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Boko Haram/ISWAP: Inter-faith group calls for one day nationwide prayers against killers of Adamawa Pastor

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Boko Haram/ISWAP: Inter-faith group calls for one day nationwide prayers against killers of Adamawa Pastor

Following the gruesome murder of an Adamawa-based pastor, the National Inter-Faith and Religious Organization for Peace (NIFROP) has called on Nigerians to embark on a one-day intensive prayer and fast against his killers.

Rev. Lawan Andimi was Chairman of the Christian Association of Nigeria in Michika Local Government Area of Adamawa State before his abduction and abrupt death.

In an emotional statement signed by Grand Patron on Tuesday, Archbishop Julius Ediwe, NIFROP sobbed over the demise considering all efforts put into securing his release from Boko Haram/ISWAP terrorist group.

Bishop Ediwe described the slain pastor as a “man of God that preached the gospel of peace and unity in his area of jurisdiction” and “lived a life worthy of emulation in his actions and inactions in the propagation of the gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ”.

However, inter-faith group believes his murder is “ one too many” and something urgent needs to be done by Nigerians irrespective of faith.

Hence, NIFROP called for a one-day prayer and fasting by people of all faith across the country to bring the wrath of God upon the Boko Haram/ISWAP terrorist and their collaborators that do not want peace and progress in Nigeria.

The group reckoned that Nigerians need to seek the wrath of God to “ fall heavily on all those responsible for the death of Rev Andimi”, from the radical sect to its financiers and collaborators.

Read full statement below:

The National Inter-Faith and Religious Organization for Peace (NIFROP) are indeed saddened by the unfortunate killing of the Chairman of the Christian Association of Nigeria in Michika Local Government Area of Adamawa State, Rev. Lawan Andimi.

The news came as a rude shock to NIFROP despite all the efforts that were put into securing his release from the hands of the Boko Haram/ISWAP terrorist group since his abduction for no justifiable cause other than the fact that he is a servant of the Lord’s vineyard.

Rev. Lawan Andimi was a man of God that preached the gospel of peace and unity in his area of jurisdiction and his capacity as the Chairman of the Christian Association of Nigeria in Michika Local Government Area of Adamawa state. This death is indeed one too many for all lovers of peace in Nigeria regardless of our ethnic and religious affiliations.

The National Inter-Faith and Religious Organizations for Peace (NIFROP) is consoled with the fact that Rev. Lawan Andimi lived a life worthy of emulation in his actions and inactions in the propagation of the gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ.

Every Servant of God, whomever he may be and however important his work, must eventually rest from his labors. Even Prophet Elijah came to the end of his earthly span of service. There were very few witnesses on the earth in those days; good men were scarce, yet Prophet Elijah had to go! We are apt only to look at the earthly service of believers and to forget that our earthly ministry is only a preparation for our service in the ages to come.

In the Book of Psalms 105: 15, the Holy Bible expressly stated thus: “Do not touch My anointed ones; do my prophets no harm.” The killing of Rev. Lawan Andimi by the Boko Haram/ISWAP terrorist group is indeed against this biblical injunction, and there shall be consequences.

According to the Book of Romans 1:18, “For the wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men, who by their unrighteousness suppress the truth.”

As an organization under the mantle of God, we pray that the wrath of God shall fall heavily on all those responsible for the death of Rev. Lawan Andimi in unquantifiable measures. All those that have conspired directly or indirectly to the death of the servant of God shall be visited with the wrath of God. This includes the financiers, local, and international promoters of the Boko Haram/ISWAP terrorist groups.

The National Inter-Faith and Religious Organizations for Peace have indeed placed a curse that they shall indeed know no peace from this day onwards till the day of their destruction.

The National Inter-Faith and Religious Organizations for Peace consequently call for a one-day prayer and fasting by people of all faith across the country to bring the wrath of God upon the Boko Haram/ISWAP terrorist and their collaborators that do not want peace and progress in Nigeria.

In all of these, we give thanks to God almighty, as stated in the book of 1 Corinthians 15:57. “But thanks be to God! He gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ.”

Breaking: Supreme Court Affirms Samuel Ortom’s Victory as, Dismisses Appeal for Lacking in Merit.

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Breaking: Supreme Court Affirms Samuel Ortom’s Victory as, Dismisses Appeal for Lacking in Merit.

The supreme court has affirmed the election of Governor Samuel Ortom of Benue state .In their unanimous judgement ,the court dismissed the appeal for totally lacking in merit, availing that ,the appellant has failed to prove the case of none compliance against the respondent.

They upheld the ruling of the tribunal.

The seven man panel of Justices that sat on the case are ;

Hon. Justice Olabode Rhodes-vivour

Hon. Justice Nwali Sylvester Ngwuta

Hon. Justice musa Dattijo Muhammad

Hon. Justice Amiru sanusi

Hon. Justice Amina Adamu Augie

Hon. Justice Paul Adamu Galumji

ISWAP: Gov Zulum Visits Multinational Forces, LCBC in Chad

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ISWAP: Gov Zulum Visits Multinational Forces, LCBC in Chad
The Borno State Governor, Professor Babagana Zulum on Monday visited headquarters of the Multinational Joint Task Force in N’Djamena, capital of Republic of Chad.
Image result for zulum in chad
The joint task force, mostly military personnel from Chad, Cameroon, Niger and Nigeria, all countries in the Lake Chad region, have been deeply involved in fighting boko haram in the shores of the Lake Chad, part of which are in northern part of Borno State and communities in the other countries.
Zulum, who departed Maiduguri airport on Sunday afternoon arrived Chad ahead of his activities.
Also in the Governor’s entourage are two members of the state Assembly whose constituencies are located within operational areas of MNJTF accompanied the Governor and so were the Secretary to the state government and two Commissioners and officials concerned with the trip.
The Governor was received by the Commander of the MNJTF, Major General I. M. Yusuf, at it operational headquarters, where a closed door meeting was held over the fight against boko haram in parts of Borno state.
At an open session however, General Yusuf expressed on behalf of member countries in the task force, their encouragement by the Governor‘s visit which demonstrated his commitment to peace building in Nigeria and other affected countries.
“Since you were a Commissioner responsible for reconstruction, there is no rural area in Borno state that you have not traversed. I was GOC then and I can testify that whether security was there or not, in most cases you risked your life to go everywhere.
“For some of us that know you, we are not at all surprised by the energy we see in you as you drive the peace process since you became Governor.
“So when we heard you will be visiting Chad and the Ambassador contacted us that you will be paying courtesy call on MNJTF we were very pleased,” the Commander said.
The leaders affirmed their resolves to remain resolute in finding peace against the wish of boko haram.
Zulum thanked the MNJTF for it sacrifices and patriotism; and assured them of his government’s support at all times.
Similarly the Governor was at the headquarters of Lake Chad Basin Commission, also in N’Djamena. He was accompanied by the Nigerian Ambassador to Republic Of Chad, officials from the State Government, and were received by the Executive Secretary of the commission, Ambassador Mamman Nuhu, and officials from other countries.
The high level meeting focused on security around the shores of Lake Chad, humanitarian needs and restoration of means of livelihoods of citizens.
Issues of trans border trade and direct road linkage between Nigeria and Chad were also discussed during the meeting, and follow up on the regional stabilization facility.
At the end of the meeting the leaders strengthened their commitments to regional stabilization through sustained fight against Boko Haram and stimulation of trans border trade.

I won’t reopen borders now -Buhari to Ghanaian President

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I won’t reopen borders now -Buhari to Ghanaian President

President Muhammadu Buhari has told his Ghanaian counterpart, President Nana Akufo-Addo, in plain terms that the chances of his ordering the reopening of Nigerian borders were very slim at present.

He said this against the backdrop of pleas from the Ghanaian president that he should reconsider his stance owing to the stifling of business activities in the neighbouring countries. Both leaders held the discus sion at a bilateral meeting on Monday in London at the sidelines of UK-Africa Investment Summit 2020. Buhari said the only condition that would make him reconsider his position would be the report of a presidential committee set up for the purpose.

“We will get things sorted out. Our farmers, especially those who grow rice, now have a market, and are happy, and we are also concerned about hard drugs and weapons. “Once the committee comes up with its recommendations, we will sit and consider them,” the president said.

While trying to make Akufo-Addo see reasons with him, Buhari said he didn’t order the closure of Nigeria’s borders solely because of food products, particularly rice, but that arms and ammunition, including hard drugs, were being ferried into Nigeria recklessly. According to the Nigerian president, he could not keep his eyes open and watch youths being destroyed through cheap hard drugs, and compromised security caused by unbridled influx of small arms.

“When most of the vehicles carrying rice and other food products through our land borders are intercepted, you find cheap hard drugs and small arms under the food products. This has terrible consequences for any country,” President Buhari said.

Malabu oil deal: EFCC to arraign Adoke, six others today

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Malabu oil deal: EFCC to arraign Adoke, six others today

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) will today arraign a former Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice Mister, Mohammed Adoke.

The anti-graft agency had filed 12 counts against Mr Adoke, Aliyu Abubakar, Rasky Gbinigie, as well as Malabu Oil and Gas Limited before a Federal Capital Territory High Court in Abuja.

Others listed on the charge sheet are Nigeria Agip Exploration Limited, Shell Nigeria Ultra Deep Limited, and Shell Nigeria Exploration Production Company Limited.

The commission had also filed seven counts before a Federal High Court against Mr Adoke and Mr Abubakar.

The charges were filed against the former minister for the role he allegedly played in the controversial Oil Prospecting Licence (OPL) 245, otherwise known as Malabu oil scam.

Himself, Malabu Oil and Gas Limited, Shell Nigeria Ultra-Deep (SNUD), and Nigeria Agip Exploration (NAE) were accused of conspiracy, forgery of bank documents, bribery, corruption and money laundering to the tune of over $1.2 billion.

Adoke was arrested by the EFCC in December last year after returning from Dubai, the United Arab Emirates (UAE) where he was first arrested and detained.

ICC: Global Amnesty commends Nigerian government’s effort in tackling threats to humanity

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ICC: Global Amnesty commends Nigerian government’s effort in tackling threats to humanity

….calls for consideration of facts against Boko Haram, IMN others

Contrary to preliminary examination activities by the International Criminal Court that its prosecutor could press three cases against the Nigerian government, the Global Amnesty Watch (GWA) has commended the Nigerian government for its effort in tackling threats to humanity.

The international humanitarian organization made this known on Tuesday in a detailed report opposing ICC’s recent report with a view to put issues in proper perspective.

Among others, the international tribunal listed Nigeria as one of the countries being probed for alleged war and international human rights crimes.

On the opposite, however, Global Amnesty Watch believes the Nigerian authorities have done sufficiently well in its prosecution of the war against terrorism in Nigeria.

In the report signed by John Tom Lever, Africa Representative, GAW acknowledged some challenges were faced along the way but prompt and counter measures were put in place.

The Global Amnesty Watch added that the issues identified by the ICC are those already addressed by a presidential panel of inquiry and found the military innocent.

After thoroughly examining the facts, the group concluded that indeed the Nigerian military lived up to expectation and the position of the ICC is “misleading and not a reflection of the reality on the ground”.

In the interest of fairness to all, Global Amnesty Watch, therefore, called on ICC to investigate Boko Haram, IMN and others over war crimes.

Read full report below:

Preamble:

The International Criminal Court, in its 2019 edition of the annual report on preliminary examination activities, identified three cases that could be pressed against Nigerian authorities as issued by the Office of its prosecutor headed by Mrs. Fatou Bensouda.

The report amongst a host of others listed Nigeria as one of the countries being probed for alleged war and international human rights crimes. The possible crimes against the Nigerian Security and Civilian Joint Task Force include killings, torture or ill-treatment of military-aged males suspected to be Boko Haram members or supporters in the North East. The report also identified attacks against civilian populations and recruitment and use of children under 15 to participate in hostilities.

The Position of the Global Amnesty Watch:

The Global Amnesty Watch as an international humanitarian organization with a mandate of serving as that watchdog on Human Rights compliance by governments and organizations around the world decries the methodology employed by the ICC in arriving at most of the findings in its report, especially that aspects that relates to the Nigerian military and its prosecution of the war against terrorism in North-East Nigeria.

The position of the ICC is at best misleading and not a reflection of the reality on the ground because of its failure to recognize appropriate mechanisms put in place by the Nigerian authorities to ensure that cases of excessive use of forces, human rights violations and other sundry issues by Nigerian military personnel are addressed.

Special Board of Inquiry:

The ICC may wish to recall that the Nigerian Army had indeed constituted a Special Board of Inquiry headed by Major General A.T. Jibrin, rtd, which investigated the cases of misdemeanour by officers and men of the Nigerian Army in the fight against terrorism in North-East Nigeria and other security operations in the South-Eastern part of Nigeria.

The Global Amnesty Watch as a stakeholder is privy to the content of the report and in times past called for it to be given wide publication in an attempt to put to rest the controversies that had raged around the efforts of the Nigerian military to secure the country and keep its citizens safe from terrorist and other militant groups in the country.

Presidential Investigative Panel:

In the aftermath of public outcry in human rights violations against the Nigerian Military in respect to the IMN and IPOB, a presidential investigative panel was instituted by the Nigerian government and headed by Justice Georgewill Biobele to review extant rules of engagement applicable in the Armed Forces and the extent of compliance with them. The panel sat in Enugu, Abuja, Maiduguri, Kaduna and Port Harcourt and received several petitions from individuals, groups and CSOs. The IPOB and their lawyers made presentations in Enugu, southeast Nigeria during which several alleged cases of military brutality were heard. It must be stated that cases as far back as 2007 were also presented at the panel.

The Global Amnesty Watch is aware that the Presidential Panel, in its submission, exonerated the Nigerian Military of all allegations of human rights violations against IPOB and the IMN.

Boko Haram:

The Boko Haram crisis that has ravaged most parts of North-East Nigeria is indeed as worrisome as it sounds. Regardless of the nefarious activities of the terror group, the Global Amnesty Watch can state that the operations of the Nigerian Military in the zone have been characterized by compliance with the rules of engagement in war situations. This much the Global Amnesty Watch has stated in its various reports on the activities of the Nigeria military in North-East Nigeria.

The much was also stated when a special rapporteur from Global Amnesty Watch commended the Nigerian Military for displaying effective coordination against Boko Haram terrorists in North-East Nigeria amidst conspiracy. This came about after a systematic tour of select communities, which included Chibok, Gwoza, and Madagali.

The findings of the Special Rapporteur revealed that the government of Nigeria has continued to review the rules of engagement to ensure that actions of troops are in tandem with the Nigerian Armed Forces published rules of engagement.

The Islamic Movement in Nigeria:

The position of the Global Amnesty Watch on the activities of the Islamic Movement in Nigeria (IMN) has been documented in a series of reports made available to the public. The military action of December 2015, between the Nigerian Army and the IMN referenced by the ICC, has been investigated by the Global Amnesty Watch to ascertain cases of Human Rights violations by the Nigerian Army.

This was corroborated by the setting up of a Special Commission of Inquiry by the Kaduna State Government. The findings of the Special Commission of Inquiry made substantial revelations on the cause of the clash between the Nigerian Army and the IMN. The Global Amnesty Watch scrutinized this much, and a conclusion was reached that there was indeed a threat to the life of the Chief of Army Staff, whose convoy was ambushed in Zaria by IMN members on a procession.

It must be noted that there were several other instances where the IMN as an organization exhibited violent tendencies manifest in street protests in most parts of the country that resulted in deaths and destructions of properties. However, it must be stated that there were some established cases of human rights violations on the part of the Nigerian Military, and the Global Amnesty Watch did raise the alarm, which eventually led to disciplinary actions taken against such erring officers. And not in the magnitude the ICC is presenting.

Indigenous People of Biafra:

The agitations of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) are one that should be a source of concern to all stakeholders. This much has been stated in numerous forums where the Global Amnesty Watch engaged stakeholders in Nigeria. Their agitations in most times result in violent confrontations with security operatives with little or minimal provocation.

The Global Amnesty Watch has indeed frowned at situations where groups have refused to be guided by the recognized constituted authorities in the country, which is indeed always a recipe for breakdown of law and order. This much was highlighted in the ICC report, but missing in crucial details as to how and what led to the confrontations with the security operatives.

It must be stated that there were instances where the security agencies deployed the excessive force in arresting threats posed by IPOB; the Global Amnesty Watch has roundly condemned such displays. However, it is our considered opinion that this act or actions should not form a basis for the ICC to press charges against the Nigerian Authorities.

The focus instead should be on these organizations that have taken laws into their own hands by constituting themselves into parallel governments threatening peace and tranquility in most instances.

Terrorism Trial:

We wish to state that due to the magnitude of the conflict caused by the IMN and IPOB, as stated earlier the leaders of the IMN, Sheik Ibraheem EL-Zar-zarky, as well as Nnamdi Kanu are standing trial in various courts in Nigeria on charges of terrorism brought forward by the Nigerian government. This is also cognizant of the fact that the Global Amnesty Watch is in receipt of evidence that the International Criminal Court is investigating the IMN and IPOB for war crimes due to the level of violence that has occasioned their activities in Nigeria.

Conclusion:

The Global Amnesty Watch wishes to put on record that the issues identified by the ICC are the very issues that a presidential panel of inquiry has addressed and found the military innocent. In the few cases where breaches were noticed, personnel have been decisively dealt with and it would only amount to double jeopardy for anyone to be sanctioned for one offense twice anywhere in the world.

It is thus our considered opinion that the Nigerian Military has indeed lived up to expectation in its prosecution of the war against terrorism in Nigeria. It must be stated that no society or endeavour is 100% perfect, but in instances where measures are instituted to check abuses or overzealousness must be commended and not crucified.

This is aside the fact that the Global Amnesty Watch is eagerly awaiting the outcome of the ICC investigation on the IMN and IPOB for war crimes in the interest of fairness to all.

Infighting between Boko Haram factions leaves scores dead

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Infighting between Boko Haram factions leaves scores dead

Intense gunfire between two rival jihadist groups in northeast Nigeria has left several fighters dead, two sources with close knowledge of the incident told AFP on Monday.

Fighters in pickup trucks from a Boko Haram faction loyal to Abubakar Shekau stormed a camp belonging to rival IS-aligned Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP), resulting in a fierce gunbattle that caused several fatalities, the sources said.

The Boko Haram jihadists attacked the camp in Sunnawa village in Abadam district near the border with Niger to reclaim their women seized by ISWAP fighters in an earlier raid on their camp across the border in Niger.

Details of the clashes which happened on Wednesday were slow to emerge due to limited telecom services in the remote region.

“It was a deadly fight that left several fighters on both sides dead,” said the first source, while the other source said both sides suffered substantial losses as “the fighting was intense.”

ISWAP militants had earlier raided a Boko Haram camp in the Diffa region of neighbouring Niger where they kidnapped 13 women.

Boko Haram traced the women to Sunnawa in Lake Chad area which is under ISWAP control and decided to “extricate” them, said the second source.

“The operation didn’t succeed, the women are still in the hands of their captors,” he said.

ISWAP broke away from Boko Haram in 2016 with IS-support in part due to its rejection of indiscriminate attacks on civilians.

The group has focused attacking soldiers and military installations although it has increasingly been targeting civilians since its takeover in 2018 by more hardline fighters who deposed its leader and executed his deputy.

Since the split the two factions have been locked in deadly skirmishes which saw ISWAP winning over Boko Haram fighters and territories controlled by Shekau.

“They have been killing each other, with each side declaring the other infidels”, said the first source.

 ‘Mutual enmity’ 
“Their differences are irreconcilable,” said the source, who dismissed rumours of a possible truce between the factions.

“They nurse mutual enmity and view each other as apostates who should be killed”.

Many ISWAP fighters say they were forced to commit atrocities under Shekau including killing their parents and relations.

Shekau’s execution of many of his commanders he accused of insubordination is seen by fighters loyal to them who switched to ISWAP as unforgivable, the sources said.

In December, a jihadist delegation from Mali and Libya met the leaders of both factions in the ISWAP-controlled Lake Chad area in a failed attempt to broker peace, the sources said.

Both camps refused to make concessions and the delegation left without achieving their mission as the two factions refused to recognise each other as Muslims.

“Shekau’s flat refusal to stop indiscriminate killings and branding anyone who does not share his view as an apostate is the major wedge to truce,” said the first source, as is both groups’ rejection of power-sharing.

IS only recognises ISWAP leadership since its split from Boko Haram and once the two factions coalesced Shekau would have to abdicate and his faction absorbed into ISWAP, said the first source.

“Shekau would rather die than give in and play second fiddle,” he said.

VANGUARD

UK-Africa Summit: Buhari meets Boris Johnson, seeks British support on war against corruption

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UK-Africa Summit: Buhari meets Boris Johnson, seeks British support on war against corruption

President Muhammadu Buhari Monday brought British Prime Minister, Boris Johnson, up to speed with developments in Nigeria, reeling out gains in different areas of national endeavour.

A statement by the Presidential spokesman, Femi Adesina, said the two leaders met on the sidelines of the UK-Africa Investment Summit 2020, in London, and President Buhari told P.M Johnson of strides in agriculture.

According to the President, his administration’s policy on agriculture led almost to self-sufficiency in rice and other grains, saving the country billions in foreign exchange, which are now deployed to other areas of development.

On the war against insurgency, the President said things were a lot better, with the disabuse of the minds of the people on the true philosophy of Boko Haram, and the main challenge being in the area of resettling displaced people, which is being tackled frontally.

“We have a long history with the British military, and we are collaborating,” President Buhari added.

On the anti-corruption war, the President said though it was slow but painstaking, the cooperation of the National Crime Agency of UK was still needed, particularly in the investigation of fugitives from Nigeria finding accommodation in the United Kingdom.

Climate change, President Buhari said, was a challenge to Nigeria and neighbouring African countries, especially with the shrinkage of the Lake Chad to a minuscule of its original size.

The Nigerian Leader also said the country was focused and making progress on education, particularly that of the girl child.

P.M Johnson thanked President Buhari for being a regional leader who gives strong encouragement to the West, congratulating him on jobs being created through agriculture, and urging him to do more.

He equally lauded the Nigerian President for what he calls the “social and economic benefits” that have accrued to the country since he emerged, and that the necessary hand of fellowship would be extended on the war against corruption, through the National Crime Agency.

The British P.M pledged to cooperate with Nigeria and other African countries in the inter-basin water transfer, which could solve the Lake Chad problem, and enhance security in the sub-region.

On the Commonwealth Free Trade Area, being espoused by President Buhari, the Prime Minister applauded the idea, and pledged a careful consideration.

He charged the Nigerian Leader to keep the national autonomy of his country intact, noting that in the future, Nigeria would not just be a continental but international power.

War on insurgency: ‘Stop taking sides on issues of national security’- Buratai warns foreign interests

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War on insurgency: ‘Stop taking sides on issues of national security’- Buratai warns foreign interests

The Chief of Army Staff Lieutenant General Tukur  Buratai has reassured Nigerians that the Counter Insurgency operations in the North East and indeed other ongoing operations against the nation’s common enemies across the country are still on course with current indicators revealing tremendous successes across the various theaters of operation.

This was contained in a statement by the Media Coordinator, Nigerian Army Operations Centre, col Aminu Iliyasu in Abuja.

“After a careful review of the Nigerian Army operations in the North East, it is pertinent to state that, Headquarters Nigerian Army has gladly observed the renewed zeal and determination by troops to take the counter insurgency operations to its logical conclusion with outcomes favourable to Nigeria and Nigerians as evident in the recent decimation of many Boko Haram/Islamic State West Africa Province criminals, including some of their top commanders amidst several arrests of the insurgents’ logistic suppliers and collaborators, numerous capture of the criminals’ arms and ammunition as well as rescue of many captives from the bondage of the insurgents.”

Col Iliyasu called on all local and foreign interests to exhibit more commitment and restraint on issues of national security and avoid taking sides. He maintained that all actions and utterances must be tailored towards supporting the national cause with a view to restoring peace and tranquility to our beloved country.

Consequently, the Chief of Army Staff Lieutenant General Tukur Buratai unequivocally assured troops that their sacrifices and that of fallen colleagues will never be in vain while reiterating the unreserved commitment of the Nigerian Army to defend the country and her citizens no matter the prize or odds.

“The recent moribund activity of Boko Haram/Islamic State West Africa Province insurgents is synonymous with the kicks of a dying horse gasping for the last breath.

The Army chief also warned all enemies of Nigeria and Nigerians who take delight in the sufferings of our innocent citizens that the day of reckoning is at their door steps.

“All well-meaning Nigerians especially those in the North East and friends of Nigeria elsewhere are enjoined to fully support the counter insurgency operations as well as the fight against all forms of criminality across the nation” he added.

Democrats mark Martin Luther King’s birthday on presidential campaign trail

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Democrats mark Martin Luther King’s birthday on presidential campaign trail

U.S. presidential candidates, including Joe Biden, Bernie Sanders, Elizabeth Warren and Pete Buttigieg, have spent Monday in Iowa and South Carolina, which are among the first states to hold nominating contests in the race while marking the birthday of america’s foremost civil rights activist, Dr Martin Luther King jr.

Events featuring several of the candidates include a morning prayer service, march and rally in Columbia, South Carolina, dedicated to the slain U.S. civil rights icon. In the afternoon, candidates will speak at a forum on policy issues facing black voters in Des Moines, Iowa.

Monday is the federal holiday celebrating King, who was shot dead by an assassin in 1968 at age 39. Candidates have packed their holiday schedules with multi-state campaigning in the crucial final days two weeks before Iowa holds its Feb. 3 caucus.

“Dr. King didn’t give up on the dream, and I’m asking you all: don’t give up,” Biden told parishioners at the largely black Bethlehem Baptist Church in Columbia on Sunday. The reverend, Anthony McCallum, later told churchgoers to “get behind this soldier” as organ music swelled.

Black voters will play a key role as Democrats choose who will face President Donald Trump in the November 2020 election. They make up more than one in five Democratic primary voters nationally and about two-thirds of the party electorate in South Carolina, meaning candidates have been making regular stops in the state. South Carolina Democrats hold the fourth nominating contest on Feb. 29, before the 14 states holding contests on Super Tuesday on March 3.

“They spend a lot of time here,” said JT McLawhorn, president of the Columbia Urban League, a nonprofit organization hosting the candidates at a breakfast in South Carolina on Monday. “You seem them so much you think they live here.”

Biden leads among black voters nationally, with about 24% of the vote, compared to Sanders at 16%, according to an average of recent Reuters/Ipsos polls. A quarter of black voters said they were undecided.

King’s efforts are credited with the expansion of black voting and civil rights, but many voters see those rights under attack. Democrats have crafted competing polices on voter suppression, economic development and criminal justice reform.

Michael Bloomberg, a presidential candidate who was campaigning on Sunday in Tulsa, Oklahoma, pledged $70 billion to fight poverty in 100 disadvantaged neighborhoods and also announced efforts to help one million black Americans become homeowners over 10 years.

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