General Buratai as God’s gift to Nigeria’s Counter- Terrorism Efforts

By David Achimugu

Nigeria as a country and, Nigerians, my compatriots are wonderful or unpredictable people. There is no crisis facing us that we lack the capacity to handle. I leave the deduction of our capacity to handle the often-self-induced crises for others to decide.

But I have to say that even in the United Kingdom, (my temporary place of abode now), or America, there are real and potent threats of terrorism. Terrorism is a compelling existential threat to humanity in the 21st century and the world is astounded by its expanding influence to distant destinations.

Our beautiful world created by God is inexplicably assailed by demons called terrorists. They delight in bloodshed, know no kith or kin. In their kingdom, there is no brother or sister. Violence is their defining creed. And those who should speak loudly and act against it, bark without commensurate actions. I my lifetime, nothing has befuddled me this much!

International politics is played differently, so I don’t know why United Nations (UN) is shy to draw full attention of the world to the budding terrorism evil in the Middle East, which is fast spreading to other distant abodes. And the countries are member-states of this world body.

UN has questionably flinched in declaring a full-blown war against countries that breeding and spreading terrorism; instead of science and technology; commerce and industry. But the eggheads at the UN and its Security Council (SC) knows it better. The world body has not adopted any step to checkmate the movement of arms and ammunitions across international borders which embolden terrorists’ atrocities.

Does anybody believe, we have a reason to protest against the UN? I don’t think it would be alright, because it could be misinterpreted to mean an unpardonable insolence. Let’s assume, all our leaders are flawlessly right. At least, most of those who claim to police the world have seen nothing bizarre in terrorism to warrant expedient actions and strict monitoring of its expansion.

So, do we need to worry anymore, under the protective armour of UN, celebrated world leaders, the UN Security Council and the rest of power brokers in the world, who are more interested in supervising the spread of terrorism and its variants around the world? If they are comfortable, we should pretend to be comfortable, in spite of the pains, agonies, and sorrows inflicted on us every day by terrorists and in most parts of the world.

We have no reason to complain or even groan aloud. And why? It’s because our bosses in the UN assemble every year or once in a while to define our destiny in New York. They are impeachable. Therefore, we should feel very okay and pretend indifference to the plight of our next-door brethren caused by terror and allied sects of violence and killings.

It’s a paradox that even international laws are softer on terrorists than, the innocent people they hack down or the security agents, who are drafted to stop the perpetration of terrorists’ evil. We are trapped in this vicious circle back and front and our whining consistently has not attracted the attention of a hardened world.

I will cry no more! And let my other brethren caged in this affliction cry no more! The mighty too, fall sometimes. Certainly, there is no reason to feel the pains again when the world savours the pleasures. Why should we feel the pains of terrorism, they seem to ask us?

The globe is horrorstruck, very dumfounded with the spread of terrorism, whether of ISIS or its affiliates in the Middle East. But the body weak and the fingers are too cold to act decisively.

The Middle East in the epicenter of terrorism from where it spreads to the rest of the world. Are we knowing it for the first time? Certainly, no! But UN romanticizes it. No sanctions on erring member- states over violation of UN Global Counter-Terrorism Strategy. Member countries are brazenly violating it. Yet, UN has proven a lame duck. Even countries such as Nigeria attempting to overcome terrorism are hamstrung variously.

I love America’s President Donald because he hates terrorists and has discovered the hypocrisy of UN. He doesn’t hide it. Meanwhile, all of us are under its spell. In my country, Nigeria, terrorism has transmogrified into numerous deadly sects. When we know, Boko Haram is the problem; we also hear of ISWAP. When the terrorists find it difficult to face the Army’s superior fire power, they morph into armed bandits, ethnic warlords, armed militias, violent secessionists, and religious extremists.

When I read in faraway London that some bandits have taken over the Northwest and tormenting the peace of the people, I was not surprised. And some analysts have truthfully, admitted that terrorists have emboldened the ranks of armed bandits. They have found this escape route because the COAS and leader of the counter-insurgency operations in Nigeria, Lt.Gen. TY Buratai has not given the insurgents ample operational laxity in the Northeast, where they prided in fake invincible might.

But I am consoled because we have a President matching the terrorists action for action. I knew that with a courageous leader like President Buhari, stopping the smuggling business around the borders through Sokoto, illegal mining of the nation’s gold resources by gold miners in Zamfara, one should expect retaliations and actions by these elements. Terrorists cum smugglers need the gold treasure in the Northwest more than a baby needs breast milk in order to fund their atrocious act.

But it’s not yet time for the terrorists and armed bandits to rejoice. What is clear to me is that they will always be met with not just stiff resistance from Gen. Buratai, but their evils will certainly be defeated. Almighty God has seen our afflictions, the conspiracy against Nigeria and our helplessness. Therefore, He has donated to us a rare gift of Gen. Buratai. It is one gift from God to us at this time of travails, which is preciously priceless. Gen. Buratai is a blessing to Nigeria and we do not fear the challenge of our enemies to us or their sponsors and financiers.

By His Grace, through Gen. Buratai, the Northwest shall be liberated from armed bandits and other criminals; the Northeast, shall be purged of terrorists, whether of Boko Haram or ISWAP and Nigeria must be free. If they deny us sale of weapons to battle terrorism, but allow the same weapons transit through international borders for terrorists and armed bandits to mow us down every day, Gen. Buratai and the Nigerian soldiers are ready for the worse, by using their bare hands to fight and defend their fatherland from the bloodthirsty devils incarnates.

Just a few days ago, when Gen. Buratai moved to the Northwest and commenced the Operation Sahel Sanity, we are beginning to record good postings against the terrorists and armed bandits. They shall be pounded into defeat because God is on our side, no matter the extent of the conspiracy against us.

But I plead that whilst the Operation Sahel Sanity is roaring and kicking in the Northwest, the expectation that other institutions of state should embark on aggressive thinking and actions to complement the efforts of the Nigerian Army to ensure that the armed banditry and other criminalities comes to a final end within the next few months.

I have absolute faith that the enemies of Nigeria have no conquering power over us. No matter how many Goliaths they have morphed themselves into, we have a Gen. Buratai as that little David who will bring them down by whatever means. Gen. Buratai, the people’s soldier, please, go farther afield and conquer the evil merchants and every force behind them. You are unmistakably, Nigeria’s rare gift on counter-terrorism.

Achimugu wrote this piece Abuja.

Service Chiefs: Diaspora Nigerians urge Senate to rise above politics, parochial interest

The Nigerian Senate has been asked to rise above politics and parochial interest on the war against terrorism in the country.

This advice came following the recent call by the Senate for the sack or resignation of the nation’s Service Chiefs.

The Senate made the resolution following the motion moved by Ali Ndume on Tuesday.

President Buhari, however, while reacting, reiterated that appointment or sack of Service Chiefs is a Presidential prerogative, and he will in his capacity as Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces, do what is in the best interest of the country at all times.

Reacting to the development, the Nigerians in Diaspora Monitoring Group (United Kingdom Chapter), said the call for the sack or resignation of the nation’s Service Chiefs was borne out of selfish interest and not in the best interest of Nigeria.

Angela Boroh, President of the group in a statement on Wednesday, called on the Service Chiefs not to be distracted by the call but remain focused to restore normalcy to troubled areas.

The statement reads below.

The Nigerians in Diaspora Monitoring Group, United Kingdom Chapter, is constrained to urge the Senate of the Federal Republic of Nigeria that it is time for it to rise above politics, parochial, ethnic and self interest in the interest of the war against terrorism, insurgency and banditry in Nigeria.

Our call in this regard became necessary after the Senate threw caution to the winds and adopted a resolution demanding that the heads of the Military Services resign on the excuse that the security situation has degenerated. Senate’s decision to meddle in a field for which it is ill-equipped and mostly lacking in understanding is unfortunate.

Since 1999 when democratic rule was restored, the position of Nigerians has been an insistence on the need for the military to stay of politics. It is therefore our sincere belief that it is trite for the Senate to know that politics should be kept out of the military in the interest of the integrity of both institutions.

The misguided trip the Senate has embarked on, if not immediately jettisoned, has all the ingredients for compromising stability in Nigeria on the short, mid and long-term basis. The Senate should have known without being told that the resolution it adopted is a glaring hijack of President Muhammadu Buhari’s functions as the Commander-in-Chief. Senate’s persistence to micro-manage or take over the running of the Armed Forces is alien to the constitution and runs contrary to the convention in Nigeria, which could only end b badly for the country if allowed to stand.

Rather than meddle in the tenure of the Service Chiefs, the Senate, and indeed the National Assembly of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, should have concerned itself with legislative interventions to curb irregular movement that has allowed a steady flow of recruits from other countries into the folds of Boko Haram, stop the flow of illicit small and light firearms into the country and review treaties that allow nationals of neighbouring countries to enter into Nigeria without restrictions. They should also come up with creative ideas on how to stem terrorist financing through legal instruments instead of moving motions that strengthen Boko Haram and the Islamic State.

We had thought that by now the National Assembly would have mandated interfaces with countries whose activities directly and indirectly promotes instability and terrorism in Nigeria and countries bordering Nigeria. That is the way the parliaments of other countries support efforts at dealing with terrorism and Nigeria should not be an exception.

Our intervention in this development is not without regards to past incidences where Federal Lawmakers in Nigeria were accused of being on the take or engaging in shake down of public office holders for bribe. We want to believe that this intrusive resolution was not informed by a refusal of the service chiefs to “play ball”. Nigerians, especially those of us in the diaspora are that suspicious of the parliament in our country hence our belief that people who citizens adjudged to be that compromised have no business interfering in the prosecution of the war on terrorism.

The Nigerians in Diaspora Monitoring Group, United Kingdom Chapter, therefore been tormenting the country.

We urge the Service Chiefs to brush aside the call for their resignation for what it is, a pointless distraction. They must also take steps to carry out internal confidence building in order to undo some of the damages that the Senate’s motion might have caused since some officers must have now been incited to become partisan. The unwavering focus of the military should be securing Nigeria from all threats with specific interest in winning the war against terrorism and banditry. This vision should not change.

Senate’s Call for Service Chiefs’ Sack embarrassing, disloyal, disrespectful – Buhari Supporters

The Coalition of Friends and Supporters of Buhari (CFSB) have described the Senate’s call for the resignation of the Service Chiefs as a display of disloyalty and utter disrespect to the president. 

Being the Commander-in-Chief, the group reminded the Senate that President Muhammadu Buhari is the only one constitutionally conferred with the power to hire and sack the military heads. 

Speaking at a press conference on Wednesday in Abuja, President, Comrade Musa A Musa added that the lawmakers’ action is a disservice to the generality of Nigerians given the enormous commitment and dedication displayed by the Service Chiefs in the country. 

The group further frowned at Senate President, Ahmed Lawan, for opting to play politics at the expense of national interest, labelling him an  “embarrassment” to his party. 

CFSB, though, admitted that “tremendous progress has been made and great success recorded through innovations and strategies introduced by Service Chiefs in tackling the various security threats in the country”. 

While expressing total support for the president’s decision to keep faith with the military architecture, the coalition, however, advised the Senate President and other lawmakers to consider the country first before their selfish interests. 

Read the full statement below:

The Coalition of Friends and Supporters of Buhari, a support group of associates and friends of the administration of President Muhammadu Buhari convoked this press conference out of a passionate desire to ensure that all forms of distractions for the current efforts of the present administration towards addressing the security threats in the country are nipped in the bud. 

The recent call by the Senate of the Federal Republic of Nigeria for the resignation of the Service Chiefs in the country is a great disservice to the generality of Nigerians given the enormous commitment and dedication displayed by the Service Chiefs in the country. 

The Coalition of Friends and Supporters of Buhari wishes to state that this is not the time to play to the gallery in this critical point of our existence given the myriads of politically motivated security challenges confronting the country. 

It suffices to state that the provisions of the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria as amended is very explicit in the powers conferred on the Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces with regards to the hiring and firing of the Service Chiefs in the country. 

It is our considered opinion that the leadership of the Senate went above board and outside their purview in calling for the resignation of the Service Chiefs in the country which by all intent and purposes is an affront to the Office of the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria. 

It is rather curious that the Senate President would condescend low to delving into areas and issues that are outside his purview to score a cheap political point in furtherance of his innate political ambition to contest the presidency in 2023.

While it is not out of place to aspire as a politician, it is most despicable that caution would be thrown in the winds in a bid to paint a false picture of incapacity of the President and Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces to act in the best interest of the country. 

That the Senate President, though a high ranking member of the All Progressive Party (APC) would elect to be disingenuous constitute an embarrassment to the leadership of a party with which he actualized his ambition of becoming the Senate President. 

The call for the resignation of the Service Chiefs as presided over by Senator Ahmad Lawan is nothing but a display of disloyalty and utter disrespect for the President and Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of the Federal Republic of Nigeria. 

The is on the heels that the Senate of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, either by omission or commission has continued to feign ignorance to the numerous efforts of the Service Chiefs in curtailing the activities of terrorists, militants and bandits across the country. 

That the Service Chiefs in Nigeria have demonstrated capacity is an understatement given the realization of where we were before the advent of the administration of President Muhammadu Buhari and where were are now in the fight against terrorism and other militant groups in the country. 

There is no doubt whatsoever that tremendous progress has been made and great success recorded through innovations and strategies introduced by Service Chiefs in tackling the various security threats in the country. 

This much the Senate of the Federal Republic of Nigeria has continued to feign ignorance of and responsible for the irresponsible statement calling for the resignation of the Service Chiefs in the country. 

The Coalition of Friends and Supporters of Buhari wishes to state in unequivocal terms that it stands with the decision of President Muhammadu Buhari to retain the present crop of Service Chiefs for their tireless efforts in ensuring that the threats posed by the Boko Haram terrorist group and other militant groups in the country. 

The Service Chiefs in the country have demonstrated capacity. They have never rested on their oars despite the numerous achievements, which is an indication of their unalloyed loyalty to the country. 

The Coalition of Friends and Supporters of Buhari wishes to state that its support of the administration of President Muhammadu Buhari is unflinching and would continue to remain so because of the passion and sincerity of heart and purpose of the president in leaving Nigeria better than he met it in all areas of the economy. 

We consequently wish to advise the Senate President not to be blinded by his political ambitions and realize that National Interest should guide his actions and inactions at all times.

The Coalition of Friends and Supporters of Buhari consequently advises the Senate President to resign and face the politics of 2023 which has become his major pre-occupation in the last few months.

The Senate President must realize that no amount of blackmail can deter President Muhammadu Buhari in the fulfilment of his lofty plans for the socio-economic development of Nigeria.  

The Coalition of Friends and Supporters of Buhari and other well-meaning Nigerians herby throw its total support behind the President and the Service and Security Chiefs without any equivocation.

The call for the resignation of the Service Chiefs by the Senate of the Federal Republic of Nigeria is of poor taste. 

Thank you for your time and rapt attention.

Service Chiefs: APC youth group condemns Senate’s call for resignation

*** describes it as ludicrous, senseless, shadow-chasing

The APC Youth Solidarity Network APC-YSF) has described as senseless and shadow-chasing the Tuesday’s call by the Senate for the resignation of the current Service Chiefs.

The youth group said the resolution made by the Senate following the motion moved by Senator Ali Ndume, is a clear indication that the lawmakers and other stakeholders in the Northeast and Northwest have declined the necessary support to the President and Service Chiefs in the fight against Boko Haram/ISWAP, armed banditry, kidnapping and other crimes bedeviling some parts of the country.

Addressing newsmen on Wednesday, Comrade Danesi Momoh, on behalf of the youth group advised the National Assembly to concentrate on its constitutional duties and desist from “the excitement of interfering with the lawfully defined responsibilities of the executive arm of government.”

The group, therefore, commended the Service Chiefs and Nigerian troops for the wonderful job in curtailing insecurity threats to Nigeria from armed bandits and terrorists.

Full text of his speech below.

The APC Youth Solidarity Network (APC-Youth Solidarity Network welcomes you to this urgent press conference. It is necessitated by the imperative to publicly caution the Nigerian Senate on the persistent and organized campaigns by the national parliament, against the Service Chiefs and President Muhammadu Buhari, GCFR, evident in the frivolous and vexatious resolutions calling for the resignation of the current Security Chiefs.

We recall that during the Senate plenary of July 21, 2020 and based on a motion raised by Sen. Ali Ndume, with additional prayers by Senator Francis Fadahunsi and contributions of other lawmakers, the Red Chamber again unconscionably passed a resolution asking the Service Chiefs to resign over alleged ambush of soldiers in Katsina and the voluntary resignation of many soldiers of the Nigerian Army.

We find the resolution of the Senate ludicrous, senseless, shadow-chasing, embarrassing and incongruent with the reality of the issue of Service Chiefs who are doing their best to curb the resurgent spate of insecurities in some parts the country. There is every reason to frown at this baseless inclination of the Senate.

If the Senate cannot eulogize the efforts and sacrifices of the Service Chiefs who are fighting acts of insurgencies and other criminals in the country, silence is more golden. But it constitutes a slap on the face to call for their resignation or sack and a glaring attempt to overheat the polity.

Asking the Service Chiefs to step-aside is the least solution to the insecurities assailing the country. Besides, it baffles and belittles the Senate, an otherwise honourable parliament to officialize rumours of alleged ambush of soldiers in Katsina state and the purported resignation of soldiers of the Nigerian Army to pass a resolution. It is tantamount to putting the cart before the horse. When has the Senate morphed into a chamber of rumour-mill?

It is increasingly worrisome that the Nigerian Senate, in alliance with some opposition elements have made the calls for the resignation of the Service Chiefs or their sack by President Buhari a hubby. This penchant is absurd and irrational, especially if interrogated from the point of truth.

It is clear the Senate and other stakeholders in the Northeast and Northwest have declined the necessary support to the President and Service Chiefs in the fight against Boko Haram/ISWAP, armed banditry, kidnapping and other crimes bedeviling some parts of the country. And they have ignored extending support unpretentiously.

About a fortnight ago, the Senate President, Sen. Ahmed Lawan and the House of Representatives Speaker, Hon. Femi Gbajabiamila promised Nigerians after a close-door meeting with President Buhari of making provision for additional support to the Nigerian Military which is battling acts of insurgencies and allied crimes in the country. But thereafter, no effort has been made. Is the resolution for resignation the support the National Assembly leadership promised?

However, the outburst by the Senate is a plain admission of their knowledge of the underfunding and lack of motivation of members of the Nigerian Military to place them in a better position for combats against armed bandits and terrorists disrupting the peace and security of Nigeria.

And it is painful to realize that the same Senate which vehemently refused to respond to pleas by the leadership of the Nigerian Army for improved and adequate budgetary votes in the 2020 Appropriation Act for the Army, which is involved in multiple Internal Security (IS) operations, should delight in passing a resolution for the resignation of Service Chiefs or even contemplate to raise a voice calling for their sack. This is the irritatingly barefaced hypocrisy exhibited by some of our leaders and it is condemnable in every facet.

We wholeheartedly commend the Service Chiefs and Nigerian troops for the wonderful job in curtailing insecurity threats to Nigeria from armed bandits and terrorists. We encourage our troops never to relent hence we are confident of their capacity to crush all armed criminal gangs amassed against the people of Nigeria insofar as the nation is under the leadership of President Buhari.

Sack of Service Chiefs in the middle of war, Senate erred -CATE

…. backs Buhari on retention

The Coalition Against Terrorism and Extremism (CATE) has expressed disappointment with the Senate over its call for the sack of the Service Chiefs in the middle of war. 

The centre also affirmed total support for President Muhammadu Buhari’s decision to disregard the Senate’s drama, showing faith with the military heads. 

According to the centre, in its usual manner, the Red Chamber goofed having relied on Senator Ali Ndume who was once accused of sponsoring Boko Haram. 

In a statement signed by its National Coordinator, Gabriel Onoja, on Tuesday, CATE said the Senate have by this act thrown their weight behind terrorists, bandits, criminals and their sponsors, forsaking gallant troops on the frontlines. 

Instead of politicking, the centre said it expected the upper house to craft anti-terrorism legislation that has been sorely needed to defeat terrorism. 

The group, however, advised the lawmakers to resign for failing the Armed Forces and the nation through delayed budget consideration and approval. 

Read full statement below:

The Coalition Against Terrorism (CATE) is totally disappointed with the decision by the Senate of the Federal Republic of Nigeria to side with terrorists and bandits with its call on the Service Chiefs of the Armed Forces of Nigeria to resign. The Senate erred in this misguided resolution just as it has been erring in the performance of its duties.

Our disappointment is not in any way mitigated by the knowledge that the lawmakers have a history of pursuing agenda that are at variance with the yearnings of the constituents and that the oversight powers bestowed on them by the Constitution has consistently been abused in pursuit of lining their individual pockets.

It nonetheless appalling that the Senate did not even avail itself the face-saving measure of shopping for a unicorn by having a credible member of the Red Chamber to move the motion on something as important but relied on Senator Ali Ndume, representing Borno south and chairman of the committee on army, who has not satisfactorily proven that he is not part of Nigeria’s Boko Haram problem.

The lawmakers worsened the situation by adopting resolutions whose import they understand even less than they understood the dynamics fueling Nigeria’s security breaches and the efforts that military leaders under President Muhammadu Buhari have made to curtail them. 

They have by their cavalier attitude sent the message to terrorists, bandits and criminals that they have the support of the Senate against the gallant officers and men that have been toiling to defeat terrorism and stamp out insecurity. They have also told the enemies of Nigeria that they have the approval stamp of the National Assembly.

To have set the war on terrorism back on the scale the Senate has done unfair to all concerned. They are unfair to President Buhari. They are unfair to General Gabriel Olonisakin, Chief of Defence stcaff; Lt. General Tukur Buratai, Chief of Army Staff; Air Marshall Sadique Abubakar, Chief of Air Staff; and Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ekwe Ibas, Chief of Naval Staff. 

The Senate has never shown a commitment to support the efforts of these military leaders and President Buhari in fighting terrorism and other crimes in the country. This latest outing by the Senate is a clear indication that whilst the President and the Service Chiefs are working day and night to address the insecurity in its multiple facets, the Senate prefers to play politics with the lives of the citizens.

The lawmakers failed woefully in crafting and amending anti-terrorism legislation that has been sorely needed to defeat terrorism, which consequently left the military to be overstretched and compelled to fight the terrorist with only strategy and military might. We are therefore wondering when the Senators will resign their positions for having failed to exert international pressure on countries that have been fueling terrorism in and around Nigeria by covertly funding and supporting Boko Haram.

We demand to know when the Senators will resign for sabotaging the anti-terrorism efforts through delayed budget consideration and approval, distracting the Armed Forces with pointless inquisitions that are in reality barefaced attempt to extort those invited to appear. They should accept responsibility for keeping the country’s teeming youth in deprivation and poverty that are the main drivers of the insecurity in the land rather than trying to offload the blame for the problems in the land on principled men that cleaning the mess created by the likes of the politicians in parliament.

CATE calls on the Service Chiefs to disregard the drama from the Senate and focus on carrying out the assignment given to them by President Buhari.

NEDC: Group clear Minister, MD of wrongdoing

The Good Governance and Transparency Coalition (GGTC) has rubbished allegations of fraud in the North East Development Commission (NEDC), absolving the Minister of Humanitarian Affairs, Disaster Management and Social Development, Hajiya Sadiya Farouq and NEDC’s Managing Director, Musa Umar Yashi of any wrongdoing. 

Speaking on behalf of the group at a press conference on Tuesday in Abuja, National Coordinator, 

Patriot Agibi Gabriel, instead extolled the achievements of the commission in the last one year. 

Established in 2017, NEDC is charged with the responsibility to assess, coordinate, harmonies and report on all intervention programs, and initiatives by the Federal Government or any of its Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs), States; and other partners and for the implementation of all programs and initiatives for the North East states. 

And after a thorough investigation and fact-finding mission in the North East, GGTC said there have indeed been entrenchment of transparency and accountability in NEDA’s operations. 

According to the group, “agents of Boko Haram are at work again in ensuring that the NEDC denies North-East Nigeria the numerous interventions necessary for normalcy to return”. 

It added that this is “another smear campaign targeted at not just the NEDC, but also the supervisory minister of humanitarian affairs, disaster management and social development whose track record speaks volume of transparency and accountability”. 

The coalition further expressed satisfaction with the cooperation between the ministry, the NEDC and the Nigerian Military in its rebuilding efforts in North-East.  

While warning these agents and their sponsors to quit their smear campaign, GGTC, however, urged Nigerians to disregard the allegations against the NEDC and its supervisory ministry.

Read full statement below:

The Good Governance and Transparency Coalition, the umbrella body for civil society organizations dedicated to the entrenchment of good governance and transparency in the conduct of government business in Nigeria, is holding this press conference to put issues in proper perspective with regards to the recent allegations of fraudulent activities in the administration of the affairs of the North East Development Commission. 

It must be stated that the Good Governance and Transparency Coalition over the years have been a strong voice in Nigeria and credited to have scrutinized continuously the activities of ministries, departments and agencies (MDAs) with the view to ensuring that the entrenchment of good governance, transparency and accountability is the watchword.

Consequently, the allegations of fraudulent activities levelled against the management of the North East Development Commission by a group called The Coalition of New Nigeria Transparency and Anti-Corruption (CNNTAC) mandated us to carry out a detailed investigation into the allegations to put issues in proper perspective.  

As a start, from our findings, the CNNTAC is not a member of our coalition as there is no record of such a group in our database, which in itself is an anomaly. Nonetheless, we elected to proceed with our investigations and make our findings known to the generality of the Nigerian public. 

We wish to state that the crisis in North-East Nigeria has come with its attendant loss of lives, destruction of properties and displacement of millions of people. It is also instructive to state that the Nigerian Military has continuously engaged the Boko Haram terrorist group in ways too numerous to mention.  

The level of destruction in North-East Nigeria indeed warranted the effort by the government to commence the reconstruction of North-East Nigeria through the establishment of the  North-East Development Commission (NEDC), charged with the responsibility to assess, coordinate, harmonize and report on all intervention programmes, and initiatives by the Federal Government or any of its Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs), States; and other Development Partners and for the implementation of all programmes and initiatives for the North East states. 

The NEDC Act further mandates the NEDC to coordinate “the resettlement, rehabilitation, integration and reconstruction of infrastructure for victims of terrorism as well as tackling the menace of poverty, illiteracy, ecological challenges in the North-Eastern states and other related matter”.

The Good Governance and Transparency Coalition as a stakeholder in this critical sector has consequently monitored the operations of the NEDC. It wishes to state that in the past one year of its operations, there has been entrenchment of transparency and accountability.

We are consequently alarmed that the CNNTAC could make such spurious allegations without recourse to the implications of their phantom actions which by all intent and purposes are of poor taste and lacking any form of credibility as there are no such infractions in the operations of the NEDC. As a matter of fact, the operational manual of the NEDC is such that is tailored to ensure accountability at all times and as such we wonder how such infractions would have been effected with the multiple layers of checks in place. 

The Good Governance and Transparency Coalition is alarmed that some shadowy group could elect to spread outright falsehood at the detriment of national interest and in fulfilment of their inordinate desire to constitute a clog in the wheels of progress in Nigeria.

We state in unequivocal terms that the allegations of contract inflations and other sundry allegations are the figment of the imaginations of the CNNTAC and their promoters as there are no such occurrences in the books of the NEDC, as well as in its operations. 

The Good Governance and Transparency Coalition has painstakingly investigated the allegations and came to the sad conclusion that indeed the agents of Boko Haram are at work again in ensuring that the NEDC denies North-East Nigeria the numerous interventions necessary for normalcy to return.  

This is another smear campaign targeted at not just the NEDC, but also the supervisory minister of humanitarian affairs, disaster management and social development whose track record speaks volume of transparency and accountability. 

It is instructive to state that our findings revealed that the Hon. Minister and the MD NEDC are providing support for the Military not just only as part of the mandate of the organization but to help the displaced population in North-East Nigeria return to their communities that have been liberated by the Nigerian Military over the years.  

It is thus our considered opinion that the enemies of Nigeria are not happy with the gains recorded by the NEDC in its efforts at rebuilding North-East Nigeria for self-evident reasons. And as such, they have launched a scathing campaign of character assassination against those that are dedicated and compassionate to the plight of the victims of the Boko Haram crisis in North-East Nigeria.  

The Good Governance and Transparency Coalition wish to use this medium to inform the members of the unsuspecting general public to disregard the spurious allegations against the NEDC and its supervisory ministry as there is no iota of truth in the allegations, but instead, an evil motive intended to cause disaffection in the polity.

We consequently wish to warn the CNNTAC and their sponsors to desist from any further attempt to blackmail these persons or the institutions that they represent in the interest of peace and respect for the agony which the sponsors of their group have already put the people of the northeast through over the years. This is on the heels that the mandate of the NEDC is unambiguous and its operations since its establishment have impacted positively on the lives of the people of North-East Nigeria. 

The Good Governance and Transparency Coalition is glad that the level of cooperation between the ministry, the NEDC and the Nigerian Military in its rebuilding efforts in North-East Nigeria is bringing the desired results.  

This is indeed not a time for distractions as Nigerians are more aware of the successes recorded in North-East Nigeria.

We thank you all for your time and attention and encourage all Nigerians to continue to lend their support to the government in its efforts at rebuilding North-East Nigeria.

Thank you all.

Boko Haram: Arewa group lauds Nigerian Army over killing of Imam, commanders

The Arewa Coalition for Truth and Justice (ACTJ) has commended the Nigerian Army over the killing of the Imam and spiritual head of Boko Haram as well as other top commanders of the radical sect.

The group described the feat as a welcome development, an indication that the Army is living up to expectations in its efforts at ridding the North East of the remnants of Boko Haram.

Addressing the media in Abuja Tuesday, ACTJ president, Dr. Abubakar Gana expressed optimism that in no distant time, insurgency will be a thing of the past.

According to the group, terrorism has lingered because the troops haven’t received the much needed support from the political leadership in North East.

The Arewa Coalition for Truth and Justice, however, called on relevant stakeholders to continue to lend their support to the troops as it continues to push for the final decimation of the remnants of the terrorist group.

It further hailed the leadership of the Nigerian Army, as well as the officers and soldiers in the theatre of operations.

Read full statement below:

The Arewa Coalition for Truth and Justice is in receipt of the exploits of the Nigerian Army in the fight against Boko Haram terrorists that led to the killing of the Imam and spiritual head of Boko Haram as well as six top commanders of the group in a recent onslaught in North-East Nigeria.

This feat is indeed a welcome development and an indication that the Nigerian Army is indeed living up to expectations in its efforts at ridding the North East of the remnants of Boko Haram terrorist in their various hideouts.

The Arewa Coalition for Truth and Justice having followed the operations of the Nigerian Army in North-East Nigeria states that this feat is an indication of what to expect in the coming months with regards to the curtailing the nefarious activities of the Boko Haram group.

There is no element of doubt whatsoever as regards the strength, capacity and professionalism of the Nigerian Army to deal decisively with the Boko Haram group as evident in the killing of the spiritual leader of the group and six top commanders of the group.

The Arewa Coalition for Truth and Justice wishes to use this medium to call on all stakeholders to continue to lend their support to the Nigerian Army as it continues to push for the final decimation of the remnants of the Boko Haram terrorist group.

We also state that no one should make any mistake anywhere that the Boko Haram terrorists can overwhelm the Nigerian Army, as this can only happen when we discourage the fighting force and their commanders. That is only when the Boko Haram terrorists would have the impetus begin to plant dangerous explosives to attack the troops.

The Arewa Coalition for Truth and Justice believes that with the right support for the Nigerian Army, tangible results would be achieved within six months in the fight against terrorism in North-East Nigeria.

It is instructive to state that the war against Boko Haram terrorism has lingered because the Nigerian Army hasn’t received the needed support by the political leadership in North East unlike the North West that the Nigerian Army has received tremendous support that has resulted in the recent successes in the war against armed banditry.

We wish to call on all critical stakeholders to extend their support to the Nigerian Army in operation in North-East Nigeria in their bid to curtail the threats posed by the Boko Haram terrorists.

This is indeed the time for all hands to be on deck in this critical point in the war against terrorism and other acts of criminalities across the country.

Nigerians must come to terms that the success of the operations of the Nigerian Army is indeed the success of the country at large. It consequently behoves on all discerning Nigerians to put our sentiments aside and be guided in our actions and inactions towards the efforts of the Nigerian Army in its various operations across the country.

The Arewa Coalition for Truth and Justice is buoyed by the recent exploits of the Nigerian Army and pledges to continually mobilize support for its operations across all divides in the country.

The imperativeness of this action cannot be lost on us if we are desirous of seeing to the end of the Boko Haram crisis in North-East Nigeria.

The Arewa Coalition for Truth and Justice commends the leadership of the Nigerian Army, as well as the officers and soldiers in the theatre of operations in North-East Nigeria for their display of gallantry and dedication to the Nigerian cause.

PDP institutionalised fraud in NDDC, APC says party plotting to sabotage audit

The All Progressives Congress (APC) has said the main opposition Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) statement is self-indicting and speaks of the weight of corruption’ bedevilling the operations of the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC).

The ruling party however said the successive PDP administrations and their cronies institutionalised a culture of contract fraud and other corrupt practices in the country.

The PDP had issued a statement on Monday over the NDDC’s probe tagging APC administration as a corrupt government.

But in a statement signed Tuesday in Abuja by the deputy national publicity secretary of APC, Yekini Nabena, said Nigerians can now understand that the PDP was not interested in the current moves by the President Muhammadu Buhari administration to reposition the NDDC but the PDP dead-scared of the outcome of the 2001 to 2019 forensic audit and legislative inquests of the NDDC operations.

“The PDP is doing everything to sabotage and frustrate the audits.

“In recognition of the ongoing forensic audit and legislative inquest into the operations of the NDDC, as a party we have no intention to trade words on how successive PDP administrations and their cronies institutionalised a culture of contract fraud and other corrupt practices which has robbed the Niger Delta region of badly-needed development. We will rather monitor and await the findings of the ongoing audits.

“However, one thing is clear, no vested interest will continue to turn the NDDC into an Automatic Teller Machine (ATM) while multi-faceted development eludes the Niger Delta region.

“We must support the forensic audit of the 19 years of the NDDC, which includes the first 4 years of the President Buhari administration as well as well-meaning legislative inquests for the benefit of the Niger Delta region.

“As a party, we totally align and support the resolve of President Muhammadu Buhari to audit and reposition the NDDC. As with all institutions of government, we must continue to entrench transparency and accountability.

“The commitment of the President Muhammadu Buhari administration remains the rapid and sustainable development of the Niger Delta region. Hence, the audit must be seen as a decisive move to clear any stumbling block undermining the development of the Niger Delta region.

“Has the President Buhari administration demonstrated its zero-tolerance for corruption? An emphatic yes!”

Nabena revealed that the administration’s fight against corruption is total, unsparing and “there are no sacred cows. Public records show that officials of past administrations, members of the opposition, APC, cabinet members, appointees, private sector among others have been given ample opportunity by this administration to defend corruption allegations when they arise.

“The PDP’s tales of “unbridled treasury looting”, Ilusionary fraud and other fictitious allegations are part of their tired, baseless and tactless attempts to get public reckoning, cover past fraud and play the role of opposition which it has shockingly failed at. “

Security, Unity: Inter-Faith Clerics Commence 21-Days Prayers for PMB, Nigeria

The National Inter-Faith and Religious Organization for Peace (NIFROP), on Tuesday, began a 21-day intercessory prayer for Nigeria. 

At the opening ceremony held at the Unity Fountain, Abuja, the group, consisting of prominent Christian and Islamic clerics, said the spiritual exercise is to strengthen the country’s unity amidst security challenges as well as for sustained progress under President Muhammadu Buhari. 

In seperate statements issued by co-chairmen, Sheik Ahmad Ibrahim and Bishop Sunday Garuba, NIFROP acknowledged the efforts of the president to deliver dividends of democracy to Nigerians despite the “evil forces” against the nation. 

The clergymen also singled out the Armed Forces for praises, who they say have “sacrificed and endured long days and nights just to ensure that Nigerians are safe and free” from terrorists, bandits and other criminal elements. 

” We must acknowledge their endless sacrifices and also for their rare display of professionalism in the prosecution of the Boko Haram war as well as the activities of armed bandits and other criminal elements tormenting Nigerians in various parts of the country,”  Sheikh Ibrahim stated. 

” We must pray that God would defeat the enemies of our country and those working against the divine mandate given to President Muhammadu Buhari. Those that have chosen the path of folly shall be put to shame. Their everyday steps shall be filled with misfortune because they have ganged up against Nigeria in fulfilment of their evil desires.” 

Hence, Sheikh Ibrahim urged Nigerians to support the military, its leaders as well as President Buhari who is the Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces. 

” My brothers and sisters, we shall all be praying especially for our troops stationed in the trenches in North-East Nigeria and other parts of North-West Nigeria day and night and engaging the Boko Haram terrorist group in battle. 

” We are going to pray for God to surround them with his amour and grant them sweet victory over their adversaries. We are also going to pray for the various heads of the security agencies in the country for God to grant them wisdom and understanding to be able to provide that sound and strategic leadership direction needed to overcome the adversaries of the country.” 

On his part, Bishop Garuba advised Nigerians to pray against evil forces hovering around the president, his family and cabinet members. 

Echoing his Muslim counterpart, the Bishop added that the troops on the frontlines need all the support they can get amidst conspirations from some highly placed personalities. 

“We shall be praying for good health for President Muhammadu Buhari and Gods divine protection as he pilots the affairs of the country. We shall call on God to send his angels to take charge over everything that concerns President Muhammadu Buhari,” he said. 

” We shall also pray for unity and peace of Nigeria and for God to guard the country against all her adversaries wherever they are. We shall be calling on God to inflict his wrath on all of those that are against the unity and peace of the country.

“We shall also pray against those politicians that thrive on the blood of innocent citizens. We shall pray for God to destroy all of them in their coven and bring about a generation cause upon them and their families. We shall pray to God to send down fire to burn them till their deaths.” 

Recall that NIFROP had in May held a 30-day prayer and fasting for divine intervention on the COVID-19 pandemic and Boko Haram insurgency. 

Gaming rights: CSO, lotto operators protest, demand justice for members

A Civil Society Organisation on the platform of Conduct and Due Process Group (CDPG) in collaboration with some retail Lottery Operators have staged a protest at the premises of Federal High Court 7, in Ikoyi to demand justice for 22 lotto companies being sued by Western Lotto Nigeria Limited over their alleged infringement of proprietary gaming rights.

The protesters which on MondayJuly 20th began the protest and continued on Tuesday July 21st, over what they described as bias in the handling of a lawsuit filed by Western Lotto Limited, said they will not relent until justice is served.

Chanting solidarity songs, including “We no go gree oh, we want justice, we no go gree”, they marched around the court’s premises demanding justice on behalf of the 3rd to 25th defendants in the suit.

In the case being handled by Justice Chukwujekwu Aneke, Western Lotto Limited sued 23 rival lottery firms over alleged infringement on its licence on “Ghana games.”

In a Motion on Notice brought pursuant to Section 6(6) of the 1999 Constitution, the 3rd defendant, Premier Lotto Ltd, is specifically seeking three reliefs, including “An order asking the court to decline jurisdiction to entertain, adopt or otherwise give effect to the Terms of Settlement executed between the Plaintiff, Western Lotto Ltd and the 1st Defendant, National Lottery Regulatory Commission.”

One of the defendants is Premier Lotto Limited, popularly known as Baba Ijebu Gaming Limited, which belongs to Chief Keshington Adebutu.

Western Lotto Limited belongs to businessman and politician, Senator Buruji Kashamu.

In Dec. 2019, Justice Aneke had granted an order authorising Western Lotto to enter into and search the offices of the defendants for evidence of the alleged infringement on its licence.

But in a statement made available to newsmen by the protesters’ spokesperson, Adeniran Raymond, said Conduct and Due Process Group in alliance with retail lotto operators will continue to occupy Federal High Court 7, Ikoyi until justice is served.

“Upon realizing that there was an impending conflict of interest which could lead to the impediment of justice we quickly wadded in and occupied the court to air our fears and demand for justice. The case was slated to be heard in court on the 20th of July, 2020 by Justice Chukwujekwu Aneke, however, the protest lead to the adjournment of the case until Tuesday 21st of July, 2020 at 11:30.

We are unrelenting and we have strong believe that Justice Aneke will ensure that justice is served. If allowed Western Lotto would suffocate and oppress lotto companies. This would affect even the retail lottery operator who are already struggling to survive.

“It is unfair business practice to allow a company stifle the competition until there is none. That is tantamount to anti-competitive practice and it will not be tolerated.

“For those who do not understand, what the Kashamu owned Western Lotto is trying to do is equal to blocking all mobile telephone service providers from offering 4G services to its customers.

“It is an unfair business practice for competing companies and the impact and consequences would be unprecedented. For this reason, we shall be staging a second part of our peaceful protest at the Federal High Court 7, being presided on by Justice Chukwujekwu Aneke and we shall demand for justice,” Raymond stated.