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UNIZIK student is first Lassa fever victim

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 Bukola Olasanmi

A student of Nnamdi Azikiwe University(UNIZIK) has been confirmed as the first Lassa fever patient in Anambra State.

The Emergency Response team, which has been monitoring situation in the state, has moved the victim to Abakaliki, Ebonyi state after necessary decontamination.

The Lassa fever case from Unizik was confirmed at the Chukwukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu University Teaching Hospital (COOUTH)where she was transferred from the School’s Medical Centre.

The Hospital management said Friday it collected specimen of the victim and sent to Irruah, Edo state with the result coming out positive

However, the Acting CMAC of COOUTH, Dr Ifeanyichukwu Ezebialu, who signed the circular, said there was no cause for alarm

Details shortly…

 

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Nigerian Army strategically positioned to defeat ISWAP

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By Andrew Granit

I have had over three decades experiences as a conflict manager and preventive researcher. In the course of my job, I have traversed most parts of the world. But my experiences are more grounded in my former country, the Socialist Federal Republic of Yugoslavia.

And until its disintegration, Yugoslavian six republics were enmeshed in virulent economic crises and political unrests since the 1980s. And it eventually transmuted into a break-up of this previously unified amalgam of disparate ethnic, religious and historical entities under a single federation. With the upheavals over, I am a citizen of the Republic of Kosovo. But I have seen and experienced a lot about crises or its management far and near.

The path to Kosovo’s independence was long and strewn with thorns, expressed in hate, animosities and violent conflicts. But let me not bore you with details. However, let me quickly say, in the life of every nation in the world, there comes a time minor disagreement are ballooned to major conflicts with its toll on lives, peace and progress of nations. Equally, there comes a time that nature also enthrones the right leadership to right the wrongs, and uproot the deep-seated incendiaries from national psyche.

Nigeria, the most populous nation amongst the black race on earth has found itself in this quagmire ignited by the vicious and brutal campaigns of Boko Haram insurgents. And I have confirmed the incursion of extremists terrorism from the Middle East into Nigeria and other countries in the West African sub-region.

These religious extremists or terrorists, to be precise, under the identity of Islamic State West African Province (ISWAP) accentuated their bloody campaigns on the state of Nigeria at the turn of partisan campaigns for the 2019 general elections.

From observable manifest aggressions, I have sensed the eagerness and hastiness of ISWAP terrorists to quickly subdue and re-conquer Nigeria. But ISWAP elements have encountered a hard nut to crack in Nigerian military forces, particularly Nigerian soldiers in the frontlines.

The increasing sophistication of ISWAP’s weaponry and the lackluster attitude of the local population whose preference seems to tilt in the direction of shielding terrorists are problematic. And hoarding critical information from the military have been great assets to the vicious terrorism campaigners.

But I must admit that the vigilance, hard work, commitment and the undisguised patriotism of the Nigerian Chief of Army Staff, General TY Buratai have consistently frustrated the agenda of the ISWAP terrorists. Of course, flashes of terror attacks on communities, ambushes of troops in the battlefields and casualties on both sides would continue to occur because of the drowsy and aberrant character of managing terrorism combats and conflicts to its conclusive end.

However, I am impressed with the courage, bravery and tenacity of the Nigerian Army. Troops in the frontlines have displayed determination, rather than fatigue. And the counter-insurgency leaders have displayed ideal and focused leadership; it has not flinched from support to troops, which are the greatest psychological weapon a soldier needs in war.

At least, it was my experience and pulse during my recent visit to parts of the Northeast Nigeria after the country’s current leader, President Muhammadu Buhari was elected a second time in 2019. The first time I came to Nigeria for firsthand information on the rampaging and raging Boko Haram insurgency was in February 2015. Three terrorism incidents fascinated my enthusiasm. I really felt visiting the country, scenes of attacks, interacting with troops in the warfront and government’s counter measures would enrich my knowledge on conflict management and understanding towards helping the world prevent crisis and overcome existing ones.

The night of April 14-15 2014 Boko Haram’s abduction of about 276 teenage Chibok schoolgirls, in Borno state. Earlier on same April 14, 2014, terrorists exploded multiple bombs at a busy bus station in Abuja, Nigeria’s national capital, gruesomely murdering an estimated 200 persons and causing destructions.

And the tereorists’ three days serial raids and unmolested siege on Baga, a town in the Northeast Northern Borno province between January 3-7, 2015. Reports monitored on local and foreign media outlets revealed that at least 2,000 people were feared dead and insurgents captured the town, neighboring villages and a multinational military Base.

I was again in Nigeria, early January 2020, after the Sallah, Christmas and New Year festivities. I understood from my contacts that these are the most auspicious times Boko Haram/ISWAP terrorists prefer to brandish their self-acclaimed might in braggadocio. They would outlandishly unleash heinous atrocities on civilian and military targets to spur international attention.
I flew into Nigeria, landed in the capital city, Abuja and rested for two days to plan my itinerary, enliven conversations with my contacts and get security cover. In war situations, no one undermines personal safety and security. I monitored local TV channels, I watched again reports of troops confrontations with ISWAP terrorists.

I proceeded to Maiduguri from Abuja on road in company of two security details and Mallam Aliyu , my driver who is also from the Northeast. At Maiduguri, we went straight to the headquarters of the Command Theatre, Operation Lafiya Dole, and met with some top commanders of the Army. I introduced myself and mission. He was receptive and hospitable. I interacted with some Nigerian soldiers in Maiduguri and spent the night in the ancient city.

The next day. my contact got me a list containing locations of Army Battalions, Military Forward Bases and Special Strike Teams as guide. We were able to get a few soldiers who provided additional security to me and everywhere I decided to visit.

I spent four days visiting military formations in the Northeast. I was at Baga, Pulka, Bama, the once dreaded Sambisa forest, Monguno, Gwoza and hordes of other locations. The places were liberated and natives returned to forlorn enclaves. I was quite excited that Gwoza, which was once captured and occupied by Boko Haram as their Islamic Caliphate administrative headquarters was also liberated. I couldn’t hide my joy and had to share pictures each day with Francois and Young who all wanted to embark on the trip with me.

In Biu, I also visited the Nigerian Army University, Biu (NAUB). The edifice was a masterpiece to behold. At each destination, I interacted with the natives and troops at the frontlines and got their heartbeat. I left Borno for a return journey to Abuja, but diverted into Postiskum in Yobe state, where I also encountered some troops. While I engaged them in mutual talks, some of them whispered to me about the presence of General Buratai whom the troops fondly refer to as ” the Chief.
” I learnt he was paying one of his usually silent, but routine personal trips to the Nigerian troops.

He was at another end of the camp, also exchanging views with some troops over recent developments in the theatre of war. I walked up to him; exchanged pleasantries and introduced myself. I was meeting Gen. Buratai personally for the first time.

Pleasantly, my first impression of him was that of a warm personality, amiable soldier and determined leader, who is optimistic in succeeding on his assignment. A good Army General constantly disguises to be in touch and brief his troops to bolster their ego of performance. It’s a rare leadership ingenuity in Gen. Buratai.

Meanwhile, soldiers I met in Borno earlier told me the Chief visits constantly. But I never believed, thinking it’s just a smart answer to shield their boss, until I ran into him personally on the field. Soldiers in the battlefield are always busy people. So, I had a few minutes with Gen. Buratai, who was very detailed on the actions and plans of President Buhari to terminate the reign of terror in Nigeria.

It is not in my position to divulge what we discussed. It was not a planned interview and might be giving out too much to the terrorists. But as I conversed with him TV images i watched on a local station, where the Minister of Defence, Gen. Bashi Magashi and Gen. Buratai who led a delegation of the European Commission to Mr. President, where both parties had talks on the counter-insurgency operations flashed my mind. I blended its veracity from what I heard from the Army Chief.

Back to Abuja in my hotel room, I reflected over my experiences on the trip. I could not help but nod in satisfaction that Nigeria has recoded unique milestones in combating Boko Haram/ISWAP terrorism. There is a lot of difference in the success of counter-insurgency operations in the country now.

Those far from the theatre of war may not understand. But it’s not easy reclaiming territories under the control of terrorists anywhere, and sustaining the victory like Nigerian soldiers have accomplished in retaking the 18 LGAS in the Northeast. Terrorists pride is usually bruised and they fight back ferociously. One should expect to see desperation by terrorists to retake reclaimed lands to lead to intermittent strikes, which is normal in terrorism combat wars.

Until I came and saw the reality before I believed the press particularly fed the world outside and Nigerians with inaccurate information about the war against terrorism in Nigeria. Each time I read the alarming and sensational news on terrorism war in Nigeria, one is tempted to believe the whole country is on inferno. And it was grave risk to visit the Northeast even with security escorts. But the reality is excitedly different.

But let me caution that most Nigerians are selling out their country to terrorists and their foreign sponsors through sensational and discreditable news on social media platforms or even traditional media. There should be patriotism and moderation for the sake of national interest. Combating terrorism is beyond politics. It is pointless churning lies that may compromise the security of your whole country.

Unfortunately, it seems all categories of Nigerians have indulged in this disservice and resentful conduct, including some highly placed leaders. They must be mindful or else, these actions can easily shatter the coherence and unity of the country. But even one day in an IDPs camp, in a foreign land is like hell on earth.

Granit is the President, Preventive Diplomacy, United Kingdom.

Living Faith’s Bishop Oyedepo Denied US visa

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Bishop David Oyedepo

Bukola Olasanmi

A mild drama, thursday, played out at the Lagos office of the Embassy of the United States as the founder of Faith Tabernacle in Ota, Ogun State and Living Faith Church Worldwide, otherwise known as Winners’ Chapel International, Bishop David Oyedepo was denied visa.

But an ace comedian, Abovi Ugboma, popularly known as Bovi was lucky with the embassy as he was issued the visa.

However, his wife, Kris Asimonye, was not as lucky as she was denied the travelling document.

It was gathered that the embassy did not give any other reason except the standard default explanation that the Bishop did not qualify for visa renewal in its assessment and urged him to try again.

Heaven was, however, let loose, when the obviously flustered preacher and businessman, created scene whilst querying the grounds for his refusal.

Insider said he told the embassy he had been traveling to the states as far back as 1980s and had not violated any rules or committed any crime to have warranted being denied a renewal of his visa.

According to the source, he immediately sent for his bodyguards to get his phones so he could make some calls, but the embassy allegedly told him he could not make calls within the precincts of the visa-issuing section of the embassy.

When the embassy was contacted for clarifications on why the popular Bishop was denied visa, a staff of the Embassy in the media department, requested that an email be sent with the questions and promised to respond as soon as possible.

Curiously, the Embassy, believed to be swift to responding to mails, neither acknowledged nor responded to the email sent since 5.05p.m. yesterday till the newspaper went to bed.

Embassy sources however hinted of the possibility that the popular preacher might have made some calls to individuals that would intervene on his behalf and the visa eventually issued.

In the mail, three questions were asked: “One, we understand that there was serious drama earlier today, when Bishop David Oyedepo was denied the US visa. However, because we could verify our facts from other applicants at the embassy today, our question, therefore, is on what grounds was a Bishop Oyedepo, known across the globe, denied a visa?

“Our sources in-house had also hinted that given his connection, the CG might likely be contacted and his visa might be issued eventually through a referral. If that’s true, why deny him in the first place?

“We also learnt that the trend of denying prominent Nigerians visa is rampant now, including the Abuja embassy. Is it part of plans to clampdown on Nigerians of a certain category and social status and on what basis?”

Read how smuggling persisted despite border closure

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By Bukola Olasammi

The Nigerian Customs Service (NCS) has decried the attitude of die-hard smugglers still operating in the Northcentral, despite the border closure.

It said smugglers were having a field day in border communities in the Northcentral states.

NCS Coordinator for Joint Border Drill Operations, code-named: Swift Response, Comptroller Mohammed Garba, spoke at a three-day sensitisation programme with traditional rulers and stakeholders in border communities on Kaiama-Jebba-Mokwa-Wawa-Babanna-Kotangora axis of Kwara and Niger states.

The border drill operation covers Northcentral states of Kwara, Niger, Kogi and Benue.

At the palace of the district head in Babanna community, the coordinator said perpetrators and economic saboteurs had devised new means of using bush-paths, motorbikes and camels to carry out their nefarious activities.

The coordinator, who frowned at the activities of the smugglers, stressed that there would be no retreat on the fight against smuggling in any disguise.

He advised the community, district heads and the public to embrace legitimate means of livelihood and avoid smuggling in all ramifications.

Garba said Customs men in the operations were battle-ready to puncture the new techniques initiated by economic saboteurs to perpetuate their illicit acts.

The coordinator said the movement of all types of vehicle and boat used for transporting petroleum products across the land borders and waterways within a 20-kilometre radius had been restricted.

He added that anyone caught violating the order would be prosecuted and jailed.

Also, the district head of Babanna community, Alhaji Isah Yerima, averred that the security situation in the community had improved since the border closure.

He pledged to assist security agencies to work for the success of the national assignment.

The district head promised to enlighten the residents on the benefits of border closure and dangers of smuggling.

At the Emir Palace in Wawa, Garba said: “We cannot continue to fold our arms and allow every Tom, Dick and Harry to enter our country. The uncontrolled migration hinders the government from having proper statistics and data for national development.

“Trans-border crimes, such as smuggling of small arms and light weapons, human trafficking, drugs trafficking and terrorism are among other security challenges that have to be checked. During this time, the crime rate became unbearable; drugs were becoming a way of life among our teaming youths. That might be among the reasons that informed the Federal Government to partially close its border.”

The Dodo of Wawa, Dr. Mahmud Ahmed Aliyu, told the NCS controller that Federal Government’s aim at partially closing the border was to boost the economy.

He promised to support the Federal Government in achieving the goal.

The community leader said the Wawa Emirate Council had a long standing cordial relationship with all the security agencies in his domain.

At the palace of Emir of Kotangora, the coordinator explained that his visit was meant to strengthen existing cordial relationship as well as solicit greater cooperation with the residents.

He said the border closure was meant to encourage local farmers, control the inflow of arms and ammunition, stop illicit drugs and other prohibited goods in and out of the country.

The Emir of Kotangro, Alhaji Saidu Namaska, hailed the Federal Government for partially closing the borders.

He applauded the coordinator for choosing traditional institutions as his focal point, saying they were the real grassroots mobilisers for his sensitisation programme.

 

MURIC makes U-turn, calls on Muslims to join Amotekun

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By Toby Prince

The Muslim Rights Concern (MURIC) has given Muslim youths in the Southwest the go-ahead to join security outfit, Amotekun.

The group had accused governors of the region of recruiting only Christians into Amotekun which it had described as a militia.

MURIC also demanded rebranding of the initiative, saying Amotekun has its origin in the Bible.

The comment had sparked criticism, with a group known as Coalition of Progressive Yoruba Islamic Groups (COPYIG) describing Ishaq Akintola, MURIC director, as a big threat to southern Nigeria.

But in a statement on Thursday, Akintola said Muslims can now seek recruitment into Amotekun as the group had found out that Muslims are among the management team.

“There are positive signals emerging from the Amotekun camp. We have seen that the initial haste to form a regional security unit has been reduced. They are sitting down to map out strategies,” the statement read.

“At the same time, they are putting together a legal framework to legalise the initiative. These are good steps and they were part of the areas of our initial concern.

“Among the positive signals reaching us from the Amotekun camp is the unofficial but reliable information that there are Muslims among the 7-man management team in one of the south-west states. The government of the state of Osun has also declared that the operation is not designed to sideline Muslims. These revelations have informed our current stand on the issue.

“What we need to stress is the need for the exercise to be fair, transparent and devoid of religious bias and ethnic witch-hunting. Muslims will join the security network once there is assurance of fairness and transparency. We therefore call on Muslim youths in the region to start warming up for the recruitment exercise. They should collect forms, fill, submit and wait for further instructions. However, we demand transparency in the recruitment exercise. This can best be done by publishing lists of all fresh recruitment from time to time.

“Besides, joining the outfit will enhance economic empowerment. We therefore urge Muslims in the region not to boycott the security outfit. Muslims should not allow other groups to monopolise it.”

 

Shehu Sani regains freedom after four weeks in EFCC custody

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By Toby Prince

A former lawmaker representing Kaduna central senatorial district, Senator Shehu Sani, has been released from the custody of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission after perfecting his bail conditions.

Sani, who is facing trial for alleged name-dropping and extortion of $24,000, had spent four weeks in the EFCC custody before being released on Thursday.

The Federal High Court in Abuja had, on Monday, granted bail to the former senator in the sum of N10m.

The judge, Justice Inyang Ekwo, granted his bail application after Sani was arraigned by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission on two counts of fraud involving alleged extortion of $25,000 from a businessman in November 2019.

He was said to have fraudulently represented the money as bribe for “the Chief Justice of Nigeria” and the acting Chairman of EFCC.

The former senator, who was produced in court for the first time on Monday since his arrest and detention by the EFCC on December 31, 2019, pleaded not guilty to the two counts

 

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Fintiri lauds military for fighting insurgency headlong

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Governor Ahmadu Fintiri of Adamawa state has lauded the military in tackling the activities of insurgents headlong for peace and tranquility in the Northeast.

Fintiri during his visit to 144 Battalion of the Nigeria Army base, Madagali said the military has rekindled consistent hopes of the people of the area.

He assured that government would remained supportive to the security agencies in the state for liberating the state from insurgents.

Lt. Col. Suleiman Abdussalam, the Commanding Officer of the battalion assured that the military would continue to discharge their duties in line with the mandate given to them.

MTI: Nigeria is recording tremendous success with Fakuade as Chief Executive – ASJA, others

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The Advocates for Social Justice for All (ASJA) and Concerned Civil Society Organizations for Transformation (CCSOT) has passed a vote of confidence on Chief Executive Officer, Metallurgical Training Institute, Mr. Olabode Fakuade.

According to both civil society organisations, the CEO has recorded tremendous strides since his appointment by President Muhammadu Buhari in 2015.

Established in 1981, MTI is a parastatal under the Federal Ministry of Mines and Steel Development, mandated to train Nigerians in the area of maintenance engineering with the aim of fast-tracking technological development.

After over three decades of neglect and mismanagement of funds, MTI has witnessed a reawakening in terms of infrastructural development and purposeful leadership, thanks to Mr Fakuade.

At a press conference on Thursday and statement co-signed by Joseph Gamji Guona and Boluwaji Bewaji ASJA’s Executive Director and CCSOT’s Secretary-General respectively, both groups expressed utter shock at recent calumny campaign against the CEO.

The CSOs said this plot is “nothing but the handiwork of distractors who are not happy with the multiple gains that are being recorded in the Institute and the fact that he is not an indigene of the locality”.

Under Mr Fakuade’s tutelage, the group revealed that MTI achieved unprecedented level of growth, “evident in the fact that the MTI avails various calibers of Nigerians the opportunity to acquire technical education that provides for necessary skills for gainful employment, self-employment, and job creation.”

The Advocates for Social Justice for All and the Concerned Civil Society Organizations for Transformation is conversant, therefore, warned distractors to desist from such acts so the Chief Executive Officer can effectively carry out the mandate given by Mr. President.

They further asked that Mr Fakuade be allowed to function effectively in line with President Buhari’s principle of merit and hard work over mediocrity and ethnic bigotry.

Read full statement below:

On behalf of the leadership of the Advocates for Social Justice for All and Concerned Civil Society Organizations for Transformation, we warmly welcome you all to this press conference organized in the light of the tremendous achievements recorded in the administration of the Metallurgical Training Institute.

This press conference is indeed intended to put issues in proper perspective and to advise some paid distractors that have been commissioned to smear the character of the Chief Executive Officer of the Metallurgical Training Institute.

The Advocates for Social Justice for All and the Concerned Civil Society Organizations for Transformation wishes to state that the recently launched campaign of calumny against the Chief Executive Officer of the MTI is nothing but the handiwork of distractors who are not happy with the multiple gains that are being recorded in the Institute and the fact that he is not an indigene of the locality.

We wish to state that since the assumption of office of Mr. Olabode Fakuade as the director and Chief Executive Officer of the MTI, the Institute has indeed reclaimed its spot as one of Nigeria’s foremost training institute. This much is evident in the numerous achievements that have been recorded in the annals of the Institute in recent times.

The MTI under the leadership of Mr. Olabode Fakuade has witnessed an unprecedented level of growth that is evident in the fact that the MTI avails various calibers of Nigerians the opportunity to acquire technical education that provides for necessary skills for gainful employment, self-employment, and job creation.

Under the leadership of Mr. Olabode Fakuade, the Institute has witnessed unprecedented infrastructural development as about 600 meters of deep concrete drains have been constructed to link the tunnel adjoining Onitsha-Owerri Expressway to channel erosion water, training equipment/ facilities upgraded and students hostels are witnessing total rehabilitation.

The Institute is taking advantage of the solar power system as an alternative source of energy supply both to our workshops to boost training activities as well as the offices for efficient service delivery. The Institute has also witnessed the constant training and retraining by undertaking capacity building programmes to improve their efficiency at work.

The Advocates for Social Justice All and the Concerned Civil Society Organizations for Transformation consequently wishes to state that those faceless groups that have been paid to make unfounded allegations against the Chief Executive Officer of the MTI had better desist from such nefarious acts in the interest of the continued growth and development of the MTI.

The attacks on the person of the Chief Executive Officer of the MTI is unwarranted and unnecessary given the fact that the allegations are not only baseless, but of poor taste, and can be best described as a distractive exercise aimed at making the Chief Executive Officer of the MTI lose focus from the task at hand.

The hogwash been peddled that Mr. Olabode Fakuade is not qualified to lead the MTI is a figment of the imagination of those that are not happy with the giant strides been recorded in the MTI in recent times.

This much is evident in the accolades have continued to pour in from various quarters, including students of the Institute that indeed described the leadership of the Institute led by Mr. Olabode Fakuade as innovative and transformative.

The Advocates for Social Justice for All and the Concerned Civil Society Organizations for Transformation is conversant with the ongoing innovations at the Institute and consequently wishes to sound a note of warning to the distractors to desist from such acts so the Chief Executive Officer can effectively carry out the mandate given to it by Mr. President.

The Advocates for Social Justice for All and the Concerned Civil Society Organization for Transformation, therefore, demand that in line with Mr. President’s principle of merit and hard work above mediocrity and ethnic bigotry, Mr. Olabode Fakuade should be allowed as a Nigerian to function effectively and not be derailed.

It must be noted that success does not recognize ethnicity or religion and the fact that Mr. Olabode Fakuade is delivering on the mandate given to him by the President and Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, nothing else should matter.

This much the distractors of Mr. Olabode Fakuade should know and hence the need for them to give him a chance to succeed.

National Park Service partners Borno government to monitor migrating elephants

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The National Park Service has entered into a strategic synergy with the Borno state government on monitoring of marauding elephants in kutila community of the state.

This was disclosed in a press release issued by the Media Assistant to the Conservator-General of the Service, Yakubu Zull.

Zull added that Borno State Honourable commissioner for environment Engineer Kabiru Wanori requested for the synergy while on courtesy call on the Conservator-General of the Service, Dr. Ibrahim Musa Goni Wednesday, in Abuja.

The Commissioner, Engineer Kabiru said he was advised by the Honourable Minister for Environment Dr. Abubakar Mahmood to contact the National Park Service for such assistances.

The Commissioner said his State needs the expertise and support of the National Park Service to monitor, control and protect the elephants from hunters or bad elements around.

Commissioner Wanori said that the elephants which migrated from a park in Cameroun to Kutila village have invaded part of the village and destroyed some farms in the village. However, he said Borno state government has already adopted community based approach to protect the elephants and other natural resources in the areas.

Responding, the CG, Dr. Ibrahim Musa Goni obliged to the request of the Commissioner and assured him the continuous support of the Service to monitor, control and protect the elephants. The CG said the Service has been tracking the movement of the elephants by using some locals and UN staff on ground with helicopter.

The CG assured the Commissioner that the elephants will be carefully monitored and guided back to their habits.

Related: We are tracking migrating elephants – CG National Parks

The CG recounted that the Service and Borno state have enjoyed a good relationship for decades since from the time of the first Executive Director of the Service, Alhaji Lawan Marguba. Hence, the CG used the occasion to appeal for patrol vehicles from the State to strengthen the capacity of the Service for effective protection of resources in the parks in Nigeria citing the recent donation of two brand hilux to the Service by Nigerian Army.

The CG noted that management of natural resources world over is capital intensive which always requires the support of others to succeed.

Instantly, the Commissioner asked the CG to write the letter of the request to his Governor, Professor Babagana Umara Zulum through him and promised to intercede for the Service.

Service Chiefs: Lawan, Gbajabiamila diverting Nigerians’ attention after collecting N37bn to renovate NASS complex

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The National Democratic Front (NDF) has described the call for the sack or resignation of the nation’s Security Chiefs as an attempt to divert the attention of Nigerians from the controversy trailing the approval of N37bn for the renovation of National Assembly complex.

Recall that the Nigerian lawmakers had in December set aside a whooping N37bn to renovate the National Assembly in the N2.5trn budgeted for capital projects by the Federal Capital Development Authority in the 2020 budget, thus triggering uproar in the country.

NDF said the Thursday’s motion moved by the Chief Whip of the House, Hon, Mohammed Tahir Mongunu and 14 others, on the need to sack the Service Chiefs was not borne out of patriotism.

Addressing newsmen on Thursday, in Abuja, Dr. Abdulkadir Bolaji, National Secretary of NDF said the National Assembly under the leadership of Senate President, Sen. Ahmed Lawan and House of Reps Speaker, Hon. Femi Gbajabiamila, have diverted attention from NASS’s scandalous controversies and atrocities at the expense of their image and interest of Nigerians.

He said legislators who expended a whooping sum of N5.5 billion to purchase luxury cars in a poverty-stricken country facing hard times have not portrayed them as lawmakers concerned with national interest do not have the moral standard to call for the sack of hard-working Service Chiefs.

Full text of his speech below.

From time to time, we are pained by the deliberate actions or multiple commissions from our national legislators, especially the House of Representatives in the 9th National Assembly (NASS). We are vexed by their continuous wobbling in the performance of their official assignments. Naturally, we can overlook their motley of scandals, but certainly not undue interference that tends to tamper with the sanctity of the security fabrics of our country.

At plenary on Wednesday January 29, 2020, the Reps members in a resolution after debating a motion sponsored by Hon. Mohammed Monguno, called on President Muhammadu Buhari to sack the leaders of Security agencies in Nigeria, if they fail to resign voluntarily. The Reps members attempted to justify the reason for this unthinkable and impetuous decision to the renewed spate of attacks and killings in Nigeria country.

The tenor of the resolution draped with unpardonable, abominable and suspected secret alliance/connivance with the foreign evil forces against Nigeria. There are some Nigerians who have belabored themselves to discredit Nigeria’s Security leaderships presently battling terrorism, insurrections and insurgencies in the country.

Overtime, precisely in the last few months, Nigerians have heard and assessed the campaigns for the sack of Security Chiefs. And it emanates from individuals and organizations inclined to partisanship and intolerant of the administration of President Muhammadu Buhari.

And they echo same rehearsed reasons in attempts to disparage Nigeria’s Security leaderships, by projecting biased, irrational and self-serving reasons. Therefore, one hears the same conspiratorial voices of anti- Nigeria choristers from opposition parties like the PDP or its apostates, Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), the Senate, the House of Reps, elder statement like Gen. Ty Danjuma (rtd) or some faceless human rights organizations such as this latest one by the identity of Human Rights organization and Social Justice (HRSJ).

They are not necessarily concerned with the voice of genuine reasoning. So, the obviously contracted HRSJ, was quick to lend its support to the position of NASS which passed a vote of no-confidence on the Military, Police and other security agencies in the country and bargained for their sack too.

It is astonishing that some Rep members have wittingly subscribed to this hogwash using a protectively deceptive official cover to push this demonic agenda. The recent baseless alarm calling for the sack of Security Chiefs is amazing to say the least.

It dawned on Nigerians clearly that the House of Reps is scheming with underground forces to return back to the dark and inglorious era when external forces reportedly bribed members of NASS to arm-twist Mr. President. This was usually done through ceaseless vitriols on his appointees to compel him into making decisions incongruent with the interest of the country. These legislators have sinister motives against Nigeria.

But both Senate President, Sen. Ahmed Lawan and House of Reps Speaker, Hon. Femi Gbajabiamila have diverted attention from NASS’s scandalous controversies and atrocities at the expense of their image and interest of Nigerians. The allocation of a huge separate N37 billion for mere renovation NASS complex in 2020 budget, outside the N128 billion allocated for NASS in same fiscal year.

Expending a whooping of N5.5 billion to purchase luxury cars for lawmakers in a poverty-stricken country facing hard times have not portrayed them as lawmakers concerned with national interest. Same for racketeering [TNNP1] of federal jobs at the FIRS, budget padding and recklessness amounting to over N260 billion. Ironically though, both chambers who passed the 2020 budget failed to notice that budgets estimate of some Ministries, Agencies and Departments were excluded in the budget.

The wholesome passage of the 2020 Appropriation Act without proper inquest and shutting down of media coverage for budget defence are some of their many ills and frustration of progress of Nigeria. The House of Reps at this point should concentrate on laundering its battered image, than the preoccupation with calls for sack of Security leaderships which is indubitably outside its purview of responsibilities.

While steeped in this official profligacy designed to benefit their personal pockets, House of Reps ignored pleas from the Army leadership to increase the meagre budgetary allocation to the Nigerian Army. During the Military’s defence of its 2020 budget proposal of the military before the House of Representatives Committee on Army , the Reps members were urged them to exempt the army from the existing budget ceiling or envelope allocation system.

But they ignored it despite the cogent reasons. But is the same House of Reps which never gave a thought to it has pleasured to vilify and crucify for failing insecurity in parts of the country by calling for the sack of security chief. This is warped wisdom, official deceit and self-denial.

Therefore, we state without mincing words that the Reps call for sack or resignation of Security leadership in the country is uncharitable and deliberate mischief by a bunch of failures, in the House trying to hide their real motive.

We have no reason to doubt the superlative performance of the current crop of Security leaderships in Nigeria. NDF is proud particularly, with Service Chiefs who are doing their best in the prevailing circumstances and Nigerans are impressed with their efforts so far.

Let it be known to the House of Rep members that it is unambiguous; Mr. President is on track and will tackle the emergent issues at hand soonest. The President will accomplish this feat without sacking any of the very patriots that have been so helpful and invaluable in curbing the excesses of insurgencies and insurrections as wished by these seemingly confused agents of the same evil forces orchestrating the carnages in Nigeria.

NDF finds it repulsive and unfortunate how these disgruntled political elements discuss the Service Chiefs like aliens who have no bearing in the fate of their own country.

Consequently, the ranting of members of the House of Representatives is personalized verdict or biased opinions and infinitesimal, especially on matters they have no such lawful powers to interrogate or determine like Security leaderships as they mouthed freely.

We will only call on politicians and members of parliament inclusive to stop their unholy alliance with terrorists, bandits and kidnappers to destabilize the country. It is the first step, and secondly, approve adequate budget financing for security agencies to tackle violence and killings, as against the meaningless sermons on resignation or sacking of them.

It is foolhardy to call for the resignation of the President and sacking of security chiefs, while silent on states governors, where the renewed incidents of attacks and killings occur. Some of these Governors who are the Chief Security officers of their states and collect monthly security votes, but do not devote it to solving emerging security issues. It shows the bias and malice in the parliamentarians against President Buhari.

As President Buhari is the Chief Security officer of Nigeria, the states governors are same in their domains. The House of Reps must first call for their resignation. We call on President Buhari to take a drastic action on Governors who err on security and allow insecurity situations degenerate to raise conditions conducive to criticize and blame the Presidency.

Henceforth, we advise that the President should be prepared to slam a state of emergency on any state that falters on securing lives and property of the citizenry. We hope the House of Representative would not hesitate to grant approval when the time is ripe?

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