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Tag: Taraba State

  • Herdsmen kill six traders in Taraba market

    Suspected herdsmen on Tuesday struck at a suburb of Jalingo, the Taraba State capital, killing six traders at Iware market.

    It was gathered that the deceased were also robbed of their cash.

    Five of the victims are natives of Mayo-Lope, Lau local government area of Taraba State where scores were massacred and several others injured by herdsmen few days ago.

    The other victim, whose name was given as Ethan Nast, is said to be a resident of Damsa local government area of Adamawa State.

    A dependable source said the men, already displaced by crisis involving Fulani herdsmen in their area (Lau) on Tuesday came to Iware market with their cows to sell, do some other businesses and alleviate their suffering.

    “They were trailed by their assailants all the way from Mayo-Lope where they set off, to   Iware where they were hacked to death at the market,” the source said the killers disappeared immediately after their onslaught.

    Sources said the killers invaded the market as though they were traders.

    Another source, an eyewitness, said, as the market began to swell with buyers and sellers, the attackers emerged from the crowd in large number and began to machete the victims.

    Four bodies were counted immediately. One of the victims who was identified as Baban Lumu, a cement dealer from Mayo-Lope, was fleeing from his attackers to a nearby police outpost, but no sooner had he arrived the police station than he died of the multiple cuts. Police recovered N80,050 from him.

    Another victim died in the hospital.

    Read Also: Taraba killings: Police arrest four suspects

    “The market was disrupted, as people, men and women, ran for their dear lives,” an eyewitness  told The Nation.

    Armed policemen, led by a Divisional Police Officer (DPO), Abubakar Inusa, a Chief Superintendent of Police (CSP), arrived at the scene, at the nick of time.

    They were seen battling hard to restore normalcy and convey the injured to the hospital.

    Three persons were seriously injured. They were taken to the Federal Medical Centre (FMC) Jalingo, for treatment but one of them died in the hospital of “excess bleeding.”

    The six bodies were deposited at the FMC’s morgue.

    The arrival of the bodies threw the hospital in mourning mood, with many patients, particularly women, lamenting, wailing and weeping uncontrollably.

    Police spokesman, David Misal, an Assistant Superintendent of Police (ASP), confirmed the attack and killings to The Nation.

    Speaking with our correspondent, Misal said: “Six people were killed at Iware market by yet-to-be-identified persons.

    “Some people brought cows to the market for sale but were attacked and killed when information got to Fulanis that the cows were stolen ones, he said.

    Misal, who said the police were able to restore calm in the area, disclosed that the Police Command was gathering intelligence on how to trace those behind the attack and whether the attack is a spillage of the violence in Lau.

    “We are trying to find out the perpetrators who took the law into their hands, instead of reporting to us, if really a case of cattle rustling was established,” he said.

  • Benue has not been a happy state since January 2018 – Ortom

    Governor Samuel Ortom has stated that since January 1st, 2018, Benue people have not known peace due to the activities of militia herdsmen.

    He stated this on Tuesday during a cocktail party organized to honour delegates and stakeholders who were in the state for the Middle Belt Rally and Conference currently holding in Makurdi, the state capital.

    The Governor while lamenting the continued killing and displacement of thousands from their ancestral homes by the herdsmen noted that he would continue to speak out and stand with his people until justice is ensured.

    He commended the Federal Government for its renewed efforts in curtailing the attacks through operation Whirl Stroke, stressing that if the operation had started earlier, Benue wouldn’t have been where it is today.

    The Governor also acknowledged the support of his Taraba State counterpart, Architect Darius Ishaku and the Middle Belt Forum for standing with Benue in her trying times, saying he was strengthened by their actions.

    Read Also: I have no plan to leave APC -Ortom

    On his part, Taraba State Governor, Architect Darius Ishaku, said he and Governor Ortom passed through the eye of a needle to become Governor and were further bonded together by the similar challenges they were facing.

    He stated that Nigeria’s constitution is defective because it has rendered Governors incapacitated and ‘toothless maimed dogs’ by making them Chief Security Officers that cannot command the security architecture in their respective states.

    Governor Ishaku while adding His voice to several calls for the restructuring of Nigeria noted that there is something more than herdsmen behind the killings in the country, adding that if the Federal Government had wanted to solve the problem, it would take less than two months to achieve that.

    In a remark, National President of the Middle Belt Forum, Mr. Bitrus Poga, urged Benue people to be very proud of Governor Ortom, noting that it takes courage to do what Governor Ortom was doing.

    He said the Governor’s bravely  was equal to none and should be encouraged to continue to speak for the less privileged in the country.

  • Presidency releases timeline steps against insecurity

    The Presidency on Monday released timeline on measures taken by the current administration to tackle insecurity in the country.

    This was contained in a statement issued by the Special Adviser on Media and publicity, Femi Adesina.

    He denied the allegations that the government was not doing enough against insecurity.

    He said “A popular refrain from some quarters is that the President is not doing enough to combat the insecurity that has beleaguered the country in recent times.

    “Lest that untruth begins to wear a garb of reality, let us consider some initiatives taken under the leadership of President Muhammadu Buhari to rein in the security situation, particularly since January, 2018.

    For January 2018, he listed “Leadership of the police deployed to Benue State, after mass killings reportedly committed by herdsmen. This was followed by a fact-finding team led by the Minister of Interior, and deployment of Special Forces of the military, to restore law and order.

    “National Economic Council sets up 10-man committee on farmers/herdsmen clashes, headed by the Vice President.

    “The 1 Division of the Nigerian Army, Kaduna, launched a special operation, Karamin Goro (Small Kolanut), in collaboration with the Air Force, Police, Department of State Services, and Nigerian Security and Civil Defence Corps, NSCDC; to tackle kidnapping, robbery and cattle rustling in parts of Kaduna and Niger States (Minna-Birnin Gwari-Pandogari and Minna-Sarkin Pawa general areas).”

    Measures taken by the government in February 2018, he included “The Nigerian Army commenced Exercise Ayem Akpatumacovering Benue, Taraba, Kogi, Nasarawa, Kaduna and Niger States, in order to tackle the cases of kidnappings, herdsmen/farmers’ clashes, among others.

    “The Nigerian Air Force (NAF) inducted its first indigenous operational Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV), Tsaigumi. The newly-inducted UAV has day and night capability, an operational endurance in excess of 10 hours, a service ceiling of 15,000 feet and a mission radius of 100km, and is capable of being used for policing operations, disaster management, convoy protection, maritime patrol, pipeline, power line monitoring as well as mapping and border patrol duties.

    “The Nigerian Air Force (NAF) established a total of 10 new Units as NAF had concluded plans to set up Quick Response Wings (QRWs) across Nasarawa State, in a bid to tackle the herders/farmers clashes plaguing some states within the axis.

    In March 2018, he said the government took steps including “President Buhari began sympathy visits to states that had experienced wanton killings in the country.

    “The Nigerian Army extended Exercise Ayem Akpatuma in Taraba State by two months.

    “The committee set up by the National Economic Council on farmers/herdsmen clashes submits report, making far reaching recommendations for peace, including ranching in five states.

    For April 2018, he said that the Nigerian Air Force took delivery of a second batch of 2 brand new Mi-35N helicopter gunships to boost internal security and also deployed Special Force to Zamfara State to combat criminality.

    In May 2018, he said that the Nigerian Police Force inaugurated a Mobile Squadron in Takum, Taraba State, the Nigerian Air Force established 3 new Quick Response Wings (QRW) in Taraba, Nasarawa and Benue States respectively, and deployed Special Forces personnel to these new bases. (Taraba State QRW is located in Nguroje; Nasarawa State QRW in Doma; and Benue State QRW in Agatu).

    Also in May, he said “Inspector-General of Police Ibrahim Idris ordered the deployment of 200 policemen, and 10 patrol vehicles to Birnin Gwari (Kaduna-Zamfara axis) to tackle armed banditry in the area.

    “President Buhari approved the establishment of a new Battalion of the Nigerian Army, as well as a new Police Area Command, in Birnin Gwari LGA of Kaduna State, as part of measures to scale up the security response to the banditry affecting the area. Chief of Army Staff, Lt Gen. Tukur Buratai, has since flagged off the new Battalion (2 Battalion Forward Operating Base, FOB) in Kanfanin Doka Village, Birnin-Gwari, Kaduna State.

    “The Defence Headquarters assembled a Special Military Intervention Force comprising more than 1,000 personnel, drawn from the Army, Air Force, Navy, Police, DSS and NSCDC, to respond to the security challenges in the North Central and North West. On May 8, 2018, the Force launched Operation WHIRL STROKE, as a full-scale military operation to completely restore law, order and stability in the affected communities. The Whirl Stroke Operational Force Commander is Major General Adeyemi Yekini.

    “Chief of Army Staff inducted a mix of 49 Toyota Land Cruisers and Innoson gun trucks, at the HQ of the 133 Special Forces Battalion of the Nigerian Army at Azare, to support the ongoing OPERATION LAST HOLD in Northern Borno.

    Read Also: Ekiti: PDP is irreparably broken, dismantled – Presidency

    “NAF launched newly-constructed accommodation for the 205 Combat Search and Rescue Group (CSARG) — established in 2017 to provide aid and operational assistance to wounded and distressed troops serving in combat units — in Kerang, Plateau State.

    “The Air Task Force of NAF commenced Operation THUNDER STRIKE to attack selected locations of Boko Haram Terrorists in the North-East.

    “The Nigerian Army commissioned its new Forward Operating Base in Epe, Lagos State.” he added

    He said that in June 2018, the NAF deployed combat helicopter to its 207 Quick Response Group (QRG) in Gusau, Zamfara State to support the fight against armed banditry in the town and its environs.

    In this month, he said that President Buhari approved the establishment of Operation WHIRL STROKE II, for deployment in Zamfara and Kaduna States.

    Securing the length and breadth of the country, he noted, is a continuing commitment.

    “It is one of the key pledges of the Buhari administration, which it is carrying out night and day.” he said

    According to him, the security situation in the country in May 2015 when the administration came on board was in tatters.

    He added “It pulled up its bootstraps, rolled up its sleeves, set to work, and the Boko Haram insurgency was beaten back. It was eventually degraded.

    “Other security challenges are being tackled and will subsequently become history. Not doing enough, as some critics claim, is not part of the deal, nor is it reality, no, not by any stretch of the imagination. A lot is being done, and success is guaranteed.” he said

  • Taraba governor seeks military cooperation to end insecurity

    The Governor of Taraba State, Darius Dickson Ishaku, has asked for military cooperation to end the insecurity in the country.

    He made the call on Monday when he played host to the Chief of Air Staff, Air Marshall Sadique Abubakar in Government House, Jalingo.

    The Chief of Staff was in Taraba to visit the 23 quick response wing established in Nguroje, a volatile area of Sardauna local government, where a clash between Mambilla natives and Fulani herdsmen left many dead some months ago.

    Ishaku said a synergy between the state government and the armed forces is the solution to insecurity.

    Such a synergy, Ishaku noted, would produce better result if the elite in the country shun petty sentiments and work in the interest of the country.

    While thanking Abubakar for the visit, Ishaku said: “We must synergise and work together to end these killings.

    “I will suggest the establishment of another Air Force unit at the Kashimbilla Dam to secure the Dam and provide security at the border between Nigeria and Cameroon.

    “In Jalingo -the State capital, we need another unit of your men (military troops) to be stationed, to provide us the necessary security.

    Read Also: Air Force deploys Special Forces in Taraba

    “I believe these units are not too much for the state,” he said, pledging the support of the state government to the Nigerian military.

    The governor blamed the level of insecurity in the country on the elite, saying “they (the elite) promote differences that are alien to the local people in the rural areas.”

    He called for a rethink on how to promote peaceful coexistence for the development of the country.

    The chief of Air Staff said the 23 quick response wing will add value to their efforts in combating insecurity.

    He disclosed that the unit will be supported by the air surveillance of the Nigerian Air Force base from Yola and Makurdi for “ultimum efficiency in combating insecurity and other related crimes.”

    Abubakar said he had directed personnel deployed to the state to be friendly with civilians, but to deal decisively with anybody who tries to undermine national security.

    “I am happy that our presence has started adding value already. Over 7,300 residents of Sarduana local government area have benefited from the NAF medical outreach programme conducted in the area.

    “We are constructing a runway in Gembu for easy landing. We shall also establish a fuel refilling centre in Gembu, to ease our operation,” he added.

    The Chief of Air Staff solicited the support and cooperation of Taraba residents to enable them succeed in their operations in the State.

  • IYC to Defence Minister: Apologize for anti-open grazing comment

    Ijaw youths on Thursday asked the Defence Minister, Maj.-Gen Mansur Dan-Ali (rtd) to tender an apology for asking states currently enforcing the anti-open grazing laws to stop their enforcement.

    The youths under the auspices of the Ijaw Youth Council (IYC) Worldwide,  aligned themselves with the resolution of the National Assembly directing the minister to withdraw the statement immediately.

    Secretary General of the IYC, Mr Alfred Kemepado, in a statement in Yenagoa, described the position of the National Assembly as courageous.

    Kemepado insisted that state governments have the right to make laws for the good governance of their people without recourse to a federal minister.

    At present, the anti-open grazing law is being enforced in Benue, Ekiti and Taraba states, with Abia State passing its own version of the law.

    Kemepado said: ‘We want to specially thank the Nigerian Senate and the House of Representatives for the courage they have displayed in calling Dan-Ali, the Minister of Defence to order. These kinds of comments, only reflect a mind-set by some of our leaders who still think Nigeria is some kind of garrison.

    Read Also: Defence minister launches intelligence centre in Abuja

    “The Minister should be told in clear terms that by the dictates of the constitution, Nigeria is  still a federal system in which states can make laws for the good governance of their people.

    “Asking states to repeal the anti-grazing laws duly passed by their respective Houses of Assembly does not only smack of some level of arrogance, if not ignorance at that level, but also reveals the true state of mind of some of our leaders”.

    He insisted that Ijaw youths were gladdened by the resolution of the National Assembly, maintaining that the minister must apologise to Nigerians for such “insensitive and unacceptable” comments capable of worsening an already bad situation.

    “Our so-called leaders must weigh their pronouncements before uttering them to avoid adding fuel to an already raging fire. Asking states to rescind laws meant to protect their people who are butchered daily by herdsmen is like asking the head of a family to fold his hands while the family is being attacked”, the IYC said.

  • Group commends 10-man panel to probe bias in military

    The Coalition of Civil Society Groups against Terrorism in Nigeria, has described the report of the 10-man panel constituted to probe allegations of bias, aiding and abetting leveled against the Nigerian Army by a  former Chief of Army Staff, General TY Danjuma, and some partisan individuals in its Military Operations in Taraba state and some part of the North Central  geopolitical zone of the Country as a welcome development.

    The group in a statement issued in Lagos, and jointly signed by its Convener and Secretary, Comrade Odeyemi Oladimeji and John Atani respectively lauded the panel for doing a diligent assignment, which vindicated the group’s earlier position and cleared the army of involvement in any negative act whatsoever, as accused by General Danjuma and some politicians. It also  congratulated the Nigerian Army, saying Nigerians never doubted that the army had been professional in its approach, towards prosecuting the war against terrorism,  insurgency and other forms of criminalities, many of which are politically motivated, across the country.

    The group further asserted that  Nigerians will continue to support the army in its quest to protect law abiding citizens from any form of internal and external aggressors.

    The Coalition called on the federal government, to immediately bring to book, perpetrators of ethnic violence and state sponsored militias across the country, particularly in Benue and Taraba States.

    “We are undoubtedly convinced that the essence of the allegations by General TY Danjuma and subsequently by Mr Ishiaku Darius, Executive Governor of Taraba State is to distract the officers and men of the Nigerian Army, from achieving its objective of flushing out criminal elements, who are falsely creating ethnic tensions across some states of the country, including Taraba. We are delighted, about the exoneration of the Nigerian Army, which was cleared of any wrongdoing as an institution and we see this as the removal of obstacles that terrorist sponsors had tried to place in the way of the army to reduce its ability to protect Nigerians.” the statement added.

    The Coalition of Civil Society Groups against Terrorism in Nigeria, has described the report of the 10-man panel constituted to probe allegations of bias, aiding and abetting leveled against the Nigerian Army by a  former Chief of Army Staff, General TY Danjuma, and some partisan individuals in its Military Operations in Taraba state and some part of the North Central  geopolitical zone of the Country as a welcome development.

    The group in a statement issued in Lagos, and jointly signed by its Convener and Secretary, Comrade Odeyemi Oladimeji and John Atani respectively lauded the panel for doing a diligent assignment, which vindicated the group’s earlier position and cleared the army of involvement in any negative act whatsoever, as accused by General Danjuma and some politicians. It also  congratulated the Nigerian Army, saying Nigerians never doubted that the army had been professional in its approach, towards prosecuting the war against terrorism,  insurgency and other forms of criminalities, many of which are politically motivated, across the country.

    The group further asserted that  Nigerians will continue to support the army in its quest to protect law abiding citizens from any form of internal and external aggressors.

    The Coalition called on the federal government, to immediately bring to book, perpetrators of ethnic violence and state sponsored militias across the country, particularly in Benue and Taraba States.

    “We are undoubtedly convinced that the essence of the allegations by General TY Danjuma and subsequently by Mr Ishiaku Darius, Executive Governor of Taraba State is to distract the officers and men of the Nigerian Army, from achieving its objective of flushing out criminal elements, who are falsely creating ethnic tensions across some states of the country, including Taraba. We are delighted, about the exoneration of the Nigerian Army, which was cleared of any wrongdoing as an institution and we see this as the removal of obstacles that terrorist sponsors had tried to place in the way of the army to reduce its ability to protect Nigerians.” the statement added.

     

  • Army dismisses Danjuma’s claims on Taraba crisis

    The Chief of Army Staff, Lt. Gen Tukur Buratai has dismissed as untrue, allegation of collusion levelled against the military during its operations in Taraba state.

    He stated that from the findings of the report of the Panel instituted by the Army, the allegation from elderstateman, Gen. Theophilous Danjuma (rtd) did not reflect the true situation of things in Taraba state.

    Addressing journalists on the Executive Summary of the Report, Gen. Buratai said the army and the Commanding Officer of 93 Battallion, Taraba state, performed their duties diligently, professionally and without bias.

    Gen. Buratai who was represented at the briefing by the Chief of Civil Military Relations, Maj. Gen. Nuhu Amgbaso said: “it would be recalled, that the Nigerian Army has been conducting operations to tackle the security challenges in the North West, North Central and North Eastern regions of Nigeria.”

    Read Also: Army to make public report on Danjuma’s allegations

    “However, in the process of conducting the operations in Taraba State, concerns were raised by some government officials and very senior citizens of the State on the approach of the Nigerian Army.

    “In view of these allegations, the Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Tukur Yusufu Buratai set up a 10-man Panel comprising senior Army officers (both serving and retired) and members from the National Human Rights Commission, Nigerian Bar Association and other Civil Society Organizations, to investigate the veracity of the allegations made against the Nigerian Army.

    ” The Panel was inaugurated on 9 April 18 and it visited government officials, security agencies and other stakeholders covering the 3 senatorial zones of Taraba State, including His Excellency the Governor of Taraba State.

    ” The major findings of the Investigation Panel were as follows:

    a. There was no collusion on the part of the Nigerian Army and units operating in Taraba State with any bandit(s) as stated by Lieutenant General TY Danjuma (Retired).

    b. There were few instances where locals drag soldiers outside strict military duties to intervene in civil disputes.

    c. There was good collaborations, synergy and cooperation between the Nigeria Army and other security agencies operating in Taraba State.

    d. There is sustained media campaign to belittle the military operations in Taraba State.

    e. Most of the crises over the years in Taraba State were particularly in Takum, Wukari, Ussa, Donga and Sardauna Local Government Areas.

    f. There was absence of Nigerian Army deployments in some crises prone areas in the hinterland in Taraba State.

    g. The Nigeria-Cameroon common borders in Taraba State were porous.

    h. There was a massive proliferation of small arms and light weapons in Taraba State, some of which have been recovered from warring parties, criminal and unauthorised persons.

    1. Troops deployed in Taraba State for Operation MESA were not paid RCA by the state government since February 2018.j. There was inadequate communication equipment in the units which impedes Nigerian Army operations.k. Some of the localities in the hinterland in Taraba State were not accessed by road.l. The Commanding Officer 93 Battalion, Lieutenant Colonel IB Gambari commands his unit effectively and professionally and was only being vilified by some people/government of Taraba State for his refusal to act outside his professional duties or do the biddings of some government officials.

      m. Lieutenant General TY Danjuma (Retired) could not be accessed by the Panel.

      n. The Executive Governor of Taraba State made several attempts to ensure the removal of the Commanding Officer of 93 Battalion, Lieutenant Colonel IB Gambari from command for his refusal to be dragged into the state politics.

      o. Taraba State is highly heterogeneous and divided along ethno-religious lines.

      p. The Chairman of Takum LGA, Hon Shiban Tikari made several attempts to undermine the authority of the Commanding Officer 93 Bn through some officers of the unit.

      q. The troops have a good understanding of the Code of Conduct/Rule of Engagement.

      r. There were security breaches/clashes in Taraba State till date which has necessitated the deployment of troops in the state.

      s. The responses of Nigerian Army troops deployed to forestall these crises were commendable despite daunting challenges.

      t. The 20 Battalion operating at Sardauna Local Government Area lacks combat motorcycles.

      u. Some of the challenges facing the unit’s operating in Taraba State include terrain, inadequate intelligence, inadequate communication and manpower problem.

      u. There was verifiable evidence that 2 Nigerian Air Force helicopters with registration numbers NAF 574 and NAF 575 landed in Gembu on 15 March 2018 and 11 April 2018 respectively without the knowledge of the local authority.

      v. The Nigerian Air Force helicopters and personnel that landed in Gembu area were for the proposed establishment of Nigerian Air Force Base at Gembu.

      w. Dairies and other relevant documents pertaining to some major security breaches/clashes were maintained by units operating in the State; however the units did not document the after-action review”.

      Gen Buratai said the Panel recommended that Army Headquarters should:

      “Device a means to be independent in its operation across Nigeria so as to insulate soldiers from the overbearing influence of politicians in government especially with particular reference to sponsorship of Nigerian Army operations in states.

      “Address the challenges of manpower, communication and provision of adequate and timely intelligence to support Nigerian Army operations in Taraba State.

    “Emphasize the need for multi-stakeholder engagement at all levels to douse tension in Taraba State.
    Beef up the manpower of units in Taraba State.

    Project its civil military cooperation relationship by creating awareness prior to the provision of people oriented programme and sustain it through vigorous pursuit and provisions to Tarabans.

    “Inform the Defence Headquarters on the need for the Services to follow due process in establishment of any new military location/base in any state.

    “Commend the Commanding Officer of 93 Battalion Lieutenant Colonel IB Gambari for his professionalism.

    “Impress on its Commanders the need for after-action review in order to improve on future Nigerian Army operations.

    “Educate the political class on the implication of polarizing the military to achieve their selfish gains.

    “Impress on Taraba State government to prosecute criminal elements arrested and handed over during the course of Nigerian Army operations.

    On army headquarters comments on the report, Gen. Buratai said: “It is apparent that the clashes in Taraba State are a result of clan and communal crisis that predates this present Government. Most of the crises in Taraba State are politically motivated and some persons are deliberately escalating the situation in Taraba State for selfish gains. With respect to the statement by Lt Gen TY Danjuma (retired), it is clear that the allegations were not true; hence there is a need to urge for caution on the part of the elder statesman, in view of the security implications of such comments.

    “The Nigerian Army is also of the view that the situation in Taraba State has steadily deteriorated largely due to distrust, intolerance, lack of inclusion and accommodation of different ethnic groups in the state. This situation has made it very difficult for the Nigerian Army to carry out its responsibilities in the state without being tainted. Consequently, all sides in Taraba State need to be cautioned against making inflammatory statements that are detrimental to peace and security.

    “The Nigerian Army in keeping with its roles as enshrined in the Nigerian Constitution will continue to engage stake holders in Taraba State to find a lasting solution to crises in the State. There is also a need for the Nigerian Police Force and other prosecuting agencies to prosecute all the suspects arrested in Taraba State for involvement in various crises.

    “It is the opinion of the Army Headquarters that the Investigation Panel did a thorough job. The Army Headquarters therefore up holds the recommendations of the Panel. The general public is enjoined to note that, the Nigerian Army is a formidable institution and the pride of the nation. The Army will not rest on its oars when responding to the security challenges in the Country. In synergy with other security agencies, the Nigerian Army will continue to work towards ensuring that the security and territorial integrity of our Nation is guaranteed.

    “Finally, the Nigerian Army wishes to reiterate its loyalty and subordination to civil authority in carrying out its constitutional roles and responsibilities.”

  • Taraba 2019: Can Kente’s declaration alter APC’s fortunes?

    David Sabo Kente recently declared interest to contest for All Progressives Congress’ ticket in the 2019 governorship election in Taraba State. Senior Correspondent, Fanen Ihyongo, writes on the chances of the APC in the state, if Kente wins the APC’s primary election

    LONG before his declaration to contest for the governorship ticket of All Progressives Congress (APC) in Taraba State, David Sabo Kente, has become a household name in the state’s politics. A philanthropist, his admirers said he is popular with the masses.

    An accountant and economist, Kente, 53, once served as the National Assembly’s Deputy Director of Finance.

    Since his declaration, close observers said the political tempo in the state has heightened. Even Governor Darius Ishaku’s campaign team is said to be edgy.

    Before declaring his intention, following pressures by individuals and groups, Kente had gone round the state to consult with key stakeholders -political leaders, traditional rulers and women and youth groups. He rounded up the consultation tour in Jalingo -the Taraba State capital where he met with the APC officials at the party’s office along Barde Way. From there, he opened his office -, described as the biggest in the state, to kick-start the drumming of support for his electioneering campaign tagged “Save Taraba 2019.”

    Before Kente threw his hat into the ring, it had looked as though the incumbent governor (Ishaku) had no challenger. A few politicians who had nursed interest to run appeared not to be serious.

    Political pundits have said the APC has 95 percent chance of winning the Taraba State governorship election in 2019. But to do that, they said, APC must tread with caution and do the right things. It must be ready to shift power to the southern part of the state, and above all, give the ticket to the right candidate. Endorsing Kante, as the envisaged right choice, an analyst said: “The ‘right’ choice here is the well-liked person -someone who knows the socio-political terrain of the state; and who is generally acceptable. I will give it to Chief David Sabo Kente. He is the one to rely on if APC is willing to take over power from the PDP in Taraba,” the analyst said.

    It would be recalled that Taraba and Gombe are the only PDP states in the whole of northern Nigeria. Winning the two states in next year’s election will signify a zero opposition for the APC- led government in the whole of the north -if APC still wins the presidency. A source however told The Nation that the soul of

    Taraba State would be much easier to conquer than Gombe State.

    An APC member, Yahaya Umar, said the PDP has been ruling Taraba since Nigeria’s return to democratic rule in 1999 but will lose in 2019 if Kente clinches the ticket.

    Apart from Kente, there are other aspirants. One of them is the former Acting Governor, Garba Umar. But his critics dismissed Umar as one who is of the old school and as such may not attract the kind of support the APC deserves.

    Another very important aspirant is Senator Aisha Alhassan, the powerful Minister for Women Affairs, who played the dominant role in laying the foundational structures of APC in Taraba State. Commenting on her likely candidacy, Umar said, “She should be persuaded to allow her younger brother, Chief David Sabo Kente, to fly the APC flag. Alhassan should synchronise the northern part of the state while Senator Yusuf Yusuf, arguably the best and only APC senator from Taraba, should coordinate the central zone,” Umar said.

    Umar told The Nation that “Senator Alhassan uprightly won the polls in 2015, but the PDP rigging machine stopped her. This time, the APC, being the ruling party, will provide us a neutral playing field and security to police and safeguard our votes. As the president assured Nigerians, every single vote will count! No snatching of ballot boxes; stuffing of ballot papers and doctoring of election results at collation centres as was the case in 2015 when PDP held sway in power.”

    He added: “Alhassan is another credible candidate. But being a woman played against her in the 2015 gubernatorial contest. Being a Muslim (to be honest), given the numerical strength of Christians in Taraba, also played against her and the party. Coming from northern Taraba was another demerit. The north and central zones, through Jolly Nyame and the late Danbaba Suntai, respectively, had ruled for 18 years. Nyame alone did 10 years! He and Alhassan are from northern Taraba. Thus, like the presidency is zoned to the north, the fairest and best thing for the APC to do is to give the governorship ticket in Taraba to DSK in the southern zone. This will pave the way for the APC to expediently wrestle power from the Taraba PDP in 2019 polls. It will also demonstrate a sense of belonging, fairness and equity to all in the state.

    “This is a significant decision the APC must make. All the stakeholders of the party must be unanimous in this verdict. The warring fractional camps of Alhassan and the Integrity Group must be cohesive to parley on this. Every member must align. A political party succeeds when its interest, rather than individual’s, is prioritised. Kente does not belong to any of the camps. He and Senator Yusuf have intervened to reconcile the groups and their efforts are yielding results.”

    Kente’s supporters said he is the right person to contend with the leadership dynamics of the 21st century which have the trapping of a utility-driven approach of all-inclusive governance. “He is a pragmatist who will transform Taraba.

    “In this digital era, DSK is the right choice for us. He has the capacity and is much ready to provide the desired proactive headship that will effectively crackdown on armed bandits wreaking havoc in our state.

    “When the insecurity puzzle in the state is deciphered, all other developmental efforts in agriculture, health, economy, education, youth empowerment and other sectors will bear fruit.”

     

     

     

  • ‘New Taraba’ endorses Umar for 2019 governorship

    One of the strongest political groups in Taraba State, the New Taraba Agenda, on Friday endorsed Alh. Aliyu Umar, a retired director, national boundary service commission, to run for the 2019 governorship election.

    The endorsement took place at Fast Track Hotel, Jalingo -the Taraba State capital.

    In attendance were leaders of the group and supporters of Umar from the state’s 16 local government councils and 168 wards.

    The endorsement took the form of a parliamentary sitting. Former Speaker, Hamidu Suleiman, moved the motion for the endorsement of Umar to run for the governorship in APC as a representative of the New Taraba Agenda.

    Alh. Baba Muhammed, former House of Assembly Majority Leader, seconded the motion. Former Speaker, Ibrahim Useni, who presided over the proceedings, asked the delegates (congress) and they all agreed that Umar was the right candidate.

    Read Also: Nine killed in Taraba attack, say police

    The convener, Kabiru Jalo, a former federal House of Representatives, in a press conference, said the New Taraba Agenda had, for long, been observing the state of affairs of Taraba State and the situation was “horrible.”

    “Taraba State is in a horrible state. And we have looked and analyzed the situation; how we can get out of here.

    “Today we have come to a conclusion, and I can tell you on good authority that we have zeroed down on the right person, Alh. Aliyu Umar. Taraba State has been backward in development and Umar is the right person for the job.

    “We have therefore, assembled all our representatives across the state to endorse him for the governorship election come 2019.

    “He (Umar) is a local, national and international breed, who understands the socio-economic and political landscape of the State,” the convener said.

    The group said it will shun “politics of religion, regionalism and ethnicity,” but present a Taraban and Nigerian, and sell his “confidence” for the election.

    “It’s about Taraba, not a one person project. We are going to do it differently, not the way people politick,” Jalo said.

    The group allayed fears on the factional camps within the APC in Taraba. “We are going to collaborate and Umar will come out victorious with the APC ticket, without rancour. And together, the APC will win the governorship in Taraba State.”

  • Buhari approves new security measures to tackle Kaduna killings

    President Muhammadu Buhari has approved the establishment of a new Battalion of the Nigerian Army, as well as a new Police Area Command in Birnin Gwari Local Government Area of Kaduna State.

    The Senior Special Assistant on Media and Publicity to the president, Malam Garba Shehu, in a statement in Abuja on Monday said these were part of measures to scale up the security response to the banditry affecting the area.

    The presidential aide quoted the president as strongly condemning the latest massacre of innocent Nigerians in the area.

    The president said: “I am deeply outraged by this unwarranted, unprovoked and reckless destruction of lives by bandits who belong to the lowest level of civilisation.

    “I feel the pains and devastation of the families of the victims, and this administration will do everything possible to ensure we defeat these enemies of humanity.”

    According to the president, security remains a priority for his government, and his administration will not tolerate the persistent killing of innocent people in order to set Nigerians against one another.

    He observed that “these persistent killings are not spontaneous; there are subterranean forces with a sinister agenda to instigate war in the country for selfish purposes.

    “Although unconventional war is particularly complicated, our security forces are making rigorous efforts to better understand these enemies with a view to decisively checkmating their evil attacks’’.

    Buhari extended his condolences to the families of the victims, the government and the people of Kaduna State over this unfortunate tragedy.

    He assured that his administration would never abandon them to their fate.

    The statement observed that the new Army Battalion and the Police Area Command are the latest in a series of law enforcement measures to ensure more effective protection of lives and property, in and around Benue, Kaduna, Taraba, Zamfara and Nasarawa states.

    It recalled that the Nigerian Air Force last week took delivery of two new helicopter gunships for deployment to parts of the country affected by banditry.

    “A Quick Response Wing has also been established by the Nigerian Air Force in Taraba State, while a Joint Military Intervention Force is fully on ground in Benue,’’ the statement added.