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Scores of bandits meet waterloo as troops intensify clearance operations, recover cache of arms in Katsina State (Graphic Images)

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Scores of armed bandits have been killed and a number of collaborators arrested in addition to recovery of cache of arms and ammunition as troops of Operation Sahel Sanity intensify clearance operations to in Katsina State.

Armed Bandit Neutralized By Troops During Encounter At Garin Garus In Batsari Lga Of Katsina State On 2 January 2021

According to the Acting Director Defence Media Operations Brigadier General Bernard Onyeuko, the operations are in line with the Chief of Army Staff Lieutenant General Tukur Yusufu Buratai’s directive extending Operation SAHEL SANITY to March, hence the increased momentum by the gallant troops.

General Onyeuko noted that the troops have continued to dominate the Northwest theatre with confidence building patrols, robust and aggressive ambushes coupled with clearance operations.

”This is with a view to completely wipe out the remnant bandits and other criminal elements from the region.” He said.

Armed Bandit Neutralized By Troops During Encounter At Unguwar Rimi In Faskari Lga Of Katsina State On 10 January 2021

”Consequently, on 2 January 2021, based on credible human intelligence about movement of armed bandits sighted crossing Garin Inu in Batsari LGA heading towards Bugaje in Jibiya LGA both in Katsina State, troops deployed at Batsari swiftly mobilized and laid ambush along the bandit’s route at Garin Garus. While at the ambush position, the gallant troops made contact with the marauding armed bandits and engaged them with overwhelming fire power thereby neutralizing 5 bandits while others escaped with varying degrees of injuries as indicated by traces of blood along their escape routes.

Armed Bandit Neutralized By Troops During Encounter At Unguwar Rimi In Faskari Lga Of Katsina State On 10 January 2021

”Further exploitation of the area by the gallant troops led to the capture of 3 AK-47 rifles and 2 AK 47 Rifle magazines loaded with 18 rounds of 7.62 mm Special ammunition.

”Relatedly, on 3 January 2021, troops deployed at Dan Ali village acting on reliable information from reliable sources arrested a suspected bandits’ collaborator named Ya’u Tukur at Sabon Gida village in Kankara LGA of Katsina State. During preliminary investigations, suspect confessed to be working for a notorious bandit gang which has been masterminding nefarious crimes including kidnapping for ransom in various places. Troops are on the trail of other members of the notorious gang.

Motorcycle Recovered From Suspected Bandit Collaborator Yahaya Aliyu At Mararaban Maigora On 4 January 2021

”Furthermore, on 4 January 2021, troops deployed at Maraban Maigora acting on credible information arrested one Yahaya Aliyu while riding on a new motorcycle.

”The arrest was executed following reports from reliable sources on the suspect’s alleged involvement in kidnapping and facilitating payment of ransom for kidnap victims in the area. During preliminary investigations, suspect admitted his involvement in the alleged crimes, adding that the motorcycle he was riding was part of a bounty as ransom from a kidnapped victim. Additionally, on 8 January 2020, troops deployed at Yankara while acting on a tip off arrested a suspected bandit’s collaborator named Alhaji Adamu Mamman around Yankara general area in Faskari LGA of Katsina State. Suspect has been at large following his involvement of harbouring bandits in his house.

Armed Bandit Neutralized By Troops During Encounter At Garin Garus In Batsari Lga Of Katsina State On 2 January 2021

”In another development, on 10 January 2021, troops deployed at Sabon Layi while clearing bandits enclaves around Maigora general area in Faskari LGA of Katsina State, came in contact with armed bandits at Unguwar Rimi leading to a fierce gun battle. The troops were swiftly reinforced by another team from Faskari and supported by Helicopter Gunship delivering a lethal blow to the criminals thereby forcing the bandits to withdraw in disarray into the forest due to troop’s superior fire power. During the exploitation phase of the operation, 5 bodies of neutralized bandits were found while several others were suspected to escape with gunshot wounds as indicated by blood stains on their escape route.

”Regrettably, one brave soldier paid the supreme price while 2 others sustained minor injuries during the encounter. The wounded soldiers are in stable condition and currently responding to treatment in a military medical facility.

”To this end, the gallant troops of Operation SAHEL SANITY are commended for the successes and their unequaled commitment.

”They are further urged not to rest on their oars until the Northwest zone is rid of all criminal elements. Additionally, the good people of the Northwest are once more assured of the Nigerian Army’s commitment to safety of lives and properties within the zone. They are also encouraged to avail the troops with timely and credible information that will assist in the conduct of their operations.” He added.

AK-47 Rifles, 2 Magazines And 18 Rounds Of 7.62 Mm Special Ammunition Recovered By Troops From Armed Bandits During Encounter At Garin Garus On 2 January 2021
Suspected Bandit Collaborator Ya’u Tukur Arrested By Troops At Sabon Gida Village On 3 January 2021
Suspected Bandit Collaborator Yahaya Aliyu Arrested By Troops At Mararaban Maigora On 4 January 2021
Suspected Bandit Informants Auwal Abubakar And Bello Haruna Arrested By Troops At Sabuwa On 2 January 2021

Abuja Court Remands Lady In Jail For Allegedly Beating Up Ex-Husband

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Paul was charged to court by the police with prison trespass, assault, and inflicting grievous hurt. The judge, Muhammad Adamu, adjourned the case till February 5 for a hearing.

AGrade I Area Court in Kubwa, Abuja, on Tuesday, has ruled that a 23-year-old hairstylist, Gift Paul, who allegedly beat up her former husband, Adams, be remanded in a correctional facility.

Adamu, however, stated that the defendant’s bail could still be accepted before the next adjourned date if the defence counsel requested a formal bail application.

The prosecution counsel, John Okpa, had earlier told the court that Paul’s ex-husband, Mr Destiny Adams, who resides in Kubwa, reported the matter at the Divisional Police Headquarters, Byazhin on January 7.

Okpa alleged that Paul and her brother, Isaiah, invaded Adams’ house with cutlasses and caused injury to his head and body. He said the offence breached the provisions of sections 246, 348, and 265 of the Penal Code.

Read also: BREAKING: Ekiti Assembly sacks workers as Labour protests

Meanwhile, Paul pleaded not guilty to the charge. She said her encounter with Adams did not involve any other person.

The defence counsel, Taiye Okoya, made an oral bail application on behalf of Paul, saying that his client should be presumed innocent until proven guilty of the charge.

 

 

BREAKING: Ekiti Assembly sacks workers as Labour protests

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The Ekiti State House of Assembly Service Commission on Tuesday sacked 21 members of its staff for sundry offences including irregular appointment, absenteeism, and other allegations that contravened the condition of service.

The Chairman of the Commission, Hon Taiwo Olatunbosun who stated this in a statement in Ado-Ekiti, said the decision was taken in compliance with the report of staff audit undertaken as part of the efforts to reorganize the commission for effective service delivery.

He added that the audit, which started last year on assumption of office of the present Commission members engaged the services of Auditors over complaints, agitations and petitions from members of staff on allegations of absenteeism, arbitrary promotion and placement of officers above colleagues without regards to scheme of service.

“The audit which discovered some irregularities ranging from hiding, alteration and mutilation of files, advancement of staffs without due process, appointees illegally retained in the system after expiration of tenure, arbitrary transfer of service without cognate experience, overage staff members, irregular appointments/promotion of staff without approval, cases of forgeries, arbitrary placement of officers with utter disregard to scheme of service, etc
“The outcome of the report has since been discussed with the management staff of the Commission and the leadership of the state chapter of the Parliamentary Staff Association of Nigeria (PASAN).

“The Commission wishes to stress that the routine staff audit was carried out in good faith without any intention of vendetta, witch-hunt or victimization against anyone.
Read also: Tension in Ekiti over alleged plan to sack Assembly workers

Read Also: Ekiti Assembly passes Appropriation Bill
“It is equally important to note that the exercise will assist the Commission to restructure, reposition and bridge the generational gap in the establishment”.

Consequently, the 21 workers dismissed protested against the State House of Assembly over their “unjust dismissal” from the service of the House.

The protest, led by labour leaders, was held within the premises of the assembly complex, where they chanted series of derisive songs to castigate the Ekiti State Assembly Service Commission over the action.

Addressing the dismissed workers, the Secretary of the Ekiti State Joint Negotiating Council, Com. Gbenga Olowoyo, said it was wrong for the Commission to have speedily sent the names of the affected workers to Accountant General to stop their salaries, while negotiation lasted.

He said: “We are here to express our rejection of the summary dismissal of these 21 staff of the House of Assembly. Though the Commission denied ever sacking anyone, which was not true.
“We learnt from good authority that they have forwarded their names to the Accountant General to stop their salaries while also denied access to the assembly complex despite being employed and put on the payroll for 10 years.

“We are not saying the Commission can Audit its staff, but it has to be with a human face. We are going to fight to the end. We are not afraid of victimisation. All the workers in the civil service will join them in solidarity. We are building careers here and we won’t allow any politician to destroy us”.

Also Speaking, the Secretaries of Trade Union Congress (TUC), Com. Lawrence Kuloogun and that of the Nigerian Labour Congress (NLC), Com Taiwo Akinyemi, said the sacking of those workers was not only inhuman but embarrassing to the workforce.

They said: “This is an injustice, harassment and embarrassment of our workers. In Ekiti State University, we buried scores of our workers. The same happened at the Ekiti State University Teaching Hospital. This was because of the sack, but here in the assembly, we are not ready to bury anybody.

“The Commission must reverse to status quo. They should not distribute any letter anymore and they must retrieve the ones already served for our workers to live good and worthy lives.”

Buratai harps on thoroughness in army recruitment process

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The Chief of Army Staff, Lt.-Gen. Tukur Buratai, says the Nigerian Army will uphold thoroughness in its recruitment processes to ensure that only qualified persons are recruited.

Buratai made the remarks during the final screening for 80 regular recruits at Falgore forest training camp on Monday in Kano State.
He said the exercise was a new approach to the screening and recruitment process of the Nigerian Army.
Brutai added that it was borne out of the need to recruit the best.

He said that lessons drawn from experiences in the field had made it imperative to recruit the best, noting that faulty process could lead to “faulty training and subsequently, faulty operations’’.

According to him, the Nigerian army is not ready for that again.

“As such, you must make up your mind that you are ready to serve your country as a soldier and you should be ready, anywhere you are deployed, after your passing out.

“All of you will go to Sambisa at the end of your depot training.

“If you are not ready to move to Sambisa and other parts of the country, and of course, our border areas to defend our country from any act of aggression, then you have not started.

“It is not yet late, if you have any doubt if you are not ready for discipline and loyalty at any point, then you can stand up and go.

“There is no room for laziness and indiscipline in the army and no room for malingering,’’ he said.

Buratai said that all screening for recruitment, selection and commissioning would henceforth be conducted in the Falgore forest.

“This is where we will select those that will become cadets and be trained as officers as well because, at the end of all the training, the officers and soldiers will operate together under the same condition.

“As such, all must be subjected to a similar process of recruitment and selection.’’

6,000 applicants, drawn from the 36 states, have been undergoing screening at the new training ground for enlistment into the army.

After the end of the final fitness test, which involves a 20 -kilometer-run for female and 30-, kilometers-run for male, successful candidates will proceed to the Nigerian Army Depot, Zaria for training.(NAN)

Tension in Ekiti over alleged plan to sack Assembly workers

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There is palpable fear in Ekiti State over alleged secret plot by the State House of Assembly to sack some of its workforce under the guise of staff audit.

The list of affected workers, according to a close source within the inner circle of the Assembly Complex, who spoke with our reporter on condition of anonymity, had already been compiled.

The source who did not disclosed the exact number of workers to be sacked, said the House of Assembly Service Commission had decided to embark on the staff audit to legalize the alleged disengagement plan.

Read also: 28 Boko Haram fighters killed as troops encircle ambush site in Gujba, Yobe State

This came as the organised labour in the State condemned the alleged plan by the House of Assembly to sack some staff under the guise of staff audit.

The organised labour in a letter jointly signed by the Secretaries of Nigeria Labour Congress, Coms Taiwo Akinyemi, Trade Union Congress, Lawrence Kuloogun and Joint Negotiating Council, Gbenga Olowoyo, said the unions will resist any attempt to shove out some workers under the facade of staff audit.

In a letter dated 11th January, 2021 and addressed to the Speaker, Ekiti State House of Assembly, Hon Funminiyi Afuye, warned that sacking any worker at this point would strain the smooth and robust relationship between the labour and the administration of Governor Kayode Fayemi.

The letter entitled: “Staff audit in Ekiti State House of Assembly Service commission, Need for caution’, expressed disgust over the alleged audit, it described as not being in tandem with the spirit of trust between the labour and government.

Read also: Popular House On The Rock Pastor Dies Of COVID-19, Adefarasin Mourns

It stated: “It is very essential to inform you that the attention of the State leadership of the Organized Labour has been drawn to the activities of the House of Assembly Service commission through a letter dated 9th January, 2021, by Parliamentary Staff Association of Nigeria (PSSAN) in respect of Staff Audit report which is now before the House of Assembly Service commission.

“As a matter of necessity, the leadership of the Organized Labour fumed over any action under the guise of Staff Audit to disrupt industrial peace in the workplace among Public Servants in Ekiti State.

“There is no doubting the fact that the purported affected staff have been on the State integrated payroll solution system (I.e. Biometrics) captured since 2011.

“The sincere concern of the State leadership of the Organized Labour in Ekiti State is that all actions that may be tantamount to sacking of any worker (s) in any of the Arms of government or Ministry/ Department/ Agency (MDAs) will be vigorously resisted.”

The labour said it would not tolerate any act of victimization against any worker as responsible leaders, urging the assembly to imbibe the spirit of negotiation.

“We hereby admonish the House of Assembly Service commission leadership and most expediently the Rt. Honourable Speaker to halt any action that may snowball into sacking of any worker.

“This is not the best of time for such inhuman action.”

Read also: Three Officers Killed, Others Injured As Gunmen Invade Ebonyi Police Station

But reacting to the claim, the Chairman, Ekiti State House of Assembly Service Commission, Hon. Taiwo Olatunbosun described it as a monumental falsehood, saying there wasn’t any attempt to sack any worker.

The former Deputy Speaker said: “For the purpose of clarity, we are not sacking anybody. Staff audit is a periodic policy allowed by law to update our staff strength and ascertain our nominal roll.

“I don’t understand what the labour leaders were saying that the audit was intended to sack people. I want to say that this allegation was wrong. We never had the intention of sacking anyone under any guise.”

28 Boko Haram fighters killed as troops encircle ambush site in Gujba, Yobe State

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Neutralized Boko Haram criminals by troops of Sector 2 Operation Lafiya Dole Gujba, Yobe State

Troops of the newly launched Operation TURA TAKAIBANGO a subsidiary Operation of Operation LAFIYA DOLE in the North East have killed over 28 marauding Boko Haram criminals at Gujba local government area of Yobe State after troops identified and encircled their ambush site.

Body of neutralized Boko Haram criminal in the aftermath of the encounter

In a statement Sunday, the Acting Director, Defence Media Operations, Brigadier General Benard Onyeuko said the troops from HQ Sector 2 who were led by the Commander Sector 2 and later reinforced by troops from 27 Task Force Brigade Buni Gari and Special Forces Training  School Buni Yadi tactically out-manouevered the criminals and engaged them with superior fire power resulting in high casualty on the terrorists.

Charred remains of a Boko Haram criminal after the encounter

“In the aftermath of the decisive encounter, 28 Boko Haram Terrorists were neutralized while few others are believed to have escaped with gunshot wounds. In the same vein, one Boko Haram Gun Truck was destroyed with its occupants while another Gun Truck was captured from the fleeing criminals. Other equipment captured from the criminals include;  2 Anti Aircraft Guns, 13  AK 47 Rifles, 4 extra magazines and a Vulcanizing Machine.

A Boko Haram criminals’ Gun Truck taken out by troops, engulfed in flames during the encounter

“Regrettably, one gallant soldier paid the supreme price while one other soldier was wounded during the encounter. Wounded soldier have been evacuated to a military medical facility and is responding positively to treatment.

“The renewed onslaught against the remnants of Boko Haram/Islamic State’s West Africa Province criminals by the dogged troops of Operation TURA TAKAIBANGO is indicative of the end of all criminal elements within the North East.

Neutralized Boko Haram criminals by troops of Sector 2 Operation Lafiya Dole Gujba, Yobe State

“The troops of Operation TURA TAKAIBANGO are highly commended for their  dedication and determination in flushing out remnants of the terrorists from their hideouts. They are also encouraged not to relent but build on the successes recorded.” He added.

Cache of weapons captured from the terrorists

General Onyeuko however assured the entire populace of the North East region of the Nigerian Army’s renewed vigour and determination to crush the remnants of Boko Haram/Islamic State’s West Africa Province criminals from their enclaves in this zone.

 

amilies, friends of Indonesia plane crash passengers await news

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Families and friends of the passengers on Sriwijaya Air flight SJ 182 which crashed into the Java Sea soon after takeoff on Saturday have spoken about the deadly incident, saying they still have hope despite the plane’s flight recorders, which record cockpit voice and flight data, being located.

Five members of Yudi Qurdani’s family were among the 62 people on board the plane – according to the flight’s manifest – which lost contact with air traffic control just four minutes after taking off from Soekarno-Hatta International Airport in Jakarta.

The plane’s destination was Pontianak, the capital of West Kalimantan province on Indonesia’s Borneo island, about 740km (460 miles) away.

Qurdani’s uncle Toni Ismail, aunt Rahmawati, and cousin Ratih Windania were flying back to Pontianak from a family holiday in Bandung in Java, along with Ratih’s daughter, four-year-old Yumna Fani Syatuzahr. Qurdani’s eight-year-old nephew Athar Rizki Riawan was also travelling with them, although his parents had stayed back in Pontianak.

They were not even supposed to be on the plane.

“They bought tickets to fly back to Pontianak on [Saturday] at 7am on NAM Air,” Qurdani said.

“But the night before, the airline told us that the flight had been changed to 1:30pm and that it would be a Sriwijaya Air plane. They just did what they were told and went to the airport in the afternoon.”

The family suspects that NAM Air, which is a subsidiary of Sriwijaya Air, transferred the passengers to the later flight due to low ticket sales.

The merged flights also meant that the Sriwijaya Air plane was carrying six extra crew from the cancelled NAM Air flight, including Captain Didik Gunardi, First Officer Fadly Satrianto and four cabin crew.

On Sunday, Indonesia’s National Search and Rescue Agency (Basarnas) released photographs of officials recovering debris and other items from the suspected crash site, including a child’s pink T-shirt, which Qurdani believes belonged to Yumna.

“She was not wearing it when she left, but her mother had packed it in her suitcase. She wore it often, so we recognised it at once when we saw it on TV. We are 80 percent sure that it is her T-shirt,” he said.

Popular House On The Rock Pastor Dies Of COVID-19, Adefarasin Mourns

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An influential pastor with the House on The Rock Church, Adeyinka Adebami, has died.

Pastor Adebami is said to have died from COVID-19.

Paul Adefarasin, the senior pastor of the church, broke the tragic news via Twitter on Saturday.

Adefarasin described Adebami’s death as painful, adding that the deceased was a good man.

The cleric urged members and all concerned to pray for Adebami’s family and advised the public to adhere to all recommended COVID-19 guidelines.

“Yesterday, I received the rude and shocking news of someone deeply dear to me and all of the HOTR family. The passing of Pastor Yinka Akinbami has become most painful because if there truly were good men, he was certainly one. To my brother, sleep well till we meet to part no more,” he said.

“Family, kindly allow me to solicit your intercession for his dear wife of over 30 years; Pastor Tolu, his children, his children-in-law, and grandchildren. We can only at best imagine how much pain they are feeling. We share the pain of his loss but they will feel it a lot more.

“It’s important to remind the community about the deadly nature of the Covid-19 and its mutant virus strains. Please do your part by following all the recommended precautions. That way, you are able to protect yourself and others who become proximal to you. God bless and keep us all,” Pastor Adefarasin posted on Twitter.

Three Officers Killed, Others Injured As Gunmen Invade Ebonyi Police Station

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Three officers have been killed and two others injured after gunmen invaded the Onueke Police Station in the Ezza Local Government Area of Ebonyi State.

Confirming the development, the Ebonyi State Police Command said investigations are underway to apprehend the perpetrators.

The command’s spokesperson, DSP Loveth Odah, disclosed that the gunmen invaded the police station and opened fire on the officers on duty which led to the killing of three policemen and injuring two others.

DSP Odah further revealed that the unfortunate incident which took place on Friday led to the death of two inspectors and another officer on guard at the station.

A woman who was said to be in her house within the premises of the police station was also killed.

According to Odah, the corpses of deceased officers and the woman have been deposited in the morgue while an investigation into the ugly incident is ongoing.

The spokesperson said normalcy has since returned to the area, adding the situation is now under control.

She said some arrests have been made while efforts are still on to apprehend others at large.

Dsp Odah further stated that Ebonyi experienced peace throughout the festive periods and blamed the sad development on some faceless individuals bent on disturbing the peace of the State.

UK House of Lords warned against use of sanctions to promote  terrorism in Nigeria

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The Centre for Africa Liberation and Socio-Economic Rights (CALSER) has warned the House of Lords in the United Kingdom against promoting terrorism with its call for sanctions on Nigeria.

According to the centre, such sanction would truncate Nigeria’s democracy and ultimately enhance terrorism.

The CALSER made its stance known at a press conference on Sunday in Abuja in response to alleged killings targeted at Christians in the North.

In her address, CALSER’s President/ Convener, Prince Ajibola said the UK lawmakers’ move is laced with mischief and an agenda well-intentioned to cause international embarrassment to the Nigerian government.

Ajibola noted that the letter to Dominic Raab, the UK’s Foreign Secretary, House of Lords is meant to create discord between Muslims in Nigeria and Christians.

She noted that Christians are not the only victims of the killings as Muslims has also been targeted.

Instead of promoting a “religious sectarian debate” and terrorism, Ajibola urged the UK lawmakers to support Nigeria to overcome its current challenges.

The Centre for Africa Liberation and Socio-Economic Rights, however, called on the international community to join hands with Nigeria in tackling terrorism rather than placing senseless sanctions against the country.

The centre also advised the lawmakers calling for sanctions against Nigeria to put a stop to their actions and offer their apologies to the country.

Read full address below:

The Centre for Africa Liberation and Socio Economic Rights ( CALSER) has expressed their indignation at the call for UK sanction on Nigeria by some members of the United kingdom house of Lords. For we know that, “to be feared is to fear, because no one has been able to strike terror into others and at the same time enjoy peace of mind.” The recent calls over the killings of Christians in the North are obviously sightless and intolerably frivolous. We consider this as an odious attempt to stultify democracy and cause disharmony.

Indeed, terrorist organizations have “harvested” the globalization process to improve their methods of operation. They often refrain from using factory-made explosives, for example, and instead use materials that can be easily obtained from local sources (such as ammonium nitrate).

And, ironically, locally-made materials are being used with greater frequency to achieve terrorist objectives. Perhaps the best example of this is the fact that even the well-known Al Qaeda (AQ) used locally-sourced American-made materials (Boeing airplanes) to destroy American targets on September 11 on America soil.

The Centre for Africa Liberation and Socio Economic Rights having dissected the issues raised and canvassed by some members of the United Kingdom house of Lords, wishes to state that their stand is laced with mischief and an agenda well-intentioned to cause international embarrassment to the government of Nigeria. It worthy of note that most of these terrorist organizations have local and international backings; they disseminate vital information to them on having a good strategic plan, and also help in funding, so that they can procure standard equipment and machineries of war.

It is pertinent to note that it is misleading and unfair for Intersociety and other agencies to infer that only Christians has been the major victims of this attacks by reporting adulterated and exaggerated figures,  just to stir up religious intolerance among the peaceful citizens. Report has it that many of the casualties of the terrorist attacks in the northern part were of the Islamic faith.

We therefore say that, reducing the act committed by this terrorists to a religious sectarian debate is an irresponsible act that should not be encouraged by anyone or nation.

It is imperative that the members of parliament who made this calls be aware of the influence and power they possess in parliament. They should therefore exercise this power towards promoting peace in Nigeria rather than create discord and hostility. What Nigeria needs from the UK aren’t sanctions, but rather support towards overcoming the current challenges the country is faced with.

The letter to Dominic Raab, the UK’s Foreign Secretary, House of Commons, London tends to slander the Islamic Religion and its appurtenances. It only serves to create discord between Muslims in Nigeria and Christians. Nigeria has suffered a lot from inter-tribal and inter-religious wars for a long time. The signatories to that fallacious letter should have been aware of the growing tensions between the two religions in the country and would have done well to avoid any offensive innuendos that might stir up hostility in the country.

The statistics stated in the petition were grossly exaggerated. They claim that over 34,400 Christians have been killed in Nigeria since 2009 by both Boko Haram and Fulani Militia. This is obviously inaccurate as they are merely claims by organizations that are yet to prove these facts. These are figure blown out of proportion in order to put this administration in bad light.

Let us be cognizant of the fact that Christians are not the only ones attacked by these so-called Islamic Militia and Fulani Militia. Muslims are also victims of this senseless terrorism. There have been several proven cases of Islamic women and children being kidnapped and raped by these terrorists, yet, they weren’t mentioned in the petition. This is a clear attestation to the fact that these members of parliament involved had mischievous intentions of sowing discord and disharmony and attempt to defame the Islamic religion.

It was also stated that Nigerian security forces had committed crimes against humanity which according to the petition include: murder, rape, enforced disappearance and other cruel treatments. This is a big insult on the brave and noble men of the Nigerian armed forces who have given their all towards ensuring the protection and safety of the lives and properties of Nigerian citizens. The petition also accused the Nigerian armed forces of crimes such as unlawful imprisonment and conscripting children under the age of fifteen years into armed forces. This is laughable as every good citizen of Nigeria is aware of the fact that the minimum age for enlisting into any division of the Nigerian Armed Forces is 18 years. This has been the law and till date, it hasn’t changed.

The petition made reference to the publication of a new report by Nigerian human rights group, Intersociety. The reports and statistics regarding the scale of human rights abuse in Nigeria were gravely aggrandized and uncorroborated. A matter as delicate as this shouldn’t be based on unproven reports and publications.

CLASER therefore calls on these members of the UK house of Lords to identify any Nigerian under the age of eighteen who is currently serving in any unit of the Nigerian Military. I also call on them to prove these baseless claims of theirs stated in their petition. It is very unfortunate that the members of the United Kingdom House of Lords are less informed of the challenges and oppositional threats being faced by the present administration in Nigeria. They have left the right focus of looking deeply in the root-cause of terrorism, but are swayed by the counter-effect being manifested.

This current administration has been faced with several challenges left behind by past administrations, and has had to correct years of failure of past administrations. Majority of the £2 billion bilateral aid given to Nigeria by the UK was egregiously misappropriated by members of the previous administration. If members of the UK parliament are concerned with how the funds were spent, then they should question members of the previous administration. They should look into the reports of how the funds were managed, that is if it was even penned down into report.

Many Nigerian citizens might be suffering from human rights abuses, but sanctions are not the answer. They are merely instruments of state policy. The idea of placing sanctions on Nigeria deliberately labels the government as a rogue one that must be ‘punished’. If we go down memory lane, we discover that placing sanctions against a country barely has any substantial impact. Instead, it just makes matters worse.

The Centre for Africa Liberation and Socio-Economic Rights wishes to seize this opportunity to call on the whole world to join hands with the country Nigeria in tackling terrorism rather than placing senseless sanctions against the country which already dealing with a lot of challenges.

We consider the call for sanction against Nigeria in the same despicable manner the world has greeted the invasion of US capitol congress chamber, which was an assault that was fueled by more than four years of poison politics spreading deliberate misinformation, sowing distrust in the system, and pitting Americans against one another, and we ask that such should not rear its ugly head in the UK or anywhere else in the world.

CALSER is calling on the members who are calling for the sanctions against Nigeria to put a stop to their actions and offer their apologies to the President of Nigeria, members of his administration and the country’s armed forces who they have so ignorantly slandered.

The Centre for Africa Liberation and Socio-Economic Rights also use this opportunity to thank the president and the Nigerian armed forces for their selfless efforts in combating insecurity and promoting peace in the country despite the many challenges they are faced with. We say kudos to a job well done.

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