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Tag: Mansur Dan-Ali

  • Air strikes kill innocent locals, not bandits – Zamfara traditional rulers

    Military air strikes kill only innocent civilians in affected local government areas and five communities and not bandits, Zamfara state council of traditional rulers has alleged.

    The traditional rulers, who spoke through Emir of Bungudu, Alhaji Hassan Attahiru, told reporters that the air strikes have not been effective in uprooting bandits.

    Reports from the four local governments of Zurmi, Tsafe, Gusau and Anka indicate about five communities where the air strikes were carried out did not hit hideouts of bandits, according to the traditional rulers.

    Rather, they said innocent civilians were victims of the strikes.

    The council of chiefs also faulted Defence Minister Lt. Gen. Mansur Dan Ali who alleged some traditional rulers were supporting banditry.

    Read Also: NAF strikes bandits in Zamfara, destroys 8 camps, kills scores

    The Emir expressed dismay over the allegation and called on the minister to “as a matter of responsibility and urgency name those traditional rulers involve in such reprehensive activities for government to take appropriate measures against them.”

    Failure to disclose the traditional rulers involved, according to Attahiru, will render the minister’s statement false as just an attempt to tarnish the image of the traditional institution.

    The traditional rulers further noted with grave concerns the deteriorating security problems in Zamfara state, commending efforts of the stare and the federal governments in addressing the challenge.

    Declaring support for the efforts, the ruler said: “Over the past years, traditional rulers have cooperated with government and security agencies by providing information about locations, routes and names of persons engage in such criminal activities, unfortunately the military and other security agencies have failed to be on top of situation.”

    The council of traditional rulers called on the federal government to assist the state, especially rural dweller, which it said are badly affected by the insecurity challenge.

  • FG blames monarchs for Northwest violence

    Minister of Defence, Gen. Mansur Dan Ali on Tuesday warned those collaborating with bandits to desist of face the full wrath of the law.

    Relying on security reports, the minister said some highly placed persons, including traditional rulers, had been collaborating with troublemakers.

    In a statement issued in Abuja by his Public Relations Officer (PRO), Col. Tukur Gusau, the minister said the Federal Government and the Nigerian Armed Forces had taken proactive steps to curtail the problems in Zamfara by launching various operations, but the activities of the collaborators have been frustrating the efforts.

    He lamented that those profiting from the situation have been providing information to the bandits and other criminal elements within the Northwest zone to escape the onslaught of the various military operations and strategies.

    Gen. Dan Ali maintained that the government would not shy away from its responsibility of making the country safe and secure, warning that those compromising military operations would be made to pay for their crimes legally.

    The minister said: “The Ministry of Defence is very concerned about the security challenges in the Northwest, particularly, in states of Zamfara, Sokoto, Katsina and Birnin-Gwari axis of Kaduna.  Due to the recent prevailing security situation in the states, the Defence ministry, through the Nigerian Army, is now conducting Exercise HARBIN KUNAMA IV simultaneously in Zamfara, Katsina and Sokoto states.

    “The purpose of the exercise is to effectively flush out the activities of criminal elements in the Northest.  The Nigerian Air Force has also intensified air strikes against the bandits in Zamfara. So far, the combined efforts have yielded lot of successes, leading to the killing of many bandits, rescue of many innocent persons, including the renowned Islamic scholar Sheik Ahmad Suleiman.

    Read Also: Delta monarchs hail Okowa’s reelection

    “The government is also addressing the remote and immediate causes that gave room to high spate of armed banditry in the states. Recently, the government acted on the advice of the Ministry of Defence to suspend all mining activities in Zamfara State and environs following intelligence report that suggest close collaboration between the activities of the bandits and illegal miners.

    “It is instructive to mention here that insurgency and terrorism are global phenomena that cannot be addressed through military actions only. The whole society has to rise in unison to support the government’s efforts to address the problem.

    “However, in spite of the concerted efforts of the Armed Forces and other security, some unpatriotic persons, including highly placed traditional rulers in the areas, were identified as helping the bandits with intelligence to perpetuate their nefarious actions or to compromise military operations.

    “In the last three years, the Ministry of Defence had carried out several reforms geared towards the reorganisation and expansion of the Armed Forces in order to meet up with contemporary security challenges across the nation and the sub region.

    “In line with this, the Nigerian Army established 8 Division with headquarters in Sokoto to cover Kebbi, Sokoto, Katsina and Zamfara states while the Headquarters of 1 Brigade was relocated from Sokoto to Gusau.

    “Presently, the tactical headquarters of 8 Division has since located to Gusau. Similarly, the Nigerian Air Force also established Quick Response Force in Gusau and landing areas in Gusau and Birnin Magaji, respectively.

    “The Ministry of Defence, therefore, wish to warn any person or group of persons who choose to connive or sympathises with the bandits to perpetuate crime against the law abiding citizens to henceforth retract their steps or face the full wrath of the law.

    “The Armed Forces of Nigeria have been directed to deal decisively with anybody identified helping the bandits under whatever guise, no matter how highly placed the person or persons may be.

    “The Ministry of Defence wants to, once again, use this medium to assure Nigerians that the Armed Forces of Nigeria, in conjunction with other security agencies, will continue to protect lives and properties of law abiding citizens of this country. The general public is also requested to cooperate with the Armed Forces to discharge of its constitutional responsibilities effectively.”

  • UPDATED: Buhari, Service Chiefs meet in Aso Rock

    President Muhammadu Buhari on Tuesday met behind closed doors with Service Chiefs and heads of security agencies at the presidential villa, Abuja.

    The meeting, which held for about three hours, started around 11am.

    The security chiefs were expected to brief the President on security situation in the country including the recent killings in Kaduna State.

    The meeting might have also dwelt on the supplementary elections in some states, which were declared inconclusive.

    But none of the security chiefs briefed State House correspondents on the actual discussions at the meeting.

    When the meeting ended, the Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lt. Gen. Tukur Buratai, declined to speak on the accusation leveled against the Army by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) of meddlesomeness in Rivers State elections.

    Asked to react to the allegation, Buratai referred journalists to the Inspector-General of Police (IGP), Mohammed Adamu, saying, “The IG will speak.”

    But the IGP also declined comment when approached.

    He simply said there would be no official briefing.

    Recall that INEC had condemned what it described as the role played by some soldiers and armed gangs in Rivers State, which it said led to the disruption of the electoral process.

    The National Commissioner and Chairman, Information and Voter Education Committee, Festus Okoye, said the action which took place during the March 9 election was an attempt to subvert the will of the people.

    The commission based its allegation on part of the submissions made by its fact-finding committee which assessed the situation in Rivers State.

    At the meeting were Chief of Defence Staff, General Gabriel Olonishakin, Chief of Army Staff, Lt. Gen. Yusuf Buratai, Chief of Naval Staff, Ibok-Ete Ibas, and Chief of Air Staff, Air Marshal Sadiq Abubakar.

    Also present were the National Security Adviser, Major Gen. Babagana Monguno, Director of National Intelligence Agency, NIA, Ahmed Abubakar, the Director General, Department of Security Service, DSS, Yusuf Bichi, and the Chief of Defence Intelligence and the Minister of Defence, Brigadier Gen. Mansur Dan-Ali.

  • Buhari, govs, service chiefs meet in Aso Rock

    President Muhammadu Buhari on Tuesday met behind closed doors with service chiefs, Inspector General of Police, Mohammed Adamu and some governors from the northern part of the country.

    The meeting started around 11am at the President’s office.

    Governors at the meeting included Adamawa State, Jibrilla Bindow, Borno State, Kashim Shettima, Kaduna State, Nasir el-Rufai.

    Also at the meeting were Chief of Staff to the President, Abba Kyari, Minister of Defence, Mansur Dan-Ali, Minister of Interior, Abdulrahman Danbazzau.

    Read Also: Buhari didn’t order Nigerians to be shot summarily, says Tinubu

    The meeting was not unconnected with the security situations in the country.

    The recent killings before the postponed presidential election at the weekend resulted in the death of some Nigerians in Kajuru, Kaduna State.

    The meeting was still in progress at the time of filing this report.

  • Boko Haram: Defence Minister relocates Buratai to Borno

    Orders shake up in operational commands

     

    Defence Minister Mansur Dan-Ali on Monday directed the Chief of Army Staff (COAS) Lt.-Gen. Tukur Buratai to relocate to the northeast until there was improvement in security situation there.

    He gave the directive at a meeting with the service chiefs as well as the Army Council and Navy Board in Abuja.

    Dan-Ali also directed the Chief of Defence Staff (CDS) Gen. Gabriel Olonishakin to effect changes in the operational commands of Operations Delta Safe, Lafiya Dole, Sharan Daji and Awatse in Niger Delta, Northeast, Zamfara and Southwest respectively.

    In a statement by the minister’s spokesman Tukur Gusau, a Colonel, the changes were to enable the military meet up with current threats and security challenges.

    Read Also: Troops dislodge Boko Haram from hideout

    He said: “Similarly, the General Officer Commanding, 8 Division, Nigerian Army was directed to relocate his Tactical Headquarters from Sokoto to Gusau, Zamfara State to oversee the conduct of Operation SHARAN DAJI.

    “The President has also directed the emergency procurement of critical equipment for the Armed Forces of Nigeria in line with the Federal Government policy of procuring equipment from Original Equipment Manufacturers on government to government basis.”

    To show concern to the welfare needs of members of the Armed Forces, the President has directed the enhancement of the welfare of troops particularly those serving in operational areas within the country, said Gusau.

    He said the Council/Board also considered and approved the promotion of qualified senior military officers to their next higher ranks.

  • Metele Attack: 23 soldiers killed, Boko Haram uses drones-Buratai

    *Says 39 soldiers killed overall in recent weeks

    The Chief of Army Staff, Lt. Gen. Tukur Buratai has given an account of military losses in recent weeks to Boko Haram terrorists and at the same time made a chilling revelation that the insurgents have gone hi-tech in fighting Nigerian soldiers.

    He revealed that the Boko Haram insurgents now use drones and mercenaries to attack troops’ formations in the northeast.

    A statement signed by Brig. Gen. Sani Kukasheka, on behalf of Buratai and issued on Thursday said the trend poses threats which require review of military operations against the insurgents.

    “Since 2015; the Nigerian Army in conjunction with sister services and other security agencies have systematically degraded the capabilities and capacity of Boko Haram terrorists and many successes were achieved.

    “However, in the last two to three months, we have noticed daring moves by the terrorists, increased use of drones against our defensive positions and infusion of foreign fighters in their ranks. These potent threats require us to continually review our operations”.

    Buratai disclosed that 39 soldiers were killed and 43 others wounded in multiple attacks coordinated by Boko Haram insurgents on various military locations in the past few weeks.

    He disclosed that insurgents attacked Kukawa, Ngoshe, Kareto, Gajiram and Metele military locations between Nov. 2 and 18, adding that they were successfully repelled by the gallant troops and several insurgents killed.

    “In recent weeks, Nigerian troops deployed in the North East of Nigeria under Operation LAFIYA DOLE have come under series of attacks by large numbers of Boko Haram Terrorists.

    “Specifically; the Nigerian Army troops deployed at Kukawa, Ngoshe, Kareto and Gajiram came under attack at different times within a two-week period between November 2 and 17, 2018. Each of these incidents was successfully repelled and several members of the terrorists killed.

    Read Also:Buhari orders troops to wipe out Boko Haram

    “However, a total of 16 personnel were killed in the course of these attacks while 12 soldiers wounded in action and are receiving treatment at our military medical facilities.

    “As you are all aware, Nigeria is contributing troops to the Multi-National Joint Task Force (MNJTF) which has its headquarters in N’djamena, Chad. One of the Nigerian battalions; 157 Task Force Battalion, deployed under the auspices of the MNJTF was attacked at their base on the outskirts of a town called METELE on November 18, 2018.

    “During the attack, the troops were forced to withdraw and several casualties were recorded. As at date 23 personnel were killed in action and 31 personnel wounded and have been evacuated to several medical hospitals within Borno State,” Buratai said.

    Buratai sympathised with the MNJTF, adding that necessary support would be rendered to the MNJTF to reverse the resurgence of the Boko Haram terrorists.

    Buratai also sympathised with the families of the gallant officers and soldiers that paid the supreme price in the course of defending the nation, stressing that the sacrifice fallen heroes will not be in vain.

    Buratai gave an assurance that the army will support the bereaved families and continue to care for the wounded soldiers, who he wished speedy recovery.

    According to him, the ongoing Chief of Army Staff Annual Conference earlier scheduled to hold in Benin City, Edo State, was moved to Maiduguri, to enable the military leadership get closer to the troops on the ground, appraise its activities, assess performances and identify shortcomings.

    Buratai reiterated the commitments of the Nigerian Army to ensure peaceful conduct of 2019 elections as well as collaborate with other security agencies to provide a secure environment for peace and unity in the country.

    He commended President Muhammadu Buhari over his support and visit to the troops in the northeast.

    The army chief also commended Gov. Kashim Shettima, Minister of Defence, Mansur Dan-Ali and Nigerians for their goodwill and support to the military at this trying moment.

    ”We wish to reassure all Nigerians of the commitment of the Nigerian Army to defend our country at all costs. We shall also continue to remain apolitical, professional and responsive in the discharge of our constitutional roles”.

  • Buhari, security chiefs meet over 2019 elections

    *Raise alarm over stockpiling of arms by politicians

     

    President Muhammadu Buhari on Thursday held meeting with heads of the National Security Council at the Presidential Villa, Abuja.

    At the end of the meeting, the security Chiefs have raised concerns over proliferation and stockpiling of weapons by politicians to cause mayhem ahead of the 2019 general elections.

    The meeting also discussed what it termed as attempts by “notable personalities” to manipulate and put pressure on the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) through street demonstrations that could be hijacked by hoodlums and miscreants.

    The Minister of Defence, Mansur Dan-Ali, in a statement he read after the meeting, said it was recommended that security agencies should deploy their personnel to states ahead of the polls and to douse the tension created by recent rancorous political party primaries.

    He said “The meeting started by discussing the general overview of the security situation in the country as it relates to the conduct of the forthcoming 2019 general elections.

    “It recommended deployment of security agencies to the states to enable elections to be conducted peacefully and to further douse the tension created by the outcome of the political parties primaries and some desperate persons to sabotage the electoral process.

    “The meeting also discussed attempt to put pressure on electoral body by some notable personalities through demonstrations which was brought under control by combined efforts of security agencies to avoid being hijacked by hoodlums and armed bandits.

    Read Also: No plan to sell Ajaokuta Steel Plant – Osinbajo

    “Another area of security concern includes post election violence as desperate politicians may whip up ethno-religious sentiments to create security situation in the country.

    “Also of concern is the proliferation and stockpiling of weapons by some disgruntled elements with a desire to take laws into their hands at the slightest opportunity.

    “The Council called for the concerted effort of all security agencies to ensure that the 2019 elections are hitch-free and the need for continuous sensitization of the public by National Orientation Agency and regular meetings of relevant stakeholders, including INEC, international/local observers and the media ahead of the elections.”

    The Inspector-General of Police, Ibrahim Idris, also told State House correspondents that all security agencies would be neutral and nonpartisan in their operations as they concern the general elections.

  • Navy inaugurates 16 new boats

    …Deploys platforms to Niger Delta, West African patrol

     

    The Nigerian Navy (NN) on Monday added 16 new boats, including two  110 MKII Fast Patrol Crafts (FPC), NNS NGURU and NNS EKULU to its fleet.

    Also inducted were four 72MKII Inshore Patrol Craft (IPC)- NNS GONGOLA, NNS OSE, NNS CALABAR, and NNS SHIRORO- and 10 Rigid Hull Inflatable Boats.

    These boats, the navy said, would be deployed to protect critical oil installations in the Niger Delta as well as for joint operations, patrols of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) Maritime Zone E.

    The Nation reports that the two 110 MKII FPC, NNS NGURU and NNS EKULU are named after towns in Yobe and Rivers States, and manned by Commanders Emmanuel Fingesi and Andrew Zidon respectively.

    Built by the Ocea crew in France, the River Town Class FPCs have an overall length of 35m, with a water line length of 29.80m; overall beam of 7.10m, maximum draft of 1.80m and midship moulded depth of 3.50m. Their operation profile include a cruising speed of 12knots, maximum speed of 35knots and crew of 36 including nine commissioned officers.

    The latest additions had increased the navy’s platforms acquisition in the last two years to over 200, said the Chief of the Naval Staff (CNS) Vice Admiral Ibok-Ette Ibas.

    Noting that the NN has the challenging task of safeguarding the country’s maritime interests, Ibas said the service, in keeping with the realities, conduct frequent re-invention.

    He said: “The acquisition of the six new OCEA FPC and 10 Rigid Hull Inflatable Boats (RHIBS) will narrow the capability gaps in enhancing security of the nation’s maritime expanse.

    “Their commissioning and induction respectively into service is therefore another operational milestone for the NN as they will complement existing Maritime Domain Awareness Capability in the face of its inherent need for a potent interdiction capability.

    Read Also: Navy shuts down 150 illegal refineries

    “I must however be quick to observe that, despite this commendable stride, we have barely scratched the outstanding deficit in the NN fleet. Capacity building therefore is a running priority of the NN. The NN continues to apply its double pronged approach of platform sourcing from both foreign shipyards and local manufacturing.

    “Domestically, local boat building associates like messrs Epenal Boat Builders and John Holt Plc which have accounted for the delivery of over 200 boats in the past, continue to be patronised. The NN dockyard remains productively engaged as it is on course for the delivery of a third straight Seaward Defence Boat (SDB), now a 42 meter boat.

    “Internationally, the construction of the 20 additional RHIBS with Messrs Suncraft has reached an advanced stage, with the recent second milestone inspection reporting their possible delivery on schedule and within the next few months.

    “Furthermore, efforts are ongoing towards acquiring more fast patrol vessels for littoral waters up to the EEZ, while the construction of a hydrographic vessel and landing ship would further reinforce the NN’s regional maritime dominance.

    “They will help to make life more difficult for the criminals in our maritime space. Their coming is also deemed quite timely as it would widen the nation’s options to make a robust contribution to multinational collaboration of countries of ECOWAS ‘ Multinational Maritime Coordination Zone E, comprising Nigeria, Republic of Benin, Togo and Niger.

    Only last week, these countries signed to a combined operation platform to suppress piracy, hijacking and hostage taking, including IUUF and other abuses of our waters. These boats and others could find for themselves, critical roles in this regard.”

    Also at the event were Defence Minister Mansur Dan-Ali, Minister for Niger Delta Affairs, Usani Usani, Inspector General of Police (IG) Ibrahim Idris, Chairman, Senate Committee on Navy, Sen. Isa Misau, Chairman, House of Representatives Committee on the Navy, Abdulsamad Dasuki, Director General, Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA) Hadiza Bala-Usman, heads of military, paramilitary institutions in Lagos as well as captains of industries.

    Inaugurating the platforms, Dan-Ali said the nation was challenged by multi-faceted threats from both continental and maritime fronts with grave manifestations and increasing threats to maritime security.

    He said crimes such as piracy, sea robbery and attack on strategic oil installations have complicated the nation’s maritime security environment and threatened with dire consequences, the overall wellbeing of the nation.

    “For a littoral state with huge dependence on her offshore resources, maritime security is vital to the nation’s well-being. Against this background of threats the entire nation would invariably be at risky situation if we do not insist on a motivated and virile navy like ours.

    “The induction of the platforms is in line with the current administration’s promise to keep our nation safe. This commissioning ceremony is yet another demonstration of this administration’s resolve of protecting the nation’s maritime domain through the provision of appropriate military platforms and operating equipment.

    “Additionally, it is crucial that we make progress in the provision of peace and order in our maritime domain. The dependence of the nation’s economy on offshore resources as well as the enormous potentials of the maritime sector to contribute to national food security and employment generation makes this highly imperative.

    “The procurement of these vessels by the Ministry of Defence again demonstrates this administration’s unwavering commitment and willingness towards strengthening the Navy through provision of modern operating equipment and infrastructure,” said Dan-Ali.

  • FG allays fears over ISIS threat

    The Federal Government on Tuesday allayed fears of Nigerians on the possible recruitment and training of ISIS fighters on the Nigerian soil, saying the development is not only illegal, but that the government would curtail it.

    The Minister of Defence, Alhaji Mansur Dan Ali said the government is aware of the development as the issue would top the agenda of the Meeting of the Ministers of Defence of the Community of Sahel Saharan States (CEN-SAD)  beginning in Abuja on 20th of June.

    Addressing journalists on the forthcoming Meeting at the Ministry of Defence in Abuja, the Minister said the issue of  “ recruitment and training of ISIS fighters on Nigerian soil is on the table, it is on top of the agenda of the Meeting of the Ministers of Defence of the Sahel Region and it will be discussed elaborately with a view to find lasting solutions to it.

    “Such Movements of ISIS members into Nigeria are illegal and the Meeting of the Ministers is aware of it and we are trying to curtail this illegal movement.”

    Represented by the Permanent Secretary Ministry of Defence, Hajiya Saratu Batagarawa, the Minister also said the regional meeting would take strategic decisions on the problems of Boko Haram and its allies, kidnappings and killings by bandits in the Northwest as well as the clashes between Fulani herders and farmers in the Northcentral states of Nigeria.

    The Minister said : “These issues are the basis for forming this regional organization to enhance intelligence sharing among member countries, to checkmate trans-border and cross border crimes and  banditry.

    “The idea is that crimes have no border and it is incumbent on all member countries to take a holistic approach to arrive at common solutions to the challenge”

    He said it was not true that the agreement on the protection of Lake Chad Basin by some countries is being threatened by the fact that some of the countries are reneging on their promises, insisting that the agreement is not only intact by also the resolve to defeat terror in the basin.

    According to the Minister the 7th Meeting of Ministers of Defence of the Community of Sahel-Saharan States (CEN/ SAD) would take place in Abuja, Nigeria from 20th -22nd June, 20l 8.

    Alhaji Dan Ali explained that the sub-Regional Organization established in Tripoli, Libya, on 4th February, 1998, following a summit of Heads of States of Libya, Niger, Mali, Sudan and Chad would among others promote amongst member-states cooperation in the field of defence ond security, as well as tackle the thorny issues of insecurity across the sub-Region

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    He added that the all-African member-States of the Community have since increased in number to 28, while members states are committed to establishing “a  sub-Regional Economic Union integrating investment in the fields of Agriculture, Industry and Energy, as well as Social and Cultural sectors”.

    Alhaji Dan Ali said: ” At the national level, it is gratifying that the gains accruing from Nigeria’s campaign against terror and insurgency are being consolidated in so many fronts. The Operation Safe Corridor Programme of Nigeria, for instance, is worth emulating by other CENSAD member-States. The Operation is aimed at addressing the suffering of the people of the North East and fast-tracking the peace process. lt is supposed to de-radicalize, rehabilitate and reintegrate surrendered insurgents.

    ” There is also the Counter Terrorism Centre at Nigeria’s Office of the National Security Adviser to tackle the root causes of radicalization and proffer appropriate solutions. The Center also helps in countering radical ideologies of fundamentalist groups in Nigeria.

    “In addition, the Presidential Committee on the North East initiative (PCNl) serves as the primary national strategy, as well as coordination and advisory body for all humanitarian interventions and developmental efforts in the North East of Nigeria. The PCNI is also designed to oversee all remedial programmes aimed at addressing the Crisis in the North East since 2009.”

  • Ortom cautions minister on anti-grazing law

    Benue State Governor, Samuel Ortom, on Tuesday asked the Minister of Defence, Mansur Dan-Ali, to be cautious in his comments as a public officer.

    He said the minister’s recent comments against anti-open grazing laws had portrayed the government in bad light.

    He said with the tension associated with herdsmen-farmers conflicts, public officers should be sensitive to what takes place in the society.

    Ortom stated these during an engagement session with Editors in Abuja.

    The session was organized by the Open Society Initiative for West Africa.

    The occasion was attended by the Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development, some civil society organizations and experts on agriculture and law and order.

    The minister had asked Benue, Ekiti and Taraba States to suspend their anti-open grazing laws.

    But Ortom insisted that there should have been some level of caution by the minister.

    He said: “Honourable Minister (Audu Ogbeh), just one thing, I’m part of this government and I appreciate what this government is doing. Since the honourable Minister of Defence is not a member of the National Economic Council (NEC) and you are constantly in NEC and you are a member of the Federal Executive Council where other ministers will be there. What we have said here is very important, there should have be some level of caution.

    “I wonder if the Minister of Defence has time to read newspapers, watch and listen to electronic media, he would have felt the feelings of Nigerians on these killings. His comments were not good enough

    “In a time like this, we should be sensitive to what is going on. When the young man was making his remarks, he was literally shaking and it is coming from the heart and that is how most Nigerians are. I wonder if the minister has had time to read the newspapers, watch and listen to electronic media, he would have felt the feelings of Nigerians for him calling for the suspension of a legitimate law by various states.

    “It is not good enough, it is casting the government in bad light and the minister of the Federal Republic should represent the interest of Nigerians. He should not be the mouthpiece of Miyetti Allah in a conflict involving Nigerians, especially when it is not directly under his technical supervision.”

    Ortom said the Defence Minister ought to have allowed Ogbeh to handle the matter as the Minister of Agriculture.