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Bauchi 2019: Barr. Ahmed and the Visual Fallacy

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By Bala Sunusi Bauchi

A recipe for professional disaster is when a person becomes too overzealous and hidebound in the face of a fast changing and increasingly sophisticated world. People often go down the drain when they cannot not define their limitations in order to appropriately position themselves in the scheme of things.

The intricacies of life require that we all remain steadfast in our individual callings so as to be able to justify. More than ever, people can easily fall between the cracks of their self-indulgence. It is no longer fashionable to perpetuate extreme trick of the eyesight.

Time being too precious and inestimable commodity to fritter away, but some people’s attitudes appeals for an irresistible and compelling time sucking attention and not to simply dignify the subjects but to set records straight and educates the people not to be beguiled, bamboozled, and fall victims of such shenanigans which they may sadly regret in later time when they’ve dangerously committed an irredeemable mistakes of their lives.

In essence, there is an urgent need to give some clarification to the recent defection of Barr. Ahmed Umar Farouk from the ruling All Progressives Congress APC to the People’s Redemption Party (PRP) and his subsequent nomination as the party’s Deputy Gubernatorial Candidate in the upcoming March 2 2019 governorship election in Bauchi State.

For anyone who is familiar with his recent political history especially how he may have been much helped under the current administration, the action of the gentleman barrister might come off as quite disgusting. But, it is neither a crime nor aberration for anyone to align with a particular political party of his choice and to even further become its deputy governorship candidate. As such, Mr. Ahmed did not commit any crime. However, aside the argument that our man is exercising his civic rights, what is of more concern is the manner in which he exhibits a rather strange, if not reckless, enterprise of attempting to hoodwink Bauchi citizens for a selfish political gain. It is sad that the learned gentleman would agree to reduce himself to a letter writer of a ridiculous grade at a time he ought to tell people what he has in stock for them as deputy gubernatorial candidate in the state.

One asks, doesn’t he have anything to say apart from writing such laughable letter?

Mr. Ahmed had written an open letter to the Executive Governor of Bauchi State, Barr. Muhammed Abdullahi Abubakar disguising under the nom de guerre of the Concerned Citizens of Bauchi State instead of the People’s Redemption Party on whose interest he might have penned down his infamous letter.

It leaves little hope for upcoming generations of young Bauchi citizens for a self-acclaimed legal luminary who is expected to reasonably understand the legal workings of democracy as it concerns lawful political engagements to have reduced himself to the ridiculous extents of criticizing the defection of the former Governor of Bauchi State, Malam Isa Yuguda from the Green Party of Nigeria (GPN) to the All Progressive Congress (APC) and Governor Abubakar for accepting and welcoming him into the APC’s fold.

It begs the big question of whether or not the duo err in the process.

Of course, Bauchi State Government has set up a committee to look at the eight years regime of Malam Yuguda in which Barrister Ahmed was a member of the committee which has since submitted its reports to the government for onward actions. within its jurisdictions. It is interesting and satisfying this report is not at the direct supervision of the governor as individual. The government of Governor Abubakar recognizes government as a system, and, prefers to run it as a process.

But this development does not in anyway strip off Malam Isa of his right to associate himself with any political party he is willing to identify with and at a time he so wishes.

Gov. Abubakar too does not pretend to have the power to stop or deny him or anyone of their rights to coming into the APC.

These basic civil literacy is so much essential in politics. Quite curiously, Mr. Ahmed do not appear to be conversant with these vital knowledge, little wonders his disparaging disposition.

How could a practical product of decamping have a gut to criticize someone for decamping? This is hypocrisy taken too far.

Barrister Ahmed in exercising his civil right like that of Isa Yuguda, decided to decamp to the PRP not because of anything else, but due to his personal conviction that things are not working the way he expected – why by the way is not for the benefits of the generality of the people of Bauchi State. Information is rife that he is merely trying to hoodwink the people with his letter for his personal benefit. Isa Yuguda had legally decamped to the APC. He has done this without Mr Umar being furious about it?

Let Mr. Ahmed Umar know that, in Bauchi state, governance is run as a system that is independent of the political parties and there is no iota of discretion in linking the two. In other words, it is disingenuous to attempt to establish any link between Malam Isa’s decamping to the APC with the report on his stewardship because the two are clearly different things and has no relationship whatsoever and should be treated as such.

Isa Yuguda was in the GPN before his journey to the APC and he was not a threat to the PRP until he joins the ruling APC.

Although he appears to have suddenly forgotten that he was in the BACYWARD and part of the government he is now condemning simply because he is now a running mate to Ali Pate of PRP. Equity begets clean hands and until facts are established, Barr Ahmed may need to be circumspect with his epistles.

In a little admonition, campaigns should be issue based as no amount of false accusation will make the people of Bauchi State change their minds in voting whom they have tested and trusted.

It was desperation and egotism that took Ali Pate out of the APC. He was not fighting for the people of Bauchi State or the APC as he claimed. but for his individualistic psyche and those that joins the bandwagon including Mr. Barrister possesses the same character and only time can tell as none of them deserves the mandate of the people of the state.
Under the stewardship of Governor Abubakar, the Boob’s your uncle syndrome is no longer existing, contracts inflating is an alien, and above all, the state treasury was shielded from the usual hand dipping and with remarkable projects executed and the ongoing, it’s enough justification that we are in the safer hand and those against the administration, are doing so because it’s no longer a business as usual.

Boko Haram: Coalition reacts as Army lifts suspension on UNICEF, wants compromised staff investigated

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The Coalition Against Terrorism in Nigeria (CATE), has reacted to the lift on ban ealier placed on the activities of the United Nations International Children’s Emergency Fund (UNICEF) by the Nigerian Army.

The Nigerian had on Friday suspended the activities of UNICEF in the north-eastern part of the country.

It accused the organisation of working for Boko Haram insurgents and sabotaging the war against insurgency.

However, in a dramatic u-turn, the army lifted the suspension in less than six hours, a decision it said followed “intervention by well-meaning Nigerians”.

Reacting to the development, CATE lauded the army for rescinding its decision.

Grabrial Onoja, the National President of the group while addressing a press conference on Saturday, called on international bodies to probe some compromised staff of UNICEF.

CATE also opined that there should also be a review of the organisations that have access to the areas affected by Boko Haram’s insurgency with a view to further vet their staffers

His statement below.

“On Saturday December 15, 2018 the Nigerian Army reversed a decision to indefinitely suspend the United Nations International Children’s Emergency Fund (UNICEF) from the northeast of the country. Some hours preceding the reversal, on Friday December 14, 2018 we became aware that the Theatre Command Operation Lafiya Dole, leading the anti-terrorism war in the North-East of Nigeria had indefinitely suspended the operations of UNICEF in the area.

“UNICEF is one of the many international and indigenous organizations that are present in the North East, where the understanding is that each and every one of these organizations are involved in providing relief and succour to the persons affected by the years of Boko Haram’s insurgency and terrorism. This is a legitimate undertaken to the extent that actors stick to the roles for which they are accredited to maintain presence in that axis.

“The reason cited by the Nigerian Army for suspending UNICEF included the accusation that the organization was engaged in unwholesome activities that aided Boko Haram terrorists. According to a statement released by the Army, “There is credible information that some of them are indulging in unwholesome practices that could further jeopardise the fight against terrorism and insurgency, as they train and deploy spies who support the insurgents and their sympathisers.”

“While we commend the Nigerian Army for taken the bold decision to reverse its suspension of UNICEF after earlier suspending it over its questionable activities, we think it is important that these infractions should be reviewed against the backdrop of Nigeria’s anti-terrorism legislation. Those that committed this act should be allowed to masquerade as staff of UNICEF to engage in activities that endangers troops, citizens and other organizations working in the northeast. The specific staffers that engaged in the unwholesome act of empowering terrorists must therefore be held to account even though their organization is allowed to keep operating in the region in the interest of the humanitarian needs of the population there.

“CATE is of the opinion that there should also be a review of the organizations that have access to the areas affected by Boko Haram’s insurgency with a view to further vet their staffers. This should include seeking collaboration with the Directorate of Military Intelligence (DMI), Department of State Services (DSS) and the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) to ascertain the level of interaction between terrorists and individuals working for these organizations, including tracking financial transactions that may be suspect.

2019: Group explains why Buhari/Osinbajo ticket is the best

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The Patriotic Conscience for New Nigeria, a civil society organization, has lauded the performance of Vice President, Prof. Yemi Osinbajo at the Vice Presidential debate which held in Abuja yesterday.

In a statement made available to press and signed by its national coordinator, Salisu Mohammed Sani, the group stated that the Buhari/Osinbajo ticket remains the best option for Nigeria given the myriads of achievements the present administration has recorded in the past three years.

“From the performance of the Vice President, it becomes obvious that Nigeria is indeed on the path to greatness when compared to the 16 inglorious years of PDP misrule that indeed set the country back for donkey years.”

The group further said for the PDP vice presidential candidate, Peter Obi to state that “Nigeria is in the current situation because of lack of jobs, and Atiku Abubakar is a man that could deliver on this and bring Nigeria out of the misery if elected”, is most uncharitable.

Accirding to the group, it is a clear indication that Peter Obi is either ignorant of the ignoble role Atiku Abubakar played in ruining the economy of Nigeria between 1999 – 2007 while he was vice president and head of the economic management team”

“For Peter Obi to assume that Atiku Abubakar can deliver and bring Nigeria out of its economic misery is nothing but an indication that history is indeed in short supply and how gullible he thinks Nigerians are. This is on the heels that Nigerians are in the know of the atrocities committed against Nigeria by Atiku Abubakar who as head of the Economic management team enriched his pocket and that of his cronies.”

“Peter Obi would want to tell Nigerians why former president Olusegun Obasanjo fell out with Atiku Abubakar between 2003 and 2007 when he, Obasanjo realized how Atiku Abubakar abused the trust reposed in him by engaging in acts inimical to the progress of Nigeria.

“Perhaps the recent statement by former president Olusegun Obasanjo that “If I support Atiku for a political office other than the one I supported him in the past when I did not know him, maybe, but not now that I know him, God will not forgive me.”

“To therefore, imagine that the same man who is renowned for questionable means and was in power for eight years in now suddenly the messiah that Nigeria needs beats common sense. It goes further to corroborate the fact the Atiku/Obi ticket is not in tandem with present realities either by omission or commission which the true enemies of Nigeria are. This debate has indeed confirmed the true motives of the agents of the PDP that sees Nigeria as their cash cow that must be milked to death, to say the least.”

The Patriotic Conscience for New Nigeria reiterated the need for Nigerians to look beyond the deceitful product that the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) is trying to sell to members of the unsuspecting public.

“A leopard cannot change its skin. The worst years in the annals Nigeria were from 1999 to 2015, and this much can be verified by the discerning mind and those that have the interest of the country at heart.”

“Since 2015, when President Muhammadu Buhari assumed leadership of the country, Nigeria has witnessed phenomenal growth and development. This much was corroborated by the brilliant outing of vice president Yemi Osinbajo in the vice presidential debate where he reeled out the numerous achievements of the Muhammadu Buhari led administration. For instance, Nigeria’s SMEs have grown consistently since the administration came on board, with several policies specifically targeted at SMEs at several institutions currently underway.”

“We are therefore not surprised with the illogical postulations of Peter Obi whose history is akin to that of a salesman who would go the extra mile to sell a product to members of the unsuspecting public to make ends meet not minding whose ox is gored. But Nigerians are wiser and not fooled by the antics of “businessmen” who see things from the prism of their selfish interest.”

“The Patriotic Conscience for New Nigeria is of the opinion that the Buhari/Osinbajo ticket is in the interest of Nigeria and capable of leading Nigeria to the promised land and the best option for 2019” they emphasised.

Opprobrious NASS And The 2019 Budget

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By Gabriel Ikese

The ideal of popular election of Legislators is generally regarded as admirable. Yet the selection process does not always permit the widest possible choices. And that has been our albatross here in Nigeria. The legislature is expected to reflect the electorate’s preferences, but that is in the Whiteman countries, not in our clime. In the 8th session of the National Assembly, it is rarely the case. If you followed the antecedents of our lawmakers and the trajectory of the NASS, you will obviously smell the dead rat.

In saner democracies around the globe, the legislature is an institution of reputable model for discipline and patriotism. It is the sanctimonious fulcrum of any working democracy as showcased in the America system. Legislators were embodiment of untainted character with high level of integrity, uprightness and moral decency. But that is clearly not our portion as the difference is miles apart.

Perhaps for the enormity of our sins against God the Father, He decided to inflict us with such pains, not with epidemic disease as alluded to by Governor Yari of Zamfara State, but allowing this 8th class of Lawmakers to represent us. The 8th NASS appears to be completely deficient of any sterling qualities and became the cynosure of chronic legislative rascality, demonic impunity and financial impudence.

Another budget session is here again, and the NASS has begun to manifest the usual symptoms of chronic insensitivity and unpardonable cluelessness. They are poised to throw up another frivolous mischief to undermine the 2019 budget process even before it is laid on the floor of the combine congress. The recurring acrimonious uproar that accompanied the passing of our budgets over the past 3 years is regrettably appalling.

Members of the House of Representatives at plenary has threatened to boycott the anticipated presentation of 2019 budget estimate by President Muhammadu Buhari over an alleged comment by the Minister of Budget and National Planning, Udo Udoma. The dignity of our lawmakers has greatly eroded. Their insensitivity to the plight of citizens is obviously very legendary.

Members could not choose a better time to demonstrate their folly, but when government is trying to consolidate on the progress at sustaining the economic growth with a sound budget proposal for 2019. They decided to lash on a frivolous and unsubstantiated allegation to sabotage the smooth passing of the 2019 Budget proposal. This irritating arrogance is the height of insensibility without even batting an eye lid to the reality of the plight of Nigerians that are dependent on the budget for sustenance and development.

The House dissipated so much energies and time discussing irrelevant and baseless allegation by a Minister accusing them of the delay in the presentation of the 2019 Budget. It is a surprise that the House would threaten to frustrate the budget process on a mere allegation that is largely irrelevant, and has not compromised the content of the 2019 budget.

Members were so serious that they vigorously amplified a derogatory word that the Minister LIED on television. It is an unparliamentary word that the Speaker, Yakubu Dogara, carefully avoided in his response. To support their frustration, a member went further to cite Order Six, Rule 14 of the laws of the House alluding to a breech on his privilege and that of the House, and claiming that the Minister portrayed members of the NASS as “irresponsible people before Nigerians”.

Our lawmakers are good with their imaginations. If that is the line of thinking, then I will support any reasonable action that will prove the correctness or contrary of this line of thought. The Hallowed Chamber should not accommodate irresponsible characters that would bring the legislature to disrepute. With all seriousness, member should probe what perception ordinary Nigerians hold of their integrity. And would also probe their conscience and take a good look at the mirror. Perhaps, they will get answers that would satisfy their curiosities.

Be that as it may, the alleged remark by the Honourable Minister should not be enough reason for members to boycott the Budget presentation by the President. Such action would not only be irrational, it will be illogical and unpatriotic. Doing so will only confirm the allusion that members are indeed irresponsible and insensitive to the realities of the adverse effect a further delay in passing the 2019 budget could cause the economy.

Our budgets cannot continue to suffer unnecessary and avoidable delay after presentations. The primary responsibility of NASS is to make laws, such as the proposed 2019 budget, which will help to grow the economy. Lawmakers cannot be lackadaisical in passing the budget for whatsoever reason. Presenting the 2019 budget proposals in December should not be an excuse to delay the passing of the bill within reasonable time. 2017 and 2018 budgets were presented November, fairly reasonable time frame but still lingered for over 5 months at the National Assembly.

Members of the legislature should be patriotic enough to put aside personal interests and frivolous allegations from any quarters for the overriding national interest in passing the budget expeditiously. With commitment and adequate capacity, the budget can be passed in 30 working days. Hon Sergius Ogun, representing Esan North/East Constituency, said on National Television that the Nigerian Financial Intelligent Unit (NFIU) bill was passed in 8 working days when the Egmont Group suspended Nigeria and threatened expulsion from the group over lack of autonomy. Therefore there is no reason the 2019 budget bill will not be accorded with such attention and speed.

It is sad that lawmakers would value treachery over integrity and flex muscles over issues of absolute irrelevance. While the budget bill lingers, 71 members of the House of Representatives seek to change the system of government from presidential to parliamentary model in Nigeria. Again, if you ask Nigerians, it is another exercise that would end up in futility. The legislators can easily be predicted. The bill is another channel to corruptly enrich themselves like previous constitutional amendment exercise at the Senate.

The 8th NASS is endowed with remarkable quantity of mischief and insatiable financial lucre. The House sold us a dummy with an orchestrated agenda to deliver legislation in aid of development and reforms aimed at improving conditions of living in Nigeria. That was a fluke. Monetization took over legislative intellectualism and selflessness in lawmaking process in the country. Their arrogance and fastidious desire for luxuries has turned NASS into a chamber of business, which is akin to the biblical Holy Temple of Jerusalem converted to the House of trade and commerce by its entrusted custodians.

NASS members should embrace attitudinal change with the right mindset in the overriding interest of the country. The 2019 budget proposal should be expeditiously considered and passed in record time as a test of integrity and attestation of a responsible legislature. This would change the negative perception of lawmakers and the hallowed institution of the National Assembly.

Ikese writes from Jos

Nigerian Army Redeploys Senior Officers

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By Ajogwu Jerry

The Nigerian Army, Thursday, released an additional list of  posting and appointments of some of its senior officers.

According to a statement made known by the Army Spokesman, Brig Gen Sani Kuksheka Usman, those affected by the exercise include Major General AA Nani who is to remain in Army Headquarters Department of Policy and Plans (AHQ DAPP) and appointed Chief of Policy and Plans (Army), Major General MM Mshelia, from Warrant Officers Academy (WOA), Jaji, to Nigerian Army Training Centre (NATRAC) and appointed Commander, Major General G Oyefesobi, from NATRAC to Defence Intelligence Agency (DIA) and appointed Director Administration.

Major General AB Omozoje will move from DIA to AHQ DAPP and appointed Deputy Chief of Policy Plans (Army) and Director Staff Duties.

Also affected by the appointment  is Major General I Attahiru, he is to remain in Defence Headquarters (DHQ) and appointed Chief of Defence Logistics, Major General KO Ogundele, will move from Armed Forces Command and Staff College (AFCSC), to Defence Space Administration and appointed Director Policy, Plans and Research, Major General EJ Enenche from Army War College Nigeria (AWCN) to DHQ and appointed Director Technical Support Services, Major General AS Maikobi from Training and Doctrine Command (TRADOC) to 82 Division and appointed General Officer Commanding.

Major General SA Yaro has also been posted from AHQ Department of Training and Operations (AHQ DATOPS) to TRADOC and appointed Chief of Training, while Major General GA Umelo is to remain in AHQ and appointed Director Peacekeeping Operations at AHQ DATOPs.

Others include Major General C Ofoche who is to remain in AWCN and appointed Commandant, General JJ Ogunlade, from AHQ DAPP to DHQ and appointed Director Innovation and Concept Development, Major General JO Oni, from Armed Forces Simulation Centre to AHQ DOAA and appointed Director Personnel  Services and Major General ON Ugo from HQ NAE to AHQ DOAL and appointed Director Engineering Services. Major General M Bashir is to remain in Post Housing Development Limited and appointed MD/CEO, while Major General SE Oduonwa moves from DHQ to AHQ DAPP and appointed Director Policy.

Major General OW Ali has also been moved from AWCN to DHQ and appointed Director Communications, Major General CG Musa is to remain in AHQ Department of Projects and Programmes (AHQ DPP) and appointed Executive Director Nigerian Army Farms and Ranches Limited, while Major General JO Irefin is to remain in DHQ Garrison and appointed Commander.

The posting also affected some Commandants of Nigerian Army training institutions which include Major General OI Uzamere, who is to remain in NACOL as Commandant Major General DH Alli-Keffi, Commandant NASI, Major General MH Magaji, Commandant NAAS, Major AO Uthman, Commandant NASS, Major General BN Salami, NASST Benin, General AS Ibikunle, Commandant NAOS and Major General EH Ehiorobo, Commandant NASEME.

Similarly, Major General S Mohammed is to remain in Depot NA and appointed Commandant, while Major General MO Enendu is to remain as Deputy Commandant, NAFRC, Major General VO Offiong is to remain as Corps Commander NACST.

Major General US Mohammed will now move from 3 Brigade to AHQ Department of Civil-Military Affairs and appointed Chief of Civil-Military Affairs (CCMA), Major General AR Bakare has also moved from NA Budget to DHQ Defence Research and Development Bureau and appointed Director Administration and Logistics while Major General YI Shalangwa is to remain as Director Legal Services (Army).

The statement further disclosed Major General TOB Ademola is to remain in Nigerian Embassy Beijing and appointed Defence Adviser while Major General A Kigbu from NIMED MINUSMA to 44 NARHK and appointed Chief Medical Director and Brigadier General A Laguda who was posted from AHQ Garrison to WOA and appointed Commandant.

Similarly, new Brigade Commanders have been appointed for 3, 4 and 13 Brigades, these are Brigadier General BA Alabi, Brigadier General GO Omorogbe and Brigadier General OT Olatoye, respectively, while Brigadier General PP Malla has been appointed Commander 82 Division Garrison, amongst others.