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Babajide Otitoju: Why the silence whenever Nigeria is winning?

Opinion

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May 11, 2020

Babajide Otitoju: Why the silence whenever Nigeria is winning?

By Lanre Oteniya

When Chadian forces led by their president, Idris Derby Itno, launched an operation which resulted in the death of over 1000 ISWAP terrorists, media analyst, Babajide Otitoju was among those who were upbeat drumming it into the ears of everyone what a ‘great feat’ the Chadians had recorded by that action.

Otitoju while analysing the development in one of the ‘Journalists Round Table’ programme, spoke of Derby as a war hero who he said had done 90 percent of the work that needed to uproot ISWAP and Boko Haram for good on the surface of the earth.

One would be forgiven to assume from the way Otitoju sounded, that he knew the exact number of the Boko Haram and ISWAP terrorists that are remaining for him to conclude that Derby Itno had done 90 percent of the work required.

Other fair minded observers of the war against insurgency in the Lake Chad region had pointed out to Otitoju even then, that his claims cannot be factual as Nigerian troops have done far more than what he was ascribing to the Chadians.

A particular commentator had stated that given the magnitude of the problem, the challenge on the Nigerian soil, given its asymmetric nature was far more than what could be handled in a single operation but was optimistic that given the leadership of the Nigerian army, the terrorists would be defeated.

He encouraged Otitoju and others who prefer to take the glory of the war against insurgency to other lands while mocking Nigerian troops, to however be prepared to be fair enough to give due credit to the Nigerian military like they were doing to the Chadians when this happens.

Not long after that, the prediction came to pass as the Nigerian Armed Forces stepped up its game when the chief of army staff, Lt. Gen.TY Buratai moved to the theaters of operation to lead the assault on the insurgents.

Within the the first week of his relocation, Nigerian troops launched an attack on Boko Haram fortresses and killed no less than a hundred of them in what has become the precursor to the pressure the military would mount on the terrorists.

In March, during an operation that was carried out in Gorgi, Damboa local government of Borno state more than 100 Boko Haram insurgents were killed and one of their top commanders was also liquidated.

Not stopping at that, In April, Nigerian troops also killed 105 insurgents in confrontation at a town called Buni Gari with remnants of Boko Haram and ISWA that attempted to infiltrate the village.

Nigerian troops also captured five AK-47 rifles, three GPMG, one Duska anti-aircraft gun, one PKT gun, two handheld radio, while one terrorists’ gun truck was destroyed and several ammunition and ammunition links, two hand grenades, two magazines with ammunition and assorted hard drugs were also captured in that operation.

Not done with that, Nigerian troops in their renewed vigour on the first day of this month, launched the Operation Kantana Jimlan, where 78 members of ISWAP and 56 Boko Haram members were killed.

Nigerian troops also arrested 28 informants of the groups and recovered lots of ammunition from them.

In that operation on the Timbuktu Triangle and another artillery engagement in Buk, Damboa LG of Borno State, Nigerian troops killed134 number of Boko Haram and ISWAP terrorists.

Between March when Buratai relocated to the theater of operation and now, Nigerian troops have killed no less 490 of the terrorists

What is more; owing to the heat from the Nigerian troops, Boko Haram leader, Abu Shekau gave an indication that he was considering turning himself in in an act of surrender.

But with all the feat recorded against the insurgents by Nigerian troops, our vibrant and observant analyste have gone silent.

The tap from which they showered encomiuoms on troops of other countries seem to have run dry.

Otitoju was nowhere to be found when he was needed most. He has become like the misguided football hooligan who hails teams of other countries but goes silent when that of his country is doing wonders.

But perhaps noticing this bias in reportage foreign media agencies have been upbeat on reporting the gallantry of the Nigerian troops.

A French journal on African intelligence had even gone beyond reporting what the troops have achieved to revealing the level of preparation for the task ahead.

It reported that the Nigerian Army is engaged in negotiations to purchase Chinese rotary wing AVIC AV500 drone to be able to carry out ISR missions at medium altitude, carry out strikes and stay airborne for nine hours while at it.

This will definitely accelerate the almost completed liquidation of the terrorists.

All these efforts are however lost on Otitoju an his ilk who seem to be upbeat only when Nigerian troops encounter defeat or some foreign countries record distant and uncoordinated break in the war.

The truth is, Nigerian troops have even before now been doing very well in the fight against terrorism and insurgency.

Nigeria has been the leader on many counter insurgency operations across the continent including the multinational joint task force currently fighting in the Lake Chad region.

For more than four years since the coming of the current administration, the terrorists have not found it easy operating on Nigerian soil as they have been under heat from Nigerian troops.

Due to the heat, they run to take cover in neighbouring African countries like Niger, Chad and Cameroun

Nigeria has been able to up the game and degraded the terrorists and have been able to penetrate the base of the insurgents at Sambisa Forest, took out a great number of them and destroyed their armoury and established a base at Camp Zero.

Nigerian troops have also retaken captured military bases in Bama, Monguno and Gwoza as well as recapture territories captured by the terrorists including the 20 local government that came under the authority of the terrorists.

They have also put a stop to the activities of the terrorists in Adamawa, Bauchi, Gombe, Kano, Kaduna and Abuja, confining them to few communities along the Lake Chad.

Nigerian troops have put the terrorists in disarray and have made it impossible for them tto launch attacks on communities.

Given all these record of achievements, one would wonder how an objective analyst would fail to commend Nigerian armed forces for its efforts if there’s no deliberate agenda to undermine Nigeria.

At this point there’s the need to caution Otitoju in the words of Samuel Adams, the American statesman, political philosopher, and one of the founding Fathers of the United States, who said there are people who can be termed as void of all regards for their country.

Otitoju should be cautioned not to allow himself drift into that category because the philosopher has only harsh words for those kinds of people.

He said:”There is seldom an Instance of a man guilty of betraying his country, who had not before lost the feeling of moral obligations in his private connections.”

Otitoju and his ilk, who derive pleasure in laughing at and insulting the military when the terrorists attack Nigerian troops but will be silent when the military takes the lead need to have a rethink.

Oteniya, a freelance broadcast journalist wrote this piece from Lagos.

Adieu, Mama Buratai in heavenly bliss!

Events

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May 11, 2020

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By Adam Biu

“But let them sleep Lord, and I mourn a space;
For, if above all these, my sins abound,
‘Tis late to ask abundance of thy grace,
When we are there. Here on this lowly ground,
Teach me how to repent; for that’s as good
As if thou hadst sealed my pardon with thy blood”-John Donne (1572-1631)

John Donne has pungently and poetically kept reminding us about the inevitable eventuality of the mortality of human beings on earth. The reality of death, especially for beloved ones, sends nervous emotions. It pains and I mean; a deep pain that touches the marrow and appears permanent.

But, it is a divine order from Almighty Allah (S.W.T):.The birth of a child brings joy, but the death brings sadness. Tears have never solved the mystery of death for us, the bereaved. But mourning is the only human antidote which lessens our grief and purges the pains death inflicts on us.

Today, Nigeria is mourning the passage to eternal glory of Mama, Hajiya Hauwa Yusuf Buratai, whom the cold hands of death snatched from us. The matriarch of the Buratai family, you have left us too soon, mama! How I wish, Almighty Allah (S.W.T) would have extended the grace of longevity to you.

But Almighty Allah (S.W.T) knows why and we think, you are safer in His hands than in this sinful world caging us with countless afflictions and the latest being Coronavirus! But I know, your spirit is on us.

All through lifetime Mama, you lived a worthy life as a wife, mother, auntie, sister and pillar of the downtrodden in communities around the North. We know you as a compassionate mother, a woman of virtue, community mobilizer, the pillar of the needy and epitome of excellence.

Not long ago, we mourned the passing unto glory of the patriarch of the Buratai family, World War II veteran, Mallam Yusuf Buratai. We are still weeping even as we found consolation in your warm embrace and today, you are gone, Mama!

Tears have not yet dried on our faces and today, we are in tears over demise. Oh destiny, you are very cruel to us the people of Biu village/LGA, Borno and indeed, all Nigerians are in sorrow over the sudden passage of the matriarch of the Buratais. But you are above death. Rather you have conquered the mystery of death eternally.

Mama, you came into the world as a heroine and departed as a heroine. We remember your fond love, years of toil, endurance and perseverance while alive. Naturally, your affectionate love drained sorrows from the hearts of many; comforted the millions of wailing souls around you. Words are not enough to express exactly millions.

We remember and will miss your comforting counsels in our moments of torments. Your sagacity transcended boundaries and brought comfort to the known and unknown. Mama, your translucent piousness, generous lifestyle and care would forever be etched on our memories.

But I say again that our Matriarch and indeed, the Buratai family have conquered death. Mama, your sojourn on earth has brought solace and freedom to millions of enslaved Nigerians. In you Mama, I met a compassionate mother, who cares for everyone around her.

I miss your counsel and the last time, I visited you in the village, you told me that your son, Gen. Buratai would end Boko Haram terrorism in Nigeria, no matter the forces frustrating the efforts of the Nigerian Army. It was not a mere wish, but prayers Almighty Allah has granted.

I believed you absolutely Mama and it is happening already. There are clear signs that your son, Gen. Buratai, leader of the counter-insurgency operations in Nigeria, a rare gift to Nigeria’s military will end the torment of Boko Haram insurgency and ISWAP terrorism in Nigeria very soon.

I keep wailing and will keep crying at your demise because the cold hands of death have snatched you away from us, just before the hour of total victory against Boko Haram. I refuse to be comforted because you are no longer alive to relish this victory with Nigerians.

How I wish Almighty Allah (S.W.T) would have preserved your life to be one of those to receive the national plaque of honour, and garlands of triumph of the Nigerian Army over Boko Haram and ISWAP terrorists. But Almighty Allah has done His will. I am a mere mortal to question His will. He knows better. But it is painful!

But Mama, you are not dead! You will live forever in our psyche. An English poet and world acclaimed founder of metaphysical poetry, John Donne, says in a poetic verse titled; “At the round earth’s imagined corners” (Holy Sonnet 7), which says;

“At the round earth’s imagined corners, blow
Your trumpets, angels, and arise, arise
From death, you numberless infinities
Of souls, and to your scattered bodies go,
All whom the flood did, and fire shall, o’erthrow,
All whom war, dearth, age, agues, tyrannies,
Despair, law, chance, hath slain, and you whose eyes,
Shall behold God, and never taste death’s woe.”

Mama, President Buhari and Nigerians feel the pains of your sudden death. Our President sent a condolence and consolation message to your son, Gen. Buratai conveying all the emotional pains he feels over your sudden demise. Let me quote a portion from it verbatim through the public statement by his media aide, Malam Garba Shehu. It states;

“President Buhari also prayed that the Almighty God would comfort Lt.-Gen. Buratai, who has been at the epicenter of war against terrorists in North East, urging the family to find solace in Hajiya Hauwa’s good works.”

I am touched by these words. They have consoled me that you are still alive, Mama! But like late Baba Buratai believed and you actively supported; “…mankind must be freed from the excesses of satanic souls.” Mama, your son, Gen. Buratai has kept every word of his late father, your husband, who told him at a tender age when he enlisted into the Nigerian Army that; “…be loyal to your superiors and constituted authority.”

Before his death, Baba Buratai confessed that Gen. Buratai obeyed every word of his father in service of the nation. And today, he is performing wonders in the frontlines on Boko Haram/ISWAP terrorism in the protection of the sovereignty and territorial integrity of our cherished country, Nigeria. Gen. Buratai, your son is a sacrificial lamb for the freedom of Nigeria. May you find favour in the warm embrace of Almighty Allah.

Mama, like a verse in the song of the Afro-American music maestro, Tony Gaye, mourning the death of his elder brother, Marvin Gaye; “our mother, you are gone, but your spirit is with us.”

Adieu, Mama. Bye and bye, until we meet to part no more!

Adam wrote this tribute from Biu, Borno State.

ABTI/ Gotel 450: Atiku has declared self as enemy of God, man- EARN

News

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May 10, 2020

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ABTI/ Gotel 450: Atiku has declared self as enemy of God, man- EARN

Former Vice-President Atiku Abubakar has proven that he is enemy of man and God by sacking over 450 staff of American University of Nigeria (ABTI), and Gotel Communications, the Employment Advancement Rights Network (EARN) has said.

EARN, in a statement signed by its President, Barrister Edward Ogenyi, on Sunday, described the move as “inhuman, unconscionable, intolerant and lacking in compassion especially at a time that responsible organizations are holding off on such decisions until after the COVID-19 pandemic”.

The group of legal practitioners wondered how Nigerians would have coped with Mr Atiku as president, knowing that he is so “consumed by extreme capitalism”.

EARN, though, added that this is an eye opener for Nigerians, especially with the ex-VP reportedly nurturing ambition to contest again in 2023.

The human rights group, therefore, warned Atiku that Nigerians are waiting for him at the next polls to “put a final nail in the coffin of his tyrannical style and ineptitude as a manager”.

EARN, however, called on ABTI and Gotel Communication to recall the sacked staff or their founder would face mass action all over the country.

Read full statement below:

As a pressure group of seasoned activists, lawyers and professionals with the sole aim of protecting Nigerian workers, Employment Advancement Rights Network (EARN) has comprehensively reviewed the sack of over 400 staff of the American University of Nigeria (ABTI), which is owned by former Vice President, Atiku Abubakar, and almost 50 staff of Gotel Communication, also owned by the politician.

We have also reviewed the justifications for the sack of these hardworking Nigerians by the managements of ABTI and Gotel Communication, which both answer to Atiku. The responses to the sack amount to a charade and adding insult to injury. Both organizations sufficiently demonstrated that they place profit over humanity, a policy that could have only been formulated by the owner.

EARN condemns the sack of the over 450 staffers of these Atiku-owned organizations as inhuman, unconscionable, intolerant and lacking in compassion especially at a time that responsible organizations are holding off on such decisions until the COVID-19 pandemic has been sufficiently brought under control. The situation at ABTI and Gotel cannot be more precarious than what obtains in the banking sector, where chief executives have listened to reason and put a planned sack of workers on hold.

We wonder why the university and broadcasting company could not, like the banks, wait until after the pandemic before throwing hundreds of workers and thousands of their dependent into poverty, hunger and uncertainty. This callous decision confirmed that the origin of these organization and the seed fund for setting them up cannot stand up to scrutiny.

In our view, Atiku has by this action declared himself an enemy of God and humanity. Contemplating the sack at a time like this in the first instance is evil and implementing it elevated the owner of the decision to the status of the devil. He is by no means a man that should have a say in the wellbeing of anyone because it is apparent that his only concern is his avarice.

Considering the repeated failed attempts he has made to become Nigeria’s number one citizen, EARN is now imagining what the lot of Nigerians would have been under a person that is so consumed by extreme capitalism. Knowing that he has the intention to again run for president in 2023, right thinking people must now begin interrogating is this profit monster should be allowed anywhere near where issues that affect the ability of citizens to earn decent living.

We hereby put Atiku Abubakar on notice that Nigerians are waiting for him in 2023 to put a final nail in the coffin of his tyrannical style and ineptitude as a manager. The explanation put forward by his companies for the sack confirms that he is incapable of planning and organizing even at such level, which makes it criminal for him to have aspired to high office in the past knowing that his competence is below what is required.

We caution in the strongest term possible that Atiku must get ABTI and Gotel Communication to recall the sacked staff since they already admitted that these people lost their jobs to the incompetence of the owner and management and not gross misconduct. Failure to recall the sacked staff, EARN will launch coordinated picketing in the form of sit-ins, with consideration for social distancing, in Atiku’s houses and businesses all over the country. The properties will not only be picketed but would be fully occupied and locked down once the COVID19 pandemic is over.

North-East: Police, political leaders must act fast to consolidate military gains – NEDA

Security

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May 10, 2020

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North-East: Police, political leaders must act fast to consolidate military gains – NEDA

The North East Development Agenda (NEDA) has called on the police and political leaders in the northeast to build on the tremendous achievements of the military in the region.

NEDA gave the charge in a statement signed by its President Alhaji Ali Tanko on Sunday.

Nigeria’s once troubled northeast zone, a supposed stronghold of Boko Haram/ISWAP terrorists in years past is now enjoying relative peace and tranquillity thanks to the gallant Nigerian Army.

Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lieutenant General T.Y Burarai, himself led the final clearance operation that has consumed hundreds of the fleeing radical jihadists.

However, NEDA believes this progress would be tainted without the support and collaboration of other actors such as the police and the elites.

According to the group, these terrorists have abandoned the fight and fled inwards into Nigeria’s other towns and villages where troops are not stationed.

As it isn’t the role of the military to carry out civil policing, NEDA reckoned that the cooperation of the police and the leaders is required to fish these fleeing terrorists.

The group, therefore, called on the Nigeria Police Force and political leaders from the region to immediately swing into action to consolidate on the gains made by the military in keeping the area free of Boko Haram.

Read full statement below:

The progress that has been made by the Nigerian Army and other services of the military in ridding the north east of Boko Haram has been reassuring given the scale on the terrorists have been killed and their camps decommissioned. But there is urgent need to act in ensuring that there is no vacuum created in places from where Boko Haram elements ts have been eliminated.

The North East Development Agenda (NEDA) is consequently calling on the civil police, being the Nigeria Police Force and political leaders from the region to immediately swing into action to consolidate on the gains made by the military in keeping the area free of Boko Haram. A delay in doing this will make everyone that failed to take action liable should there be a resurgence of terrorism in Nigeria.

The military remains in pursuit of fleeing terrorists as it continues to drive the battle deeper into anywhere that Boko Haram is found to have a presence. Some of these terrorists apparently abandoned the fight and fled inwards into Nigeria’s other towns and villages where troops are not stationed. This is an area in which the political leaders are needed to galvanize the people into providing useful information that will help security agents mop up these fighters.

We also know that the military is not meant for everyday civil policing neither are troops trained for such, which makes it necessary for the Nigeria Police Force to step in and complement the efforts of the military by immediately taking over civil policing to ensure that the fleeing terrorists do not regroup anywhere near the north east again. The emphasis here is that the Police does not have to wait for a Presidential directive or National Assembly motion to resume its statutory duties in the north east now that the terrorists that once put the situation there beyond the functions of the police have been decimated.

What was experienced in the past was a situation where terrorists rebuild their cells from towns and villages that were not adequately policed after the military had cleared them of terrorists. This is a mistake that must not be repeated. A visible police presence, coupled with the necessary structure for intelligence gathering, will be a natural deterrence to any aspiring terrorist not to test the strength of the state.

From all available reports on the ground, the military has won the war against the Boko Haram terrorists and conscious efforts by the political leadership to restore normalcy must be immediately put in place as to forestall the negative consequences of the terrorists ever regrouping again.

In this regard, the political leadership should show direction by speeding up the rebuilding efforts and economic expansion in the north east to address the poverty that made Boko Haram’s recruitment of frustrated and desperate youth easy in the past. For this purpose, political leaders in the region should embrace a sort of peer review mechanism that ensures that public resources are used only for what they are meant for, which is to bring about improvement in the life of the people.

It is equally necessary that politicians collectively commit to engaging in acts that can re-introduce terrorism to the area. The practice of giving tacit support to Boko Haram members or any violent group out of political desperation has to stop while political office holders must also desist from a tendency to politicize anti-terrorism measures as this has proven to be a great disadvantage to the society.

The political leadership must also mobilize the traditional and religious institutions to contribute to the restoration of lasting peace in the north east. The traditional institution can be empowered to keep track of the youth ward by ward such that anyone showing tendency of radicalization and extremism can be immediately helped with rehabilitation. The religious leaders on their part can help correct their colleagues that are involved that are involved in promoting extreme doctrines.

This arrangement would be greatly strengthened if the police prioritizes intelligence gathering and building a network of community volunteers to create a viable information network and a kind of participatory policing in the communities.

Such a synergy among these critical stakeholders is the greatest thank you gift that they can give to the Nigerian military and the troops that have made the supreme sacrifice to get rid of terrorists that once held the north east by the jugular.

20 Boko Haram Killed, Six Soldier Injured in an Ambush in Borno

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May 10, 2020

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20 Boko Haram Killed, Six Soldier Injured in an Ambush in Borno

The Caretaker Chairman of Gwoza local government area of Borno State, Hon Saeed Salisu Sambo, on Saturday morning escaped death following a Boko Haram ambush on his convoy around Bama town while on his way from Gwoza to Maiduguri.

Six soldiers of the 121 Task Force Battalion Pulka who were providing him security cover were injured as they attempted to clear the ambush.

Speaking to the press today on the ambush, Hon. Saeed said, more than 20 Boko Haram insurgents were killed while many fled due to the superior power of the soldiers.

He said, “The incident happened at about 5km into Bama town, 10am yesterday, (Saturday) after living Nguro-Soye.“

According to him, the insurgents detonated an IED, followed by sporadic gunshots which was repelled by the gallant soldiers.

“Six (6) soldiers sustained various degrees of injuries, and more than twenty of heinous actors (BH) were killed by the rocket launcher fired by troops as I vividly saw them running away, as the military engageed them in response,” the council boss said.

Hon Sambo gave the list of soldiers injured as: Sgt Onu Oga, Cpl Jonah Inji, Lcpl Dauda Isa, Lcpl Lawal Yahaya, Cpl Oku Sunday and Pte Austin Matthew.

COVID-19: Police sends stern warning to Oyedepo over decision to reopen his church

Covid-19

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May 10, 2020

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COVID-19: Police sends stern warning to Oyedepo over decision to reopen his church

The Ogun state Police Command has sent strong warning to the presiding bishop of the Living Faith Church (Winners Chapel) David Oyedepo, over his decision to reopen his church amid rising cases of COVID-19 in the country.

Bishop Oyedepo, had in a viral video, on Friday, said he had declared churches open, saying anybody against the reopening of churches will die.

In a veiled reference to Oyedepo, and other religious leaders toeing same path, the police said they have information that some religious leaders in Ogun are preparing to open their religious centres for people to converge.

This, the police said was in total disobedience to both the state and federal government directives.

A statement by the state Police Spokesperson, Abimbola Oyeyemi, said appealed to such religious leaders to have a change of heart, saying “security agencies in the state will view the opening of worship centres with all seriousness.”

Oyeyemi said the police would not tolerate any act capable of undermining the determination of the state and federal government to fight Coronavirus to a standstill, stressing that “the ban on all forms of gathering be it social or religious is still in force.”

The statement reads:

“It has come to the notice of Ogun State Police Command that some religious leaders in the state are preparing to open their various religious centers for people to converge in total disobedience to both the state and federal government directives.

“The command hereby appeals to such religious leaders in both Islamic and Christian faith who may be having such intention to have a change of mind because the security agencies in the state will view such with all seriousness.

“The command will not tolerate any act capable of undermining the determination of the state and federal government to fight the COVID 19 pandemic to a standstill.

“The commissioner of police, therefore, wish to use this medium to remind all religious leaders that the ban on all forms of gathering; be it social or religious is still in force. He also admonished all and sundry to cooperate with the government in its efforts to make the state coronavirus-free.”

Boko Haram: Group hails Buratai’s winning strategies, urges neighbouring nations to learn

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May 10, 2020

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Boko Haram: Group hails Buratai’s winning strategies, urges neighbouring nations to learn

The National Democratic Front (NDF) has applauded Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General T.Y Buratai for his unique strategies which are yielding results aplenty in the war against Boko Haram/ISWAP terrorists.

According to the pro-democracy group, the COAS’ meticulous planning, deep thinking, experience, foresight and profound knowledge of the terrain is the difference in the theatre of operations.

The troops of Operation Lafiya Dole have recorded tremendous success in the final clearance since Lt. Gen. Buratai stepped foot in the Northeast almost a month.

Scores of the insurgents have been consumed by the troops’ continuous onslaught, the most recent in Timbuktu Triangle.

In a statement signed by Secretary-General, Dr Abdulkadir Bolaji, the NDF said that this progress is as a result of deep thinking on the part of the military high command as well as painstaking calculations and meticulous planning.

The group added that this isn’t much of a surprise as the COAS is known as a master strategist, a thoroughbred professional and commander with vast knowledge in military warfare while climbing the ranks.

Like George Washington, the NDF noted that Buratai reviewed the old strategies used by troops and out-thought the enemy by adopting a unique fighting approach.

The National Democratic Front, however, urged the COAS to share his secret with the other nations so that rooms are not created for the insurgents to explore through the weakness of one country to hide and nurse their wounds as it happened in the past.

Read full statement below:

Gradually, even those who had disparaged the Nigerian Army over the news that its Chadian colleagues had flushed out Boko Haram and ISWAP terrorists from its territory, are beginning to concede that Nigerian troops were misjudged on the basis of a single operation but are more coordinated and better.

In the past two months, the Nigerian army through a streak of victories over Boko Haram and ISWAP terrorists has shown that it has not lost the verve and composure it has come to be known for over the years.

Between April and now, Nigerian troops have penetrated the fortresses of insurgents with liquidated top commanders and foot soldiers of the sect, set confusion in their midst, scattered their ranks and pummelled their topiary.

Only last week, within a spate of 24 hours, troops of Operation Lafiya Dole through a coordinated artillery bombardment on Timbuktu Triangle and another artillery engagement in Buk, Damboa LG of Borno State, killed 134 number of Boko Haram and ISWAP terrorists.

This is in addition to the victories recorded against the insurgents only last month in which over of the terrorists were similarly liquidated.

The National Democratic Front, NDF, wants the world to note, that these victories were not by accident but as a result of deep thinking on the part of the military high command ad well as painstaking calculations and meticulous planning.

We want the world to know that having followed the professional progress of the Chief of Army Staff, Lt. General Tukur Yusuf Buratai, we have noted that what is happening now in the theatres of operation is consistent with his character as a meticulous planner, deep thinker, experienced strategist and a sharpshooter.

Right from his days at the Army Headquarters where he served in the Department of Army Policy and Plans, Abuja; from where he became Assistant Chief of Staff Administrative Matters at the Infantry Centre Jaji; to when he became a Major General and was appointed Commandant, Nigerian Army School of Infantry, Jaji; to when he was appointed Force Commander of the Multinational Joint Task Force (MJTNF) before he became Chief of Army Staff; Lt. General Buratai, has been known as a master strategist and thoroughbred professional and commander with vast knowledge in military warfare owing to his experience and study of military strategy the world over.

We make bold to say that Nigeria is lucky to have a planner- strategist at the helm of the military command at a time the nation is ravaged by the activities of terrorists and insurgents because having personnel with less qualification, foresight and experience would have put Nigeria in quandary.

The Lake Chad Region, which is bordered by four countries of Niger, Chad, Cameroon and Nigeria has made the fight against Boko Haram and ISWAP terrorists quite unique and different from other theatres of operation.

While military expeditions in Afghanistan have only the mountainous terrains to contend with and in Somalia, the vast land and waters, the Lake Chad Region combines all the environmental challenges and more.

From the Nigerian and Cameroonian sides are high mountains with steep and creepy slopes while on the Nigerien side are vast stretches of desert land and between Chad are both land and water.

Past military expeditions that relied on surmounting the challenges from a particular angle have failed until the current Chief of Army Staff used a different strategy that took into cognisance the uniqueness of the challenges posed by the undulating terrain.

Like George Washington, the veteran military tactician who got the highest honour as a military officer did in the battle to win New York, Buratai, reviewed the old strategy used by troops and out-thought the enemy by adopting a unique fighting style suitable to the conditions at hand.

Washington is known for studying through the detail of army operations, including logistics and is said never to have led a large army into battle but relied heavily on the art of surprise, using tactics like ambush to overwhelm the enemy.

In the case of Nigerian troops, Buratai used the element of right timing to take the battle to the insurgents.

He, like Washington, must have reasoned that in a long war of attrition over a large territory with large scale military engagements like the one in the Lake Chad Region, that careful deliberation was the most appropriate strategy and he applied at a time the insurgents least expected which is coming with harvests of victories that we are witnessing today.

These basic elements of applying the right strategy at the right time were what helped Washington achieve a decisive victory which ended the American Revolutionary War.

We therefore commend General Buratai for his brilliance and application of the best military strategies to conquer the Boko Haram and ISWAP terrorists who have become irritants in the Lake Chad region.

We believe that the recent events in the theatre of war are precursors to a final battle which would route out insurgents entirely from the region and end the war as Nigerian troops have succeeded in regaining the confidence of the citizenry.

Buratai has shown that Nigeria will conbattlefieldain its pride in the comity of nations as the first to defeat this kind of insurgency.

We applaud the efforts of the Nigerian Army Chief and that of the entire troops in the battle field and wish them success in the final push to decapitate Boko Haram and ISWAP.

We urge members of communities around the Lake Chad region to cooperate fully with Buratai and the troops as victory is in sight.

We call on commanders of troops of neighbouring African countries to rise above the mundane and emulate the style of the Nigerian Army Chief which is bringing results.

The Nigerian army Chief must be magnanimous enough to share his secret with the other nations so that rooms are not created for the insurgents to explore through the weakness of one country to hide and nurse their wounds as it happened in the past.

We join our voice with that of others to call on the army Chief to live up to his promise not to leave the theatre of war until total victory is attained.

We commend President Muhammadu Buhari for putting a round peg in a round hole in the fight against insurgency and terrorism.

Woman pregnant for 28 months shares her story after miracle delivery

Exclusive

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May 9, 2020

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Woman pregnant for 28 months shares her story after miracle delivery

Nigerian woman, Peace Okeke-Amadi who was pregnant for two years and four months shares her amazing experience on the long road to delivery.

Taking to her Facebook handle to post in a feminine group, Once a Mum, Always a Mum (OMAM) to share her story said:

“On the 20th December , 2017 , I took in, went for urine and blood PT and the result came out positive ?? .. I was so happy because I had waited for this to happen for more than 5yrs after my first child…

“Three months into my first trimester I suddenly started bleeding,I was so scared,the doctor tried to stop the bleeding but it persisted and came out in big clots.. I went for scan and they said the baby was gone,I broke down in tears,I was so down that the only place I thought of going to at that moment was the church . I got to church and went straight to the alter and cried bitterly.

“In my sad mood I went to my pastors office and he said to me wipe your tears, Celebrate for your baby is doing just fine,he asked me to have faith in God and said something that struck me ..He said that BABIES ARE NOT CREATED BY BLOOD BUT BY GOD . Immediately , i wiped my tears and went home rejoicing.

“And from that day I made up my mind that no matter what the doctors say, God’s report will be my final Judgement. My stomach started growing, i felt my baby kick every day but the bleeding continued every month . After nine month ,my baby refuse to come out.. Then the pressure started ,from now every test showed there was no baby..

“Fast forward into 1yrs and 7mnths of the pregnancy baby was not coming forth, people began to talk. Some said their was no baby in my womb. Some said it’s a scam, others said I was just mocking God .

“I heard some say it is my sin that kept me in that condition. I cried day and night unto God to deliver me. sometimes I will even want to avoid places like Church to reduce Tongues from wagging but I always found strength in serving God . I never stopped Serving God Never!!!!!!!…..

“The shame of people asking me : You never still born???

“This Journey of life and Faith in God thought me a great lesson . I saw people for who they truly are, friends turning their backs on me but my family stood by me through it all, God bless them for me.??

“Let me fast foward to April 28 ,2020 , My testimony landed,my bundle of Joy, My reward for believing in God’s word came forth. My Peace was restored,My Crown of Glory came to this world.

2yrs and 4mnths I carried her in my womb against all medical report, series of scan saying it’s a huge mass of Fibroid in fact I heard all manner of things.

Only God has the final say in your life.

Join me welcome My Princess,My Gold??????…”

Peace Okeke-Amadi and her beautiful baby

Presidency explains Osinbajo’s continued absence

Covid-19

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May 9, 2020

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Presidency explains Osinbajo’s continued absence

President Muhammadu Buhari’s Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Femi Adesina, has explained the continued absence of Vice President Yemi Osinbajo.

In an interview on Wazobia Radio, Adesina insisted that Osinbajo is busy working with the Economic Sustainability Committee.

“He heads the Economic Sustainability Committee. They hold meetings and these news (items) are on the televisions,” he said.

Adesina noted that some of these meetings are now virtual or through videos, assuring that Osinbajo is hale and hearty.

He also explained that Lagos State secured a grant of N10billion from the Federal Government in the fight against the outbreak of COVID-19, because of their commitment to curb the pandemic.

“Technical support is very very important, very vey important… Lagos State got technical support before it got financial support, manpower support is very good, facility support is very good,” he added.