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Recent killings remain our failure to complement outstanding military actions with diplomacy, Northern elders reply critics of Buhari’s govt

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Recent killings remain our failure to complement outstanding military actions with diplomacy, Northern elders reply critics of Buhari’s govt

The Northern Elders and Leaders Forum (NELF) says the failure by its elites to complement the effort of the military with diplomacy is responsible for the recent killings experienced in the region.

The Northern elders made this known in a statement signed by Third Republic Senate President, Senator Ameh Ebute, on Friday, on President Muhammadu Buhari’s effort on national security, cohesion and stability.

According to the elderstatesmen, there’s been significant turnaround in the Boko Haram/ISWAP crisis since President Buhari took over the helm of affairs.

The president, NELF said, has expressly followed the founding vision of Sir Ahmadu Bello on a secured and united Northern Nigeria.

However, the group added that critical stakeholders including traditional institutions, religious leaders, patriots, civil society organizations and the youths have failed on their part.

While shouldering the blame for not supporting the military enough, the group charged other stakeholders to put away sentiments and rancour occasioned by politics and personal interest.

According to NELF, this is a ” wake- up call to all interests in the region to put humanity and the collective interest of our region first”.

The group, however, expressed its total support for President Buhari while distancing itself from ” some dubious elements that have no sense of history or love for the North to malign President Muhammadu Buhari on the issues of insecurity.”

Read full statement below:

The Northern Elders and Leaders Forum, a socio-cultural organization of distinguished elder statesmen in Northern Nigeria, wishes to lend its voice to the state of the nation in Nigeria and the various efforts of the Muhammadu Buhari administration in addressing the various challenges confronting the country.

The Northern Elders and Leaders Forum is appalled with the level of misinformation been peddled by some groups purportedly acting on behalf of the generality of Northern Nigeria by attempting to exaggerate the state of insecurity in Northern Nigeria.

There is no doubt that we have a critical situation on our hands as a people that require the genuine concerns of all stakeholders including traditional institutions, religious leaders, patriots, civil society organizations and the youths in addition to the various organs of government such as the Police, Military and Intelligence coordination units.

There is no doubt that our focus as a people has been on sentiments and rancour occasioned by politics and personal interest that are not healthy for the growth and development of the country. This is unacceptable in the face of the numerous daunting challenges ahead of us as a people.

Ours is, therefore, a wake- up call to all interests in the region to put before them humanity and the collective interest of our region and wish to state as follows;

We wish to state that President Muhammadu Buhari has expressly followed the founding vision of Sir Ahmadu Bello on a secured and united Northern Nigeria since he assumed leadership of the country in 2015.

We also state that under the Muhammadu Buhari administration, the principle of equity and justice has been the watchword in the conduct of government business as well as in the prosecution of the Boko Haram/ISWAP war in Northern Nigeria and other parts of the country.

We, therefore, find it insane that some agents of darkness have ignored all these qualities but to disparage the long-cherished virtues and efforts of the Muhammadu Buhari administration on the altar of cheap politics and bitterness instigated from outside northern Nigeria.

The Northern Elders and Leaders Forum consequently states that the recent attempts by some dubious elements that have no sense of history or love for the North to malign President Muhammadu Buhari on the issues of insecurity are unacceptable.

We wish to place it on record that the quantum of security challenges inherited by President Muhammadu Buhari as far as insecurity is concerned has significantly been dealt with by the gains recorded in the fight against Boko Haram Insurgency in North-East Nigeria.

Under the watch of President Muhammadu Buhari, the over 16 local government areas under the control of the Boko Haram group in North-East Nigeria were recaptured by the Nigerian Military. This is on the heels that the operational headquarters of Boko Haram in Sambisa Forest was also taken over by the Nigerian military, and other heroic acts in Northern Nigeria and other parts of the country at large.

It must be stated that the leadership examples set by the revered Sir Ahmadu Bello of blessed memory with regards to leadership have been abundantly emulated by President Muhammadu Buhari since he assumed leadership of the country in 2015.

It is therefore not a surprise to the Northern Elders and Leaders Forum that a smear campaign can be launched against his personality and commitment to protecting lives and properties in Northern Nigeria, as well as other parts of the country because it hasn’t been business as usual for those hawks who have conspired over the years to steal the commonwealth of the people.

If not for anything, these individuals and associations parading themselves as historical authorities in the affairs of Northern Nigeria should do well to go back in history to understand the factors that drive quality leadership at all levels and also, for them to be able to make informed public statements, instead of playing to the gallery to score cheap political points.

The Northern Elders and Leaders Forum as critical stakeholders in the socio-economic affairs in Northern Nigeria indeed pledges its continued support to the administration of President Muhammadu Buhari for leading by example and ensuring that the interest of the North and indeed all of Nigeria are protected at all times.

We wish to state that those that are genuine in their concerns about issues in Northern Nigeria would identify with President Muhammadu Buhari in his quest to make Nigeria safe and secured for all. And those whose voices are only heard on the pages of newspapers without any meaningful contributions to the growth and development of Northern Nigeria to their names are always the first to throw stones.

Nigerians must do well to ignore these individuals and associations in the interest of peace and tranquillity. And it behoves on all well-meaning Nigerian to support President Muhammadu Buhari in this critical time of our existence.

Nigerian security agencies foil Hezbollah attacks on Lagos, suspect apprehended

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Nigerian security agencies foil Hezbollah attacks on Lagos, suspect apprehended

A major operation by the Islamist group Hezbollah was foiled in Lagos with the arrest of Ali Mohammed el Hassan in Ikoyi overnight, news sources reported.

Details of this operation have not been revealed because of the highly sensitive nature of the plot – newsmen gathered from a source that Hezbollah under the leadership of Mr el Hassan had planned a major attack on Ikoyi and the Lekki areas of Lagos.

Nigerian security agencies acted on a tip from international intelligence and apprehended the suspect at an undisclosed location in Ikoyi.

Hezbollah is a Shia Islamist political party and militant terror group based in Lebanon led by Hassan Nasrallah.

EFCC arraigns Deputy Speaker, Registrar of Benue House of Assembly over N5M fraud

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EFCC arraigns Deputy Speaker, Registrar of Benue House of Assembly over N5M fraud

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission EFCC, Makurdi Zonal Office has arraigned Deputy Speaker of Benue State House of Assembly, Christopher Adaji, and the Clerk of the house, Torese Agena, before Justice S. O. Itodo, of the Benue State High Court, Makurdi.

The duo are standing trial for their complicity in an alleged fraud totalling N5,040,950 (Five Million, Forty Thousand, Nine Hundred and Fifty Naira only).

They were arraigned on two-count charges bordering on conspiracy, bribery, criminal breach of trust and abuse of office.

Obaseki joins the PDP, obtains membership card

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Obaseki joins the PDP, obtains membership card

The Edo State Governor, Godwin Obaseki has officially joined the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).

The governor who dumped the All Progressives Congress on Tuesday, picked up his PDP membership card at the party’s secretariat in Benin City, the state capital today.

Shortly after his resignation from the APC, Obaseki visited Rivers State Governor Nyesom Wike  and his Akwa-Ibom State counterpart, Udom Emmanuel.

This comes a week after he was screened out and declared unfit to participate in the APC primary election ahead of the September 19 governorship poll in Edo State.

On Friday last week, the Screening Committee led by Professor Jonathan Ayuba submitted its report to the party’s leadership after it screened Governor Obaseki who is seeking re-election, Pastor Osagie Ize-Iyamu, and four other aspirants.

The other aspirants include Dr Pius Odubu, Chris Ogiemwonyi, Osaro Obazee, and Matthew Iduoriyekemwen.

‘Godfatherism Must End’ — Oba Of Benin Speaks on Edo Election

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‘Godfatherism Must End’ — Oba Of Benin Speaks on Edo Election

Omo N’Oba N’Edo Uku Akpolokpolo, Oba Ewuare II, Oba of Benin, says “godfatherism” and “consensus candidate” must be eradicated from the politics of Edo state.

In a statement on Thursday, the OEdoba said these two “political vices” are antithetical to the fundamental basis of democracy.

Osagie Ize-Iyamu, a governorship aspirant in Edo, is backed by Adams Oshiomhole, suspended national chairman of All Progressives Congress (APC).

The coast is now clear for Ize-Iyamu after two aspirants dropped out of the race for the party’s ticket and endorsed him.

The traditional ruler denied reports suggesting that his palace prevailed on some aspirants to step down “for a particular candidate in the upcoming primaries of a certain political party”.

“The palace totally denounces this evil speculation and condemns those that originated it,” the statement read.

“His Royal Majesty, Omo N‘Oba N’Edo, Uku Akpoiokpolo, the Oba of Benin has said times without number that the Palace of the Oba of Benin does not get involved in partisan politics. The three prayer points of the Oba of Benin in the democratic process have always been as follows; that God and our ancestors should give us a governor that will accord respect to traditional institutions, develop this state and provide food on the table for the masses.

“The Omo N’Oba strongly advises that in order to eschew recurrent socio political conflict that seems to constantly ravish the state, making Edo people a laughing stock to the rest of the country in how politicians manage the affairs of Edo people, our Edo political actors must eradicate the twin evil political vices of Godfatherism and CONSENSUS CANDIDATE.

“These two practices seem antithetical to the very fundamental basis of democracy. In other words this business of coercing aspirants to step down for another candidate for whatsoever reason is undemocratic It will not augur well for the development of democratic process in Nigeria.”

The oba said the palace is “very weary” of the imposition of candidates whom only certain individuals want, not the majority.

“Ghana Must Go politics should end in the State. Politicians should stop cashing in on the poor masses and exploiting them for their votes,” he said.

“As the various political parties go about the process of selecting their candidates through their respective party primaries, we urge all to exercise the highest standards of maturity and sportsmanship, as the desire to bring about the best for the people of Edo State cannot be compromised nor sacrificed on the altar of intolerance, rumour mongering and fake news.

“Rumour mongers are reminded that there is an ancestral curse on anyone who attempts to tarnish the image of the Oba of Benin and the ancient throne of Benin Kingdom, which will normally be for their selfish ends.”

Ray Hushpuppi Has a Case to Answer With Us -EFCC

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Ray Hushpuppi Has a Case to Answer With Us -EFCC

Nigerian most-wanted hacker, Ramoni Igbalode, alias Ray hushpuppy, recently arrested by the International Police( Interpol) and the Federal Bureau of Investigation( FBI), has considerable cases of cyber crimes being investigated by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).

The Commission is familiar with grisly details of his money laundering transactions, involving many high-profile cyber criminals facing trial in Nigeria.

The Commission is engaging with the FBI in tracing victims of his fraudulent transactions and other fraudsters having direct involvement with him. Local cyber criminals with money laundering networks with him, are also being investigated.

Hushpuppi was arrested on Wednesday, June 10, 2020 in United Arab Emirates in connection with $35million ventilator scam.

APC Crisis: Buhari wades in

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APC Crisis: Buhari wades in

Following the pressure from critical stakeholders, President Buhari has finally resolved to intervene in the leadership stalemate.

A top hierarchy of the party privy to the resolution said Buhari is expected to meet all parties involved in the crisis on Sunday to reconcile the warring factions and get the party out of the quagmire.

Expressing optimism over the latest trouble-shooting initiative, the source said: “There is no cause for alarm; we will resolve the crisis on Monday. I am telling you authoritatively that the President will intervene on Sunday to resolve the crisis. “

The president’s planned intervention followed the warning by the electoral body that it would not extend the deadline for submission of names of candidates for the Edo State gubernatorial election billed for September 19.

Some concerned members of the party blamed the lingering crisis in Edo chapter of the APC, which has snowballed into national crisis, on the seeming lacklustre attitude of the president towards the party.

A member of the Board of Trustees (BoT), Chief Frank Kokori, while speaking with Daily Sun in a telephone interview, could not hide his emotion, as he said, “since the leaders of the party at the centre and the president do not want to take charge, let confusion go on. The leadership of the party is in disarray. They are not serious people. I am a member of BoT. There has been no meeting of Board of Trustees of APC for five years. Since we have been appointed, we have not been inaugurated. Is that a serious party?

“If I am the president, I should have solved all those problems. The president does not just care about the party…All these unnecessary crises in APC are the result of the nonchalant attitude of the president. He will just say I am neutral and look the other way. As a politician, you cannot do that. As a father, you have to discipline your children. As a politician, you must intervene when a matter gets to a stage like this. Politics is different from other type business. You have to make some concessions and behave like a politician.”

Another party chieftain. Prince Tony Momoh, however, absolved the president of allegation of complacence, explaining that final authority on any matter lies with the NEC or National Convention of the party.

“Yes, the president is the national leader, but he will not be holding national press conference to tell you what he has done. What he has done is internal to APC. So, if you think he has done nothing, it is simply because you expect him to hold a press conference to tell you that he has done something,” he said.

–Sunonline

World has failed to protect 1bn children against violence, sexual abuse -WHO

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World has failed to protect 1bn children against violence, sexual abuse -WHO

World Health Organisation (WHO) says the world has failed to protect around one billion children from are physical, sexual or psychological violence.

WHO gave the warning in a statement reflecting on the “the Global Status Report on Preventing Violence Against Children 2020’’   jointly published by some UN agencies.

The agencies are WHO, Children’s Fund (UNICEF), the UN Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation (UNESCO), and the UN Special Representative for ending Violence against Children – with the End of Violence Partnership.

The statement quoted Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, WHO Director-General as saying, “There is never any excuse for violence against children.

have evidence-based tools to prevent it, which we urge all countries to implement. Protecting the health and well-being of children is central to protecting our collective health and well-being, now and for the future.”

The report is the first of its kind, charting progress in 155 countries against the “INSPIRE” framework, a set of seven strategies for preventing and responding to violence against children.

The report signals a clear need in all countries to scale up efforts to implement them.

While nearly all countries (88 per cent) have key laws in place to protect children against violence, less than half of countries (47 per cent) said these were being strongly enforced.

The report includes the first ever global homicide estimates specifically for children under 18 years of age – previous estimates were based on data that included 18 to 19-year olds.

It finds that, in 2017, around 40,000 children were victims of homicide.

The statement quoted UNICEF Executive Director Henrietta Fore, as saying, “violence against children has always been pervasive, and now things can be getting much worse.

“Lockdowns, school closures and movement restrictions have left far too many children stuck with their abusers, without the safe space that school will normally offer.

“It is urgent to scale up efforts to protect children during these times and beyond, including designating social service workers as essential and strengthening child helplines.”

Of the INSPIRE strategies, only access to schools through enrollment showed the most progress with 54  per cent of countries reporting that a sufficient number of children in need were being reached in this way.

“Between 32 per cent to 37 per cent of countries considered that victims of violence could access support services, while 26 per cent of countries provided programmes on parent and caregiver support.

“21 per cent of countries had programmes to change harmful norms; and 15 per cent of countries had modifications to provide safe physical environments for children.

“Although a majority of countries (83 per cent) have national data on violence against children, only 21 per cent used these to set baselines and national targets to prevent and respond to violence against children.

“About 80 per cent of countries have national plans of action and policies but only one-fifth have plans that are fully funded or have measurable targets.

“A lack of funding combined with inadequate professional capacity are likely contributing factors and a reason why implementation has been slow.’’ the report stated.

The statement further quoted Audrey Azoulay, UNESCO Director-General, as saying, “during the COVID-19 pandemic, and the related school closures, we have seen a rise in violence and hate online – and this includes bullying.

“Now, as schools begin to re-open, children are expressing their fears about going back to school.

“It is our collective responsibility to ensure that schools are safe environments for all children. We need to think and act collectively to stop violence at school and in our societies at large.”

Stay-at-home measures, including school closures have limited the usual sources of support for families and individuals such as friends, extended family or professionals.

This further erodes victims’ ability to successfully cope with crises and the new routines of daily life. Spikes in calls to helplines for child abuse and intimate partner violence have been observed.

While online communities have become central to maintain many children’s learning, support and play, an increase in harmful online behaviours including cyberbullying, risky online behavior and sexual exploitation have been identified.

“Whilst this report was being finalised, confinement measures and the disrupted provision of already limited child protection services exacerbated the vulnerability of children to various forms of violence.

“To respond to this crisis, a unified child rights and multisectoral framework for action for children is critical, requiring  strong mobilisation of governments, bilateral/multilateral donors, civil society, private sector and children.

“It is critical for stakeholders whose views must be heard and truly taken into account to ensure duly protection and the possibility for all to thrive and reach their full potential,” said Najat Maalla M’jid, Special Representative of the UN’s Secretary-General on Violence against Children.

Ambode, Ashafa, Abike-dabiri, Gbadamosi Tipped To Replace Late Oshinowo

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Ambode, Ashafa, Abike-dabiri, Gbadamosi Tipped To Replace Late Oshinowo

Following the demise of the Senator representing Lagos East, Senator Bayo Oshinowo on Monday, silent agitations have commenced for his replacement.

Oshinowo died after a brief illness suspected to be COVID-19 at the age of 64.

His death has therefore created a vacuum in the upper chamber of the National Assembly. Though the process for his replacement has not started, names of possible replacement are already flying within the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).

The opposition Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) is also said to be warming up for the yet to be announced rerun to be conducted by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC). Within the ruling APC, five names have already emerged.

They included Dr. Tola Kasali, a two-time commissioner and the APC leader of the Lagos East constituency; the immediate past governor, Mr. Akinwumi Ambode, Senator Oshinowo’s predecessor, Gbenga Ashafa, Rep. Jimi Benson, who is currently in the House of Representatives and Hon Abike Dabiri, the current Director-General of Nigeria in Diaspora Commission and a former ranking member of the Federal House of Representatives.

Sources said that in the PDP, a former governorship candidate, Mr. Babatunde Gbadamosi who recently returned to the party is being popped up to take a shot in the election.

NCDC announces 745 fresh COVID-19 cases, total infection hits 18,480

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NCDC announces 745 fresh COVID-19 cases, total infection hits 18,480

Nigeria has recorded 745 new cases of COVID-19, bringing the total number of infections in the country to 18,480.

The Nigeria Centre for Disease Control (NCDC) announced this on Thursday through its official Twitter handle.
NCDC said that the 745 new confirmed cases were from 21 states, with six deaths as at June 18.

The health agency said that no new state reported a case in the last 24 hours.
The NCDC said that Lagos reported the highest number of cases with 280 new cases and Oyo was second with 103 new infections.

Amongst others were Ebonyi (72), FCT(60), Imo(46), Edo(34), Delta(33), Rivers(25), Kaduna(23), Ondo(16), Katsina(12), Kano(10), Bauchi(8), Borno(7), Kwara(5), Gombe(4), Sokoto(2), Enugu(2), Yobe(1), Osun(1), Nasarawa(1).

The NCDC said that till date, 18,480  cases have been confirmed; 11,698 active cases; 6,307 cases treated and discharged; 106,006 samples collected and 475 deaths recorded in 35 states and the Federal Capital Territory.

The NCDC said a sudden loss of taste and smell with fever, headache or runny nose might be COVID-19.

It called on Nigerians not to ignore these symptoms, adding that they should call their state hotline immediately to arrange for a test.

The health agency said every treatment regiment to be used in Nigeria’s response to COVID-19 must be supported by science.

NCDC said that Nigerians should avoid sharing items at their place of worship including books, mats, microphones, kettles etc.

It, however, advised Nigerians that they should remember that it was better to worship at home and avoid mass gatherings to reduce risk of exposure to COVID-19.

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