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BREAKING: Edo APC chairman declares ongoing primaries ‘Illegal’, writes CP of police

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The chairman of the All Progressives Congress, Anselm Ojezua has declared the ongoing Party primaries as ‘illegal’.

This was contained in a letter written by Ojezua to the state Commissioner of Police on Monday morning. In the letter, Ojezua also claimed that the primaries were being organized by some ‘dissident’ elements adding that it was ‘unauthorized, provocative and illegal’.

APR has a transcript of the letter. Read Below;

June 22, 2020

The Commissioner of Police,

Edo State Police Command,

Benin City.

Sir,

RE: NO APC GUBERNATORIAL PRIMARY COMMITTEE HAS BEEN INAUGURATED FOR EDO STATE AND NO PRIMARIES PLANNED FOR MONDAY, JUNE 22, 2020

| humbly wish to draw your attention to a letter dated the 18″ of June 2020 from Hon. Victor Giadom, the acting National Chairman of our Party the All Progressives Congress, with regards to the above subject matter.

In that letter, he made it clear that he did not inaugurate nor authorise the setting up of any Committee to conduct Gubernatorial Primaries in Edo State. Furthermore, he reiterated that the Primaries earlier slated for June 22″ style=”max-width: 100%; display: block !important;”> has been postponed to a later date to be communicated in due cause. | have attached a copy of the said letter for reference and information.

The purpose of this letter, therefore, is to notify you of this development and to inform you that the purported Primaries being organised by some dissident elements in the Party is unauthorised, provocative and illegal.

Besides the mode being proposed for the exercise clearly violates the extant Regulations and Protocols put in place by Government to combat the COVID-19 Pandemic. l am to prevail on you not to unwittingly aid illegal activities that have the tendency to lead to a breach of peace and even a breakdown of law and order.

Rather, implore you to use your good offices to ensure that the exercise is aborted in order not to senselessly expose our members and other citizens to danger.

Please accept the assurances of my highest regard and esteem.

Anselm U Ojezue Esq
State Chairman

Court Grants Unconditional Release of CUPP Spokesman

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Justice Othman Musa of a High Court of the Federal Capital Territory sitting in Bwari, has ordered the unconditional release of the Spokesman of the Coalition of United Political Party, Ikenga, IMO Ugochinyere.

The court frowned at the consistent disobedience to court order by the law enforcement agencies.

According to the judge, law enforcement agents are in office and are able to perform their responsibilities because the law permits them.

He said it is an affront to the court for them not to obey same law while carrying out their responsibilities.

He also re-affirm the earlier order restraining the police from arresting and detaining had m pending the determination of the substantive suit.

Ugochinyere had through his lawyer, Chibuzor Ezike, in an exparte motion dated June 19, 2020 prayed the for an order unconditional release of the CUPP Spokesman who has been in police custody since last week.

Ezike said, ”We are praying the court for an order of this Honourable court for the unconditional release of the applicant who has been in detetion since last week.

”We have it on good authority that the applicant will be arraigned this morning by the police”.

In a short ruling after listening to the applicant’s client, the court held, ” The order praying the court for unconditional release of is hereby granted.

”The earlier order restraining the respondents from arresting, detaining the applicant in any manner is hereby re-affirmed”.

Former presidential candidate paying some Northern elders, others N100m monthly to blackmail Buhari, Yoruba youths allege

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…. dares Ango Abdullah’s group to swear with the Koran

The Progressive Yoruba Youths Congress (PYYC) has revealed that an ex-presidential candidate pays the Northern Elders Forum (NEF) a whopping N100m monthly to blackmail President Muhammadu Buhari.

The Yoruba youths made this known at a press conference by its President Kola Salau on Sunday to address attempt by some groups to discredit the efforts of the Fderal Government in fighting insecurity in the country.

According to PYYC, those that sponsored widespread killings and banditry in the wake of the 2019 general elections have returned to the act.

The southwest youth further disclosed that two other groups from the south have also been compromised, taking home N25m monthly to join NEF in the campaign of calumny against the president.

PYYF, however, challenged NEF’s chairman, Prof Ango Abdullahi to swear by the Koran that indeed he is not on the payroll of the politician and acting as agents of distraction and destabilization.

While condemning the action of these groups, the Progressive youths, however, expressed total support for President Buhari-led administration.

Read full statement below:

The Progressive Yoruba Youths, an association of progressive youths in South West Nigeria wishes to lend its voice to the raging debate on the state of insecurity in the country, as well as the attempt by some group of organizations whose contributions to the socio-economic upliftment of Nigeria has been defective.

We wish to state that it is indeed an irony that a group of questionable individuals parading themselves as Northern Elders, the Middle Belt Forum, Afenifere, Ohanaeze Ndigbo, and the Association of South-East Town Unions have elected to be against the interest of Nigeria by making unguarded statements with regards to the stance of President Muhammadu Buhari on the performance of Service Chiefs in the country.

It must be stated that President Muhammadu Buhari as the Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of the Federal Republic of Nigeria has the prerogative to hire and fire Service Chiefs and as such this undeniable fact must be respected by all and sundry in the country including those groups that have taken up newspaper spaces to paint Mr. President as insensitive.

This is indeed an anomaly because it is evident that the turning point in the war against Boko Haram insurgency in Nigeria has been widely linked to the unalloyed commitment displayed by President Muhammadu Buhari as evident in the quality of Service Chiefs in 2015, and with the mandate to hit the ground running.

The Progressive Yoruba Youths is therefore alarmed that such a position has been taken by the same group of persons that sponsored widespread killings and banditry in the wake of the 2019 general elections.

We state in unequivocal terms that these same individuals not resting on their oars are behind the groups that have in recent times been attempting to discredit President Muhammadu Buhari for standing with the Service Chiefs who by and large have been giving their best in the war against terrorism and other acts of criminality in the country.

It is indeed sad that organizations such as the Afenifere and the Ohaneze Ndigbo would condescend low to the whims and caprices of the same set of politicians that are sponsors of criminality in Nigeria.

As sad as this sound, it is indeed what it is and one wonder the amount of monies that would have exchanged hands in their futile desire to discredit the administration of President Muhammadu Buhari at all cost.

This is also on the heels of the fact that there are also those hiding under curious nomenclatures such former presidential candidate to discredit the government, by all means, necessary and destabilizing the country at the same time.

The Progressive Yoruba Youths wishes to state that the role of Afenifere is indeed despicable and an insult to the Oduduwa race, which stands for truth, justice and fairness at all times. This much Afenifere must come to terms with and retrace its steps and save us from further disrepute.

We also wish to state that we are aware that a top politician and businessman pays the Northern Elders Forum the sum of N50,000,000.00 monthly to run a campaign of calumny against President Muhammadu Buhari in fulfillment of their desire to cause a distraction and pitch the citizenry against the president.

This same politician and businessman pay other groups in the South-South and South-East of Nigeria the sum of N25, 000,000.000 every month to run the same campaign of calumny against the president in the attempt to give their falsehood some form of credibility and national spread.

This is unacceptable and an indication that these groups that have been carrying out the whim and caprices of disgruntled politicians at the detriment of national interest. These groups have been blinded by filthy lucre that they have elected to turn the truth on its head.

The Progressive Yoruba Youths herby challenge these groups to swear by the Koran and the Bible that indeed they are not acting as agents of distraction and destabilization. They should also be bold to tell Nigerians that monies have indeed not also exchanged hands in return for using their platforms to discredit President Muhammadu Buhari.

The Progressive Yoruba Youths sees the actions of these groups as against the unity and socio-economic development of Nigeria. As such, they must desist from their shameful acts. Nigerians must also do well to view with a pinch of salt statements emanating from these groups as they are self-serving and meant to suit the interest of their paymasters.

The Progressive Yoruba Youths wishes to use this medium to extend its support to the administration of President Muhammadu Buhari for its various efforts in tackling the different politically motivated security challenges in the country.

We consequently wish to use this medium to advise these groups to channel the resources to useful endeavors that would be of utmost benefit to the teeming youths in the country. This, in our opinion, would be more useful than spreading falsehoods in the country all in their distasteful desires to bring the government down at all cost.

The Progressive Yoruba Youths disassociates itself from these groups and wishes to remind them that they do not speak on behalf of the people but behalf of their pockets.

A word is indeed enough for the wise as Nigerians can easily see through their gimmick.

Aisha Buhari’s ADC, security aides restored

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Following clearance, the aide-de-camp (ADC) to First Lady, Aisha Buhari has been restored to his post.

The ADC, Usman Shugaba, who is a police officer, was absolved of any complicity by an investigative panel which was drawn from the Security Council.

Also, other security aides of the First Lady have been returned to the Presidential Villa.

But a nurse on the private jet from Abuja to Lagos and Kano, which caused misunderstanding at the Villa, has tested positive.

The Federal Government has however directed that all staff at the private wing of the Nnamdi Azikiwe Airport in Abuja for COVID-19 test.

There had been issues in the last two weeks over a minor family misunderstanding between the First Lady and an aide to the President over compliance with COVID-19 guidelines.

The family challenge led to shooting at the Villa, the withdrawal and detention of the First Lady’s ADC and other security details.

The President also directed that the incident be investigated.

It was learnt that a team, comprising Security Council members, probed the case last Monday.

As at Saturday, the panel had cleared the ADC.

A top source, who spoke in confidence, said: “The First Lady has got all her staff back because the investigative panel discovered the ADC did not fire a shot in the Villa.

“It was discovered that the ADC was not even at the scene of the incident and he was not armed on the said day.

“The panel was also able to establish that there were no armed policemen at that moment. There were only issues about compliance with COVID-19 guidelines.

“What really happened was that a presidential aide travelled to Lagos penultimate Monday in a private jet and when he returned last Thursday, the First Lady asked him to isolate for 14 days.

“The whole intent of the First Lady was to protect President Muhammadu Buhari and his household from COVID-19 infection. It was not really a personal matter per se.

“Since the outbreak of COVID-19, the First Lady has always asked those on palliative mission for her pet project, the Future Assured Programme to self-isolate for 14 days upon return from any trip

It was however learnt that a female hostess on the shuttles to Lagos, Abuja and Kano with the private jet used by the Presidential aide tested positive.

Another source added: “The air hostess is receiving treatment and the government has asked all the staff or workers at the private wing to go for COVID-19 test and self-isolate in line with the enabling guidelines.

The Senior Special Assistant to the President on Media and Publicity, Mallam Garba Shehu last Sunday said: “The Presidency wishes to acknowledge concerns expressed by several members of the public regarding the recent incident among the occupants of the State House which escalation led to the arrest of some staff by the police.

“This is to assure all and everyone that the President and Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces, Muhammadu Buhari, is not, and was not at any time in any form of danger arising, either from deadly infections or the reported incident by security personnel which is currently under investigation.

“This particular incident happened outside the main residence of the President.

“Armed guards and other security personnel assigned to the State House receive the necessary training of especially weapons handling and where they come short, their relevant agencies have their rules and regulations to immediately address them.

“Having authorized the proper investigation to be carried out into this unfortunate incident by the Police, the President has acted in compliance with the rule of law.

“That a minor occurrence is being used by some critics to justify attacks on the government and the person of President Muhammadu Buhari beggars belief.

“In this particular instance, the President says the law should be allowed to take its course.”

Boko Haram And Our Failure To Act Right

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By Andrew Idoko

The Boko Haram Insurgency in Nigeria has had its attendant effect on our socio-political life, given the wanton destructions that have been recorded in North-East Nigeria. In July 2009, the Boko Haram uprising began in Borno state. It spread to other northern states, leaving hundreds of followers, Nigerian law enforcement officers, and civilians dead. In subsequent years, attacks in the Northeast and other parts of the country, including bombings, mass shootings, and executions began to rise.

Since then, there have been an incredible number of deaths as a result of the Boko Haram Insurgency. The trademarks of the Boko Haram insurgents are wanton destruction of lives and property with reckless abandon through bombings, abduction and slaughtering of human beings, especially in Northern Nigeria. This has created palpable fear and sense of insecurity in the polity.

The Boko Haram insurgency has pitted neighbours against themselves, cost thousands of lives, displaced millions, destroyed hundreds of schools and government buildings and devastated an already ravaged economy in the North East. We must consequently agree that before now, Nigeria was on the fringe and the military at some point seemed helpless in dealing with the threats posed by Boko Haram.

I recall that at some point, the Boko Haram group was in control of over 16 local government areas spread across states in North-East, Nigeria. And even the nation’s capital was not spared of the atrocities of the Boko Haram group.
At some point, there seemed to be no solution in sight because the then political authorities treated the issue at hand with kid gloves. They politicked with the issues and gave it religious and ethnic colorations. The situation was so pathetic that soldiers were often transported in civilian vehicles, trailers and water tankers when going to the theatres of operation. The revelations on the sorry state of things in the past, which have emanated from the investigative panel so far, points clearly to the kind of legacy bequeathed to this present administration by the past government. However this is not a time for trading blames, but a time to move forward.

The tide turned from 2016 when the Nigerian military gained ascendency over the group. Of course, this was a result of a strong commitment displayed the political authorities through ways such as the quality of heads of security agencies appointed and with a mandate to ensure that the activities of the group were curtailed to the barest minimum. This trend continued, and it eventually led to many gains recorded in the theatre of operations.
While it is sufficient to give credit to President Muhammadu Buhari for providing that leadership when it was badly needed, credit must also go to the military for their display of professionalism and commitment all the years. We must agree that, but for the gallantry of the military, it would have been a different song that would have been sung today.
I can’t but agree that the Boko Haram war in Nigeria has been a one-sided one, in the sense that the bulk of the job was left in the hands of the military alone. At the same time, some other stakeholders paid lip service. Yes, the military is mandated to address security concerns in the country. However, it must be understood that the Boko Haram insurgency is not a conventional one, but an asymmetric war that only military might cannot defeat.

This position has been canvassed in numerous forums where it was stated that there must be an understanding and a synergy amongst stakeholders in addressing the threats posed by the Boko Haram group. The question thus is: has our leaders risen to the occasion to play that invaluable role in ensuring Nigeria defeats Boko Haram squarely?

The answer is an obvious one because we are all witnesses to the position of some of our leaders, who have continued to play to the gallery, through their public statements, and actions that from all intent and purpose seems to be promoting the Boko Haram cause rather than condemning it and supporting the Nigerian military in this regard.

We must also admit that this ought to be a collective endeavor because we are all victims of the fangs of the Boko Haram group. But what have we done in our little corners towards assisting the military? What about our leaders? Have they been strategic enough? Have they exhibited an undying love for the country? Have they pondered that these soldiers in the trenches have families as well that they left behind? Are they aware that some of these soldiers have left their families and never returned?

Ironically some of us would take up news pages and television stations calling for the sack of service chiefs while in our cocoon we yet give discreet support to these terrorists to continue to wreak havoc in the country.
Our leaders have indeed failed us when we come to the politics involved in the Boko Haram insurgency. I am afraid to state that it is indeed a big business for politicians that see the festering of the insurgency as an avenue to smile to the bank. And when the military makes gains, it depletes their bank accounts. Yes, this is the starkness of the reality on the ground. And for them, the insurgency must fester so they can have a comparative advantage politically and financially.

In all of these, I am consoled that we have a president that cannot be cowed by press statements and appearances on television on the efforts of the military in the fight against Boko Haram insurgency in Nigeria. Mr. President knows better because that is his constituency, and he understands war strategies and the various factors that come to play in a war situation.
However, we cannot continue in this fashion as a people and as a country because if we do, Nigeria will continue to bear the brunt of our actions. And for those that see it convenient to throw stones in the village square because they and their families are holed up in their mansions should realize that one day that same stone would bounce back and shatter the glasses of their mansions and nobody would be safe anymore.
This is indeed the time for us to retrace our steps in the fight against Boko Haram insurgency. This is not an issue to play politics with because a country at war can never experience sustainable growth and development. The scars of the civil war should be fresh in our minds and consequently guide our actions and inactions.

The shutdown of countries due to the coronavirus pandemic should also remind us that there is only one place called home and we must put things in order if we must survive. For a time would come where our survival would depend on how well we have done in making our country great. With the way things are going globally, anything can happen tomorrow, and the mansions and luxury cars would mean nothing.

The time to act is now. The Boko Haram insurgency has evolved for years not because there have not been sustained efforts from the military, but because our leaders have not come to terms with reality on the ground. There must be the sincerity of heart and purpose. All hands must be on deck. That it is happening in the north now does not mean it can’t happen elsewhere.
Those trying to make political gains out of the killings in the north must desist from such endeavors as it would only serve the purpose of disintegration. I can bet that this is not the vision of our founding fathers.

I pledge to Nigeria my country, to be faithful, loyal and honest. To serve Nigeria will all my strength, to defend her unity, uphold her honor and glory, and so help me God. What about you?

Idoko is a political affairs analyst and wrote this piece from Yola.

Failed politicians behind violence, banditry in the North- Security expert 

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A security expert and public affairs commentator,  Mr Terrence Kuanum, has attributed the incessant cases of violence and bandit attacks in parts of northern Nigeria to the activities of failed politicians who want to paint the President Muhammadu Buhari administration in bad light.

He insisted that the Nigerian military is doing a good job of ridding the country of insurgency and terrorism explaining that the scourge has continued only because other critical stakeholders in the sector have not been alive to their responsibilities.

Kuanum who spoke with our team of editors in his residence in Abuja, said information available to him as an expert in security matters indicates that most of the cases of violence and banditry in northern  Nigeria are politically motivated and sponsored by those who contested and lost against the ruling party in recent elections.

The security expert said the failed politicians believe that by sponsoring violence and other acts of criminality they would be de-marketing the Buhari presidency so as to put them in stead to contest in 2023.

Kuanum said information at his disposal indicates that many of the failed politicians are not happy with the gains made by the military against insurgents and criminals in recent times and are hellbent on thwarting the efforts due to their 2023 ambitions

“They are scared that if Buhari is allowed to continue with his streak of achievements especially in the area of  security, then he would have fulfilled one of the cardinal objectives of his administration to secure the nation and that would further bury their dreams of returning to power.

“They know they have nothing to offer to the people so they don’t want to allow the President deliver on his mandate as that would put the final nail on their political coffin,” he stated.

The security expert said the failed politicians were particularly angered by the accolades the Buhari administration was receiving from all over the world over its ability to neutralise terrorists operating on the fringes of the Lake Chad region so they decided to work against it.

He said, “If you have been observing developments in the Northeast, you will notice that our military have been on top of their games neutralising the insurgents and making it difficult for them the launch surprise attacks on communities and it became obvious that the total defeat of the insurgents is a matter of days.

“Encomiums started pouring in from all over including those critical of the Buhari administration, that the administration is doing well and the president was going to keep his promise about providing adequate secuirty in the country.

“So they distracted the military with banditry attacks in the Northwest and in that moment, struck in the Northeast all in the bid to paint the current administration in bad light.”

Kuanum said it is high time people are made aware of this conspiracy so they would realise that the fault is not that of the military which is doing its best to secure the nation but due to the activities of some unpatriotic elements.

The security expert said it is curious that the Nigerian military which is one of the best in the world should be put on a negative spot light for operations carried out at home.

He asked: “Does it not strike you as curious that the same military which liberated Sierra Leone; rescued UN soldiers from terrorists in Somalia; restored democracy in Liberia and led successful joint military operations in several parts of world would be said to be failing at home?”

He said this is clearly an indication that some forces are behind the campaign to sustain the carnage.

“You cannot reconcile the fact that the Nigerian military which has such a sterling record of achievements abroad could be said to be overstretched at home,” he stated.

He maintained that on a scale of a hundred, the Nigerian military has performed at over 90 stressing that the occasional attacks used to assess the military is due to the inability of other stakeholders to perform their tasks and because some of the violence are politically induced.

He said if the other stakeholders are doing half of what the military are doing in the area of security in the last four years, Nigeria would have attained the much needed peace.

He warned the politicians who he described as agents of darkness to desist from their evil acts saying not only would they be exposed in the not too distant future but would be prosecuted and made to face the full wrath of the law.

Kuanum advised those saddled with other responsibilities in the secuiety architecture of the country to wake up to their responsibilites so as to bring an end to insurgency in Nigeria.

He said, ” A lot depends on intelligence gathering, consultation, mediation and other subtle initiatives that cannot be handled through field combat.

“These areas are seriously lacking and it forms part of my recommendation to

the government to end insurgency.

He explained that there is no war that is fought using a single approach as he said every conflict is a result of breakdown in negotiations.

“Both methods are usually deployed to speed up the process of ending conflict but in Nigeria the other stakeholders have abandoned their posts and left the entire process in the hands of the military.

This should no longer be the case and I’m calling on all stakeholders to wake up from slumber and contribute their quota so as to complement  what the military is doing,” he said and called on all to support the military to stamp out terrorism in Nigeria.

Insecurity: Northern youths warn politicians behind senseless killings, sponsored protests to desist from destabilizing the country

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Insecurity: Northern youths warn politicians behind senseless killings, sponsored protests to desist from destabilizing the country

The Coalition of Northern Groups for Good Governance (CNGG) has fired warning shots at politicians behind the recent killings and sponsored protests across the country to seize from their mission to destabilize Nigeria.

The group made up of about 35 CSOs and groups across the north said the youths are getting impatient with induced insecurities and partisan protests by those responsible for the carnage in the land.

Speaking at a press conference on Sunday afternoon in Abuja, President, Comrade Abu Mohammed said these partisan merchants of violence and killings are contracted to cause unrest, agonies and bloodshed in parts of the north.

According to the group, their misioon is to claim power from the backdoor, as typified by their constant sermons for the sack of serving Service Chiefs.

After several failed attempts, the Northern youths revealed that they now resorted into discrediting President Muhammadu Buhari’s administration; blur the successes of the Service Chiefs to find public justification to compel Mr. President to sack his hard working and dedicated security team.

The group, however, warned these disgruntled politicians to quit their “devilish agenda”.

While throwing its weight behind the president, CNGG added that it is very much satisfied with the Service Chiefs, as a unified front is required to surmount the various security challenges.

Read full statement below:

Esteemed Ladies and Gentlemen of the Fourth Estate of the Realm,

Let’s warmly welcome you members of the Press to this briefing and also seize this unique privilege to specially thank Almighty God for our country and our lives.

We cannot be more thankful to our Creator that in spite of the mounting self-created and induced adversities manifest in resurgent insecurities, He has equally empowered our leader, President Muhammadu Buhari with the wisdom to always stand firm in our collective defence. He has never flinched or blinked over his responsibility of protecting the lives and property Nigerians.

However, we can never find it intolerable, unacceptable and very expedient to once again speak to Nigerians, particularly, some excited and partisan merchants of violence and killings contracted to cause unrest, agonies and bloodshed in parts of Northern Nigeria.

Let us quickly remind that the North and Nigeria is our collective heritage. It is very painful that some dubious characters are aligning with internal and external forces to destroy it. We are angered by this development and it will be a shame for our generation to bear this stigma and therefore, the imperative for caution.

We thought with 2019 electioneering campaigns over; elections won and lost; some sanity would return to the self-acclaimed political godfathers of Nigeria. The renewed acts of armed banditry, killings and other horrendous atrocities, especially in parts of the North are not only induced, but politicized by disgruntled politicians and campaigners seeking to administer Nigeria from the backdoor, as typified by their constant sermons for the sack of serving Service Chiefs.

Quite belatedly, we have realized, underestimated and improperly decoded the indignation and penchant of these forces for evil against us. They have marshalled series of evil plots.

After the instigated acts of insecurity, they also proceed to hire emergency and aberrant civil society sects for public protests in the prosecution of their Plan “B” in worsening insecurity in the country. Miscreants, hoodlums and social deviants under different guise are massively recruited to execute these plots.

Therefore, with every attempt the Government of President Buhari makes in blighting the fire of insecurities in the country, these agents of darkness, some of whom are backed by foreign forces, resuscitate new plots to cause more Internal Security (IS) breaches for the country and our citizens.

The intention is to discredit the administration of President Buhari; blur the successes our Service Chiefs have recorded in containing insecurities’ in order to find public justification to compel Mr. President to sack his hard working and dedicated security team.

These antics are no longer strange to us and we are calling on the masterminds to be careful, least the actions they embark upon triggers unsavoury counter-reactions from Nigerians. Security is our collective responsibility and, in this sector, every Nigerian is a sentinel over his life, domain and community.

Let us resolve to work closely with security agents to rout out armed bandits, terrorists and militias in our communities. The erroneous posturing or notion that security is the sole responsibility of the President or a Governor has created fertile grounds for the promoters of this evil against our people and country. To thrive. We cannot exhibit this ignorance forever.

There is every need for concerted efforts by all stakeholders towards tackling the security challenges, particularly in the Northern part of the country.  We should not allow our enemies and detractors overwhelm us, to destroy or ruin our communities, because highly placed politicians are desperate to push a portrait of their perfectibility as better leaders, had Nigerians entrusted them with leadership.

To this end, we strongly condemn actions by some individuals who are dancing to the tunes of these demonic souls and anti-democratic forces. It is clear to us that they scheme to throw the country into total chaos and lawlessness by sponsoring violence, killings and at the same time, inducing youths to embark on protests against the country’s leadership after unconscionably dismissing every effort made in this regard.

The manner of the latest protests baffled infinitely. Youths were sighted freely mingling in the season of Covid-19 in total disregard for social-distancing protocols and the deliberate refusal to wear Personal Protective Equipments (PPEs) such as face masks and so forth. It only justifies the artificiality of the public protests and the random recruitment of youths to cause tension and further destructions.

Nevertheless, these machinations cannot blindfold us against the genuine intentions of President Buhari to ensure the security and safety of every Nigerian wherever he is domiciled in the country. Needless to stress or we contented to express with every modicum of confidence that the administration cherishes the life of every citizen and has done so much in this dimension in the last five years.

We are compelled to acknowledge the efforts of Mr. President in taming insecurities in the country and pour these eulogies on him not just because he is one of our own. But it is ennobled by the plain and indisputable fact that he has done well considering the quantum of challenges which his administration inherited on coming on board and his skillful management of it to this hour. Conversely, we appreciate the efforts and sacrifices of leaders of our security architecture and security agents for sustaining the counter-fire against armed criminals terrorizing our country and the citizens, despite the deliberate frustrations to belittle their efforts. They have done so much to ensure our citizens and territorial integrity is protected from invaders and aggressors. The only option we have is to embolden to get to the targeted destination.

At this juncture, we are morally obligated to specially acknowledge our beloved security agents who have paid the supreme price for the unity and stability of the country and the safety of others. We are convinced absolutely that their sacrifices will never be in vain and Nigeria will surely overpower the gangs of armed criminals amassed against it.

Lastly, we pledge the total support of all citizens to the security agencies and the leadership of the country; as we reiterate the call for a unified front for us to surmount the various security challenges. We advise youths who have offered themselves for recruitment as foot soldiers  in prosecuting  these devilish plots hatched by politicians against the peace and security of our nation to desist forthwith.

Thank you.

Insecurity: CALSER scores Humanitarian Affairs Minister high on FG’s assistance to victims

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Sadiya Umar Farouq, Minister for Humanitarian Affairs, Disaster Management and Social Development.

The Centre for Africa Liberation and Socio-Economic Rights (CALSER) has expressed satisfaction with the Minister of Humanitarian Affairs, Disaster Management and Social Development, Hajiya Sadiya Farouq, for her handling of the Federal Government’s assistance to victims of humanitarian crisis in the country.

The centre gave this commendation in a press statement signed by its Executive Director, Dr Abubakar Gana, on Sunday.

According to Dr Gana, the creation of the ministry and the choice of Hajiya Farouq will ultimately go down as one of the legacies of President Muhammadu.

CALSER said it has so far monitored the humanitarian issues in Nigeria occasioned by the Boko Haram terrorists, flooding in some parts of the country and other forms of natural and human-made disasters in the country and expressed satisfaction.

It further disclosed that the minister has done ” brilliantly well in not just nurturing a new ministry, but also ensuring that it hits the ground running in the fulfilment of its vision to have social protection systems that are proactive, humane, inclusive and sustainable for the improvement and general welfare of the people”.

The centre lauded the ministry for intervening in mitigating the effect of the Boko Haram crisis in the North-East by ensuring that those displaced by the disaster are adequately covered in the FG’s social safety net initiatives.

Amidst the coronavirus pandemic, CALSER noted that Hajiya Farouq ensured that palliatives are distributed in a transparent and accountable manner to the vulnerable in the country.

The Centre for Africa Liberation and Socio-Economic Rights, however, warned those against the interest of the country to stay clear of the ministry, vowing to resist any smear campaign against the personality of the minister.

Read full statement below:

In response to effectively addressing the various humanitarian crisis in the country, President Muhammadu Buhari established the Federal Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs, Disaster Management and Social Development to develop humanitarian policies and provide effective coordination of National and International humanitarian interventions; ensure strategic disaster mitigation, preparedness and response; and manage the formulation and implementation of fair focused social inclusion and protection programs in Nigeria.

The creation of this all-inclusive ministry was widely applauded by the generality of Nigerians, which was an indication that the administration of President Muhammadu Buhari was indeed concerned about the plight of those affected by the humanitarian crisis in the country and the urgent need to have laudable programmes and policy that would address these challenges, and in an effective and timely manner too.

The Centre for Africa Liberation and Socio-Economic Rights having followed the various humanitarian issues in Nigeria occasioned by the Boko Haram terrorist group, flooding in some parts of the country and other forms of natural and human-made disasters in the country, wishes to express its satisfaction with the way and manner these issues have been addressed by the government through the various interventions of the Federal Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs, Disaster Management and Social Development.

This in our considered opinion dwelled on the fact that President Muhammadu Buhari’s choice of Hajia  Sadiya Umar Farouq to lead this interventionist ministry and so far using all measurement parameters she has done brilliantly well in not just nurturing a new ministry, but also ensuring that it hits the ground running in the fulfilment of its vision to have social protection systems that are proactive, humane, inclusive and sustainable for the improvement and general welfare of the people.

The Centre for Africa Liberation and Socio-Economic Rights wishes to state that Hajia Sadiya Umar Farouq has indeed proven herself as a square peg in a square hole through her innovative approaches to handling the various humanitarian crises in the country.  It goes further to bring to the fore that indeed there exist some Nigerians that are burning with passion for the growth and development of the country. It, therefore, suffices to state that the Honorable Minister for Humanitarian Affairs, Disaster Management and Social Development is in that category of Nigerians burning with that passion and desire to make Nigeria great again.

This fact can be seen in the way and manner the ministry has been able to intervene in mitigating the effect of the Boko Haram crisis in North-East Nigeria by ensuring that those displaced by the disaster are adequately covered in the federal government’s social safety net initiatives.

The Federal Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs, Disaster Management and Social Development under the watch of Hajia Sadiya Umar Farouq has indeed transformed the responsiveness of the federal government to disaster management in the country.

The way and manner the federal government responded to the COVID-19 pandemic and the consequent lockdown of some parts of the country where millions of vulnerable persons benefited from the federal government’s cash transfer intervention programme under the supervision of the Honorable Minister for Humanitarian Affairs, Disaster Management and Social Development was brilliant and indeed worthy of commendation.

The Honorable Minister indeed proved how honourable she is, with the transparent and accountable manner; the COVID-19 palliatives of the federal government were distributed amongst the vulnerable groups in the country.

The Centre for Africa Liberation and Socio-Economic Rights acknowledges the numerous interventionist efforts of the Honorable Minister for Humanitarian Affairs, Disaster Management and Social Development in this era of economic hardship brought about by the coronavirus pandemic.

This is also on the heels that the federal government has also responded well to other humanitarian issues of concern across the country through the various agencies under the supervision of the Federal Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs, Disaster Management and Social Development.

The Centre for Africa Liberation and Socio-Economic Rights acknowledges the fact that the Honorable Minister of Humanitarian Affairs, Disaster Management and Social Development has lived up to expectation by providing that sound leadership in this critical sector in Nigeria and this critical period.

It is, therefore, succinct to state that the Honorable Minister has indeed highlighted through her actions that great and giant strides can be achieved in the growth and development of Nigeria through purposeful leadership.

We also wish to state that her ability and drive towards addressing the humanitarian crisis in any part of the country within record time tells a lot about her sincerity of heart and purpose and also a manifestation of the confidence reposed in her by President Muhammadu Buhari.

The Centre for Africa Liberation and Socio-Economic Rights thanks President Muhammadu Buhari for appointing a selfless and dedicated amazon in Hajia Sadiya Umar Farouq to lead the critical sector of providing humanitarian aids to victims of conflicts, disasters and other forms of economic exclusions in the country.

The Centre for Africa Liberation and Socio-Economic Rights wishes to use this medium to advise those against the interest of the country to stay clear of the Honorable Minister of Humanitarian Affairs, Disaster Management and Social Development as she carries her mandate of promoting human dignity and integration of basic humane benevolence and compassion in the treatment of all Nigerians.

The Center for Africa Liberation and Socio-Economic Rights shall resist any form of smear campaign against the personality of Hajia Sadiya Umar Farouq to cause a distraction. These set of individuals and organizations should have a rethink and toe the path of patriotism in the overall interest of the country and those Nigerians that dot the nook and crannies of the country and in dire need of government intervention in their daily lives.

The Centre for Africa Liberation and Socio-Economic Rights here by commends the response to Humanitarian crisis in Nigeria and the invaluable role of the Honorable Minister of Humanitarian Affairs, Disaster Management and Social Development.

Banditry: Benue Council Boss Welcomes Operation Whirl Stroke, Assures on Readiness to Eliminate Insecurity

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In partnership with the Benue State Government and other critical stakeholders in confronting the precarious security concerns and threat occasioned on lives and properties in Ado Local Government, Chairman Elect, James Oche yesterday officially received Operation Whirl Stroke Military outfit sent to the area.

Showing the team around familiar places within the local government and the lodge where they would take shelter, Oche expressed happiness over their presence and assured that on his part, the local government administration will be supportive to ensure the smooth operation of the team.

Mr. Oche while thanking the high command of the Nigerian military for such initiative at ending banditry and other violent crime in the area, further appreciated the efforts of the Governor, Dr. Samuel Ortom and His Deputy, Benson Abounu for their support and for also giving out motorcycles to advance the crusade against insecurity in Ado.

Ado Local Government in recent times has suffered security challenges ranging across kidnapping, armed robbery, and banditry and to fulfil his campaign promises to the people, James Oche has continued to make frantic efforts towards ensuring that, adequate security machinery are put in place as soon as possible to confront the menace.

Reacting, Lt. Mubarak expressed happiness with the warm reception accorded him and promised to work closely with the James Oche administration and other relevant stakeholders in the area to subdue the growing concerns of heightened insecurity.

Troops foil attacks on Benue community, kill bandit, recover arms and arrest suspects

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Troops of Operation WHIRL STROKE under Operation ACCORD, following reports of bandits’ activities around Ginde area of Saghev Council Ward of Guma LGA of Benue State.

Confirming the operation, Coordinator, Defence Media Operations Maj. Gen John Enenche said troops of Sector 2 deployed at Tomatar, conducted a raid operation on 20 June 2020 on suspected bandits hideout.

”The bandits fled as troops closed in on them. Following a hot pursuit one bandit was neutralized while others escaped with gunshot wounds.

”Items recovered include one Galil rifle, one Galil magazine, quantity 13 X 7.5mm ammunition, one Motorcycle one woodland camouflage shirt, some quantities of Indian Hemp and assorted charms. The camp was subsequently destroyed.” He said.

In another development, troops deployed at Tunga responded to a kidnap incident of a local Teacher at Foga LGA and arrested 2 suspects; Yahuza Danlami and Danladi Baushe, who were linked to the incident. A locally made rifle was found in their possession.

The suspects have been handed over to the Nigerian Police at Awe for investigations.