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Tag: Danjuma

  • DANJUMA: The dust after the explosion

    LT-GEN. Theophilus Yakubu Danjuma (retd) is arguably one of Nigeria’s most influential citizens. Only a few Generals command the kind of national attention that is accorded to him. Whether in government, religious or business circles, when he talks, people listen and take him seriously. Since the counter-coup of July 1966, Danjuma, 80, has been a participant and a key player in major decisions that have affected the country. Though he retired from the military close to 40 years ago, he still commands a lot of respect. In a country where money and power are well sought-after attributes, the retired military General and oil magnate cannot be easily ignored.

    He has an estimated net worth of $1.1 billion as of 2015, according to Forbes. That is why his recent admonition that Nigerians should defend themselves against the killer herdsmen, rather than depending on the armed forces, generated controversy. Danjuma, who made the declaration during the 10th anniversary of the Taraba State University, Jalingo, said the bandits were doing everything possible to destroy the beautiful cultures of his state, Taraba, which he described as a miniature Nigeria. His words: “You must rise to protect yourselves from these people. If you depend on the armed forces for protection, you will all die one by one. The ethnic cleansing must stop now. Otherwise, Somalia will be a child’s play.

    I ask every one of you to be on the alert and defend your country; defend your territory; defend your state, because you have nowhere else to go. The armed forces are not neutral. They are conniving with the armed bandits that are killing people.” In what appeared like reprisal attacks, the state had witnessed clashes between herdsmen and farmers, which resulted in the death of many indigenes. The herdsmen had alleged that about 800 of them were killed on the Mambilla Plateau, a charge the Taraba State government denied. The Middle Belt states of Plateau, Benue, Kogi and Nasarawa have also witnessed similar attacks by bandits identified as Fulani herdsmen. So far, mixed reactions have greeted the 80-year old Danjuma’s utterances.

    In its response, the military described the utterances as an unfortunate statement coming from a highly distinguished statesman. The army Public Relations Director, Texas Chukwu, said the military has embarked on demilitarization of the Northcentral and that anyone caught in possession of arms would be dealt with. In view of this, the army warned Nigerians not to listen to the advice of the statesman, adding that it is the responsibility of the military to protect the citizenry. Elder statesman and Second Republic politician, Alhaji Tanko Yakasai, flayed the retired General for venting his frustration in the media, instead of adopting a reconciliatory approach. His words: “Danjuma has just celebrated his 80th birthday anniversary. In my own thinking, anybody that reaches the 80th birthday and above should not speak in the manner he did; that language does not belong to him. An 80 or more-year old person is supposed to imbibe the idea of reconciliation, rather than inciting one group against the other. “Since it is not a matter between two individuals, but one group against another, telling one group to defend itself amounts to killing their opponents.

    Eventually this will lead to anarchy, because the other group is not likely to fold its arms and watch. At the end of the day, it will not solve any problem. So, I will advise him, as his senior in age, to be a gentleman. I know he is a military man, but even among military men, there are gentlemen. “The other point he made is that the military has been aiding the herdsmen attacks. Even if that is the case, he should have handled the matter differently. Given his status as a one-time Chief of Army Staff, former member of the military ruling council and former Minister of Defence, he has a privileged position; he has access to the entire military hierarchy. He can summon all the people in leadership positions in the armed forces today and they would listen to him. “He should have collected all the evidence that the military is backing one group against another and present it to the military authorities. If he had done that, I believe they would have taken action. He is not an ordinary person like you and me, who would vent his frustration in the media. He has access to Buhari and all the military hierarchy in Nigeria.

    Rather he went public with his accusation that the military is aiding herdsmen attacks without adducing any concrete evidence to support it. It is in bad taste for him to vent his frustration in the media.” Some observers have, however, advised the government not to dismiss the allegation that the recent killings in the country are ethnic cleansing. Rather, such observers advised the government to take his words with seriousness, by investigating it to determine its veracity or otherwise. This is particularly because the statement has been corroborated by Danjuma’s kinsmen. A lecturer in the Department of Political Science, Federal University, Wukari, Taraba State, Dr. Godwin Dappa, believes Danjuma’s statement is coming at the right time, considering the unfolding events in the state. He said: “You need to experience what is happening in Taraba State for you to understand; human beings are being slaughtered as if they are cows.

    It has come to a stage where individuals and groups would be required to protect themselves from such attacks. The Middle Belt axis has become a terror zone and people living there are no longer finding it easy to go about their businesses, especially non-Moslems. “It is now a trend in the Middle Belt area. People don’t sleep at night; we sleep with one eye closed and the other eye open. Before you know it, there is an attack somewhere; people are killed without any provocation or justification. People who have been living together peacefully have suddenly become enemies. “It is difficult to comprehend the motivation behind it, particularly now that we have started to notice some steadiness in our democracy. Sustaining our democracy is not just about uninterrupted civil rule; it also goes hand-in-hand with the protection of lives and properties of citizens.” Dappa said the statement should not be seen as an attempt to incite a group of people against another.

    “It is a wakeup call, to alert every Nigerian, not only the people of Taraba State and the Middle Belt in general, but every Nigerian, to repulse any attack, whether from herdsmen, kidnappers, Boko Haram or Niger Delta militants,” he said. On the justification for self-defence, when the military is already on ground to protect citizens, the lecturer said: “Let me tell you that the military takes order from above. The military appears to be backing the herdsmen; that is why when you arrest one of them today, the next day he will be released with order from above. I have a lot of military personnel as students in my class and I constantly speak to them about this matter. I often ask them why the herdsmen are released two or three hours after being arrested and the answer is usually, Prof. it’s order from above. “That is why many of us living and working in Taraba are no longer comfortable with the deteriorating security situation.” Dappa said the bone of contention is the dominance of who owns the land. He said: “The Christians in the Northeast states of Adamawa, Gombe and Taraba are minorities in the region. What is happening now could be compared to what happened during the defunct Ottoman Empire, when there were constant invasions of territories occupied by so-called unbelievers. “So, do not be surprised that TY Danjuma made the statements that were attributed to him recently; he probably knows what he is talking about. He is an elder statesman.

    He is also a former Chief of Army Staff and a former Minister of Defence; therefore he is an expert in security.” At a training programme in The Nation’s premises on Wednesday, human rights lawyer, Mr. Femi Falana (SAN), said Danjuma cannot be accused of inciting Nigerians to violence, because he was only alluding to a section of the 1999 Constitution, which allows a citizen to defend himself in the face of unlawful violence, particularly if government is unable to protect such person. Quoting Section 33 (2) of the Constitution, he said: “A person shall not be regarded as having been deprived of his life in contravention of this section, if he dies as a result of the use, to such extent and in such circumstances as are permitted by law, of such force as is reasonably necessary – (a) for the defence of any person from unlawful violence or for the defence of property; (b) in order to effect a lawful arrest or to prevent the escape of a person lawfully detained; or (c) for the purpose of suppressing a riot, insurrection or mutiny.” The Chairman of the Presidential Advisory Committee Against Corruption, Prof. Itse Sagay (SAN), also backed the advice by the former Minister of Defence and an elder statesman, that Nigerians should defend themselves against killer herdsmen.

    Sagay told The Nation that the law allows Nigerians to defend themselves from being massacred. He, however, urged the Federal Government to investigate Danjuma’s allegations. He added: “General Danjuma did not say that the military is incapable. But he accused them of bias and not protecting the people deliberately. That’s a very, very serious accusation. “And this is coming from such a senior man in Nigeria’s military – probably apart from former General Olusegun Obasanjo and General Yakubu Gowon, he (Dajuma) is the most senior former military officer we have – and he’s a man who has tremendous influence. He has held important positions – Chief of Staff, Minister of Defence – so, he won’t speak lightly. So, his allegation needs to be investigated. “If there are elements within the military doing this, then the government has to take immediate steps to deal with them and put people who are responsible and patriotic in the positions.”

    On whether it would lead to anarchy, he said: “It’s not an illegal measure for Nigerians to defend themselves. If you look at our criminal law, there is the principle of self-defence. If someone attacks you and you feel endangered, and you defend yourself, and in the process you kill the person, the fact that you were defending yourself is a complete defence to any charge. The right already exists. “So, I think what General Danjuma is saying is that instead of each individual exercising that right, they should begin to exercise it collectively in their communities. I think that’s reasonable too. There is breakdown of law and order if you’re in your house and someone comes and kills you. I think there will be less danger of breakdown of law and order if that person knows that the next time he comes to your house, all your neighbours would gather and stop him. So, I think it’s worse for people to lie down complacently doing nothing while they’re being massacred.”

  • …More SANs back Danjuma

    Two Senior Advocates of Nigeria (SAN), Professor  Ernest Ojukwu and Mr. Norrison Quakers, yesterday gave   Lt General Theophilus Danjuma (rtd) their support on his call to Nigerians to defend themselves against bandits.

    Self-defence is allowed in law,the two senior lawyers told The Nation, the same line of argument espoused by activist lawyer, Mr.Femi Falana (SAN) on Wednesday.

    Ojukwu, a former Deputy Director-General of the Nigerian Law School, said self-defence against attacks does not necessarily mean the government has failed.

    He said communities who have organised systems of self-defence only complement the government’s security arrangement.

    Ojukwu does not believe that Nigerians defending themselves against attacks would lead to anarchy.

    He said: “What has been holding our leaders from saying that? That (self-defence) is the natural course of things. It is a fundamental right to defend yourself. I’m not saying the government has failed, but you still have a duty to defend yourself. It’s a duty.”

    On whether Danjuma’s call for self-defence would not encourage citizens to acquire arms, Ojukwu said the vigilante system was a form of self-defence.

    He said dispute resolution through dialogue in a bid to forestall crisis was also a form of self-defence.

    “We have had a history of local vigilantes for a long time in various parts of the country. In those parts of the country where there are no local vigilance groups, such crimes (herdsmen attacks) have been committed.

    “You can still go to some parts of this country where there’s almost zero crime. In some places like Ogoja (in Cross River), there is nearly zero crime because there’s community defence. There’s a total defence of rights.

    “But discussing it from the mere phrase seems to be too technical. There are too many issues surrounding the defence of a human being.

    “If there is a problem between communities or between certain people, it’s not only defence that is the problem. There are also the problems of mediation, discussion, sharing and interest that is being protected.

    “But any community that decides not to defend itself should bear the brunt of their problems, whether or not the government has failed.

    “Whether or not the government is said to have failed, there is a duty for everybody in any community to defend themselves. Of course that defence is also to support the government machinery.

    “The law itself permits you to defend yourself reasonably. If somebody comes to your house with a knife, you have a right to take a gun. It’s the law,” Ojukwu said.

    For Quakers, Danjuma’s call was not out of order and must not be treated with kid gloves.

    He said: “The well decorated and respected general, being a one-time minister of defence, made the call from an informed position and should the government treat it with levity, anarchy might not be an option. I believe it is the government’s timely intervention in the allegation that will avert any political turmoil or crisis.

    “This allegation of military complicity in the mayhem in the North must be taken seriously. It is a ticking time bomb that must be defused before it is too late.”

    Falana ,speaking  during a training on libel for reporters of The Nation newspapers said Danjuma was right in his advice that Nigerians should defend themselves against killers.

    Falana said the constitution recognises the right to protect oneself from violent attacks.

    “What Danjuma said is accommodated under our Constitution,” he said.

    ”If the government is unable to save you as in the case of the Benue, Kogi and Zamfara attacks, you have a right to defend and save yourself.

    “So, if you insult Danjuma that he is inciting violence, that could be a ground for him to sue you for libel.”

    Last Saturday, at the maiden convocation of the Taraba State University (TSU), Jalingo, Danjuma alleged that the armed forces had failed to protect Nigerians because they collude with killer herdsmen.

    Danjuma said: “The ethnic cleansing must stop in Taraba State, must stop in all the states of Nigeria. I ask everyone of you to be alert and defend your territory, your state. You have nowhere else to go.”

  • Ohanaeze youths hail Danjuma, vow to deal with armed herdsmen

    Defence Minister, retired General. Theophilus Danjuma over his call on Nigerians to defend themselves against marauding Fulani herdsmen, saying that the comment was in order.

    In a statement signed by  its President, Mazi Okechukwu Isiguzoro, the OYC  said Danjuma’s stand was a further affirmation of earlier call made the group.

    It would be recalled that the OYC had shortly after herdsmen attacked Ebonyi State communities, vowed to return fire for fire should such killings re-occur in any part of Igbo land.

    The group had accused the Federal Government of applying  double standard in the handling of the Fulani herdsmen terrorism and Igbo youths non-violent agitation for the restoration of the sovereign state of Biafra.

    “We hereby tell Igbo youths to form rings to guide and protect their communities and farmlands and deal decisively with anybody destroying their farmlands through cow grazing and or bearing of arms when  he is not a licensed security person.

    “We warn that nobody has a monopoly of violence and Igbo nation will surely defend itself. Enough is enough. Any armed herdsman sighted anywhere in the South-East will have himself to blame. Arise and defend Igbo land through well recognized vigilante groups.”

    Speaking on Danjuma’s call, Isiguzoro said, “it has been our earlier stand; we have been calling for self-defence; so, today we are re-echoing that stand.

    “Danjuma has justified the position of Ohanaeze Youths Worldwide, we will resist any attempt to forcefully Islamize our people; the herdsmen militia, we are ready to resist them.

    “Like Danjuma clearly pointed out, there seems to be a serious collaboration between the security agencies and these herdsmen. It appears there are two laws in this country- one for the Igbos and another for the Hausa-Fulani.

    “How else will one justify the recent statements in the media that the government was considering amnesty for the Boko Haram terrorists? It is shocking and unthinkable. This is the same government that hurriedly branded the IPOB a terrorist organization, but courting internationally acclaimed terrorists.

    “So, nobody should expect that Ndigbo would fold their arms and watch these killer herdsmen come here and achieve their evil agenda. We shall resist it with the last drop of our blood.

    “We have enough men and youths that will resist them before they get into the Atlantic.  We urge more Nigerians to speak up. We are proud of some governors in the South-East who have come up to defend the course of Ndigbo.

    “We have no arms anywhere but Ndigbo are emergency specialists; we have our own way of fighting our battles without rockets and guns. We repeat, it shall be fire for fire.”

  • Danjuma was right on self-defence call, says Falana

    ACTIVIST-lawyer Femi Falana (SAN) has backed the advice by a former Minister of Defence and an elder statesman, Lt. -Gen. Theophilus Danjuma (retd), that Nigerians should defend themselves against killers.

    Falana said the constitution recognises the right to protect oneself from violent attack.

    He spoke in Lagos yesterday at the headquarters of Vintage Press Limited (publishers of The Nation) in Lagos during a training on libel for reporters.

    Falana, who noted that the media has been awash with suggestions that Danjuma’s comments were a call to anarchy, said the General might have a right to sue critics of his statement for libel.

    He said: “Some of the reactions on Danjuma’s statement could be libellous. What Danjuma said is accommodated under our Constitution.”

    Falana observed that although Section 33(1) of the 1999 Constitution recognises the right to life, such right might be lawfully circumscribed in accordance with Section 33(2).

    He said: “Section 33(2) says a person shall not be regarded as having been deprived of his life if he dies as a result of the use, to such extent and in such circumstances as are permitted by law, of such force as is reasonably necessary – for the defence of any person from unlawful violence or for the defence of property.

    “If the government is unable to save you as in the case of the Benue, Kogi and Zamfara attacks, you have a right to defend and save yourself.

    “So, if you insult Danjuma that he is inciting violence, that could be a ground for him to sue you for libel.”

    Last Saturday, at the maiden Convocation of the Taraba State University (TSU), Jalingo, Danjuma alleged that the Armed Forces had failed to protect Nigerians because they collude with killer herdsmen.

    Danjuma said: “The ethnic cleansing must stop in Taraba State, must stop in all the states of Nigeria. I ask everyone one of you to be alert and defend your territory, your state. You have nowhere else to go.”

    Falana’s interpretation of Danjuma’s statement echoes that of Presidential Advisory Committee Against Corruption (PACAC) Chairman Prof. Itse Sagay (SAN) and Professor of International Law and Jurisprudence, University of Lagos Prof. Akin Oyebode.

    Both senior lawyers, in separate interviews with The Nation last Sunday and Monday, affirmed Nigerians’ right to defend themselves from being massacred.

    Falana also described as embarrassing, the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC)’s refusal to comply with his Freedom of Information (FOI) request for accountability.

    He said the NNPC’s claim that it is not a public institution is erroneous in the light of Section 2(7) of the Freedom of Information Act, which, according to him, has defined public institutions to include the NNPC.

    Falana also criticised soldiers’ practice of parading in their uniforms in public. According to him, it is a relic of military rule.

    He said: “We must not allow soldiers wear uniforms in town. Before the Civil War, it was an anomaly.”

    The lawyer described as wrong the media’s practice of referring to the State Security Services (SSS) as Department of State Services (DSS).

    According to him, there is no DSS; the lawful name for Nigeria’s secret police is State Security Services (SSS).

    Earlier, Falana distinguished between what is fair comment and defamatory.

    He said: “It is not every statement that is libellous. It is what right-thinking members of the society say about it.”

    Falana encouraged the media to “publish and be damned but do it responsibly. But be very sure the document you are quoting in your report is tenable”.

    The lawyer also warned the media to “be careful how you report lawyers and judges because of solidarity”.

    He admonished reporters against writing a story from a writ of summons that has been filed, but has not been heard in court, as the publication of its contents may form valid grounds for a libel claim.

    “Take advantage of the Freedom of Information (FOI) Act. Journalists hardly do,” Falana said.

    The SAN cautioned against the practice of disseminating unverified information on the internet, because “innocent dissemination of information can put you in trouble”.

    He advised the defendant in a libel suit to be reasonable.

    Falana said: “If you can’t defend a libel case, don’t be arrogant about it, apologise.”

  • Danjuma was right on call for self-defence – Falana

    Activist-lawyer, Femi Falana (SAN), has backed the former Minister of Defence, Lt. Gen. Theophilus Danjuma (retd) on his call for Nigerians to defend themselves against killers.

    Falana said the Constitution recognises the right to protect one’s self from violent attack.

    He stated these at a training programme on libel organised by the Vintage Press Limited (publishers of The Nation Newspapers) for its reporters.

    Falana was received by Vintage Press Managing Director, Victor Ifijeh; Chairman of the Newspaper’s Editorial Board, Sam Omatseye; General Manager Training and Development, Soji Omotunde and Managing, Editor Online and Special Publications, Lekan Otunfodurin, among others.

    The lawyer, who noted that the media has been awash with suggestions that Danjuma’s comments are call to anarchy, said the retired army officer could sue critics of his statement for libel.

    He said: “Some of the reactions on Danjuma’s statement could be libelous. What Danjuma said is accommodated under our Constitution.”

    Falana observed that although Section 33(1) of the 1999 Constitution recognises the right to life, such right might be lawfully circumscribed in accordance with Section 33(2).

    He added: “Section 33(2) says a person shall not be regarded as having been deprived of his life if he dies as a result of the use, to such extent and in such circumstances as are permitted by law, of such force as is reasonably necessary – for the defence of any person from unlawful violence or for the defence of property.

    “If the government is unable to save you as in the case of Benue, Kogi and Zamfara attacks, you have a right to defend and save yourself.

    “So, if you insult Danjuma that he is inciting violence, that could be a ground for him to sue you for libel.”

  • Our Girls; Danjuma; Budget 2019? 

    Our Chibok Girls are still missing since April 15, 2014. Yes, 104 of the 110 Dapchi Girls have been released from a captivity that would never have happened if the checkpoints had not been withdrawn. Also five young innocent school girls died plunging their families into despair and sorrow. There is no name in any language for an unbelievable pain of a parent who has lost a child. Kidnapping is a deadly game not a drive in and out sport. One 14 year-old, Liya Sharibu, is still held as she refused to renounce her Christian faith. She may have been released by the time you read this. In the 21st Century, unlike in the historic and bloody past, there is wide acceptance that faith is a personal choice and not imposed. In my family, we have Christians and Muslims, no one imposes on another. Children often are brought up uncomplaining in their parents’ faith unless there is a mixed-religion marriage when the children choose one particular one for life. Conversion by coercion should be consigned to the dustbin of history. It is meaningless to one’s soul.

    While the Dapchi girls’ release is welcome, it should be subject to a public enquiry and forensic analysis. There is no comparison between the Chibok and Dapchi episodes except that both are ongoing preventable tragedies and resulted in totally preventable deaths, distress, and depression and have had disastrous Post Traumatic Stress Syndrome results on the children, parents and citizens and dent our international image again. To have a repeat, with deaths, is shameful, inexcusable and resignations or sackings should be demanded. Who will comfort the parents and siblings of those five dead girls? Why did the same Boko Haram convoy of nine lorries return unchecked to the same scene of the crime? Some say the army checkpoints were removed again allowing the same terrorists to psychologically terrorise the same people until it became clear that the girls were being returned!  Nowhere else in the world has any large-scale kidnapping of this nature occurred and then rewarded by allowing the terrorists to return triumphantly to the scene of their crime. This is shocking double trauma to the citizens of Dapchi. Everywhere else in the world the Red Cross or Blue Crescent would have received the girls at an agreed point and they would have been then brought home by such experienced neutral humanitarian organisations. What were the girls thinking as they were driven back home? Were they to be released or executed in the town square? This handover though successful, is shoddy, socially irresponsible and dangerously inhuman negotiating outcome practice -unrepeatable.

    At last General T Y  Danjuma, a key player in Nigeria’s military history and a personal oil block multi-billion dollar beneficiary,  has cried out about the horrific effects of the Fulani herdsmen ‘Not Yet A War’ with deaths in their many 1000s and the destruction of over 1,200 churches and 1,000s of homes in pillaged villages and towns and the war strategy of ‘laying waste’ the land with maliciously burnt harvested and growing crops and forcing millions to be Internally Displaced Persons, IDPs.  The ongoing Kaduna nightmare encapsulated by Bishop Mathew Kukah at a funeral oration for fellow Bishop Bagobiri in a synopsis crying for a ‘unity and justice’, not ‘unity minus justice’ solution. Just last week, 11 soldiers were killed in Kaduna, 11 citizens including a whole traditional monarch and wife were murdered in Kogi, -is this not war? Who is keeping the death toll? The police in Ogun State have caught and killed six of the robbery gang which attacked us on Wednesday March 14, at 4 pm on the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway and also robbed others and kidnapping of two doctors from UCH. They have been recognized in the Tribune newspaper photographs as the being from that gang. Congratulations to the police which sustained injuries to two of its men. May they recover quickly, Amen. Apparently the gang was ravaging villages for weeks. If only they had been arrested then!

    Government praises its agricultural strides but remembers to forget the cancelled-at-gunpoint impact of the 170,000 farmers, 100s of communities and thousands of hectares of pre-harvest food on land destroyed and burnt and laid waste by the needless war of Fulani herdsmen marauding with impunity. Farmers are digging trenches around their land. Confirm the best source of your meat i.e. shipped in by trailer or grown locally.

    Party loyalty appears zero in a National Assembly (NASS) APC divided against itself and seemingly disinterested in Nigeria which was so desperately looking for cyclic Jan-Dec budget order. What does NASS want? Is NASS overreaching itself demanding to see every MDA? We have an APC-NASS membership unable to grow mentally, swallow its money-ridden pride in its political pettiness or execute its role to protect even its own APC government’s agreed flagship project – a  budget agenda of a Jan-Dec budget, no matter how flawed! The delay in passage of the 2018 national budget is an economic and political bullet in the heart of this government fired by NASS-APC members in sheep’s clothing and the opposition to rubbish and cripple its programmes pre-2019 election. Is this silly strategy or simple sabotage?  Let’s call it Budget 2019, abi?  Please evict them at the 2019 election? Will the 65 other parties coalesce?

     

    NB: Uncover ‘I LOVE NIGERIA’ KNOWLEDGEABLE CANDIDATES for 2019 -SDG 16.

  • Danjuma’s self-defence outburst sparks big row

    Army ’not partial’

    Sagay: it’s in order

    PDP, APC disagree

    Keyamo seeks proof

    A BIG row has broken out over Lt.-Gen Theophilus Danjuma’s advice that Nigerians should defend themselves when attacked.

    The Armed Forces, in his view, cannot protect Nigerians because they collude with the killers.

    The Army and the Minister of Defence, Mansur Dan-Ali, rejected the former Minister of Defence and elder statesman’s claim.

    The Army yesterday described Gen. Danjuma’s statement as “most unfortunate”. The Minister said it was a call to anarchy.

    Gen.  Danjuma (retd) accused the military of taking sides with a particular group and called on the citizens of the affected states to defend themselves from the attacks by herdsmen.

    He said at the maiden Convocation of the Taraba State University (TSU), Jalingo: “The Armed Forces are not neutral. They collude …with the armed bandits that kill people and kill Nigerians. They facilitate their movement. They cover them.”

    The Minister of Defence, lashed out at Gen Danjuma, saying his comment was an invitation to anarchy, and therefore should be disregarded by well-meaning Nigerians.

    The Army, in a statement signed by its spokesman, Brig.-Gen. Texas Chukwu, said contrary to Danjuma’s accusation, the army remained impartial in its handling of crises.

    The army also asked Nigerians to disregard Gen Danjuma’s advice and enjoined the citizenry to go about  their day-to-day activities without fear and be law abiding.

    It warned that “as anyone caught with arms and ammunition will be dealt with accordance with the laws of the land.”

    The statement reads: “The attention of the Nigerian Army has been drawn to the unfortunate statement made by a former Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Theophilus Yakubu Danjuma, during the convocation ceremony of the Taraba State University in which he categorically asserted that the Armed Forces were colluding with militias and other criminal elements and was unable to provide security for the citizens of Taraba State.

    “ He further called the people of Taraba State to take up arms and defend themselves. The Nigerian Army views this statement made by the former Chief of Army Staff as most unfortunate at this critical time that the military has embarked upon demilitarisation of the North Central Region of the Country.

    “While Nigerian Army would not want to join issues with the Elder Statesman, however, certain facts need to be clearly stated in the interest of the Taraba People and the Nigerian public:

    “The Nigerian Army is constitutionally charged with the responsibility of defending the territorial integrity of Nigeria and to aid the civil authority whenever called upon to do so.  In this light, the authorisation for the conduct of Ex AYEM AKPATUMA was authorised and troops deployed to curb menace of the herdsmen-farmers conflict and other criminal activities in the North Central Region amongst others.

    “It is on record that the successes so far achieved in Ex AYEM AKPATUMA have been recognised and accepted by Nigerians.

    “The public is notified that Nigerian Army personnel have had to pay the supreme price for ensuring the sustenance of security in Taraba State.  For instance, a gallant non-commission officer of the Nigerian Army was beheaded on 16 March 2018 in Takum, Taraba State by criminal elements.

    “It is noteworthy to state that at the inception of Ex AYEM AKPATUMA, the Taraba State Government, did not cooperate with the Nigerian Army due to the Army’s stance to remain absolutely neutral in the herdsmen-farmers crisis.  The Nigerian Army will continue to remain as such.

    “For avoidance of doubt, the Nigerian Army advises the people of Taraba State and indeed all other Nigerians to continue in their day-to-day activities and be law abiding as anyone caught with arms and ammunition will be dealt with accordance with the laws of the land.  Every law-abiding citizen is assured of equal protection and security of their lives and property irrespective of his/her person.

    Reacting to Gen. Dajuma’s comments through a statement by his Public Relations Officer, Colonel Tukur Gusau,the Minister of Defence said Gen. Danjuma’s advice should” be disregarded by  well-meaning Nigerians”.

    ”A recent comment by one of the elder statesmen wherein he alleged that the military  colluded with bandits to kill people and, therefore, called on them to rise and defend themselves outside constitutional provisions. This is highly uncalled for and is an invitation to anarchy and should be disregarded by  well- meaning Nigerians, “the statement  said.

    It added: “The efforts of the  Nigeria Armed Forces towards restoration of peace, security and order in Nigeria  are evidently clear and Nigerians continue to show appreciation for changing the security environment from what it was before.”

    “If anyone has evidence of wrongdoings or dereliction of duty against our troops should please bring forward such evidence through the appropriate channels for necessary action.”

     

     

  • Army replies Danjuma, says Taraba govt uncooperative

    The Nigerian Army has described as unfortunate a statement credited to a former Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Theophilus Yakubu Danjuma, that the military is colluding with armed bandit carrying out killings in country.

    The former Chief of Army Staff, on Saturday during the maiden convocation of the Taraba State University, accused the military of aiding killer herdsmen in the country.

    “The armed forces are not neutral. They collude; they collude; they collude with the armed bandits that kill people and kill Nigerians. They facilitate their movement. They cover them,” Danjuma, an ex-defence minister said in a rare outburst.

    The Army in its  reaction by  public relations director, Texas Chukwu, Brigadier General said the Taraba State Government was not cooperating with the Nigerian Army in ending the current herdsmen-farmers crisis.

    According to the Army, the public is notified that Nigerian Army personnel have had to pay the supreme price for ensuring the sustenance of security in Taraba State.

    “The attention of the Nigerian Army has been drawn to the unfortunate statement made by a former Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Theophilus Yakubu Danjuma, during the convocation ceremony of the Taraba State University on Saturday 24 March 2018 in which he categorically asserted that the Armed Forces of Nigeria was colluding with militias and other criminal elements and was unable to provide security for the citizens of Taraba State.

    “He further called the people of Taraba State to take up arms and defend themselves. The Nigerian Army views this statement made by the former Chief of Army Staff as most unfortunate at this critical time that the military has embarked upon demilitarisation of the North Central Region of the Country”.

    Read also: Danjuma: Military colluding in herdsmen killings

     “While Nigerian Army would not want to join issues with the Elder Statesman, however, certain facts need to be clearly stated in the interest of the Taraba People and the Nigerian public: The Nigerian Army is constitutionally charged with the responsibility of defending the territorial integrity of Nigeria and to aid the civil authority whenever called upon to do so”.
    “In this light, the authorisation for the conduct of Ex AYEM AKPATUMA was authorised and troops deployed to curb menace of the herdsmen-farmers conflict and other criminal activities in the North Central Region amongst others”.

    “It is on record that the successes so far achieved in Ex AYEM AKPATUMA have been recognised and accepted by Nigerians. The public is notified that Nigerian Army personnel have had to pay the supreme price for ensuring the sustenance of security in Taraba State. For instance, a gallant non-commission officer of the Nigerian Army was beheaded on 16 March 2018 in Takum Taraba State by criminal elements”.

    “It is noteworthy to state that at the inception of Ex AYEM AKPATUMA, the Taraba State Government, did not cooperate with the Nigerian Army due to the Army’s stance to remain absolutely neutral in the herdsmen-farmers crisis.

    “The Nigerian Army will continue to remain as such. For avoidance of doubt, the Nigerian Army advises the people of Taraba State and indeed all other Nigerians to continue in their day-to-day activities and be law abiding as anyone caught with arms and ammunition will be dealt with accordance with the laws of the land. Every law-abiding citizen is assured of equal protection and security of their lives and property irrespective of his/her person”.

  • Danjuma: Military colluding in herdsmen killings

    •Alleges ethnic cleansing
    •Says ‘we must resist it, we must stop it’

    FRom an unlikely source yesterday came a massive indictment of the military for allegedly aiding killer herdsmen in the country.

    Former Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Yakubu Danjuma (rtd) said the armed forces “are not neutral” in the intermittent attacks on innocent Nigerians by “armed bandits.”

    “The armed forces are not neutral. They collude; they collude; they collude with the armed bandits that kill people and kill Nigerians. They facilitate their movement. They cover them,” Danjuma, an ex-defence minister said yesterday in a rare outburst.

    He spoke at the maiden convocation and 10-year anniversary celebration of the Taraba State University (TSU), Jalingo.

    He is from Taraba, which along with Benue and Adamawa, have borne the brunt of the herdsmen attacks.

    Danjuma, a one-time minister of defence, described what is happening in Taraba and other states as ethnic cleansing and warned that it must stop, “otherwise Somalia would be a child’s play.”

    Responding to remarks by the university’s vice chancellor, Prof Suleiman Bagoro, moments after an honorary degree was conferred on him, the former chief of army staff said: “I wish I was asked to donate something more relevant to the university than a sports complex I was asked to. I would have loved to donate artificial intelligence to the university.

    “But being as it is, I will make my own pledge. I pledge to donate the sum of N100 million.

    “The orator referred to me as a politician. This is one profession I do not belong to, and I have no desire being a politician.  Because, if I were a politician, I would not be saying what I am going to say to you all now.

    “When I arrived here, I watched the cultural display by the theatre and cultural department. It was fascinating to see the rich diversity of cultural heritage.

    “Taraba State is a mini Nigeria where we have many ethnic groups living together peacefully.

    “But the peace in this State is under assault. There is an attempt at ethnic cleansing in this State, and of course all the riverine states of Nigeria.

    “We must resist it. We must stop it. Every one of us must rise up. The armed forces are not neutral. They collude; they collude; they collude with the armed bandits that kill people and kill Nigerians. They facilitate their movement. They cover them.

    “If you are depending on the armed forces to stop the killings, you will all die one by one.

    “This ethnic cleansing must stop in Taraba State. It must stop in all the states of Nigeria. Otherwise Somalia would be a child’s play.

    “I ask every one of you Nigerians, to be alert to defend your country; defend your territories, because you have nowhere to go.

    “Thousands have been displaced from their homes which have been destroyed. Many, injured, are still hospitalised. Farmlands have been lost. Hunger is looming.

    “God bless our country.”

    Danjuma’s indictment of the military came on the heels of a similar allegation by Amnesty International (AI).

    The international human rights watchdog, in a January 29, 2018 statement, said little or nothing was being done to curb the mayhem by the herders.

    The statement signed by its country director, Osai Ojigho, said: “The Nigerian authorities’ response to communal violence is totally inadequate, too slow and ineffective, and in some cases unlawful. “Clashes between herdsmen and farmers in Adamawa, Benue, Taraba, Ondo and Kaduna have resulted in 168 deaths in January 2018 alone.

    “Hundreds of people lost their lives last year, and the government is still not doing enough to protect communities from these violent clashes.

    “Worse, the killers are getting away with murder. In 2017, clashes between nomadic herdsmen and local farmers resulted in at least 549 deaths and thousands displaced across Enugu, Benue, Taraba, Zamfara, Kaduna, Plateau, Nasarawa, Niger, Plateau, Cross Rivers, Adamawa, Katsina, Delta and Ekiti states.”

  • IBB, Danjuma in closed door meeting in Minna

    IBB, Danjuma in closed door meeting in Minna

    Former President General Ibrahim Babangida on Thursday held a close door meeting with General Theophilus  Danjuma at his hill-top mansion in Minna, the Niger State capital.

    The meeting lasted for three hours.  Sources disclosed that the meeting may not be unconnected  with the current security challenge and political trend of the nation.

    The former Military President was in the news recently over his letter to President Muhammadu Buhari advising him on the state of the nation.

    A reliable source disclosed that General Danjuma arrived at the Minna Airport at exactly 11:45am, after which he was driven straight to the uphill home of IBB. He was ushered into the private parlour where the meeting took place.

    No other person was allowed into the meeting except for the duo as all the guests that accompanied the visitor were asked to vacate the private parlour.

    Immediately the meeting ended, General Danjuma went straight to his host’s private   Mercedes Benz E Class that brought him from the airport and zoomed away.

    The source said:  “I am very sure that they must have discussed the general situation in the country, both security and the political situation.”