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Gulak: We can no longer guarantee the safety of Igbos in the North – Northern Consensus Movement

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Gulak: We can no longer guarantee the safety of Igbos in the North – Northern Consensus Movement

The Northern Consensus movement NCM has declared that the safety of Igbos in the northern region can no longer be guaranteed owing to the nefarious activities of members of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB).

This follows the killing of a prominent northern politician Ahmed Gulak by the suspected IPOB elements in Owerri, Imo State.

In a statement,  president of the group, Awwal Abdullahi Aliyu said: “It is now an open secret that they want and are pushing for another civil war in Nigeria. They want to provoke the North to retaliate by attacking the Igbos in the North. By this action, IPOB is using human life to set a trap which we will not fall into.”

The statement reads in part below…

It is very sad and unfortunate that, the members of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) can cowardly kill an innocent civilian citizen who went on an official assignment on the ongoing constitution review in their region and IMO state of Nigeria to be precise.

It is now an open secret that they want and are pushing for another civil war in Nigeria. They want to provoke the North to retaliate by attacking the Igbos in the North. By this action, IPOB is using human life to set a trap which we will not fall into.

The North should not and will not fall into it. The Government should rise up to this occasion and do the needful. No region, individual or group of individuals should have monopoly of violence. Perhaps our quest for a peaceful coexistence in Nigeria should not be taken or treated as an act of cowardice.

Notwithstanding, we in Northern Consensus Movement (NCM) can no longer guarantee the security of life and properties of any Igbo extraction in the North as the madness of the IPOB members is getting out of hand. Just of recent, a Northerner working with the Nigeria Custom Service (NCS) posted to the same IMO state was killed in the state while his corpse was brought to Kaduna and buried according to Islamic rites.

A stitch in time saves nine. A dark cloud is fast gathering momentum in Nigeria. Government should rise up to the occasion by arresting the situation before it becomes too late. Enough of the IPOB madness!

North-East stakeholders demand creation of Savannah State

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North-East stakeholders demand creation of Savannah State

 

The two-day zonal public hearing of the Senate on the review of the 1999 Constitution, Thursday ended with stakeholders from the North-East demanding the creation of additional states, 25 per cent derivation, gender equality, free and compulsory education, among others.

The exercise was organised by the Upper Chamber in 12 centres across the country to collate the views of Nigerians on the key areas to be amended in the 1999 Constitution in order to address agitations in the country.

In Bauchi centre, the people of Southern Borno comprising nine LGAs Thursday disagreed with the position of the Borno State government and insisted on the creation of Savannah State.

Addressing newsmen shortly after presenting their memorandum, a representative of the movement for the creation of Savannah State and former Secretary to Borno State Government, Ambassador Dauda Danladi, said the southern part of the state is being marginalised, hence the need for the new state.

The Speaker, Borno State House Assembly, Abdulkarim Lawan, had on Wednesday kicked against the creation of an additional state from Borno.

The stakeholders had in September last year requested in a letter to the Senate.

In the document, the group said the move is necessary as Borno is the largest in the country in terms of landmass to enhance self-determination, compatibility, equitable and even development, and responsive governance.

With proposed capital in Damboa, they further said that it will comprise of nine LGAs in Southern Borno Senatorial;
Askira/Uba, Bayo, Biu, Chibok, Damboa, Gwoza, Hawul, Kwaya-Kusar and Shani.

“We the people of Askira/Uba, Bayo, Biu, Chibok, Damboa, Gwoza, Hawul, Kwaya-Kusar and Shani local Government Areas of Borno State, wish to present our request for the creation of Savannah State out of the present Borno State,” the letter said.

“We had before now presented requests for the creation of this proposed State at various times in recent years. Between 1982, 1983 and 1996 a request was made by the people of these Local Government Areas of the former Borno State for the Creation of Savannah State to the National Assembly of the Second Republic

“During the agitation across the country in 1991 for the creation of more States, requests were made for the creation of two States out of the former Borno State, namely; Savannah and Yobe States. The request for the creation of Yobe State was granted.

“We had also earlier submitted this request to the National Constitutional Conference through its Committee on the States Creation. The move to kick start the process of reviewing the 1999 constitution then, which could accommodate states and local governments creation along with necessary boundary adjustments was indeed a welcome development and we enthusiastically participated.

“In 2014, we equally submitted our request to the National Conference Committee on states creation. That effort resulted in the shortlisting of SAVANNAH State as one of the fourteen (14) states recommended for creation in Nigeria. The 2014 Conference report has again clearly shown that SAVANNAH state met all necessary criteria for the creation of the state in Nigeria.

“To us, this present move by your humble and esteem selves to Kick-start the process of review of the 1999 Constitution which could accommodate States and Local Government Creation and necessary boundary adjustments, is indeed a welcome stride and we pray that our submission will again receive the blessing of the National Assembly. It is in this regard that we wish to respectfully submit our memorandum for the creation of SAVANNAH STATE with its proposed capital at DAMBOA.

“Under and in fulfilment of the provisions of section 8(1)(a) of the 1999 constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, all the democratically elected members at the National, State and local Government levels representing the area demanding for the creation of Savannah State, have after consideration of the long time yearnings and aspirations of the people of the proposed state, endorsed this noble request for the creation of SAVANNAH STATE.

“Given the opportunities provided by the State creation to bring Government closer to the people and to foster even and rapid development, the people of the proposed Savannah State who are eager to bring about balanced and accelerated development are making this passionate appeal for your kind consideration of our request for the creation of SAVANNAH STATE”.

The basis for the demand of Savannah State

The letter further read, “in making our demand for curving out Savannah State out of the present Borno State, we have been motivated by our desire to bring Government closer to our people and to accelerate rapid and even development of the sub-region as well as the need to remain united within the context of the New State and the Nation”.

It added, ” We believe that the creation of Savannah State out of the present BornoState will make it possible for both states to plan and provide the basis for integrated and even development and thus create more investment and employment opportunities for our people”.

Viability

The group noted that the ” proposed Savannah State is richly endowed with Solid Minerals, agricultural products, tourism potentials and human resources that can be harnessed to lay a solid foundation for the transformation of the State.

“It is an incontrovertible fact that greater part of both the human and material resources of the present Borno state come from the southern part. We are confident that the resources available to the proposed savannah state can sustain it, and make it even more viable than many already established state”.

Among the mineral resources listed are quartz, limestone, Iron Ore and magnesium.

Pan-Nigeria group commends Buhari’s choice of Farouk Yahaya as COAS

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Pan-Nigeria group commends Buhari’s choice of Farouk Yahaya as COAS

 

….tasks new Chief to prioritize quarterly exercises, soldiers’ welfare

A pan-Nigeria group, Nigeria First, has applauded President Muhammadu Buhari’s choice of Major General Farouk Yahaya as late Lt Gen Ibrahim Attahiru’s successor for the position of Chief of Army Staff.

According to the group, Maj Gen Yahaya’s appointment is another evidence of President Buhari’s commitment to the war against insurgency and insecurity across the nation.

Nigeria First, which made this known on Sunday at a press conference in Abuja, described the move as the right step in the right direction.

In his remarks, the group’s vice-president, Leonard Aluor , said the appointment is totally deserved owing to Yahaya’s track record of dedication to duty and a passion for service to the nation over the years.

Highlighting his impressive resume, Aluor described Yahaya as a thorough breed infantry general who possesses all the requisite attributes to lead the troops against Boko Haram insurgents in the North-East and other criminals across the country.

While charging the new COAS to see his appointment as an opportunity to put the Nigerian Army in the hall of fame in addressing the various security challenges in the country, Aluor urged him to reintroduce all hitherto quarterly exercises in internal security operations.

The group further tasked the Army Chief to remain apolitical, ensuring that the Army develops a versatile and proactive intelligence network that would greatly assist in nipping in the bud acts that undermine national security.

Nigeria First, however, advised ethnic and religious champions promoting insinuations that Yahaya’s choice was borne out of ethnic considerations to have a rethink and thread with caution by not attempting to insult the sensibilities of Nigerians.

Read the full statement below:

The leadership of Nigeria First welcomes you all to this press conference in the light of the recent happenings in the country with regards to the unfortunate incidence that claimed the life of Lt. Gen. Ibrahim Attahiru and ten others, and the subsequent appointment of a new Chief of Army Staff by President Muhammadu Buhari.

Nigeria First as a concerned stakeholder in Nigeria, views with deep concern the attempt by some individuals and associations to question the credibility of the newly appointed Chief of Army Staff, Major General Farouk Yahaya, without recourse to his military records of exceptional performance that culminated in his appointment as General Officer Commanding 1 Division of the Nigerian Army, as well as Theatre Commander, leading the Counter Insurgency and Counter Terrorism war in North-East Nigeria.

The fact that some disgruntled elements are ascribing religious and ethnic sentiments to his appointment is most uncharitable and calls for caution in the country’s best interest in this critical point of our existence.

Nigeria First wishes to put it on record that Major General Farouq Yahaya is a brilliant officer and gentleman, whose track record speaks volume of dedication to duty and a passion in service to Nigeria over several years in his capacity as Garrison Commander Headquarters Guards Brigade, Directing Staff at the Armed Forces Command and Staff College (AFCSC), Deputy Director Army Headquarters Department of Military Secretary, Deputy Director Army Research and Development and the Chief of Staff, Headquarters Joint Task Force Operation Pulo Shield.

It is also instructive to add that Major General Farouk Yahaya also distinguished himself while he served as the Principal General Staff Officer (PGSO) to the Honourable Minister of Defence, the Commander, Headquarters 4 Brigade and 29 Task Force Brigade (Operation Zaman Lafiya), and also as Director Manpower at the Army Headquarters, Military Secretary, Army Headquarters.

Thus, our considered opinion that Major General Farouk Yahaya is a thorough breed infantry general who possesses all the required attributes to lead the Nigerian Army in its quest to address the threats posed by Boko Haram insurgents in North-East Nigeria other acts of criminalities in other parts of the country.

Nigeria First, as concerned stakeholders, commends the President and Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces for the choice of Major General Farouq Yahaya to lead the Nigerian Army. This, in our considered opinion, is a right step in the right direction towards reclaiming the sobriquet of the Pride of the Nation for the Nigerian Army.

Nigeria First also wishes to charge the new Chief of Army Staff to see his appointment as an opportunity to put the Nigerian Army in the hall of fame in addressing the various security challenges in the country. We are also encouraged to add that the new Chief of Army Staff must see the reintroduction of all hitherto quarterly exercises in internal security operations.

The new Chief of Army Staff myst also ensures that the Nigerian Army develops a versatile and proactive intelligence network that would greatly assist in nipping in the bid acts that undermine national security.

The new Chief of Army Staff must also ensure that the Nigerian Army remains apolitical in its various operations across the country. It must put the interest of the country and our nascent democracy at the centre of all decision making.

The new Chief of Army Staff must put to bear his experiences garnered over the years in the discharge of his duties by ensuring that all criminal elements fomenting ethnic and religious tension in the country are dealt with decisively.

Nigeria First consequently wishes to send a word of advice to the ethnic and religious champions promoting insinuations that the choice of Major General Farouk Yahaya as Chief of Army Staff was borne out of ethnic considerations to have a rethink and thread with caution by not attempting to insult our sensibilities.

The dynamics involved in appointing Service Chiefs in the country predates the Muhammadu Buhari administration. It involves many considerations that do not include religion or ethnicity. It is thus baffling that some individuals and groups would go all out to insinuate that the choice of Major General Farouq Yahaya was borne out of ethnic sentiments by President Muhammadu Buhari.

This, in our considered opinion, remains a puerile attempt to plunge the country into an ethnic and religious crisis. The ethnic and religious champions amongst us must be guided to desist from heating the polity unnecessarily.

Nigeria First, having scrutinized the records of Major General Farouq Yahaya, wishes to inform members of the general public that his choice is well deserved and devoid of any form of ethnic or religious considerations. It is also instructive to state that as a general leading the counter-insurgency and counter-terrorism war in North-East Nigeria, he is better positioned to lead the Nigerian Army in this critical point of our existence.

The leadership of Nigeria First consequently charges the new Chief of Army Staff to hit the ground running and always to be assured that the Nigerian people will support him and Mr President at all times.

The appointment of Major General Farouq Yahaya as the Chief of Army Staff is indeed a laudable statement by President Muhammadu Buhari on his commitment to the war against insurgency and insecurity in Nigeria.

Thanking you all for your time and attention.

God bless the Federal Republic of Nigeria
God bless the Armed Forces of the Federal Republic of Nigeria
God bless the President and Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces

Breaking: IPOB terrorists kill northern politician, Ahmed Ali Gulak in Owerri

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Breaking: IPOB terrorists kill northern politician, Ahmed Ali Gulak in Owerri
A former political adviser to ex-President Goodluck Jonathan, Barr. Ahmed Gulak, has been shot dead by gunmen suspected to be members of the proscribed secessionist group, Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB). An intelligence officer said IPOB is behind the killing and the recent attacks on security personnel and their facilities in South-East.
The officer said that they had intercepted communication and videos where the leader of Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Nnamdi Kanu had threatened death to anyone who fails to observe his sit-at-home order from May 29 to May 31, 2021.
“Why should Nigeria and the media continue to dignify IPOB by claiming that its continuous atrocities against the security services and Nigerians are executed by unknown gunmen when we have arrested their members confessing their involvements,” the officer said Mr Kanu in the video broadcast had declared that the sit-at-home will commence 6p.m. on Saturday till 6p.m. on Monday.
He said the order is compulsory and must be obeyed by all the people in the region. He warned that anyone seen outside will be killed. “From 6p.m. on the 29th, there will be no movement, this is not sit-at-home but no movement. If you are found outside from 6p.m. you are dead,” he said.
Gulak, an All Progressives Congress (APC) chieftain, was killed in Owerri, Imo State capital on Saturday night. A chieftain of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Adamawa State and personal friend of Gulak, Dr Umar Arɗo, confirmed the incident on Sunday.
“Inna lillahi wa inna illaihi rajiuun. Allahu Akbar. “I just confirmed the sad and gruesome death of my friend and classmate, the former Hon. Speaker of the Adamawa State House of Assembly, former Senior Special Assistant to the Vice President and former Special Adviser Political to President Goodluck Jonathan, Barr. Ahmadu Ali Gulak.
“Barr Gulak was said to have been killed last night by unknown gunmen in Owerri, Imo State. “May Allah (SWT) forgive his sins, bless his soul and reward his good deeds with Aljannah on the Day of Resurrection. May Allah (SWT) also give all his children, relatives, friends and loved ones, the fortitude to bear the irreparable loss. And may Allah (SWT) bless us with faithful deaths when it is our turn to die. Ameen.
“Please let all and sundry accept my heartfelt sympathy over this personal painful experience even as I draw solace that he lived a good, helpful and productive life, well illustrated by the fact that he died while in service of his dear country,” Ardo said.
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Two Female Job Seekers Rescued From Human Part Dealers In Port Harcourt

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Two Female Job Seekers Rescued From Human Part Dealers In Port Harcourt

Two female job seekers from Delta State have been rescued from human parts dealers in Port Harcourt, River State.

This was disclosed by ace human right activist, Isreal Joe who assisted in the rescue of the job seekers simply identified as Blessing and Praise.

According to Isreal Joe, the two ladies were lured with a job offer to Bayelsa State before they were redirected to Port Harcourt for the job opening.

Arriving Port Harcourt, the two ladies unknowingly boarded a mini bus where two of the male occupants subdued them with guns and took them to a destination unknown to them.

Thereafter, the kidnappers contacted their family members and demanded for five million naira ransom or the young ladies would be butchered and their parts sold to raise the money.

Miraculously, the human part dealers who had already stripped and butchered another lady in front of their captives suddenly developed cold feet after stripping them for butchering as well.

They however demanded for N200,000 which was crowd funded and paid into a business POS account provided by the dealers.

Troops crush 10 Boko Haram fighters, recover arms shortly after new COAS takes command

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Troops crush 10 Boko Haram fighters, recover arms shortly after new COAS takes command

Shortly after the newly appointed the Chief of Army Staff Gen Faruk Yahaya assumed office, troops of Operation Hadin Kai in Rann the Headquarters of Kala Balge LGA of Borno State in audacious attack foiled and killed several Boko Haram Terrorists.

According to a statement signed by Army spokesperson, Brig. Gen Mohammed Yerima and made available to Defence Correspondents, the terrorists came in their numbers mounted on gun trucks and attempted to infiltrate the main entrance to the town.

“The highly spirited troops were right on hand to counter the move and inflicted a humiliating defeat on the terrorists who abandoned their evil mission and took to their heels”, he said.

Troops successfully destroyed one of the gun trucks and

recovered multiple weapons including one anti-aircraft gun, two machine guns, and eight AK-47 rifles neutralising ten terrorists in the process.

He added that the troops chased the retreating terrorist and ensured there was no further threat to the town and its residents.

Farouk Yahaya: Thanking Buhari for a right choice as COAS

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Farouk Yahaya: Thanking Buhari for a right choice as COAS

 

By Emmanuel Ani

The recent appointment of the Chief of Army Staff has generated reactions in the polity regarding the suitability of Major General Farouk Yahaya for the plum but demanding job. The interesting part is that some that are ignorant of the dynamics involved in such appointments have taken centre stage with insinuations and illogical conclusions so much so that it defeats common sense.

I had initially refrained from commenting on this contentious issue. However, I had a change of mind when the mischief became heightened with the tendency to mislead members of the unsuspecting general public.

I recall that upon the death of the former Chief of Army Staff and ten others in the unfortunate air crash in Kaduna, some persons, instead of respecting the sensibilities of families and relatives of the deceased officers that died in the line of duty, elected to scorn and curse. This is most unfortunate. This is how bad things have turned in our dear country.

These individuals didn’t stop there. They took their diatribe further by whipping ethnic and religious sentiments on who the next Chief of Army Staff should be. They consequently pushed forward names along ethnic lines like they are the Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces.

President Muhammadu Buhari eventually announced a new Chief of Army Staff. They went berserk, throwing all manner of diatribes on why the new man should have been from a particular part of the country. Even those that know nothing about the Nigerian Army suddenly became experts and analysts on how the President deliberately refused to appoint a certain officer as Chief of Army Staff. This is sad.

From all intents and purpose, the mischief gained traction in the public space because they succeeded in assuming that membership of the Security Council in Nigeria should be based on ethnicity and religion and not competence. I hate to do this, but I have to do it to put issues in proper perspective as someone knowledgeable in the security architecture in the country.

Before now, we have had instances where a former president appointed a certain officer to head the Nigerian Army. Suffice to add that the officer wasn’t from the infantry or armoured corps as the prerequisite for heading the Nigerian Army. Was hell let loose? The same former President made another appointment that also forced over 50 senior officers to proceed on retirement. Was hell let loose? The point I am trying to make here is that the President and Commander-in-Chief has the prerogative to choose whomever he deems suitable for the job. That is his constitutional duty, and I don’t see any reason why ethnic and religious sentiments should be put forward in the first instance.
Back to the crux of the matter, the present security challenges in the country require that utmost care is taken into consideration when sensitive appointments are made, especially in the Armed Forces. And the appointment of Major General Farouk Yahaya as the Chief of Army Staff is one instance where the President has demonstrated his uncommon neutrality and hunger for the best hand at all times .

I can only wish that these religious and ethnic agitators would take out time to read the profile of Major General Farouk Yahaya. I also hope they can also take out time to digest his exploits in the course of his illustrious carrier in the Nigerian Army. When that is done, would they realize that the President was not guided by ethnic or religious sentiments as mischievously propagated.

A fine officer and a gentleman, no doubt. A former Garrison Commander Headquarters Guards Brigade, former Directing Staff at the Armed Forces Command and Staff College (AFCSC), a former Deputy Director Army Headquarters Department of Military Secretary, a former Deputy Director Army Research and Development and the Chief of Staff, Headquarters Joint Task Force Operation Pulo Shield. A former General Officer Commanding 1 Div of the Nigerian Army and former Commander Counter-Insurgency and Counter-Terrorism in North-East Nigeria, amongst others too numerous to mention.

Having all of this in mind, would it be appropriate to state that the President was not meticulous in choosing the Chief of Army Staff? Would the President have sacrificed competence on the altar of religion and ethnicity? I dare say that if only they knew who Major General Farouk Yahaya is, they would bury their heads in shame. Also, if only they are privy to the widespread jubilation across all army formations in the country with the appointment of Major General Farouk Yahaya as Chief of Army Staff.

What does this tell us? It tells us that President Muhammadu Buhari has once again displayed an uncommon commitment to addressing the security challenges in the country. And it would have been a topic for discussion if the new Chief of Army Staff does not possess the qualifications and experience to lead the charge against insurgency in North-East Nigeria and other acts of criminalities across Nigeria. But that is not the case and a reason why we must commend the President once again.

I must also emphasize that Major General Farouk Yahaya is not just from Sokoto State; he is one of the A list officers in the Nigerian Army that commands tremendous respect across the board for his work ethic and dedication in service to the country. He is a fine officer that serves as a role model to young officers and one that has left indelible marks in the sands of time in all task assigned to him.

Let me also add here for our reading pleasure that data obtained from the Council on Foreign Relations shows that from April 1, when he took charge of the war against Boko Haram, till when he was appointed as Chief of Army Staff, the number of civilians killed by insurgents dropped by 17 percent, while the number of Boko Haram terrorist killed shot up by 46 percent. What does this tell us? It simply tells us that here is an officer that understands what it means to lead. And his appointment to lead the prestigious Nigerian Army is a step in the right direction.

At this point, those trying to stain his lofty credentials because he is from a particular part of the country should have a rethink and give peace a chance. Needless I mention that he is one of the finest officers in the Nigerian Army, and his appointment is a challenge rather than filling a slot.

I have no doubt whatsoever that the new Chief of Army Staff would hit the ground running because he understands the enormity of the task at hand. And he will deliver in record time; I can bet. So, therefore, let us learn to call a spade a spade. I believe time shall tell, and Nigerians would be grateful to President Muhammadu Buhari for his choice of Major General Farouq Yahaya to lead the Nigerian Army.

My charge to the new kid on the block is to remain apolitical, strengthen institutions and lead with the fear of God.

Ani is a security analyst and wrote this piece from UNN, Enugu Campus.

Breaking: Another attack by gunmen, Five soldiers shot dead at Imo state

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Breaking: Another attack by gunmen, Five soldiers shot dead at Imo state

According to an eyewitness, the bandits shot the soldiers oblivious and opened fire, killing five in a place.

At least five soldiers have been said to have been shot dead along Wetheral Road Owerri at Imo State as unidentified gunmen attacked the region.

The incident happened in the late afternoon of Friday.

Read also: FranceAfrique: Russia to the rescue amid growing resentment against France

That really is coming few days ahead of the May 30th seat-at-home order given by the chief of Indigenous Peoples of Biafra (IPOB), Mazi Nnamdi Kanu, in commemoration of the Biafra Day.

“Right now, five soldiers have been shot dead. Everybody is on the run. Wetheral Road, Nazi/Aba street, Government House Roundabout and all the link roads have been shut down.

“I personally saw the soldiers evacuating the corpses at a Hilux automobile, there were five.

“The bandits have already taken off and shot sporadically from the atmosphere to scare people away.”

The Imo State Police Public Relations Officer, Bala Elkana’s amount wasn’t reachable as at the time of submitting this report.

More importantly…

Interfaith clerics end 3-day prayer to intercede for Buhari’s administration,  Nigeria

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Interfaith clerics end 3-day prayer to intercede for Buhari’s administration,  Nigeria

The National Inter-Faith and Religious Organizations for Peace, NIFROP yesterday ended a 3-day prayer to supplicate for the success of the President Muhammadu Buhari led administration.

The prayer session that commenced on Tuesday and ended on Thursday is part of the divine mandate given to the group to intercede for Nigeria and  President Muhammadu Buhari.

NIFROP National Coordinator, Sunday Garuba  in his speech at the last day of the prayer session said despite the evil machinations of the kingdom of darkness against Nigeria, the country have remained a strong and indivisible country by the mercies and grace of God.

“God has indeed proved himself faithful to us as a people and as a country over the years and to the shame of the devil.

“My brothers and sisters, I say big congratulations to all of us for the great effort and sacrifices over the years in prayers, fasting and supplication to God on behalf of our great country.  If not for anything, we have done nobly. The bible reminds us in the book of Hebrews 6:10 that “For God is not unjust to overlook your work and the love that you have shown for his name in serving the saints, as you still do” I tell you all gathered here today that the blessings of God shall continue to locate each one of us in a hundredfold in Jesus Name.

“My brothers and sisters that we are gathered here today in fulfilment of God’s mandate is an indication that God is about to do something great in our country. And in fulfilment of this divine mandate, I am happy to announce that the National Inter-Faith and Religious Organizations for Peace shall be carrying out a monthly prayer meeting for peace, unity and stability in Nigeria.

“The monthly meeting shall hold every last Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday of the month at the Unity Fountain. We target to have not less than 200 clergymen and women from the Unity Church and the Unity Masjid in attendance. Our joy indeed knows to bound as we are set to commence this critical assignment given to us by God in ensuring the sustenance of peace, unity and stability in Nigeria.

“My brothers and sisters, this is indeed the Lords doing, and it is marvellous in our sight. That we are leading the quest for peace, unity and stability in Nigeria is a joyous moment for the Unity Church and Unity Masjid. We must realize that this assignment is necessary for the manifestation of the glory of our country. And for this, I thank you all for this turnout today. It remains our desire that as we begin to gather here every month, the manifestation of God in all critical sectors of our country would be resounding.

” I tell you all today under the sound of my voice that all those bent on disrupting the peace, unity and stability of Nigeria shall be put to shame. The bible tells us in the book Mathew 25: 46, “And these will go away into eternal punishment, but the righteous into eternal life.”

“The bible also revealed to us in the book of Psalm 37:1-10, “Fret not yourself because of evildoers; be not envious of wrongdoers.

“For they will soon fade like the grass and wither like the green herb.Trust in the Lord, and do good; dwell in the land and befriend faithfulness

Delight yourself in the Lord, and he will give you the desires of your heart.

“Commit your way to the Lord; trust in him, and he will act.

He will bring forth your righteousness as the light and your justice as the noonday.

“Be still before the Lord and wait patiently for him; fret not yourself over the one who prospers in his way, over the man who carries out evil devices!

“Refrain from anger, and forsake wrath! Fret not yourself; it tends only to evil.

For the evildoers shall be cut off, but those who wait for the Lord shall inherit the land.

In just a little while, the wicked will be no more; though you look carefully at his place, he will not be there.”

“My brothers and sisters, the name of the LORD is a fortified tower; the righteous run to it and are safe. Nigeria is indeed in safe hands, and why God has instructed us to begin this monthly Inter-Faith Prayer meeting for peace, unity and stability in Nigeria.

“My joy indeed knows no bound as we begin this programme, for I know what is ahead for Nigeria through this prayer meeting. For what shall be experienced in Nigeria shall surpass all human understanding, so much so that the world would call Nigeria blessed.

“My brothers and sisters, the Unity Church and the Unity Masjid, has been at the forefront of interceding on behalf of the country for several years. This much we would continue to do as God has granted us the grace to come out in our numbers for different programmes that have been impactful in the life of our dear President Muhammadu Buhari and the country at large” he said

Bishop Garuba said it remains his firm conviction that the launch of this monthly prayer meeting would herald the reign of peace, unity and stability in Nigeria. My faith in God remains unshaken, for I know that evil shall never triumph in Nigeria. Religion and ethnic division shall never triumph in Nigeria, and politically instigated insecurity shall never prevail in Nigeria.

“My brothers and sisters, the promise of God in the book of Jeremiah 29:11 “For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, says the Lord, thoughts of peace and not of evil, to give you a future and a hope.”  is the assurance that we have that Nigeria shall indeed experience peace, unity and stability.

“I thank you all for coming out in your numbers, and may God continue to bless us all” he concluded .

PMB’s knack for merit and the Farouk Yahaya challenge

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PMB’s knack for merit and the Farouk Yahaya challenge

By Philip Agbese

The appointment of the new Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Major General Farouk Yahaya on May 27, 2021, has generally elicited loud endorsements from Nigerians. His appointment followed the sudden demise of his predecessor, Lt. Gen. Ibrahim Attahiru, who died in a plane crash, along with 10 other Army personnel in Kaduna a week ago. (May their souls rest in perfect peace).

Gen. Yahaya, one of Nigeria’s finest breed of trained infantry combatants has a rich profile and experience in counter-terrorism combats. A member of the 37 Regular Course of the prestigious Nigerian Defence Academy (NDA), Gen. Yahaya was commissioned into the Nigerian Army Infantry Corps on September 22nd 1990. Over the decades, Gen. Yahaya has held numerous Staff, Instructional and Command appointments in the Nigerian Army.

But briefly, Gen. Yahaya was a Garrison Commander, Headquarters Guards Brigade, Deputy Director Army Research and Development, Military Secretary, the Chief of Staff, Headquarters of Joint Task Force Operation Pulo Shield, and the General Officer Commanding, (GoC), 1 Division of the Nigerian Army among multiple others.

Until his elevation in appointment as COAS, Gen. Yahaya’s service records were synonymous with military excellence globally. He was deep into the forests of the theatre of war in the Northeast, functioning in the capacity of Theatre Commander of the renamed Counterterrorism and Counter-Insurgency military outfit code-named “Operation Hadin Kai” (OPHK), literally meaning “cooperation” in Hausa vernacular.

It is indubitable that in the last six years, the Nigerian Army has dealt a fatal blow on incensed Boko Haram insurgents, ISWAP terrorists, armed bandits and other allied cross border armed criminal gangs who have delighted in terrorising parts of the country. And with the confusion and infighting in the camps of Boko Haram and ISWAP, coupled with the assured sustained pressures mounted on these terrorists by troops, the coming of Gen. Yahaya as the new COAS holds every significance in finally blighting the menace of all forms of terrorism in the country.

Gen. Yahaya parades many meritorious service medals and awards. He is definitely a shining Army star in warfare. Farouk Yahaya is an Army General generally honed and polished by the finest of senior Military officers, home and abroad, who are experts in anti-terrorism warfares. Prominently, Gen. Yahaya is an ardent adherent of the leadership school of thought of His Excellency, Ambassador TY Buratai, the retired Army General, who served Nigeria as COAS and leader of the counter-insurgency operations from 2015-2021.

Nigerians have recognized Gen. Buratai as a courageous, fearless, determined, patriotic and loyal professional soldier, who broke the many jinks of terrorists when he served the country. He made them breathless at all times and even military experts have seen his fearless shadows in Gen. Yahaya. There is no gain contradicting the reality that the new COAS is a tested hand in the theatre of war.

President Buhari is famed for the knack of going for the best brains in appointments, especially in sensitive areas. The choice of Gen. Farouk Yahaya as the COAS has also confirmed the President’s principle and doctrine of impeccable credentials, merit and excellent performance above any other consideration.

Apparently, there is no disputation that Gen. Yahaya would not only excel in his new assignment, as an officer who has been part and parcel of the anti-insurgency campaigns in Nigeria. But also, security experts have vouched on his competence to surpass the excellence of his mentor, Gen. Buratai by breaking new records in the prosecution of Nigeria’s renamed counter-terrorism and counter-insurgency operations.

However, and observably, the appointment of Gen. Yahaya means many things to different Nigerians and spurted varying dimensions of national discourse. But the dormant and inescapable feature of these perceptions in the public psyche is the trust and convictions in the professional competence and dexterity of the new COAS to finally blight the fires of terrorism in Nigeria.

However, there are a few leftists in Nigeria, who have never failed in the “patriotic” duty to themselves of rubbishing any policy or decision pronounced by the Buhari Presidency. These minority discordant voices are habituated to faulting every decision and at every time, not necessarily based on sound reasons, but from selfish, unpatriotic and self-satisfying prisms. But again, it is the beauty of democracy. So, this clan of Nigerians are blindfolded to the anticipated leadership impacts of Gen. Yahaya in Nigeria’s anti-insurgency campaigns.

To these ethnoreligious bigots and naked campaigners of regionalism, President Buhari has not pleased them in the choice of Gen. Yahaya simply because the tested Army General is not from their part of the country. The expressed sentiment is that Buhari would have attracted their eulogies had he appointed someone from their part of the country, even if he is glaringly incompetent or unqualified.

So, the sabs are massively wailing, lamenting and mouthing foolishly. But it is the normal hypocritic trait in most Nigerians, which has held back the progress of the country for decades. Those wailing loudest and feeling alienated from Buhari’s choice of Gen. Yahaya as COAS on such simplistic grounds of regionality do not respect the same posture when hiring personal security guards. Why do almost all of these ethnic bigots outrightly shirk from hiring personal security guards who are people from their villages?

Many of the bigoted ethnic campaigners who are on a deliberate smear campaign to stain the credentials of excellence of Gen. Farouq Yahaya are laughably questioning President Buhari on why he again failed to appoint an Igbo man into the National Security Council. But the competence of Gen. Yahaya was the compelling reasons Mr. President considered choosing Gen. Yahaya.

Let the truth be told! The National Security Council is neither an arena for ethnic groups nor campaigners, but a serious national security platform for tested and trusted senior Military officers. It is easy to notice the confusion in the camps of these disguised saboteurs. It’s not surprising that none of them is faulting the appointment of Gen. Yahaya based on competence or previously poor service records, but they are rather concerned that he would have been an Igbo, Yoruba or Ijaw Army General. So, they are free to lick their wounds and trumpet louder, the ethnic sentiments against merit and competence.

For those versatile in security issues, Gen. Yahaya’s emergence is one of the best appointments that Mr. President has made since the beginning of the year. Anyone who thinks otherwise should contest this assertion. As someone who has served as GoC and later, Theatre Commander in the Northeast, mandating Gen. Yahaya now to lead the war against the insurgents in Nigeria justifies and fills any imagined vacuum in the anti-terrorism combats.

Nigerians, particularly, troops in the frontlines are expecting Gen. Yahaya to immediately restore the suspended Army core values, which sustained counter-insurgency operations. These include the return of all quarterly exercises, development of a versatile Intelligence gathering network/ instruments, sustenance of the apolitical posturing of soldiers and a tough deal and decisive warfare expeditions against all armed criminal elements across the country.

Nigerians are assured that with the known records of professional competence identified with Gen. Yahaya Farouq, the country is on the sure path of the final defeat of terrorists. The Army warmonger would certainly make Nigeria proud because he is sure prepared to deliver on the task which Nigerians have elected him to do. Nigerians wish him and his team good luck, as they anxiously await the victory and trophy of triumph against terrorists.

Agbese is a publisher and human rights law researcher based in the United Kingdom.

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