Humanitarian Affairs, transport counterpart top list of best-performing Ministers in cabinet assessment

Minister of Humanitarian Affairs, Disaster Management and Social Development, Hajiya Sadiya Farouq, has been ranked best-performing minister in the first year of President Muhammadu Buhari’s second term.  

According to an interim scorecard by Transparency Watch, her counterparts in the Ministries of Transportation and Youths & Sports, Rotimi Amaechi and Sunday Dare are second and third respectively.  

In the report signed by its President Barrister Maxwell Gowon, on Sunday, Transparency Watch disclosed that the ministers were graded on organizational strength; performance of agencies under the purview; impact on the lives of the people as well as transparency and accountability. 

“In the assessment of organizational strength, of all the ministries reviewed, the Minister of Humanitarian Affairs, Disaster Management and Social Development came out tops with a score of 9/10 due to its effective organization of the various interventions of government through the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) the National N-Power Initiative, National Home Grown School Feeding Programme, and the Conditional Cash Transfer Programme,” the report said. 

“It was identified that these intervention programmes are implemented nationwide. As such, the Honorable Minister of Humanitarian Affairs, Disaster Management and Social Development were able to ensure effective implementation of these interventions across the country in a most transparent fashion that is mainly responsible for its successes.

“The Federal Ministry of Transport came second with a score of 7/10 for its efforts at rail constructions across the country. This was followed by the Federal Ministry of Youth and Sports Development for the implementation of youth-oriented programmes across the country, especially at the grassroots level.”

The report further revealed that in the assessment of agencies, those under Hajiya Farouq have been the most active in terms of the fulfilment of its mandate to the people.

“It consequently scored 8/10 in the assessment of the performances of agencies. Other ministries were average in the performance of agencies under their purview with the bottom position going to the Federal Ministry of Labour and Productivity that has been characterized by infighting between the minister and heads of agencies in the ministry”. 

On the impact of government policies on the lives of the people as well as the economy, Hajiya Farouq has rated top again “for her efforts towards ensuring that the critical mass of youths and the vulnerable groups feel the impact of the efforts of the government towards alleviating their plights by ensuring that programmes and policies and programmes of government are given adequate attention. 

“It was also observed that the ministry had achieved 65% implementation of her programmes. This was closely followed by the Ministry of Youth and Sports Development as well as the Ministry of Finance, and the Ministry of Communications and Digital Economy.”

In terms of transparency and accountability, the report, however, said the Humanitarian ministry was tied with Ministries of Finance, Communications and Digital Economy. 

Allegation of Christian genocide in Nigeria false, misleading, Inter-Faith forum queries UK group

The Youth Christian and Muslim Forum of Nigeria (YCMFN) says allegations of Christian genocide in Nigeria by All-Party Parliamentary Group in the United Kingdom (APPG)  is false and misleading. 

Instead of paint religious element behind violence in the country, the inter-faith forum rather advised the UK parliamentarians to concern itself with the sanctity of all human lives irrespective of religion or ethnic biases and see to doing enough in collaboration with the Nigerian government to halt any further killings anywhere in the country.

YCMFN made this strong stand known in a virtual press statement on Saturday signed by its National President, Pastor Phillip Attah. 

A recent report by APPG on ‘Freedom of Religion and Belief, Nigeria: Unfolding Genocide?’, had alleged religious colouration in Boko Haram, banditry and other violent attacks across the country. 

However, YCMFN said such claims are biased and one-sided malicious narrations from those who do not wish the nation well.

While admitting the security challenges in the country, the inter-faith group rejected the attempts to attach religious dimension, acknowledging the progress made under President Muhammadu Buhari.  

“We consider it most distasteful for anyone to attempt to coin a narrative that ‘Christians are actually the target of this murderous group’. Worst of all is the attempt to rope the government of President Buhari into this, or perhaps the attempt to drag the armed forces of Nigeria and sister security agencies into the evil religious narration,” Pastor Attah disclosed. 

The statement partly reads; ” Nigeria no doubt is battling some security challenges that have been ongoing for a while now. What we, however, want to set straight is the fact that the killings going on are largely religion blind. Are there killings that involve Christians? The answer is yes, Christians are certainly murdered in Nigeria, but the fact remains out there that this evil terrorist has killed more Muslims and are in fact killing more Muslims. 

“These terrorist are despicable savages that know no one. So long as you don’t support their extreme version of Islam, of which many Muslims in Nigeria don’t support you are regarded as an enemy and become a target of their killings.

” We know some mischievous elements will want to play the religious card with the ongoing security challenge, we worry less about them, since many of the perpetrators of this narrow and unfortunate narrative do so for their own pecuniary gain.

“We are however concerned about our friends outside the country who may not be well informed about the intrigues and the realities of these security challenges and may want to fall for the one-sided narration of some mischief-makers.

“President Buhari’s campaign was anchored on the return of peace to the troubled northeast region and indeed everywhere else in Nigeria. This promised he has been able to fulfil to an extent with the help of the great men and women of the armed forces.

” Before the coming on board of this government almost 14 local government areas were under the total control of the terrorist group less than 18 months in an office all territories hitherto held by the terrorist have been recovered and normalcy returned to most of these areas.

” There cannot be any doubt about the government’s sincerity in the battle against insurgents and all other forms of criminality going on in the country. The president has made more funding available for the welfare and procurement of required tools to eliminate the terrorist.

” Whilst we admit the security challenges are not gone. We totally reject the attempt by enemies of the state to bring a religious dimension to the current security challenge because it is totally false and only an attempt to whip up religious sentiments to further divide us and distract us from our focus on taking out the terrorist who are the real enemies of the people.

” In the north-west region of the country where the killings are now most rampant due to activities of bandits and kidnappers, 90% of the victims are Muslims, should we then say they are being killed because they are Muslims? Take Zamfara State for example with one of the highest numbers of deaths in the North West yet over 98% of those killed there are Muslims. So would anyone now say Muslims are being targeted in the north for a genocide?

” Yes, the people killed in Zamfara are Muslims but they were definitely not killed because of their faith. The same way many Christians must have been killed in the many years of these terrorist activities but not all were killed because of their faith.

” Take the middle belt, for example, there have been decades of clashes between herders and farmers over the years, unfortunately except we collectively sit and find long-lasting solutions, peace may remain elusive in that region. There are several reasons for the conflict in that region”.

The Youth Christian and Muslim Forum of Nigeria, however, called on ” all Muslims and Christians across the country to unite and promote peace and unity amongst ourselves”.

Dr. Olukoya Decries Link with Fraud, Clarifies False Allegation on UK Church

General Overseer of Mountain of Fire and Miracles Ministries (MFM), Dr. Daniel Kolawole Olukoya, has denied involvement in any fraudulent activities as being portrayed in some sections of the media, which he accused of being bent on churning out malicious stories against him and the church.

Defending Dr. Olukoya, in a statement, his media aide, Mr. Collins Edomaruse, said the seven allegations laid against the general Overseer and the MFM were without foundation, but intent to damage his reputation and destroy the global image of the church.

Edomaruse also said “It has become pertinent for the purpose of clarity to respond to the false allegations being peddled against the Mountain of Fire and Miracles Ministries and our General Overseer – Dr. D. K. Olukoya in the social media particularly sponsored by SaharaReporters. These allegations are seven (7) in number namely:

No. 1 That Dr. Olukoya falsely claimed residence of US city of Maryland.

Nothing can be further from the truth. Dr. Olukoya is a public figure nationally and internationally. His domicile is therefore a fact of public knowledge. The true position is that the Pastor who wanted to register MFM in Maryland inserted Dr. Olukoya’s name without prior consultation with or knowledge of the G.O because he believed that Dr. Olukoya should be involved but after he consulted a lawyer and received advice that a person’s name cannot be on the incorporation documents unless he is resident in Maryland, that registration was put in abeyance and allowed to lapse. The Pastor is still alive and all the evidence are there for all to see at the Company Registry in Maryland.

No. 2 Allegation is that Dr. Olukoya Illegally Imported books into the United States and evaded payment of Customs duties on those books.

This is also untrue. Dr. Olukoya’s books are sold on Amazon. It is fool hardy for anyone to suggest that he brought in his books to US illegally when he can and has been doing so legally. This false allegation was pioneered by a former Pastor of MFM who tried to steal MFM Branch in Maryland. He conceived this lie as his defence to a civil Suit the Church brought against him in the County Court in Maryland. This concocted lie could best be described as the wild thrashings of a drowning man intent on bringing everybody down with him. However, in defence of this allegation, MFM brought its book keeper to testify in court who produced all the receipts of payment and customs documents and, in the end, the Judge not only thrashed the wild allegation but gave judgement in favour of MFM

No. 3 is the allegation that the Trustees in the UK were suspended.

This is completely false. They were never suspended. They are still in charge of the Church even up till now.

No. 4 is the allegation of fraud against the Trustees of MFM UK.

The trustees were never indicted. We can authoritatively say that no Trustee of MFM-UK has ever committed fraud.

No. 5 is the allegation that Dr. Olukoya connived with someone to steal 150,000 pounds.

This is a complete fabrication from the fevered minds of the defamers. Fortunately, all the people that took money illegally are still alive. The genesis of this allegation is that the lease of one of our branches in London contained a clause which stipulated that any party who broke the Lease for any reason before its expiration would pay a penalty of 150,000 British Pounds to the other party. It happened that the owner of the property broke the lease and sold the property to a third party which necessitated the Church relocating from the building. The property owners honoured their obligation and paid the penalty sum of 150,000 pound which the Pastor of that branch somehow found a way of paying it into his personal account without informing the Headquarters and conspired with the external auditors to shield that income from discovery. It was much later that a member of that branch brought to the attention of Headquarters that such amount of money had been received by the Pastor.

Headquarters immediately set up a panel to investigate the incident and give fair hearing to the Pastor concerned. He attended the sitting of the panel and unequivocally admitted the theft. The Panel directed him to refund the money immediately. Upon receipt of the report of the Panel, the General Overseer issued the Pastor an ultimatum in writing to pay back the money within forty-eight (48) hours whereupon he promised to re-mortgage his house in London to comply. It was later brought to the attention of Dr. Olukoya that this ultimatum had not been complied with by the Pastor who, on his own, began to repay the money by instalments.

From the above narration, it is crystal clear to any unbiased mind that the money was stolen long before the Headquarters and Dr. Olukoya got to hear and that when they did, appropriate internal machineries were promptly put in place to investigate and recover it.

The publication on the Charity Commission’s website which Sahara Reporters quoted out of context does not say or infer that Dr. Olukoya as Lead Trustee of the Church connived at the losses. It simply states, albeit on a false factual basis, that Dr. Olukoya agreed with and permitted the Pastor to repay the money by instalments. The question that flow from Sahara Reporter’s misconception and misrepresentation are:

a. Since the synonyms of connive are: plot, scheme, conspire, plan, hatch up, how can anybody do any of these in respect of an event that had already transpired without his knowledge?

b. Would a person who connived at an act set up a Panel to probe that act and eventually set an ultimatum for the return of the stolen money?

Suffice to say, at this point, that Dr. Olukoya has in letters dated 15th and 16 August 2019 writen to the Charity Commission to challenge the non-factual nature of the report written about him on their website. The Commission in a terse reply dated August 20th 2019 indicated that it would address that complaint.

No. 6 is the allegation that MFM and Dr. Olukoya are land grabbers and were set to lose the MFM Prayer City land.

Besides the fact that MFM has a Certificate of Occupancy, the falsehood of this allegation has been judicially determined by the fact that the lawyer who granted the interview from which Sahara Reporters made the false publication, as usual without independent research, has been damnified in damages for libel in the judgment of a High Court.

No. 7 is the publication by Sahara Reporters that its Publisher Omoyele Sowore and his crew were beaten up and detained by MFM at its Prayer City.

The necessity to re-address this false allegation is underscored by the fact that the incident leading up to it is the foundation of Sowore’s deep seated hatred for MFM and Dr Olukoya and the reason for his sustained rancid and venomous attacks on our Church and General Overseer.

On the Cross-over service held at the MFM Prayer City in the night of December 2012 to the morning of January 2013, Sowore and his Crew, without being previously accredited like all other journalist and newsmen covering the event, gate-crashed and started filming and advancing towards the podium where Dr. Olukoya had already started preaching. Recall that this was a period when terrorist attacks and bomb blasts in places of worship were rampant and security was beefed up in such locations with large presence of uniformed and plain clothed Policemen, DSS operatives, Bomb detection Squads and other security operatives.

These Security operatives stopped Sowore and his crew from advancing further towards the podium, took them out for questioning and after they identified themselves they were advised to restrict themselves to the area reserved for pressmen but Sowore in his conceited perception of himself as having a larger than life image and reputation took offence at the suggestion and left with his crew only to subsequently concoct and publish those lies; and has not relented since then.

Our members and friends are advised to just ignore these false and malicious publications for what they are.

As for those who have made it their preoccupation and livelihood to pour filth on our Church and General Overseer, we love you as God’s creation and will continue to pray that you cease from your steady decline into perdition. We also commend to you the words of the scriptures in Isaiah 33:1 – “Woe to thee that spoilest, and thou wast not spoiled; and dealest treacherously, and they dealt not treacherously with thee! when thou shalt cease to spoil, thou shalt be spoiled; and when thou shalt make an end to deal treacherously, they shall deal treacherously with thee,” KJV.

SIGNED:

Collins Edomaruse
*08093000029

Group alleges planned mutiny against Buhari, fingers Senate

The Coalition for Nigeria Movement (CNM) says it has uncovered an evil plot by the opposition and other desperate elements to destabilise the administration of President Buhari with the aid of the National Assembly. 

Speaking at a press conference on Thursday in Abuja, CNM’s convener, Sabo Odeh, said these “agents of darkness” have finalised three mutineering strategies to dislodge President Buhari. 

According to Odeh, the first is to “raise motions on the floor of the hallowed chambers that the administration of President Muhammadu Buhari has failed Nigerians in the area of security”. 

CNM’s convener added that the legislators would then “make bogus claims that appointees of the president are corrupt to taint his anti-corruption crusade in fulfilment of the desires of their sponsors who among other are out to discredit the president”. 

Odeh further disclosed that the final phase is a public instigation of youths across the country against the government citing untold hardship and insensitivity towards their plight as the reason. 

The Coalition for Nigeria Movement, however, charged fellow patroits and all relevant security agencies to rise in defence of the country at this critical period. 

It warned the NASS and its allies to retrace their steps and respect the people’s mandate given to President Buhari in 2019. 

The coalition also advised Nigerians to learn from the Mali experience as those calling for mutiny in the military do not and will never mean well for democracy. 

“The recent events in the country indeed call for concern from all stakeholders with regards to the activities of some individuals and groups that have been involved in acts that are capable of undermining the territorial integrity of Nigeria,” Sabo said. 

“The Coalition for Nigeria Movement is in receipt of this nefarious plot by the agents of destabilization that are hell-bent on seeing to the disintegration of Nigeria at all cost and not minding whose ox is gored. 

“This indeed calls for concern from all stakeholders in Nigeria towards addressing this significant threat against our nascent democracy. It, therefore, behoves on all Nigerians to rise in defence of the country by ensuring that the plot to disintegrate Nigeria fails.   

“The Coalition for Nigeria Movement wishes to call on the Nigerian Police Force to begin a 24 hours surveillance across the country to monitor strange and natural movements of members of the National Assembly who have proven with their actions in recent times that they do not have the interest of the country at heart.  

“The Coalition for Nigeria Movement as a critical stakeholder in democratic governance in the country is advising those individuals and organizations that have plotted evil against Nigeria to retrace their steps. 

“It is, therefore, inexcusable to hide under whatever nomenclature to destabilize the country. The members of the National Assembly must be reminded that they are representatives of the people and not representatives of a select few. 

“The Coalition for Nigeria Movement wishes to state in unequivocal terms that indeed Nigerians would be watching closely as events unfold upon resumption from recess by the National Assembly, and Nigerians would also resist any attempt to truncate our nascent democracy.”

Insecurity: North East natives hold ‘Thank You Rally’ to President Buhari over peace

Nigerians from five states in the northeast, on Thursday, held a ‘Thank You Rally’ to the Aso Villa in appreciation of President Muhammadu Buhari over return of peace to their states.

They comprised of natives of Adamawa, Bauchi, Gombe, Taraba and Yobe States, who were once under the shackles of Boko Haram terrorists. 

In his address, Coordinator, Adamu Kabir said by restoring normalcy to these five states, the president has kept his promise to the people of the region who showed so much confidence in him. 

Adamu, on behalf of the Concerned Citizens of Adamawa, Bauchi, Gombe, Taraba and Yobe States admitted that the era of multiple bombings, terror and bloodshed is now in the past. 

“We here today represent the elders, non-partisan and socio-cultural organizations, women and children  from the states which have been fully liberated from the claws of terrorism,” he said. 

“This delegation of 5,000 men and women and great citizen of this country is our humble show of appreciation to your efforts, MR. President Sir. This has been made possible by your unwavering commitment and resolve to bequeath us a country that we all craves for.

“Mr president we are indeed very grateful for keeping to your promise of restoring peace and security to the North-East region. You assured that you will deal with the Boko Haram menace and true to your words you have done just that. You are indeed ‘Mai Gaskiya’.

“Our solidarity here today is informed by the need to thank you and to equally ask for more as peace has continued to return to our various states. We appreciate that you are making a lot of effort to equip the military and other security agencies. We appreciate your effort in setting up the North East Development Commission (NEDC), a great intervention that has helped greatly in restoring peace through development. Our people no doubt have not had it this good in a very very long while.”

The group also praised the governors of these five states for supporting the president and the Nigerian Army, ensuring lasting peace returns to their domains. 

Adamu’s words, “In all of these we are not unmindful of the impact of the cooperation of our various state Governors with your government in other to achieve this peace. We commend our various governors for their cooperation and smooth working with the Federal Government plue cooperation with the army and other security agencies.

“This cooperation is a major pillar in the task to restore normalcy to the north east. This symbiotic relationship across the northeast is a major reason for the elimination of Boko Haram in our states. It has always been clear to us, that to win the war against the terrorist our unity as a people and cooperation with the FG and our great military is very important.”

The citizens, however, appealed to President Buhari to continue his rebuilding and rehabilitation efforts in these states, providing the necessary funding for the troops and NEDC. 

“We appreciate you today Mr. President and want to ask that you do not relent in your effort at providing more funding to the NEDC and security agencies working to tackle security in the North East. We ask that you continue to use your great office to rally the leaders and people of the North-East together to be united in their fight against terrorism.

“Mr President, once again we say we are very grateful for all your efforts that are now yielding good results in our various states. This is priceless to a lot of us here, considering where we were only a few years ago.”

Political conspiracies, sabotage sustaining Boko Haram in Borno – SHAC

The Save Humanity Advocacy Centre (SHAC) has attributed the lingering activities of Boko Haram terrorists in Borno State to conspiracies and sabotage by the state’s political actors. 

SHAC also decried the lack of cooperation by the state government as well as politically motivated hostilities against the Nigerian military.

The centre made these revelations in a report signed by its Special Rapporteur, Dr. Okey Okechukwu and unveiled on Wednesday for distribution to the Office of the President, his Chief of Staff, state governors and the general public. 

” There has been a politically motivated hostility towards the Nigerian troops in parts of Borno State, especially in areas where the government wields enormous political interest. This fact as unhealthy as it sounds has also pitched personnel of the military against some ethnic groups that are probably ignorant of the efforts of the Nigerian Military towards the restoration of peace and order in their communities,” the report revealed. 

” It was also observed that the Nigerian Military is experiencing some level of sabotage in their operations with those that are supposed to keep the Nigerian troops informed of the presence of strange faces in their domains, instead prefer to relate such information to the local administrators. They, in turn, convey such to the state capital in Maiduguri and the time lag gives the invaders the latitude to wreak havoc on innocent people.

 “The Save Humanity Advocacy Centre, as a result of its study of the events in North-East Nigeria, concludes that political conspiracies and sabotage are responsible for the existence of Boko Haram in Borno State”. 

The centre said in the course of the research, it discovered that five out of six states have been freed from Boko Haram, with normalcy restored. 

This, according to the report,  buttresses the position canvassed in some quarters that the activities of the Boko Haram group have been successfully curtailed barring pockets of attacks in Borno.

As part of its recommendations, the centre, however, advised the government and people of Borno to take a cue from other states by extending support to the security agencies.

It also tasked the government to engage various community and religious leaders to sensitize the youths in the state on the demerits of associating with the Boko Haram group. 

What President Buhari’s Efforts on Security Mean to Adamawa

By Aminu Abubakar

Of the 21 Local Government Areas in Adamawa State, only few were spared of the agony of Boko Haram terrorists attacks, murder and arson, when the activities of the blood thirsty group spiked between years 2012 to 2015.
The strategic location of Adamawa State, which borders Cameroon, Borno, Gombe and Taraba States places it in the middle of the Boko Haram terrorism.

The level of insecurity was pervasive in no less than 12 local governments of the state which represents more than 50 percent of the local councils, but in terms of population, it affected over 70 percent as the terrorists activities hit mainly the most populated LGs like Yola Yola North, Yola South, Mubi North and Mubi South. The people of Ganye ,Gombi, Lamurde, Madagali, Maiha, Michika and Numan were also not spared and could not sleep with their two eyes closed as Boko Haram terrorists could storm any community within the precinct of their local councils and murder people at will.

According to a research, between January 2012 and June 2013, Yola North/South Local Government Areas  suffered the most in terms of security challenges, followed by Mubi North/South.

Yola is the state capital and has higher population hence any attack on its territory is bound to be felt in the entire state and beyond.

In January 2012, assailants reportedly attacked a church and killed 12 people while insurgents were reported to have killed four people in coordinated attacks on bars and public drinking spots. There were so many of such incidences in Yoka then.

But attacks in Mubi too have been no less devastating as the town with its huge market, had become a trading hub in the Northeast region while it also  borders Cameroon.

The strategic importance of Mubi is such that anytime the terrorists strike, the effect is felt in the whole region and across the Nigerian border as markets close and people flee to neighbouring countries raising serious humanitarian concerns.

On the night of 1st October 2012, for instance, a group of armed men attacked a student residence of Federal Polytechnic, Mubi, and  killed at least 25 persons, mainly tertiary institution students, using guns and machetes.

The insurgents were to return and attack Mubi again in 2014, 2017 and 2018. Maiha also had its share of insecurity as Boko Haram atacked many communities in the LG killing many.

In May of 2013 an attack on a church and village market left at least ten dead in the village of Jilang in Maiha. 
Madagali, which is 280 kilometres from the Adamawa State capital, Yola, was also not spared.

It has come under several attacks by the insurgents that many had fled from the communities. In September 2014,  Boko Haram extended their reign of terror to Michika and even captured it after many similar attacks. Thousands of residents of Garkida in Gombi Local Government were made to flee their homes in 2014, following attacks by Boko Haram sect on Sallah day. 

Four soldiers and three other civilians were killed in that attack as property including houses and cars worth billions of naira were destroyed by the insurgents.

The situation was so bad that on May 16, 2013, President Goodluck Jonathan had to declare a state of emergency in three Nigerian states, including Adamawa.

But by then, lots of live have been lost, property worth millions of naira destroyed, many displaced, hundreds abducted and many hd gone missing.

Certain families are yet to reunite several years after fleeing from Boko Haram attacks. These have been the unfortunate lot of the people of Adamawa State in several local government until the coming of the current administration. 

The President Muhammadu Buhari led administration, declared war on the insurgents and the military moved in swiftly with renewed vigour than before and recaptured all the local councils in the state hitherto taken by the insurgents and freed all the captives.

In the last two years, except for the attempt to attack villages in Michika and Garkida in Gombi local government, most of the LGs in Adamawa State have remained peaceful. Mubi has since got its groove back as the marketing hub of the region while Maiha, Yola, Ganye etc have almost put the thoughts of past attacks behind them.

That the Buhari administration has been able to do this to a population of over 4 million  is a no mean feat and the economic benefit derived from this are enormous. 

Little wonder when President Muhammadu Buhari visited Yola in 2018, to declare open the anti-corruption summit in the state and to commission some  projects, crowd of supporters were also on ground at the Yola International Airport to welcome the President.

They did so because the President had been able to give them their lives back by puaing the terrorists out of the state. For us, President Muhammadu BUhari’s efforts means a lot to us in Adamawa State and its just about everything. Staying safe and alive is the most important business in human existence.

Abubakar, an educationist wrote this piece from Mubi.

Group acknowledges Buhari’s efforts in liberating 5 states from Boko Haram

….calls for rapid infrastructural development to boost citizens’ living condition

The Centre for African Liberation and Socio-Economic Rights (CALSER) has hailed President Muhammadu Buhari for liberating five states in the northeast from Boko Haram terrorists. 

CALSER, however, charged the Federal Government to begin rebuilding and rehabilitation efforts in these states to avoid a resurgence. 

Speaking at a press conference on Wednesday in Abuja, CALSER’s president, Princess Ajibola said the military has indeed lived up to expectations by stamping out terrorists from Yobe, Adamawa, Bauchi, Gombe and Taraba states. 

“We wish to use this medium to commend President Muhammadu Buhari for matching his words with action by providing that political will needed to liberate North-East Nigeria from the shackles of terrorism,” Ajibola said. 

“The Centre for Africa Liberation and Socio-Economic Rights also commends other critical stakeholders that contributed immensely towards the liberation of the five North Eastern States from the threats posed by the Boko Haram insurgent group”. 

The centre further called on the FG to ensure rapid infrastructural development to boost citizens’ living condition. 

It added that the urgency requires all hands to be on deck as the military edges closer to wiping out remnants of insurgents from hideouts on the fringes of the Lake Chad Basin Region

“The Centre for Africa Liberation and Socio-Economic Liberation wishes to put on record that indeed the efforts of the Nigerian government at rebuilding and relocating those displaced as a result of the crisis must begin as a matter of urgency in our journey towards the restoration of normalcy in the communities liberated by the Nigerian Army,” Ajibola said. 

“If this is not done, we stand the risk of the Boko Haram group taking advantage to infiltrate these communities from where they would continue their nefarious activities against the Nigerian state. 

“The Centre for Africa Liberation and Socio-Economic Rights also task all International Non-Governmental Organizations operating in North-East Nigeria to render humanitarian assistance to returnees to their communities. 

“The task is also before other international partners, as well as the critical group of Nigerians in the Diaspora to use their network to attract the much-needed assistance to the people in the bid to return to their normal lives and restore their human dignity by engaging in agricultural and other useful ventures.   

“The Centre for Africa Liberation and Socio-Economic Rights acknowledges and appreciates the efforts of these humanitarian organizations over the years in through their activities that has indeed put smiles on the faces of displaced people and victims of the Boko Haram terrorism. 

“The North East Development Commission must also rise to the occasion to fulfil its mandate of assessing, coordinating, harmonizing and reporting on all intervention programs, and initiatives of the Federal Government or any of its Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs), States; and other Development Partners and for the implementation of all programs and initiatives for the North East states; Adamawa, Bauchi, Borno, Gombe, Taraba, Yobe, respectively.”

Zulum Convoy Attack: Coalition Lauds Outcome of Nigerian Army’s Investigation

…. urges troops to remain focused  on victory despite political sabotage

The Coalition Against Terrorism and Extremism (CATE) has applauded the Nigerian Army for the prompt probe of an alleged attack on the convoy of Governor Babagana Zulum of Borno State which exonerated troops of any wrongdoing. 

Despite the political sabotage, the coalition also advised the troops to remain focused and avoid distraction by mischief makers whose aim is to blackmail and ridicule their efforts in the final clearance operations. 

A detailed report found Zulum’s multiple claims against the military to be outrightly false. 

“Remarks of highly placed persons are capable of demoralising the troops which would negatively impact on operations and the confidence of the locals in the military,” Deputy Theatre Commander of Operation Lafiya Dole, Major Gen. Felix Omoigui revealed last week. 

And in a statement signed by its National Coordinator, Gabriel Onoja, on Wednesday, CATE said the probe is a timely intervention by the Army at the risk of some unscrupulous elements twisting the narrative to suit their nefarious motives. 

Describing the process as “fair and devoid of any form of interference”, CATE said the propaganda against the efforts of the troops is gathering momentum. 

“The Coalition Against Terrorism having followed the events that led to the attack and the subsequent investigations carried out by the Army authorities wishes to commend the leadership of the Nigerian Army for carrying out detailed investigations into the event and putting issues in proper perspectives for the benefit of the generality of the Nigerian public,” Onoja said.  

“It is thus our considered opinion that the investigative process was indeed a timely intervention by the Nigerian Army at the risk of some unscrupulous elements twisting the narrative to suit their nefarious motives. 

“We consequently state that the process was fair and devoid of any form of interference, and the position taken by the Nigerian Army is indeed in the overall benefit of the country. This much those against the unity of Nigeria must come to terms with.

“The Coalition Against Terrorism wishes to inform members of the general public that the propaganda against the efforts of the Nigerian Army is gathering momentum daily with countless energies channelled towards blackmail and character assassination of the leadership of the Nigerian Army. 

“The irony of the whole situation is that the conspiracy against the Nigerian Army is coming from unlikely quarters and those with a vested interest in the ongoing Boko Haram insurgency currently ravaging isolated parts of Borno State”.

The coalition, however, urged members of the public to continue to disregard unsubstantiated statement by individuals and groups that do not have the interest of the country at heart.

It further charged the troops of Theatre of Operations to continue to give in their best until all the remnants of the Boko Haram elements in Borno State are cleared. 

“We are by this medium asking well-meaning Nigerians to disregard statements credited to groups, individuals or organizations indicating complicity of the Nigerian Army in the attack of the convoy of the Borno State Governor in Baga, Kukawa Local Government Area of Borno State,” Onoja added.

“We, therefore, urge members of the unsuspecting general public to continue to disregard unsubstantiated statement by groups that do not have the interest of the country at heart and have been acting on behalf of the Boko Haram group to distract the Nigerian Army in its clearance operations in Borno State.

“The Coalition Against Terrorism wishes to encourage the officers and soldiers of the Nigerian Army in the Theatre of Operations to continue to give in their best in service to fatherland until all the remnants of the Boko Haram elements in Borno State are cleared.”

No more Boko Haram in Yobe, Buhari, Gov Buni’s partnership working – APC group

The All Progressives Congress, (APC) Network for Change has lauded President Muhammadu Buhari and Governor Mala Buni of Yobe State, for bringing terrorist activities in Yobe State to an end.

In a statement signed by its National Coordinator, Comrade Alih Lukman, on Tuesday, the group said terrorists and terrorists activities have almost been completely exterminated in Yobe due to the commitment shown by President Buhari to end the scourge and the cooperation received from Buni.

“We call it a partnership because the kind of support the President is receiving from the Yobe State Governor is total and unhindered which has resulted in the complete change of the otherwise tense security situation in the state.

“We now have a Yobe State that is not only peaceful and calm but on a fast track towards infrastructural development,” the group stated.

The APC Network observed that while the president has continued to sustain efforts at restoring peace in the state by equipping the military, the Governor on his part has continued to complement the efforts of the central government by ensuring that resources earmarked for projects are utilized for the purpose. 

“We are aware also that thousands of youths in Yobe State have been empowered and given interparental skills which have reduced crime and improved social life in the state.”

The Network said it is excited that in just five years of President Buhari in office and only one Year of Buni, such level of partnership could be attained to the extent that the threats of insecurity that once plagued the state are gone for good. 

The Netwoks said President Buhari by making the issue of security a major priority of his government, has given the military the needed push which has translated into the peace and calm being experienced in many parts of the Northeast including Yobe.

The Network said Governor Buni, by making youth empowerment the central theme of the policy of his administration, has, on the other hand, made it impossible for terrorists to find willing tools to recruit informants or fighters among them.

It said though the formation of Boko Haram has been traced to a small community in Yobe State, the commitment shown by Governor Buni is a clear demonstration that terrorism could be defeated if the right approach is adopted. 

The Network noted that any time the military succeeds in an operation against the insurgents, the Yobe State governor, to show appreciation, is first to commend its efforts and that of the President whether the governor is in the country or not.

It recalled that in January when the military neutralised scores of Boko Haram terrorists, Governor Buni commended the military authorities and charged the troops to adopt new strategies in order to finally get rid of the Boko Haram menace.

“He particularly applauded the efforts of security operatives working under Sector 2 Operation Lafiya Dole of the Nigerian Army for recording tremendous success in the fight against Boko Haram across Yobe State and advised the security agencies to  make the war against insurgents population-centric, by involving local people in sourcing information regarding security situations in local communities.”

The Network said the Yobe State Governor also praised Nigerian soldiers for successfully repelling a Boko Haram attack on the state capital, Damaturu, in December 2019 and expressed happiness with the President for help in thwarting the evil intentions of the insurgents while calling on residents to give maximum support to security forces by providing useful information.

“We are also aware that the Governor is talking to other stakeholders in the state, such that while the Federal Government is doing its part through the security agencies, the Governor is also doing his part talking to the relevant persons to give the youths the right orientation.

“This is what we have been asking political leaders and other stakeholders to do to support the military and we are happy that someone has picked up the initiative and the result is there for all to see.”

The Network called on other governors and political leaders to emulate Mai Mala Buni in giving their total cooperation to the President and to engage the youths in their states in productive activities.

Said the Network: “When the youths are given the right orientation and are engaged in productive activities, the tendency to be attracted to vices and terrorist activities would be reduced.

“The Yobe State governor is doing the right thing, governors whose states have been ravaged by Boko Haram have no option but to give their full cooperation to the President as Governor Buni is doing.”