The Nation Newspaper

Tag: President Muhammadu Buhari

  • Detained Cameroonian fighters: Buhari ‘s image at stake – Analyst

    Detained Cameroonian fighters: Buhari ‘s image at stake – Analyst

    A Global Affairs Analyst, Ayoola Lawal has called on President Muhammadu Buhari to order the Nigeria security services to release all the detained Cameroonian freedom fighters in their custody that were arrested in Abuja a couple of days ago.
    Lawal in a telephone conversation with our Correspondence observed that President Buhari should be very cautious of the implications on the exposed Nigerians in Bakassi region.
    His words: “On his way to Scotland, he cautions President Buhari to be very cautious of the implications on the exposed Nigerians in Bakassi region, Nigeria as a country and the self determination rights of the marginalized people of Southern Cameroon, if he is thinking of handing over the freedom fighters to President Paul Biya because so far, Nigeria has no extradition treaty with Cameroon.
    “I tend to believe that the Attorney-General of the Federation and his team are in a better position to advise Mr  President on the provisions of the United Nations Minimum Treatment Standards for Prisoners, Article 20 of the African Charter on Human and Peoples Rights ratified by both Nigeria and Cameroon, and the best diplomatic ways to handle the issue with Cameroon.
    “The Nigerian security operatives should rather concentrate and intensify efforts in fishing out the sponsors of Boko Haram and the dreaded herdsmen causing havoc across Nigeria rather than meddling in the issue of free fighters that deserve amnesty rather than unlawful detention,” he said.
  • Arewa group disassociate self from Buhari’s 2019 ambition

    Arewa group disassociate self from Buhari’s 2019 ambition

    Coalition of Northern Group (CNG) yesterday distanced itself from re-election plan of President Muhammadu Buhari.

    The group was reacting to newspaper publications that the arewa coalition has thrown its weight behind the President’s plan to retain power in 2019.

    Spokesperson of the group Abdul-Azeez Suleiman, described the re-election bid as ‘insensitive’.

    Suleiman in a press statement, issued in Abuja said the CNG has never discussed the politics of 2019 let alone take sides with any presidential aspirant.

    He noted that the coalition is most importantly, “concerned with the more imminent and present danger of abuse of illicit drugs and other harmful substances that is currently ravaging northern households and Youth.”

    He expressed surprise adding that even though their name was not actually mentioned throughout the report, the picture of their leaders was allegedly used to qualify the story.

    According to him, “We became alarmed when the report in question boldly bears the photographs of some of our Coalition leaders whereas we are not in any way connected to it.”

    He urged media editors to remain alive to the primary responsibility of verifying stories and ensuring use of right and corresponding photographs.

    “We are currently deep in the struggle of saving the north from the scourge of drug abuse particularly among its youth and womenfolk,” Suleiman said adding that the Arewa Youth Forum which was allegedly responsible for the report is not part of CNG or affiliated to it in any way.

    Also read :  Intrigues and the 2019 presidential election

  • EVENTS THAT SHAPED THE YEAR

    EVENTS THAT SHAPED THE YEAR

    Buhari’s medical trip to the UK

    Between March and August, the entire landscape was gripped in anxiety over President Muhammadu Buhari’s health, following his medical vacation in the United Kingdom for 103 days. The uncertainty over the exact nature of his illness led to all manner of speculations with some people claiming that he was incapacitated while the more reckless ones even said he was dead.

    It was the second time in the year that the President would visit the UK for medical checks, having previously visited the same hospital in March. The situation nearly resulted in political crisis as some Nigerians demanded his resignation. Mercifully, the President had avoided any form of constitutional crisis with his absence by duly transmitting power to the Vice President, Prof. Yemi Osinbajo, before leaving the country on the two occasions.

    President Buhari would later reveal how sick he was in the period he was away from the country, saying that he even had to undergo blood transfusion. But he returned to the country a much healthier man as his physical condition has continued to improve since he returned to the country.

     

    Abandoned N13bn in Lagos apartment and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) announced that it had uncovered foreign currencies and naira notes to the tune of $43.4 million, £27,800 and N23.2 million (N13 billion in total) in a four-bedroom apartment in Ikoyi, Lagos. The Director General of the National Intelligence Agency (NIA), Mr. Ayodele Oke, claimed that the said money was kept in the apartment by his agency for “covert operation”. Oke was later relieved of his post over his alleged complicity in the matter, while the money was forfeited to the federal government following a court order.

    However, the five per cent of the money which was supposed to go to the whistleblower was enmeshed in controversy after the whistleblower alleged that he was being short-changed by government. The informant was finally paid a sum of N421 million a few days ago after an eight-month delay and has reportedly left the shores of the country.

    Earlier on February 3, the EFCC, following a tip-off, recovered $9.8 million from a building owned by a former Group Managing Director of Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC), Dr. Andrew Yakubu, in a building located in the slums of Sabon Tasha area of Kaduna.

     

    Paris Club refund

    The refund of money over deducted by the Federal Government to the owner 36 state governments is still causing ripples. The refund is in respect of over-deductions on Paris Club loans and multilateral debts between 1995 and 2002.

    Before disbursing the first and second tranches of the money the FG has asked the state governments to use the money to defray workers’ salary arrears. However, it turned out that the money was reportedly diverted and misappropriated by some state governors, leading to calls by civil society groups and Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) that the Federal Government should stop further disbursement of the fund.

    It will be recalled that the federal government had on May 4 released the second tranche of Paris Club refund totaling N243. 795 billion to states. At a meeting with some traditional rulers at the Presidential Villa, Abuja on September 11, President Buhari expressed his disappointment with the inability of the affected state governments to pay the retirement benefits and outstanding salaries of workers with the payment of the refund.

    Buhari said: “We have to digress this much because I would like to convince you that I’m living with the problems of this country day-by-day, and mostly those of the ordinary people. There are Nigerians that haven’t been paid for six months; there are Nigerians that have not been paid their retirement benefits for years. I’m appealing to the governors, (that was why we voted money, we borrowed money), please make sure anybody under you, pay them because most of them depend on that salary to pay rent, school fees.”

     

    Herdsmen-farmers clashes

    The perennial confrontation between Fulani herdsmen and local farmers continued to fester during the year. On October 30, no fewer than six people were reportedly killed in separate clashes between farmers and herdsmen in Yola South Local Government Area of Adamawa State. A few days earlier, some herdsmen had damaged a farm in Sangere, a suburb of Yola, the Adamawa State capital.

    Another clash on November 7 between herdsmen and farmers in Ugaga community, Yala Local Government Area of Cross River left one person dead with several others injured. No fewer than 10 people battled for their lives in a private hospital at Igangan, Oke Ogun area of Oyo State, following the injuries they sustained in a clash between farmers and herdsmen in the area on November 22.

     

    Quit notice to Igbo in the North

    On June 6, Northern youths under the aegis of the Coalition of Northern Youth Groups (CNYG) issued a three-month ultimatum to the Igbo living in the northern part of the country to quit the region not later than October 1. The group hinged the reason for the ultimatum on the activities of the Indigenous People Of Biafra (IPOB), led by Nnamdi Kanu, who it alleged was sponsoring ”the threat of war, violence and anarchy, and the evidence that such threats are not just rhetorical, is a situation we are now faced with from the Indigenous People Of Biafra (IPOB). Every day comes with a new dimension that poses an impending danger of throwing the country into turmoil. This leads to the uncertainty as well as the question on whether IPOB intends to allow a united Nigeria.” The group however withdrew its ultimatum on August 24, following intervention by the Presidency and well-meaning Nigerians.

     

    Agitation for Biafra Republic

    The pro-Biafra movement, led mainly by the leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Nnamdi Kanu, gained a lot of momentum during the year. The activities of the group peaked after it called for the boycott of the November governorship election in Anambra State, threatening to deal with anyone who failed to heed the order. Subsequently, IPOB was declared a terrorist group by the Army while its activities were proscribed by Southeast governors. Kanu and his lieutenants have since gone into hiding after security forces invaded his country home in Afaraukwu in Umuahia, Abia State.

     

    Suicide cases

    The outgoing year witnessed not a few suicide cases. In most of the cases recorded, frustration, depression, financial challenges, psychological dysfunction and spiritual problems featured prominently as reasons for the act.

    In one of the cases, one Edward Soje, a top civil servant with the Kogi State Government, took his own life a few days after his wife was delivered of a set of triplets at an Abuja-based private hospital after 17 years of childlessness. He reportedly hung himself on a tree behind a mammy market at the Maigumeri Barracks of the Nigeria Army Record Command, Lokoja, Kogi State.

    The 54-year-old Director in the Kogi State Teaching Service Commission was said to have taken his own life on October 16, 2017, as a result of being owed 11 months’ salary by the state government and the financial implication of catering to the needs of his new babies.

    On October 1, 2017, a motorcycle spare parts dealer in Auchi, Estako West Local Government Area identified simply as Muhammed reportedly committed suicide. His body was found dangling in his apartment where he hung himself.

    body was reportedly found dangling from the ceiling of his room.

    Early in the year, a 35-year-old medical doctor with the Papa Ajao branch of Mount Sinai Hospital, Allwell Orji, decided to take his own life by jumping into the lagoon in Lagos. That was on Sunday, March 19, 2017. Six days later, two women, Titilayo Momoh, a textile merchant, and Abigael Ogunyinka, were rescued by the operatives of the Rapid Response Squad of the Lagos State Police Command, after they attempted to jump into the lagoon from the Third Mainland and Carter bridges respectively.

     

    Kidnapping

    The gale of kidnappings the country had witnessed in previous years continued into the outgoing year. A number of Nigerians were abducted and released only after ransoms had been paid. Of note, six schoolboys at the Lagos State Model College, Igbonla, Epe, were abducted from their hostel by a group of militants. It took the intervention of Ondo State Government to negotiate the boys’ freedom from their abductors who had taken them to their hideout in the creeks of Ilaje in Ondo State.

    On June 10, an alleged notorious kidnap kingpin Chukwudubem Onwuamadike a.k.a. Evans was arrested by the police in Lagos after five years of trailing him. He was arrested at his Magodo residence around 1 pm by operatives of the Inspector General of Police (IGP) Intelligence Response Team (IRT).

     

    Economic recession

    The parlous state of the country’s economy worsted by crash in price of crude oil, which plunged it into recession, continued to bite hard on people. However, on September 5, the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS) announced the end of the country’s worst economic recession in more than two decades, notching up a 0.55 per cent growth in the second quarter of 2017. In its report, NBS’ data showed that the economic recovery was driven by improved performance of oil, agriculture, manufacturing and trade sectors of the economy.

     

    PDP convention

    The hoopla generated by the controversial National Convention of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) is yet to subside. Contenders for the office of the National Chairman of the party from the Southwest berated the leadership of the party led by former Kaduna State governor, Ahmed Markarfi, of jettisoning the idea of micro-zoning of the National Chairman to the zone. former Ogun State governor, Otunba Gbenga Daniel; Prof. Taoreed Adedoja; Prof. Tunde Adeniran and former governor of Oyo State, Chief Rasheed Ladoja. Others included media mogul Chief Raymond Dokpesi and Uche Secondus from the South-south zone.

    Rivers State governor Nyesom Wike was accused by the aggrieved Southwest contestants of scheming for the emergence of Secondus as National Chairman of the party. In the end, Secondus emerged the new National Chairman of the party. A new faction of the party known as Fresh PDP has, however, emerged from the crisis that followed the controversial convention.

     

    Anambra governorship election

    In November, Governor Willie Obiano was re-elected as the governor of Anambra State via a landslide victory despite the gang up against his re-election, especially by his former political godfather and former governor of the State, Peter Obi, who has since defected to the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) and backed a former Secretary to the State Government, Oseloka Obaze, as the candidate of the PDP in the election.

    Thirty-six candidates contested the election but Obiano won in all the 21 local government areas of the State. According to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Obiano, who flew the flag of the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA), polled 234, 071 votes to defeat his closest rival, Tony Nwoye of the All Progressives Congress (APC), who scored 98, 752 votes, while the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) candidate, Mr. Oseloka Obaze, came third with 70,293 votes. Obaze has since rejected the result.

     

    Trafficking of Nigerian girls

    In November, 26 trafficked women and girls, believed to be Nigerians, were allegedly killed while attempting to cross the Mediterranean. The bodies of the women were brought to the southern Italian port of Salerno by the Spanish ship Cantabria on November 5. Investigation into the incident revealed children as young as 14, among the victims were sexually abused and killed. Reports also emerged of how hundreds of Nigerian girls trafficked as sex slaves were stranded in Libya on their way to Europe. The incident led to the return of 1,317 stranded Nigerians from Libya to the country with heart-rending stories of sexual abuse, assault and killings.

    Diezani’s mansions

    The anti-graft war of the federal government continued with venom in the outgoing year. In February, the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) recorded another breakthrough after it discovered a Lagos mansion worth N11.75bn said to belong to a former Minister of Petroleum Resources, Diezani Alison-Madueke.

    The property, a 15-storey mansion consisting 18 flats and six penthouses, is located in upscale Banana Island, Lagos. According to the EFCC, the property was acquired by the former minister between 2011 and 2012 at a total cost of $37.5m from the developers, YF Construction Development and Real Estate.

     

    Calls for restructuring

    A fallout of the agitation by pro-Biafra organisations like IPOB resulted in calls by other zones, particularly the Southwest and the North-central, for the restructuring of the country. Leaders of the agitated geo-political zones at different gatherings drummed support for a total overhaul of the country’s political and economic structures, saying it is the only way out of the myriad of socio-political and economic problems facing the country. participants in a communiqué issued after its 2nd Consultative Summit in Abuja, noted that Nigeria is not a proper federation as it is currently constituted. They called for the implementation of the report of the Confab held during the Jonathan administration in 2014.

    At a similar meeting held on September 7 at the Adamasingba Stadium in Ibadan, Oyo State, prominent Yoruba leaders and South-West governors demanded a restructured Nigeria and return to regional government as practised under the 1960 and 1963 Constitutions.

     

    Accidental bombing of IDP camp in Borno

    About 236 people reportedly died while many others were injured on January 17, after a military jet “erroneously” bombed the internally displaced persons (IDP) camp in Rann, Kala-Balge Local Government Area of Borno State. The camp caters for thousands of persons displaced by Boko Haram insurgents. Authorities of the Nigerian Air Force (NAF) however apologised for the tragic killing of the refugees saying: “The loss occasioned by this unfortunate incident is deeply regretted. NAF commiserates with those affected and their families and would update the public as soon as detailed facts emerge from the investigation.”

     

    Southern Kaduna violence

    About 37 persons were reportedly killed in a renewed violence between farmers and herdsmen in Kajuru, Kajuru Local Government Area of Kaduna State on July 19.

    The violent confrontation started after some youths in the area allegedly killed a herdsman they said had been terrorising the area, prompting a reprisal attack from the victim’s fellow herdsmen, who allegedly stormed Ungwan Uka and went on a killing spree.

     

    Ponzi schemes (MMM)

    Despite losing about N18 billion to the popular Mavrodi Mundial Moneybox (MMM) in December 2016, millions of Nigerians were found to still be taking part in about 109 different Ponzi schemes, among which are Get Help Worldwide (GHW), Ultimate Cycler, iCharity and Swiss Gold, to mention a few.

    The Nigeria Deposit Insurance Commission (NDIC) had declared in March 2017 that Nigerians lost N18 billion to MMM in 2016.

    Fuel  scarcity

    The fuel scarcity that marred the yuletide started almost like a joke.  The Petroleum and Natural Gas Senior Association of Nigeria (PENGASSAN), which had been involved in negotiation with the Federal Government, over some trade union issues, had served notice to embark on strike from Monday December 18, 2017 following a breakdown of negotiation.  However, on Sunday December 17, a day preceding the PENGASSAN strike, Nigerians woke up to observe queues in major filling stations across the country.

    By the following day when the PENGASSAN strike started, the scarcity had worsened.  Ironically, by Tuesday when PENGASSAN called off the strike, the crisis rather than abate grew worse.  The queues got lengthier and the scarcity spread from city to city.

    One of the hallmarks of the crisis is the blame game between the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) and marketers as to the source of the scarcity.  As the crisis persisted, black marketers that had been consigned to the pit of incertia, bounced back and fuel price rose.  By press time, while a few stations that had the fuel sold at the official price of N145per litre, some others sold for between N200 and N250.  At the black market, the price was between N300 to N400.

    As expected, President Muhammadu Buhari decried the scarcity and empathized with Nigerians.  He ordered the relevant agencies to deal with hoarders, assuring that the scarcity would end in a matter of days.  Vice President Yemi Osinbajo too sympathized with Nigerians over the crisis.  He even went round filling stations to monitor things.

     

    Monkey pox

    On the 22nd of September, the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control (NCDC) was notified of a case of suspected Monkey pox in an 11-year-old male patient who presented to the Niger Delta University Teaching Hospital (NDUTH) in Yenagoa, Bayelsa State. Subsequently, 11 other cases were identified. All the cases received appropriate medical care. All the patients improved clinically and there were no deaths. As at 1st October 20, 32 close contacts of the cases were identified, advised appropriately and monitored.

    A Rapid Response Team from NCDC was deployed to support the Bayelsa State Government in the investigations and public health response to the outbreak. The team supported the Bayelsa State Department of Public Health and the State Epidemiologist to respond to the outbreak.

    Unlike Ebola outbreak, information on Monkey pox was well managed. There was adequate use of Social Media (SM). The CEO of the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control, Dr Chikwe Ihekweazu told Nigerians to remain calm, avoid self-medication and report any suspected case to the nearest health facility. He confirmed that Public health authorities across the country have been well informed on what to do when a suspected case arises.

    As the outbreak investigation and response continued, the Bayelsa State Government started an aggressive public enlightenment campaign to advise clinicians and the public on the symptoms of the disease and the steps required to manage the cases and to prevent further spread. NCDC also collected appropriate clinical samples from the cases and these were analysed through the National Reference Laboratory in Abuja.

    This index case on the 22nd of September 2017, which the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control (NCDC) received a report of a suspected case of Monkey pox virus disease from the Niger Delta University Teaching Hospital (NDUTH), Okolobiri, Bayelsa State was well managed. The Bayelsa State Ministry of Health initiated an outbreak investigation and response, supported by a team from NCDC, which was immediately deployed to the state.

    As at 13th of October 2017, there were 17 suspected cases reported from Yenagoa LGA in Bayelsa State. NCDC have received laboratory confirmation for Monkey pox virus from three of these cases from the WHO Regional Laboratory in Dakar, Senegal. Samples from 12 others from Bayelsa were negative, and it awaited two results.

    With these results, the Monkey pox outbreak in Yenagoa was confirmed with laboratory evidence. The most likely source of infection is a primary zoonotic transmission, from an animal, with secondary person-to-person transmission, according to NCDC.

    The Federal Ministry of Health, through the NCDC was in close contact with all State Epidemiology Teams, as well as the health facilities providing clinical care to both suspected and confirmed cases. State Commissioners of Health were advised to place all health care facilities and Disease Surveillance and Notification Officers on alert, to ensure early case detection, reporting and effective treatment.

    A National-level Emergency Operations Centre (EOC) led by the NCDC with support from our development partners was coordinating outbreak, investigation and response across affected States. The EOC included the Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development, as well as experts from partner agencies. The EOC provided daily support to State Ministries of Health in active case finding, epidemiological investigation, contact tracing, case management, psychosocial support and risk communication.

    The NCDC also deployed Rapid Response Teams to the four states with confirmed cases. Measures have been put in place to ensure proper investigation of all reported cases, effective sample collection and testing, as well as case management of all suspected and confirmed cases. Risk communication activities have been heightened to advise the public as well as healthcare workers on preventive measures. A nationwide communications campaign has begun, to inform Nigerians of key preventive measures to take to curtail the further spread of monkey pox.

    The NCDC worked with poxvirus experts from the World Health Organization and the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention to ensure that every available step was taken to trace how the Monkey pox outbreak may be spreading, and in understanding the links between case clusters, in order to prevent further spread.

  • GROUPS THAT DOMINATED THE YEAR

    GROUPS THAT DOMINATED THE YEAR

    Indigenous People of Biafra

    It is not a rosy year for the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), a militant organization conceived and established for the realization of the birth of the Republic of Biafra, a project which dates back to the mid1960s.

    When the group commenced its agitation, it was considered by the government as an inconsequential body, and it was treated with derision. Its founder and leader, Nnamdi Kanu, was regarded as an unserious agitator and political nonentity, deserving no attention.

    When it launched into anti-government activities, it enjoyed widespread acceptance from the youths who perceived it as a liberation force capable of bringing about a country called Biafra for the people of the South East. And no notable Igbo leader came out openly to cast aspersions on the group.

    Later, the group became violent-prone during which many excesses were committed, and so its leader was arrested and detained.

    After a lot of pleading by Igbo leaders and other prominent Nigerians on his behalf, he was taken to court and charged with treason. He was ultimately granted bail with a warning to desist from anti-government activities.

    On regaining his freedom, instead of treading the path of honour by stopping the agitation, he embarked on ways to invigorate it, violating all his bail conditions.

    This development engendered the revocation of the bail and his being declared wanted.

    He is now a fugitive from justice, and his group is gradually going into oblivion.

     

    Northern youths

    Northern youths, operating under the umbrella of the Coalition of Northern Groups (CNG), badly shook the nation with its announcement on June 6 of a quit notice to the Igbo  living in the northern part of the country. They were asked to leave for the South East on October 1.

    This line of action was greeted with howls of condemnation throughout the country. Almost all groups and Nigerians of note stridently criticized the notice which was seen as a means of destroying the fragile unity of the nation and a level of complexity to the politics of tribalism plaguing the country.

    According to the northern youths, the quit notice was in retaliation for the agitation of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) for the Republic of Biafra and the insults thrown at northerners by the group.

    The youths also accused the Igbo of ingratitude, for, according to them, they were the major beneficiaries of northerners’ generosity in the area of business generating stupendous wealth for them.

    They mentioned specific business sectors dominated by the Igbo in the North through which they made a lot of money which was later used to transform their own region.

    As October I was approaching, there was mounting tension. But a palpable sense of relief was felt all over the nation with the revocation of the notice by the spokesman of the coalition, Abdulazeez Sulaiman, in a statement issued in Abuja on August 24.

     

    Boko Haram

    Boko Haram militants, early in the year, unleashed terror on the country with renewed vigour and determination in order to bring the military to its knees.

    But their field day abruptly came to an end when they met their Waterloo from the well-equipped and gallant armed forces which fought in accordance with the rules of engagement.

    It was with glee that the Nigerian government, towards the end of the year, announced the degradation of the brutal terrorist group that held the nation to ransom for many years.

    An indication of the heavy defeat of the militants is a return to normalcy in Maiduguri, Kondugua, Kaoure and Bama which used to be their strongholds.

    A strategy to flush out the remaining scattered members of the group out of Nigeria and its neighbouring countries is in the offing, and $1billion has been earmarked to finance the project.

    Niger Delta Avengers:   The Niger Delta Avengers, a group which prides itself on avenging what it regards as the government’s injustice to its people and region, on many occasions wreaked havoc on oil facilities.

    The destruction caused by the group imperceptibly dragged the country into economic crisis, and the devastating effects of this on the national economy manifested in other sectors which affected the standard of living and provision capital projects.

    Nigerians appealed to the government to bring the agitators to the negotiating table. The advice was at first spurned. But it was later heeded.

    The Federal Government swung into action, and the group was pacified through some offers and concessions which are greatly beneficial to the people of the region.

    The group now maintains the peace, but it issues threats to preclude the government from taking decisions it considers unfavourable to the interest of the Niger Delta.

     

    Pan-Niger Delta Forum

    The Pan-Niger Delta Forum (PANDEF), under the leadership of Chief Edwin Clark, was out with the intention of bringing about enduring peace in the Niger Delta region of the country.

    To make this a reality, a 16-point agenda was presented to the Federal Government.

    There was opposition to the forum. Some militant groups in the region expressed lack of confidence in it and dragged its name through the mire. They advised the government to keep away from negotiating with it.

    There were also divergent opinions from other Nigerians on the intervention of the group. It was hailed mostly by people outside the South-South. They believed it was a means of making the region peaceful. Those who opposed it were of the opinion that it was out to halt the progressive march of the militants to make life more easy for their people.

    But the generality of people are of the belief that the implementation of the group’s propositions will lead to a peaceful, progressive and secure region.

     

    Ohanaeze

    Dr. John Nwodo was very active as the leader of Ohanaeze, and, as usual, the group was always prepared for the protection and promotion of the interest of the Igbo in the South East and South-South of Nigeria.

    Ohanaeze supported the restructuring of the country because of its obvious advantages to its people. They also saw it as an alternative to secession.

    When Nnamdi Kanu, the leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), was in detention, members of the group were strident in urging the government for his unconditional release.

    The organization vehemently condemned the militarization of the South East, following threats from the IPOB. They failed to reason with the Federal Government on the operation, claiming it was meant to punish the people of the region.

    The operation, tagged “Python Dance”, was consequently launched but the period was characterized by virulent criticisms from the group.

    It was against the use of force in dealing with the IPOB and counselled caution and dialogue.

     

     Arewa Consultative Forum

    The interest of the people of the northern part of the country was the major concern of the Arewa Consultative Forum (ACF), and this was well taken care of during the year.

    The forum, led by former Inspector General of Police,  Alhaji Ibrahim Coomassie, was always oppositional on issues which were inimical to the interest of the northerners, while praising and supporting ones which were favourable to them.

    The organization was a vociferous critic of restructuring as propounded by other regions of the country. It was always in support of strong institutions and good governance.

    The forum flung itself into programmes to address challenges fuelling poverty among its people and militating against the development of the North.

     

    Afenifere

    Afenifere always rose to the challenges confronting Yoruba as a cultural group.

    It was at the forefront of the battle for the restructuring of the country and the economic integration of the South West to fight the economic and social problems bedevilling the region.

    Some prominent members of the group strongly criticized President Muhammadu Buhari on his advice to the World Bank to give priority to the North East in siting developmental projects. The president’s comment was considered as an act of partiality.

    The ravages of the North East by Boko Haram’s atrocities adduced by the presidency and his party for the president’s position was countered by the opponents who insisted it was out of tribalism.

    Since the elder statesman, Chief Reuben Fasoranti, took the helm of the organization, this year was special in its life. With the cooperation and commitment of other grandees of the body, he worked assiduously for its revitalization and the unity of the Yoruba race.

     

     Military

    The military displayed professionalism, discipline, gallantry and resilience in its battles against Boko Haram militants, and these attributes contributed largely in engendering their humiliating defeat and quick dispersal.

    They were hotly pursued to Camp Zero, their spiritual headquarters, in Sambisa Forest which was later reduced to rubble by the superior power of our armed forces.

    The hotbed of Boko Haram’s terrorist acts, comprising Maiduguri, Kondugua, Kaoure and Bama, is now a peaceful and secure area with thriving business activities.

     

    Badoo

    Badoo, a group of ritual killers, invaded the Ikorodu area of Lagos State and killed with gusto.

    Like vampires, they revelled in taking their victims’ blood with white handkerchiefs after the dastardly killing.

    This was on for months, and many people, including babies and women, were victims of the brutal antisocial group.

    When the killing was on the increase, it became a matter of concern to all Nigerians as human rights organizations, media, women bodies, international groups and well-meaning Nigerians were calling for actions to put a halt to the dreadful activities of these faceless villains.

    Ikorodu and its environs slid into ferment. Blood and tears were flowing. There were anguish and anger all over the place. The cries of the victims were worryingly loud.

    All these triggered off actions and the murderous attacks were later stopped through the concerted and determined efforts of the government, security operatives, traditional rulers and local people.

  • Jubilation as JTF decorates promoted officers

    Jubilation as JTF decorates promoted officers

    It was a day of joy for military officers serving at the Joint Task Force (JTF), Operation Delta Safe (ODS). Four of them were decorated following their recent promotions by President Muhammadu Buhari and the Service Chiefs.

    The headquarters of ODS in Igbogene, Yenagoa, Bayelsa State, was a beehive as friends, spouses and relations of the beneficiaries trooped out to witness the formal decorations of the officers recognised for their sacrifices.

    The guests watched with excitement as the Commander ODS, Rear Admiral Suleiman Apochi presented Col. M.U. Muktar, and Lieutenant Commanders Thomas Otuji, Obiora Anyikwa and Roy Nweke with their new ranks.

    Muktar, the Sector 4 Commander, ODS in Delta State, was decorated with the rank of Brigadier-General while Anyikwa, Otuji and Obiora got their new ranks of Naval Commanders. The brand new Commander Anyikwa heads the Legal Department of ODS while Otuji was a former Coordinator, Joint Media Campaign Office (JMCC).

    Apochi urged the promoted officers to be of good conduct and view their new ranks as added responsibilities. He said promotion was divine and appealed to other officers to work, pray and wait for their time of elevation.

    The promoted officers, who spoke through Brig.Gen. Muktar, thanked President Muhammadu Buhari, the Services Chiefs especially the chiefs of the Navy and the Army for considering them worthy of the promotions.

    He said they were conscious of the responsibilities attached to their new ranks and vowed to meet and exceed all expectations of their new positions. He specifically thanked Rear Admiral Suleiman Apochi and Gen. A. Aligbe, saying without their guidance and support the promotions would never had seen the light of the day.

    Muktar appreciated their wives and other family members for their sacrifices in ensuring that their elevation sailed through. He recalled how his uncle encouraged him to join the army. He said having failed on two occasions to gain admission into the Nigerian Defence Academy (NDA), he gave up the ambition.

    But the general said: “Myy uncle, Alhaji Suleiman, particular encouraged me to still try again for the third time. I failed to get admission into the Nigeria Defence Academy for the second time. I made up my mind that I was not going to try again.

    “I visited my uncle in Sokokto and that time he mentioned it and said, ‘why don’t you want to apply again? It doesn’t matter, try again’.  I heeded his advice and glory to the Almighty God, today here we are witnessing my decoration to the rank of Brigadier-General”.

    He prayed that those, Ho could not make the present promotion be considered in the next batch. He asked yet-to-be-promoted officers to be steadfast believing that their time of promotion would surely come.

    “Our prayer is for all those who missed the promotion this time, will get it next time coz truly God knows the best. Our prayer is that you will get it at the time it is most pleasing to the almighty God.

    “I want to assure everyone that we are conscious of the added responsibility and the expectations of greater efforts signaled by this promotion and I assure you we will spare no effort in meeting and indeed exceeding the expectations that come with this rank”, he said.

     

  • We must avert collapse of public confidence in judicial system – Buhari 

    We must avert collapse of public confidence in judicial system – Buhari 

    President Muhammadu Buhari has asked the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), to work with the government to avert the collapse of public confidence in the justice system of the country.

    Speaking while receiving the National Executive Committee (NEC) of the NBA at the State House on Thursday in Abuja, the President warned that a collapse of public confidence in the justice system will have disastrous consequences for the entire country.

    In a statement by the Senior Special Assistant on Media and publicity, Garba Shehu, the President said “Let me reiterate that the collapse of public confidence in the justice system will have disastrous effects on our democracy and will negatively affect the capacity of the legal profession to thrive and flourish in the country,”

    In making a request to the NBA to ensure the highest form of discipline among its members, President Buhari charged the body to ensure that all cases of indiscipline and corruption are tackled effectively.

    He expressed worries about allegations of the roles of some senior lawyers in attempts to corrupt judges and the judicial system.

    President Buhari also gave assurances that his administration will continue to operate on a foundation of the Rule of Law.

    He said “We are convinced that corruption and impunity flourish when due process mechanisms are disregarded.  We, however, expect a corresponding duty on the part of all professional bodies such as the NBA to ensure the highest forms of discipline among their members”.

    The President urged the members of the legal profession, whom he described as opinion builders in their various communities, to work for the public enlightenment of the citizenry, and to support the initiatives of government in sanitizing the public services, improving standards of public accountability and the insistence on the normal standards of judicial integrity.

    He emphasized that government will continue to dwell on its programmes of a vigorous anti-corruption campaign; ensuring the recovery of looted national assets; prosecution of an effective and sustainable anti-terrorism war; and the institutionalization of law and order in all aspects of our national life.

    President Buhari thanked the members of the NBA for their support so far, and urged them to do more in that regard.

    He noted concerns raised by the NBA President and assured of his readiness to work with the bar association and the Judiciary to achieve needed reforms.

    In his remarks, the President of the NBA, Abubakar Balarabe Mahmud, SAN, had commended President Buhari for his confidence in the members of the association, considering the number of lawyers in high places in the administration.

    These included the Vice-President, Professor Yemi Osinbajo, SAN; the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Boss Mustapha; the Chief of Staff to the President, Abba Kyari; the Attorney-General of Federation, Abubakar Malami, SAN, and five other ministers as well as the Permanent Secretary in the State House, Jalal Arabi.

    The NBA President also lauded the administration for its efforts, and expressed the Bar’s continued support in the war against corruption, terrorism and general insecurity as well as the ongoing work to institute good governance and revamp the economy.

    He, however, brought to the attention of President Buhari NBA’s concerns on prisons’ congestion, the need for compliance with judicial decisions and the modus operandi of some of the anti-corruption agencies.

  • 2019: APC can’t lose sleep over Atiku against Buhari – El-Rufai

    2019: APC can’t lose sleep over Atiku against Buhari – El-Rufai

    Kaduna State Governor, Mallam Nasir Ahmad El-Rufai has said that, All Progressives Congress ( APC ) is waiting for the former Vice President, Alhaji Atiku Abubakar to come and contest the 2019 presidential seat against President Muhammadu Buhari, saying that, they cannot lose sleep over Atiku’s ambition.

    El-Rufai also said that, Atiku lied by saying he financed the APC campaigns in 2015. He however challenged the former Vice President to prove his claims.

    Kaduna State Governor stated this in an interview with the Hausa service of the Voice of America (VOA), which was monitored in Kaduna on Wednesday.

    Also featured in the short interview on the VOA Hausa service programme ‘Democracy Today’ were the former Vice President Atiku Abubakar himself and former Jigawa State Governor, Alhaji Sule Lamido, who has since declared intention to contest the presidential ticket under the platform of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP).

    When asked about his intention to contest in 2019, Alhaji Atiku Abubakar simply said, he has not made up his mind, saying that, “when I decide, I will let the world know”.

    But, Sule Lamido in his reaction to Atiku’s return to PDP said, they were happy to have him back, and that, he is not threatened by Atiku’s return.

    According to Lamido, “We are happy that former Vice President, Alhaji Atiku Abubakar is back to PDP. PDP made him and that he is back to the party is our joy. Not only him, in fact, we want others who left the party like the Senate President, Senator Bukola Saraki and former Governors to come back”.

    Asked whether he is not threatened by Atiku’s return, Lamido said, he is not threatened, but his prayer is that, best Presidential candidate will emerge for PDP. “If our interest is to see the progress and development of Nigeria, then, we should also prayer that everyone who left should return home”.

    However, El-Rufai while tongue-lashing Atiku said, “We in the APC were aware from onset that Atiku was going to leave APC back to PDP in the December and we thank God that, he left in November.

    “Atiku had seen that, we in the APC, especially the APC Governors had resolved to support President Muhammadu Buhari to run again in 2019. That is why he left APC, since he was only looking for where to contest for presidency.

    “Even in the 2015 APC primary election, Atiku didn’t come second, he was floored by Kwankwaso. So, even if President Buhari decides not to contest, Atiku knows that the APC ticket is not sure for him. Majority of the APC Governors have endorsed President Buhari as our candidate for 2019.

    “And we thank God, God has continued to improve the health condition of the President. Each time I see him, I thank God and I still pray that God continues to give him sound health.

    “So, by 2019, we are waiting to see Atiku contest, we are waiting to contest against him and see what happens. But, I cannot lose sleep because Atiku wants to contest, because by God’s grace, this is the reign of President Muhammadu Buhari.

    “Agreed, in politics if you lose even only one person, it should worry you, but the utterances of the former Vice President that, APC used his money, who did he give the money to? For me, I know those that supported us with their money and property that we used during election, and I never heard the name of Atiku that he brought a dime. If Atiku said he brought money, who did he give? Let him come and say it and how much did he give and what was it used for?

    “And in fact, if Atiku brought money, I ought to know, because I am part of the leadership of the party and during campaign, myself and former Governor Rotimi Amaechi were at the centre of the presidential campaign. Therefore, we are supposed to know. So, let him mention whom he gave the money and how much?

    “Asked about large number of APC members who are likely to follow Atiku to PDP, El-Rufai said, “Sure, we know that, we cannot rule out the possibility of some greedy people following him, those that are following material things. But, if people will consider how we can work for the progress of our country, everybody knows that you cannot compare Atiku with President Muhammadu Buhari”, El-Rufai said.

  • Boroffice bags 2017 Senator of the year Award

    Boroffice bags 2017 Senator of the year Award

    • Says Niger Delta getting necessary focus under Buhari

    The Chairman, Senate Committee on Science and Technology, Prof. Ajayi Boroffice, has said that the Niger Delta region of Nigeria is enjoying necessary focus and great attention under the President Muhammadu Buhari-led Federal Government.

    The Senator representing Ondo North senatorial district, made the remark at the 13th Niger Delta Awards ceremony which held at Chelsea Hotel in Abuja on Tuesday.

    At the event, the senator was decorated as the Senator of The Year 2017 due to the qualities of Bills he has presented in the 8th Senate, and the numerous projects and interventions facilitated to his senatorial district.

    The Senator also declared that sustainable peace is a major catalyst for development in Niger Delta region.

    He stated: “The correlation between peace and development is directly proportional. If the peace in the region is sustained, there will be more developmental projects. Therefore, let us continue to encourage our brothers and sisters to maintain the level of peace in our region.

    “The challenges facing the Niger Delta region are enormous. However, the region has enjoyed necessary focus and great attention from Mr President. We are now talking about Ogoni Clean Up Exercise. In 2014, this Nation was silent about the environmental degradation in the region. Also the Maritime University in Okerenkoko, Delta State has received take-off grant.

    “It will interest you to know that the budget of the Ministry of Niger Delta Affairs has increased from about N34billion in the 2017 budget to N54billion in the 2018 budget estimates. N65billion has been earmarked for the Presidential Amnesty Programme. The budgetary allocation to the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) has also increased from N61billion to N71billion. This trajectory shows that the Federal Government is doing so much to address the challenges in the Niger Delta.

    “In the execution of projects in the region, I urge everyone of us to find roles for ourselves. If you know a contractor who have absconded with government money, you have a duty to shout and blow the whistle,” he submitted.

    The senator, who was represented by his Special Adviser, Media and Publicity, Mr Kayode Fakuyi, urged the people of Niger Delta to continuously partner with the Federal Government and the respective State Governments for the rapid development of the region.

    He dedicated the 2017 Senator of The Year Award to the people of Ondo State senatorial district.

  • Why we endorsed Buhari – Smart Adeyemi

    Why we endorsed Buhari – Smart Adeyemi

    The former National Assembly member representing Kogi West Senatorial district, Senator Smart Adeyemi, on Wednesday said that the people endorsed President Muhammadu Buhari for another term in office because of his achievements in the last two years.

    Speaking at the western senatorial district rally in Kabba, he said that the Buhari administration has made concerted efforts in diversifying the nation’s economy.

    The administration, he said, has put in place holistic economic reforms capable of making Nigeria a self-sustaining country.

    He described the pains occasioned by the economic recession as necessary and capable of leading the country out of the woods.

    His words: “We want to tell the whole world that for us in Kogi West, we are impressed and pleased with your administration because you have exhibited justice, equity and fairness, you have given us a sense of belonging.

    “You are committed to the socio-economic advancement of our state; we salute your courage for sanitising the civil service, we are determined to support President Muhammadu Buhari whenever he decides to contest”.

    He said that the state governor, Alhaji Yahaya Bello in about two years  in office has embarked on projects in areas and communities never been touched by past administrations in the state.

    Speaking at the rally, Governor Bello said that his political opponents remain angry because he disagreed that the resources of the state be shared among few individuals.

    He said the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) had no prove of the allegation of double registration leveled against him.

    According to him, “They said I engaged in double registration, INEC cannot and can never prove that; they are going against the will of God. They gave money to individuals to propagate the allegation, it is a white lie.

    “On May 19, I was in Dubai but they went ahead to photoshop me in order to implicate me. They goofed”.