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Tag: Leah Sharibu

  • Priortise Leah Sharibu’s release, NUNS tells new DSS boss 

    The leadership of National Union of Nigerian Students (NUNS) has hailed the appointment of Malam Yusuf Bichi as the new Director General of Department of State Service (DSS), asking the new service boss to priortise the release of the remaining Dapchi girl, Leah Sharibu.

    NUNS, a splinter group of the National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS) said asked the new DSS boss to consider restructuring the service for better security of lives of Nigerians.

    The students’ union in a statement issued by its National President, Comrade Salahudeen A. Lukman described Bichi’s appointment as a round peg in a round hole, considering his antecedents in the service, his intimidating wealth of experience cum integrity and professional disposition in time past.

    According to NUNS President, “The leadership of National Union of Nigerian Students NUNS express satisfaction with President Muhammad Buhari recent appointment of Mallam Bichi as New Director General of Department of State Service DSS, it is indeed a round peg in a round hole considering the antecedent of Mr. Bichi in the service, his intimidating wealth of Experience cum integrity and professional disposition in time past convinced our leadership of his fitness to champion the security service of our dear nation.

    “While congratulating Mr. Bichi on his well-deserved appointment as DG of the DSS, we call for all and sundry support for the new DSS boss, implore Nigerians to always do away with sentiment and tribalism in the course of security appointment, competency should rather be our concern not the origination of the appointee.

    “We charge the New Director General to prioritize the reunion of Leah Shuaib with her family as she remains the only Dapchi School girl left with Boko Haram since the release of her colleagues kidnapped by the terrorist group over 120 days ago as well ensure restructuring of the service for more professionalism in the course of providing security for Nigerians.

    “In the same vein, NUNS leadership congratulate the newly elected President of Nigerian Football Federation NFF, Dr. Amaju Pinick, his reelection is a reward for excellent performance in the first tenure, we call on the NFF to deepen football talent hunt in our various Tertiary institutions games, this will ensue discovery of more talented players who can make Nigeria more proud in all competitions.

    “We call on the honorable Minister of sport and Youth Development to embrace the newly elected leadership of NFF led by Amaju Pinick and move Nigeria sport sector forward.” NUNS President said.

  • Get Leah out

    Federal Government should explore all avenues to secure the release of the young icon

    Leah Sharibu who, until her abduction by Boko Haram, one of the worst terrorist groups in the world, in February, was an innocent secondary school student in rustic Dapchi, Yobe State, has emerged a captive of conscience. Kidnapped with 109 other students of Government Girls Science and Technical College, Dapchi, she has remained etched on the minds of many Nigerians of conscience since then. When, a month after captivity, 104 of the captives were released after they had been compelled to pledge commitment to Islam, Leah refused, ready to pay the price –  longer days in captivity. Since then, despite pleas from her parents, the Christian community, the international community, and the Federal Government, her abductors have shut their ears to the pleas and kept her away from public glare until recently when they  released an audio message from the girl, calling on the government to secure her release.

    We can relate with the pains and agony of her parents and loved ones who just want to be reunited with her, whatever the cost. The mother, based in Dapchi, has since been moved to Adamawa State to receive better medical attention as bouts of illness have become her lot. Emotionally drained, she no longer could cope with imagination of what her precious daughter would have suffered in the hands of the terrorists. The father, Nathan Sharibu, has fared better only because as a man, he could afford to nurse hope and rely on her Christian faith to believe that Leah would one way or the other, be returned to them safe.

    But both parents realise that time is running out, and every extra day that she remains in captivity is dangerous. We share in Leah’s pains and the parents’ grief. In all interviews with journalists, 45-year-old Nathan Sharibu has expressed disappointment that the government has let the family down. We share the view that the Federal Government ought to have done more to free the hapless girl and reassure all concerned Nigerians that she has not been abandoned.

    Leah is the symbol of a resilient and redoubtable Nigerian spirit; she is not just another girl in captivity. For as long as she remains with the insurgents, the impotence of the Nigerian State is exposed, and, given the sensitivity of religion in Nigeria, the Christians would keep wondering if the situation would have been the same if a Moslem were to be kept in similar circumstances. Government ought to realise that there are many fault lines in the country and religion is probably the most sensitive and delicate.

    When President Muhammadu Buhari and his party, the All Progressives Congress (APC) were seeking electoral support in 2014, one of the major issues was what the candidates could, and would do to arrest the Boko Haram insurgency. He was deemed the better of the two major candidates since the then incumbent who was flying the Peoples Democratic Party’s (PDP) flag was deemed to have failed in that respect. Going into the 2019 General Election, how the Buhari administration handles the Leah Sharibu case, the case of  Chibok girls still in captivity, as well as the remaining two humanitarian workers in the Book Haram grip could yet become a major factor.

    Leah must not die. Boko Haram’s declaration that the government should resume negotiations, and the girl’s plea will continue to gnaw at the heart of the average voter. It has placed the ball squarely in the government’s court. Many still recall that shortly before the Dapchi girls were picked up from their school, the military had curiously withdrawn from the scene without liaising with other security agencies to fill the gap. So, at least vicariously, the government is liable for the incident, especially as the public has not been informed what steps government took on the matter.

    Every Nigerian should have the conviction that the state would do anything to offer him or her protection. Unfortunately, Saifura Khorsa, the young Red Cross lady who was also abducted has been shot to demonstrate that the terrorists who have killed thousands in the North East mean business. Leah must not be added to the statistics. The Presidency said the secret service is analysing the 35-second audio clip of Leah’s message, but, while this may be the standard practice, we wonder why it is taking so long, especially as the father has confirmed the voice as his daughter’s.

    It is unfortunate that the war against insurgency which the military and Minister of Information gleefully declared over in 2015 remains potent even today. Lives are being lost daily, not only through soft targets as the government announced then, but after fierce battles with the military.

    We call on the government to negotiate Leah Sharibu’s release urgently. It will do the unity of Nigeria no good if she is executed. In fact, it will be a demonstration of a seeming hopelessness of the Nigerian situation and vulnerability of all. If the help of the international community is required, the Federal Government should not hesitate to make the request.

  • CAN President to Fed Govt, security agencies: rescue Leah Sharibu, others now 

    Christian Association Nigeria (CAN) President Samson Ayokunle yesterday called on the Federal Government and all security agencies to ensure freedom for Leah Sharibu and others held in captive by Boko Haram terrorists before it is too late.

    Rev. Ayokunle also urged religious and political leaders to join hands with civil society organisations and international agencies to stop untimely deaths, which, according to him, has given Nigeria a bad name worldwide.

    Many nations, the cleric said, have seen NIgeria as a barbaric nation where no value is attached to human life.

    Speaking at the flag off of ‘Ecumenism for Development and Peace Initiative’(EDAPI), a non-governmental organisation with the slogan “#…TOO YOUNG TO DIE’ at the Nigerian Baptist Theological Seminary, Ogbomoso, Oyo State, Rev. Ayokunle regretted that many Nigerians die untimely due to unchecked, murderous activities of gunmen and herdsmen.

    He said the development has caused sorrow in many communities, especially in the north.

    Said the CAN chief: “It is regrettable that many Nigerians are living in poverty and are not able to fulfil their dreams because of low income or lack of employment at all. Substantial welfare policy as well is not forthcoming from the government.

    “A very sad case is that of Leah Sharibu and the Chibok girls that are still in captivity for months and years now either because of their faith or religious malady of some crazy Islamic fundamentalists. I call on the Federal Government and the security agencies to put their acts together and release all the captives before it is too late. These people are too young to die. It is the  constitutional responsibility of government to protect lives and property of the governed.”

    Rev. Ayokunle went on:  ”EDAPI (a non-governmental organisation) observes the happenings in our society and it is out to speak for all those in captivity and communities that are under constant attacks, especially in the North, where lives are being lost daily, for decades with impunity.

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

  • Okoh to Fed Govt: don’t forget Chibok girls, Leah Sharibu

    The Primate of The Church of Nigeria, Anglican Communion, Reverend Nicholas Okoh, has urged the Federal Government not to forget Miss Leah Sharibu and the remaining Chibok schoolgirls who are still in Boko Haram captivity.

    The cleric expressed worry about the dwindling attention and less mentions to the captured girls, saying there is need for the government to make more efforts to rescue the schoolgirls.

    He noted that the inability to do this would mark a black spot in the history of the administration.

    Okoh made the remarks in his opening address to the standing committee of the church at St. Peter’s Cathedral Church in Minna, the Niger State capital.

    The primate regretted that the Boko Haram sect was becoming more daring and desperate as if it had sworn to destroy Nigeria unless their interest and that of their sponsors are met.

    He urged the government to take its stand against them and the rising menace of killer herdsmen.

    Okoh said: “No sacrifice is too much to get these girls released. In the interest of democracy, freedom of religion and national cohesion, sufficient effort should be made to bring their ordeal and that of their parents and families to an end.”

    On next year’s elections, the cleric urged the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to remain an unbiased umpire.

    He added: “Whatever disenfranchises any Nigerian should not come from INEC and should be avoided at all.”

    The cleric also urged politicians to make reasonable promises that can be met.

    He said: “Nigerians are still yearning for dividends of democracy, as promised Nigerians. Therefore, new promises should be weighed against the background of available resources to ensure delivery.”

    Okoh noted that the “Not too Young to Run Bill”, which was heralded with so much zeal would not solve Nigeria’s problems.

    According to him, the nation’s brand of politics has over the years not been run by ideas and ideals but by personality and money.

    He advised the Church to preserve the nation from moral corruption and work against injustice, corruption, oppression, marginalisation, lies, selfishness, greed and dishonesty in the society.

    The cleric noted that if such vices were allowed within the church, practised and promoted by Christians, the church would be living below expectation.

    Okoh said: “The practice of receiving so much money from public funds for little or nothing and living flamboyant lifestyle at the expense of the poor masses cannot continue if we must develop as a nation. The citizens must be made to know that hard work pays and that they need to imbibe the culture of happily living within their means.”

    Over 163 bishops, 122 clerics and 79 delegates from across the country are attending the standing committee.

  • Anglican primate to FG: Don’t forget other Chibok Girls, Leah Sharibu

    The Primate of The Church of Nigeria, Anglican Communion, the Most Reverend Nicholas Okoh has reminded the Federal Government not to forget Leah Sharibu and the remaining Chibok girls who are still in Boko Haram captivity.

    He who noted the dwindling attention and less mention being paid to these captured girls stressed on the need for government to make more effort to get the girls released adding that inability to do this would mark a black spot in the history of the administration.

    The Primate said this while presenting his opening address to the Standing Committee of The Church of Nigeria, Anglican Communion at St. Peter’s Cathedral Church in Minna.

    Read Also:Army tightens noose on Boko Haram terrorists, says Buratai

    The Primate lamented that the Boko Haram sect are becoming more daring and desperate as the group have implacably sworn to destroy Nigeria unless their interest and interest of their sponsored are destroyed urging government to take its stand against them and the rising scourge of Fulani herdsmen.

    “No sacrifice is too much to get these girls released. In the interest of democracy, freedom of religion and national cohesion, sufficient effort should be made to bring their ordeal and that of their parents and families to an end. ”

    Speaking on the 2019 elections, the Clergyman urged INEC to remain unbiased umpire know the receipt that will determine the nation’s destiny, “Whatever disenfranchise any Nigerian should not come from INEC and should be avoided at all.”

    He politicians to make reasonable promises that can be met w saying, “Nigerians are still yearning for dividends of democracy as promised Nigerians, therefore, new promises should be weighed against the background of available resources to ensure delivery.”

    Okay noted that the ‘Not too Young to Run Bill’ which was heralded with so much zeal is not going to solve Nigeria’s problems automatically as the brand of politics has over the years not been run by ideas and ideals, rather, it has been driven by personality and money.

    He called on the Church to preserve the nation from moral corruption and work against all forms of vices adding that if the injustice, corruption, oppression, marginalization, lies, selfishness, greed, dishonesty found in the society is allowed within the church and practiced and promoted by Christians, the church would be living below expectation.

    “The practice of receiving so much money from public funds for little or nothing and living flamboyant lifestyle at the expense of the poker masses cannot continue if we must develop as a nation. The citizens must be made to know that hard work pays and to imbibe the culture of happily living within their means.”

    Over 163 Bishops, 122 Clergy and 79 delegates from across Nigeria are attending the Standing Committee in Minna, Niger state.

  • Leah Sharibu and presidential fatalism

    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.

  • Leah Sharibu’s plea

    •Her case and that of others still in captivity should return to the front burner

    From Leah Sharibu, one of the 110 girls abducted from Government Girls Science and Technical College, Dapchi, Yobe State, on February 19 came a passionate appeal to President Muhammadu Buhari: please rescue me. Sharibu, the only Christian among the abducted students reportedly said in an audio message that has been confirmed by her parents as authentic: “I am Leah Sharibu, the girl that was abducted in GGSS Dapchi. I am calling on the government and people of goodwill to intervene to get me out of my current situation.

    “I also plead to the members of the public to help my mother, my father, my younger brother and relatives. Kindly help me out of my predicament. I am begging you to treat me with compassion, I am calling on the government, particularly, the president to pity me and get me out of this serious situation. Thank you.”

    It was a case of different folks, different strokes, when the girls were returned to Dapchi by their Boko Haram abductors on May 21 after negotiations with the Federal Government and some international organisations. While the parents of the girls that were returned were excited, those of five of them that had died of stress in captivity were sad. Although Sharibu survived the ordeal, her parents could not join in savouring the joy of the moment because their daughter was not freed along with the others over her refusal to renounce Christianity. She is yet to be freed.

    It would appear Nigeria had gone back to sleep after the release of the students in May, as there is no more update from the government about the efforts being made by the government to free Sharibu as well as the remaining Chibok girls that had earlier been abducted by the terrorists in April 2014. It would also seem there is no communication with Sharibu’s parents, especially with the claim by her father that no government official has got in touch with them since the return of the girls. This should not be; because the impression is thus given that the government is not doing anything about the matter again. There is the need for government to constantly get in touch with the parents as this would give them the assurance that something is being done about their daughter’s plight. This is characteristically Nigerian, though; it is a country where people forget so easily.

    It is against this background that we should appreciate Sharibu’s audio message. Even if she had been forgotten before, the message should serve as wake-up call on the presidency and the security agents to return to her case and others still in Boko Haram captivity. Their plight has to be returned to the front burner of national discourse.

    We agree with the government that negotiations with terrorists could be tortuous since it is not a face-to-face affair, yet, everything should be done to secure Sharibu’s release. Of course, we cannot blame the government for her inability to join her colleagues freed in May, just as we cannot also blame her for remaining steadfast to her faith, resulting in her continued stay in captivity. Indeed, her tenacity of conviction based on principle is one of the requirements that is in short supply in the country.

    We urge all relevant stakeholders to keep the pressure on the Federal Government until this girl is released to join her parents, brother and relatives that she craves so much to see after the forced separation from them. The government should do everything humanly possible to get the girl and others still held by Boko Haram out of captivity. The same way it should not abandon efforts at preventing a recurrence of such incidents, not only in Chibok or Dapchi, but all over the troubled spots where Boko Haram has been wreaking havoc.

  • ACF to FG: Deploy intelligence to rescue Leah Sharibu, others 

    Following the recently released audio purported to be that of the abducted Dapchi girl, Leah Sharibu, Arewa Consultative Forum (ACF) has asked the Federal Government to deploy intelligence to rescue the outstanding Dapchi girl from terrorists’ den.

    ACF in a statement issued by its National Publicity Secretary, Muhammad Ibrahim Biu in Kaduna on Wednesday said, the released audio if it is authentic has rekindled hope that, Leah Sharibu is alive and will be rescued.

    Read Also:Buhari won’t rest until Leah Sharibu, others are released, says Presidency

    According to the statement, the forum said, “Arewa Consultative Forum (-ACF) has received with grief and hope the audio voice alleged to be that of the Dapchi girl, Leah Sharibu still in the captivity of Boko Haram terrorists that abducted the Dapchi girls in February this year.

    “In the alleged audio, Leah is appealing to President Buhari and all Nigerians to come to her rescue from the terrorists. If the audio is truly of Leah, it gives hope that the girl is still alive and may be released someday.

    “Although majority of the kidnapped girls were rescued by the Military and other security agencies one month after their abduction, Leah has not been lucky. Hence the anxiety and concern which the audio has rekindled in the minds of not only the parents but also across the nation.

    “The assurance given by the Federal Government that the Security Agencies are decoding the alleged audio cassette to verify its authenticity is a welcome development and heartening.

    “ACF however, urges the Federal Government to not only fast track the process of verification of the audio, but also utilize its intelligence to trace and rescue Leah and other Chibok girls that have been in the terrorist’s den for the past four years.

    “ACF also appeals to Nigerians to be prayerful and hopeful for the successful rescue of our kidnapped girls and many others in the captivity of Boko Haram terrorists. The situation demands consciously directed efforts from all,” The statement read.

  • Leah Sharibu: Parents confirm voice

    The parents of Leah Sharibu, the only Christian girl still being held captive by Boko Haram insurgents among those abducted at the Government Girls Science and Technical College, Dapchi, Yobe State, have confirmed the voice in an audio message as their daughter’s.

    Leah’s audio message was published yesterday by “The Cable” online news platform with her recent picture in which she is wearing a brown hijab and sitting on a mat.

    In the picture, Leah wears a look of defiance.  In the message, she pleads for her release.

    The audio is translated thus: “I am Leah Sharibu, the girl that was abducted in GGSS Dapchi. I am calling on the government and people of goodwill to intervene to get me out of my current situation.

    “I also plead to the members of the public to help my mother, my father, my younger brother and relatives. Kindly help me out of my predicament. I am begging you to treat me with compassion. I am calling on the government, particularly the President, to pity me and get me out of this serious situation. Thank you.”

    Our reporter called the parents of Leah to confirm the veracity of the voice and both were in agreement that it is their daughter’s.

    Mr. Nathan Sheribu and his wife Rebecca told our correspondent on phone that their hope had been re-ignited after hearing their daughter’s voice and seeing her picture.

    “I can confirm to you that the voice that spoke is that of my daughter Leah. It is her voice, no doubt. I am happy that I can hear my daughter speak. This has given me hope that she is alive. I am also happy to see her recent picture displayed.

    “My request is the same with my daughter’s. The government should play their part now by intensifying efforts to secure her freedom.,” Sharibu said.

    The mother’s hope never died, though it has now doubled. She will however become happier the day her daughter is freed.

    Like her husband, Mrs Sharibu also called on President Muhammadu Buhari to swing into action to free her daughter.

    She also called on her daughter’s captors to unconditionally release her to save her from the trauma she is going through.

    Leah, along with her school mates, were abducted in February from their school. Her mates were released after one month but Leah was held back by the insurgents for the reason that she refused to renounce Christianity, her faith.

    In the last seven months, there have been doubts as to whether she was still alive as well as whether she was still holding on to her Christian faith.

    More than a  month ago, the Excutive Director of Complete Care Foundation, Aisha Wakil, who is popularly known as Mama Boko Haram, told reporters in Maiduguri that Leah was alive and holding on to her faith.

    ”I am really worried about Leah Sharibu and her freedom from Boko Haram is very important to me. Leah did not renounce her faith in Christianity, that I can assure you and we shall do everything with both the government and the international organisation to ensure she regain her freedom just like her colleagues that were reunited with her families,” she said.

    The development vindicates her statement that Leah is alive.

  • Buhari won’t rest until Leah Sharibu, others are released, says Presidency 

    The Presidency yesterday said that President Muhammadu Buhari would not rest until the release of the only Christian among the 111 school girls abducted from Government Girls Science and Technical College (GGSTC), Dapchi, Yobe State.

    Of the schoolgirls abducted on the February 19, 105 were released barely a month after the abduction.

    Leah Sharibu was held back by the terrorists for refusing to renounce her faith.

    In a audio, Sharibu is heard pleading with President Buhari to have pity on her and save her from the captivity.

    She also urged the President to assist her family.

    But, in a tweet on Monday, the President’s Senior Special Assistant on Media and Publicity, Garba Shehu, said the Secret Service was analysing the audio.

    He said: “We are aware of the audio in circulation concerning the unfortunate situation of our daughter, Leah Sharibu. In dealing with terrorists, nothing is too trivial.

    “The secret service is analysing the voice. Our reaction will follow the outcome of the investigation.

    “For President Buhari, nothing will be spared in bringing all our girls home. He will not rest until all of them are freed,” he said.