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BREAKING: Bandits kidnap Permanent Secretary of Niger, granddaughter

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Dr. Ibrahim Garba Musa, the Permanent Secretary of the Niger Ministry of Transportation, has been kidnapped along with his granddaughter.

On Friday night, he was kidnapped from his home in Zugeru.

It was discovered that he was in Zugeru for a wedding celebration and was kidnapped by the gunmen later that night.

According to a family source, the gunmen broke down the gate to enter the house and kidnap the Permanent Secretary, who was relaxing after the celebration.

The family has started contacting the state government to inform them of the incident.

Alhaji Ahmed Ibrahim Matane, the Secretary to the Niger State Government, told The Nation that he had just been informed about the incident but had yet to confirm it.

He did say, however, that the State Government would do everything possible to ensure that the Permanent Secretary was rescued safely.

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DSP Abiodun Wasiu, a spokesman for the Niger Police, could not be reached at the time of filing this report.

Soon, there will be more information…

Governor of Osun, Oyetola celebrated his 67th birthday

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Gboyega Oyetola, the Governor of Osun State, turned 67 years old on September 29, 2021. As a result, it is only proper to congratulate him on this significant achievement.

Governor Oyetola’s quietness is one of his defining characteristics, as we’ve seen over the years. Of course, this rare but highly coveted leadership quality, which has become emblematic of his persona, has had a significant impact on Osun’s public administration. Patient, attentive, and meticulous, the astute administrator is also. His penchant for details, without a doubt, makes holistic planning possible for him. He is a caring leader with a keen understanding of history. The governor reaches out to himself, draws strength, and presses onward to achieve his goals, despite the formidable discouragement and impossible challenges that often confront pathfinders. He isn’t the type to get easily distracted. This could explain, at least in part, his measured and calculated responses to inaudible rants from disgruntled critics.

Oyetola is an excellent listener. He doesn’t speak quickly and isn’t prone to joking around. His demeanor and demeanor indicate that the technocrat-turned-politician has already established himself as a force to be reckoned with in the country’s affairs. Plus, there’s more. ‘Ileri Oluwa,’ as he is affectionately known, is a family head who maintains firm control over his family, and his children excel in their chosen fields.

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Our governor has reached the age of majority! Of course, when we consider the relationship between age and wisdom deployment, we are likely to discover that a man’s age does not always correlate with the quantity and quality of wisdom he possesses. Possession of experiential knowledge, on the other hand, makes it easier to deploy wisdom more appropriately as one grows older due to usage. For example, a 25-year-old man’s wisdom deployment will differ significantly from that of a 65-year-old man. Thankfully, Oyetola possesses this quality. He has, interestingly, been in the serious business of administering human beings since he was a child.

In a society that is struggling to define and defend the flavor of its moral values, Oyetola comes as a man who knows Nigeria well enough to navigate the clamor and crowds of her socio-cultural-cum-political firmament and engage the social dynamics productively. Unlike some so-called “accidental Democrats” and “opportunists whose dangerous personal ambitions cloud judgment” elsewhere, the governor thinks long and hard before making a statement. So, whenever Oyetola makes a statement on Nigeria’s socio-political issues, he should be taken seriously, especially because he is a gifted leader who will not fold his arms and wait helplessly for things to “just happen.”

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Infrastructure development, as I’ve previously stated, is a wonderful phenomenon. It will add to the aesthetic appeal. It will revitalize the city. It will also make other fantastical things possible. However, people can only drive on tarred roads and facilitate economic activities in the state if they are healthy. Nobody will do the job if you call for labor and it is hungry. Teachers who will be teaching in our classrooms need to be well-fed. If students become distracted due to hunger – which is not unheard of – it is akin to sending a welcome note to truancy!

Agreed! Nigeria is going through a difficult period. Even the air we breathe is about to attract a certain amount of money. Initially, the false impression that Nigerian youths were lazy was created. The overwhelming reality, however, is that there are no jobs available for them to do in order to make a living. Those who believe that the full and prompt payment of the minimum wage of salaries and allowances to civil servants, as well as the clearing of massive backlogs of pensioners’ gratuities, both for the Local Government Areas (LGAs) and the state, are not achievements should ask themselves: wouldn’t things have gone haywire if the past were to be in the present? Some people may believe it is simple, but until they try it, they will never know that ‘khaki no be leather!’

In times of crisis, Oyetola resolves them with the dexterity of a conflict manager while remaining unobtrusive. To put it another way, the governor has the ability to deescalate an escalating situation without having to go to the moon and blow a trumpet. During last year’s #EndSARS protests in Osun, some hoodlums assaulted him and smashed his car with an axe in broad daylight. If Oyetola had been a member of another tribe of governors, he would have wreaked havoc not only on the rampaging touts but also on the community of innocent souls; and he would have been justified in doing so! But the manner in which he handled it revealed a man full of wit and exuberant vitality.

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While residents and indigenes of Ilesa and its environs have long suffered from a lack of potable water, it is documented that the people are about to put that ugly past behind them, thanks to Oyetola’s intervention in that sector. Residents of Alekunwodo in the state capital never imagined their community could have asphalt-coated internal roads for several years. The governor has put cynics to shame; the roads are visible to all! The construction of the Flyover Bridge at Olaiya Junction would not have been possible without those internal links. The Flyover Bridge is nearly completed, despite the skeptics’ predictions that it would not be possible. The purpose of the Flyover Bridge is not only to beautify the area but also to ensure that the state capital reflects its social and legal status as the State Capital. And, as one commentator put it, “our mineral resources are bringing in money for the first time in two decades.” The state’s massive increase in Internally Generated Revenue (IGR) is also noteworthy. As a result, the governor deserves praise for not allowing the bitter stew of negative criticisms to drown out his voice of reason and love for his people.

With Oyetola’s 67th birthday approaching, we can only wish him many more years of humanitarian service. It may sound strange, but here’s some advice for the governor as the governorship election on July 16, 2022 approaches: he should try to stay the course. Between now and the start of electioneering activities in the state, Governor Oyetola’s 2nd Term ambition will benefit greatly if he can personally reach out to the electorate rather than relying on a cup of “feedback” from representatives and constituencies. Allow him to meet with the people and… compare notes, as he is a man with a listening ear. Yes, reports from representatives and constituencies are valuable, but he should confirm them before the election so that nothing crucial is overlooked.

Read Also:  FG will invest, support COVID-19 vaccine research in the local area

May the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world, make Adegboyega Oyetola’s term as governor of Osun State the most successful in the state’s history!

FG will invest, support COVID-19 vaccine research in the local area

President Muhammadu Buhari has stated that his administration will invest in and support pharmaceutical and research organizations in the development of COVID-19 vaccines in Nigeria.

Buhari said that this was necessary because of global inequity in vaccine access during his Independence Day broadcast on Friday, which marked Nigeria’s 61st birthday.

“We must act quickly to ensure that COVID-19 vaccines are distributed fairly. Last week in New York, I delivered this message to the international community.

“As we work to find vaccines for our immediate needs, we’ll invest more to help our pharmaceutical and research agencies come up with vaccine ideas that can be developed locally.

“Our question is simple: will Nigeria be ready if another pandemic strikes in the future?”

Buhari stated that he has directed the Federal Ministries of Finance, Budget and National Planning, Health, Education, and Science and Technology to collaborate with Nigerian and international pharmaceutical companies and research organizations in order to increase the country’s domestic pharmaceutical capacity.

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The Nigerian Sovereign Investment Authority is raising $200 million for the initiative, he said.

The Central Bank of Nigeria’s ongoing N85 billion Healthcare Sector Research and Development Intervention Scheme, he claims, will be complemented by this.

The goal of the initiative is to help local researchers develop vaccines and drugs to fight communicable and non-communicable diseases like COVID-19.

Despite global inequity in vaccine access, the president stated that the Nigerian government had continued to explore options to ensure that Nigerians had free access to safe and effective vaccines.

“Through efforts led by the National Primary Health Care Development Agency, approximately five million vaccine doses have been administered to Nigerians.

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“We will continue to look into purchasing or acquiring vaccines through COVAX and the African Vaccine Acquisition Trust, for example.

“I’d like to take this opportunity to remind the international community that the current state of COVID-19 vaccine access is unacceptable.

“We cannot afford a situation in which a small number of countries control the global vaccine supply at the expense of other countries.”

The president stated that the COVID-19 pandemic had a negative impact on initial 2020 plans.

“Our initial objectives for 2020 were to continue to stabilize our economy following the deep recession, while also restoring peace in areas where security challenges existed.

“ However, because of the COVID-19 pandemic and its devastating impact on all nations, we needed to shift gears and re-strategize.

“ Nigerians banded together to combat COVID-19.

“It is because of this attitude, as well as God’s special grace, that we have been able to survive the pandemic as a nation and provide leadership and example at the regional and international levels.”

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Even as the Delta variant spreads, Buhari expressed gratitude that the “doomsday scenario” predicted for our country never materialized.

He claims that the government has built the necessary capacity to respond now and in the future.

Buhari urged Nigerians not to take COVID lightly, urging them to follow the necessary public health and social measures to combat the virus.

“Put on your mask and get your vaccination. We can stop the pandemic, but it will take a concerted effort from everyone.

“The investments we made in response to COVID-19 will help our country deal with any future disease outbreaks or pandemics,” he said.

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Nigeria celebrates its independence on October 1 after being colonized by Britain, which granted the West African country independence on October 1, 1960.

Paul Merson predicts games between Liverpool and Man City, Chelsea, Man Utd, and Arsenal in the English Premier League

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Paul Merson, an Arsenal legend, has predicted some of the English Premier League’s (EPL) games for this weekend.

Manchester City will play Liverpool at Anfield on Sunday evening, while Manchester United will face Everton at Old Trafford on Saturday afternoon.

On Saturday, Chelsea will host Southampton at Stamford Bridge, while Arsenal will travel to Brighton for a Premier League match on Saturday evening.

“I expect Manchester United to win this Premier League encounter 2-1,” Merson said in a statement to Sportskeeda. They were unlucky not to score the penalty against Aston Villa, and despite getting a point against Villarreal, they were badly beaten, so it’s difficult to predict their results.

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“Everton has performed admirably so far this season, but they have a number of injury concerns. They could have troubled Manchester United with a full-strength starting XI, but I don’t think that will be the case this week at Old Trafford.”

“Southampton were beaten 1-0 by Wolves in their previous Premier League encounter, but they got a point against Manchester City after a 0-0 draw earlier this month,” Merson said of the Chelsea vs Southampton match. They are quite unpredictable in their play and will cause Chelsea a lot of problems, but I think Chelsea will win this one.

“I believe they will win 2-0.”

“In the grand scheme of things, Arsenal should win this and I predict they will win 2-1,” Merson said of the Brighton vs. Arsenal match.

“I wouldn’t be surprised if they didn’t get a positive result, but Brighton were extremely fortunate against Crystal Palace and will most likely be beaten if Arsenal keeps playing like they have in recent weeks.”

“I think both sides will score goals, so I’m predicting a 2-2 draw,” Merson said of the Liverpool-Man City match.

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“The talent in the forward line outweighs the talent in the back line, and if both teams field their best XIs, there isn’t much to choose between them.”

Wike promises that PDP will return to power in 2023

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Rivers State Governor Nyeson Ezenwo Wike says the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) governors are working together to ensure the party wins the presidential election in 2023.

He stated that, contrary to the expectations of those who do not wish the party well, all PDP governors are working tirelessly to ensure the party reclaims power in 2023.

The governor gave this assurance at a reception for All Progressives Congress chieftains, including its former Spokesperson, Mr. Ogbonna Nwuke, and all 23 African Action Congress (AAC) local government chairmen who defected to join the PDP on Thursday at the Isaac Boro Park in Port Harcourt.

“We are fighting hard, and with God’s help, the PDP will take over Nigeria in 2023.” It’s not a case of wishful thinking. It is a matter of commitment, and we intend to follow through. We will do it, all of the PDP governors have agreed. The PDP will never be split. Everyone who predicted that the PDP would be divided has been proven wrong. All those who were attempting to sabotage Rivers state have been defeated.”

Read Also:  Wike and the PDP celebrate the defection of Rivers APC stalwarts.

Governor Wike stated that he was not surprised by Nwuke and others’ decision to leave the APC.

According to him, those who have defected have simply realized that they cannot continue to be misled and listen to illusory stories, particularly those of the APC.

He stated that the people of Rivers state have seen that the PDP cares about them, so they have decided to place their fate first in the hands of Almighty God, and then in the hands of the PDP.

The governor stated that the PDP has never been owned by an individual in the state, as is the case with the APC. He assured those who had recently defected to the party, as well as those who would join them in the future, that they would not be excluded when the decision to select his successor was made.

“Everyone must participate before we can make a decision.” It could be those who are on their way now; you never know. Nobody can tell you that just because you came in yesterday or just because you came in today, you aren’t entitled. In terms of the PDP, everyone is entitled.”

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Governor Wike stated again that Nigerians have realized that the APC-led government has failed in all areas. And he challenged the APC’s remnants to list what the federal government has done for Rivers state in the last six years.

The governor expressed confidence that his administration’s stellar performance, particularly in terms of infrastructure and human capacity development, has continued to endear the party to voters in the state.

“No project awarded by this administration will be abandoned before we depart on May 29, 2023.” Then another PDP government will come in and take our place. I can assure you that God has already sealed it. Nobody should be concerned; the PDP will retake control of Rivers State because it is self-evident. Why will the PDP take power? We will take over because we have made promises to you and have kept them.”

The governor also charged all PDP local government chairmen with ensuring that those who recently defected to the party are not alienated.

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Former Rivers State APC spokesperson, Ogbonna Nwuke, stated that they have been in the wilderness for the last six years.

“We were promised change, but I’m afraid we didn’t find it in Etche. All politics is local, and I couldn’t stand by, do the fighting, and watch those in charge of the APC’s affairs act callously. As a result, we’ve found our way out of the wilderness. We stumbled into light and discovered a development partner, and that development partner is the PDP.

“We’ve seen the good road you’ve built. You first gave us the Igwuruta-Chokocho dual carriageway. Then you presented us with the Udofor-Akpoku-Umuoye Road. And you came back the other day, and then you announced the Chokocho-Igbodo Road. There is joy in Etche, Your Excellency. I, for one, am overjoyed.

“I am ecstatic. And, to be honest, there could not have been better news. I returned home today, your Excellency. To be honest, there is nothing better than being at home. Etche has 205 oil wells, over 80% of the gas deposits south of the Niger River, and Your Excellency, you have already identified our need. The Etche require access.”

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Nwuke went on to say that he is overjoyed to have left the party, which he described as a place where members survive on “aspirin, panadol, and daily malaria,” because “it is time to get healthy.”

Emma Deeyah, a former member of the House of Representatives who also defected from the APC, stated that they were drawn to Governor Wike because of his bold and courageous leadership in the state.

The Rivers State Chairman of the PDP, Ambassador Desmond Akawor, claimed that all former APC chieftains and AAC members who defected to the PDP were enticed to join the opposition by the Minister of Transportation, Chibuike Amaechi.

He stated that after realizing that the APC has nothing to offer the people of the state and Nigerians, they decided to abandon the party and everything it stands for in order to join the PDP.

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Former members of the APC who defected to the PDP include Daemi Akpanah, former member of the House of Representatives; Ibiso Nwuche, former member of the House of Assembly; Stephen Ezekwem, former Speaker of the Rivers State House of Assembly; Levy Braide, former Commissioner of Works; Emmanuel Okata, former member of the House of Assembly; Ngo Martins-Yellowe, former chairman of the Rivers State Civil Service Commission;

The CBN has postponed the launch of the eNaira currency

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The launch of Nigeria’s digital currency, eNaira, has been postponed by the central bank of Nigeria (CBN).

Osita Nwanisobi, the CBN’s Director of Corporate Communications, made the announcement last night in a statement.

The date for the launch of the digital currency had been set by the apex bank for October 1.

The postponement came just two days after ENaira Payment Solutions Limited filed a lawsuit in the Federal High Court of Abuja against the CBN for using the name “eNaira.”

The company accused the apex bank of trademark infringement in a document signed by its lawyers, Olakunle Agbebi & Co, for adopting the eNaira.

It requested that the CBN refrain from using the proposed name.

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However, it is unclear whether the postponement is related to the lawsuit.

Nwanisobi, on the other hand, insisted that there was no reason to be concerned, claiming that the CBN and other partners are committed to ensuring a smooth process that benefits customers, particularly those in rural areas.

“Nigerians will be able to send money to each other’s eNaira wallets and pay for goods and services at select merchants,” he said.

“The eNaira will limit the use of currency and ensure the stability of the Nigerian economy.”

Police confirms attack on Anambra divisional headquarters

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The state Police Command has confirmed that heavily armed men attacked its Ajali divisional headquarters in the state’s Orumba North Local Government Area.

Unknown gunmen attacked the Ajali police station yesterday afternoon, killing several officers.

They also set fire to the facility.

On social media, footage of the attack showed the building on fire, with people believed to be detainees trapped inside.

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The attack came just two days after gunmen in the state killed Dr. Chike Akunyili, the widower of Dora Akunyili, the late former Director-General of the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC).

Tochukwu Ikenga, the command’s spokesman, confirmed the attack in a statement issued in Awka, but did not say how many people were killed.

“The Commissioner of Police noted that some yet to be identified heavily armed men stormed the Ajali Divisional Headquarters of the state today, 30th September 2021, and fired sporadically at police personnel on duty,” he said.

“Police officers, on the other hand, quickly engaged them before they fled the scene. Unfortunately, two police officers and a civilian were shot, and a patrol vehicle caught fire, and the police station was partially burned.”

He claimed that a joint team of police and military personnel immediately pursued and intercepted the fleeing attackers along Oko Ajali road before they fled with gunshot wounds.

Ikenga added, “The operatives recovered a highlander jeep and two motorcycles.”

Buhari: I’ve asked for Twitter’s suspension to be lifted if certain conditions are met

President Muhammadu Buhari has directed that the suspension of Twitter be lifted only if the conditions for citizens to use the platform for positive engagements are met.

Buhari made the announcement on Friday during a speech commemorating Nigeria’s 61st anniversary of independence.

The president stated that his administration is committed to ensuring that digital companies use their platforms to improve the lives of Nigerians.

“Following the suspension of Twitter operations, Twitter Inc. sought to resolve the impasse with the Federal Government of Nigeria. As a result, I formed a Presidential Committee to engage Twitter in order to explore the possibility of resolving the issue,” he said.

“The committee, in collaboration with its technical team, has engaged with Twitter and addressed a number of critical issues. National Security and Cohesion; Registration, Physical Presence, and Representation; Fair Taxation; Dispute Resolution; and Local Content are among them.

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“Following extensive engagements, the issues are being addressed, and I have directed that the suspension be lifted, but only if the conditions for our citizens to continue using the platform for business and positive engagements are met.

“As a country, we are committed to ensuring that digital companies use their platforms to improve the lives of our citizens while also respecting Nigeria’s sovereignty, cultural values, and promoting online safety.”

According to the president, some users have used social media to carry out criminal activities, and his government has suspended Twitter to investigate these allegations.

“Social media is a very useful platform that has allowed millions of Nigerians to connect with loved ones, promote their businesses, socialize, and access news and other information,” he continued.

“Recent events have demonstrated that the platform is more than just a harmless platform for information dissemination.

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“Rather, some users have taken advantage of the platform to plan, coordinate, and carry out criminal activities, spread fake news, and promote ethnic and religious sentiments.”

The federal government suspended Twitter’s operation in June, just days after the president’s tweet about the 1967 civil war was deleted by the microblogging site. The tweet threatened to treat Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) members in the “language they understand.”

Buhari reveals sponsors of Igboho, Nnamdi Kanu

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Ongoing investigations have revealed that a serving member of the National Assembly is one of the high-profile financiers of Nnamdi Kanu, the leader of the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra, and Sunday Adeyemo, popularly known as Sunday Igboho, the Yoruba nation activist.

He claimed that his administration was pursuing the financiers, but he refused to name them.

Buhari made the announcement in a nationwide broadcast to Nigerians on the 61st anniversary of the country’s independence.

While his regime would continue to work on dialogue-based solutions to legitimate grievances, he said it would take decisive action against secessionist agitators and their backers.

Nigeria’s unity, according to the President, is non-negotiable.

“Nigeria is for all of us,” he said. Its unity cannot be compromised. And it can only succeed in the long run if we all work together toward a common goal of peace and prosperity for our country.

“We will continue to work on solutions that are based on dialogue in order to address legitimate grievances. However, we continue to be prepared to take decisive action against secessionist agitators and their backers who pose a threat to our national security.

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“The recent arrests of Nnamdi Kanu and Sunday Adeyemo, as well as the ongoing investigations into their backgrounds, have revealed certain high-profile financiers. We are pursuing these financiers aggressively, including one who has been identified as a member of the National Assembly.

“This is an excellent example of people abdicating their national leadership positions for personal gain. Instead of preaching unity, they fund and mislead our youths into committing criminal acts, which can result in the tragic and unnecessary loss of lives and property.

“While our so-called leaders flee to other countries to hide, our innocent youths are misled and forced to fight for their senseless and destructive causes in the streets.”

Ohanaeze and the Mid-Belt Forum support the NASS’s call for bandits to be declared terrorists

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Ndigbo and the Middle Belt Forum (MBF) have backed the National Assembly’s call on President Muhammadu Buhari to declare bandits terrorists.

The Senate on Wednesday urged President Buhari to declare bandits terrorists, wage total war against them, including bombing all their locations to annihilate and eliminate them, while the House of Representatives yesterday backed the Senate in its call to declare bandits and their sponsors as terrorists.

The apex Igbo socio-cultural group led by Prof. George Obiozor said the call by the Senate and House of Representatives was long overdue.

According to Chiedozie Alex Ogbonnia, National Publicity Secretary of Ohanaeze Ndigbo, “We wondered why the delay from the Senate and House of Representatives coming out to tell the presidency to declare bandits as terrorists because they have all definitions of terrorism.

“These are people that engage in killing, kidnapping, destruction and many more, so they are criminals and worse than terrorists.

“We are totally in support of the call by the Senate and the House of Representatives on President Buhari to declare the bandits terrorists and this should be done urgently to avert more blood shedding in Nigeria.”

Similarly, the Middle Belt Forum (MBF) has described as shameful and belated the call by the Senate and House of Representatives that President Buhari should declare bandits as terrorists.

The socio-cultural organisation said that it was a shame that for a very long time the bandits have been terrorising citizens and wondered why the Federal Government and the National Assembly didn’t see them as terrorists.

Dr. Isuwa Dogo, National Publicity Secretary of the organisation, said that by their action, the bandits met every criteria to be declared terrorists.

He said, “The whole world has seen the bandits as terrorists except the Nigerian government and members of the National Assembly. To begin to call for it now is belated. However, it is better than nothing. They have been terrorists for a very long time. A group which has declared war on Nigerians. The kind of war that they engage in is even worse than a civil war.

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“The kind of insecurity that we have in the country perpetuated by this group is unprecedented. The kind of destruction of lives and property is beyond our imagination. Everything that this group does is an act of terrorism. They are really long overdue to be declared terrorists,” he said.

But Chief Bode George, former National Deputy Chairman of the Peoples Democratic (PDP), said that it is not just enough to call President Buhari to declare bandits as terrorists but should also address the root cause of banditry, by ascertaining the reason for which the bandits indulge in the act.

George maintained that members of the National Assembly should go further to ensure that the issues which led them to be bandits are addressed, stressing that the issue of poverty, hunger, lack of shelter and other forms of deprivation should not be ignored.

“The National Assembly should go a step further to find out why this people do want they do and address them. If you declare them bandits and you do not address the root cause of the problem, the issue will still be there. The government must look at the problem from a holistic angle,” he said.