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R. Kelly arrested in Chicago on federal sex-trafficking crime charges

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R. Kelly arrested in Chicago on federal sex-trafficking crime charges

R&B singer R. Kelly was arrested Thursday night in Chicago on new federal sex crime charges, the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of Illinois told multiple media outlets early on Friday.

The 52-year-old artist, who was already facing charges at the state level for abuse and aggravated sexual assault, was taken into custody at 7 p.m (U.S Time). Thursday, the Associated Press reported, after a federal grand jury in Chicago returned a 13-count indictment that includes charges for child pornography and obstruction of justice. Details of the individual charges were not immediately available.

The entertainer’s legal troubles have mounted in recent months after a Lifetime docuseries, “Surviving R. Kelly,” brought renewed attention to decades worth of sexual misconduct allegations. In February, Kelly was charged with 10 counts of aggravated criminal sexual abuse, each carrying a potential sentence of three to seven years in prison, and spent three days in Chicago’s Cook County Jail before being released on a $1 million bond.

Buratai Commissions Army Aviation Hangar in Jaji

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Buratai Commissions Army Aviation Hangar in Jaji

The Nigerian Army has again recorded another giant developmental milestone as the Chief of Army Staff Lt Gen Tukur Yusuf Buratai on Thursday commissioned the phase 1 of the Nigerian Army Aviation hangar at Jaji Airstrip, Jaji Military Cantoment in Kaduna.

The hangar is expected to boost the operational capacity of the Nigerian Army.
Among dignitaries that graced the occasion were Gen Martin Luther Agwai Rtd, Commandant Nigerian Defence Academy Maj Gen A Oyebade, Maj Gen SO Olabanji, Commandant Nigerian Army School Infantry Maj Gen Ali-Keffi.

Also present is the Acting Director Army Public Relations Col Musa Sagir amongst others.

The Army Chief also visited Depot Nigerian Army and the Nigerian Miliyary School Zaria where he inspected completed and ongoing projects including the Medical Centre at Depot, Nigerian Army.

Army Peace Keeping Centre takes-off as Buratai inaugurates Board of Trustees

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Army Peace Keeping Centre takes-off as Buratai inaugurates Board of Trustees

All is now set for the take off of the Martin Luther Agwai International Leadership and Peacekeeping Centre as Nigeria’s Chief of Army Staff Lt. Gen Tukur Buratai on Thursday inaugurated it’s Board of Trustees.

According to the Acting Director of Army Public Relations Col. Sagir Musa, the Centre will enhance the operational capabilities as well as human resources development in the Army.

The ceremony which took place at the Armed Forces Command and Staff College Jaji in Kaduna State had Former Chief of Defence Staff General Martin Luther Agwai whom the Centre is named after in attendance.

Others include; Ambassador Ibrahim Gambari, Mrs Halima Ahmed from ECOWAS, Maj Gen OT Ethan (rtd), Commandant of the Centre Maj Gen AA Tarfa and Maj Gen Umelo Director Peacekeeping at the Army Headquarters as Chairman, members and Secretary respectively.

Commandant Nigerian Defence Academy, General Officer Commanding 1 Division, Deputy Commandant Armed Forces Command and Staff College, Commandant of the Centre, Commander Infantry Corps, Commandant Nigerian Army School of Infantry, Commandant Warrant Officers Academy and other senior military officers as well as representatives/team leaders of German Technical Assistant Team and British Military Advisory Technical Team among others attended the inauguration.

Coalition describes IMN a terror group, calls for actions to stop it’s excesses

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Coalition describes IMN a terror group, calls for actions to stop it’s excesses

The Coalition for Nigeria Movement has called for immediate stop to terror activates of the Islamic Movement in Nigeria, IMN, otherwise known as Shi’ites.

The coalition was reaction to the invasion on the National Assembly complex by members of the Islamic group on Tuesday, which led to the death of a police man and destruction of vehicles.

CNM described the attack on Police by members of IMN as height of barbarism and unpatriotic.

Addressing newsmen on the development on Wednesday, Honourable Gabriel Tavershima Tyonongo, political analyst and coordinator of the movement, urged the Nigerian government to take a decisive action against the sect group before it snobalws into another dreaded sect like the Boko Haram sect.

His statement below.

We invited you to this all important press conference to make known our position about Tuesday’s attempt by the Shiite group, the Islamic Movement in Nigeria (IMN) to overthrow the government of Nigeria. We said they want to overthrow the government of Nigeria based on their action at the National Assembly yesterday.

Without meaning to bore you, the action we are referring to was the terror attack by IMN members on the National Assembly during which shots were fired. The shots, as reported in the news and according to eye witnesses, where fired by IMN members using guns that they snatched from Policemen on duty at the National Assembly.

They shot several people and two policemen have so far died among those shot. They beat up and brutalized citizens in the place, ransacked the security post and set ablaze several cars.

The Coalition for Nigeria Movement, after carefully reviewing the situation, came to the apparent conclusion that the IMN action of Tuesday was an attempt to overthrow the National Assembly as part of a larger plan to form a parallel government in Nigeria. The sheer violence that was unleashed on the National Assembly and the resolve to kill as many policemen as possible is a confirmation that IMN was ready to begin implementing an agenda it has rehearsed for a long time.

We are referring to the fact IMN does not recognize the Nigerian neither does it accept its authority. The disdain it has for constituted authority is mirrored in the way it runs departments that are parallels to the federal ministries of the national government. It has its own quasi-judicial system and the only thing it has not replicated in its internal structure, the National Assembly. Became the first target of its attempt to create a parallel government.

It is interesting to note that in spite of the throng of people in the National Parliament, policemen and other para-military agencies were the direct target hence the reason that two policemen were killed. This raises questions: one, how was it possible that only policemen got caught in the hail of bullets fired by IMN? Such targeted shooting confirmed that there are many IMN members that have professionally trained in weapons’ handling. It also shows that there target is the state and every symbol of the state, including policemen on patriotic duty.

We have reasonable cause to believe that the group’s long running battle and lies against the Nigerian military was to a build up to Tuesday’s attack. The strategy was to demonize the military to a point where public opinion has pressured troops to ignore IMN even at their worst. Their objective was to overwhelm the regular police security at the National Assembly Gate and thereafter kill federal lawmakers and precipitate a constitutional crisis while announcing their own parallel government. Nigeria is indeed in danger from IMN’s extremism.

We are also concerned that the spate of kidnap for ransom that was recently witnessed in the country, in spite of a particular ethnic group being blamed for the crimes, is actually the handiwork of IMN militants that are using Fulanis as cover to raise funds from kidnapping.in order to finance their attempt to hijack the parliament. Note that the funds so raised are deployed for providing logistics for funding the groups’ cells that now permeate Abuja. This illegal money is being used to feed the group’s militant members that hide under the cover of “legitimate protests” to case the seat of power with a view to overthrowing the government when they think no one is watching. This was precisely what happened on Tuesday.

It must be noted that there are other countries with Shiite population and the kind of terrorism being unleashed on Nigerian by IMN is not consistent with the responsible behaviour seen among the sect’s members in other countries. The killing of policemen can therefore not be in pursuit of Shiites’ rights as these extremists want the world to believe but rather an implementation of IMN’s terrorist agenda.

We understand that the attack on parliament was a trial run as the militants only used the weapons they were able to snatch from policemen on the scene. There are feelers that the group will launch more attacks using weapons from their secret weapons’ cache. These attacks will simultaneously take place at several locations of Abuja so that they can overstretch, overwhelm and confuse security agencies. These are credible threats that cannot be toyed with.

The nation’s law-enforcement agencies are therefore urged not to allow themselves to be caught unawares by the IMN fighters and online components. The coming days will be critical as they battle a group that sees nothing good in Nigeria. Nigerians must see it as their responsibility to expose the lies of IMN and to the reign of terror that the group wants to unleash on the land.

We warn IMN members that the putsch they attempted at the National Assembly shall be with consequences. The Coalition for Nigeria Movement will among other things insist that the government of Nigeria gives the maximum punishment possible to those IMN members.

Insurgency: Centre scores Nigerian military high on human rights compliance

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Insurgency: Centre scores Nigerian military high on human rights compliance

…Identifies Buratai’s regular visits to troops as factors in Nigeria’s war against terror

The Save Humanity Advocacy Centre (SHAC) has identified the secrets behind the success of the Nigerian troops in their fight against insurgency in the country.

The centre linked the success of the troops to high human rights compliance and regular visits of the Chief of Army Staff, Lt. Gen Tukur Buratai to soldiers on the battle field.

The Centre made the observation at the public presentation of its special report on the war against terror by the Nigerian military and human rights compliance.

The report, which was presented on Wednesday in Abuha, called on the Nigerian government to accept repentant terrorists so as to ensure they are fully rehabilitated so they can fit back into society.

The report jointly signed by Ibrahim Abubakar, Executive Secretary and Emmanuel Ogah, Director of Research and Documentation reads below.

Executive Summary:

The war against terrorism in Nigeria (North-east) had spanned over ten years since when the Boko Haram terrorist group resorted to violence against the state in 2009. The Nigerian military has since then been actively engaged in the battle for the soul of Nigeria. The turn of events has witnessed sordid tales of maiming and killings of innocent people by Boko Haram terrorist. This period also saw an increase in kidnapping of women and children, that drew the world attention to Nigeria.

The Nigerian military has indeed risen to the occasion in ensuring that the territorial integrity of the country is preserved due to concerted efforts of all relevant stakeholders, including President Muhammadu Buhari. This report took a cursory look at the various issues at stake as it concerns the protection of human rights by the Nigerian military in executing the war, as well as the multiple allegations of human rights violations against the Nigerian military by organizations such as Amnesty International.

This report was commissioned to put paid to speculation and to present issues in proper perspective for all sundry.

INTRODUCTION:

Boko Haram violence escalated from revenge attacks on the Nigerian police and security forces to (soft target) attacks on public servants, politicians, moderate imams, and civilians, through bombing and shooting attacks on schools, churches, mosques, markets, government installations, and other public places. Most writers and commentators have attributed the transformation of the group to the death of its leader, Mohammed Yusuf, ostensibly at the hands of government security agencies in 2009. Since then the group has launched a full-fledged military campaign against public institutions and civilian populations. Although its methods have occasionally included terrorist attacks in a few towns and cities in other parts of northern Nigeria, the most severely affected communities are in the North-east, (especially Borno State) where these attacks have been concentrated. In other cases, attacks on rural communities are routinely carried out, resulting in mass murders and abductions.

Consequently, the Save Humanity Advocacy Centre, a civil society organisation dedicated to the protection of human rights and the entrenchment of good governance in Nigeria commissioned a special report to look at the various lingering issues in the theatre of operations in North East Nigeria as it concerns the protection of human rights and the multiple interventions of the Nigerian military in ensuring that the security of lives and properties takes centre stage.

THE WAR AGAINST TERRORISM IN NIGERIA:

The Nigerian military has fought the war against terrorism in Nigeria since 2009. However, there was a period when the Nigerian military was struggling to understand the peculiarity of the war, and in that process, lots of casualties were inflicted on them by Boko Haram terrorist, who were engaged in guerrilla warfare and were also conversant with the terrain.

This gave rise to casualties on the part of the Nigerian military and also saw to the control of over 16 local government areas in North East Nigeria by Boko Haram terrorist. In some instances, it was reported that women and children were taken into forced marriages and as sex slaves. Young boys were recruited in the Boko Haram fighting force, and young girls were used as suicide bombers.

All of these changed in 2015 by the change of government in Nigeria that ushered in President Muhammadu Buhari as president and the subsequent rejigging of the operational strategy of the Nigerian military that also saw to the appointment of new service chiefs for the various arms of the Armed Forces.

From the observations gleaned from the research work, a lot has been done by the Nigerian military in the fight against terrorism since 2015. The present crop of service chiefs has displayed a commitment that has seen to the dislodgement of Boko Haram fighters from areas it once held sway including the notorious Sambisa Forest.

Our team of researchers made discoveries that explain why the Nigerian military was able to turn the tide against Boko Haram terrorist. And they are:

ROUTINE VISIT BY THE CHIEF OF ARMY STAFF TO THE THEATRE OF OPERATIONS:

It was observed that the Chief of Army Staff, as an operational strategy towards boosting the morale of the fighting troops, carries periodic visits to the theatre of operations. In some instances, it was announced and in other cases not announced in an attempt to gauge the mood of the troops.

It was also observed that there are several times the Chief of Army Staff when on routine visits, his convoy was ambushed. These incidents didn’t deter the Chief of Army Staff from continuing with the regular visits that also involves occasional dining with troops at the battlefront.

The team of researchers was able to identify that the impact of the routine visits by the Chief of Army staff has had a tremendous impact on the morale of the fighting troops, which has resulted in the renewed vigour as exhibited by the troops in the battlefront.

The soldiers in the battlefront always look forward to the visit of the Chief of Army Staff to the battlefront. In some instances, the Chief of Army Staff visits the troops in trenches and passes the night in the trenches with them.

COMMANDERS AND TROOPS OBSERVE THE HIGHEST LEVEL OF HUMAN RIGHTS WITHIN THE THEATRE OF OPERATIONS:

Another area where the routine visits of the Chief of Army staff have impacted positively in North East Nigeria is in the area of helping to ensure that commanders and troops observe the highest level of human rights within the theatre of operations.
This is on the heels that there has been a series of allegations against the Nigerian Army on human rights violations in executing the war against terrorism.

However, what was observed was that the bulk of the allegations are speculations that were propelled by rumours and not any verifiable fact gave the tough stance of the troops on the battlefield. It was also observed that so e aspect of the rumour was also fuelled by the narrative been pushed in the media by some foreign NGO’s whose activities have been questioned by the military authorities as to their sincerity in the rendering of humanitarian services in the North East region.

Available information that was deposed by locals and community leaders in the affected communities indicates that the issue of human rights violations is on the side of the Boko Haram terrorist who has carried on with a high level of recklessness and without regards to the sanctity of human life.

The team of researchers also noted that the operational structure of the Nigerian military in the theatre of operations is structured in such a way that ensures strict adherence to best practices as it concerns the civilian population. There is also a human rights desk that constantly probes cases of human rights violations that arises, and such cases are given speedy attention and action taken in the overall interest of all concerned.

This is also attributed to the routine visit of the Chief of Army staff to the theatre of operations alongside the Chief of Civil-Military Affairs who constantly briefs the Chief of Army Staff on the relationship between the military and the civilian populace in the theatre of operations.

COLLABORATION BETWEEN THE MILITARY AND THE GOVERNMENT OF BORNO, YOBE, AND ADAMAWA STATES:

The Save Humanity Advocacy Centre took out time to analyse the various collaborations entered by the Nigerian military with the government of the states of Borno, Yobe, and Adamawa. It was observed that the collaborations in place are yielding the required dividend that has manifested in some of the success stories of the Nigerian military in the war against terrorism. However, it was observed that more work has to be done in ensuring that the collaborations are watertight to yield more dividends in ensuring that more success is recorded.

The Nigerian military has always engaged these states governments on critical issues as it concerns its operational strategies, but there are some bottlenecks manifest in government bureaucracy that somewhat slows down the process. Therefore, there is a need for a review of the collaborations to make it more robust and encompassing to improve the synergy between the Nigerian military and the state government.

The state government must see themselves as critical stakeholders and live up to expectation by giving the Nigerian military all the necessary support it needs in the war against terrorism.

THE LAKE CHAD BASIN AREA AND THE MULTINATIONAL JOINT TASKFORCE OPERATIONS:

The Lake Chad Basin is the largest endorheic drainage basin in Africa, centred on Lake Chad. It has no outlet to the sea and contains large areas of desert or semi-arid savanna. The drainage basin is roughly coterminous with the sedimentary basin of the same name but extends further to northeast Nigeria. The basin spans seven countries, including Nigeria, Chad and a part of Niger.

By its geographic situation, the Lake Chad basin is the buffer zone between the Sahel and Sub-equatorial Africa; between Central and West Africa. Indeed, the former great lake is shared by Nigeria, Cameroon, Chad, and Niger. It is because of this strategic position in the trade routes that the British colonial power made Maiduguri as the capital of Borno state in Nigeria.
The first Joint Task Force operation aimed at the Boko Haram insurgents was code named Operation Restore Order I. It was established on June 12, 2011. Later in the year, Operation Restore Order II and III were launched to provide security against Boko Haram in Bauchi and Yobe states respectively. The mandate of the task force was to restore law and order to the north-eastern part of Nigeria and Borno State in particular.

The countries in the Lake Chad Basin region established the Multinational Joint Task Force (MNJTF) in April 2012 and upgraded it in 2015 for managing the Boko Haram crisis. The decision followed the realization that the problem is not necessarily Nigerian, as initially perceived, but a regional question. This security management formation is with a counter-terrorism mandate.

The most critical of the problems is that the countries need to work collaboratively at dealing with a common enemy, they are suspicious of each other over border issues. This factor has reduced the effectiveness of this security community.

It was observed that the current operations of the Multinational Joint Taskforce need to be scaled up for more effectiveness given the fact that Boko Haram/ISWAP terrorist has made the Lake Chad Basin region as a haven for their operations. There is also a need for an improved financial commitment from the countries in the Lake Chad Basin region for the effectiveness of the Multinational Joint Task Force operations.

CONCLUSION:

• The Save Humanity Advocacy Centre after comprehensive scrutiny of the operations of the Nigerian military in the war against terrorism states that the Nigerian military has displayed a considerable commitment towards the fight against terrorism in Northeast Nigeria. The determination of the Nigerian Army is impeccable and worthy of commendation given the fact that despite the avalanche of challenges associated with unconventional warfare such as this, it has strived to adhere to global best practices in human rights.

• The Nigerian military must sustain the tempo of the war by ensuring that Boko Haram/ISWAP terrorist are not allowed to regroup.

• Boko Haram/ISWAP terrorist must surrender in the light of the prevailing circumstances in an attempt to ensure a seamless transition into civilian through the instrumentality of Operation Safe Corridor.

• The Nigerian government must accept repentant terrorists but must ensure they are fully rehabilitated so they can fit back into society.

Dear C-in-C, why we still need Lt Gen TY Buratai by AO Ude

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Dear C-in-C, why we still need Lt Gen TY Buratai by AO Ude

“We sleep safely at night because rough men stand ready to visit violence on those who would harm us.” Winston Churchill

I am writing this piece, not on the strength of ethnicity or religion, but a firm conviction of the true Nigerian spirit. As an officer of the Nigerian Army and from the South Eastern part of Nigeria, I say with all confidence that the Nigerian Army has never had it so good like in the past four years.

I recall with nostalgia when President Muhammadu Buhari was elected president of our great country. Those of us in the theatre of operations in North East Nigeria heaved a sigh of relief because we were down casted and delusional with the level of rot in the Nigerian Army as it were. We lacked on all front so much so that so many of us went AWOL (Absent without leave). And were happy that at least a general that understand our critical constituency is now on-board the leadership of the country and luck might as well smile on us.

It was a dire situation we were in. We regularly lost soldiers and officers because the military hierarchy then was clueless on the way forward. To make matters worse, they fed fat from the lapses in the system. They built castles in odd places to the extent that Nigeria was on the verge. The professionalism in the military was sacrificed on the altar of material acquisition and at the expense of our collective interest as a country.

The country was bleeding to the point of death. Our commanders were more interested in their pockets than in the country. They looted and looted like the world was coming to an end. But God, in his infinite mercies, came to our rescue on two fronts. One was the election of President Muhammadu Buhari and the subsequent appointment of Lt Gen TY Buratai as Chief of Army Staff.

God bless that day Lt Gen TY Buratai was appointed as Chief of Army Staff. I recall the uproar of excitement that greeted the appointment. Some of us in the frontlines were still with mixed feelings thinking that it would be business as usual given our experience. But we were wrong. We were incredibly wrong in the sense that Lt Gen Buratai hit the ground, running with innovative policies and ideas suitable for unconventional warfare. The departure from the norm was radical and it paid off handsomely.

I recall that the first briefing that he had with us in the North East was more of a psychological meal that filled every part of our bosom. He enumerated his plans as the commander and the need for us his lieutenants to see ourselves as critical stakeholders in the Nigerian cause. His words were piercing and loud. We saw the commitment and sincerity in his words, which was subsequently corroborated by his actions as the Chief of Army Staff in the years ahead.

That the Nigerian Army was able to make substantial gains in a record time didn’t happen by magic. It didn’t happen overnight, but rather a conscious effort that was laced with two things: passion and dedication. And guess what. Lt Gen TY Buratai infected us with this mind-set. He charged us to see ourselves as Nigerians as a first before our religious and ethnic affiliations. And this strategy paid out tremendously.

Regardless of what anyone thinks or say, the Chief of Army Staff is a legend and one gifted with the art of bringing out the best of the troops in the battlefront. He has demonstrated a capacity and steadfast loyalty to Nigeria. And this much was imbibed in the bulk of the Nigerian Army. To think that upon assumption of office as Chief of Army Staff he was able to make a tremendous impact on the morale of the troops is an indication of his worth and his commitment to leaving a positive effect on the operations of the Nigerian Army.

Lt Gen TY Buratai is indeed a soldier’s soldier. He understands what it meant to be infantry. And he also understood what it takes to keep the morale of the troops high. And guess what? The Nigerian Army is better for it. And for once, I felt proud of wearing the khaki of the Nigerian Army.

My despair turned to hopes. I was eager to be a part of the preservation of the territorial integrity of Nigeria. My enthusiasm was rekindled that I renewed my pledge to Nigeria my country, to be faithful, loyal, and honest, to serve with all my might and uphold her unity and glory. And God has helped me. Just like many others of my colleagues.

As an Army officer, I know penning this article might be against the rules of public engagement , but again the truth must be told at all times. If a fraction of Nigerians would come to terms with the personality of Lt Gen TY Buratai, they would indeed know that in service to fatherland, ethnicity or religion has no place. And like I mentioned earlier, been an officer of South East extraction I should know better, and this has culminated in this article stating that the services of Lt Gen Tukur Buratai are still needed in the Nigerian Army for apparent reasons.

His grasps of the issues as it concerns warfare is legendary. He also knows the place of keeping his troops psychologically active by the routine visit he pays to the battlefront. Imagine that the Chief of Army staff is with you in the trenches clutching an AK47 rifle just like you and eating from the same pot. It’s not imaginary. It is what Lt Gen TY Buratai represents.

Make no mistakes; I know the consequences of my actions. I am grounded with extant military rules on the implication of contributing to a discourse in the public space. But the need to give an insider account on how well the Nigerian Army has fared under Lt Gen TY Buratai is undebatable.

I say this because as a Captain in the Nigerian Army, I command a company, and I interact closely with the soldiers. If this article is then considered as praise singing, I wonder what would be said if the soldiers in the battlefront are allowed to air their appreciation and excitement. It would indeed be a medley of praises.

I can go on non-stop to my chief. But I guess with the little I have been able to scribble, Nigerians indeed now have an idea on my Chief, the Lt Gen TY Buratai and also come to the realization that we sleep safely at night because rough men stand ready to visit violence on those who would harm us. Need I say more? We still need Lt Gen TY Buratai and more of his leadership to keep leading the Nigerian Army. And this is with love from the trenches.

AO Ude wrote this piece from Monguno, North-East Nigeria

SENATE WANTS FG TO BAN IMPORTATION OF SNIPER

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SENATE WANTS FG TO BAN IMPORTATION OF SNIPER

The Senate on Tuesday urged the Federal Government to ban the production, importation or circulation of snipers insecticide, a product currently used to commit suicide.

This followed a motion sponsored by senator Theodore Orji (PDP-Abia) and 15 others on the rising incidence of suicides among Nigerians.

Orji, while making his presentation noted with grave concern, the rising cases of suicide, particularly among young Nigerians.

He said suicide could be prevented particularly when family, friends and close relatives of the person contemplating suicide provided support, either by way of encouragement, listening to them or removing means of committing suicide such as dangerous drugs and chemicals, especially sniper.

He also said that it is worrisome that the number of Nigerians taking their lives had assumed a frightening dimension, saying that government, religious institutions and other relevant corporate bodies have not addressed the ugly situation in the country.

He said the situation may continue, if not properly addressed.

Orji said that there is need to create awareness on how to control stress and depression by government, religious institutions and other relevant corporate bodies and the establishment of trauma centres across the federation.

This, he said would also reduce the rate of suicide in the country.

Contributing, Senator Bamidela Opeyemi(Ekiti) said the issue of suicide was more of a sociological issue that has to do with depression, mental issues and ultimately poverty.

He said the Senate must interface with the executive to address the challenges in the economy by creating opportunities for employment via industrialisation and agriculture.

Contributing, Senator Rochas Okorocha (APC-Imo) said many Nigerians were committing suicide because they were not happy.

He said the government should find out why people were not happy and why they were taking their lives.

Okorocha, therefore advocated for the creation of a government Department or Ministry of Happiness to address the problem.

Remi Tinubu, Senators Have No Right To Question Elisha Abbo – Femi Falana

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Remi Tinubu, Senators Have No Right To Question Elisha Abbo – Femi Falana

Human rights lawyer, Mr. Femi Falana has said that the Senate ad hoc committee was wrong to have questioned embattled lawmaker, Senator Elisha Abbo, on Tuesday.

Falana said that although the Senate had a right to discipline its members, Abbo could not be questioned because the matter was already in court and questioning him now would amount to subjudice.

He noted that Abbo had already been arraigned before a magistrate court, pleaded not guilty and granted bail.

The senior advocate noted that the Senate rules clearly state that when a matter is before a court of law, the Senate cannot discuss such a matter.

The activist said, “We all watched the video showing the senator allegedly assaulting a lady but we all demanded justice and the police have already arraigned him. The matter is now before a court and Senator Abbo is a defendant.

“It is, therefore, wrong for the Senate to sit and investigate a matter publicly while the matter is ongoing in court. That is subjudice. The Senate rules are clear that when a matter is in court, the Senate does not dabble into it.”

Abbo, who represents Adamawa-North senatorial district, was caught on video assaulting a shop attendant in a sex toy shop.

Don’t Bring Cows On Foot To South-East again, Govs tell Herdsmen

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Don’t Bring Cows On Foot To South-East again, Govs tell Herdsmen

The South-East Governors Forum has said movement of cattle into the geopolitical zone through the bush paths by foot will no longer be allowed.

A statement by the Director General, South-East Governors Forum, Prof. Simon Ortuanya, said that was an agreement reached with herdsmen living in the zone, adding that movement of cows into the zone should be strictly by road, using trucks to their specific cow markets and not through the bush.

“We will no longer allow foreign herdsmen to bring their cattle into our geopolitical zone through the bush paths by foot because this is what always cause conflict between our people and the herders,” the governors stated.

The forum dispelled the rumours that the governors had secretly donated land for Ruga settlements for herders.

“The fact remains that no South-East governor has donated any land or intends to donate any land for any of the two programmes for lack of enough land in the entire South-East.

“Governors of South-East appreciate the fact that we have good and law-abiding herdsmen who have been living with us; some of them were even born here. We have been living in peace with them until recently when we started witnessing invasion of our land, kidnapping of our people, killing of defenceless natives and destruction of their farmlands.

“These herdsmen that have been living peacefully with us together with the natives have insisted that this evil as now experienced in our land are the handiwork of herdsmen moving from other states into South-East and most of the time, these herdsmen are not even Nigerians.

“We will not chase away herdsmen who are peaceful and have been living peacefully with us in the South-East.”

Adeosun has not been appointed Chief of Army Staff – Army Headquarters

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Adeosun has not been appointed Chief of Army Staff – Army Headquarters
Gen Adeosun shortly after receiving the COAS commendation award at the 2019 Army Day Celebration in Lagos.(Photo credit: Lawrence Audu #TelevisionNgerian)
Gen Adeosun shortly after receiving the COAS commendation award at the 2019 Army Day Celebration in Lagos.(Photo credit: Lawrence Audu #TelevisionNgerian)

Contrary to fake news going round insinuating or suggesting appointment of Lieutenant General LO Adeosun as Chief of Army Staff of the Nigerian Army, members of the public are hereby once again informed that Lieutenant General LO Adeosun has just been given special/accelerated promotion from Major General to Lieutenant General and formally communicated to him by the Chief of Army Staff Lt Gen TY Buratai.

Lt Gen LO Adeosun is only granted special promotion by the President, Commander -in – Chief, of the Armed Forced of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, President Muhammadu Buhari for his extra ordinary feats, exemplary leadership, loyalty and uncommon commitment in the counter insurgency operation in the North Eastern part of Nigeria.

Acting Director Army Public Relations, Colonel Saghir Musa in a statement said Adeossun still retains his appointment/position as Chief of Training and Operations of the Nigerian Army.

Any contrary information is baseless, fake news and should be disregarded.

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