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Tag: violence

  • Shun violence, cultism, cleric begs students

    A cleric, Pastor Lawrence Olasehinde, has called on students to shun violence, drug abuse and cultism so as to become good citizens.

    He spoke in Abuja while delivering a lecture during the 2014 Pastor Lawrence Olasehinde Youth Development Foundation (PLOYDEF) annual essay competition.

    The competition featured contestants in junior and secondary school categories.

    Olasehinde expressed worries over the preponderance of drug abuse and cultism among students.

    He said: “Drug addiction among youths and teenagers is silently creeping into families and destroying the potential of many promising children in our society.

    “It is an issue that is of grave concern to the society as its consequences do not end only with the addicted children but its consequences affect our society now and in the future.”

    The cleric called on parents to get educated to be able to detect when their children and wards display signs of drug abuse while also monitoring the company their children keep.

    He explained the foundation was set up to help youths and teenagers imbibe Christian characters while developing positive spiritual and intellectual capacities.

  • How to avert electoral violence, by APC chieftain

    How to avert electoral violence, by APC chieftain

    Lagos State All Progressives Congress (APC) Publicity Secretary Comrade Joe Igbokwe yesterday spoke on the danger of political violence, urging the security agencies to be at alert as the nation prepares for elections.

    He commended the Lagos State Police Commissioner Kayode Aderanti for arresting the suspected killers of the APC chieftain, Alhaji Azeez Asake,  last week.

    The party stalwart was allegedly killed by suspected thugs of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Lagos, shortly after the PDP zonal rally held at the Tafawa Balewa Square, Onikan. The APC said the thugs are loyalitsts of a top PDP chieftain in Lagos State.

    Igbokwe told reporters in Lagos that the killing was a bad omen, urging the police to get to the root of the impunity.

    He said: “Impunity and political brigandage are enveloping the country and we need to fight it as the 2015 elections draw near. The police, armed forces, DSS, SSS , CDC, our courts and the NYSC are institutions needed for democracy to grow. The Commissioner of Police has asked those keeping illegal arms to surrender them to the police in their own interest. We are in total support of this directive.”

    Igbokwe alleged that the suspected killers were given protection buy a prominent PDP chieftain holding a sensitive position in the country. He said his antecedents have shown that he has capacity for mischief and violence.

    He added: “We are asking the government to call this PDP chieftain to order. We have it on records that he has been a violent politician who uses every means to achieve the desires of his heart, irrespective of the feeelings of others. He is violent, ruthless and potentially dangerous and he sees politics as a do or die affair. He is in the government to defend every Nigerian, irrespective of whether they are in the APC, PDP, tribe, religion or region.

    “To use his powers to advance the cause of the ruling party is a threat to the national unity and a threat to democracy. This chieftain and his boys must be called to order.”

  • Group urges youths to shun election violence

    A youth organisation under the aegis of ZEPUO, a non-governmental organisation (NGO), has advised youths across the country to shun electoral violence. They have also been urged to be change agents in the country’s electoral process.

    Speaking at Okpuala Ngwa in Isiala North Local Government Area, founder and President-General of the group, Mr. Uche Ike said though the group is a non-political organisation, it aims at teaching the members to avoid being used to scuttle electoral process during and after the general elections.

    Ike said the group seeks to expand the political frontiers of the youth with the aim of making them key into the programmes of the ruling party. He added that while doing that, they should not allow themselves to be used as political thugs during elections.

    He said the youth are also advised to key into the Federal Government’s youth programmes such as U-Win, saying that the administration of President Jonathan has given youths of the country the necessary tools to express themselves. He opined that the only way youths could benefit from the programmes is to access the funds.

    He further said the organisation preaches against snatching of ballot box and political violence during elections. He regretted that politicians do not allow their children to come out during elections, let alone getting involved in any political

    He explained that youths in the area are being empowered both economically and politically by encouraging them to participate actively in politics and vie for elective positions.

    “But when they are not able to win any election, they should be willing to serve

    in any capacity they may find themselves in any arm of government after the elections,” he said.

    Noting that President Goodluck Jonathan has worked hard to empower youths of the country, the group revealed that it supports President Jonathan’s ambition for a second term, even as it urges Abia State Governor, Chief Theodore Orji to represent the people of Abia Central Senatorial zone at the Senate.

    “President Jonathan has demonstrated a strong commitment to empower the youth through the U-Win programme and liberalising the power sector through genuine reforms, among other things that will help in empowering the youth,” he said.

    Ike further said: “The Alaoji Power Plant in Aba will help to engage the youth and when they are gainfully employed, there will be no youth restiveness thus the economy of the state will improve when they start paying their taxes.”

    The group is also supporting the zoning of the governorship seat by the Abia State caucus of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to Abia South, saying it demonstrates equity, fair play and justice as it will make every components of the state to have a shot at governorship position of the state.

    Encouraging Governor Orji to represent his people at the Senate, he said he has empowered the youth through the introduction of various schemes such as provision of cars for taxis, training them in vocational skills and granting them soft loans to start businesses of their own after receiving training. He added that no other governor has been able to achieve these since the creation of the state.

    Ike noted that the governor has made the youth have a sense of belonging, even as he urged them to make good use of the empowerment tools to better their lives. “Because of his good works, we urge the governor to take his good works to the next level by representing the people of Abia Central at the Senate,” he said.

    Mr. Ike expressed the view that the principle of power shift in Abia has been in existence since the creation of the state, adding that the founding fathers made it clear that power must rotate among the different components that make up the

    state for them to have a sense of belonging.

    Continuing, he said: “The power shift with regard to governorship position is accurate as the former governor of the state, Chief Orji Uzor Kalu who governed the state for eight years hails from Abia North while Governor Orji is from Abia Central. So, it will only be right just for Abia South to produce the next governor .”

     

     

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    The organisation preaches against snatching of ballot box and political violence during elections. He regretted that politicians do not allow their children to come out during elections, let alone getting involved in any political violence…Youths in the area are being empowered both economically and politically by encouraging them to participate actively in politics and vie for elective positions

     

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  • ‘Domestic, sexual violence perpetrators must not escape justice’

    ‘Domestic, sexual violence perpetrators must not escape justice’

    Lagos State Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice Mr. Ade Ipaye has urged the Domestic and Sexual Violence Response Team (DSVRT)  to ensure that offenders are brought to book.

    He observed that  domestic and sexual violence was on the increase because of impunity and the victims failure to give information that would ensure offenders’ prosecution.

    Speaking while inaugurating the team, which he chairs, Ipaye lamented victims’ lack of awareness of their right under the law.

    Members of the committee are from the Police; Office of the Public Defender (OPD); Directorate of the Citizen’s Rights; Directorate of Public Prosecutions; Office of Youth and Social Development; Ministry of Women Affairs;  Poverty Alleviation; the Civil Society and the media.

    The prosecutors,  Ipaye said, have the responsibility to ensure that victims get justice at all times, saying no offender should be made to think that he or she is above the law.

    He urged the committee to coordinate and develop a community response to prevent domestic violence, protect and support victims and bring perpetrators to justice.

    “DSVRT is a specialist team and the purpose of the establishment of the team is to increase victims’ safety and offenders’ responsibility by providing a cross jurisdictional response that is uniform in approach in domestic violence cases across Lagos State,” he said.

    The establishment of DSVCT, he said, will be instrumental in the reduction of domestic and sexual related crimes and ultimately provide some succour to victims of the heinous crimes in the state.

    Ipaye stressed the need for awareness on the part of victims and advised the team to be devoted to education and creation of awareness among all interest groups in order to reduce and prevent incidences of sexual and domestic violence in the state.

    The team, according to Ipaye,  would be  devoted to education and creation of awareness among all interest groups in order to prevent or reduce the incidence of sexual and domestic violence in the state.                                                                                                                                                        According to him, some of the responsibilities of the team include risk assessment and safety planning for victims and children;  conduct research on issues of sexual and domestic violence to improve the knowledge and appreciation of stakeholders and refer victims of sexual and domestic violence to relevant stakeholders for follow up action, proper investigation and prosecution of alleged offenders and treatment of victims.

    Ipaye said an e-mail address and website have been created and a dedicated telephone lines (Toll-Free lines) would be available to members of the public, particularly, victims who may wish to call in and register a complaint.

    The Attorney-General commended Police efforts and other community service organisations, who he noted, are ‘working passionately with a view to tackling this menace’. He pointed out  that it is important to harmonise the efforts and provide a coordinated response to the issue while working towards a common goal.

    The OPD Director, Mrs. Rotimi Omotola demanded that domestic and sexual violence should be one of the cases that should fall under the fast track system in the courts. According to her, it will quicken dispensation of justice and reduce stress on the victim.

    She advised that government should take issues of preservation of evidence very seriously, noting that lack of evidence and inability to protect it have been the reasons why cases are thrown out of court.

    The Director, Directorate of the Citizen’s Rights, Mrs. C.O. Ibirogba suggested the publication of a handbook which will list all legal steps to be taken by victims and other stakeholders to get justice.

    Other members of the team include Senior Special Adviser to Governor Babatunde Fashola on Legal Matters, Mr Gbolahan Adeniran; Ironsi Bose;  Itoro Eze-Anaba;  Keziah Awosika; Oke Mobolaji Olamide;  Modupe Aladelusi;  Adegboyega Bajulaiye; Babajide Martins;  Mosunmola Balogun; Alaba Fadairo;  Titilope Akosa;  Okoro Uche;  Vweta Chadwick; Oghogho Olabisi and  Chinwe Onyeukwu.

     

  • Stopping violence against women

    When the famous musical legend, Bob Marley, sang his famous line “no woman, no cry” in 1974, most of people had no idea of what the world had in stock for women in 21st century. Seeing the plight of women in today world, Bob Marley would have been seen as prophet; the type that is quite different from the ones that parade our country nowadays, who only make false predictions.

    Two important inferences can be made from Bob Marley’s refrain. The first is that, he was a brilliant singer and, in fact, the greatest reggae artiste ever known. The second is that, challenges women around the world face have increased compare to the past. Such are the violence and discrimination against womenfolk. It has never been this bad.

    Despite many conferences held by women to address the issues, there has not been assurance that the challenges would be solved. A full week has been specifically set aside to honour women around the world; countless laws have been passed to uphold their rights, yet they still bear the brunt of war, violence and discrimination.

    In the midst of these, some nations have made progressed to improve the lot of women. Some of these countries have won the battle against feminine illiteracy, violence and discrimination against women. They have directed their energies to fighting other form of violence against womenfolk. These countries have implemented some law to promote the rights women.

    Sadly, Nigeria does not look like one of those women-friendly nations. The manner with which women are treated in this country makes me convinced that our nation is against anything feminine, which is why many see women subordinates and second-class citizens. This discrimination persists despite the fact that we have had women in topmost positions in the country and quite a substantial number of female senators.

    We need to understand the fact that a nation cannot be judged by how well it treats the rich and mighty, but by how much security and good governance the poor and helpless enjoy.

    Last year, in Ejigbo, a suburb of Lagos, two women, a mother and her daughter, were dehumanised by a mob over allegation of theft, an incident pricked the conscience of people when the video went viral on the internet. Even if the women were guilty of the allegation, the inhumane treatment meted out to them did not in any way make the mob righteous. The victims were stripped naked and subjected to most dehumanising treatment, as onlookers watched helplessly.

    If they are still alive, the harsh treatment might haunt them forever. After that event, I thought I had seen the worst in terms of violence against women but I was in for a shocker.

    A drunken policeman beat a young lady, Funmilayo Adebayo, to a pulp for no just cause. More painful was the fact that another policeman was present when this dastardly act was being perpetrated. Some bystanders were even brave to film the incident and post it on Youtube. But none of them had the courage to come to her rescue. Funmi’s brother, who was said to have attempted to confront the policeman, was prevented by onlookers. That, of course, is the extent to which Nigeria “respects” its women.

    I was moved to tears while watching the interview of Funmi’s mother. The old woman said she had reported the matter at several police stations but the police made efforts to sweep it under the carpet. Funmi’s mother forgot to add one more thing: she is a woman whose right was being trampled upon. The police later dismissed the case, because powerless and helpless women were the victims.

    Last April, more 217 schoolgirls were kidnapped in a secondary school in Chibok, Borno State by Boko Haram fighters. Up till today, they are still missing. Whether we like it or not, the truth is that we all have let these girls down. It is heartbreaking that for almost five months, there has really been no serious search to look for them, except probably efforts made by their parents. It is heart-rending that we are only left to imagine what they are going through at this moment that we have betrayed them. Women and children are a nation’s most valuable asset, and as such are meant to be its most protected citizens, yet we are about to let these young women slip right through our fingers.

    Now, one thing is certain. We need to find our girls. Another is that we need to find our voice. More women need to stand up and speak up on the outright violation of our rights and the lack of regard for women in our society. We need to put more pressure on the nation to find our future mothers and, not just find them, but rescue them safe and sound. And we can do it. One only needs to go down memory lane to know the kind of power women wield when pushed to the wall. Nigerian women have gone through a lot and this kidnap might be the straw that would end up breaking the camel’s back. Threat to one woman is a threat to the world.

     

    Sarat, 300-Level Applied Chemistry, UDUS

  • U.S.: Nigeria ineffective in quelling violence

    U.S.: Nigeria ineffective in quelling violence

    The latest United States’ Department of State Report on Religious Freedom has more of knocks for the Federal Government than kudos

    The constitution and other laws and policies protect religious freedom. The Federal Government did not prevent detentions and restrictions affecting religious groups reportedly carried out by some state and local governments. The Federal Government was also ineffective in preventing or quelling religious-based violence, only occasionally investigated, prosecuted, or punished those responsible for abusing religious freedom, and sometimes responded to violence with heavy-handed tactics.

    There were reports of societal abuses or discrimination based on religious affiliation, belief, or practice. Some Muslim and Christian religious leaders stated the terrorist organization known as Boko Haram sought to incite hostilities between Muslims and Christians in the northern and central states, where local laws, discriminatory employment practices, and fierce competition for land exacerbated ethnic and religious tensions. In areas where it was active, Boko Haram attempted to force non-Muslims to convert and targeted Muslims who did not follow its version of Islam or support its activities. Both Muslims and Christians experienced societal pressure if they changed their religious affiliation.

    The U.S. embassy and consulate discussed and advocated for religious freedom and tolerance with government, religious, civil society, and traditional leaders. U.S. government officials discussed Boko Haram in high-level bilateral meetings. Visiting U.S. delegations, including the Under Secretary of State for Political Affairs and Assistant Secretary of State for African Affairs, raised religious freedom with state and federal government officials. The embassy met with persons displaced by violence, and the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) expanded a project aimed at promoting tolerance in six northern states.

     

    Religious demography

    The U.S. government estimates the total population at 174.5 million (July 2013 estimate). Most observers estimate 50 percent is Muslim, 40 percent is Christian, and 10 percent adheres to indigenous religious beliefs. The predominant Islamic group is Sunni, divided between Sufi groups including Tijaniyah and Qadiriyyah. Growing Shia and Izala (Salafist) minorities exist. Christian groups include Roman Catholics, Anglicans, Baptists, Methodists, Presbyterians, evangelicals and Pentecostals, and The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (Mormons). Groups that together comprise less than 5 percent of the population include Jews, Jehovah’s Witnesses, Bahais, and individuals who do not follow any religion.

    The Hausa-Fulani and Kanuri ethnic groups dominate the predominantly Muslim northern states. Significant numbers of Christians also reside in the north, and Christians and Muslims reside in about equal numbers in central Nigeria, the Federal Capital Territory, and the southwestern states, where the Yoruba ethnic group predominates. While most Yorubas are either Christian or Muslim, some adhere to traditional Yoruba religious beliefs. In the southeastern states, where the Igbo ethnic group is dominant, Catholics, Anglicans, and Methodists constitute the majority, although many Igbos combine traditional practices with Christianity. In the Niger Delta region, where the Ogoni and Ijaw ethnic groups predominate, Christians form the majority, while an estimated 1 percent of the population is Muslim. Pentecostal groups are growing rapidly in the central and southern regions. Ahmadi Muslims maintain a small presence in the cities of Lagos and Abuja.

     

    Government Inaction

    The Federal Government did not act swiftly or effectively to prevent or quell communal or religious-based violence and only occasionally investigated and prosecuted perpetrators of that violence. The government also failed to protect victims of violent attacks targeted because of their religious beliefs or for other reasons. The government did not adequately equip and train security forces to contain violent extremist groups in the north who attacked religious freedom.

    Legal proceedings against five police officers charged in 2011 with the extrajudicial killing of Boko Haram leader Mohammed Yusuf did not resume during the year. The court was not in session on continuation dates set in February, March, May, and June after the presiding judge transferred to a different jurisdiction in 2012. There were no indictments or prosecutions following three fatal attacks on high-profile Muslim leaders in late 2012.

    Christian groups continued to assert local and state authorities did not deliver adequate protection or post-attack relief to rural communities in the northeast, where Boko Haram killed villagers and burned churches throughout the year.

    Some Christian groups reported discrimination and a systematic lack of protection by state governments, especially in central Nigeria, where communal violence rooted in decades-long competition for land pitted majority-Christian farmers against majority-Muslim cattle herders. Federal, state, and local authorities did not effectively address underlying political, ethnic, and religious grievances leading to this violence.

    Recommendations from numerous government-sponsored panels for resolving ongoing ethno-religious disputes in the Middle Belt included establishing truth and reconciliation committees, redistricting cities, engaging in community sensitization, and ending the dichotomy between indigenes and settlers. Nationwide practice distinguished between indigenes, whose ethnic group was native to a location, and settlers, who had ethnic roots in another part of the country. Indigenes and settlers often belonged to different religious groups. Local authorities granted indigenes certain privileges, including preferential access to political positions, government employment, and lower school fees, based on a certificate attesting to indigene status. The federal government did not implement any recommendations despite ongoing calls by political and religious leaders to do so.

     

    Abuses by terrorist organisations

    The Jama’atu Ahlis Sunna Lidda’awati Wal-Jihad, or People Committed to the Propagation of the Prophet’s Teachings and Jihad (commonly referred to as Boko Haram, Hausa for “Western education is forbidden”), continued to commit violent acts in its quest to overthrow the government and impose its own religious and political beliefs throughout the country, especially in the north. On November 13, the U.S. government designated Boko Haram as a foreign terrorist organization.

    Boko Haram killed more than 1,000 persons during the year. The group targeted a wide array of civilians and sites, including Christian and Muslim religious leaders, churches, and mosques, using assault rifles, bombs, improvised explosive devices, suicide car bombs, and suicide vests. An attack on the Emir of Kano in January was widely believed to be an attempt by Boko Haram to silence the anti-extremist Muslim leader, although the group did not officially claim responsibility. On September 28, Boko Haram killed at least 50 mostly Muslim students at a technical college in rural Yobe State. After this and other incidents, security forces faced public criticism for arriving at the scene hours after the assailants had fled.

    Boko Haram claimed responsibility for many of the scores of fatal attacks on churches and mosques, which often killed worshipers during religious services or immediately afterward. There were reports Boko Haram had burned down dozens of churches, often at night or during clashes with security forces. Christian groups stated the media underreported the razing of churches. Several Christian leaders reported church attendance rates in the north remained low after decreasing by 30 to 70 percent during 2012, attributing the decline to fear of Boko Haram.

    There were multiple confirmed reports Boko Haram had targeted individuals and communities because of their religious beliefs, including Christians in remote areas of Borno and Yobe states. Survivors and relatives of victims said armed men had attempted to force them to renounce Christianity, killing those who did not convert on the spot. One Christian group reported suspected Boko Haram fighters had attacked a majority Christian town near Gwoza, Borno State on 11 separate occasions, attempting to force residents to convert or flee. There were also reports Boko Haram had targeted persons engaging in activities they perceived as un-Islamic. On January 18, gunmen reportedly killed 18 hunters selling non-halal meat at a market in Damboa, near the Borno State capital of Maiduguri. Also in January gunmen reportedly killed five men gambling by the side of the road in Kano State.

    Civil society groups, media outlets, and politicians stated Boko Haram killed more Muslims than Christians because its primary bases of operation were in the predominately Muslim north and it frequently targeted schools, security forces, and government installations. In one such August incident, Boko Haram killed more than 20 soldiers and policemen in an attack on the Borno village of Mallam Fatori. Boko Haram also targeted Muslim civilians who aided the security forces; this was widely accepted as the motive of an attack on a mosque in Konduga, Borno State, which killed 44 worshippers on August 11.

    Government attempts to stop Boko Haram were largely ineffective. Actions taken by security forces under the state of emergency, declared in May in the three northeastern states of Borno, Yobe, and Adamawa, often increased the death toll, as bystanders were caught in crossfire during urban gunfights, security forces committed extrajudicial killings of suspected terrorists, and detainees died in custody. Religious leaders, civil society, and international human rights organizations condemned the government’s heavy-handed military response. Some of the more than 10,000 refugees who fled to neighboring countries reported fear of both Boko Haram and the military had prevented their return. Although most residents reported improved security for part of the year in Maiduguri, where large clashes between Boko Haram and security personnel had occurred frequently, Boko Haram continued to operate freely in rural areas in the northeast and a large Boko Haram force mounted an attack on Maiduguri in December.

     

    Societal Respect for Religious Freedom

    There were reports of societal abuses or discrimination based on religious affiliation, belief, or practice. Because ethnicity, religion, and socio-economic status were often inextricably linked, it was difficult to categorise social abuses or discrimination cases as either ethnic or religious intolerance.

    Some Muslims or Christians who converted to another religion reportedly faced threats and ostracism by adherents of their former religion. In some northern states, those wishing to convert to Islam were strongly encouraged to apply to the sharia council for a letter of conversion to be sent to their families, which served to dissolve marriages to Christians and to request Hisbah protection from reprisals by relatives. Similar procedures did not exist for those converting to Christianity. In July a woman living in northern Niger State who had converted to Islam requested local authorities protect her from her father, a Christian pastor who rejected her conversion and insisted she had been coerced, despite her public statements otherwise.

    There was no progress in the investigation of the murder by unknown gunmen of family members of a woman who converted from Islam to Christianity in 2012.

    In April a Christian leader in a northern state temporarily left the country after receiving threatening messages in response to his public support of religious tolerance and interfaith efforts. He suspected Christians in his area had made the threats and said other Christians and Muslims dedicated to strengthening interfaith ties often received hostile complaints from some members of their own religious communities.

    Muslims and Christians continued to fear reprisal attacks based on their religious affiliation. Shortly after a suspected Boko Haram suicide bomber killed 22 people at a bus station in a Christian community in Kano city on March 18, there were unconfirmed reports of threats against the Hausa residents living in Abia State. Several Christian religious leaders publically called for calm, and no known violence occurred.

    There were reports some Christians, along with many other residents, moved away from the conflict-ridden northeastern states of Borno and Yobe throughout the year. Several interviewees among approximately 100 internally displaced people who had moved to Jos in Plateau State said they left their homes out of fear of Boko Haram and such incidents as house-to-house killings, attacks on churches, and sustained violence between extremists and government security forces.

    While the law prohibits religious discrimination in employment and other activities, religious groups continued to say some sectors discriminated in the work place because of religion. Muslim women in the south reportedly continued to face job discrimination in the private sector, especially in customer service jobs. Advocacy by Muslim groups resulted in three major banks in the south accepting the hijab (a veil covering the hair) in their corporate dress code for the first time.

    The Nigerian Inter-Religious Council (NIREC), an independent organization comprised of 25 Christian and 25 Muslim leaders, advised the government on ways to mitigate violence between religious communities. The federal government publicly supported NIREC efforts, but the council met only once during the year. Several Christian and Muslim religious leaders expressed growing frustration with and distrust of NIREC leadership. Although many religious leaders publicly supported tolerance and interfaith methods of conflict resolution, some said growing distrust between Christian and Muslim leaders (and discord among denominations within the same faith tradition) threatened interfaith efforts.

    Communities sometimes stigmatized those who did not accept the existence of God. For example, two Christians and one Muslim reported privately they no longer believed in God but continued to attend religious services out of fear their families would ostracize them and they would face extra scrutiny from their neighbors.

     

    U.S. Government Policy     

    U.S. embassy staff promoted religious freedom and tolerance in discussions with government, religious, civil society, and traditional leaders. The Ambassador arranged and attended meetings with government officials for visiting delegations, including the State Department’s Under Secretary for Political Affairs and Assistant Secretary for African Affairs. These officials encouraged officials at agencies such as the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Office of the National Security Advisor to address sectarian violence and called for timely legal action against perpetrators of violence. Over 10 other visiting U.S. government officials met with civil society groups and religious leaders, including the Christian Association of Nigeria and the National Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs, to listen to and show public support for their concerns. In a meeting with President Jonathan, President Obama expressed U.S. support for Nigeria’s efforts to defeat Boko Haram and emphasized the importance of a comprehensive approach that respects human rights to the success of those efforts, as did Secretary of State Kerry with Nigeria’s foreign minister. Government officials responded with support for religious freedom and requests the United States assist Nigeria in combating Boko Haram.

    In August the U.S. Consulate General in Lagos hosted an interfaith iftar to promote religious pluralism. Guest speakers focused on the fundamentally tolerant and peaceful nature of Islam and denounced religious violence. The principal officer at the U.S. Consulate General in Lagos discussed religious tolerance and interfaith relationship building on multiple occasions throughout the year with leaders of the growing Pentecostal Christian movement, other Christian leaders, and influential Muslim clerics. An embassy official noted a common commitment to religious tolerance and strong bonds between Nigerians of different faiths at an event in August, when 25 embassy volunteers served meals to needy youth and Muslims at an iftar.

    USAID continued working with the Interfaith Mediation Center in Kaduna State on a program to help interfaith organizations deepen and strengthen community engagement capacities and support interfaith dialogue in six northern and central states.

    U.S. embassy representatives supported interfaith dialogue by meeting with persons displaced by Boko Haram violence, speaking at a conference on communal violence hosted by the Plateau State government, and discussing religious tension mitigation efforts with religious, traditional, and academic leaders at several conferences and research presentations in Abuja.

    The embassy and consulate general regularly distributed information on religious freedom to journalists, academics, entrepreneurs, civic organizations, teachers, students, government officials, the armed forces, clergy, and traditional rulers.

  • Delta 2015 and spectre of political violence

    Delta 2015 and spectre of political violence

    As the Delta governorship aspirants intensify strategies in the 2015 elections, OKUNGBOWA AIWERIE writes that the recent violent exchanges between political interests within the ruling PDP may be a foreboding of events.

    As the 2015 Delta governorship election draws near, recent untoward events in the political arena have raised the spectre of violence as the fight to wrest political power within the ruling party, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) intensifies.

    The unfolding drama, undoubtedly, prompted Governor Emmanuel Uduaghan to warn against any breach of the peace in the run-up to the 2015 Delta governorship election.

    He appealed to aspiring politicians not to over-heat the system, adding that the state has remained peaceful and that he will ensure that it remained so.

    He warned that it is his responsibility to “guide the 2015 electoral process in the state to a logical conclusion and in a peaceful manner.”

    His words: “The race has started and I continue to appeal to the gladiators and those interested, we are not against any ambition .What we are against is over -heating the system as a result of personal ambition. This state has remained peaceful and we intend to ensure that it remains peaceful. My responsibility is to guide the 2015 process to a logical conclusion in a very peaceful manner.”

    Delta State has a history of political violence.  For instance, the 2011 Delta State legislative elections  into Patani Constituency, involving ex-Commissioner of Lands, Survey and Urban Development, Mr. Raymos Guanah, of the Fresh Democratic Party and current Deputy Speaker, Basil Ganagana, of the PDP were marred by violence.

    The violence consumed Sixtus Ganagana, 31, a brother and aide to Basil Ganagana. Sixtus Ganagana was assassinated at Ughelli metropolis in the presence of his wife and children.

    Earlier in January 2011, a former Transition Committee Chairman of Patani Local Council, Mr. Paul Atie, was shot dead by some unidentified assailants.

    Atie, who was the Director of Campaign for Raymos Guanah was gunned down a few metres away from a petrol retail outlet in Ughelli town by suspected assassins.

    Speculation is rife that the two murders may have been politically motivated.

    Mr. Basil Ganagana and Raymos Guanah, his opponent in the House of Assembly election had accused each other of assassination plots. Mr. Raymos Guanah was briefly arrested by the police.

    Also on September 7, 2013, Delta State Commissioner for Education, (Basic and Secondary Education), Prof Patrick Muoboghare, was brutally attacked by irate youths from Uwheru community, Ughelli North during the inauguration of Uwheru Ward PDP executive members at the PDP secretariat.

    He was accused by the youths of manipulating the executive list of the ward congress held in 2012.

    Muoboghare was stabbed in his right arm and upper abdomen and left for dead in a pool of blood.

    With local polls set for October 25th, Deltans are apprehensive of election violence, judging from the succession of violent confrontation within the ruling PDP in the state.

    Analysts believe the local polls will provide ample opportunities for the two parties, the All Progressive Congress (APC) and the ruling Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to test their strategies ahead of 2015 governorship race, as any political party that gains the upper hand stands a good chance at the gubernatorial polls.

    Another incident last year foreboding violence, involved ex-Speaker Victor Ochei, who while on a familiarisation visit in his constituency reportedly escaped unhurt after a botched assassination attempt at Obomkpa community in Aniocha North Local Government Area.

    The Nation gathered that an Improvised Explosive Devices (I.E.D.) exploded, critically injuring a female aide to one of the Speaker’s associates who is an indigene of the town (Obomkpa).

    It was gathered that the canon exploded behind the seat reserved for Victor Ochei, while he was busy exchanging pleasantries with well wishers at the village square.

    Senator Arthur Okowa’s campaign train also appears mired in controversy over shooting allegations in Agbor, Ika South Local Government Area after his billboard was pulled down.

    However, the victim, Sunny Okonye, after initially claiming that he was shot by persons associated with the Okowa Campaign Organisation repudiated his earlier claim.

    Dogging the earlier allegation is the murder of Mr. Arthur Agbe in 2003 over a property in Agbor, Ika South Local Government Area.

    But Senator Okowa’s counsel, Peter Mrakpor, at a press briefing in Asaba recently, raised the alarm that the respected legislator’s life was in danger, adding that the allegations against Okowa were politically motivated by persons scared of his popularity.

    His words: “Senator Okowa’s life is in danger because from the series of events that have been happening and the orchestrated newspaper attacks on him, there is a conspiracy to frame him for murder.”

    Continuing, he said, “Senator Okowa’s life is in danger because there is conspiracy from the series of events that have been happening and the orchestrated newspaper attacks on him. This is not the first time, for

    John Agbe, his son was killed 11 years ago over a piece of land in Agbor. The question we want to ask is whose building is on that lands.

    It does not belong to Senator Okowa. Why do you now accuse him of fighting over a piece of land that does not belong to him? Ten years ago you accused him, the matter was investigated, and the Director of Public Prosecution came out with a report that it was a false allegation. He (Okowa) ran for the senatorial election, and there was no allegation. Then all of a sudden someone comes with an allegation of murder of his son ten years ago. This is orchestrated. The claimant is a driver in Ika South Local Government Council. So, we are saying let us inform the whole world that there is a conspiracy to not only defame him (Okowa) but to frame him. We are appealing to the press to take our message to Nigerians and let the police also swing into action that if nothing is done, an innocent man will be framed.”

    Mr Akpor said his client has instituted legal action against one John Agbe , a driver working in Ika South Local Council  in the sum of N20 billion for allegedly making libelous claims in a national newspaper linking his son’s death to his client.

    In a writ of summons made available to The Nation,  Peter Mrakpor said, Okowa is claiming “damages for libel in the issue of the Leadership Sunday Newspaper on 29th June 2014 in the sum of N20 billion”.

    Okowa is also praying for a retraction of the publication and public apology. Senator Okowa is further asking for an order of perpetual injunction restraining the defendant whether by himself and/or through his agent, proxies and privies  from further writing, printing or circulating or causing to be written, printed or circulated or otherwise publishing of the claimant…”.

    Akpor declaimed allegation that his client keeps a killer squad to further his political ambition, “as it is our client’s firm belief, that power is at the discretion of the Almighty God and He gives it to whomever He wishes”. He said his client “does not know the Agbe family, the location of the land at Ikpeazue Avenue/Upper Okobi Street in Boji-Boji, Owa, Delta State.”

    But a more troubling event occurred July 11th when the wife of former PDP National Chairman, Ahmadu Alli, and Delta State PDP Chairman, Peter Nwaboshi, threw caution to the winds and engaged each other in physical combat.

    The incident which occurred at the PDP Secretariat in Asaba at the formal hand -over ceremony of vehicles to PDP chairmen in the 25 local government areas in the state is not unconnected with the senatorial ambition of both political gladiators. Peter Nwaboshi and Mrs. Marian Alli are reportedly vying for the ticket on the platform of the PDP to represent Delta North Senatorial District at the upper legislative chambers.

    But the question agitating the minds of many Deltans is whether the recent violent exchanges between political gladiators  is not an omen that portends grave danger as  the 2015 gubernatorial election looms?

     

  • Curbing violence among youths

    From the recent violent activities perpetrated by youths, the future looks scary, notably in this age when our senses are bombarded with varying shades of crimes committed in our institutions of learning.

    The events seem endless. We have heard cases of oppression of students; students being robbed on their way to class; harassment of lecturers and the murder of lecturers and students in cold blood. There have been cases of rape, robbery, kidnapping and other forms of criminal activities which have given rise to considerable level of fear among students and members of staff of our institutions. This, inadvertently, gives credence to the fact that there is so much violence in the minds of some youths. It is infuriating, however, to hear that another lecturer has been kidnapped in one of our institutions. The bottom-line is that there is simply no regard for human life in the mind of the vicious youth.

    The ever increasing crime rate is assuming a dangerous dimension. These cruel youths are frequently reported in the news killing or seriously injuring people. The peril of that brutality dangles heavily in the air. Several of the tales are true. This is nothing but the influence of peer pressure and a certain need to “belong.”

    The management of different institutions of learning has continued to try their best in ensuring that the case of cultism is totally aborted. The disturbing fact is not just the growing rate of the violence but why different measures designed to put an end to these activities have failed.

    Non-Governmental Organisations and even individuals have, in the past, endeavoured to put an end to the hostility in tertiary institutions across the country. Different banners and leaflets have continued to adorn the public, yet the problems have not reduced. It has continued to increase.

    The logical question to ask ourselves in the midst of these cruelties is what then could be the cause of these hostile acts? Such enormous hatred and violence could only stem from a reason. After all, a river usually has a source.

    Essentially, the media is blamed for the cruelty. Whilst some have argued that the media has really helped in reducing violence, others have maintained that the true cause of violence lies in the media because of the publicity given to the violent activities of some youths. The general notion is that the media is responsible for the violence perpetrated by youths, going by the content of some of the movies we watch and the music we listen to. That may explain why in some homes, newspapers, televisions, radios or any form of media are not found because the parents in such homes have agreed that the less the children are exposed to such things, the less violent they would be.

    Looked from another angle, substance abuse may well be another cause of violence in the youth of today. I mean it has even got to the stage where all sorts of harmful substances are seen as a stimulus for performance. It is now commonplace to find kiosk or stores selling these substances inside or very close to institutions.

    Equally, peer pressure is also an important factor that necessitates aggression in these students. When someone interacts with the wrong set of people, his or her focus might be on how to live up to the expectation of his peer group, thus joining them in whatever activity they do not minding  how deadly or harmful it could be.

    Another equivocal factor is the alarming rate of broken homes. Courts are swimming with different divorce cases, and the ones who bear the brunt of these cases are the children. If not quickly helped, the children could grow up with a complex about life, thereby developing the mind of employing violence as a means to justify an end. Such person would have obviously forgotten the words of Abraham Lincoln who  said, “ Let not him who is houseless pull down the house of another, but let him work diligently and build one for himself, thus by example assuring that his own shall be safe from violence when built.”

    Poverty, they say, is the worst form of violence, because poverty itself breeds violence in the minds of people. The issue of poverty today is also a significant cause of violence in our tertiary institutions.

    The type of neighbourhood one lives can also help fuel the flame of violence in our society. The government is easily blamed for violence everywhere, but it is important to know that intolerance itself is a form of violence. We all should learn to be more tolerant and respect each other. Students should also learn to be content with whatever is offered by parents or guardians. Some students are possessed by the need to buy everything and belong to the elite class on campus, forgetting that our parents are investing so much in us by sending us to school so that we can make a good individual out of ourselves in future and contribute to the family, community and national development.

    It is always said that, “to whom much is given, much is expected”.  We should not, because of the limited time we would spend in school, forget all about values and traditions that had been imbibed in us by our parents.

     

    Suliat, ND II Mass Comm., OFFA POLY

  • 26 killed in Borno, Taraba violence

    26 killed in Borno, Taraba violence

    No fewer than 26 people were killed yesterday in attacks in the Northeast states of Borno and Taraba.

    Suspected Boko Haram gunmen killed 15 residents of  a Borno village and 11 died in ethno-religious violence in Wukari, Taraba State.

    Dozens were also injured in the renewed violence in Wukari Local Government Area of Taraba State.

    Many homes were torched, as the crisis spilled to Ibi, Donga and other settlements.

    Sources said 10 military men were injured in the crossfire when they attempted to stop the assailants, who were being repelled by the villagers.

    Police spokesman Joseph Kwaji said four bodies were recovered when the fighting ended.

    Kwaji said the violence followed the burning of two kiosks in Sabon-Gari –a Muslim Hausa-Fulani dominated area of the town.

    He said: “Some unidentified persons went and set ablaze two kiosks in Sabon-Gari -a Muslim Hausa dominated area in Wukari at about 6:00a.m.

    “By 7:00a.m., there were sporadic shootings in the area. I can confirm that we have recovered four bodies so far.”

    He added that security forces were deployed in the crisis zones to “intensify patrol and closely monitor the situation”.

    Continuous attacks in the Southern and Central districts of the state have left hundreds of residents including security personnel, dead in the last few months.

    Thousands of residents, especially Tiv and Jukun farmers, have fled their homes while property estimated at billions of naira, including farmlands, have been destroyed.

    Acting Governor Garba Umar, a few days ago said he would bring down the insurgency in the state, after distributing about 75 patrol vehicles to the police, army, Civil Defence and other security agencies, and 180 motorcycles to vigilante groups.

    Yesterday, passengers plying the Yola-Makurdi Road had a hectic time, as the vehicles conveying them to Jalingo, the Taraba state capital, were delayed in a traffic jam.

    A commercial driver with Fair-Plus who was to travel to Port Harcourt said he attempted passing through Mutum-Biyu en route Bali to Katsina-Ala but had to turn back when he was told “the road is not safe.”

    A former Senator representing Southern Taraba, an indigene of Wukari, Joel Danlami Ikenya, also confirmed yesterday’s violence.

    “I woke up fine this morning, but my constituency is on fire,” said the state’s opposition leader.

    A member of the House of Assembly representing Wukari II, Daniel Ishaya Gani, said one of his houses was among the ones torched.

    The lawmaker said the marauders invaded the town in large number, wearing military camouflage and shooting at sight any resident without provocation until military helicopters arrived at the scene to disperse them.

    “As I talk to you, the military helicopters are still in surveillance of the area. The quantum of destruction this time is more than in previous violence.”

    Gani said the killings had political undertone.

    Another eye witnesses, who spoke with The Nation on telephone, said the attack, which  began around 8:am when many residents of Wukari were already in church quickly spread to  Rafinkada town, less than  10 kilometers from Wukari before spreading to Ibi Local Government.

    The attackers were said to be wearing black vest, which is the trademark of Boko Haram fighters. “When a call came through from Wukari, we could hear gunshots in the background, so there is no doubt that the fighting was fierce,” a source in Jalingo said.

    It was also gathered that Christians retaliated, repelling many of the attackers. Several civilians caught in the crossfire were reported to have died.  The Nation gathered that soldiers responded swiftly to the crisis.

    The Military High Command in Abuja was also informed. Air Force fighter planes were sent to monitor the situation over Wukari town. But, as at 3: pm yesterday, the fighting was still on in Rafinkada and Ibi local governments.

    In Maiduguri, the beleagued Borno State capital, suspected Boko Haram members killed no fewer than 15 people including traders.

    The Boko Haram fighters, about 20 of them bearing rifles, petrol bombs and improvised explosives,  invaded the Daku village market in Askira Uba Local Government Area. They also destroyed shops, houses, vehicles and motorcycles.

    Askira Uba shares boundaries with Biu, Chibok, Gwoza and Hawul council in the southern part of the state.

    The attackers rode on motorcycles and one Hilux Toyota vehicle. After detroying the market, they reportedly carted away food items.

  • Violence in Ekiti

    After a Fayose rally in Ado-Ekiti that featured a buy-me-a-crowd enthusiasm, some APC folks followed a gestural tradition of sweeping the debris of their campaign out of town. But the folks were turned into targets of violence, aiming at injuries and death. They even attacked the governor, Dr Kayode Fayemi. The Ekiti election is not only important for Ekiti but for 2015 and Nigeria. The news is rife that the PDP, in spite of President Jonathan’s claim for a fair poll, is plotting to turn the election into a referendum of violence rather than popularity. We want peace, but they should realise in the upper echelons of the PDP that the people of Ekiti will not accept any rigging, for the sake of all. They should not take the people for granted.