BAVCCA Lauds Tinubu, Mele Kyari, Vincent Isegbe Over Port Harcourt Refinery

BAVCCA passes vote of confidence on Tinubu, Mele Kyari, Vincent Isegbe

The Bloggers and Vloggers, Content Creators Association in Nigeria (BAVCCA) has congratulated the Group Chief Executive Officer (GCEO) of NNPCL Dr. Mele Kyari and President Bola Ahmed Tinubu on the timely and successful re-opening of the Port Harcourt refinery.

BAVCCA gave the commendation in communique jointly issued by its National President, Comrade Ikechukwu Chukwunyere and Secretary, Alhaji Ibrahim Mohammed, at the end of the National Executive Committee Meeting held on Friday in Lagos State.

“This is very commendable and we pray that Dr Kyari continues in his giant stride at NNPCL.

“We encourage him (Kyari) to organize more programmes, interactive sessions or town hall briefings about NNPCL to Nigerians and the media. These will keep Nigerians abreast with their activities, challenges and successes”, Comrade Chukwunyere said in the statement.

He further, said the association, after a thorough assessment and analysis of Dr. Vincent Isegbe’s performance and leadership at Nigeria Agricultural Quarantine Service (NAQS), BAVCCA passed a vote of confidence on him and prayed that President Tinubu gives him a 2nd Tenure at NAQS.

“In his 1st term in office, He displayed exceptional competence and commitment to his role as the Director-General of the Nigeria Agricultural Quarantine Service, his significant strides ensured the protection of Nigeria’s agricultural sector from pests and diseases.

“Vincent Isegbe also implemented innovative and effective strategies to improve the quarantine processes, including the use of modern technology, training programs, and effective collaborations with relevant stakeholders.

The National President also appreciated President Tinubu’s efforts in implementing policies aimed at reviving the economy, creating jobs, improving infrastructure, and combating corruption.

“We urge President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to intensify efforts in tackling the security challenges faced by the nation, ensuring the safety and well-being of all Nigerians.

“We implore President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to prioritize measures that stabilize the exchange rates and strengthen the Naira, thereby fostering a healthier economic environment.

According to him, the association has constituted an independent investigative panel to look into the several allegations of Corruption, multi-billion naira frauds and oil bunkering against the Chief of Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Emmanuel Ogalla.

“These allegations are too grievous and must not be handled with laxity. The committee was also mandated to turn in their reports within 7 days”, he said.

Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area to build world-class airport cluster

By Wang Lingxi

In 2023, the cumulative passenger traffic at the airports in the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area (GBA) reached approximately 180 million people, and various indicators such as flight frequencies and cargo throughput have fully recovered.

In particular, Hong Kong International Airport handled 39.5 million passengers, Guangzhou Baiyun International Airport 63 million, Shenzhen Bao’an International Airport 52.73 million, Zhuhai Jinwan International Airport 11.457 million, and Macao International Airport 5.15 million.

As the GBA sees faster and faster integrated development, air routes from the GBA are reaching every corner of the world. A world-class airport cluster is rapidly taking shape in the area.

With the launch of the “Fly-via-Zhuhai-Hong Kong” passenger transfer service, travelers arriving at Zhuhai Jinwan International Airport on the Chinese mainland can now travel via the Hong Kong-Zhuhai-Macao Bridge directly to Hong Kong International Airport, without needing to go through immigration procedures in Hong Kong.

Industry insiders predicted that the project is expected to serve around 500,000 passengers annually. Vivian Cheung Kar-fay, Chief Operating Officer of the Airport Authority Hong Kong, noted that the “Fly-via-Zhuhai-Hong Kong” service not only provides travelers with more options of international travel, but also fully utilizes the connectivity of the Hong Kong-Zhuhai-Macao Bridge.

In terms of logistics, Hong Kong has leveraged its position as an international shipping hub to establish new mechanisms for the flow of goods with various cities in the GBA.

In April of last year, the Dongguan-Hong Kong International Airport Logistics Park was officially launched, and it has since served over 300 foreign trade enterprises in the GBA, with a total import and export value exceeding 1.7 billion yuan ($239.99 million).

“The airport cluster in the GBA will further strengthen its integration and collaboration across air and ground operations in all aspects, based on the principles of complementary development, competitive cooperation and benign interaction. This will better facilitate the integrated development between the world-class airport cluster and urban clusters,” said an official of the Shenzhen municipal bureau of transport.

Developed aviation transportation capacity and airport economy are one of the core growth drivers of world-class bay areas.

Currently, the GBA has seven transport airports with 11 runways, including three international aviation hubs – Hong Kong International Airport, Guangzhou Baiyun International Airport, and Shenzhen Bao’an International Airport.

Additionally, there are two trunk airports, Macao International Airport and Zhuhai Jinwan International Airport, as well as two feeder airports, Foshan Shadi Airport and Huizhou Pingtan Airport.

According to estimates by the International Air Transport Association, air travel demand in the GBA is expected to increase significantly by 2030. The projections indicate there will be 387 million passengers and 20 million tons of air cargo traveling through the area in 2030. However, the major airports in the GBA are already operating at or near full capacity.

To facilitate more frequent movement of people and goods in the GBA, multiple airports in the area are undergoing expansion and accelerated development. In the coming years, there will be significant progress and breakthroughs as these airports strive to meet the growing demand.

Hong Kong International Airport is set to commence operations of its three-runway system project this year, aiming to achieve an annual passenger throughput of 120 million people and an annual cargo volume of 10 million tons.

Meanwhile, Guangzhou Baiyun International Airport is currently undergoing its third-phase expansion project, with an expected completion in 2025. Once operational, it will have a terminal capacity of 140 million passengers and a cargo throughput capacity of 6 million tons.

Additionally, Shenzhen Bao’an International Airport is accelerating its third runway expansion project and is projected to reach an annual passenger throughput of 80 million people and a cargo throughput of 2.6 million tons by 2026.

According to statistics, the GBA will have seven transport airports with 17 runways by 2035, with passenger throughput reaching 420 million people and cargo throughput exceeding 20 million tons. A world-class airport cluster featuring high-quality development will be built there.

“The future demand for air passenger and cargo transportation in the GBA will only continue to grow. By leveraging their respective strengths and promoting coordinated development, mutual benefits and win-win outcomes can be achieved,” said Cheung Kwok Law, senior research fellow at the Aviation Policy and Research Center, Chinese University of Hong Kong.

Hong Kong enjoys a significant geographical advantage. Departing from Hong Kong, passengers can reach major cities in the Asia-Pacific region within 4 hours and half of the world’s population can be reached within five hours of flight.

Hong Kong International Airport has been recognized as the “best airport in China,” “best airport in Asia,” and “busiest cargo airport in the world” for times. Currently, around 120 airlines operate in Hong Kong, connecting to 220 destinations worldwide and providing crucial momentum for Hong Kong’s economic growth.

Meanwhile, as the “land-sea-air” comprehensive transportation network in the GBA gets more and more developed, Hong Kong International Airport will further optimize its multimodal transport network and operations.

“We are more than just as an airport in Hong Kong. We will build ourselves into a crucial international aviation hub leveraging the advantages of being a gateway of the GBA,” said Fred Lam Tin-fuk, CEO of the Airport Authority Hong Kong.

He further emphasized that Hong Kong will continue to strengthen cooperation and connectivity with other cities in the GBA, provide more and better travel options for passengers in the area, and attract more overseas investors and tourists to the area.

Booming winter tourism drives inheritance of ice, snow carving

By Guo Xiaolong, People’s Daily

Harbin in northeast China’s Heilongjiang province is dressed in silvery white. Harbin Ice-Snow World, a landmark ice-and-snow theme park built on the northern bank of the Songhua River, always bustles with excitement. Just across the river, snow sculptures wearing crowns of snowflakes and draped in pure white “snow robes” captivate crowds of tourists at the Sun Island International Snow Sculpture Art Expo.

During the recent New Year holiday, Harbin received a total of nearly 3.05 million tourist visits and achieved a total tourism revenue of 5.91 billion yuan ($834.1 million), both reaching historical high.

Behind the booming tourism industry is Harbin’s profound ice and snow culture, including the long-standing provincial-level intangible cultural heritage item – ice and snow carving.

Harbin, known as the “Ice City,” has a long and cold winter, which provides unique natural conditions for the development of winter tourism. As a result, ice and snow carving emerged.

Zhang Weihong, an inheritor of ice and snow carving, said that the beauty of ice sculptures lies in the intricate carvings and crystalline transparency, and snow sculptures, on the other hand, emphasize molded shapes and derive their beauty from pristine simplicity.

According to statistics from 2021, there are over 3,600 full-time ice and snow carving artists in Heilongjiang province. With the emergence of the ice and snow industry, the number continues to rise.

“My master once said that inheritance is not about repetition, but about creation,” Zhang said, adding that it’s important to inherit the intangible cultural heritage item of ice and snow carving, and make it accessible, high-quality, and participatory, which calls for innovation.

Today, artists in Harbin have invented colored ice and snow painting that combines ice painting, snow painting and watercolor painting. They have developed a technique to show rime ice patterns on porcelain wares. Besides, snow sculpture paintings that integrate paper cutting and audiovisual elements have become hot sellers in the gift shops of Harbin Ice-Snow World.

The short preservation time due to seasonal and temperature influences is a major challenge for the artistry of ice and snow carving. To address this, Zhang created new ice and snow carving products that don’t melt, based on the techniques of paper carving and glasswork. This allows the artistry of ice and snow carving to be passed down for longer, he said.

These new products are welcomed by tourists in the gift shops of Harbin Ice-Snow World. “Featuring the beautiful winter scenery of Harbin and at an affordable price, it is a perfect gift for my family,” said a tourist surnamed Hu from southeast China’s Fujian province. Since the opening of Harbin Ice-Snow World, over 1,000 such products designed by Zhang have been sold.

On Jan. 5, Harbin Ice-Snow World was officially crowned the world’s largest ice and snow theme park by Guinness World Records at the 2024 China Ice and Snow Tourism Development Forum, with an area of 816,682.5 square meters. This achievement came from 15 days of hard work by hundreds of ice and snow sculptors and over 10,000 workers.

“It was just fast and furious,” said a tourist surnamed Liu from southwest China’s Chongqing municipality, after taking a 521-meter ice slide at the theme park.

“The continuous high-quality construction of scenic areas and brand building have made Harbin extremely attractive in winter. While enjoying the beauty of the winter scenery, tourists can also experience the cultural charm and unique allure of the exquisite carving skills. This is conducive to the inheritance and innovation of ice and snow carving techniques,” said Zhao Zebin, deputy dean of the School of Management, Harbin Institute of Technology.

With the increasingly diverse demands from tourists, winter tourism places more emphasis on the experience and participation of tourists, and educational trips have become a popular option. In Harbin, a well-known winter destination for educational trips, ice and snow carving is a popular program.

By the Ashi River in Harbin, Zhang led 15 children from Tianjin municipality to experience the charm of ice and snow carving. “We are making colored ice and snow painting. We need to outline the shape in advance on the ice board, then carve and color it,” he explained.

With the expansion of ice and snow carving, more and more companies and universities are joining the ranks of inheriting the technique.

“More than 10 universities in Heilongjiang province are providing courses on ice and snow carving techniques. They often hold relevant competitions,” said Zhang Xin, deputy director of the ice and snow carving committee of the Heilongjiang Artists Association.

Zhang believes that the popularity of winter tourism will encourage more people to learn about this intangible cultural heritage item.

Expanded visa-free policies demonstrate China’s confidence, openness

By He Yin, People’s Daily
China and Singapore signed a mutual visa exemption agreement on Jan. 25, which will come into
effect from Feb. 9. Chinese and Singaporean citizens holding ordinary passports will be allowed to
enter and stay in each other’s countries visa-free for up to 30 days.
The expanded visa-free access for Chinese nationals will facilitate the personnel exchanges and
strengthen exchanges and cooperation between China and relevant countries. It showcases China’s
confidence and opening attitude.
So far, China has signed mutual visa exemption agreements with 157 countries, covering various
types of passports. Simplified visa procedures or arrangements have been reached with 44
countries. Mutual visa exemptions have been achieved with 22 countries, including Singapore, the
Maldives, Kazakhstan, and others. In addition, over 60 countries and regions offer visa-free or
visa-on-arrival policies for Chinese citizens. 
The convenience of Chinese citizens’ outbound travel has greatly improved, which lifts the “value”
of Chinese passports. At the same time, China’s continuous efforts to optimize its visa policies are
providing more convenience for foreigners to travel, work, study, and live in China.
China is continuously optimizing its visa policies, showcasing its openness, inclusiveness,
confidence, and strength to the world.
Starting from Dec. 1, 2023, China has implemented a unilateral visa-free policy for ordinary
passport holders from France, Germany, Italy, the Netherlands, Spain and Malaysia on a trial
basis. Recently, China announced that it will apply unilateral visa-free policy to Switzerland and
Ireland.
By last November, China has expanded the scope of its 72/144-hour transit visa-free policies to 54
countries.
Since Dec. 11, 2023, Chinese embassies and consulates have implemented a temporary measure to
reduce visa fees. Starting from Jan. 11 this year, China’s National Immigration Administration has
officially implemented five measures to facilitate the entry of foreign nationals coming to China.
These measures have practically facilitated the exchange of personnel, economic and trade
cooperation, and cultural exchanges between China and foreign countries, demonstrating China’s
commitment to promoting people-to-people ties and advancing exchanges and mutual learning
among civilizations.
China’s continuous optimization of visa policies has received widespread acclaim from the
international community and positive responses from relevant countries.
International personages praised China for introducing a series of convenient visa policies, saying
China always brings surprises. They called China’s optimization of visa policies good news and an
important signal to promote tourism and economic exchanges.
Malaysia has decided to offer a 30-day visa-free entry to nationals from China. The French
government has announced that holders of a master’s degree from China with study experience in
France can obtain a 5-year visa. Switzerland said it will provide more visa convenience for
Chinese citizens and Chinese enterprises investing in Switzerland. Ireland has expressed its
willingness to actively consider providing more convenience for Chinese citizens visiting Ireland,
saying it welcomes more Chinese companies to invest and do business in Ireland.

The expanding visa reciprocity will effectively promote exchanges between China and relevant
countries, further strengthening the mutually beneficial cooperation between them.
China’s continuous optimization of visa policies and promotion of exchanges between Chinese
and foreign individuals marks an important measure to serve the country’s high-quality
development and high-level opening-up, and it will also inject greater confidence and momentum
into the common development of all countries.
China, after a 45-year journey of reform and opening-up, has gained a deeper understanding that
the more open a country is, the more it develops and gains confidence, and the more it can
contribute to the common development of all nations in the world.
China actively builds various open platforms to share development opportunities with other
countries. It strives to optimize foreign investment and intellectual property protection, and
accelerate the construction of a market-oriented, law-based, and internationalized first-class
business environment. China also collaborates with relevant parties to advance the Belt and Road
Initiative, expanding cooperation with them in infrastructure, industry, trade, and technological
innovation. Through concrete actions, China is opening its doors wider and wider to the world.
The United Nations World Tourism Organization believes that China is becoming increasingly
open, and the vibrant development of China’s tourism industry will also drive the common
development of tourism in neighboring countries.
China will continuously expand its high-level opening-up, firmly pursue a mutually beneficial
strategy of opening up, steadily expand institutional opening-up with regard to rules, regulations,
management and standards, and continuously expand the development space for Chinese
modernization.
China will commit itself to openness to foster synergy for cooperation and deliver benefits to all,
help different civilizations learn from each other, live in harmony and reinforce one another, and
work with all relevant parties to build a community with a shared future for mankind.

International community’s prevailing consensus on upholding one-China principle will become more solid


By Zhong Sheng, People’s Daily
China and Nauru signed a joint communique on the resumption of diplomatic relations at the
ambassadorial level on Jan. 24, which made Nauru the 183rd country to have diplomatic ties with China..
The resumption of diplomatic relations between China and Nauru once again proved that the one-
China principle is where global opinion trends and where the arc of history bends.
There is but one China in the world, Taiwan is an inalienable part of China’s territory and the
Government of the People’s Republic of China is the sole legal government representing the whole
of China. This has been clearly recognized by United Nations General Assembly Resolution 2758
and widely recognized by the international community.
As an independent sovereign country, the Republic of Nauru announced that it recognizes the one-
China principle, breaks the so-called “diplomatic ties” with the Taiwan authorities and seeks to
reestablish diplomatic ties with China. It is in line with the interests of Nauru and the will of the
people in the country. It conforms to basic norms governing international relations and the trend of
history.
The resumption of diplomatic ties between China and Nauru shows that “Taiwan independence”
goes against the tide of history, and it is a path to nowhere. Since 2016, 11 countries including
Nauru have established or resumed diplomatic relations with China, and severed “diplomatic
relations” with the Taiwan region.
Recently, following the elections in China’s Taiwan region, over 100 countries and international
organizations have reaffirmed their commitment to the one-China principle, their firm support for
China’s effort to safeguard the nation’s sovereignty and territorial integrity, their opposition to any
form of “Taiwan independence” and their support for China’s cause of national reunification.
This represents the call for justice and peace from the international community, reflects the
extensive consensus of the international community in firmly upholding the UN Charter and the
basic norms governing international relations.
Taiwan has never been a country and will never be one. Those who seek Taiwan’s independence to
split the Chinese territory will surely be severely punished by history and the law. Any country
that violates the one-China principle, interferes in China’s internal affairs and infringes on China’s
sovereignty will be jointly opposed by all the Chinese people and the international community as a
whole.
China and Nauru see vast prospects for cooperation after their resumption of diplomatic relations,
which will benefit Nauru’s economic development and improve people’s livelihoods. It will also
contribute to peace, stability, and prosperity in the Pacific island countries.
China’s policy toward Pacific island countries is founded on the “four fully respects.” First, China
fully respects the sovereignty and independence of Pacific island countries, and upholds the
equality of all countries, big or small; second, China fully respects the will of Pacific island
countries and follows the principles of extensive consultation, joint contribution, shared benefits,
and win-win results; third, China fully respects the cultural traditions of Pacific island nations, and
pursues harmony without uniformity and the common development of diverse cultures; fourth,
China fully respects Pacific island countries’ efforts to seek strength through unity, and supports
them in implementing the 2050 Strategy for the Blue Pacific Continent, so as to contribute to the

building of a peaceful, harmonious, secure, inclusive, and prosperous Blue Pacific.
Under the guidance of the “four fully respects,” China’s exchange and cooperation with Pacific
island countries have been continuously expanding, bringing immense benefits to the people of
both sides.
In recent years, the Solomon Islands and Kiribati have successively chosen to establish and restore
diplomatic relations with China, removing political barriers for cooperation with China. China
started vigorous exchange and cooperation with the two countries in various fields and at all
levels. They signed Belt and Road cooperation documents and have achieved many early fruits in
mutually beneficial cooperation.
After restoring diplomatic relations, China and Nauru will engage in practical cooperation in
various fields on the basis of equality and mutual benefit, which will open up a brighter future for
Nauru’s development.
China will achieve national reunification and Taiwan will inevitably return to the embrace of the
motherland. Standing up for the one-China principle is the right thing to do and a trend that no
force can hold back.
It is believed that more members of the international community will recognize the trend of
history, and establish or restore diplomatic relations with China. The international community’s
prevailing consensus on upholding the one-China principle will become more solid. The Chinese
people’s just cause of opposing “Taiwan independence” separatism and external interference and
striving for national reunification will win more understanding and support.
(Zhong Sheng is a pen name often used by People’s Daily to express its views on foreign policy
and international affairs.)

GUN LICENSING: WHAT ORTOM SAW BUT SOME DIDN’T SEE…

By Andrew Yakubu

The former Benue State Governor, Samuel Ortom said many significant things, some of which were viewed by other people as controversial. But Ortom, a man known for calling injustice by its name while upholding truth, justice and fairness remained steadfast throughout his 8 years as governor. He indeed ran into trouble on several occasions with the Muhammadu Buhari government, particularly on issues of security.

Those who hate to hear truth no doubt hated and still hate Ortom’s guts in no small measure. But there is another quality of his that even his fiercest adversaries cannot diminish.

Samuel Ortom sees the future and tells it with near perfection. For some years, Ortom has been commenting on national issues with the courage of a trojan, and the things he warned that if steps were not taken to avert would happen indeed have come to pass.

One of the things Ortom advocated strongly when he was governor was the call on the Federal Government to grant licenses to responsible citizens to carry sophisticated weapons such as AK47 rifles to defend themselves against terrorists, bandits and other criminals who have been attacking innocent people.

Ortom’s call in 2020 was premised on the need to face insecurity headlong to prevent incessant loss of lives through the activities of criminal elements bearing dangerous weapons illegally.

“I heard people complaining that Ortom called for Nigerians to be allowed to carry sophisticated weapons and that it would bring about anarchy. What about the herdsmen who are carrying AK-47 and kidnapping innocent Nigerians, raping our women and destroying our villages and towns and becoming a terror to us? How about them? Why can’t we collect these sophisticated weapons from them? How many of them have been arrested?”, Ortom queried.

As expected, the call generated reactions with majority of individuals and groups across the country supporting the call, describing it as timely and laudable.

On August 4, 2022, the day he inaugurated the state-owned security outfit known as Community Volunteer Guards in Makurdi, Governor Ortom hinted that he would send a written application to President Buhari to approve the issuance of licenses to allow the guards to carry weapons, including AK-47 and AK-49 rifles. President Buhari unsurprisingly declined the approval.

Whether or not the Federal Government felt that approving the licensing of arms on the request of Ortom could accord him some national fame, the truth is that today, the reality and the need for Nigerians to defend themselves against criminals is boldly starring us in the face and more people are beginning to see sense in what Ortom saw a long time ago.

Despite Nigeria’s strict gun ownership laws, the country remains the West African region’s largest illicit small arms market, adding to the nation’s dire security crisis. No day passes without reports of attacks and killing of innocent Nigerians in different parts of the country.

The killing of over 160 Nigerians in three LGAs in Plateau state on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day by terrorists shocked the world and once more brought to the fore, the need for citizens to be permitted to own weapons to defend themselves as Ortom and other patriots have repeatedly said. Over 20 villages across Barkin Ladi, Bokkos and Mangu LGAs were attacked in what has become a pattern of a failed or a fast-failing state.

I live in Jos so I have first hand experience of what it means to reside in the areas where these attacks often take place. It is not too much to demand that we law-abiding Nigerians be allowed to acquire arms and defend ourselves against the evil being unleashed on us by merchants of death.

The other day I read the lawmaker representing Delta North Senatorial District, Ned Nwoko, re-echoing what Ortom has often advocated. Senator Nwoko called for the introduction of a bill that allows civilians to own and carry firearms. He stated that the bill was important following the security challenges, particularly the recent Plateau killings.

Last year, the Zamfara State government advised residents to obtain guns to protect themselves against terrorists and bandits.

The number of those who now agree with Ortom that private people have to possess the means of self-defense since the security agencies need help from responsible Nigerians is clearly on the rise.

It is a fact that out of the 195 countries of the world, over 150 have gun licensing laws which allow private citizens to posses certain kinds of arms for self-defense, hunting and sport shooting. Notable among these countries are the United States of America, United Kingdom, Canada, Brazil, Chile, China, India, Cambodia, Israel, Japan, Croatia, Denmark, Czech Republic and El-Salvador.

Even in Africa, countries such as Botswana, Djibouti, Gambia, Kenya, Lesotho, Liberia, Mozambique, Namibia, Rwanda, Senegal, Sierra Leone, South Arica and Swaziland have legislations permitting private ownership of firearms.
Incidentally, most of the countries that allow private ownership of firearms are not facing the legion of security threats that Nigeria is currently experiencing.
That makes it imperative for the Federal Government to consider the call by former Governor Ortom.

Like he suggested, the government can regulate the caliber of arms to be owned by private citizens. Whoever wants to own the approved firearms would need community leaders and other relevant authorities as guarantors and must take responsibility in the event of misuse.

Samuel Ortom speaks from the point of view of someone who is genuinely concerned about the unity and progress of this country. He has said a lot that was ignored but has come to pass as the country battles with the grave consequences of its negligence, the negligence of the voice of reason.

  • Yakubu writes from Bukuru, Jos.

AKPANAJA AIRSTRIKE: FORMER BENUE STATE GOVERNOR DESERVES APOLOGY

By Frederick Adebayo

After one year, the Nigerian Air Force has taken responsibility for the January 23, 2023 airstrike in Akpanaja community of Doma Local Government Area of Nasarawa State which claimed 37 lives.

The Chief of the Air Staff, Air Marshal Hassan Abubakar, who led senior officials of the Air Force on Friday, to pay a courtesy call on Governor Abdullahi Sule in Lafia, accepted responsibility over the incident on behalf of the Force.

The service Chief said “Sometime in January last year, airstrikes were conducted in the state after intelligence revealed the sighting of suspected terrorists on motorcycles transiting near Rukubi in the Doma local government area of the state.

The entire area was well known for its heightened insecurity occasioned by killings, kidnapping, and terrorism perpetrated by terrorist elements in the state.

Because of this, the need for an airstrike became imperative but unfortunately however the airstrike killed some civilians at the location and the outcries by several locals as well as Nigerians necessitated a review of the reports of strikes, which later revealed that civilians were indeed killed during the airstrike. The need to make amends became expedient.”

It will be recalled that shortly after that incident, the deposed Emir of Kano, Lamido Sanusi, in an interview with BBC Hausa, bluntly accused the then Governor of Benue State, Samuel Ortom of masterminding the bomb attack. He stated:
“The air strike that took place in Nasarawa was masterminded from Makurdi. We must hold him (Ortom) responsible since we know his position against Fulani. It’s only an investigation that will avail him of the allegations. Why won’t t there be an investigation to reveal who masterminded the bombardment? And who gives orders to the Air force to always launch these airstrikes?”

Sanusi went as far as making a rallying call asking Benue people especially his Fulani kinsmen to work against the Senate bid of Governor Ortom. He made a video which went viral campaigning vigorously against Ortom. He and 51 other elites mainly of Fulani descent, wrote a petition to the then President Muhammadu Buhari against Governor Ortom in connection with the Akpanaja airstrike. Unconfirmed reports said Sanusi and the other anti-Ortom elites pooled resources together and sponsored the 2023 election against Ortom to ensure that he was defeated during the National Assembly election.

But the former Benue governor is not one to go down without a fight, so Ortom indeed hit back at Sanusi and his cohorts. In a statement, he stated that some personalities led by Sanusi had made some allegations against him in an attempt to set him up for hatred, vilification and elimination. Governor Ortom wondered why as educated and exposed as the dethroned Emir was, he would resort to telling lies about an elected personality like himself just to suit his purpose. He added that neither himself nor the Benue State Government had the capacity to deploy a drone or any military equipment in any part of the country.

On 3rd February 2023, the Southern Kaduna Peoples Union SOKAPU, in a statement, also carpeted the deposed Emir of Kano, following his comment on Ortom over the bombing in Nasarawa State

According to SOKAPU, it was preposterous and unfortunate for the former Emir of Kano and top Fulani elites to try to rope Ortom into the incident. The group described as curious and very surprising that Sanusi who had portrayed himself as a nationalist of some kind, “has reduced himself to a narrow champion of his tribesmen” in his desperate move to profile Ortom as evil before his Fulani kinsmen.

The group warned that nothing must happen to Ortom whom it described as “a great son of the Middle Belt”.

Now, a whole year has passed. The Akpanaja incident seems to have been forgotten, but families of the victims whom Sanusi and others succeeded in convincing that Ortom was the mastermind might not have forgiven the former Benue State Governor. Today, God, in His own supreme way, has prompted the Nigerian Airforce to visit Nasarawa and take responsibility for the Akpanaja attack. What is however still missing in the picture is the man who was unfortunately and wrongly accused of being behind the attack – Samuel Ortom.

I urge all men of good conscience to ask Lamido Sanusi and his group of 52 to tender an unreserved apology to Ortom for attempting to set him up against the Fulani race. Though the statement of responsibility by the military has vindicated Ortom and it is a welcome development, an apology from those who fingered the former Benue Governor in the attack is paramount. Such individuals must be made to eat the humble pie and tell him “We are deeply Sorry”.

Samuel Ortom is a voice of conscience and reason. He stood firmly for his people, was betrayed by some of them who were aided by enemies of Benue State but he never waivered. He paid the price of patriotism and lost his Senate bid. But today, those who betrayed him are worse for it. I understand that security is getting worse in that state by the day.

Let it be known that posterity will be fair to those who braved the odds to sustain the state of our national sovereignty and spoke as well as acted in defence of citizens of this great country. Samuel Ortom has already secured a place in the annals of Nigeria for his bold, firm and courageous stand towards ensuring that the country works to protect the interests of all citizens, irrespective of their backgrounds.

Adebayo wrote from Lagos.

NSCDC gets nod on safe school initiative, reduction in oil theft

A civil society organisation, Save Nigeria Movement (SNM) in collaboration with Nigerian Students Resource Center have applauded the safe school initiative championed by the Nigerian Security and Civil Defense Corps (NSCDC) saying it will curtail the menace of kidnapping school children.

The groups also lauded the efforts towards ending of oil theft and vandalisation of pipelines in the country.

Addressing a press conference in Abuja, convener of SNM, Rev Solomon Semakaa explained that the development has led to an increase in Nigeria’s crude oil output tremendously.

SNM stated that several illegal mining sites have also been destroyed across the country, saving Nigeria millions of dollars due to the renewed vigour by NSCDC, in conjunction with other security agencies to nip the menace in the bud.

SNM cited the revitalisation of the Safe School Initiative in response to the incessant cases of kidnapping and abduction of school children as landmark successes recorded by the NSCDC under the leadership of Dr. Audi Abubakarn

SNM argued that the initiative has, since its inception, drastically reduced the incidence of school abductions as it has deterred criminal elements who once exploited the porous nature of most schools especially in the rural areas for their criminal enterprise.

It added: “With kidnapping of vulnerable school children for ransom almost over, Nigerian students are happily back to school thanks to the dogged determination of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and joint efforts of security agencies.

“There’s therefore, every need to encourage the security agencies especially by providing critical intelligence to enable them respond proactively to threats.

“As a collective response to growing insecurity and its dynamism, the NSCDC and the Nigerian Police Force (NPF) have separately established the Commandant General’s Special Intelligence Squad (CG’s SIS) and the Inspector General of Police’s Special Intelligence Squad (IGP’S SIS) respectively.

“These initiatives serve to buttress the central role played by intelligence gathering in securing lives and property. These units have been functioning effectively and have led to high profile successes including the thwarting of kidnapping attempts and other criminal operations across the country.

“Intelligence sharing has also become much more easier through the establishment of these Special Special Units manned by incredible professionals. A synergy between the intelligence units of all the security agencies and military formations in the country is indeed what Nigeria needs to fight terror and insecurity headlong.

“Another feat worth mentioning is the establishment of a Special Female Arms Squad by the NSCDC. The initiative has shown that women have what it takes and given the right training, motivation and opportunity.

“The Female Arms Squad having undergone thorough trainings have assumed very strategic roles and are bringing glory to the country and restoring peace in troubled communities across the country.

Group Distances Self from allegations against NPC

…urges security agencies to fish out culprits

The registered trustees of the African leadership Strategy and Transparency Development Initiative (ALSTDI) has distance itself from media reports targeted at the management of the National Population Commission (NPC) describing same as pure fiction and handiwork of blackmailers.

Recall that there were reports in some sections of the media claiming to have emanated from ALSTDI demanding specific budgeted sums for payment for intercensal population activities and development of small area level database.

But the CSO in a statement issued on Saturday by it’s registered trustees and signed by Biamegh Roseline apologized to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and the NPC management as well as Nigerians for the misinformation in some sections of the media against the National Population Commission management, describing same as pure fiction and handiwork of blackmailers.

The organization maintained that the public apology became necessary to correct the misinformation that has been peddled in the media against the NPC management and many of Mr President most performing appointees in recent times.

“Sadly, It is now the new pattern, blackmailers just wake up and drop the name of Mr President because they know his administration is focused on delivering to the people; such people must not be allowed to distract Mr President at all.

“We as the registered trustees of ALSTDI are particularly concerned about the rising cases of impersonation, fraud, intimidation and criminal blackmail of high performing government officials by a syndicate in order to give Mr President’s administration a bad image. This trend is purely political and must be investigated by relevant security agencies.

“It has come to our notice that usurpers have taken to the media using our platform to discredit and exploit public officials and this calls for concern. Accordingly, on behalf of the trustees of ALSTDI, we have directed the suspension of the entire management committee of (ALSTDI) for dereliction of duty in line with our constitution. A new interim committee would be announced in due cause.

“The anti-corruption posture of this administration has not only shown commitment for transparency and respect for rule of law but has revived the confidence of Nigerians in the leadership of the country and such there is no need for unnecessary distractions for Mr President”,the statement noted.

The group insisted that the rising activities of blackmailers are becoming notorious in the current administration with a view to distract Mr President best brains.

“Take for example, the false accusations against the Chief of Staff to the President, the minister of Interior both adjudged as the best hands of Mr President and many other victims. Mr President must be wary of the activities of blackmailers so as not to be caught in between their web of speculation and mudslinging and shenanigans.

“ALSTDI trustees insisted that following media reports of misappropriation against the National Population Commission leadership, it utilized internal mechanisms which led to revelations and confessions of the said Abel king whose name appeared in the report

” Abel king confessed that as a matter of fact, there was no such petition against the National Population Commission under the current leadership of Alh Nasir Isa Kwarra and also confirmed that there was no evidence whatsoever to support the allegations contained therein.

“Abel king further confessed that he never wrote any petition against the National Population Commission as reported, never met or seen the sponsors of the petition but was only invited by a friend on the fateful day of January 24 at Imo House and handed a document to read from an already prepared text which was undersigned by one Mr Adewale Ogunnoiki.

“For the records, I Abel king have not written or submitted any petition against the National Population Commission management anywhere as insinuated by media reports, and I regret my involvement which was planned for the simple reason to intimidate and exploit the commission.

“Queried why he would address the media on a sensitive matter without evidence, Abel king apologized to Nigerians but insisted that since his name was not on the original document handed to him, it was mischievous and unprofessional for the media to smuggle his name into the news report insisting that it was a hatchet job and capital offense in journalism that is highly regretted.

“I believe the NUJ will act accordingly to sanction those Journalists who collude with blackmailers to sustain a criminal syndicate for personal gains. I can assure you that none of the publishing platforms has evidence because there is no such but fiction”, the statement added.

CSO Uncovers Plot to Blackmail CoS to President Tinubu

A rights group, Rising-Up for a United Nigeria (RUN) has scolded persons and groups criticising the Chief of Staff to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Rt. Hon. Femi Gbajamiabila for conveying approval of the President of expenditure of N3billion Covid 19 palliative fund for verification of the National Social Register to the Humanitarian Affairs and Disaster Management Ministry.

The group described those calling for the head of the Chief of Staff to the President as enemies of the nation who are bent on derailing the renewed hope agenda of the present administration stating that the N3billion was fair, appropriate and commensurate for the task of updating the social register.

RUN in a press statement signed by its Convener, Amb. Solomon Adodo and Secretary Mallam Suleiman Musa, which was made available to journalists in Abuja, stressed that those criticising the chief of staff were mere mischief makers bent on ridiculing the administration warned them to steer clear.

“Those attacking Femi Gbajamiabila are surreptitious enemies of the Tinubu administration who seek to explore any avenue to wreck Mr. President’s excellent strategy mechanism.

“Our checks reveal that there are some warmongers within and outside the Presidency, who are conspiring to take over the job of the Chief of Staff to the President, Mr Femi Gbajabiamila. Part of the plot is to link him with illegalities with the latest being the transactions carried out by the suspended Minister of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Alleviation, Dr. Betta Edu and other spurious character assassination strategies”, the statement noted.

While describing the chief of staff as an exceptional politician who has consistently met the needs of his constituency while in the Green Chambers and in his current assignment has shown that he has the nation at heart, the CSO regretted that the attacks were renewed after some gigantic people oriented projects carried out by the Chief of Staff for the benefit of members of his constituency, Lagosians and Nigerians at large were commissioned in Lagos earlier this year by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

“We align with Mr. President who described the Rt. Hon. Femi Gbajamiabila as the Kingmaker of Abuja politics. Those who feel intimidated by the Chief of Staff’s towering political image should rather try to emulate him rather than attacking him.

“The Rt. Hon. Femi Gbajamiabila started this year in high spirit and we are proud to associate ourselves with a grassroot politician who does not forget his root. Mr. President was indeed right by describing him as an Abuja kingmaker. Those angry with him should rather strive to make their impacts and imprints on their communities rather than harbouring hate against others”.

RUN also cautioned those who are threatened by the Chief of Staff and the seamless working relationship he has with his principal to desist from trying to cause bad blood amongst the two with empty accusations.

“Rt. Hon. Femi Gbajamiabila is the Chief of Staff to the President who has gone about his duty with candour and unprecedented patriotic diligence. It is therefore callous for anybody to accuse him of corruption simply because he has delivered Mr. President’s message to a Minister. Those desperately fanning the embers of hate should desist forthwith even as we advise the Chief of Staff to remain steadfast and unfazed in the discharge of his duty”, the statement concluded.