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Tag: Terrorism

  • Terrorism will thrive with complacency – Buhari

    Terrorism will thrive with complacency – Buhari

    President Muhammadu Buhari on Sunday in Malta said that violent extremism and terrorism could only thrive and endure if good people remained idle and complacent.

    A statement issued in Abuja on Sunday by the Senior Special Assistant to the President on Media and Publicity, Malam Garba Shehu, said that President Buhari stated this at the Commonwealth summit in Malta.

    It said that the president was speaking on behalf of other participating African Heads of State and Government at the closing Executive Session of the 2015 Commonwealth Summit.

    President Buhari said that he was confident that terrorism would be ultimately defeated with greater international cooperation and collaboration.

    “We have had the opportunity to discuss, in a serene atmosphere, wide ranging issues that are of great significance, not only to the members of the Commonwealth, but to the entire global community.

    “Of particular note is the Action Statement on Climate Change, which is expected to herald our commitment to saving the planet for present and future generations.

    “Of equal significance are our deliberations on Radicalisation and Violent Extremism. We are witnesses to the growing phenomenon of terrorism that is affecting us all, whether big or small.

    “The reign of terror will only succeed if peace-loving people choose to remain idle. But I am confident that through our collective efforts, we will defeat this scourge and restore peace,’’ he said.

    He also reaffirmed the unwavering commitment of Nigeria and other African member-countries to the promotion and protection of the core values of the Commonwealth.

    “I came into power via democratic principles and values espoused by this same body.

    “Nigeria as a country will continue to protect and promote these democratic ideals,’’ he further assured heads of delegations at the session.

    The President thanked the outgoing Secretary-General, Kamalesh Sharma, for his exemplary service to the Commonwealth.

    “We in Nigeria will not forget his five memorable visits to our country during his tenure.

    “As this is his last CHOGM in his present capacity, I know I speak for my colleagues from Africa in expressing our immense gratitude and best wishes to him,’’ President Buhari said.

    Buhari also congratulated the Commonwealth’s Secretary-General-elect, Rt. Hon. Patricia Janet Scotland, and assured her of the full support of Nigeria and other African members of the Commonwealth.

  • Buhari seeks more Commonwealth support for Nigeria, others on terrorism

    Buhari seeks more Commonwealth support for Nigeria, others on terrorism

    President Muhammadu Buhari  has tabled before the Commonwealth a proposal for the establishment of a Committee to oversee the rendering of greater assistance and support to Nigeria and other member-countries at the receiving end of terrorism.

    He expects the committee to be in place before the next Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting, and visit member-countries where terrorist organisations have established a foothold with a view to evolving practical strategies for more meaningful assistance to the affected countries.

    President Buhari spoke   on Friday night at a banquet hosted by Queen Elizabeth II for Heads of State and Government participating in the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting in Malta.

    While acknowledging the assistance of Britain, France and the United States in the fight against Boko Haram so far, he pleaded for greater resolve by the organization to assist Nigeria  and other developing nations ranks to overcome the challenges of economic development, security, terrorism and corruption.

    He said: “With the improvement of global communications, terrorism has no borders now. What happened recently in France had a profound effect on all of us, but very few countries realize that Nigeria has suffered terrorist casualties of over 10,000 killed in the last six years.

    “Right now, we have over two million internally displaced persons, most of whom are women and children, and most of the children are orphans.”

    He enumerated efforts by Nigeria and other members of the Lake Chad Basin Commission to curb the menace of Boko Haram, saying the present situation was aggravated by the collapse of the Gadhafi regime in Libya.

    “We have agreed to a joint task-force for the elimination of Boko Haram, but it may not be easy, especially after the events in Libya when trained people with weapons moved back to Sahel region from where they were recruited by the former Libyan leader,” he said.

    “Those weapons and expertise in their use are now aggravating the situation in the Sahel and further south.”

    While calling for greater international support for Nigeria and other countries affected by terrorism, President Buhari expressed his administration’s appreciation of the assistance already being received from the Commonwealth, Britain, the Group of Seven Industrialized Nations, France and the United States.

    British Prime Minister David Cameron had earlier in the day announced plans to set up a Commonwealth unit targeting the extremist “scourge.”

    He said that the U.K. would put five million pounds toward the unit that will work with smaller countries struggling to combat terrorism.

    “The fight against extremism is something that affects us all,” he said.

     

  • Terrorism killed 10,000, displaced two million – Buhari

    Terrorism killed 10,000, displaced two million – Buhari

    President Muhammadu Buhari said on Friday night that at least 10,000 people have been killed and over two million Nigerians displaced internally by Boko Haram terrorists in the last six years.

    The President, who spoke at a banquet hosted by Queen Elizabeth II for Heads of State and Government participating in the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting in Malta, said majority of the internally displaced persons were women and children.

    A statement issued on Saturday by his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Mr. Femi Adesina, said Buhari called for the establishment of a Commonwealth Committee to oversee the rendering of greater assistance and support to Nigeria and other member-countries that had been adversely affected by terrorism.

    He expressed hope that the committee would have been established before the next meeting of the organisation.

    According to the statement, the President also expects the committee to visit Commonwealth member-countries where terrorist organisations have established a foothold with a view to evolving practical strategies for more meaningful assistance to the affected countries.

     

  • Minister tasks media on terrorism, national unity

    Minister tasks media on terrorism, national unity

    The Minister of Information and Culture, Alhaji Lai Mohammed, has urged the media to galvanize support among the populace for the war on terrorism, which he described as a major challenge facing the nation.

    The minister spoke yesterday when he met with representatives of media professional bodies in Abuja.

    He said: ”The war against terrorism is not a war for the military alone but for all Nigerians. The media must reflect this in their reporting and galvanize the people to know that it is not just a battle against a few insurgents but a war for the very survival of our nation.”

    He said it is important for the media to report the fact that the military has turned the tide against the insurgents, degrading their ability to carry out spectacular attacks and retaking captured territories, ”thus paving the way for displaced persons to gradually return to their homes, for schools that have been destroyed to be rebuilt and for pupils who could not go to school to do so.’.

    Alhaji Mohammed also stressed the need for the media ”not to remain on the fence” over the issue of national unity.

    ”Apart from the challenge of terrorism, there is also the issue of national unity. If anything, we have taken our unity for granted and have not made a conscious and concerted effort to constantly service and strengthen it.

    He said: ”Unfortunately, what started as a crack is now widening into a gorge. The media must not remain on the fence when the issue of our national unity is involved. They must carry out their duties in such a way that will unite, rather than divide our people.

    “Our unity is fragile, and the fragility comes into the open at a time of economic downturn as we have now. We cannot afford to be neutral on the issue of national unity.”

    The minister assured that the government would work with the media in the interest of the country.

    He said: ”For example, we are working on forging a partnership between the government and the media that will see military and intelligence chiefs interfacing with you to give you first hand information on the progress of the war against terrorism.

    ”We believe it is important to carry the media along, because if you are well informed about the war, you will be in a better position to inform Nigerians about it.

    “In this regard, you will hear more from us in the days to come.”

    Alhaji Mohammed assured that under his watch, the Ministry of Information and Culture will ensure that the media get timely and accurate information from the government, saying ”if you run into any roadblock while seeking information from any government establishment, kindly notify us.’.

    He hailed the media for effectively playing their watchdog role during the last elections that saw the opposition ousting the ruling party for the first time in the history of our country.

    ”Whereas a few media establishments fell short during the last elections, jettisoning professionalism on the altar of political expediency, the media largely availed themselves creditably by maintaining their professional integrity,” the minister said.

     

  • UN restates commitment to fighting insurgency in Nigeria

    UN restates commitment to fighting insurgency in Nigeria

    Mr. Mohammed Chambas, UN Special Representative of the Secretary-General for West Africa, on Monday restated the UN’s commitment to supporting Nigeria in overcoming its challenges of Boko Haram terrorism.

    Chambas told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Lagos that the UN stood in solidarity with the Nigerian government in its ongoing effort at fighting the activities of Boko Haram.

    “Today, as we can all see, terrorism is no longer a Nigerian problem alone. It has become an international problem that calls for a strong international response.

    “The UN stands in solidarity with Nigeria as it takes the fight to Boko Haram terrorism which must be defeated at all cost.

    “We will continue to be supportive in ensuring the effective coordination of situations in Nigeria and other countries currently being affected by Boko Haram terrorism,’’ he said.

    The UN official said that he and other UN agencies’ chiefs were in Nigeria for discussions with notable Nigerian leaders on the way forward to ending the menace of Boko Haram.

    Chambas also announced plan to increase the number of troops for the Multi-National Joint Task Force to be able to match stride with Boko Haram activities in Nigeria and other countries.

    The UN special representative also disclosed plans by the UN to work closely with the National Emergency Management (NEMA) and Non-Governmental Organisations in providing humanitarian support for internally displaced persons.

    Chambas said that the UN had recently visited the North-East part of Nigeria for an assessment of the humanitarian situation of the displaced persons.

    “So, many Nigerians have been displaced and so many others dead due to activities of these terrorists.

    “The UN is already supporting many Nigerians who are refugees in neighbouring countries particularly in Niger and Chad.

    “We expect to see a significant and effective response to thoroughly fighting Boko Haram in the coming months,’’ he said.

  • Sultan: Terrorism has no place in Islam

    Sultan: Terrorism has no place in Islam

    THE Sultan of Sokoto , Alhaji Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar III, said yesterday in Ado Ekiti that Muslim youths must begin to shun membership of terror groups as violence has no place in Islam.

    Besides, Muslims should make it a point of duty to fish out the bad elements in their midst.

    The spiritual head of the Nigerian Muslim community spoke at the turbaning of the Grand Imam of Ekiti State, Sheikh Jamiu Kewulere Bello, as the President General of the League of Imams and Alfas in Southwest, Edo and Delta states.

    Abubakar urged Sheikh Kewulere to galvanize other Islamic clerics to work together to preach against terror which is giving Islam a bad name.

    The Sultan said, “We know what Islam is presently facing most especially the issue of terrorism, we know this is not an Islamic agenda and the biggest challenge facing the (new) President General is to bring all Imams, Alfas and Ulamas to brainstorm on how we can stop our children from participating in anti-Islamic activities.

    “As teachers in Islamic studies, we want you to teach our children what Islam is and what Islam is not. Imagine a 10-year-old involved in suicide bombing and killing, this has no place in Islam and has no basis in our religion.

    “Fish out bad elements among Muslims and have them dealt with as criminals, we have to educate our children what Islam is and what Islam is not.

    “If we know any bad person among us, let us fish them out. It is a big task no doubt, we must be united as Ummah because what binds us together is Islam.

    “We must work together to bring our clerics together to tackle terrorism and extremism because this is unIslamic not only in Nigeria but in other parts of the world.”

    The Sultan was particularly delighted at the presence at the event of the Ewi of Ado Ekiti, Oba Rufus Adeyemo Adejugbe, who is a Christian.

    Speaking shortly after his installation, Sheikh Kewulere paid tributes to all his predecessors and expressed gratitude to his colleagues in the League in all the eight states under his domain.

    He promised to justify the confidence reposed in him and build on the foundation already laid to promote Islam and inter-religious harmony.

    The Asiwaju Musulumi of Yorubaland, Asiwaju Khamis Olatunde Badmus charged Kewulere, to see his new post as a trust from Allah and make the unity of Muslims a priority in the discharge of his duties.

    Speaking through Senator Hamsat Bayo Salami who represented him at the event, Badmus said as the spiritual head of the Muslim in the South West, the office of President General requires that its occupant must be a promoter of peace and unity not only among the Muslims but in the whole of Nigeria and also work with Sultan of Sokoto on the promotion of peace and unity in the country.

     

    Dignitaries at the event included  Ekiti State Governor Ayo Fayose represented by his wife, Feyisetan; Ondo State Governor Olusegun Mimiko represented by his deputy, Alhaji Lasisi Oluboyo; Secretary General of the Nigerian Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs, Prof. Ishaq Oloyede; Executive Secretary, Universal Basic Education Commission (UBEC), Prof. Rasheed Aderinoye; Catholic Bishop of Ekiti Diocese, the Most Revd. Felix Ajakaye; former Deputy Governor of old Ondo State, Alhaji Musa Ayeni; former Deputy Governor of Ekiti State, Dr. Sikiru Lawal,and  the Olukare of Ikare Akoko, Oba Akadiri Momoh.

     

  • ‘Money laundering, terrorism hurt economy’

    The Director-General,   West African  Institute for Financial and Economic Management (WAIFEM), Prof. Akpan Ekpo, has said money laundering and terrorism damage the political  and socio-economic life of Nigeria.

    He spoke at the 20th anniversary of DataPro, which held in Lagos. According to him, the processes, inter-connectedness and the mechanisms for laundering stolen money are so complex and complicated that  fighting against them requires committed political sagacity.

    “The perpetrators of  money laundering are sometimes those in political power or have access to  political power, thus making efforts at anti- money laundering to  be rudimentary,” he said.

    He added: “It is crucial to build capacity continuously to combat money laundering and its derivatives. It is in this aspect that DataPro and its team have excelled themselves. Men and women responsible for curtailing money laundering must be trained to identify an activity that  looks genuine on the surface, but on further analysis, may have the features of money laundering.”

    The guest speaker and Group Managing Director of Access Bank Plc, Herbert Wigwe, said: “To make any positive impact on the fight against money  laundering and  terrorist financing, there must be global commitment by all  government and  relevant institutions saddled with the responsibility for  pursuit of the  objectives.

    Founder of DataPro, Abimbola Adeseyoju, thanked the guests for their contributions during the discussions, adding: “Today, DataPro is entering another phase in its  development; the age  of maturity. We have resolved more than ever to invest in sustainable practices instead of looking for shortcuts and short term gains. We will remain committed to meeting and exceeding the expectations of   our stakeholders.”

  • G20 leaders vow to take action against terrorism

    The G20 leaders have condemned the heinous Paris attacks and vowed to fight terrorism.

    The leaders made the pledge in a joint draft statement on the fight against terrorism in Antalya on Monday, the last day of the two-day summit being held in Turkey.

    One of their key pledges will be a crackdown on networks that finance terrorism, said French Foreign Minister Laurent Fabius.

    “We condemn, in the strongest possible terms, the heinous terrorist attacks in Paris and in Ankara on October 10.

    “They are an unacceptable affront to all humanity,’’ they said.

    The leaders said that they remain united in combating terrorism and vowed to fight it to a standstill.

    The leaders warned that terrorism must not be associated with any religion, nationality, civilisation or ethnic group.

    They also promised to clamp down on the channels by which terrorist groups and activities were financed, by exchanging information on suspicious transfers and freezing terrorist assets, while threatening robust, targeted sanctions.

    The leaders also highlighted the threat of foreign terrorist fighters, people who travelled to Syria to join extremist militia, and may return home radicalised.

    They promised to tackle it through better border management to detect suspect travel and by sharing more information.

    “Other areas of focus include the use of technology such as the internet to incite and plan terrorist acts, and efforts to strengthen global aviation security,’’ they said.

    The IS extremist group has claimed responsibility for the near simultaneous attacks on three venues in Paris that killed 129 and injured some 350.

    The leaders also focused attention on the refugee crisis, describing it a global concern with major humanitarian, political, social and economic consequences.

    They noted that the Syrian conflict has led to a surge of refugees in the region, with Turkey alone taking in 2.2 million.

    “Many have travelled on to Europe, which is contending with its largest migration flows since World War II,’’ they added.

    They called on all states to share the burden of resettling refugees, providing humanitarian aid and offering asylum seekers services such as education and access to the job market.

    The G20 is predominantly an economic forum, set up in the wake of the global financial crisis.

    It comprised Argentina, Australia, Brazil, Britain, Canada, China, France, Germany, India, Indonesia and Italy.

    Others are Japan, Mexico, Russia, Saudi Arabia, South Africa, South Korea, Turkey, the U.S. and the EU.

    Many of the group’s leaders are to meet again in Paris in December, for climate talks aimed at reaching a new deal to restrict a global rise in temperatures.

  • How Christians can fight terrorism, by Akinola

    Christians must never contemplate fighting back but develop organised response to terrorism, the Presiding Bishop of Rhema Christian Church and Towers Ota, Ogun State, Bishop Taiwo Akinola, has advised.

    He spoke last Thursday with reporters ahead of the Rhema World Convention of the church with the theme wonderful Jesus.

    Thousands of participants from across the world are expected at the event, which holds from November 1-8 at the Ota international headquarters of the church.

    Akinola, who admitted terrorism and unprovoked attacks are part of the biggest challenges confronting the church, said Christians cannot afford to fight back.

    He said the killing of many Christians within and outside Nigeria was becoming unbearable but advised believers not to retaliate.

    He said: “We can’t fight back because it is just not in us. Fighting back is not our identity or forte.

    “We cannot match violence for violence because it is just not part of us. A Christian cannot behead people or set others ablaze to convince them to follow Christ.”

    Akinola however urged believers to mobilise themselves for “organised response to terrorism” by way of mounting pressure on government to protect citizens.

    He stated that Christians should also go into politics so that they can influence governmental policies and decisions.

    The cleric debunked insinuations that something was wrong with the nation.

    According to him: “There is nothing wrong with Nigeria other than lack of inspiring leadership.”

  • We must fight terrorism, says Indian minister

    We must fight terrorism, says Indian minister

    THE Indian Minister of External Affairs, Ms Sushma Swaraj, yesterday said all nations must unite to fight the increasing scourge of terrorism.

    She pleaded with the international community to urgently adopt the Comprehensive Convention Against International Terrorism.

    Swaraj made the appeal at the opening of the ministerial meeting of the Third India-Africa Forum Summit in New Delhi. The session comprised of foreign affairs ministers of 54 African countries and India.

    She said the scale of challenge of threats to global peace and security is huge and embarrassing.

    She said: “All our nations find themselves faced with the growing scourge of terrorism. The menace of non-state actors and cross border terrorism has acquired a new dimension. The scale of this challenge is huge and undermines the peace and stability in our countries, which is essential for our development efforts.

    “In view of the fast growing linkages of such terrorist groups across the globe, we must step up our cooperation through intelligence exchange, training and other measures to counter this menace.

    “We also hope that the international community will cooperate with urgency to adopt the Comprehensive Convention Against International Terrorism.”

    Swaraj, however, said there was need for reforms in global governance to guarantee peace in the world.

    She added: “Unless we put in place more democratic global governance structures, the more equitable and just international security and development frameworks that are essential for the collective peace and prosperity of this planet, will continue to elude us. There can no longer be pockets of prosperity in vast areas of under-development and insecurity.”

    The Indian External Affairs Minister explained why Africa and India can no longer be denied membership of the UN Security Council.

    She said: “We have just celebrated the 70th year of the establishment of the United Nations. Although Indians and Africans comprise nearly 2.5 billion people, our nations continue to be excluded from appropriate representation in the institutions of global governance.

    “India and Africa can no longer be excluded from their rightful place of the permanent membership of the UN Security Council.

    “How can we expect legitimacy from a governance structure that excludes the entire African continent and a country which represents one-sixth of humanity?

    “The 70th session of the UN General Assembly is an opportune moment to achieve concrete results on this long pending issue.

    “We welcome the progress achieved during the 69th session of the UN General Assembly under the leadership of His Excellency, Mr. Sam Kutesa, towards commencing text-based negotiations. We look forward to working together in an active negotiating process to take this forward.”

    On peacekeeping missions, Swaraj asked the UN to involve troop-contributing countries in decision-making process.

    Swaraj said the summit was convened to foster greater political and economic cooperation between India and Africa.

    On climate change, she said India is looking “forward to finalising an ambitious and comprehensive climate change agreement based on the principles of equity and common but differentiated responsibility”.

    “The challenge of global warming can only be addressed adequately through technological solutions and financial resources to manage the transition,” Swaraj said.