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Bayelsa: Pro-democracy group lauds Nigerian Army over professional conduct of troops

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Bayelsa: Pro-democracy group lauds Nigerian Army over professional conduct of troops

The National Democratic Front (NDF) has hailed the Nigerian Army for its professional conduct during last Saturday’s governorship election in Bayelsa State.

The gallant troops, alongside other security agencies, were on ground in the usually hostile oil-rich state, ensuring that armed militia don’t stop Nigerians from performing their constitutional obligation.

Unlike in time past where unprecedented violence and bloodletting was the day’s order, the exercise in Bayelsa was relatively peaceful and calm.

In a press conference on Monday, the NDF was full of praise for the Army for its “invaluable role in the peaceful conduct of polls in the country.”

The group, in a statement signed by Secretary General, Dr Abdulkadir Bolaji, believes it is a “ testament of the commitment of the Army in protecting the country’s nascent democracy and upholding the sanctity of the constitution”.

The pro-democracy group is particularly impressed with Chief of Army Staff, Lt. Gen. Tukur Buratai for “the institutional reforms introduced in the Nigerian Army that has seen to the renewed vigour and commitment of officers and soldiers in protecting the territorial integrity of Nigeria.”

Read full statement below:

The National Democratic Front commends the Nigerian Army and other security agencies for their invaluable role in the peaceful conduct of the gubernatorial elections, and it wishes to state that. However, for this intervention, the polls would have witnessed unprecedented violence and bloodletting.

This is indeed commendable because our country’s democracy was preserved, and the will of the people prevailed in electing leaders of their choices during the elections.

The National Democratic Front particularly commends the Nigerian Army for its invaluable role during and after the polls in Bayelsa state, which gave rise to the relative peace and tranquillity that pervaded the state that is known for high militant activities.

This is indeed a testament to the commitment of the Nigerian Army in protecting the country’s nascent democracy and upholding the sanctity of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.

The Nigerian Army, by every standard, lived up to the expectation of Nigerians and the international community by seeing to the peaceful conduct of the polls.

The National Democratic Front believes that despite the myriads of security challenges that were witnessed during the gubernatorial elections in Kogi state, the intervention of the Nigerian Army indeed saved the day in Kogi state; else, the level of destruction and loss of lives would have been disastrous.

This is also on the heels that there was some noticeable connivance by some security agencies in abetting the anomalies that were witnessed during the elections. However, it is on record that the Nigerian Army stood tall and was able to minimize the level of casualties during the elections in Kogi State.

The National Democratic Front wishes to specially commend the Chief of Army Staff, Lt. Gen. Tukur Buratai for the institutional reforms introduced in the Nigerian Army that has seen to the renewed vigour and commitment of officers and soldiers in protecting the territorial integrity of Nigeria, as well as preserving the constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria at all times. The Chief of Army Staff also deserves special praise for ensuring that soldiers are not used to disrupt elections anymore, but rather, on the ground to preserve the integrity of the electoral process as with the case in Bayelsa and Kogi states.

The National Democratic Front notes with enthusiasm that with the way and manner the Nigerian Army has been restructured by the present leadership led by Lt. Gen. Tukur Buratai, Nigerians should expect that gone are the days where officers and soldiers would be used by politicians to subvert the will of the people.

The National Democratic Front commends the Nigerian Army and other security agencies that worked round the clock to ensure that the electoral process in Bayelsa state was peaceful, and the voters were able to exercise their electoral franchise without fear, and also for its timely intervention in the Kogi state polls to save the day by minimising incidences of violence, bloodletting and other acts of electoral brigandage.

This is indeed commendable and an indication that our nascent democracy shall thrive with the commitment exhibited by our security agencies in recent times. The National Democratic Front also notes that all of these would not have been possible without the inputs of the Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, who indeed promised Nigerians that the country’s nascent democracy shall thrive under his watch.

The fact that we are experiencing peaceful electoral transition in the country indicates that Nigeria is indeed on the path to greatness, and the efforts of the various security agencies cannot be overemphasized.

This much the National Democratic Front identifies and encourages the various security agencies not to relent in their efforts so far in the best interest of the generality of Nigerians and our nascent democracy.

The National Democratic Front wishes to use this medium to state that with the level of professionalism in the Nigerian Army and other security agencies, Nigerians do not have any reason to entertain any form of fear towards the preservation of our democracy.

The National Democratic Front also wishes to encourage Nigerians to continue to extend their support to the security agencies in the country in their quest towards protecting the territorial integrity of the country, as well as the preservation of our democracy.

Buratai calls for greater synergy among security agencies

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Buratai calls for greater synergy among security agencies

The Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Tukur Buratai has called for synergy amongst the Armed Forces, other security agencies and the media as a way of achieving success in operations being carried out by the force.

General Buratai gave the charge while speaking at a workshop organised by the Directorate of Army Public Relations in partnership with the Nigerian Army School of Public Relations and Information for officers of the Directorate, Commanding Officers, Defence Correspondents, and Online Publishers.

He noted that the present fight against insurgents in the North East, including the war against militancy and banditry requires high degree of coordinated efforts among security agencies.

The Army Chief who was represented by the General Officer Commanding (GOC) 81 Division Major General Olu Irefin said that although there are challenges in the relationship of the military and other security agencies, but the challenges are summountable as it is not peculiar to Nigeria alone.

He commended the Directorate and the Nigerian Army School of Public Relations and Information (NASPRI) for the workshop put together to address the problems of inter agency cooperation saying that it was through such forum that respective roles of security agencies could be holistically dissected to complement the understanding of their constitutional roles in safeguarding lives and property of citizens.

The Chief of Army Staff said: “It is pertinent to know that through effective synergy amongst the military and other security agencies, including the media, we have effectively and commendably prosecuted many joint operations with huge successes.

“Though, there are challenges but this is not peculiar to our dear nation as such challenges are surmountable.’’
Buratai urged participants to make use of the knowledge and ideas gathered at the workshop to ensure that all forms of criminality were stamped out.

He said: “I urge participants to make effective use of knowledge and ideas gathered from this conference in ensuring that all forms of criminal activities that constitute a threat to our national cohesion are stamped out.

“This will not only be through tactical means but with effective information maneuvering across board.

“This can only be achieved through a workable strategy amongst all of us, especially in galvanising a narrative that is superior to that of the adversaries.”

General Buratai assured that he would continue to support such commendable training initiatives, saying that he desired to consolidate on the achievements recorded by the Nigerian Army School of Public Relations and Information (NASPRI).

“I am aware that NASPRI has trained over 356 officers and 2,472 soldiers in the Armed Forces.

“It is my desire to consolidate on the achievements recorded and uplift the capacity of the military information officers and soldiers to greater heights in the nearest future,’’ Buratai said.

In his remarks, Army Spokesman, Colonel Sagir Musa thanked the COAS for giving the approval to conduct the workshop as well as providing the necessary financial and moral support.

He said that the workshop was apt, as there was increase in the dissemination of fake news, sourceless news, deliberate misinformation, which could dampen the morale of troops on the battlefield.

Musa said that such could also have negative consequences to the nation, the citizens and her vital interest.

He said that the media had a professional and patriotic duty to self regulate itself and to assist by watching out for fake and source less news and hate speech.

Colonel Sagir Musa commended the media for their cooperation, understanding and coverage of the Nigerian Army Operations, Exercises and activities and solicited more support and cooperation especially in ongoing clearance operation in the North East and the various operations across the various zones of Nigeria.

Burkinabe army kills 32 insurgents following convoy attack

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Burkinabe army kills 32 insurgents following convoy attack

The Burkina Faso army said Sunday, that it has killed 32 terrorists in two separate operations in the north of the country days after scores of people were killed in an ambush of a convoy transporting a Canadian mining employees.

24 were killed in the first operation while another eight killed in subsequent operation.

the first operation in Yorsala in Loroum province led to the release of several women held captive by the terrorists as sex slaves.

The second operation on the outskirts of Bourzanga led to the recovery of several cache of arms and ammunition.

Burkina Faso has been struggling to quell a violent uprising by Islamist since 2015 which has claimed hundreds of lives.

‘We will make Bayelsa great again’ – Lyon reacts to electoral victory

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‘We will make Bayelsa great again’ – Lyon reacts to electoral victory

The Governor-elect of Bayelsa State, David Lyon, has promised to make the state great again.

He made the pledge in a tweet on Monday, shortly before he was declared the winner of the keenly contested governorship election in Bayelsa.

In another tweet, Lyon thanked the people of the state for electing him and for their support during the exercise which held on Saturday.

The tweets came before and after the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) returned the governorship candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Bayelsa as the winner of the election.

INEC’s Returning Officer and Vice-Chancellor of the University of Benin, Professor Faraday Orunmuwese, declared Lyon as the winner after scoring the highest number of votes in the poll.

The APC candidate polled a total of 352,552 votes to defeat his closest rival of the PDP who scored 143,172 votes.

Following the declaration, President Muhammadu Buhari congratulated APC candidate on what he described as an “impressive victory”.

He, however, condemned the loss of lives in the state, particularly prior to the election and, commiserated with the families of the victims.

According to the President, it is unfortunate that pockets of unrest, mostly sponsored by desperate politicians were recorded during the poll.

He, therefore, promised to work with the incoming government to improve the lives of the people in Bayelsa, while ensuring the security of lives and property of all citizens.

Buhari congratulates Lyon on his “impressive victory”, condemns violence in Bayelsa

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Buhari congratulates Lyon on his “impressive victory”, condemns violence in Bayelsa

President Muhammadu Buhari has congratulated the All Progressives Congress (APC) governorship candidate in Bayelsa State, David Lyon, on his “impressive victory”.

He felicitated with the governor-elect in a statement on Monday by his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Mr Femi Adesina.

The President also commended APC supporters in particular and Nigerians in general in Bayelsa who exercised their civic rights in a peaceful manner, despite the pockets of unrest recorded in some parts of the state.

He, however, condemned the loss of lives in the state, particularly prior to the election and, commiserated with the families of the victims.

“Violence during elections vitiates our commitment to demonstrate to the world and upcoming generation that we are a people capable of electing leaders in a peaceful and orderly manner,” President Buhari was quoted as saying in the statement.

He noted that officials of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and security agencies did their best within the ambit of the law to ensure free, fair and credible elections.

According to the President, it is unfortunate that pockets of unrest, mostly sponsored by desperate politicians were recorded during the poll.

He promised to work with the incoming government to improve the lives of the people in Bayelsa while ensuring the security of lives and property of all citizens.

President Buhari also urged the governor-elect to carry other divergent interests along in the next phase of governance.

He appealed to those aggrieved by the outcome of the election to seek redress through the constitutionally established channels.

David Lyon emerges governor of Bayelsa state

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David Lyon emerges governor of Bayelsa state

The candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Mr David Lyon, has won the November 16 governorship election in Bayelsa State.

The Returning Officer of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and Vice-Chancellor of the University of Benin, Professor Faraday Orunmuwese, announced this on Monday morning.

Professor Orunmuwese returned Lyon as the winner of the keenly contested election after scoring the highest number of votes in the poll.

The APC candidate polled a total of 352,552 votes to defeat his closest rival and candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Mr Duoye Diri, who scored 143,172 votes.

Residents of Bayelsa had taken to various polling units in their respective wards to cast their ballots in a bid to elect a new governor to succeed Mr Seriake Dickson who is about to complete his second term as governor of the state.

Governor Dickson had supported Mr Diri to succeed him in his bid to ensure the PDP continues to rule in Bayelsa, following the exit of the state’s former governor and present Minister of State for Petroleum Resources, Timipre Sylva, from office in 2012.

Lady celebrates 15 years after surviving acid attack from her uncle’s wife

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Lady celebrates 15 years after surviving acid attack from her uncle’s wife

A Facebook user Chizzy Francess is marking 15 years since she survived an acid attack in the hands of a wicked uncle’s wife without any provocation.

Chizzy in an emotional post on her Facebook handle wrote:

“Today November 17th marks 15 years of my survival of acid attack… By this time 15 years ago, my uncle’s bathed with acid without any offence and I was just 9 years old then.

Yes… today changed my life, but it changed for good. Please take your time today and say a prayer for me.

Say no to acid attacks”

Reports have it that the culprit (names withheld) who was married to her uncle has since taken to her heals never to be found up till this moment.

Clearance operations: Army Troops subdue Boko Haram Insurgents, rescue octogenarian, scores in the Northeast

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Clearance operations: Army Troops subdue Boko Haram Insurgents, rescue octogenarian, scores in the Northeast

Troops of the Nigerian Army have rescued an 80 year old man, three women and four children from the Boko Haram sect after subduing them with superior fire power.

Media Coordinator of the Nigerian Army Operations Centre Col Aminu Iliyasu in a statement said, troops of 26 Task Force Brigade embarked on a Clearance Patrol to Dalu Village within the Mandara Mountains in Gwoza Local Government Area of Borno State following credible intelligence report on the presence of some of the criminal insurgents in that area.

The full statement reads below.

In their reinvigorated drive to end the insurgency in the North East, Nigerian Army troops have continued to sustain the tempo of the ongoing Counter Terrorism and Counter Insurgency operations in the North East with a view to decimating and destroying the remnant Boko Haram/Islamic State West Africa (ISWAP) criminals across the Operation LAFIYA DOLE Theatre.

In one of the numerous operations conducted across the Theatre today, 16 November 2019, troops of 26 Task Force Brigade embarked on a Clearance Patrol to Dalu Village within the Mandara Mountains in Gwoza Local Government Area of Borno State following credible intelligence report on the presence of some of the criminal insurgents in that area.

Fortunately, the report was confirmed as the troops soon established contact with the marauding terrorists and effectively subdued them with their superior fire power during the ensuing fire fight. Subsequently, the troops proceeded to thorough clear the Village of the presence of the criminal insurgents.

The clearance operation yielded good dividends as the troops found and rescued an octogenarian, 3 women and 4 children hitherto held captives by the criminal insurgents.

The rescued victims were promptly evacuated and children among them were equally administered with Polio Vaccination by a Nigerian Army medical team. Interestingly, no causality was recorded by own troops during the commando operations. However, many of the Boko Haram criminal elements were observed to have fled in disarray towards the summit of Mandara Mountains with gunshot wounds.

The troops’ resilience and doggedness are unwavering as further exploitation to complete the annihilation of the insurgents is being sustained in the mountainous environment.

The Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lieutenant General Tukur Yusufu Buratai wishes to reassure the general public of the resolve of the Nigerian Army to continue to execute our constitutional mandate professionally and responsively for a better secured Nigeria.

He also thanks all well-meaning Nigerians for their continued support, goodwill and understanding towards officers and men of the Nigerian Army as they sustain the conduct of various operations and routine exercises nationwide.

Appeal court upholds Sani Bello’s election

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Appeal court upholds Sani Bello’s election

The Court of Appeal sitting in Abuja has unanimously dismissed an appeal filed by the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), challenging the judgment of the Governorship Election Petition Tribunal, which affirmed the election of the Niger State Governor, Alhaji Abubakar Sani Bello of the All Progressives Congress (APC).

This was contained in a statement signed by Information Officer to Secretary to the state government Lawal Tanko and made available to the Press

A statement issued by Secretary to the Government of Niger State (SSG), Ahmed Ibrahim Matane disclosed that the resounding judgment at the Court of Appeal is another clear indication that the people of the State voted for Governor Abubakar Sani Bello.

The SSG reiterated the resolve of the State Government to continue to run an all-inclusive government, with open door policies as exemplified in the first tenure of the administration.

He reassured Nigerlites that the present administration will continue to remain resolute, focused and dedicated to serving the people of the State regardless of their socio-political affiliations.

The SSG extended hands of fellowship to the opposition in the State; calling on them to join hands and support the programmes and policies of the present administration designed to move the State forward.

Ahmed Matane stated that the present administration led by Governor Abubakar Sani Bello would not relent in its quest to give the people of the State true, qualitative, purposeful and transformational leadership that will bring about increased dividends of democracy to the citizenry.

Bayelsa Decides: Army, security agencies deserve commendation not vilification, CDC cautions Gov Dickson

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Bayelsa Decides: Army, security agencies deserve commendation not vilification, CDC cautions Gov Dickson

The Nigerian Army and other security agencies deserve massive commendation for a near-perfect election in Bayelsa State, according to the Centre for Democracy and Change (CDC).

At a press conference on Saturday in Yenegoa, the group of election observers stated that rather than vilify the Army and other security agencies as done by Governor Seriake Dickson, our gallant troops and other security agencies should be applauded for again rising to the occasion.

The outgoing governor had called for the cancellation of the election even before the exercise fully commenced, insinuating that the security agencies are conniving with the All Progressives Congress.

However, in response, the Centre for Democracy and Change accused Mr Dickson of plots to truncate the election meant to produce his successor.

In a statement by Executive Director, Gbenga Badamosi, the CDC disclosed that Mr Dickson and his likes would have had a field day if not for the brave soldiers on ground to support the police and other security agencies.

While calling him to order, CDC, however, apprised the governor that he will be held criminally liable for any breach of the peace in his state.

Read full statement:

The Centre for Democracy and Change (CDC) is alarmed at the plot by the outgoing Governor of Bayelsa state, Mr. Seriake Dickson to truncate the election that is meant to produce his successor.

Mr. Dickson has taken the unprecedented step of a governor calling for the cancellation of an election even before voting was properly underway. The instances and incidents he is latching onto to make this questionable call have been proven as being blown out of proportion, which raises the question of his motives for attempting to deny Bayelsans of their franchise when they have used the same instrumentality to keep him office for almost eight years.

Part of the justification for this treacherous call by Mr. Dickson is the lumping together of militias with the Nigerian Army and the Nigeria Police Force, something that has exposed the desperation on his part to have his party’s candidate win the election, possibly in order to install a lackey that will cover his tracks for whatever unacceptable acts he might have committed in his eight-year rule.

CDC elections observers are on ground in Bayelsa state and at no time did we witness the incidents that the Governor claimed to have occurred. Remarkably, neither local nor foreign observers have made any comment as to the conduct of the election along the line that Mr. Dickson did.

We are concerned that he made these indicting comments to provoke the army and other security agencies to abandon the electorates to his militias that have been paid to disrupt the vote. There have also been reports that the so-called army and police personnel are the militias that the governor procured fake uniforms for in order to use them for the agenda that he has now fully activated.

CDC is aware that the presence of legitimately deployed Army and other security personnel is the saving grace in Bayelsa at this electioneering moment as thugs loyal to politicians had made up their minds to destroy our democracy by sabotaging the governorship election.

We consequently call Mr. Seriake Dickson to order even as we warn that he shall be held criminally liable for any breach of the peace in Bayelsa state arising from his incitement of the populace against military and security personnel on election duty.

It does not matter whether his party or another political party wins the election because CDC will take this matter up when his immunity expires with his tenure as what he has done is capable of triggering a genocide.

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