Effium mayhem: AESID wants Umahi, council boss probed

Association of Ebonyi State Indigenes in the Diaspora, AESID, has called on the security agencies to probe Governor David Umahi and the chairman of the Ohaukwu Local Government Area, Clement Odah, over an alleged communal clash between the Effium and Effium indigenes of Ezza extraction, leading to the death of over 40 people.

President of the association, Paschal Oluchkwu, in a statement on Monday in Abuja, condemned the mayhem, alleged that it was politically motivated.

According to him, the facts on the ground actually prove that the attempt to unlawfully annex some federal electoral wards which originally belong to Ezza-Effium people of Ezza extraction to Wards of Effium indigenes of Korri extraction in the ongoing Enumeration Area Demarcation exercise by the National Population Commission (NPC)

“Further probe into the said action showed that the NPC officials were ostensibly misguided by agents of Ohaukwu Council Chairman, Barr. Clement Odah, and other stakeholders of Effium indigenes of Korri extraction.

“Documented evidence made available to AESID showed that the peculiarities of Effium community where Effium people of Ezza Ezekuna extraction or Ezza-Effium people constituted about 80% of the entire population of the community warranted the demarcation of the five electoral wards in the community with family/kindred labels or names instead of the normal physical or geographical boundaries by the Government of old Anambra State through her Edict No. 4 of 1990,” the AESID added.

The group also said that it aware of the complaints raised by Ezza stakeholders in its petition to the NPC against the actions of its EAD officials who were unfortunately misguided by the Local Government boss, Barr. Odah, his agents and co-conspirators.

According to the group, Ezza stakeholders cautioned that the acts of unlawfully annexing parts of the wards of Effium indigenes of Ezza-Ezekuna extraction including the homes of some notable politicians, renowned academics and other prominent cum other natives of Ezza-Effium people’s homes to Effium people of Korri extraction was an open invitation to chaos.

“Yet, to the best of our knowledge, the said Odah and his agents including the government hadn’t acted fast to correct these unconscionable and inflammable annexations.

“Even the solemn prayers by the said Ezza stakeholders for a prompt and proper reversal of all parts of the wards of Effium indigenes of Ezza-Ezekuna extraction otherwise known as Ezza-Effium people unlawfully annexed to Effium indigenous people’s wards were paid deaf ears to by the powers that be.

“We condemn this politically-motivated action meant not only to stir needless dusts but also to decimate the strengths of the most populous and peace-loving Ezza clan who has lived in peace with all its neighbours in the State be there in Ishiagu, Ukawu and Abaomege in Ebonyi South; Ezzaegu, Ogboji or Ezzillo communities in Ishielu LGA in the Central or in Effium in the north not until the last and present political dispensations.

“Whereas, we commend the new and ebullient State’s Commissioner of Police, Aliyu Garba for the prompt action of arresting all those who are suspected to have had a hand in the Effium carnage.

“We wish to request that the police should get to the root of this crisis by thoroughly investigating the Council Chairman, Barr. Odah and his co-travellers in lieu of the current facts that are already in public domain particularly to the effect that his people (Effium indigenes of korri extraction) had even planned and secured weapons for the attacks with his knowledge and consent.

“Such act is worrisomely unbecoming of a public office holder who holds the sway as the Chief Security Officer of the Local Government Area. To this extent therefore, we also heap the blames on the door-steps of Governor Umahi who has continued to encourage and support the said Barr. Odah to slap, maim, attack and humiliate stakeholders and anyone who does not agree with his views.

“None of the sad incidences of mayhems reported against the said Clement Odah and his marauding band of cult-boys have ever been investigated and sanctioned by the State government since his appointment as a Council boss in 2015 and subsequently his election and re-election into the same office.

“Rather, the Umahi government does any and everything possible to always shield him from the arms of the law at each point in time.

“Also, the claims in certain quarters that the refusal of many Effium indigenes of Ezza-Ezekuna extraction to follow the said Barr. Odah and his principal, Engr. Umahi to their new new APC voyage may have also contributed to the devious plot to forcefully coerce people in opposition to politically belong to the fold by virtue of the misguided delineation should not be swept under the carpet.

“The security agencies should investigate this as a matter of urgency and bring all those responsible for this mayhem to book. Of course, this platform is aware of Umahi’s use of majority of the Local Government Chairmen in the State to stir crisis among stakeholders and community leaders with some of them acting almost above the laws of the land.

“We know he gives them backings to perpetrate mayhems and cause unrests in their communities and LGAs so they could be emboldened to attack his political foes or opponents particularly in periods of elections and electioneering campaigns.

“This particular incident, we suspect, is obviously part of Umahi’s 2023 political game-plan!

“Unlike in the pasts, we wish to state that the reported arrest of some of the stakeholders should not be the usual smokescreen that would often yield no result or bring any permanent solution.”

Leave Nigerian military alone, group begs ICC, Amnesty International

The Congress for Human Rights in Nigeria (CHRN) has asked the International Criminal Court (ICC) and Amnesty International to steer clear of the Armed Forces of Nigeria while alleging them of taking side with Boko Haram terrorists. 

The human rights group, which made this known at a world press conference on Monday in Lagos, alleged that these groups aim to destroy the country and erode the gains made in the war against terrorism and insurgency.

In his address, Executive Director, Comrade Lawal Johnson said the international organisations have always turned blind eyes to the many atrocities of Boko Haram terrorists. 

Comrade Johnson said they tend to look the other way each time the terrorists attack and wreak havoc on either the military or civilian population. 

He also alleged that when the military infiltrates the ranks of these terrorists and neutralise their members, the ICC and Amnesty would immediately raise the red flag alleging all manners of human rights abuses which are most times fabricated to suit their aims of perpetrating or sustaining mayhem in Nigeria. 

According to the rights group, there are indications that the ICC is about to release a report to indict Nigeria military chiefs based on fictitious allegations.

The plot, Johnson said is to compel troops to abandon the armed forces and go AWOL for fear of being prosecuted at The Hague. 

The CHRN, therefore, warned both organisations “to take their fallacies elsewhere and leave Nigeria alone.”

Read full statement below:

Gentlemen of the press, 
I’m sure that by now we are all familiar with the subversive activities of the International Criminal Court, ICC and Amnesty International against Nigeria.

We state without fear of contradiction that these two organisations are both out to destroy our country and erode the gains we have so far made on the war against terrorism and insurgency.

Anybody familiar with the history of insurgency and terrorism in Nigeria and the interventions by these two international bodies would agree that no only do they not mean well for Nigeria but that they are colluding with these agents of destabilisation to destroy our dear country.

THEIR PLANS TO DESTROY NIGERIA 

We say because of the incontrovertible evidence we have against these two organisations as characterized by their proclivity to react to issues only in certain manners that expose their bias.

Despite the carnage and obstruction of the order by the Boko Haram and ISWAP terrorists in Nigeria in which over 15, 000 have reportedly been killed over the years while millions of children have dropped out of school and hundreds of thousands more persons have been displaced and have become destitute, the ICC and Amnesty International have never objected the atrocities of these murderers. 

Indeed,  we remember how Boko Haram members went to a school at a place called Buni Yard in Yobe State and slaughtered over 58  boys between the ages 11 to 15.

These same set of despicable characters went to a high institution at a place called Mubi, in Adamawa State and selected at random students who they murdered in cold blood and the full view of their mates.

Stories of how they waylay innocent travellers on roads, ut their necks and burn people alive are all too common to be missed by anyone that has followed the Boko Haram and ISWAP crisis in Nigeria. 

This is not to talk of attacks on Nigerian troops using soft targets and the planting of landmines on major roads.

Today as we speak, many of our fighting men and women have been dispatched to the great beyond through the needless and meaningless assaults of these bloodsuckers while many of our military men and women have lost dear limbs while some are receiving treatment at various military hospitals in the country.

Many of our women have overnight become widows while the dream of promising young men and women have been cut short by these bloodsuckers.

But the almighty ICC and Amnesty International do not seem to see all these.

THEIR WICKED ACTS AGAINST NIGERIA 

Any time the terrorists attack and wreak havoc on either the military or civilian population, the two organisations look the other way and pretend nothing happened.

This has emboldened the criminals to even video their killings and post on social media channels.

But the ICC and AI have never condemned these atrocities nor raise their voices against these inhuman acts.

The moment the Nigerian military infiltrates the ranks of these terrorists and neutralise their members, however, the ICC and the Amnesty International would immediately raise the red flag alleging all manners of human rights abuses which are most times fabricated to suit their aims of perpetrating or sustaining mayhem in Nigeria. 

They at one time accuse the Nigerian of forceful conscription of underaged soldiers which turned out to be false.

Some opposition politicians in Nigeria having noticed the tendency of these organisations to side with the enemies of Nigeria have keyed into the process and have begun to use them to pursue their subversive agenda.

These politicians have, for instance, sponsored protests against the Federal Government based on the belief that these organisations would support them. 

We were not surprised therefore that during the EndSARS protest, people began to defy the laws of the land by attacking innocent citizens and destroying public property without remorse. 

This was because they were misled into believing that once these organisations are behind them, that the government of Nigeria would be blackmailed into not taking any actions against them.

When the Nigerian Government moved to save the lives of innocent citizens and to stop the mayhem, the ICC caused some persons to file petitions to it and quickly opened what it called preliminary findings against the Nigerian military.

There are indications that the ICC is about to release a report to indict Nigeria military chiefs based on these fictitious allegations.

Based on these, we make bold to say that the ICC and Amnesty International are pursuing terrorist agenda in Nigeria and we have no iota of doubt that they are out to destabilize the nation. 

We also have it on good authority that they are currently fabricating more lies, falsehood and mischief to deploy against the military hierarchy in Nigeria just to ensure that Nigerian troops are demoralised and frustrated in the war against insurgency in the Northeast. 

This is also to compel many of our troops to abandon the armed forces and go AWOL for fear of being prosecuted at The Hague so that the terrorists who have been put in check would begin to have a field day.

ICC AND AI, LEAVE US ALONE

We call on the international community to call on the ICC and Amnesty International to leave Nigeria and Nigerians alone. 

What they are doing is tantamount to playing with the lives of about 200 million people and this is unacceptable.

How come it is only Nigeria that the AI and ICC always try to undermine?

Where was the ICC and AI when the Chadian president led his troops to annihilate over a thousand of the Boko Haram terrorists within a week and expelled them from his country?

Many Nigerians are at a loss what the interest of these two organisations are as they always try to find faults with the operations of the Nigerian military even when it has been acknowledged as one of the most professional in the world.

The Nigerian Army has even set up a desk for citizens to report any cases of human right abuse by any of its men or officers just to ensure its men stay in line, yet these organisations are not satisfied.

We don’t want both the ICC and AI on our shores anymore as they have shown that their interests lie with the enemies of Nigeria. 

We, as a people are civilised enough to know what is good for us and we know that our troops are doing well in fighting insurgency, terrorism and banditry. 

They should therefore take their meddlesomeness elsewhere and leave us alone.

Oyo Crisis: Group wants Tinubu arrested over threats to Fulanis

The National Coordinator of Northern Patriots Assembly has called out Asiwaju Bola Tinubu, the National leader of the All Progressives Party (APC) over the crisis between Yoruba youths and Fulani herdsmen in the Southwest.

Recall that Yoruba activist, Sunday Adeyemo Igboho, had issued a quit notice to the Hausa-Fulani in Igangan, Oke Ogun area of Oyo State.
The incident allegedly resulted in the destruction of houses and vehicles in the state.
Reacting, the Northern group in a statement signed by Alhaji Salihu Mohammed on Saturday in Abuja, accused Tinubu of being responsible for the crisis between Yoruba youths and Fulani herdsmen in the Southwest.
It also called on the Inspector General of Police to arrest Tinubu and all his cohorts involved in this sacrilegious act against the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.
“All these threats, suspense and deliberate heating of the polity we believe are at the instigation of the so called South West political leader, Mr. Bola Ahmed Tinubu all in the name of politics,” the Northern Patriots Assembly’s statement read in part.
“We cannot but see the hands of the Tinubu in all these because of his inordinate ambition to become the president of Nigeria and his penchant for bellicosity anytime he is targeting a political prize horse.
“Tinubu as we all know is seriously eyeing the presidency come 2023. But as we inch closer to the election year, it is becoming glaring to him that the odds do not favour him.
“Instead of accepting his fate quietly as power does not come from man, Tinubu is trying upset the apple cart by heating up the polity and making the country ungovernable.
“This is with the hope that after he has turned the country upside down, that he will be called to the negotiating to state his demands where he will insist that the presidency be handed over to him or the mayhem continues
“This is self serving and unpatriotic act that should be condemned by all. A country cannot be set ablaze just for the ambition of one man no matter how stupendously rich he thinks he is.
“This is not the first time Tinubu would be involved in subversive activities against the Nigerian Stste due to his inordinate ambition.
“You will recall that he tried to betray Abiola by asking the military junta of Abacha to make him governor of Lagos State.
“It was when the latter refused that he intensified activities with NADECO and deceived many that he was fighting for democracy and joined in the call for sanctions against his own country.
“Till date, he is yet to clear himself of the certificate scandal that dogged his tenure as governor of Lagos State.
“In the build up to the 2015 elections, he did not mind the turmoil and acrimony that would have followed once his ambition is met but insisted he be made the running mate to Buhari for a Muslim-Muslim presidential ticket of the APC.
“Last year, the former Lagos State Governor was also fingered as one of the sponsors of the EndSars protests which almost destroyed Nigeria.
“Many online media reported at the heat of the protests that Bola Tinubu was sponsoring the #EndSARS protests in the South Western part of the country in order to cripple the country and disrepute the administration of President Muhammadu Buhari on the global front.

In“Though Tinubu issued a statement to deny sponsorship of the protests, his reasons were not convincing enough.
“We therefore call on the Inspector General of Police to arrest Tinubu and all his cohorts involved in this sacrilegious act against the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.
“No one is in support of act of criminality by bandits, criminals and kidnappers anywhere in the country. But we will also not allow anyone no matter how highly placed to destabilize the nation through the back door.
“We are happy by the steps taken by the Oyo State governor to dissociate from this attempt at genocide.
“Other state governments in the Southwest must do the same and arrest Igboho if he comes into their territory.”

Ebonyi PDP: AESID hails judgment, CP, warns against government intimidation

The Association of Ebonyi State Indigenes in the Diaspora (AESID) has warned the state government to stop intimidating Judges in the cause of their duties, even as it commended the new Commissioner of Police for being professional.

The Ebonyi indigenes said the agents of state government were trying to manipulate the judiciary into causing trouble in the opposition Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in the state.

In a statement released by its President, Amb. Paschal Oluchukwu, on Sunday in Abuja, said the goal is to continue to cause division in the PDP by having the Nwebonyi group parade as a factional State Exco of the PDP through Suit No: HAB/161/2020 with Roy Umahi as the lead counsel to the Plaintiffs.

“We condemn, whole and entire the desperate attempts to use the Judiciary to achieve the threat of being in APC and sponsoring crises and divisions in the PDP.”

While commending the Ebonyi Judiciary for remaining firm as the last hope of the common man, the statement called on the Ebonyi State’s Judiciary to remain steadfast and unwavering.

“Already, we have read in the media through the former Assistant Financial Secretary of the Nwebonyi group who recently dumped the camp, Linus Ogazi how Governor Umahi divided the Excos in order to create a parallel faction of the party.

“AESID is also aware of the threats and intimidations that the young man has been receiving since he made the disclosures and wishes to call on Security agencies to call the Governor, his brothers and the Speaker of the State’s House of Assembly who have been dishing out threats to him to order. They should be held responsible for whatever happens to Mr. Ogazi.”

On the activities of the new Commissioner of Police, CP Aliyu Garba, the group thanked the police for their professional role in ensuring that those who staged a protest recently at the state High Court were dispelled peacefully.

“We, however wish to counsel the new CP to remain as professional and apolitical as his erstwhile colleague, CP Philip Maku who has been transferred from the state.

“AESID also calls on security agencies and INEC to obey the order of Justice I. E. Ekwo of the Abuja Federal High Court in Suit No: FHC/ABJ/CS/1609/2020 restraining David Umahi’s faction of the PDP in Ebonyi State led by the gadfly, Nwebonyi and his cohorts from parading themselves as officers of the Party. They should therefore provide security and accord protection to the Udeogu-led Exco to legitimately takeover the State Secretariat of the Party for the interest of justice, peace and unity of the opposition party.

“AESID lastly commends the Udeogu-led Excos and indeed, the teeming members of PDP for their calmness, steadfastness and resoluteness amidst attacks and wanton provocations by Governor Umahi and his surrogates. For in the end, it shall indeed, be proven to all that Ebonyi is PDP and PDP is Ebonyi State and Umahi is only a solo naked dance in his new political voyage!”

Group asks FG, African nations to sanction Trump, others

Nigeria and other African nations have been urged to impose sanctions on immediate past U.S President, Donald Trump and top officials of his administration over worsened diplomatic relationship between the United States and the continent. 

According to civil society group, All Lives Matter in Nigeria (ALMN) at a world press conference on Sunday in Abuja, this is necessary to send a strong signal to other world leaders insincere in their dealings on issues that affect Africa. 

Recall that China, on Wednesday, slapped sanctions on 28 former Trump administration officials including his Secretary of State Mike Pompeo.

In his address, Comrade Bonaventure Maduka Director, Public Enlightenment, said Trump was insincere with Africa and most of his policies were targeted at Nigeria and against the country’s socio-economic growth.

Maduka revealed that the imposition of a travel ban on Nigerians and blacklist for alleged religious freedom violation is a clear example of his anti-Nigeria policies. 

The All Lives Matter in Nigeria, therefore, called om Nigerian authorities to issue an executive order imposing travel bans and business restrictions on some of Trump’s top allies.

The group noted that the U.S instead of extending support to Nigeria in the war against terrorism and other militancy acts, the past administration propagated a narrative that almost sparked an ethnoreligious crisis in the country. 

The All Lives Movement in Nigeria, however, charged all African nations to be united against Trump in protest of his egregious policies that stifled socio-economic growth and development in the continent. 

While welcoming the travel ban reversal by Joe Biden, the group hoped that this would trigger a diplomatic turnaround in the relationship between Nigeria and the United States. 

It added that it expects Biden to give Nigeria its pride of place amongst the comity of nations and upturn the obnoxious policies of the Trump administration.  

Read the full statement below:

The All Lives Matter in Nigeria Movement welcomes you all to this press conference in the light of the happenings in the United States of America and indeed worldwide. 

Cognizant of Joseph Biden’s swearing-in as the 46th President of the United States of America, the outgone administration of Donald Trump has continued to generate controversies around the world for conducts that undermines democracy. 

The Capitol’s invasion by supporters of Donald Trump gives a clear picture of the personality of Donald Trump and his level of sincerity and commitment to the entrenchment of democracy, not just in the United States of America but all around the world.   

It is indeed a statement of the fact that the administration of Donald Trump was very hostile to Nigeria in ways too numerous to mention. One of such is the imposition of travel ban which affected families of Nigerians living in the United States of America. 

Former President Donald Trump also attempted to ignite a religious war in Nigeria by alleging Christians’ persecution by the government in Nigeria.

While this was regarded as a most despicable act by the President of the United States of America, he labelled Nigeria and other African countries as shithole countries. 

All Lives Matter in Nigeria Movement is of the considered opinion that Donald Trump’s administration was by every inch of imagination against the socio-economic growth and development of Nigeria. 

Therefore, we are constrained to demand that the Nigerian government imposes sanctions on Donald Trump and members of his administrations whose actions and inactions harmed Nigeria. This is indeed necessary to send a strong signal to other world leaders insincere in their dealings on issues that affect the African continent. 

The All Lives Matter in Nigeria Movement would be releasing a report on the many atrocities of the Donald Trump administration on Nigeria in the past four years. We shall also be demanding punitive actions against Donald Trump and his associates to ensure that they do not have any business dealings in Nigeria and on the African continent. 

We are also using this medium to call on the Minister of Foreign Affairs in Nigeria, as well as his counterpart in the Ministry of Justice to issue an executive order imposing travel bans and business restrictions on Trump’s secretary of state, Mike Pompeo, national security adviser Robert O’Brien and U.N. ambassador, Kelly Craft, and former national security adviser John Bolton and strategist Stephen Bannon. 

The urgency of now requires that this action is taken against the individuals mentioned above who were advisers and confidants of Donald Trump during his reign as President of the United States of America. 

These individuals, alongside Donald Trump, did insult our sensibilities. Their tactic refusal to extend support to Nigeria in the war against terrorism and other militancy acts. Instead, they propagated a narrative that almost sparked aethnoreligiousus crisis in the country. 

The All Lives Matter Movement in Nigeria uses this medium to encourage other African countries to impose travel bans and business restrictions on Donald Trump and his top advisers since in their estimation and wisdom; Africa is a continent of shithole countries. 

It is our considered opinion that the African continent stays united in this front. It is on record that the Donald Trump administration was very uncommitted towards the growth and development of countries in the African continent. Their disdain for Africa was legendary. This was responsible for the egregious policies that stifled socio-economic growth and development in the African continent. 

It is our firm belief that the new administration in the United States of America would give Nigeria its pride of place amongst the comity of nations and upturn the obnoxious policies of the Donald Trump administration. 

While we commend President Joe Biden for taking the bold step of reversing the travel ban imposed by Donald Trump on Nigeria and other countries, we also hope that this step would indicate the future of what to expect in the diplomatic relationship between Nigeria and the United States of America. 

We hope that the government of Nigeria acts in the overall interest of the people of Nigeria that were disdainfully treated by Donald Trump while he was President of the United States of America. 

We thank you for your keen attention and time.

The diaspora quagmire for Nigeria

By Idoko Ainoko

It is established that the population of a nation is its strength; the intellectual and positive productive gifts of its citizenry are its power and enviable assets. The overbeaten cliché in the inaugural address by a former American President. Mr. John F. Kennedy’s in 1961, pricked the consciousness of the people to national loyalty and patriotism soberly; “ask not what your country can do for you; ask what you can do for your country.”

It is a timeless aphorism which pulsates with more relevance for Nigerian today, just like yesterday. It is not only the proclivity of Nigerians to sit back and ask what their country can do for them; but added to it is a flourishing proclivity in this negation, flavoured by the unresisted temptation of destroying the even the little the country has done for Nigerians. The trend is very visible among Nigerian reneges in the diaspora.

The diaspora Nigerians creates artificial tempestuous waves for their country and work industriously to drag others into the evil. They assemble in the temples of enemies and foes of Nigeria; freely partake in the plotting of evil against their own country. Nigerians in foreign lands with no shred of moral sanity provides the tonic and lead the pathway for external forces of destabilization and destruction to feast on the intended perdition against their country. It is done unashamedly insofar as gratification in dollars are placed on the table.

But when former President John F. Kennedy spoke to Americans in 1961, he was conscious of the unassailable reality that his country men and woman resides both within and outside the shores of America. His aphorism strongly charged them on national patriotism, and oneness of actions wherever they are domiciled in the world to make America a global force.

Unfortunately, the devil has ferociously snatched the spirit of patriotism and loyalty from most Nigerians in foreign nations. Of course, there are a few diaspora Nigerians who in their lifetime have brought cherish garlands to Nigeria in sports, academics, banking, medicine, ICT, engineering, architecture and in almost all genuine human fortes. But their numbers are very infinitesimal. The bad ones amongst them are in very awful multitudes.

No doubt, Nigeria is so blessed roundly. But through the sheer evil machinations of some compatriots in the diaspora, there are committed attempts to metamorphose Nigeria into the global headquarters of hell on earth. The rhetorical question quivering on the lips of many is that why is Nigeria so blessed, yet so cursed with such a large number of diaspora nationals?

Truly, some blessings turn out to be a curse. It is undebatable that any nation lucky enough to have a recognizable population of its citizens abroad especially in places like the USA, United Kingdom, China, Japan, Germany, Israel, South/North Korea and host of other developed countries should ordinarily be grateful to God for the blessings.

The excitement is because these individuals are able to replicate models of inventions, investments and other wonders of modern technology to their home country so as to also attract the rest of the world to their countries. It is fallacious and unpardonable for those who still think foreigners would abandon their own country to develop the countries of others. Every patriotic citizen hates to see other nations pairing up with the development manifestations of his country and so, he frustrates it in all possible ways. So, its one’s sacred obligation to develop his country.

A responsible and productive diaspora population should dedicate its energies to acquire the best and latest of knowledge of science and technology and import same into the home countries. They earn national revenues in hard currency for their countries from personal taxes and other lawful levies. They passionately defend their home countries against undue foreign interferences and infringements on the sovereignty of their nations of birth.

Quite lamentably, the experience of Nigeria with her diaspora citizens is slightly different. It bows to the absurd and generally adversative to what is obtainable in other countries.

And the Nigerian citizens in diaspora with crooked minds, lays the foundation back home even before escape to foreign lands. That’s why most of them find illegal means of migrating into foreign nations, instead of adhering to genuine and approved procedures.

Very constantly, embarrassing tales of deportation of illegal Nigerian migrants resonates in the files of Nigeria’s Embassies and High Commissions abroad or international news headlines, more than any other African country. The story is the same even with some of those who are legitimately granted access into such countries; because of demonstrated, certified unlawful and discredited conduct.

Nigerian diaspora lords most times are criminals who escaped the shores of their home country after participating in armed robberies, killings, cultism, terrorism and other high-profile crimes against humanity. And when the law haunts them, the easiest respite is to seek refuge by escaping to foreign countries.

While in these countries, they try relentless and tenaciously to hobnob and submit themselves to services of desperate forces whose only agenda is to undermine and destroy Nigeria. These external forces find such diaspora Nigerians as handy and weapons. So, these diaspora Nigerians become the canon folders and torchbearers in perpetrating the external agenda of destabilization and destruction of Nigeria.

And disgracefully too, Nigerians in the diaspora who fail to penetrate the network of the external subversive elements after the soul of their country, end up in these foreign lands as petty thieves, drug peddlers, rapists, social deviants, drug addicts, hired assassins, internet fraudsters and forerunners of other very confounding crimes. And once they are caught, it is either imprisonment or deportation back to Nigeria depending on the gravity of the crime committed. And once you check their records back home, it reveals the same history on their profile.

These are the games diaspora Nigerians play wherever they are domiciled. The lucky ones like leader of the outlawed terrorists gang which has veiled itself as IPOB, Nnamdi Kanu and many others hide under the diaspora umbrella because of their links and protection by the external lords against Nigeria to discharge their covenanted assignment of destabilizing the country. Expectedly, they have attracted nothing beneficial to Nigeria to justify their years of sojourn in foreign lands.

But quite irrationally, the likes of Kanu and co-travelers are obligated by their foreign sponsors never to shrink in this assignment. So, their fake and bogus allegations of human rights violations against the state. To relax in trumpeting it even for a day, leads to serious reprimands and threats by their foreign pay masters to withdraw funding and their residency protection abroad.

Aware of the repercussions of the such withdrawal, it frightens them endlessly. That’s why they exploit every opportunity to sponsor insurrections against the Nigeria state. And they take advantage of some lazy Nigerian youths by massively recruiting these charlatans, miscreants, hooligans, murderers and brigands to amplify the social unrests in the country to the unimaginable magnitude of compromising national security in order to please their foreign pay masters.

Those who believe their veiled antics against Nigeria or misconstrue their preachments on alleged human rights violations in the country as true; can also believe Lucifer came into the world to assist God Almighty accomplish His plan for the salvation of mankind, and not Jesus Christ.

Ainoko is a public affairs commentator and wrote this piece from Kaduna.

Nigerians urged to resist attempts to destabilize country from Diaspora

The Coalition for Truth and Justice (CTJ) has called on Nigerians to rise against negative influences and interferences in the Diaspora who mean no well for the country. 

The coalition gave this charge at a press conference on Friday in Abuja. 

According to Executive Director, Comrade Dominic Ohene, Nigerians abroad no longer display patriotism but malicious influence, surreptitiously eating the heart of the nation and contaminating the youths. 

Comrade Ohene noted that social media has become the major tool used in spreading false information and propagating misleading propaganda to implant anarchy and ultimately overturn the people’s mandate. 

Speaking further, Ohene recalled how these tactics almost worked during the EndSARS protests last year after these Nigerians hijacked and escalated the exercise. 

While citizens of other nations uplift the image of their country, the CTJ said most Nigerians outside the shores have elected to attack and set their home in flames. 

More worrisome, Ohene noted that the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NIDCOM) have assisted these elements to achieve their course, availing its offices as a staging point for attacks against their home government. 

The CTJ, therefore, charged all Nigerians to stand up in solidarity to say enough is enough to the adverse impact of the Diasporas in our country. 

While calling for strict sanctions on these Nigerians, the coalition recommended that all Diaspora groups and offices must be overhauled and replaced with more competent people willing to work earnestly and efficiently for the interest of the country. 

It, however, urged all Nigerians to work together and support President Muhammadu Buhari’s led administration for the peace and prosperity of our dear country Nigeria.

 Read the full statement below:

The present epoch could reasonably be referred to as the diasporan age. The age of mass movement from one country to another. The age where citizens can represent their mother countries while residing in another, the age where their actions and voices can be heard, and cause tremendous affect either positively or negatively.

As a matter of fact, these effects have to lead many nations to look into the meanings birthed by the word “Diaspora”, especially meaning with dispersal, immigration, expatriate, refuge, exile, and ethnonational communities. There is no doubt that all these are more or less part of the intrinsic dynamics of a diaspora community.

Be that as it may, membership of a contemporary diaspora now implies potential empowerment based on the ability to exert socio-economic and political influence in both the homeland and the host and.

Indeed, we all know that diasporan historiography and discourses have grown exponentially in recent times. Despite this impressive historiography, the Nigerian diaspora has largely been subsumed under the general categories of studies dealing with Africans or Blacks living outside the shores of Africa.

The Coalition for Truth and Justice feels disturbed and very concerned about the soiled-Nigerian-garment by many Nigerians in the diaspora. It is said that “A good name is better than gold and riches…” 

Unlike how Interestingly it used to be, that members of the Nigerian diaspora were heavily involved in transnational activities that effectively integrated their countries of origin with their host countries. They, therefore, became not only veritable agents of poverty reduction but a key player in the process of Africa’s socio-economic transformation and development, thereby playing a pivotal role in the process of integrating the African continent into an increasingly globalized world.

Unfortunately, it is very heartbreaking to see that this precious historical legacy has now been thrown to the swine just because of the selfishness of some bad urchins that seek after their own political aggrandizement.

These negative influence of many Nigerians in the diaspora are surreptitiously eating at the heart of our nation and it is corrupting our youths. Their influence on the youths of Nigeria has been appalling. A lot of Nigerians at home look up to Nigerians in the diaspora as they believe that they become more successful over there, and thus, their way of life has been emulated by many Nigerians.

The awful thing about this is that they bring their bad culture to Nigeria. They exhibit the most appalling behaviour and this only succeeds in eroding the personalities of our youths. They have chosen to use social media as a means of spreading false information and propagating misleading propaganda. Their only aim is to implant a lawless society in Nigeria. Their only aim is to ensure that their fat cheques keep coming from their sponsors. It is most unfortunate that these evil political sponsors are hiding behind the façade of being democrats when in reality they abhor the very tenets of democracy, which is why they are keen on using crude tactics to overturn the mandate that Nigerians gave the government.

During the EndSars protests, the diasporas shamelessly attacked the Nigerian government.  They also conducted needless protests in their respective countries of residence. These actions only helped to further instigate the young men and women protesting which eventually turned violent and bloody. Their many witless posts on social media escalated the protests into a mini-revolution. But thanks to the prompt mobilisation and efficiency of the Nigerian security personnel, the situation was promptly arrested.

The sad thing about all these is that a majority of these people in the diaspora are outcasts and renegades who escaped to foreign countries after committing various atrocities. Many of them were armed robbers, rapists, school dropouts and lazy louts. These are unrepentant people with past criminal records, and they refuse to desist those act, but tend to continue such without giving it a second thought of the harm they are causing the society. Some of them are people who either failed in their businesses or their careers and therefore migrated overseas in search of greener pasture’. We call on every patriotic citizen to think it deeply that, If these people failed to make a significant impact in their country, of what value could they possibly be in other countries? They have nothing to offer. 

There has never been a group of people that mindlessly rained abuses on its own government from the shores of other countries. Every Nigerian citizen whether in the diaspora or not must do their best to be patriotic citizens by uplifting the image of the country rather than tarnishing it. The actions of the diaspora community especially in recent times is condemnable.

Patriotism is the sine qua non of every Nigerian citizen but the diasporas have shown us times without number that they lack it. This lack of patriotism has made many of the diasporas to act with such reckless abandon.

The shocking thing is that the diaspora groups and organizations such as NIDCOM have done little to curb this menace Nigeria is faced with. They have failed in many regards especially in identifying these rogue elements that are working against the interests of the country. Rather, the diaspora office has become an avenue for disgruntled elements to congregate against the interest of our country Nigeria. The diaspora offices have become a staging point for attacks against their home government. They are just opportunists who are only concerned with pursuing their own personal interests. The result of these acts of theirs has led to the unwarranted temporal ban on our dear country by some countries, and these have affected some meaningful Nigerians that had good visions and plans on how they would have made great exploits.

We stand here before you all today to tell you that a stop must be put to the actions of these diasporas before things get out of hand. It is of paramount importance that this situation is tackled headlong and fast. If possible, the leadership of the use the social media to stir the pot of disharmony in the country.

We must all stand up in solidarity to say enough is enough to the adverse impact of the diasporas in our country. To ensure our patriotism is unshaken, the Coalition for Truth and Justice is reminding every Nigerian that this is not a one stakeholder’s affair or fight, We are hereby calling on all Nigerians both in Nigeria and in the diaspora to work together and provide all the needed support for President Muhammadu Buhari led administration for the peace and prosperity of our dear country Nigeria.

Sahara Reporters and Dearth of Investigative Journalism

By Philip Agbese

Pro-protest and pro-terrorist news blog, Sahara Reporters, has maxed out its usefulness and may just be on the last lap of its viability going by the nature of the sub-par news items it is now pushing out in the name of exclusives or investigative reports.
The latest of such impaired offering from Sahara Reporters was sensationally headlined, “EXPOSED: Buratai, Olonisakin, Two Other Service Chiefs Get Eight Flashy Vehicles, Over 40 Soldiers, More As New Retirement Benefits”.

To start with, there is mischief written all over the headline, which leveraged basic arithmetic to create a sense of impropriety. By lumping the cars for four military chiefs together it promoted the impression that each of the chiefs would get 40 cars when they retire as opposed to the four they are actually getting. Granted that there is the tyranny of the headline, which allows publication to be attention seeking, the body of the story did nothing to clarify this lumping together of the number of cars.
It also omitted to fairly disclose that the cars that goes to each retiring office holder are not necessarily situated in the same city. To have a sense of this, a person of the calibre of a military chief would use a staff car, a pilot and back-up at the very least. The gruesome murder of a former Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), Air Chief Marshal Alex Barde (rtd) is a lesson to how and why military commander of that status need security and logistics provided as part of their pension.
In my opinion thy the Chiefs deserve what is legally allotted to them even if it is 20 vehicles each and a private jet. Though I know that the modesty of these people will not permit them to have more than two vehicles. Also add that Buratai as COAS still attends public hospitals with his family anytime he requires medical attention.

Interestingly, the Harmonised Terms and Conditions of Service for Officers (HTACOS) that Sahara Reporters based its malicious publication upon was revised in 2017, which leaves one wondering how that is a big news. It is farcical how the news blog attempted to make it look like the Military chiefs were self-serving by unnecessarily drawing attention to how the HTACOS was revised under their watch. It shows the depth to which the discredited news platform will sink in its quest to tarnish the standing of certain people in Nigeria.

One would have expected that Sahara Reporters would have included in its report the retirement benefits of the counterparts of these service chiefs from other countries of corresponding means. Unfortunately, the web rag failed to do this basic investigation and comparison that would have rubbished its supposed exposé. It would have likely end up with a story that reveals how Nigeria is unable to keep up with other countries in the care of those that risked most of their productive lifetime in safeguarding the rest of the population. The bet is out as to if Sahara Reporters if ever capable of publishing such a report and that is assuming it has the capacity to be objective enough to do same.

Bottom line, the shallow report is a continuation of a tradition that is guaranteed to destroy Sahara Reporters as a news source. Emphasis is on news source because one dare does not qualify that phrase with the “credible” because it is an expression that should not exist in the same sentence with the name of that web rag.

It would be a pipe dream to expect that Sahara Reporters will turn a new leaf to embrace objectivity where Nigeria’s military is concerned. Its desperate bid to hurt that institution and the people that lead it is legendary. This makes it pertinent to counsel the military and its leadership not to waste any effort in addressing the mischief that is replete in that shabby piece. Joining issues with Sahara Reporters is akin to wrestling a hog, one would invariably come out of the tussle all soiled with mud even when one defeated the hog.

What the military chiefs should rather do is to continue to deliver to Nigeria the superlative performance that has been the source of the publication’s anger. The military should continue to decimate the Boko Haram/ISWAP terrorists that Sahara Reporters is beholden of while sustaining the denial of space to other terrorist outfits that the news site is working for. They should continue to frustrate the foreign partners that collude with this evil platform to torment Nigerians by routing for the ascendancy of terrorism in the land.

For Sahara Reporters, we are assured that nothing will stop its death spiral as it is increasingly glaring that its publisher, Omoyele Sowore’s ambition of being named as a member of an interim government that would arise from the illegal sack of the current government by mob action is what is driving the dearth of investigative journalism in that publication. The only favour the publication owes Nigerians as it were is to speed up its own demise and it will achieve this by publishing the kind of junk referenced in this piece. It is a matter of time before its shallowness finally turns away those that had endured its lies for some time now.

Agbese is the CEO, TheNigerian News and wrote from Abuja.

More Nigerians eager to join Nigerian Army to fight Boko Haram

Recruitment into the Nigerian Army has assumed a new dimension with a record massive enlistment rate in the past few years. In a bid to understand the rush for enlistment, this medium undertook an analysis of some of the factors responsible for the surge in interest for enrolment into the Nigerian Army.

In a series of interviews conducted, it was observed that part of the reason for the surge in the interest in the Nigerian Army is the reintroduction of professionalism and improved welfare packages for officers and soldiers.

The recently conducted enlistment for recruits into the Nigerian Army buttresses this point. The number of candidates that turned up for screening was massive so much that quite a substantial number was turned back for failing to meet the criteria that by all indication was stringent.

According to some of the interviewed recruits, they stated that enlisting into the Nigerian Army is a thing of pride and a medium to contribute their quota to preserving the country’s territorial integrity.

Adamu Salisu, an indigene of Kebbi State who was amongst those whose application was rejected, stated that he was disqualified because he didn’t have the required educational qualification.

“ I have only two credits in my senior school certificate examinations; the minimum qualification is five credits. I decided to try my luck because I am passionate about Nigeria. I like the way soldiers are fighting the Boko Haram insurgents. My uncle, who is a sergeant in the Nigerian Army encouraged me to apply because he wants me to benefit and contribute to Nigeria.” he said.

He further added that he would ensure that he serves Nigeria with all of his strength if given the opportunity.

“I love Nigeria, and I believe that I have what it takes to be a soldier. The Nigerian Army is the pride of the nation, and I have decided to go back to school and ensure that I get the required number of credits to be eligible to apply next year.”

In the testimony of another candidate, who pleaded anonymity because his family members are not aware of his application into the Nigerian Army stated that the Chief of Army Staff is his mentor with the achievements in office.

“ I have friends in the Army and from what they have been saying is that every soldier adores the Chief of Army Staff because he is the best commander in the history of the Nigerian Army. They have always told me that their welfare has improved since he became Chief of Army Staff. There is also local, and foreign training for soldiers and officers and merit is always rewarded so long you are dedicated and committed to your work.”

This medium consequently carried out an analysis of the Nigerian Army recruitment application in the past four years. It was discovered that in the year 2016, the enlistment was oversubscribed by 45%. In 2017, it was oversubscribed by 65%, 2018, 70% in 2019, by 80% and 2020 by 95%.

This alarming rate of oversubscription cuts across recruits and Short Service and Direct Short Service cadre of the Nigerian Army. The case of Short Service and Direct Short Service was indeed one that presented the most challenges as candidates with master’s degree constituted the bulk of the applicants.

According to credible sources, candidates must possess at least a first degree with not less than Second Class Lower Division or HND of not less than Lower Credit in the arts, sciences or humanities from an accredited institution of learning. Courses of study must also be accredited at the time of the study. However, it was gathered that in 2020 recruitment, over 80% of those that applied had a master degree and 5% with PhDs.

This medium was able to interview some of the candidates that applied. It was gathered that the rush for enlistment into the Nigerian Army is a function of professionalism in the Nigerian Army. They were unanimous in stating that the Nigerian Army presents them the avenue to actualize their dreams of contributing to national development.

According to Chinedu Okafor, a graduate of psychology from Imo State University, he stated that it is a dream comes true for him enlisting into the Nigerian Army.

“The interview process was rigorous as we were subjected to a series of examinations. From the onset, I recall that those of us who enlisted for the Direct Short Service was about 15,000 for a 1500 opening. You can be assured that the process was very rigorous, and I thank God that I was able to scale through.”

When asked about his motivation and preference for the Nigerian Army above other services, he stated that the Nigerian Army remains the dream of every Nigerian desirous of serving the country in her trying times.

“We all know that the country is faced with some security challenges, and the efforts of the Nigerian Army have been very pronounced. The Nigerian Army is the face of the war against insurgency and other acts of criminalities in the country. I don’t know of other services, but I tell you that anyone that adorn the Nigerian Army uniform is indeed passionate about the wellbeing of the country and this is the place to be.”

An instructor also corroborated this fact at the Nigerian Army Depot Zaria. He stated that part of the selection process entails that candidates highlight why they want to join the Nigerian Army. The consensus was that the Nigerian Army is a place where human potentials are maximized because of its policies.

“I tell you that in the past four years, we have been under tremendous pressure dealing with the number of applications into the Nigerian Army. It is always a tasking period for us because of the numbers of applicants that yearly submit their applications in their thousands.”

When asked to comment on the rumours making the rounds of soldiers and officers disengaging from the Nigerian Army, he stated that it remains a figment of the imagination.

“The rumour of disengagement is pure mischief. I am not aware of any such happening in the Nigerian Army. I have served in the Nigerian Army for 25 years, and I can tell you that there is no such happening. It is the other way round because more and more people want to enlist into the Nigerian Army. This can be seen in the enlistment figures from 2016 to date. I think it is just mischief and not a reflection of the issues on the ground.”

“We must give credit to the Chief of Army Staff because his leadership style has made the Nigerian Army the preferred destination for young and energetic Nigerians. All of these were made possible because of the level of professionalism that has been put in place in recent times.”

“Yes, you might find one or two applying for disengagement from service, but I can tell you that they constitute those who joined the Nigeria Army with a misplaced motive and priority. If you cannot give 100%, there is no way you can enjoy your stay in the Nigerian Army, and I believe this number is immaterial.”

He further advised Nigerians that are desirous of enlisting into the Nigerian Army to ensure that they are ready to give in their best as there is no room for mediocrity in the present-day Nigerian Army.”

“Those that want to enlist into the Nigerian Army without passion for what the Nigerian Army entails should do well to look elsewhere. The Nigerian Army is an institution with strong values meant for only those with the bigger picture in mind. This is what has changed since Lt. Gen. Tukur Buratai assumed leadership.

Abuja-Kaduna railway: Passengers can now buy tickets online

The Federal Government of Nigeria has launched the e- ticketing solution following numerous complaints by commuters on ticket racketeering at the Abuja – Kaduna train Stations.

The Minister of Transportation, Rt. Hon. Rotimi Ameachi, disclosed this today at the launch of the e- ticketing online solution held virtually in his office in Abuja.

In a statement by Director Press and Public Relations, Ministry of Transportation, Eric Ojiekwe, the Minister informed that the online ticketing which marks the beginning of automation of ticket sales in all major stations in Abuja- Kaduna train service is in line with global world best practices and will enhance efficiency, save time and promote accountability while also reducing leakage and promoting economic growth.

The Minister further stated that it is a Public Private Partnership (PPP) valued at N900 million of which the concessionaire ( SecureID) will provide, then run it for 10 year to recoup its investment before reverting ownership to the Nigerian Railway Corporation (NRC).

Speaking earlier, the Chairman of the Governing Board, NRC, Ibrahim Alhassan Musa , said that the e- ticketing solution finally brings to an end the persistent allegation of ticket racketeering at the train Station.

According to the Chief Executive Officer, Secure ID Solutions, Kofo Akinkugbe, in her remarks observed that the launch heralds the nation’s entry into the new age of multi- model ticketing in public transportation while allowing for passengers convenience, efficiency and accountability for operators and provide data for government for better decision making.

Kofo further stated that the e- ticketing solution after a successful pilot program as of today has issued 25,000 tickets online and informed intending commuters on the Abuja – Kaduna rail corridor to assess the e – ticketing solution via web by visiting www.nrc.tps.ng, other avenues are: downloading the application from Google Play store or Apple Store, POS and Cash payments at the counter.

According to her, all solutions offer a increased customer experience such as convenient ticket purchase 24 hours a day, seat selection, secure online payments, no physical interaction amongst others.

The online launch was witnessed by members of the the Governing Board of NRC and the Director Rail Transport Service, Federal Ministry of Transportation, Engr M.T Babakobi, who represented the Permanent secretary.

Eric Ojiekwe
Director, PPR.
21st January 2021.