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Integrity according to Wike’s dictionary

Opinion

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January 13, 2020

Integrity according to Wike’s dictionary

By David Onmeje

Wonders shall indeed never end in Nigeria. We are in a clime where careless statements are issued without minding the consequences of such on the psychological and physical state of the people. In this case, a situation where a governor of a state is as careless as the average meat seller in the market speaks volumes of the caliber of persons that occupy public offices in Nigeria.

As a start, I do not think Governor Nyesom Wike is eminently qualified to speak on issues surrounding integrity. I say this because history is replete with acts of his that are unheard of in terms of morality, respect for human dignity, respect for the rule of law, respect for the people, and as well as respect for the constituted authorities in the country. For Nyesom Wike, it has been a life of absolute disregard for societal norms and values.

The recent statement credited to Nyesom Wike stating that the Nigerian Army has lost its integrity is, in my opinion, of poor taste and meant for mischief purposes. As a first, I could not come to terms with his posturing given the fact that the occasion where he made those scathing remarks was at a church service marking the 2020 Armed Forces Remembrance Day Celebration.

His utterances were definitely not in line with the aim of the day, and I can bet that the presiding pastors would have felt ashamed that the governor had turned their auditorium into a campaign arena to get back at those whom he perceives as political opponents. And for strange reasons, the Nigerian Army is one of those Governor Nyesom Wike has chosen to disparage for inexplicable reasons.

I must add that if all governors in Nigeria carry on like the governor of Rivers state, then Nigeria can be conveniently labeled a banana republic because he represents all that should not be in governance. My curiosity with Wike’s bias against the Nigerian Army took me to the conduct of the 2019 gubernatorial elections in River state where he roundly and unintelligently accused the then General Officer Commanding 6 Division of the Nigerian Army in Rivers of all sorts of crime just because the GOC refused his bidding during the elections.

This much was discovered when the GOC went public to state that indeed Governor Nyesom Wike made overtures to him in an attempt to compromise the integrity of the electoral process. Having failed in this regard, a heavily funded slander campaign was launched against the Nigerian Army in a puerile attempt at painting the organization as lacking in integrity, while in truth, the one lacking in integrity is the governor who is known as a serial election fraudster from his days as the chairman of Obio-Akpor Local Government Areas of Rivers State.

I must add that I am still at a loss as to why Governor Nyesom Wike is so bent on dragging the reputation of the Nigerian Army in the mud. It would have made some sense if the accuser in question is a man of integrity himself. But a situation where the word integrity has no meaning in his dictionary leaves more to be imagined. For governor Wike, life is war. He is at war with virtually everything, including the way he speaks, as evident in his recent diatribe against the Nigerian Army.

I am tempted to state that Governor Nyesom Wike might be experiencing some form of internal disorders that is known to just a few people around him, hence his erratic behaviors. Little wonder why he is at war with himself? Little wonder why he is at war with the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), little wonder why his approach to issues is laced with erratic misadventures.

Let me state this in unequivocal terms that this recent attempt by Governor Nyesom Wike at painting the Nigerian Army in bad light is yet, another failed attempt in his book of catastrophe, where the Nigerian Army occupies virtually all the chapters for refusing to do his bidding in compromising the integrity of the general elections in Rivers state.

Just maybe to Governor Nyesom Wike, integrity is about saying what is not to mislead the members of the unsuspecting general public. Integrity is also when morals are sacrificed at the altar of selfish and personal aggrandizement. Integrity is when a dog is given a bad name to hang it. All of these are tenets of integrity according to the dictionary of Governor Nyesom Wike.

I would also like to use this medium to advise Governor Nyesom Wike on the need for him to urgently retrace his steps in his campaign of slander against the Nigerian Army. This is on the heels that it is common knowledge that his grouse with the Nigerian Army stems from the insistence of its commanders to be on the side of truth and national interest.

Governor Nyesom Wike must retrace his steps and desist from insulting our sensibilities with his diatribe against the Nigerian Army. Unless he wants to pretend he is not aware of the fact that the Nigerian Army is actively engaged in operations around the country simultaneously. Therefore, this distraction is highly unnecessary and should be discontinued in the interest of peace and tranquility. The Nigerian Army does not fit into Governor Nyesom Wike’s definition of integrity. And it would be in their best interest to stay away from Wike’s integrity mantra.

Onmeje wrote this article from the United Kingdom.

We are tracking migrating elephants – CG National Parks

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January 13, 2020

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We are tracking migrating elephants – CG National Parks

The National Park Service says it is monitoring the movement of about 250 elephants in a herd sighted around Kutila area of the Chad Basin National Park (CBNP), a border between Nigeria and Cameroon, for their protection.

Dr Ibrahim Goni, the Conservator General, National Park Service disclosed this in a statement issued in Abuja by Mr. Yakubu Zull, his Media Assistant.

Goni said the new herd was captured through the aerial photo of United Nations Humanitarian Air Services (UNHAS) around Chingurmi-Duguma sector of CBNP a few kilometres from Rann during a humanitarian mission.

He said the service is already partnering with the Borno State government through the Director of Forests to ensure that the elephants are not killed in line with the initiative of `Monitoring of the illegal killing of elephants (MIKE).

“The elephants were reported to have destroyed some farms, so our experts will make sure that they are returned to their habitats safely and as well avoid more damage to people’s farms while at the same time keeping them away from poachers.

“It is interesting to note that the presence of security operatives in the CD has led to an increase in the sighting of Giraffes, Gazelles, Ostriches & lots of other animals.

“There are speculations that the elephants migrated from the Waza National Park in Cameroon and may have been displaced by flooding.

I assure the public that we will trace their route and make sure they are safe.

We will work with Chingurmi-Duguma Sector, the Nigerian Army and Cameroon’s Waza National Park to achieve that,’’ he added.

He said that due to insurgency in the region, human activity at the area is minimal and most of the villages are without human presence, thus the vegetation of the area started regenerating.

The C-G advised the public to keep away from the elephants wherever they sight them, and promptly notify the relevant authorities.

Al-Shabaab kill 3 teachers in Garissa attack, Kenya police say

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January 13, 2020

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Al-Shabaab kill 3 teachers in Garissa attack, Kenya police say

Kenyan police on Monday said at least three people were killed on Monday in an attack by
Al-Shabaab extremists in the eastern part of the country.

The militants from neighboring Somalia attacked Kamuthe center in Garissa county, setting fire to a police post and attempting to destroy a telecommunication mast, police said in a report seen by The Associated Press.

Three non-Muslim teachers were killed and one teacher was abducted, the report said. They spared the life of a female nurse due to her gender, it added.

Al-Shabaab has vowed retribution on Kenya for its troops being present in Somalia since 2011 to fight the militants. The group has carried out numerous attacks on Kenya, killing hundreds.

Earlier this month, the al-Qaida-linked group attacked a military base used by Kenyan and U.S. forces, killing three Americans and destroying aircraft and other machinery.

AP

Army Troops sustain onslaught against ISWAP, other criminal elements nationwide, rescue more captives.

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January 11, 2020

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Army Troops sustain onslaught against ISWAP, other criminal elements nationwide, rescue more captives.

As Nigerian Army troops sustain their relentless operations across the nation, more elements of the marauding Boko Haram/ISWAP insurgents as well as bandits and other criminal elements have either been neutralised or arrested at their hideouts across the country and more of their abductees have been freed.

On 7 Jan 20 for instance, troops of 121 Battalion deployed at Pulka in Gwoza LGA of Borno State while on ‘Operation RUFE KOFA’ cleared and destroyed Boko Haram criminals’ hideouts at Zeledva Hills along Pulka – Bokko – Ngoshe Road in the same LGA. In a related development, the combined troops of 192 Battalion deployed at Gwoza, Borno State, elements of Theatre Strike Force(TSF) and the Cameroonian Defence Force in conjunction with the Civilian Joint Task Force and Local Hunters briskly ascended the Ungwan Gara Kwatara mountain enclave of the Boko Haram criminals. On sighting the troops, the criminals fled the enclave in disarray. Nevertheless, the resilient troops went ahead to clear the hideout of any presence and activities of the insurgents. In the process, the troops rescue 5 abandoned captives including one septuagenarian, 3 women and one minor.

In a similar operation conducted by troops of 21 Special Armoured Brigade deployed at Bama, Borno State, on 9 January 2020, troops recovered the mutilated body parts of a neutralized Boko Haram criminal from an earlier encounter and one AK 47 Rifle magazine. In another separate encounter, on 8 January 2020, troops of 112 Task Force Battalion deployed in Mafa LGA of Borno State decimated some Boko Haram criminals and captured one AK 47 Rifle, a bandolier of 7.62mm NATO ammunition and 4 AK 47 magazines loaded with 120 rounds of 7.62mm Special ammunition while others were believed to have escaped with various degrees of gunshot wounds.

In another daring encounter with some cowardly Boko Haram criminals on 6 January 2020, troops of 22 Brigade (Main) deployed in Dikwa LGA of Borno State rescued one Mr Ibrahim who was earlier abducted by the criminals.

Relatedly, in the North West Theater, on 9 January 2020, troops of 17 Brigade deployed at Tashan Bawa, Sabuwa LGA of Katsina State swiftly responded to a distress call concerning bandits’ attack at Madaci Village in the same LGA. On arrival at the location, the troops decisively engaged the bandits with superior fire power and tenacity. The troops eliminated many of the bandits while others fled into the nearby Madaci – Birnin Gwari Forest with various degrees of gunshot wounds. Troops thereafter intensified the conduct of robust patrols in the general area to obviate further respite for the bandits.

Furthermore, on 10 January 2020, troops of 8 Division acting on reliable information intercepted a group of bandits moving with rustled cattle towards Miyanchi in Maru LGA of Sokoto State. Troops made contact with the bandits at Kadauri and Miyanchi Bridge of the same LGA. In the ensuing encounter, 3 bandits were neutralized. Additionally, 2 AK 47 Rifles, 7 AK 47 Rifle magazines loaded with 210 rounds of 7.62mm Special ammunition, one Rocket Propelled Gun Tube, one Rocket Propelled Gun bomb, herd of cattle and sheep were recovered from the bandits. Regrettably, 2 gallant soldiers sustained gunshot wounds and have been evacuated to a military medical facility where they are positively responding to treatment.

The Chief of Army Staff Lieutenant General Turkur Yusufu Buratai commends the troops for their sustained resilience and courage. He urges them to maintain the momentum against all criminal elements until they are totally brought to their knees.

Caring as Gen. Buratai’s Golden Rule

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January 10, 2020

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By Peter Otene

“Nobody cares how much you know, until they know how much you care.” —Theodore Roosevelt

It is absolute trite repeating the visible and unassailably signposted positive impacts of the Government of President Muhammadu Buhari on combating Boko Haram insurgency and its Islamic State West Africa (ISWAP) terrorist’s booster in Nigeria. It is clear-sighted enough that despite the odds stacked against the conclusive prosecution of the Boko Haram/ISWAP terrorism in Nigeria, the Nigerian Army under Lt. Gen TY Buratai has sustained its determination to defeat, rather than being defeated by the terrorists.

Anywhere one encounters Nigerian soldiers either on the battlefield or by the roadside, in the Northeast, they exude passionate, courageous and irrevocable spirit of certainty in finally subjugating the evil tormenting Nigerians. Sometimes, even in video clips from the Northeast theatre of the war, released intermittently on social media, Nigerians sight soldiers jubilantly displaying acts of gallantry, when they triumph over Boko Haram insurgents. More penetrating is seeing troops fighting and caring for the old and young; children and women who are most times rescued from the terrorists and even administering oral polio vaccine as a first step to living a normal life again.
It is representatively symbolic of general excitements and the humane reflection of troops in the frontlines to show rare kindness and love. It inspires and assures of the troops’ anticipated last victory against Boko Haram at the cost of anything, including sacrificing their lives.

Today, Nigerian soldiers anxiously look forward to that hour with eagerness; the day they would be feted with garlands as heroes and heroines of counter-terrorism globally. The meekness and affection of troops towards those they fight for can only be found in rare cases and only amongst the Nigerian troops confronting the insurgents.

Lt Gen TY Buratai (middle) leads troops to series of Push-Ups during the visit.

Leader of the counter-insurgency operations and Nigeria’s Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lt. Gen. TY Buratai has effectively worked on the hedgy psyche of troops in confronting terrorists on the battlefield. Nigerian soldiers are no longer the previously known demoralized lot, which flinched in the frontlines in the face of danger. Nigerian soldiers have no cause to again protest against lawful directives from their commanders or freely indulge in mutiny against superiors because of the injustice in the system, which also gravely affected their welfare. The narrative is discernibly not the same.

General TY Buratai commissioning projects at the Ikeja Military Cantonment

Media reports recount that from September to December 2014 alone, Nigerian soldiers, including senior officers faced Court Martial at different times on charges of mutiny over the counter-terrorism war in the Northeast. Sadly, many were convicted for mutiny and were jailed for various terms or even sentenced to death. Sometimes, expositions on such unfortunate incidents in Nigeria’s years of counter-terrorism combats preceding the Buhari Presidency are hotly disputed or challenged with a partisan flavor by some Nigerians.

But a report in the BBC News anchored by Ross Will, published on September 16, 2014 stated that 12 Nigerian soldiers “… have been sentenced to death for mutiny and attempted murder after shots were fired at their commanding officer in the north-eastern city of Maiduguri in May… Front-line troops often complain that they lack adequate weapons and equipment, while there have also been reports that they have not been paid or properly fed.”
The Guardian (online) published on same date, reported that “Demoralized soldiers have told the Associated Press that they are outgunned by the insurgents, frequently are not paid in full, and feel abandoned on the battlefield, left without enough ammunition or food. Endemic corruption in Nigeria means millions of dollars budgeted for the fight against the extremists goes missing.”

And in another report by the Independent (Online) by James Rush dated December 18, 2014 also chronicled such mutinies and convictions of 54 soldiers for refusing to battle Boko Haram insurgency. The report served the world the same nauseating narrative bordering on welfare of soldiers.
It said; “Troops regularly complain they are outgunned by the militant group, while some have also claimed they were not paid in full or were “abandoned” on the battlefield without enough ammunition or food.”
Apparently, the Nigerian Government and Military authorities of the time, probably never heard the voice of William Lyon Mackenzie King, a Canadian politician who once clamoured that; “If I am outspoken of the dangers of intemperance to members of our armed forces, it is because we are all especially concerned for the welfare of those who are risking their lives in the cause of freedom.”

Our country was embarrassed with a dozen of such ugly incidents of mutiny or withdrawal from the battlefront in the face of menacing enemies before the Buhari Presidency. It manifested mainly because the welfare of soldiers, and even troops on the battlefield in the Northeast was largely ignored and neglected. It created the atmosphere for the expression of rampant mutinies and its damning negative effects on the counter-insurgency operations.
But Gen. Buratai has acted differently as a leader and soldier who knows the pains of soldering and the inescapable reality of placing premium on soldiers welfare, as Sidney Sheldon, famed American novelist contemplated thus; “My heroes are those who risk their lives every day to protect our world and make it a better place – police, firefighters and members of our armed forces.
The principle of welfare of soldiers and troops is a two-pronged approach. It is undeniably welfare, that is prompt payment of salaries /allowances and special interest in their families. And secondly, the provision of adequate and sophisticated fighting equipment for soldiers to protect the people and themselves in the battlefield.
Gen. Buratai has remedied both problems since becoming the helmsman of the Nigerian Army, by elevating soldiers’ welfare with an unbeatable attention and focus. He religiously sticks to Army’s welfare remuneration packages as stipulated by extant laws. Salaries are paid promptly, and same for allowances, which are paid fully to soldiers and troops in the Northeast or those elsewhere within Nigeria, on special assignments.

It is a rewarding departure from the tradition of the past and reason troops on the frontlines are voluntarily goaded to extra-miles and into the deepest valleys with him in the counter-terrorism wars for the past four years. The psychologocal impact of this welfare is now being reflected in the troops. They have learnt to be humane towards those they fight with their lives to protect.
The successes recorded by the Army under Gen. Buratai are incalculable and proudly commendable because of this simple commitment.
The Army Chief frequently visits troops at various locations to either supervise or celebrate special festivities like Sallah, Christmas/New Year with troops.
An anonymous thinker hints about the secret of loyal followership by stressing that “To be kind is more important than to be right. Many times, what people need is not a brilliant mind that speaks, but a special heart that listens.” Another anonymous author espouses this same idea by saying, “Empathy is the most important leadership skill needed today!”
So, all the times, when Gen. Buratai visits troops, he dusts his toga of a boss and descends to the level of freely interacting even with the least junior Army Personnel during bonfire carnivals for the celebrations. The Army Chief has convened several open parleys with troops in the Northeast. Through such fora, he listens to personal problems of troops, even those concerning their families and instantly acts on them. No subordinates would like to disappoint a leader who exhibits such leadership empathy, mien and actions as one finds in the COAS.

Gen. Buratai treats every soldier like his personal child. He follows them to the warfront; fights with them in the trenches and offers assistance to all indiscriminately. He ensures troops are not deprived of anything, even if it means sleeping on the open corridors of the Presidential Villa to get the attention and approval of the Commander-In- Chief, President Buhari.
It is one of the secrets of Gen. Buratai’s winning formulae against Boko Haram/ISWAP terrorists, who are fruitlessly, very desperate to reverse the gains.

Buratai is a living library of Congress on the art of asymmetric warfare and counter-terrorism. He knows the antics and how to extract his targeted results. His bag of strategies and tactics, cannot be exhausted in a single write-up. But welfare of soldiers has been a major influencer and energizer of troops for his successes as anti-terrorism Chief in Nigeria. Most importantly, an average Nigerian soldier today cares because he has a leadership that cares about him and his family.

Probably, let the rest of Nigerians ruminate about what American politician, Kirsten Gillibrand said about the Armed Forces of his country; “The brave men and women who have served – and those who continue to serve – our armed forces have selflessly sacrificed for our nation, and we owe it to them to provide the best services and protections available when they’re overseas and after they return home.”.

Otene is a humanitarian worker based in Maiduguri.

Yari and Zamfara’s Sad Tale

Opinion

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January 10, 2020

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By Okanga Agila

Zamfara State, apart from cases of banditry, kidnapping and cattle rustling is hardly in the news between 2011 and 2019 when Abdulaziz Yari held sway as governor.
The lack of leadership ideas, drive and innovation that normally throw the likes of Kaduna and Gombe States to the front pages were seriously lacking during this period. It was as if the bandits rued the lacuna in both mention and capacity that would keep the state on the minds of other compatriots and decided to help the governor to put the state in the news in the only way they know.

Even when such negative and criminal tendencies that resulted in loss of lives persisted, the governor failed to seize the opportunity to reassure all that he was in control and chose to oscillate between inaudible murmurs in reaction and trying to play the victim. He was poles apart from the likes of Simon Lalong of Plateau State who would put counter strategies in place and issue stern warning to the criminals when they strike. He was not even near Samuel Ortom of Benue who will yell in histrionics until he draws the attention of the world to the plight of his people.

Yari was just there or rather not there; drab and colourless and the consequences of his action or rather non action was that banditry grew into an industry and the peaceful order was overthrown.
The few instances Yari was bold enough to make a statement worthy of attention were when he displayed his lack of capacity for leadership by mocking a calamity that befell his people on superstition when he baled the outbreak of meningitis in his state on fornication and adultery.

Yari said God decided to send Type C of the disease which has no vaccine as punishment for Nigerians’ nefarious activities and pecifically named fornication as one of the sins which may have made God to inflict the country with the disease. He said, “What we used to know as far as meningitis is concerned is the Type A virus. The World Health Organisation has carried out vaccinations against this Type A virus, not just in Zamfara, but in many other states. However, because people refused to stop their nefarious activities, God now decided to send Type C virus, which has no vaccination. There is no way fornication will be so rampant and God will not send a disease that cannot be cured.”

The other time he found his voice was when it was alleged that a certain governor from Northwest Nigeria had fleeced his state and is using the resources to build a multi-star hotel in Lagos.
As bad as all these were, they became tolerable due to the former governor’s penchant for gaffe but the ultimate guff was how he reacted to the self-inflicted blunder of how he conducted the APC primaries in the state.

Given no heed to caution, Yari had proceeded to impose his candidates on the party and failed to acknowledge other stakeholders in the state that even his deputy who by right should have succeeded him was sidelined.
The result were the sham which the APC faction in the state under the control of Yari insisted has produced candidates for the party but which the national secretariat of the party seeing the folly distanced itself from.
When the national chairman of the APC, Adams Oshiomhole insisted that things be done the right way, the real colour of Yari as a dictator came out when instead of offering protection to the national leaders of the party as chief secuirty officer of the state assumed the role of a bandit and declared the state unsafe for the delegation from the national chairman to tread on.
Hear him: “I am warning members of that committee that they should never come to Zamfara, they should never put their legs in this state, and anything that happens to them, Adams Oshiomhole should be held responsible.”
This came to many as a subtle admissions that the former governor not only condones acts of the banditry but is ready to play that role once his personal interests are threatened.
Here was a man who could not raise his voice when people were being killed and kidnapped and rural communities were being sacked while properties running into million naira were being lost all of a sudden found his voice when he was advised to do the right thing to save his party from embarrassment.
At the end , he learnt the hard way that those telling him to do the right thing to elect candidates for the party were right when the court upturned the processes that brought up his own candidates and handed over the mandate to the opposition party in the state.

Many thought that that singular act would make Yari to sneak into his shell in shame for the catastrophe he caused the APC in Zamfara but because he is a man yet to understand the depth of his fall and the catastrophe he represents, had the temerity to pursue an immoral payment of his entitlements and even had the spleen to write the current governor reminding him that even after leaving office, that he wants to be looting the state to the tune of N10 million every month in the name of pension.

He has failed to understand that whatever is happening to him now is his comeuppance for failing to learn the nitty-gritty of leadership before, during and after taking the job.
That has made him to blame everyone but himself for his plight and because this is tantamount to wrong diagnoses, whatever treatment is applied cannot salve nor treat it.
In the case of Zamfara it has even aggravated as Yari now sees the governor, Bello Matawalle as his enemy and has gone all out to fight him.
If this has been reduced to a clash of two personalities, perhaps many would have ignored the matter as Mutawalle has the capacity to defend himself.
But this is snowballing into an issue that affects the people of the state as there are reports that some of the disquiet in the state both politically and otherwise are being sponsored and instigated by the former governor to create disaffection with the current government and cast it in bad light. Not minding that Mutawale has put in place measures that have checked the insecurity in the state only few days after assuming office and has reintroduced an all inclusive government, there are indications some forces of evil are trying to upturn these gains by planting seeds of discord.

The former governor is believed to be using resources acquired while he was governor to create a scenario akin to the prevailing situation in the state when he was governor all in the bid to get back at the governor and President Muhammadu Buhari for not intervening but insisting that the laws must take its course as far as the Zamfara situation was concerned.
It is alleged that the former governor recruited and armed some youths to carry out these wicked intentions.
All lovers of peace must call the former governor to order as this is revenge taken too far. He should be reminded that whatever fate that befell him is as a result of lack of wisdom and political sophistication hence should not put the lives of people at risk for what is clearly his doing.

Okanga wrote from Agila, Benue State.

Enugu govt awards over N1.1 billion contracts for urban, rural projects

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January 9, 2020

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Enugu govt awards over N1.1 billion contracts for urban, rural projects

…To recruit middle, senior level staff for efficient service delivery

…Rehabilitates, constructs more boreholes to enhance water supply

The Enugu State Executive Council (EXCO) yesterday awarded contracts for more infrastructural developments in the urban and rural areas, worth over N1.1 billion. This is in furtherance of the state government’s renewed vigour in providing democracy dividends to the people of the state.

It would be recalled that the state government in the last two months had awarded contracts for multiple development projects worth over N6.3 billion, which are ongoing.

Addressing newsmen after the meeting of the State Executive Council, yesterday, the Commissioner for Information, Nnanyelugo Chidi Aroh, disclosed that the Council directed the Head of Service and the State Civil Service Commission to immediately commence the processes for the recruitment of middle level and senior level cadre staff “to bring in sharp and fresh hands to strengthen the state’s public service, which is the driving force for the implementation of government policies”.

On the road projects awarded for construction and rehabilitation, Aroh further disclosed that the council granted approval for the construction of Phase III of Amokwe road in Udi Local Government Area starting from Udi Station through Ibuzo Amokwe to Amokwe Station road at the cost of N383,020,112.90.

The Commissioner added that the Council awarded contract for the extension of St. Mary’s Catholic Church, Ezi Ukehe-Afia Four-Umurusi-Major General Ezugwu House-Umuoka Junction road in Igbo Etiti LGA at the cost of N153,208,045.16.

He stated that approval was also granted for the construction/rehabilitation of Ojoto Crescent, Trans Ekulu, Enugu at the cost of N153,208,045.16.

Other road projects that were approved for construction and reconstruction by the Council include Brown and Brown Crescent, Independence Layout, Enugu, completion of internal roads at Diamond City Estate, GRA, Enugu, Ozidem-Nrobo-Abbi-Nimbo road (Earth Road) in Uzo Uwani LGA, totaling N312,469,396.75.

On public buildings, Aroh stated that the Council approved the requests from the state Ministry of Works and Infrastructure for the construction of perimeter fence for the five fire service stations in the state that were newly constructed by Gov. Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi’s administration as well as the perimeter fence, retaining walls and gate houses at Diamond City Estate, GRA, Enugu, at the sum cost of N69,208,006.34.

He further stated that the requests for supply and installation of single-arm smart integrated solar powered street lights (80 watts) and solar powered borehole for the five (5) new fire service stations were equally approved.

In line with the state government’s commitment to improve water supply in the state, Aroh revealed that the EXCO approved the advertisement for immediate rehabilitation of the 9th mile borehole project and construction of fresh boreholes in Nsukka and Obollo-Afor to enhance the supply of water to people of the state.

On healthy living, the Commissioner said that EXCO directed the Ministry of Agriculture to immediately advertise for a Consultant to handle the technical processes for the construction of abattoirs in the state to ensure safety of meat consumption.

He added that the Council called for “total reorganization of the Ministry of Health” which will include recruitment of new staff, consultants, nurses and other critical health personnel to enhance effective delivery of services in the health sector in the state.

Aroh maintained that the EXCO also approved the setting up of monitoring and evaluation team to evaluate and monitor the implementation of the 2020 budget in keeping with the state government’s commitment to accountability, transparency and fiscal responsibility.

Ugwuanyi and the transformation of Enugu as Africa’s Dubai

Opinion

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January 9, 2020

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Ugwuanyi and the transformation of Enugu as Africa’s Dubai

By David Onmeje

Until state creation propelled by the crave for rapid development, thrusted the balkanization knife into the old Anambra state to birth a fresh Enugu state, the coal city was the heart of South-eastern Nigeria. It bubbled with commerce and industry, which spilled into other cities of the region.
Enugu state would remain a bride to be courted by every South-east man or woman for many generations to come. Every one who presides over the state, attempts to answer to its multiple developmental needs. But the administration of Governor Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi has dispensed exceptional leadership as the political leader of the state in the last four and a half years.
His leadership is unique as can be attested to by his numerous achievements. Ugwuanyi was entrusted with public service at a time Nigeria was seeping through sickening and frustrating economic woes and multifaceted challenges.

At the occasion of the 2019 Democracy Day held at Okpara Square in Enugu, which Gov. Ugwuanyi dubbed, “Festival of Gratitude and Praise,” the Governor confirmed that ; “The laudable goals we have achieved appeared impossible at that time owing to the realities on ground: huge debt profile of the state pressing down our neck and huge salaries and pension arrears confronting us.” But Ugwuanyi’s dispensation of genuine leadership in austere times has singled him out prominently as a prudent manager of both human and economic resources; a visionary and grassroots leader. His scorecard in the last few years has somewhat become a national anthem, recited in the nooks and crannies of the state by people savoring his leadership ingenuity and reputable organizations alike.
Are Ugwuanyi’s transformational efforts in Enugu state really deserving of such loud eulogies? Of course, the verifiable evidence supports such exciting assertions for a Governor who started the journey in May 2015 and celebrated with the epaulet of “Gburugburu” by his people. He articulated the vision of his administration on a four-point agenda, clarified as employment generation, social services and good governance, rural development, security and social justice.

It is understandable that there is a culture by Nigerians to dispute the achievements of their leaders because of the proclivity to deceit. But Gov. Ugwuanyi gets his accolades beyond the borders of the state and from reputable organizations which silently scrutinize his government’s performance. A mid-2019 report by the National Bureau of Statistics named Enugu state as one of the six states in Nigeria, which recorded the highest net gains in full-time employment between 2017 and 2018 with a figure of 122,333.

Enugu state under Gov. Ugwuanyi is also rated by the Financial Derivatives Company as one of Nigeria’s Most Financially Stable States with Lagos and Kano states. This accolade is in an era where most states loudly bemoan economic crunch.
Further testimony of Ugwuanyi’s commendable performance preceding the encouraging reports came from a World Bank Ease of Doing Business in Nigeria report. It decorated Enugu State as the third best state to start a business in Nigeria after Abuja and Lagos, as the Governor pursued his dream of activating Enugu as a recognizable economic hub in the country through investor-friendly policies.

Therefore, these feats were not attained by mere wish, but through meticulous planning, prudence and beneficial application of resources. To get himself financially armed for the enormous challenges, Gov. Ugwuanyi had to change the Internally Generated Revenue (IGR) of the state from its poor earnings to an appreciable level of generation and remittance to support development initiatives.
His reforms overhauled the Enugu State Internal Revenue Service (IRS), which jerked up the IGR from a paltry N14 billion in 2016 to N18.4 billion and to a record N22 billion in 2017. Enugu state’s internal revenue generation performance was ranked among the best 10 in the country by BudgIT, a civil group that advocates transparency in governments’ earnings and expenditure. And the inauguration of the Enugu State Ease of Doing Business Council early 2018 smoothened the path, as the Governor untied the knots that initially slowed down transactions.

His faithful implementation of the reforms compelled the recognition of Enugu state among the five states in the federation to earn Vice President Yemi Osinbajo’s Presidential Enabling Business Environment Council (PEBEC) Awards 2019.
After creating a favorable business environment, Gov. Ugwuanyi pursued his dream for a boisterous economy and rewarding investments for Enugu state. He organized the first Enugu State Economic Summit in history. It was branded ‘Oganiru’ and attracted the in-flow of investors far and near to the state.

The people are already savouring the benefits noticeable in the completion of the HELIU Estate project in Enugu and the Dragon Market in Dubai modelled Lion Business Park, a PPP arrangement between the Enugu State Government and a Chinese Investment Company, erected on an expansive land. And to further animate the socio-economic environment, work on the abandoned Enugu International Conference Centre is nearing completion. This edifice which was abandoned by the past administration when completed is capable of hosting international events including global summits for Heads of government from any part of the world.

Quite impressively, Gov. Ugwuanyi did not embezzle or divert the improved IGR unlike his predecessors who turned same into an ATM machine for family use. There were months same was used to pay salaries and pensions of workers, which is permanently fixed for 23rd of every month even before the federal allocation hits the account of the state.

Interestingly, the Governor commits whatever allocation accrued to the state to massive rural transformation. Ugwuanyi’s passion for rural dwellers, whom he fetes as the “the true heroes of democracy” because of consistent neglect and obscurity from government patronage is legendary. It is very heart-warming to see how the administration sought to change the narrative in order to put smiles on their faces.
Therefore, his administration has completed the construction of urban and rural roads projects spanning over 300 kilometers. It has enhanced intra and inter-state connection of the people, much as maintenance of infrastructures erected by past administrations became a prime policy of his administration.
The Governor has uniquely touched the hearts of the people of Nkanu West LGA, by constructing the Agbani-Amurri road, this was a community that was once condemned to neglect by both the federal and state government for over 100 years. Similarly, the people of Akpugo zone for the first time since the creation of Enugu state are enjoying the first government project in their community with the newly constructed Ogonogoeji-Ndiagu-Akpugo road from the point of Atavu Bailey Bridge to Afor Onovo.

The Governor has also flagged -off the construction of four rural roads in the state at the cost of about N1 billion and covering over 100 kilometres .

Moreover, Gov. Ugwuanyi has taken the notch higher in roads construction by awarding contracts worth N2.4 billion for six major roads. It also covers the historic 35 years deplorable Eha-Amufu-Nkalagu federal road at Isi-Uzo LGA among others. This gesture remains a day dream to the people as the community did not have the usual big wigs to influence any development to their region until the divine coming of Ugwuanyi.

To further assuage the years of pains of neglect of rural dwellers in the state, Gov. Ugwuanyi initiated the “Choose-Your-Project” (CYP) policy and the Visit Every Community (VEC) programme, (VECP) schemes . The programmes allow key stakeholders in each of the 17 local government areas in the state to identify priority projects of choice worth N100 million and N10 million respectively for government to execute in their domains. He has kept faith in this covenant with the people and over 35 development projects have been executed under the CYP; while VECP has over N5 billion already disbursed to communities in answer to this special rural intervention. That his administration has committed about N45 billion into road construction in the state is not news; the real excitement is the practical evidences of expending such monies dotting every part of the state. It is impossible to embark on a 10 minute drive without coming in contact with at least three of these fabulous engagements to demonstrate that Enugu is indeed in God’s hands.

The state capital, Enugu has received a fair share of the “Gburugburulisation” as a visit at night will convince anyone that Dubai is indeed real and possible in Nigeria and just to ensure that it competes with other world cities in terms of world class infrastructure and facilities.
Gov. Ugwuanyi has installed 25-units of 60 KVA and 10 units of 200 KVA generating sets to power street lights in the metropolis. Cleanliness they say is next to godliness, the God-fearing leader has complemented the efforts of the Enugu State Waste Management Authority (ESWAMA) by constituting a special task force to arrest the menace of indiscriminate waste-disposal to restore the scenic aesthetics of the coal city.

It is therefore apt to add that his administration has also launched the programme of continuous road maintenance in Enugu metropolis christened “Operation Zero Potholes” and the Enugu Clean Team Project as part of measures to enforce urban renewal and cleanliness of Enugu city. There is no doubt that these are yielding the much desired dividend as the potholes are fast vanishing away. The urban renewal initiatives are working to specifications, as the committee on Enugu State Urban Renewal is always at work to closely monitor and supervise the total implementation of the initiative.

The people of Enugu state have described Ugwuanyi’s passion for safety of lives and property as exceptional. His inauguration of the Security/Neigbourhood Watch Endowment Fund and the Enugu State Justice Reform Team (ESJRT) to work favorably on his defined terms and results. Many citizens and residents have very good testimonies to Ugwuanyi’s credit as not only a man of peace but a peacemaker and lover of peace to a fault.

A civil servant, Mr. Mike Uzoh emphatically says, Enugu state is comparatively peaceful as incidents of ritual killings, banditry, insurgency and other such armed criminalities have considerably reduced in the various communities of the state. He said, under Ugwuanyi, the “The case of kidnapping has only been heard once or twice,” in the state.
A commercial bus driver, Mr. Ejike Obieyem collaborates it as he asserts, “You can bear me witness on the population of persons and vehicles on our major roads, market areas, banks, churches, mosques, among others. People are really coming into Enugu to settle down with their families as a result of insecurity in their former states and stations.”

There is no doubt that Gov. Ugwuanyi has etched his name on the sands of time, as a Governor whose vision has sighted Enugu as an African version of Dubai and is working assiduously to consummate this reality.

Onmeje is a public affairs analyst based in the United Kingdom.

Arch- Bishop, inter-faith group lauds PMB on war against insurgency, religious tolerance

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January 8, 2020

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Arch- Bishop, inter-faith group lauds PMB on war against insurgency, religious tolerance

.… impressed with President’s appointments in security and economy

Pentecostal Arch-Bishop of South- South, Dr. Julius Ediwe, has showered praises on President Muhammadu Buhari for remarkable successes recorded in the war against insurgency and religious tolerance among various groups across the country.

Dr. Ediwe who is also the Grand Patron of the National Inter- Faith and Religious Organisation for Peace spoke on behalf of the group in a press conference on Wednesday.

In his speech titled “Saluting the efforts of President Muhammadu Buhari in the fight against terrorism and religious tolerance in Nigeria”, the cleric reckoned that Christian and Muslim co-existing peacefully regardless of religious and ethnic affiliations over the years is the handiwork of Mr President.

He added that since President Buhari assumed leadership in 2015, the country has become more united and focused amidst the myriads of challenges and evil permutations confronting it.

Dr. Ediwe, on behalf of the National Inter-Faith and Religious Groups, lauded the effort of President Buhari and urged him to continue to do more in the overall interest of the country.

The respected preacher pointed out some critical sectors, such as the “leadership of the Nigerian Military headed by General Gabriel Olonishakin, as well as the Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria, led by Godwin Emiefele”.

According to the clergy, Nigeria never witnessed such transformation as experienced under President Muhammadu Buhari.

Dr. Ediwe, however, urged those that are bent on causing disaffection in the country to support the current administration and spend more time interceding for President Buhari.

Read full address below:

I bring Calvary greetings to you all under the auspices of the National Inter-Faith and Religious Organizations for Peace in Nigeria.

This press conference could not have come at a better time than now in appreciation of the giant strides of President Muhammadu Buhari in ensuring that our great country Nigeria is indeed placed on the enviable path of progress as evident in critical sectors in the country such as security and religious tolerance amongst the various religions in the country.

As you may be aware, the National Inter-Faith and Religious Organizations for Peace are in the vanguard of promoting peaceful co-existence between adherents of the various religious groups in Nigeria. We are more than anything else committed to seeing a united, secure, and vibrant Nigeria that would indeed reflect the dreams of the founding fathers of our great country.

This much has been seen in the way and manner our Christian and Muslim brothers have continued to live as one regardless of our religious and ethnic affiliations over the years.

The National Inter-Faith and Religious Organizations for Peace is highly appreciative of efforts of President Muhammadu Buhari in keeping the country united and focused despite the myriads of challenges confronting it since he assumed leadership of the country in 2015.

We are cognizant of the fact that agents of doom and darkness have been put out of business, and this hasn’t gone down well hence the nocturnal sponsorship of violence in the country through proxies and unorthodox means.

We wish to state that President Muhammadu Buhari’s efforts in his fight against Boko Haram terrorist group have been outstanding. It is indeed a testament to an unalloyed commitment to leaving Nigeria better than he met it.

The National Inter-Faith and Religious Groups is appreciative of this laudable effort and wishes to charge President Muhammadu Buhari to continue to do more in the overall interest of the country.

The tolerance of the administration of President Muhammadu Buhari towards all religions in Nigeria is indeed worthy of note. This is so in the sense that the focus and emphasis have always been merit and competence above religious and ethnic considerations.

This stance of President Muhammadu Buhari is evident in critical sectors of the Nigerian economy, such as the leadership of the Nigerian Military headed by General Gabriel Olonishakin, as well as the Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria, led by Godwin Emiefele, to mention but a few.

The promotion of merit above mediocrity and ethnic bigotry in the selection process for critical sectors such as security and the economy is indeed commendable and has seen to the various successes recorded in Nigeria since President Muhammadu Buhari assumed leadership of the country.

The National interfaith and Religious Organizations for Peace wishes to state that the focused leadership as provided by President Muhammadu Buhari has indeed defied all the evil permutations of those against the continued peaceful existence of Nigeria, we say this due to the avalanche of progress that has been recorded in the critical sector of the economy as well as the multiple gains recorded in the fight against terrorism.

This highly negates the evil narrative bandied around by some mischievous elements in the public space attempting to paint President Muhammadu Buhari as a religious bigot and an ethnic champion.

We dare say that in the annals of Nigeria, there has never been a President who has indeed displayed respect and tolerance for our religious and ethnic diversity as President Muhammadu Buhari. This much he has proved to all well-meaning Nigerians in the quality of appointments in critical sectors of the economy.

President Muhammadu Buhari has carried on without fear or favor; he has indeed displayed true statesmanship that is required of any president in a plural country like Nigeria. It would indeed be common sense for those who have been blinded by their selfish interest to see the enormous good the coming of President Muhammadu Buhari has done to our great country.

The National Inter-Faith and Religious Organizations for Peace is indeed a witness to the transformation experienced in Nigeria under President Muhammadu Buhari, and that is why the organization has made it mandatory to always intercede on his behalf in prayers and supplication to God for wisdom, strength and the courage to continue to lead Nigeria on this path of national recovery.

This Press Conference would be incomplete without sending a word of advice to those that are bent of causing disaffection in the country. Even though it is incomprehensible that some organizations under the banner of religion have been propagating falsehood against unity.

These organizations must do well to desist from such enterprise as it is against the preaching of peaceful co-existence, as explicitly stated in the holy books of the Bible and the Koran. They must desist from playing politics under the umbrella of a religious organization to pollute the body of Christ in Nigeria.

The National Inter-Faith and Religious Organizations believe that there is strength in our unity, and as such, we must embrace one another in love and peace. The focus instead should the offering of prayers for the President in his quest to take Nigeria to greater heights. For what shall it profit them to heat the polity unnecessarily with calls and postulations that are unfounded?

They must, as a matter of urgency and sober reflection, spend more time interceding for President Muhammadu Buhari and not to allow themselves to be used by power grabbers that mean no well for the unity of Nigeria. We wish to state that the unity of Nigeria is indeed sacrosanct.

Thank you all, and God bless and keep Nigeria United in Jesus’ Name.

Ugwuanyi lays foundation for Entrepreneurial University owned by proprietor of Peace Mass Transit Company

Community Report

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January 8, 2020

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Ugwuanyi lays foundation for Entrepreneurial University owned by proprietor of Peace Mass Transit Company

…Says education remains one of the cardinal policies of his administration

Governor Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi of Enugu State, on Saturday, performed the foundation laying ceremony of Samuel Maduka University, Agu-Ekwegbe in Igbo-Etiti Local Government Area of the State founded by the proprietor of Peace Mass Transit company, Dr. Samuel Maduka Onyishi.

Performing the event amid jubilation, Gov. Ugwuanyi expressed delight at the driving spirit of Dr. Onyishi in envisioning a University that is entrepreneurial in content, describing it as another milestone achievement.

The governor, who congratulated the founder of the University for his courage and vision in establishing the institution, reiterated the premium his administration places on education as one of its cardinal policies.

He stressed that this “is why in almost five years, education has taken the second position, only after Works and Infrastructure, in the state capital budget portfolio”.

Gov. Ugwuanyi added that his administration has provided a conducive environment for teaching and learning in both primary and secondary schools across the state and also “ensured that our tertiary institutions are functional and stable”.

The governor therefore expressed optimism that the University when completed, will create employment, especially for the youth as well as provide the much-needed manpower for the industrial and technological growth of the country.

“As we are aware, one of the greatest challenges of this country is youth unemployment. An entrepreneurial University will address the issue of youth unemployment by making graduates not only to be self employed, but also employers of labour themselves.

“I, therefore, salute the courage and vision of this consummate entrepreneur, Dr. Samuel Maduka Onyishi in proposing this entrepreneurial University. This is where Nigeria should be in a technology-driven 21st Century”, he said.

Earlier in his address, Dr. Onyishi who thanked God for his goodness and appreciated the entire members of his family for their support, prayers and motivation, also applauded Gov. Ugwuanyi for his “presence, unconditional support, encouragement and solidarity”.

Dr. Onyishi revealed that he did not conceive the University as another business, but “as a social service which should improve the lives of people of all races, mould for limitless attainments, children of all people of the world, irrespective of creed or class”.

He pointed out that “the vision is to have a citadel of learning in all ramifications, founded on the best principles and run on the best ethical practices”, maintaining that the institution is determined to build structures that would stand the test of time.

He equally appreciated the host community for providing the enabling environment for the project, reiterating his commitment to the take off of the University.

In their goodwill messages, the Senator representing Enugu North Senatorial District, Senator Chukwuka Utazi and the Transition Committee Chairman of Igbo-Etiti LGA, Hon. Ikenna Nwodo, commended Gov. Ugwuanyi and the proprietor of the University for their foresight and commitment to education and pledged their support towards the success of the project for the wellbeing of the people.

Dignitaries at the event include the former state Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party, Engr. Vita Abba, Leader of House, Rt. Hon. Ikechukwu Ezeugwu, member representing Igbo-Etiti East Constituency, Rt. Hon. Ezenta Ezeani, State Commissioner for Transport, Rt. Hon. Mathias Ekweremadu, Chief Ikeje Asogwa, Hon. Cornel Onwubuya, traditional rulers, among others.