The Nation Newspaper

Tag: international community

  • Declare results, Rivers monarchs urge INEC

    The Rivers State Council of Traditional Rulers has urged the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to declare all verifiable results of Saturday’s election based on units and ward.

    They said only compromised results should be discountenanced.

    The monarchs, at a news conference addressed by their chairman, the Amayanabo of Opobo, King Douglas Dandeson Jaja, said: “We urge INEC to declare all verifiable results and look into compromised results on units and wards basis, where boxes were snatched by thugs or military personnel.

    “We cannot go through another round of elections at a later date. INEC must ensure that collated results are declared and not tampered with by third parties.

    Read also: Ihedioha declared Imo governor-elect

    “What we have today is a few government appointees using Federal apparatus, including men in uniform, to cause chaos and breakdown of law and order. Our people who have attempted to resist such illegality have either been arrested or dealt with extrajudicially.

    “We need peace in Rivers State. The people’s will must prevail. The military must remove itself from directly participating in our elections…”

    They called on the Federal Government and the International Community to come to the aid of Rivers people.

     

  • Don’t forget my daughter, Leah Sharibu’s mother begs Buhari, others

    The family of Leah Sharibu on Sunday renewed their appeal to the Federal Government and the international community not to give up on their daughter who is being held hostage by Boko Haram.

    Sharibu was taken hostage alongside some Dapchi school girls in February 2018.

    While some of the Dapchi school girls were released by Boko Haram, Sharibu was held back because she refused to give up her Christian faith.

    At a press conference in Abuja on Sunday, the mother of the 15 year-old girl, Rebecca, pleaded with President Muhammadu Buhari, the United States and United Kingdom to do everything in their powers to rescue her.

    Read also: Obaseki mobilises teachers to vote for APC candidates

    She urged the President and the government ministerial delegation to keep the promise they made when they visited her family in October last year.

    Speaking through an interpreter, she said: “I have become before you and the federal government to plead that you don’t forget Leah.

    “The President spoke with me on phone and encouraged me not to worry, and with the assurance that my daughter will be released.  Three minister’s also visited me and gave me assurance but till today, I haven’t heard anything, hence my coming before you to plead.

    “The government should keep its promises made by the President and the ministers who visited us in Dapchi in October.

    “There is a Hausa proverb which says, ‘Whenever you make a promise, the best thing to do is to keep that promise. Leah was 14 when she was abducted, she has clocked 15 in Boko Haram custody.”

    The founder of Para-Mallam Foundation, Rev. Gideon Para-Mallam, described Sharibu as a heroine of faith, stressing that she represented what Nigerians should be.

    While praying for her release, the cleric wondered why the abduction of Sharibu,the Chibok girls and other hostages was not a campaign issue, noting that it was concerning that none of the presidential candidates talked about their plan to rescue Nigerians in Boko Haram custody.

    He said: “We will love to hear from all the presidential candidates what exactly they are planning to do to bring Leah to freedom if for any reason she is not released before the 19th of February. We want to hear her name and story becoming a campaign issue.

    “The silence from all the presidential candidates about Leah and others in captivity is not encouraging, so we are using this appeal and thus campaign season to hear what the presidential candidates have to say about Leah’s freedom. It’s important for all Nigerians and the global community.”

    An American teenager, Becca Lubbert, who flew into the country to identify with Sharibu’s plight, described the Dapchi schoolgirl as an incredible example of standing for one’s faith.

    She asked the government to protect schools and rescue those in Boko Haram captivity.

  • International community and 2019 polls

    With barely two weeks to the February 16, presidential elections, ominous clouds are gathering over the country. As a concerned citizen, and one committed to peace, dignity and sovereignty of our dear motherland, I consider it imperative to make an intervention in the political arena.  I believe intellectuals have a responsibility to provide reasoned, analytical prognosis of the nation’s current situation.

    As against the professed positions of issue-based campaigns, the presidential campaign organizations of the two leading presidential candidates, President Muhammadu Buhari of the All Progressives Party (APC) and AlhajiAtiku Abubakar of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) have, in recent times, been trading accusations and counter-accusations of planned rigging of the election or mobilization of armed partisans to unleash violence on the society. The opposition PDP has tainted the integrity of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) with allegations of it being compromised by the ruling party, the APC. The APC also alleged that the PDP is recruiting people to cause mayhem in some 12 states to precipitate chaos.  These have created fear and anxiety as to the credibility, fairness and peacefulness of the 2019 elections.

    What, however, should be of serious worry to Nigerians is the surreptitious attempt to internationalize what is essentially a domestic electoral matter.  The perception of tension about the election has provided an opportunity for the so-called ‘International Community’ to wade in, as the ultimate umpire.  The nations which constitute themselves as the ‘international community’ , led by U.S., UK, France, have now taken centre-stage in the country’s electoral process, as superintendents.  It is a national disgrace that some politicians, political partisans and non-governmental organizations actually called for the intervention of the ‘international community’.  This is myopic in geo-political consideration.  But what is most galling is that leading presidential candidates, including President Muhammadu Buhari and a rather reluctant Atiku Abubakar, were made to sign an undertaking, brokered by the U.S., to ensure peace before, during and after the election.  The implications of this are that Nigerian politicians needed the big stick to compel decorous political conduct and also implied acceptance of the election result, as certified by the ‘international community’.  This undertaking, apart from being a surrender of Nigeria’s sovereign authority to organize its elections, may turn out a booby trap.  It is a repeat of the strategy used by the same ‘international community’ in the disputation of the 2010 presidential election in Ivory Coast, in which it backed the opposition candidate AlassaneQuattara.  The UN Representative in Ivory Coast assumed, on behalf of the ‘international community’, the authority to validate the 2010 presidential election result in favour of Quattara.  In the ensuing conflict, UN and French troops in support of Quattara, got President Laurent Gbagbo captured and sent for trial at the International Criminal Court (ICC) at The Hague, Netherlands on allegations of crimes against humanity where he has remained in detention for over eight years now. Just as President Buhari has done, President Gbagbo had similarly and naively signed an accord under the auspices of the ‘international community’ to be of good conduct with regards to the election outcome.

    The ex-President Olusegun Obasanjo’s electoral intervention creates two possible scenarios. Obasanjo,  who has joined the fray on behalf of Atiku Abubakar,  and who solicited the intervention of the ‘international community’, could either be working toward the Ivory Coast model or Egypt’s model where  presidential election crisis fuelled by the Arab Spring uprising, truncated democracy and led to a return of the military, with U.S. support.  Under this scenario, Obasanjo, backed by the ‘international community’ in the event of violent election dispute, could neutralize both President Buhari and Atiku and either achieve his third term agenda or be the kingmaker of a military regime.  The two leading presidential candidates need to be wary of Obasanjo, given his legendary self interest in all matters.  The way he is virulently vicious in his attacks against President Buhari, even more than candidate Atiku, smacks of agent provocateur and signposts a hidden agenda.

    Just like France led the ‘international community’ takeover of Ivory Coast, its former colony, Britain is also positioning itself to lead the ‘international community’ on Nigeria, its former colony. It is the return of the colonialists. The statement by the British High Commission, Abuja that “any attempts” at electoral violations reported by its election monitors, will have consequences and may “lead to prosecution under international law’’, amounts to imperial arrogance and a Nigeria put down.  The Nigerian political class has brought this odium on the nation by beggarly seeking assistance for virtually every aspect of governance, including donor support for elections, which Prof.BayoOlukoshi described as ‘donorisation’ of elections in Africa.  The British High Commission statement had cheekily rubbed this donor largesse in – “We continue to provide significant support to Nigeria’s Independent National Electoral Commission and to Nigerian civil society’’.  It is a shame that members of the Nigerian political class lack a sense of national dignity.  The nation needs a patriotic intellectual vanguard to articulate a new Nigeria vision that would rid the political arena of electoral merchants and brutes so as to achieve electoral sanity and restore national pride.

     

    • Dr.Olawunmi, a former Washington Correspondent of the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) is Fellow of the Nigerian Guild of Editors.

  • NIPC creates guide for international community

    The quest to provide Nigerians and the international community with a platform to guide them on investment has finally come to fruition, with the unveiling of a comprehensive guide, called Iguide by the Nigerian Investment Promotion Council (NIPC)

    The Iguide is a collaborative effort of the United Nation, the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNTAD), with technical support c from NIPC.

    The idea is to ensure that investors go to the Iguide website in search of any investment information, instead of moving from one government office to another. It is for investors to get all their informations under one umbrella.

    NIPC Executive Secretary,  Yewande Sadiku, said Iguide is key in addressing challenges in doing business in Nigeria and Africa. It is also a platform to share experiences and get relevant rules and requirements. Investors are to check the iguide.org/nigeria for informations.

    She said,  “This is an investor guide for a lot of countries,  it is a simple tool with information on Nigeria.  It is expected that all businesses registered in Nigeria after the Corporate Affairs Commission CAC should register with the NIPC.

  • Saraki condemns attack on Makkah

    Saraki condemns attack on Makkah

    …Seeks quick resolution of Yemeni crisis

    Senate President, Abubakar Bukola Saraki Thursday has joined the international community in condemning the recent launch of missile attack targeting the holy city of Makkah in Saudi Arabia by the Saleh-Houthi militias

    Saraki described such targeted attack on Makkah as an assault on the entire Muslims.

    In statement by his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Yusuph Olaniyonu, the Senate President said all forms of insurgency and militancy to resolve political issues are unacceptable by the international community.

    He added that Makkah with its Islamic holy site, Kabbah, represents the unity of the entire human race and therefore should be immune from politically-motivated attacks.

    Saraki called on the Houthi groups and their sponsors to desist from their violent interruptions and diversion and join on-going genuine efforts to secure stable truce in Yemen which will lead to the eventual settlement of the crisis.

    He praised the Coalition Air Forces based in the area for their vigilance which led to the interception and destruction of the ballistic missile about 65 Kilometres away from its target without causing any damage.

    He also urged the United Nations and other key nations of the world to co-operate with the Gulf Countries Coalition (GCC) to intensify efforts in resolving the Yemeni crisis and other flash points in the Gulf region in particular, and the Middle East, in general.

  • PDP to NBA, others: Call Oshiomhole to order

    PDP to NBA, others: Call Oshiomhole to order

    The People’s Democratic Party in Edo State has urged the Nigeria Bar Association and the international community to call Governor Adams Oshiomhole to order.

    It said the will of Edo people should be allowed to be freely expressed and the outcome of Wednesday governorship election accepted by all.

    The PDP also call on all promoters of democracy to impress on the federal government to direct all organs responsible for the conduct of the Edo election to ensure that the election is not compromised directly or indirectly, before, during and after.

    A letter to the President of NBA and copied to several international organizations, the PDP urged the federal government to demonstrate good sportsmanship, having recently been a beneficiary of an election conducted by an incumbent administration.

    The letter signed by State Publicity Secretary of the party, Chris Nehikhare accused Oshiomhole of deploying the police, the Attorney-General’s Office, and the State Revenue Service to harass, arrest and persecution of leaders of the PDP.

    Nehikhare alleged that Oshiomhole opted to deploy the state agencies having realized that it had not perfected its plan to rig against its governorship candidate, Pastor Osagie Ize-Iyamu.

    He said the state government has dragged the State PDP to court over non-payment of tax by staff of the PDP Secretariat.

    His words, “The State Chairman, Chief Dan Orbih, who apparently is the prime target of the litigation is mentioned as the defendant. The APC led government wants Chief Orbih remanded in prison custody during the remaining period of the campaign and on Election Day.

    “We see the disingenuous attack on Chief Orbih as a calculated attempt to throw the PDP in disarray and to manipulate the minds of our teeming supporters who are in the majority among the Edo electorate. We know that this resort is an exercise in futility.

    “The grand design of the APC is to subvert the will of the people and if this is not checked it may spell grave consequences for the state.”

  • UN seeks urgent help for Nigerian IDPs

    UN seeks urgent help for Nigerian IDPs

    The United Nations (UN) has called on the Nigerian government and the international community to take urgent humanitarian measures to save lives and ensure the protection of the multitude of internally displaced people (IDPs) in the north-east of the country.

    UN expert on internally displaced persons (IDPs), Chaloka Beyani described the situation resulting from the Boko Haram terror campaign and government’s counter-insurgency measures as “displaying all the hallmarks of the highest category crises.”

    Beyani, who spoke after a four-day visit to Nigeria, said the fighting in the north east has created more than 2.5 million IDPs in the region.

    He noted that the extend of the crisis and the resultant damages to lives and property in the north east was just being appreciated.

    Beyani said the civilians, including children, leaving newly liberated areas, bear the signs of advanced malnutrition, and of deep trauma, having been caught in a conflict that has cost them their homes, their livelihoods and often their family members.

    “The situation must no longer be downplayed and it is not too late to save many lives. But to do this, the Government must act urgently to ensure that food, shelter, medical care, water, sanitation and other essential services reach IDPs without delay.

    “Due to a gross under estimation of the crisis, the existing supplies will only cover needs for a very short period of time and will be soon outstripped by demands in the weeks or months ahead.

    “The vast majority of IDPs live outside camps and receive little or no assistance. Urgent steps are required to identify those people and assess their needs, particularly those of the most vulnerable, as well as the needs of host communities who are supporting them with their own resources,” Beyani said.

    The UN office in a statement issued in Abuja yesterday, said Beyani, who visited IDP camps in the Maiduguri area, highlighted that many people within camps in newly liberated areas may be faring little better.

    “Food is scarce and many survive on one basic meal per day while medical care is insufficient. Civilians also require urgent protection, psychosocial support and counseling.

    “Humanitarian agencies have little access to some areas due to security concerns and have been targeted by Boko Haram, whose terror activities have been contained by the Nigerian military but still pose a significant threat and danger,” he stated.

    “Camps should offer protection. Yet I am alarmed to learn that many are in fact the settings for exploitation and abuse of the most vulnerable. Reports indicate that women and girls face demands for sex to access food or to leave the camps.

    “Early pregnancy and marriage are commonplace while many do not report abuse due to stigmatization, cultural factors and the knowledge that perpetrators can abuse with impunity. Protection measures must be stepped-up and camps must quickly come under trained civilian management to prevent abuses,” Beyani said.

     

  • Nigeria will blossom again – Ekweremadu

    Nigeria will blossom again – Ekweremadu

    Deputy Senate President, Senator Ike Ekweremadu, Thursday assured Nigerians and the international community that the trying period the country is going through would soon be over.

    Ekweremadu said that the country would soon stabilize and return to the path of growth.

    A statement by the media Adviser to Deputy Senate President, Uche Anichukwu, said that Ekweremadu spoke when he received the outgoing Chinese Ambassador to Nigeria, Gu Xiaojie, in his office in Abuja.

    It said that Ekweremadu, who also assured the Chinese government that the National Assembly would give the required legislative support and backing to the outcome of President Muhammadu Buhari’s recent visit to China, further appealed for a greater involvement of the Chinese government in Nigeria’s economy.

    It said that Ekweremadu underscored the fact that once Nigeria was strengthened, the rest of Africa have been strengthened.

    Ekweremadu was quoted to have said, “We are indeed thrilled by the economic advancement of China. You had your ups and downs, but it appears China, is consistently looking upwards. So on this note, I will like to appeal that the relationship between Nigeria and China needs to continue to improve because the whole of West Africa, and indeed Africa, will benefit from the spiral effect of that relationship.

    “No doubt, we do have our challenges as a country, but we believe and trust in God that we will overcome. So, we just need the understanding and support of China and indeed the international community, while we are going through this trying period. We are very hopeful that things will stabilize in Nigeria and we will return to the path of growth.

    “So we just call for the support and understanding of the international community, as we are doing everything possible as a government, to ensure that we earn the respect of our friends, and indeed members of the international community. We believe that working together with China, Nigeria will blossom to the benefit of its citizens and the rest of Africa”.

    The Deputy President of the Senate commended the outgoing Ambassador for ensuring a good working relationship between China and Nigeria.

    He added: “We have seen a lot of improvement in Nigeria-China relations during your time and we do hope and believe, your successor will continue in that regard. We have had economic ties, which are strong. We have also received a lot of support from your government, especially in the areas of railway and aviation development. I can only wish the best in all your future endeavours”.

    Ambassador Xiaojie was said to have commended the strong bilateral ties between Nigeria and China.

    He also stressed the need to continue building bilateral parliamentary relations between the two countries.

    He assured that China would always support Nigeria on the part of growth and development partner.

     

  • Governor sends SoS to international community

    Governor sends SoS to international community

    Bayelsa State Governor Seriake Dickson yesterday sent a Save our Soul (SoS) message to the international community and democracy lovers ahead of Saturday’s election.

    The governor, the Peoples Democratic Party’s (PDP’s) candidate, urged the international community to collaborate with the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and other relevant agencies to ensure a free and fair poll.

    Speaking during his campaign in Sagbama Local Government, he said the call became imperative to sustain peace.

    Dickson reportedly visited Toru-Angiama, Angalabiri, Agorogbene, Kabeama, Okumbiri and Ofoni federated communities comprising Eyanvwien, Ediagbon and Ogbe.

    He alleged that instead of soliciting the electorate’s support in a responsible manner, the All Progressives Congress (APC) relied on federal might.

    Dickson alleged that the utterances and actions of APC chieftains showed that they were not ready for a free and fair poll, but were plotting to wrest power from the PDP through the backdoor.

    He stressed his commitment to a peaceful election, saying he was overwhelmed by the show of love by Bayelsans, whom he noted were prepared to vote on Saturday.

    Interacting with the chiefs and people of the communities, the PDP candidate thanked them for the three times they voted  for him, twice as a lawmaker in the House of Representatives and as a governor in 2012.

    Dickson said he was confident that the electorate would vote for him on Saturday.

    Assuring them of his readiness to impact more on their lives after being sworn in for a second term, he promised to expedite work on the Sagbama-Ekeremor Road and other projects.

    Dickson said: “You are one of the largest and densely populated communities in our state. You have two wards and a high voting population. So as your son, this community means so much to me. This is why I’m passionate about your progress.

    “I thank God that all of you that spoke here attested to the fact that I do whatever I say. I will never promise what I cannot do. I assure you and other Bayelsans that I will do more to impact on your lives during my second tenure.

    “Just do your part as you have always done by giving our party, the PDP, your votes on Saturday.

    “Come out with your Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs), vote and wait till they have counted and declared the results in your units before you leave. Don’t be intimidated by anybody because no genuine security personnel will harass you for doing the right thing.”

    The Commissioner for Works and Infrastructures, Mr. Lawrence Ewhrudjakpo, an indigene, said besides the Sagbama-Ekeremor Road, the Dickson administration had completed projects, including the linking of the area to the national grid.