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No PDP, No Senate! Buhari’s Armed Forces Not Failing 

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By Philip Agbese 

The Nigerian Senate, and the opposition Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), portrayed a lack of understanding of the security situation in Nigeria, when the two commented on the efforts of the Armed Forces and the current set of service chiefs towards combating insecurity in the country.
Our Senate had demanded that the service chiefs step aside over what it called the deteriorating security situation in the country following the consideration of a motion on the rising number of casualties among the Nigerian Army and other security services. While the PDP said in addition to his refusal to change his service chiefs and inject new blood into the nation’s security architecture, President Muhammadu Buhari had failed to lead from the front as he promised during his campaign.

The Senate, realizing it had goofed on the matter tried to make amends with the sponsor of the motion, Senator Ali Ndume saying that was not the intendment of his motion. But the PDP ever eager to latch unto any criticism of the President Muhammadu Buhari administration, tried to make huge capital out of what it thought was an opportunity to ridicule the government and echoed what the Senate said.
But in a swift reaction, Special Adviser to the president on media, Femi Adesina said the president will do only what is in the best interest of the country at all times and that the prerogative to remove the service chiefs lies with the President.
It was a kind of retort, diplomatically telling the lawmakers and the opposition party, that they were ignorant of the matter and that it would be better left for the president, who is experienced in the field to handle. The positions taken by the Senate and the PDP on the matter however symbolizes the impulsive manner Nigerian politicians react to issues that require deep research and thorough investigation.

Unlike in other climes where basic parameters for assessing the effectiveness of the military are well stated and interpreted only by experts, in Nigeria, the parameters for such are drawn from the last combat engagement and interpreted by the general public without recourse to the basic yardsticks. That was why when between April and early July, when the Nigerian military sustained its onslaught against all forms of threats to national security that included terrorism, insurgency and banditry and killed many of the criminals, the atmosphere was a bit different as many sang the praises of the armed forces. The sustained offensive recorded a series of successes against the Boko Haram and ISWAP terrorists fighting on the fringes of Lake Chad region such that in March, Nigerian troops eliminated not less than 20 top Boko Haram commanders including one Abu Usamah, and over 100 of their fighters who were hiding in Kwalaram, Ngilewa, Sabon Tumbu, Bukarmairam, Wulgo in the Marte and Gamboru Ngala axis as well as in Gorgi, Damboa local government of  Borno State.

The troops followed up on that with the  killing of 105 insurgents in Buni Gari and captured many weapons in April and on the heels of that in May, killed 134 of ISWAP and  Boko Haram members  and  arrested 28 of their informants and overran their camps in Durfada, Allafha, Timbuktu, Bulajibi and Gonikurmi near the Sambisa forest. By the time the Chief of Army Staff, Lt. General Tukur Yusuf Buratai went to report to the President and Commander in Chief about what transpired at the theatre of operation, about 1400 of the criminals in the Northeast were killed while another 600 bandits were neutralized in the bushes of the Northwest where they were terrorizing people. This is aside the fact that the military had previously recorded other feats like retaking 20 local government areas taken over by the terrorists, freeing many captives held, repelling many attacks and destroying their camps.
But immediately the insurgents launched a surprise attack on communities in Borno and Katsina States, the applause was quickly replaced with calls for the removal of service chiefs.
These impulsive responses to military engagements, have not only misguided the thoughts of the public on the overall performances of the armed forces but has allowed mischief makers to mislead the public in terms of what constitutes the reality on ground.

A researcher once puts it that the ultimate yardstick of national power lies in its military capability because countries subsist in an environment where internal and external threats to security are both common and ever-present. Another researcher, Peter Paret wrote that “military power expresses and implements the power of the state in a variety of ways within and beyond the state borders, and is also one of the instruments with which political power is originally created and made permanent.”

Hence, the parameters used to gauge military prowess the world over are not based on perception but include the size of the country’s defense budgets, manpower, infrastructure, defense industrial base, war-fighting inventory and support as well as its conversion capability.

If one is to assess the Nigerian military on these bases, it is only fair to conclude that they have done well as all the parameters are blinking on the positive side. Since the coming of this administration for instance, the size of the budget allocated to defence has increased tremendously, while there have been conscious manpower drive that has increased the number of personnel in service.
The number of facilities to enhance efficiency and training have also been developed while the defence industrial base has been strengthened and now produces quite a number of sophisticated weapons.
The new strategies brought in by the service chiefs in combat operations have also proven the conversion capability of the Nigeria Armed Forces.

Security experts have explained that contrary to what people know, the person leading the war against terrorism and insurgency in Nigeria, is no other than the President himself but with the active support of the service chiefs.
One of the security experts who took his time to educate people on what is happening in the Northeast, said it is the Commander- in-chief of the armed forces who holds the coordinates that combine to determine the structure, approach, strategy and results on the battlefield hence every victory at the theatre of operation must be attributed to him.
“This is the reason why every planning starts with the Commander- in -chief while he is also briefed from time to ensure that the overall operation does not go out of his plan,” he stated.
He said the series of victories have restored peace in the Northeast and given the people hope that it remains a matter of time before the region would be permanently rid of the activities of the insurgents adding that any military operations won back to back must be as a result of careful planning and sophisticated strategies at the highest level.
Recently, another group, The Oduduwa Youth Vanguard, OYV, also commended President Buhari and the Service Chiefs for putting the heat on Boko Haram terrorists such that they are not able to operate beyond a tiny fringe in the Lake Chad region.
President of the OYV, Comrade Emmanuel Kolawole Abe,
said it is an indication of the sustained pressure against the terrorists that they have not been able to move about and cause havoc around the country as they wish but resort to hiding in border towns between Nigeria and other neighbouring countries to launch surprise attacks on soft targets just to give the impression that they exist.
The activist said anyone with fair knowledge of warfare would confirm that such tactics as deployed by the Boko Haram now are used by the losing side in a war as a means of propaganda.
The Institute for Peace and Counter-Terrorism Studies in a commissioned research into the operations of the Nigerian Military in North-East Nigeria for January to April, 2020 also gave the military a pass mark.
It said, “A critical survey revealed that between 2018, 2019, and 2020 the Nigerian Military rescued a total number of 12,500 people from the captivity of Boko Haram in parts of Yobe and Borno State.
“The Nigerian Military have been actively involved in the war against Boko Haram in North-East Nigeria, and that has seen several casualties from both sides. However, it was observed that the Boko Haram fighters have been at the receiving end of a continuous military onslaught that has led to the neutralization of Boko Haram terrorists, as well as other criminal elements.”
The institute said the sustained military operations against the Boko Haram group also led to the death of scores of Boko Haram fighters and said over 350 Boko Haram fighters were killed in the past month in North-East Nigeria, and over 500 sustaining life-threatening injuries.
It added: “Nigerian troops have been able to sustain the tempo with the introduction of additional counter-terrorism methods, as well as a boost in their military hardware that gave them the edge and with superior firepower over the Boko Haram group.
“It was also observed that the operational strategy of the Nigerian Military have indeed placed the Boko Haram fighters on the brink of defeat baring all unforeseen circumstances. As per the concluding part of the research work, it was established that 762 Boko Haram fighters lost their lives in battle with the Nigerian troops led by the Military Chief in Nigeria, Lt. Gen. Tukur Buratai as the odds are against it.”
The Chief of Army Staff, acknowledged this much in a speech when he reiterated the commitment of the Nigerian Army in winning the insurgency war in the northeastern part of the country.
He said the country had witnessed difficult and escalating security challenges with the Boko Haram insurgency being at its peak upon assuming office in 2015 but that the Nigerian Army has been at the forefront of combatting these threats of insecurity.
He said, “From 2015 when I assumed office, my immediate priority centered on modernizing the Nigerian Army by addressing the major challenges and fundamental areas. The measures put in place in the last five years have no doubt contributed immensely towards enhancing the efficiency of the Nigerian Army resulting in improved security across the country,”
No doubt, President Buhari has improved on the size, proficiency and intellect of the armed forces with the support of the current service chiefs.
The Nigerian military has moved from the point where it was five years ago when it was being helped by the personnel of other foreign countries to go into combat.
The boost in quality and personnel many say, is why Nigeria is no longer talking about hiring mercenaries to help it defend its territorial integrity and to assist the civil authority in maintaining peace.
It is projected that if the feat is sustained, President Buhari would by the end of his eight year tenure be leaving Nigeria with one of the most efficient and robust military in the world.
It is important that both the Senate and the PDP should take note.

Agbese wrote from Katampe, Abuja.

Who is Afraid of Sadiya Farouq?

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

By Ernest Attah

I have watched in absolute disbelief the series of coordinated attacks on the personality of the Honourable minister of Humanitarian Affairs, Disaster Management and Social Development. At some point, I got confused and wondered what her sins were and whether it was worth the scathing attacks on her person.

First and foremost, I must add that we are a country in need of help with the way and manner we have elected to destroy people and institutions whenever we are pursuant of our selfish desires, not minding whose ox is gored.

This is mainly responsible for the rot in the system because everybody wants a share of the national cake. Should you dare to stand out of the crowd by doing the right thing, you can be assured that your head would be used for sacrifice to the demons that have held this country down for so long.

I empathized with President Muhammadu Buhari when during the interaction with journalists after the Sallah prayers, he stated that there had been a betrayal of trust in some of the agencies that have come under public scrutiny of late. I could not but agree with him because trust is indeed a burden.

For these individuals that have betrayed the public trust, the society sees nothing wrong with their actions. But those that have elected to maintain that trust in service to the country, are indeed viewed as the villains that must be crucified at all cost. This is the starkness of reality before our own very eyes.

I have longed asked the question of who is afraid of Sadiya Farouq since I noticed the orchestrated attacks on her personality right from the lockdown period where she led her ministry to ensure the proper distribution of palliatives as well as the conditional cash transfers to vulnerable groups in the country.

I began to smell the rat from that period. I suspected that she ensured a transparent process and monies and food items didn’t end up in private pockets as it is the norm and for daring to do things right she must be crucified at all cost.

The recent one is by one Emmanuel Onwuibiko of the Human Rights Writers Association of Nigeria (HURIWA) where he made all manner of allegations against Hajiya Sadiya Farouq. I was worried not because of the half-truths, but with the fact that the majority of us have been blinded by filthy lucre that we elected to sell our souls to the demon.

The Emmanuel Onwuiboko treatise was very despicable even though he cleverly tried to veil his intent from the word go. He tried to come from the angel of a concerned Nigeria whose work at HURIWA revolves around the interest of the people. While in truth, it is evident that he has recently been conscripted into the bandwagon of those that have been detailed to demonize Hajiya Sadiya Farouq.

The series of coordinated attack is coming from a high place because of the financial implication of sustaining such a campaign week in and week out. I know what it takes to maintain such campaign of calumny in Nigeria today with the likes of Emmanuel Onwuiboko involved. I challenge him to prove me wrong as history is replete with tales of how the same HURIWA under Emmanuel Onwuibuiko has been the darling of agents of cheap blackmail.

I would guess that her towering credentials and impeccable track record has become a source of worry to some highly placed Nigerians, especially those who benefited from the old regime in the management of social intervention for citizens. These individuals might be livid that it is no longer business as usual, and as such, they must get their pound of flesh from the woman that has proved a hard nut to crack.

I think that the government should design a strategy where it would protect some of its star performers against the hawks that have fed fat from the system. If this is not done, I can bet that some of those that are passionate about service to the country might either get overwhelmed or join the bandwagon and open the treasury pot for hawks and vultures to feed fat while the rest of the citizens suffer in abject poverty.

If not for anything, the campaign against Hajiya Sadiya Farouq has made her resolute in the discharge of her duties. I say this because the attacks have not deterred her. She remains active and carryout out her duties with such finesse to the chagrin of those that have vowed to pull her down by all means necessary.

As strange as this might sound, I also have a feeling that there might be some insider conspirators in the campaign to discredit the minister. I say this because of how things work within the civil service circle. It’s either they do not like the transparent way she has handled the affairs of the ministry or somebody or group somewhere has eyes in the social intervention funds and the only way they can access it is either to blackmail the minster into submission or get her out of the way outrightly.

This is the order of the day, and it’s the new normal because those with the interest of the country are few and the likes of Hajiya Sadiya Farouq are also few in this country.

Back to Emmanuel Onwubiko and his marauding gang. He must retrace his steps at the risk of him bagging the title of strategic blackmail consultant. I say this because thinking that Nigerians cannot distinguish between the presentation of facts and character assassination would be the height of foolery.

Yes, I know his argument rests in the fact that he can ask questions which ordinarily should elicit a response. But a situation where you have drawn your conclusion before asking the question makes you the judge in your case. This is what Emmanuel Onwubiko has attempted to do by misleading the public through his HURIWA platform that begins and ends with him.

I must add that sadly, a large chunk of the members of the unsuspecting general public might believe his half-truths about Hajiya Sadiya Farouq. But again, that is the price you pay when you elect to stand upright in service to the country. The scavengers would come for you with their fangs and not until they draw blood, they won’t let go.

I can only but empathize with the Hajiya Sadiya Farouq as she receives the bashing of her life for daring to be different. My candid advice to her is to stay strong and focused. However, the day she buckles and plays ball with these individuals and groups that would be the beginning of the end of a once glorious chapter in service to the country.

On a final note, throwing stones at the minister is uncalled for and unacceptable. Even the pull-Down syndrome, in this case, has been taken too far hence the need for caution. If there is evidence to back up claims, the rational thing to do is to present to the relevant agencies of government and not this vicious campaign of calumny. Those afraid of Sadiya Farouq must be afraid of her.

Attah writes for TheNigerian News, London.

The Cup of Shame by ‘CUPP’ and its Implications for National Security

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By Capt. Jauro Musa Liya (Rtd)

It is becoming a common knowledge that the unnecessary clamor and call for the sack of service chiefs has a hidden hand. If the call by Coalition of United Political Parties (CUPP) for sack of service chiefs is anything to go by, then we can point at where the voices of distractions and some actions that constitute security threats or compound the security challenges we are currently facing are emanating from.

The persistent and relentless call for the sack of service chiefs is tie to politics, forgetting that the problem of insecurity in Nigeria was created by politics with the army and other security agencies at the receiving end.

The so called Coalition of United Political Parties (CUPP) despite bringing over forty political parties to wrestle power in 2019 general elections, felt threatened by an obvious defeat by the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) and controversially announced the endorsement of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) presidential aspirant as it’s presidential candidate.

The aforementioned coalition is simply a contraption to stop the ruling APC, but having lost roundly and squarely, it has become a lame duck and an agent of distraction. It keeps confusing it’s role for a pressure group with youthful exuberance and clear lack of forsight. It has since thrown caution and decorum to the wind and dabbles into everything except a better plan or solutions to their barrage of misguided criticisms. This time, it has dabbled into the debate on the tenure of service chiefs and threatened to sue the president for not sacking the service chiefs. This is particularly curious because a group of political parties who aligned to the opposition, and endorsed a presidential aspirant who once vowed to make Nigeria ungovernable, took this ignoble step hours after the convoy of the governor of Borno State was “attacked” along Baga road. I suggest that the deliberate timing for this ridiculous action of CUPP should form part of areas of investigation by any one interested to unearth the truth on the recent alleged or so called master minded attack on the convoy of the Governor in a town where peace has since been restored with normal life and socio-economic activities seamlessly taking place.

It should be noted that the tenure of Service Chiefs and the conditions for their appointment is provided for in the Harmonized Terms and Conditions of Service (HTACOS) 2017 for the Armed Forces. It spells out the ‘Tenure of Defence and Service Chiefs’. Section 11.08 stipulates;
“An officer appointed Chief of Defence Staff, Chief of Army Staff, Chief of the Naval Staff, Chief of the Air Staff shall bear four-star General and may hold the appointment for a continuous period of 2 years from the date of expiration of the initial 2 year period”.

Section 11.09 stipulates – “The foregoing notwithstanding;

“The President, C-in-C reserves the prerogative to extend the tenure of a CDS/Service Chief irrespective of his age or length of service”

It therefore very clear from the above, that there is no time or age limit on the tenure of service chiefs provided they are mentally and physically sound to shoulder the onerous responsibilities of the offices.

As President, Muhamnadu Buhari knows and understands the position of the law, and at his disposal is an array of legal luminaries. He equally has more information regarding the security situation in Nigeria as he gets his briefs directly from the service chiefs and other credible sources. He is therefore eminently the right arbiter and the most qualified authority to decide because he, more than any other person knows where the problems are.

We are dealing with a very serious issue than just collecting monies to organize press conferences and making bunkum calls for the sack of service chiefs.

This is why the call by CUPP is laughable and disgraceful. When some political parties say a particular crop of leaders in the military should be removed for whatever reason, it sounds very odd and amounts to reductio ad absurdum. We are dealing with a national issue, an issue of national pride and national interest and significance which shouldn’t be bastardise or stultify on the alter of politics, personal hatred and local rivalry at the detriment of national peace, security and development.

The desperation, politicisation and trivialisation of Nigeria’s security by vested interests and cohorts became alarming when the coalition of political groups called for the sack of service chiefs. It is embarrassing when the group didn’t deem it fit to commend the sacrifices and uncommon commitment of the security agencies and applaud them for retaking over lost territories as well as the successes recorded at various theaters of operations across Nigeria.

The fundamental strides of the army chief in particular, who restored the morale of the officers and men of the Nigerian Army in diverse ways which accounted for the noticeable successes recorded in the war against terrorism and banditry especially in the North East and North West operational arenas.

COVID-19: Buhari Donates PPEs Worth N67m to Sao Tome and Principe

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BUHARI

President Muhammadu Buhari has donated sixty-seven million naira (N67,000,000) worth of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) to aid the fight against COVID-19 in Sao Tome and Principe.

The Chairman of the Presidential Task Force on COVID-19, Boss Mustapha, disclosed this on Monday during a briefing by the PTF in Abuja.

“I am happy to inform you that as ECOWAS champion in the containment of COVID-19 in the West African sub-region, Mr President Made a donation of 67 million naira worth of PPEs and medical supplies to the government and people of Sao Tome and Principe,” Boss Mustapha told newsmen.

This donation follows a request by the government of Sao Tome, seeking aid to help the country effectively manage the coronavirus pandemic which is ravaging the world.

Medical equipment donated includes units of test kits, extraction kits, infrared thermometers, and other items of personal protective equipment to treat and test thousands in Sao Tome and Principe.

In a similar vein, the goods that were procured by the West African Health Organization (WAHO), and have been brought into the hub in Abuja will soon be distributed following orders by President Buhari.

Mr Mustapha noted during his oration that the Nigerian Air Force (NAF) will play a vital role in the distribution process from Nigeria to other West African countries.

According to him, the distribution of the items is expected to begin from Wednesday, August 5.

NDA to conduct a screening test for 72 Regular Course intake

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Reports reaching Television Nigerian confirm that the Nigerian Defence Academy (NDA) will conduct it Screening Test for 72 Regular Course will now hold on 15 August 2020 at designated centres by 7:00 AM prompt.

This was disclosed in a release made available to this medium by the Academy’s Registrar, Brigadier General AA Aboaba.

In the press release, General Aboaba said that “candidates are expected to come with their acknowledgement card, NDA Screening Test Admission Card, Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination registration slip, two Postcard size (3.5 x 5 inches) photographs. Each candidate is to write his/her JAMB registration number, full names, state of origin, chosen course, name of the test centre and signature at the back of the photograph.

“All candidates are to wear their facemasks and face shields as any candidate without these protective equipment will not be allowed to write the Test.”

The Academy expects all candidates to strictly comply with the guidelines.

HURIWA chasing wild goose against Humanitarian Affairs Minister – Group

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

The New Initiative for Credible Leadership (NICL) says Human Rights Writers Association of Nigeria (HURIWA) is chasing after wild goose over allegations of corruption by the Humanitarian Affairs Minister, Hajiya Sadiya Farouq.

Rubbishing the claims as untrue, NICL stated that HURIWA’s motive is to undermine the minister’s various social intervention programmes which were acclaimed as transparent.

In a statement signed by its National Coordinator, Rev. Steven Onwu, on Monday, the group accused HURIWA of following the script of their paymasters hell-bent on blackmailing Hajiya Farouq.

The New Initiative for Credible Leadership, however, advised the human rights writers to seek proper clarification before going to town to make weighty accusations.

It further urged the public to disregard HURIWA’s quest to squeeze the minister into submission so they can have access to funds meant for social intervention programmes.

Read the full statement below:

The New Initiative for Credible Leadership is in receipt of a statement credited to the Human Rights Writers Association of Nigeria (HURIWA) alleging that the Humanitarian Affairs Ministry is a Bastion of Spectacular Corruption.

The content of the statement is at best a puerile attempt to undermine the efforts of the ministry in the implementation of the various social intervention programmes of the government towards alleviating the plight of the less privileged and vulnerable groupings in the country.

HURIWA tried in vain to malign the character of the Honorable Minister, Hajia Sadiya Farouq by making unsubstantiated allegations that lacked every form of objectivity and laced with hatred and the utmost disdain for her personality as well as her commitment to the entrenchment of transparency in the affairs of the ministry and the various social intervention programmes that are currently implemented across the country.

That HURIWA could describe the ministry as a cash guzzling machine, and a financial disaster indicates that it is not in tune with reality and not conversant with the term social intervention, but instead reading the script of their paymasters that are hell-bent on blackmailing the honourable minister into dancing to their whims and caprices in the disbursement of funds for the various social intervention programmes across the country.

The New Imitative for Credible Leadership frowns at situations where individuals and groups delve into areas they are ignorant about all in exchange for pecuniary gains. One of such groups is the Human Rights Writers Association of Nigeria.

We wish to state that HURIWA delved into an area that is alien to it as evident in its disjointed postulations about the implementation of the various social intervention programmes of the federal government through the ministry of humanitarian affairs, disaster management and social development.

It should be noted that HURIWA as an organization is not in proper stead to ask critical questions on the implementation of policies of government because of its track record of fraternizing with individuals and organizations of questionable motives in Nigeria over the years.

It is expected that HURIWA should have done enough research to realize that the points it raised in its statement were illogical in all ramification and most importantly lacking in every form of credibility.

We state that the likes of HURIWA are known for their cash and carry policy which is the hallmark of their operations over the years as it has successfully gained notoriety for aligning with the opposition towards discrediting successive governments in Nigeria.

It, therefore, comes as no surprise that it has elected to brandish this tendency once again through its wild goose chase against the Humanitarian affairs minister who has been outstanding in the discharge of her duties.

The New Initiative for Credible Leadership wishes advise HURIWA to seek proper clarification before going to town and must be circumspect in the kind of briefs it collects from its paymasters in the future as not all are worth the amount of money on the table.

We consequently wish to inform members of the general public not to be deceived by the antics of HURIWA and its sponsors in their despicable plot to blackmail the honourable minister of humanitarian affairs into submission so they can have access to funds meant for social intervention programmes that would have an impact on the lives of the less privileged and vulnerable groupings in the country.

HURIWA should do well not to insult the sensibilities of Nigerians as it is not in the proper stead given the antecedents of its promoters that are known to have built considerable expertise in fanning the embers of discord in the polity.

The general public is consequently advised to view with a pinch of salt statements from HURIWA and other organizations with the same motives that are scattered all over Nigeria.

The New Imitative for Credible Leadership states in unequivocal terms that there is no iota of truth in the postulations by HURIWA, needless to say, HURIWA acted in exchange for monetary rewards.

Ondo 2020: Unite Behind Jegede, Group Urges PDP NWC

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As the contention for who becomes the running mate to the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) candidate, Mr Eyitayo Jegede (SAN) in the Ondo State governorship election gathers storm, the National Working Committee (NWC) of the PDP and other party leaders have been reminded that doing anything other than supporting the party’s flag bearer in the October 10 election is a disservice to the party and may ruin the chances of winning the election.

While reacting to the inability of the Ondo State deputy governor Hon. Agboola Ajayi to clinch the party ticket in the July 22 PDP governorship primary and his rumoured defection to Zenith Labour Party, a group, the Vanguard for Justice and Fairness in PDP (VJF), has cautioned members of PDP NWC and other party heavy weights to desist from any act that can work against the overall interest of the party.

In a statement yesterday, the VJF president, Malam Abubakar Abagi, said the group is worried over the growing disaffection particularly among the top leadership of the PDP over “anti-party activities” by ranking officials of the party and leaders following the victory of Eyitayo Jegede at the primaries.

“It has come to our knowledge that some top party leaders are not happy over the victory of Mr Jegede over Ajayi’s loss at the PDP governorship primaries and are beginning to show tacit support for Ajayi to leave the party and withdrawing their support for Mr Jegede who clearly won in a transparent process.

“We are fully aware that Mr Jegede is seen by these unhappy leaders as being a follower of the political ideology championed by the former vice president and PDP candidate in the 2019 presidential election, Alhaji Atiku Abubakar. However, Mr Jegede still remains the choice of the people of Ondo State and the entire PDP followers in the state and that should be respected.

“We can’t to go into the election with a divided house as APC members in the state are on a daily basis uniting and closing ranks while we are busy with antiparty activities that may ruin our chances of kicking Rotimi Akeredolu and his All Progressives Party (APC) out of power and free people of Ondo State from the grip of poor governance.”

Abagi pointed out that Governor Akeredolu was in Lagos recently to introduce his running mate, Lucky Aiyedatiwa, to one of his erstwhile political antagonists, Asiwaju Ahmed Tinubu.

He wondered at the new found love between the duo and noted that such development is a pointer to the reality that discord among top PDP stakeholders in the state at this crucial is a serious goof on the part of the leaders.

“If Akeredolu could unite with Tinubu, I don’t see why the victory of Jegede should be a problem to our leaders.

“We therefor call on the national chairman of our great party, the PDP, Mr Uche Secondus, to rise to the occasion by rallying all party leaders and faithful behind our candidate, Mr Eyitayo Jegede to victory. He owes all of us that responsibility of bringing peace and harmony at this very important time.

“We are seriously appealing to the deputy governor, Hon. Agboola Ajayi, not to dump the party at this crucial time when the party needs his experience and support to win the October 10 election.

“For the avoidance of doubt, Hon. Ajayi remains a valuable and respected members of the PDP. We, therefore, urged the NWC and other top leaders of the PDP to quickly move to Ondo State and reconcile all sides, in the interest of the party regardless of who won and lost the primaries. Showing tacit support to preferential candidate other than the party’s flag bearer will spell doom for us all,” Abagi said.

PDP To Buhari: Call Oshiomhole to Order!

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The Peoples Democratic Party National Campaign Council (PDPNCC) for Edo Governorship Election says the declaration by the All Progressives Congress (APC) candidate, Osagie Ize-Iyamu, that he will follow the footprint of the sacked APC National Chairman, Adams Oshiomhole, has destroyed his own campaign in his pipe dream of becoming the governor of Edo state.

This was contained in a press statement issued by the party’s National Publicity Secretary, Kola Ologbondiyan, Monday in Abuja.

The Campaign Council asserts that such comment is a direct insult to the sensibilities of the people of Edo state, who suffered untold deprivation from the massive treasury looting, trampling of human rights, disrespect for traditional institution and suppression of dissenting voices that characterized Oshiomhole’s eight year rule as governor of Edo state.

”It is laughable that after much orchestration, Ize-Iyamu has abandoned his plagiarized SIMPLE Agenda, (which, in any case, he had no capacity to execute) to follow Oshiomhole’s detestable “go and die” policy and agenda of falsehood, treasury looting, injecting of confusion and disregard for values, welfare and sensibilities of the people.

”Edo people already understood Oshiomhole’s footprint as the antics of a self-confessed liar, who has admitted that he had no scruples spreading falsehood in the public to achieve selfish objectives.

”Oshiomhole’s footprint as the governor of Edo state includes intimidation of widows, alleged suppression of personal freedom of citizens, entrenchment of corruption and unbridled treasury looting, for which the Edo people have been demanding his prosecution by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).

”That is the footprint Ize-Iyamu said he would be following; the style of an individual who is always associated with engendering confusion, quarreling, disagreements and disunity.

”Nigerians can recall how Oshiomhole’s National Chairmanship of the APC destroyed the party as well as how his leadership of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) led to bitter disagreements and divisions in the labour front.

”Our party’s national campaign is however not amazed that Ize-iyamu, having become overburdened by reputation issues, surrendered the APC candidacy to another discredited individual, who was suspended by his kinsmen at his ward and disgracefully kicked out as the National Chairman of his party.

”Given this sad declaration to continue where Oshiomhole stopped, Ize-Iyamu has shown to the people of Edo state and Nigerians in general that he has no credible principles but only seeks to hijack governance for selfish purposes.

”With a character like Oshiomhole as the face of election campaign for Ize-Iyamu, who had also been exposed by the former APC leader as a treasury looter, acid bather and person of questionable character, it is clear that men of goodwill in Edo state have deserted the APC and its candidate.

”Of course, the Edo people will never follow a footprint that is heading to nowhere.

”That is why Oshiomhole’s antics of fake apologies, deceitful genuflections before Edo leaders and hiring of campaigners for Ize-Iyamu’s rallies cannot swayed the people of Edo state to abandon a proven, credible, people-oriented and performance-based administration which they have been enjoying under the PDP candidate, Governor Godwin Obaseki.

”Our campaign has noted the trend and propensity by Ize Iyamu and Oshiomhole campaign to entrench violence in Edo state.

”We strongly caution Adams Oshiomhole to stop overheating the polity of Edo and the nation just because he and his candidate have no agenda to market to the people of Edo state.

”Oshiomhole should remember that Edo state is called the heartbeat of the nation and he should not create a crisis that would have a spiral effect to other parts of our country.

”We hereby call on President Muhammadu Buhari to rein in Oshiomhole, whom his party had summarily dismissed and now hovering around Edo state seeking for where to perch.” Ologbondiyan said.

 

Boko Haram: Why I can’t be silent, Zulum explains to APC governors

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.. Says Buhari, Buratai not to blame

Governor Babagana Umara Zulum on Sunday, told visiting governors in Maiduguri, that he cannot afford to be silent in the midst of killings because he has, by the oath he took on May 29, 2019, enter covenant with God to defend the people of Borno.

Zulum stated this when he received the Governor’s under the platform of APC led by its Chairman and the Governor of Kebbi State, Atiku Abubakar Bagudu. Also, on the entourage was the Governor of Jigawa State, Muhammadu Badaru Abubakar.

The state deputy Governor, Umar Usman Kadafur, Former Governor Kashim Shettima, Senator Muhammad Ali Ndume and few members of the state executive council have also attended the meeting.

The Governors were in Maiduguri on a solidarity to their colleague, Governor Babagana Umara Zulum who had come under gun shots attack in Baga town, Kukawa local government area, last Wednesday, July 29, 2020.

“Our people need to be provided safe access to farmlands so they can earn livelihoods. The military needs to ensure this happens and I will continue to raise this. I remain resolute, firm, and committed, only God can give power. I am not after second term, if God allow me to complete this tenure Alhamdulillah. But for me as a Governor to keep quiet while 6 million population of Borno State to die, to perish will never be good for me. It is a covenant between me and Almighty God that I should be truthful to my people.” Zulum said.

Zulum also alleged sabotage in the prosecution of the war against in insurgency in the northeast, stressing that the President needs to know the truth. The Governor said;

“Let me also re-echo my previous position with respect to the insurgency in Borno State, I have said several times there is no doubt, the gravity of the insurgency cannot be compared with what has happened between 2011 – 2015 and from 2015 to date. The President has done well, but the most important thing is, it’s good also to say the right thing. There is a sabotage in the system that will not allow the insurgency to end. The President has to know this important point.

“When he came to Maiduguri two months ago, I said so because between 2011 to 2015, at a time, almost about 22 LGAs were under the insurgents. Out of the four main roads that lead to Maiduguri. Only one was functional. There are changes, the line of demarcation is very distinct and cannot be crossed. But Notwithstanding, there is one very important portion that we need to address, why is the insurgency not ending? I repeat, there is a sabotage in the system, therefore, the President need to exermine the current security situation in the region with a view to resolving it in a sustainable manner.” Zulum added.

In addition, Governor Zulum has lamented about the number of IDPs in Borno, noting that, there is a need for the people to return to the place where certain level of peace has been attained.

“We have huge population that has no access to the agricultural lands, and poverty is one of the root causes of the insurgency. What we need is, where there’s peace allow the people to go back to their homes. So that they can earn their means of livelihood.”

Meanwhile, the progressive Governor’s Chairman and the Governor of Kebbi State, Atiku Abubakar Bagudu has assured Governor Zulum of their support and solidarity.

“ We are in Borno today, on behalf of all our colleagues to wish our brother and colleague, Governor Babagana Umara Zulum happy Sallah. And secondly, to show sympathy and express our commiseration on the incident that happened in Baga few days ago. May God continue to protect you and indeed all the people of Borno State, and may God help us defeat these enemies within and outside, who for over a decade now have challenged our resolve, but they wouldn’t break us. Governor Bagudu said.

He added, “On behalf of all our colleagues, I want to assure you and the good people of Borno, that we are on this together. I remember in our first visit how full of admiration and appreciation he is of all the security services who are putting their lives and otherwise in discomfort of protection of our people. Definitely if it not over frustration will set in, but I believe this will only energies us to do better collectively, on behalf of all our colleagues, I urge you to keep doing what you’re doing and may, God, support you more, and may, God, show us the day that will come we celebrate the end of this tragedy we have been facing.”

Owukpa mining dispute: Ortom constitutes probe panel

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Governor Samuel Ortom has set up a committee to look into the controversy surrounding mining activities in Owukpa, Ogbadibo local government area of Benue State.

Chief Press Secretary to the Governor, Mr. Terver Akase disclosed this today in an interview with journalists at the Benue Peoples House, Makurdi.

Mr Akase said the Committee, headed by the Deputy Governor, Engineer Benson Abounu, also has the Head of Service, Mrs. Veronica Onyeke, Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, Barrister Michael Gusa, as well as Security Adviser to the Governor, retired Lieutenant Colonel Paul Hembah.

He stated that the Abounu-led committee is to meet with stakeholders in Owukpa as well as the affected mining companies and report back to Government.

The Chief Press Secretary also gave clarification on the arrest of an activist, Okwori Onaji, saying that Benue State Government has no hand in his apprehension and detention, contrary to some media reports which earlier blamed the incident on the government.

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