted the government 24 hours earlier on October 14, 2018 of the impending execution of one of the healthcare workers if the government did not accede to the terms of the insurgents. According to a release issued by ISWAP after the October 15, 2018 execution, the healthcare workers were executed because they had converted to Christianity and the abductors had no religious obligation to ensure their safety.

    The September 2, 2018 Barometer column in reference took exception to the government’s approach to the Miss Sharibu abduction with the following arguments: “When he was asked how much longer the last abducted Dapchi schoolgirl, Leah Sharibu, would remain in captivity, presidential spokesman, Femi Adesina, offered a theological answer. ‘For how much longer?, Mr Adesina asked rhetorically, “I think that question can only be answered by God, but I believe God is interested in that young girl and will ensure that she is preserved and at least by the time that clip is verified, one will be sure that it is her actually, and once that is determined, we should all be glad that she is alive. When will she return? By the grace of God, the government is working on it and we believe she will be back.’

    “The question no one has really asked, and for which the government would be hard put to give an answer, is why Miss Sharibu was left behind. About six months ago, a faction of Boko Haram, abducted some 105 schoolgirls from Government Girls Secondary School, Dapchi. About a month later, the federal government negotiated their release from captivity, leaving Miss Sharibu behind. There was no indication the government negotiators knew a girl was left behind, presumably on account of her Christian confession, until after the dramatic return of the rest by a cavalcade of insurgents. But even if it is suggested that the government knew, it is even more inexplicable that they did not recognise the immorality of leaving, perhaps abandoning, Miss Sharibu. If the government knew but chose to accept Boko Haram terms, it was indefensible; if they didn’t know, it was indefensible still and, much more, unforgivably negligent.

    “Of course God knows everything. This is unquestionable. But for Mr Adesina to put everything about the rescue of Miss Sharibu at the doorstep of God in the typical and almost offensive religiosity of Nigerians and their leaders is to embrace the abrasive fatalism that dogs religions in these parts and is often deployed as an extenuating factor to explain poor leadership.”

    The abductors, it turns out, have shown no mercy. After executing the first healthcare worker on September 16, 2018, public outrage was insufficient to discourage the terrorists from going ahead to carry out a second execution in line with their twisted religious ideology. They swore to turn Miss Sharibu into a slave after the expiration of the deadline given the Nigerian government to come to terms with ISWAP. In their announcement of the execution of Miss Liman, the group also declared that Miss Sharibu had become a slave. No one has controverted their statements. In fact few now doubt them. They could yet come out on a portentous tomorrow to issue another deadline in connection with the freedom of the abductees. Should they give another deadline, and given their antecedents and evil reputation, there will be no reason to doubt their readiness or callousness to carry out their murderous threats.

    So far, the government has not disclosed just what their best was in fighting for the freedom of the abducted aid workers and the Dapchi schoolgirl. They met the terms for the release of over 100 abducted Dapchi schoolgirls last March, from which Miss Sharibu was left behind because of governmental carelessness, and those terms were truly cheeky and humiliating. What other terms could be so galling that the government cannot meet? Perhaps the terms are stupendously humbling, and the government is wary of meeting them. But after meeting the terms given by Boko Haram in other abductions, starting with the Chibok schoolgirls, some of whom were freed in October 2016 and May 2017, it no longer remained a question of the propriety or morality of negotiating with terrorists or of negotiating under duress; it became one of whether the terms were such that the government could meet or not meet them. In the case of the three healthcare workers and the Dapchi schoolgirl, it is inconceivable that the government could not meet the terms set by ISWAP. From all indications, there will be no end to abductions, nor, apparently, an end to setting galling terms.

    The federal government said it did its best to negotiate the freedom of the ladies. Its confessions do not exculpate it of responsibility for the death of the girls, both in constitutional terms involving its responsibility in ensuring the safety of citizens and its responsibility of taking a second chance (deadline) given the government by terrorists to free abducted citizens. Someone absolutely has to take the blame. The government cannot disclaim responsibility. The terrorists at least let it be known that they were willing to negotiate, and they even gave deadlines. So, the government cannot suggest that there were no communication channels to negotiate the freedom of the ladies. What indeed seemed to have gone wrong was that the government could either not sense the urgency of the whole matter or it felt unable to meet the terms of the terrorists. Either way, they owe Nigerians an explanation. If the terms were too severe, then what were those terms? The ladies are being executed one after the other, the government can no longer claim to be entitled to secrecy of action or negotiation. It is time the public judged whether the terrorists were being too unreasonable or the government was being too lackadaisical, contrary to claims.

    One aid worker is still with the abductors, and the schoolgirl Miss Sharibu has presumably being turned into a slave. It would be tragic in the extreme were these two ladies to be executed while the government claims to be doing its best to rescue them. Hopefully the terrorists will announce their next deadlines. When they do, Nigerians must hope their government will feel both the sense of urgency and the obligation to let the world know what the ‘unreasonable’ ISWAP terms are and why they cannot be met, thereby justifying future executions. It is hard to imagine that the presidency can satisfactorily explain another failure regarding the fate of the last two abductees. Perhaps the government never thought ISWAP could go so far. Now that they know, it may be time for them to eschew their fatalism and do more than their customary best in rescuing the last abductees.

  • Group seeks presidential pardon for Kanu, IPOB

    Following reports on Friday claiming that Nnamddi Kanu was sighted in far away Israel, the leadership of Ohanaeze Ndigbo Youth Council Worldwide led by Mr Okechukwu Isiguzoron has expressed happiness over news of the sighting.

    A statement by the Deputy President General of the group, Comrade Obinna Achionye also urged the Federal Government to grant  Kanu pardon to enable him return home.

    “We Urge President Buhari to grant him Presidential pardon and squash all legal proceedings against in the spirit of National reconciliation and forgiveness”, said the group.

    Ohaneze youths noted that if the Federal government can release boko haram detainees in Kano and planning to give Amnesty to Boko Haram, the same gesture should be extended to IPOB and Mr Kanu.

    “They should reverse the tag of IPOB as a terrorist organization and allow peace to reign”

    The group also urged IPOB followers not to go to the street now in the spirit of jubilation in other not to create political tension in the South East and South/south.

    Read Also: Atiku’s campaign council: Umahi denies rejecting appointment

    “We Urge the South East Governors to close ranks and rebuild the palace of Nnamdi Kanu’s father, HRH Eze I. Kanu which was destroyed during the Python dance.

    “We also ask the leader , Nnamdi Kanu to change strategy and embrace the hands of genuine Igbo brothers and leaders. We still ask IPOB to have rethink on its decision of proscribing the parent body of Ohanaeze Ndigbo, and disruption of Ohanaeze events and gathering”

    The group promised to lead any struggle to ensure self determination is not tagged terrorism, and ensure there is peaceful co-existence between all stakeholders in Southeast.

  • Boko Haram’ll soon be history, Says Buhari 

    President Muhammadu Buhari on Thursday night said that the brutal activities of the Boko Haram sect would soon become history.

    He gave the assurance while hosting members of the Kannywood entertainment industry to a dinner at the Presidential Villa, Abuja.

    Speaking in Hausa language, he said that the Federal Government would not allow any group hiding under religion to unleash terror on innocent citizens.

    Read Also:FG says Boko Haram insurgency to end soon

    He said: “It’s totally wrong for any believer in God to kill innocent people either in the Mosque, Church or the market place.

    “You can’t be shouting Allahu Akbar (Allah is Great), Allahu Akbar, and be killing innocent citizens and destroying properties all in the name of God.

    “It is either you don’t know what you are saying or you don’t even believe in the existence of God Almighty. God has nothing to do with injustice.

    “So, now we are confronting them and by the grace of God we will destroy them.’’ he said

    Recalling his political struggles since 2003 when he made his first attempt at the presidential seat, he lauded former President Goodluck Jonathan for accepting defeat in the 2015 general elections.

    “I’ll continue to hold former president Jonathan in high esteem as a result of that singular act.

    “He (Jonathan) was in power as Deputy Governor, Governor (Bayelsa), Vice-President and President, all for about 10 years and he voluntarily accepted defeat and surrendered power to me,’’ he said.

    The president also enjoined members of the Kannywood to use their respective talents in promoting the culture of peaceful co-existence and unity among the diverse socio-political groups in the country.

    Speaking earlier in his remarks, the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Mr Boss Mustapha, expressed the hope that Buhari had been guaranteed at least five million votes in the 2019 presidential election by the fans and followers of the entertainers.

    He, therefore, urged them to use their platforms in the social media in promoting the achievements of the Buhari administration.

    Mustapha thanked entertainers for the roles they played in 2015 which contributed immensely to the victory of Buhari in the presidential election, and called on them to repeat the same in 2019.

    Representatives of the Kannywood entertainers, who spoke at the event, pledged to mobilise support for Buhari and other APC candidates in the forthcoming 2019 general elections.

  • Adewole consoles murdered health worker’s family

    Minister of Health, Prof. Isaac Adewole has commiserated with the family of Hauwa Liman, the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) humanitarian worker murdered by Boko Haram.

    Prof Adewole, who described the murder as callous and unfortunate, said the health workers should not be a target in any conflict zone as they are recognised as humanitarian service providers.

    He prayed for the repose of her soul and called on Boko Haram to follow the rules of International engagement which respect the right of humanitarian workers in conflict zones.

     

     

     

     

  • Buhari speaks with Hauwa Liman’s family

    President Muhammadu Buhari on Tuesday spoke with Mohammed Liman, father of Hauwa Liman, the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) midwife who was slain by Boko Haram terrorists.

    In a telephone call, President Buhari commiserated with the family and assured Miss Liman’s father that the Nigerian government did everything possible to save his daughter’s life.

    Buhari, in a statement by the Senior Special Assistant on Media and publicity, Garba Shehu, also expressed sadness that all the efforts to save her life turned out unsuccessful.

    He regretted that her commitment to helping victims of the Boko Haram insurgency ended in such a brutal way.

    He also spoke with Peter Maurer, the President of the ICRC, extending condolences on the loss of the midwife.

    Read Also: ICRC confirms death of abducted midwife

    The President commended the ICRC for the great work they had been doing in Nigeria by providing healthcare services to victims of insurgency in some of the most affected areas.

    He appealed to the ICRC to continue their services in Nigeria, and not give up, despite the unfortunate and painful loss of their staff.

    According to the President, Nigeria needs the ICRC and the government will continue to do all it can to protect staff of the organisation and other aid workers that are providing much-needed humanitarian services in the North East region, which had been affected by almost a decade-long conflict.

  • Senate condoles with family of slain Red Cross worker

    The Senate on Tuesday condoled with the family of Hauwa Liman, a worker with the International Committee of Red Cross (ICRC), who was killed by Boko Haram insurgents on Monday.

    This followed a Point of Order by the Deputy President of the Senate, Ike Ekweremadu, at plenary.

    The lawmakers while observing “a two-minute” silence for the deceased, also urged the Federal Government to immediately ensure the release of the last ICRC volunteer still in Boko Haram captivity.

    The Upper Chamber also urged the Federal Government to ensure the immediate release of Leah Sharibu, the lone Dapchi School girl still in Boko Haram captivity.

    It mandated the Committee on Security and National Intelligence to meet with security chiefs to find lasting solution to insecurity in the country.

    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the death of the 24-year-old medical aid worker in the hands of the sect was confirmed by the Federal Government and ICRC on Monday.

    Liman was kidnapped alongside others in March in Rann, Borno, when the insurgents attacked an Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) camp.

    One of the kidnapped aid workers, Saifura Khosa, had earlier been executed by the terrorists.

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    After the murder of Khosa, Boko Haram released a video threatening to kill Liman, and Leah Sharibu earlier in the year.

    While presenting the Point of Order, Ekweremadu urged the senate to look into the gruesome killing of Liman by the terrorists group.

    Contributing, Senator Dino Melaye(PDP-Kogi), expressed the need to beef up security in major flashpoints in the country to tackle security concerns beyond insurgency.

    He cited the killing of a corps member, Nkechi Igwetu, in July and the recent killing of another woman, Anita Akapson.

    The lawmaker urged the senate to summon the Inspector-General of Police, Ibrahim Idris, to explain the activities of his officers.

    “The senate should invite the Inspector-General of Police and ask why insecurity persists,” he said.

    In his remarks, the President of the Senate, Dr Bukola Saraki, put the prayers to voice vote and they were unanimously adopted.

    However, the call for inspector-general of police, Ibrahim Idris’ invitation to give explanations to the security situation did not scale through.

    The omission may not be unconnected to series of face-off between the senate and the inspector-general of police.

    The police boss was summoned by the senate three times but failed to appear before it.