Nigeria Times – Page 573

Group vows to expose fake activists working for disintegration of Nigeria

The Citizens Against Fake Activists (CAFA) has launched a campaign to sieve compromised activists working towards disintegrating Nigeria.

CAFA says this has become crucial as the country’s activism space is polluted with selfish and questionable individuals and groups, promoting an agenda against President Muhammadu Buhari, the administration, the Nigerian military and the collective wellbeing of the masses.

In a statement signed by Director of Media and Strategy Joseph Audu, on Friday, CAFA said it would put mechanism in place to clean up the social engagement space.

According to Mr Audu, most political contractors that actively worked for the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) in the last polls have transformed themselves into emergency activists without shedding aside their partisan views.

The trend these days, CAFA reckoned, is the use of old and doctored videos, pictures and other multimedia form, passing them off as developing contents, particularly against key institutions of state such as kitchen cabinet members, Buhari’s family, the military etc and targeted at destabilizing the government.

The citizens, however, promised to get rid of these selfish elements parading as activists and urged Nigerians to cooperate in this quest.

Read full statement below:

A group that has expressed commitment to acting as a peer review mechanism for activists, the Citizens Against Fake Activism (CAFA) has launched in Abuja with a promise to clean up the social engagement space saying activism in Nigeria is now imperilled by questionable persons that parade as activists.

CAFA’s aim and objectives include agreed international and national benchmarks to review the activities of persons that identify as activists so that whatever interventions come from the circuit would be considered weighty enough to compel positive responses from government and decision makers.

Where CAFA finds that anyone or group identifying as activists have been compromised or are aligned to incompatible interests, it shall take it upon itself to expose such men, women or groups that parade the cyberspace with fake news targeted at destabilizing the country or those that act the script of local and foreign agents that want to bring about the end of Nigeria.

The impetus for CAFA is further underscored by the realization that political contractors that actively worked for the opposition People’s Democratic Party (PDP) in the last General Elections have transformed themselves into emergency activists without shedding the partisan views that has made their intervention in national discourse to be patently the contributions of PDP subsidiaries as opposed to offering robust contributions that will move the country forward.

We at CAFA are aware that majority of those currently impersonating as activists are in reality of the PDP stock and have been mobilized to frame the government’s initiatives aimed at addressing the challenges of the country in a way that reduces them into ethnic and political issues. This unpatriotic contract given to these persons is the fallout of the opposition’s anger at losing the last General Elections and a desperation to provoke mass action to topple the government.

Our belief is that activism that interrogate national subjects should be devoid of class, political, sectarian or ethnic colorations so that the activist can make interventions dispassionately in the interest of citizens who have never been known to have benefitted from the aforementioned divisive partitioning.

The trend among some of those that claim to be activists however is a situation whereby they repurpose videos, pictures and multimedia from other jurisdictions or timelines and pass them off as developing contents that are ongoing. The intention of purveying fake news on such scale is to malign key institutions such as the Police and the military with the objective of smearing the reputation of the incumbent government without a thought for how their actions impact citizens in the long run.

CAFA is strongly of the view that Nigerians must stop all manner of questionable persons that pretend they are activists when in reality their only interest is to hold back the development of the country or even lead to the destruction of the country for their paymasters.

With the launch of CAFA, we promise Nigerians that we are going to immediately begin the process of cleaning the social engagement space by identifying to Nigerians those that have conflict of interest dogging their activism. At this initial phase, we will leave it to Nigerians to make the call as to what they want to do to such double agents once their identities and the extent of compromise are known.

We appeal to Nigerians that have information about anyone or group engaged in questionable activism to reach out to CAFA so that the information they have can be fact checked and added to the compendium being put together to provide useful information to the public.

Covid-19 Lockdown: Centre lauds Nigerian Army’s initiative to checkmate abuses

The Centre for Social Justice, Equity and Transparency (CESJET) has applauded the Nigerian Army leadership for setting up a mechanism to checkmate human rights abuses by its personnel during enforcement of coronavirus lockdown.

In a circular on Thursday, the Army urged Nigerians to report unprofessional conduct of its personnel during the lockdown ordered by President Muhammadu Buhari in Lagos, Ogun and the FCT.

CESJET believes this is timely, proactive and a well-thought-out move by the Army.

In a statement signed by Executive Secretary, Isaac Ikpa, the Centre says this is another demonstration of the Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Tukur Buratai’s penchant for enhanced civil-military relationship.

CESJET reckoned the move will put the officers on their check and ensure they carry out their duty within the ambit of the law.

The Centre, however, warned the public to be mindful of fake activists that might want to use this opportunity to blackmail the various security agencies by circulating doctored videos of human rights abuses.

To ensure transparency, CESJET says it has successfully launched a situation room to monitor issues of human rights abuses by all security agencies participating in the lockdown.

Read full statement below:

The leadership of the Center for Social Justice, Equity and Transparency welcomes you all to this press conference at the instance of the breakout of the Coronavirus pandemic across the globe.

The Centre for Social Justice, Equity and Transparency wishes to use this medium to salute the various efforts of the Federal Government in containing the further spread of the COVID-19 pandemic in Nigeria.

The efforts thus far are commendable, and in light of the above, the Centre for Social Justice, Equity, and Transparency wish to encourage Nigerians to join hands with the federal government by adhering to the various directives and measures put in place by the Federal Government in this regards.

We wish to put it on record that the World Health Organization (WHO) has indeed stated that one of the measures that all countries must adopt towards an effective containment of the novel virus is a general sit at home policy for a specific period.

It is on the heels of the above that the Federal Government directed the Lockdown of Abuja, Lagos, and Ogun state for an initial period of 14 days to implement the social distancing initiative which has proven to the most robust method in containing the further spread of the Coronavirus in Nigeria. This presidential directive has consequently thrown on the shoulders of the Nigerian Army the arduous task of ensuring the compliance of the Nigerian citizens to the sit at home order.

The Centre for Social Justice, Equity and Transparency is not oblivious of the daunting task of ensuring that Nigerians adheres to this directive without recording cases of human rights violations and degradation by security operatives deployed to the streets.

The Centre for Social Justice, Equity, and Transparency is consequently elated and impressed with the proactive initiative of the leadership of the Nigerian Army in setting up a special desk for members of the public to report cases of unprofessional conduct by Nigerian Army personnel during the COVID-19 Lockdown.

This initiative is indeed a welcome development in the sense that the leadership of the Nigerian Army led by Lt. Gen. Tukur Buratai has efficiently responded to concerns raised by well-meaning Nigerians as regards the excessive use of force and human rights abuses by security personnel during this period.

The Centre for Social Justice, Equity and Transparency wishes to use this medium to salute the foresight displayed by the leadership of the Nigerian Army in ensuring that its personnel deployed to enforce the COVID-19 Lockdown does so within the ambits of the law and under a generally accepted practice.

The setting up of the feedback desk by the Nigerian Army would go a long way in ensuring that Nigerian Army personnel do not go overboard in the implementation of the COVOD-19 Lockdown. This is mindful of the fact that some security personnel might engage in acts that might violate the human rights of citizens in the prevailing circumstances.

The Centre for Social Justice, Equity and Transparency also wishes to use this medium to warn members of the general public to be mindful of the activities of fake activists that might want to use this opportunity to blackmail the various security agencies by circulating undated pictures and videos of military personnel violating the rights of citizens to mislead the general public in an attempt to cause chaos in the polity.

The members of the general public must also be aware that this group of mischief-maker dots the nook and crannies of Nigeria looking for every available opportunity to cause unnecessary tension and apprehension in fulfillment of their mandate of fracturing the peace and tranquility in Nigeria.

The Centre for Social Justice, Equity and Transparency wishes to announce that as part of its efforts towards ensuring that the rights and privileges of Nigerians are protected during the COVID-19 Lockdown, it has successfully launched a situation room to monitor issues of human rights abuses by all security agencies participating in the COVID-19 Lockdown across the country and will make its investigations know to the public in due course.

We, therefore, enjoin all Nigerians to support the federal and states government by observing the sit at home order and not allowing themselves to be used by dubious elements to disturb the peace of the country.

The members of the general public must also cooperate with security operatives by ensuring that those mandated to perform essential duties are well accredited with proper means of identification at all times.

The Centre for Social Justice, Equity and Transparency believes that with the efforts of the federal government, the containment of the Coronavirus would be effectively implemented soonest.

Thank you for attending this press conference.

Pantami: Understanding the Shining Star and his Detractors

By David Onmeje

It is a truism that opposition and robust criticisms suckle democratic wheels and allow governance flourish on beneficial templates. The problem in Nigeria is that a number of critics are more confused than the views they reel out in criticisms. Sometimes, they even reel out criticisms which burp with warped opinions, obviously pointing to the shadows of hirelings.

The National Communications Commission (NCC) Complex at Mbora was recently commissioned with President Muhammadu Buhari in attendance. It was a great accomplishment and a successful ceremony by all gradations.

But thereafter, a critic, apparently on a hatchet job, staged out with vituperations of the Minister of Communications and Digital Economy, Dr. Isa Ali Pantami. Apparently, he had personal or instigated issues with the Honourable Minister, but unfortunately presented them in an award-winning trophy of flawed style and lost senses from the first word to the last with his flawed ink. Candidly, he impressed himself, but no one else.

The critic, Emmanuel Johnmar was loud in condemnations of the Minister; labelled him a liar, corrupt, incompetent and a neophyte in managing Nigeria’s Telecommunications industry. Scrutinizing the contents of his criticisms, there was the confounding problem of establishing his real intent. He got himself confused more than the public he staged out to elucidate.

Was Johnmar attempting to praise Mr. President or berate him for appointing an incompetent person like Dr. Pantami to superintend on Nigeria’s communication’s industry and digital economy? At a point, the critic sounded like someone weeping for President Buhari for having a “disaster” like Pantami in his government. But could the critic be more catholic than the Pope?

What befuddled most was the critic’s parameters of what his intelligence could deliver to him as yardsticks of excellence or commendable performance on a job or public office. It was laughable that the critic’s notion of splendor in the case of NCC, one of the many agencies under the supervision of Dr. Pantami was that there is “no credibility in employment, promotions and awards of contracts.” Is this his idea of perfection in a public office? How could a normal person degenerate this poorly in reasoning?

Sadly, that’s the critic’s idea of excellence of a government agency or ministry and not service delivery to the public. It provided clear insights to discerning minds that disgruntled staff of NCC and their shadowy accomplices in the Ministry have contracted him to run down the Minister at all cost.

These are same critics who abuse President Buhari’s principle and philosophy that government is continuity. Nigeria’s landscape is dotted with billions upon billions of uncompleted projects. And public funds have been sunk into them, but every successive government abandon such projects. But President Buhari introduced a new approach to governance by completing these abandoned projects, yet the critics are still fuming and mouthing all manner of insanities in condemnations.

When Buhari completes projects abandoned by his predecessors, the critics claim he is devoid of wisdom to initiate and complete his own projects. If he overlooks them and apply his principle, in the greater interest of Nigerians, the same critics still complain. One is compelled to think whether Buhari’s predecessors brought out the money for such projects from their family patrimony.

The crux of Johnmar’s criticisms on President Buhari, the Minister of Communications and Digital Economy, Dr. Isa Pantami and the Executive Vice Chairman/Chief Executive Officer (EVC/CEO) NCC, Prof. Garba Danbatta is that the incumbent administration never appreciated the NCC Complex building they commissioned as started by previous administrations in Nigeria. What is the heck here?

The same senior officials Johnmar sought desperately and provocatively to disparage have traversed a long trajectory in public leadership. President Buhari’s public leadership antecedents are open secrets. Whilst Prof. Danbatta has an established niche as a famed academic in his field of specialization, who by virtue of public service, works under Minister Pantami. And both are crack brains in the Information and communication (ICT) industry in Nigeria.

Dr. Pantami particularly has come a long way in the ICT industry home and abroad. He established his fame years back, right from the point he was the Director-General, National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA) at the outset of the President Buhari’s administration.

Buhari wanted to indoctrinate Nigeria into e-governance and he had to look for an ICT expert. He found an Information Communication Technology (ICT) specialist and Internet Technology (IT) czar, Dr. Isa Pantami, a Fellow of British Computer Society (FBCS). His briefs from the Presidency was to spearhead reformations and innovations that would restructure and reposition NITDA as a vibrant agency of the federal government that will drive the Buhari administration’s dream of e-governance for Nigeria.

And Dr. Pantami marshalled out a work-plan and a template, which accomplished this mandate within the shortest possible time through an action frame-work he christened, as, “The Strategic Roadmap To Transform the Nigerian IT Sector,” document. The Minister of Communications and Digital Economy elevated the Nigeria’s regulation of the IT industry and left relics such as e-governance in MDAs; enhanced cybersecurity; digital inclusion; platforms for private sector capacity building by IT stakeholders, development of local content and its promotion.

Nigeria as a nation benefited a lot from his initiatives in NITDA. Through e-governance, ghost workers from the federal civil service numbering over 34, 000 were fished out and government saved billions of taxpayers’ money to invest in other sectors. JAMB now conducts Computer Based Tests (CBTs) and several other federal government MDAs are seamlessly harnessing the treasures of Dr. Pantami’s IT knowledge in different sectors of governance.

It is the reliability and impact of Dr. Pantami’s performance in NITDA that ASUU is hesitating enrolment into IPPIS and advancing all manner of excuses. Its therefore, uncharitable for any critic to descend his contracted ink or axe on such a rare gift to Nigeria in the IT or ICT sector. Pantami’s elevation to the position of Minister streams from his preceding excellent performance as NITDA boss. President Buhari knows Pantami has the knack for the job and willing to do it to the fullest to salvage Nigeria. Whatever Johnmar wrote adequately expressed itself in frustration.

Nonetheless, as Minister, Dr. Pantami has taken full control of Nigeria’s Telecoms industry and IT world; he was first to decry to Telecoms operators that they are over-billing Nigerians on data. He was frank that once Nigerians purchase data, it should not expire. He is working towards implementing the pay -as- you-go package for all GSM operators in the country. He is perfecting plans to compel Telecoms to charge Nigerians less for the services they offer.

It is very unconscionable for a self-styled critic to brand Dr. Pantami and those who work under him with such baseless allegations. These are allegations even the so-called critic has not dropped any hint about their veracity. It’s not all about anyone sleeping to wake up and some demons quarantining his senses to scribble rubbish. The critic imagined and wrote frivolous allegations against Dr. Pantami because Nigeria is in a democratic government and freedom of expression is permitted. It smacks of the abuse of the same liberty of freedom of expression.

Minister Pantami remains one of the best leadership personalities in the new team of President Buhari and a vital cog in the #NextLevel blueprint. And it is definite that detractors such as Johnmar would maliciously come after him. President Buhari selects his team carefully.

So, those trying to crucify Pantami’s efforts are both local and international enemies of Nigeria who do not want the progress of the country and have conscripted critics to act at their behest. The Minister’s stewardship is stainless and
he is poised to add more value to the development of Nigeria in the ICT and IT sector. Let the angels of darkness allow the star to shine on Africa.

Dr. Pantami has demonstrated himself as a dynamite in ideas, which are beneficially explosive. The critics should take an honourable bow out of his leadership space. Nothing written against Pantami has any modicum of conviction. It is the simple and plain truth. Johnmar is however appreciated for exercising his freedom of expression in a democracy.

Onmeje is Group Managing Director of TheNigerian News Group and wrote this piece from London.

The Nigerian Military vs our enemies of progress

By Solomon Oseke

These are indeed interesting times in Nigeria where the media has elected to be on the other side of the divide, churning out divisive news items that serve the country no good, all in return for a plate of porridge. It is also a sad epoch in our existence as a people and as a country where some news platforms have taken the role of being the mouthpiece of the enemies of Nigeria.

I get confused most times on how we got it so wrong in this country like we are a bunch of uneducated folks that know nothing about National interest. Some news platforms now see it as the fad to lead the assault against the government not for what it worth but to promote the interest of their paymasters that have refused to come to terms with the reality that Nigeria belongs to all of us and not a select and those that have also refused to come to terms that it is no longer business as usual where a few share the commonwealth of the people at the detriment of the over 180 million Nigerians.

These news platforms are obsessed with everything about Nigeria. From the choice of the President to who has the right to appoint and sack Service Chiefs in the country. The Nigerian Military has also not been spared from their venomous attacks. Day in day out, we are regaled with fictitious stories about the President and how whatnot about the operations of the Nigerian Military in North-East Nigeria.

This trend is indeed worrisome and should give all well-meaning Nigerians a reason for worry because as it stands, we are not only fighting terrorism in North-East Nigeria, we have also been confronted by lack of patriotism from a constituency that is meant to maintain editorial independence, accuracy and fairness, social responsibility and public interest.

This is the starkness of the reality confronting us as a country now and a vivid definition of the enemy within. The enemy within are those that use their positions to cause havoc rather than promote peaceful coexistence in the society. The enemies within are those who would stand truth on its head by publishing false and misleading stories for the consumption of the general public. The enemies within are those who would intentionally spread inaccurate figures from the North East and push to the public space without minding the consequences of such actions on the overall psyche of the fighting troops as well as the generality of Nigerians.

The enemies within are those who would collect gratification from members of the opposition and spread propaganda using their news medium all in the name of playing politics and at the detriment of National Interest. The enemies within are those who are not happy with the gains been recorded by the Nigerian Military in the war against terrorism in the country. The enemies within are those who would leak to the Boko Haram terrorist the operational strategies of the Nigerian Military.
The enemies within are those who quote military commanders out of context to destabilize the system, and the enemies within are those that wine and dine with the enemies of Nigeria in their quest for the disintegration of Nigeria. And the list goes on.

I have had reason to state in numerous forums that the challenges facing Nigeria are orchestrated and sustained with the active connivance of some news platforms that have elected to be the devil’s advocate in time as critical as this in the annals of the country.

In recent times, the worst hit is the Nigerian Military in the theater of operations in North-East Nigeria. It is so grave that now these individuals twist everything that comes from the theater of operations to give a different interpretation to the general public. The recent casualty of their mischief is the theatre commander of Operation Lafiya Dole, where he was quoted out of context in such a despicable manner.

I am at a loss as to how we got it so wrong in Nigeria. As a start, since 2015, when President Muhammadu Buhari assumed leadership of the country, Nigerians sighed relief and wished for our hopes and aspirations to be translated into tangible realities. This much we saw with the quality of appointments into critical areas of the Nigerian economy, including the Nigerian Military.

Using the Boko Haram war as an example, the Nigerian Military hit the ground running after the presidential directive for the relocation of the military command to Maiduguri in Borno State. And in less than a year, we saw tangible results with territories under the control of the Boko Haram group recaptured. The leadership of the Boko Haram group was dislodged from their operational headquarters in Sambisa Forest, and their remnants scattered all over the fringes of the Lake Chad Basin region.

Nigerians were relieved. They were grateful and encouraged the Nigerian Military to do more to put an end to the activities of the Boko Haram group. Little did we know that some were not happy, and they consequently ganged up against Nigeria. And as funny as this might sound, the likes of Sahara Reporters led this charge in their onslaught against Nigeria.

Sahara Reporters and their agents have been at the vanguard of ensuring that Nigeria does not know peace. They have twisted and falsified figures. They have misinterpreted government policies and efforts towards ending the war against terrorism in Nigeria. They are in the habit of going to town with false casualty figures in an attempt to instigate mutiny in the Armed Forces.

This was the case during the Goodluck Jonathan era, and they succeeded, and Nigeria suffered the consequences. And ironically, this same strategy is what is happening now in Nigeria, and Nigerians must be aware of this nefarious plot against the Nigeria Military.

We must realize that they are more ferocious than before and would stop at nothing to ensure that they achieve their notorious agenda. It is, therefore, no surprise that the Nigerian Military is their strategic focus due to its exploits in the war against terrorism in North-East Nigeria. But for how long they intend to carry on remains to be understood. This would only be possible if Nigerians allow it.

In all of these, I am more than convinced that all those that have elected to be on the side of the evil plot against Nigeria would be indeed put to shame. And how would this be possible? This would be possible if all Nigerians, as a matter of urgency, begin to disregard the activities of Sahara Reporters and their agents scattered all over Nigeria.

The good news is that Nigeria is indeed bigger than those individuals and their agents that are against the interest of Nigeria. I firmly believe that Nigerians would, in one voice, reject and rebuke those that are against our progress as a people and as a country.

The government also has a role to play. They must strive to control the narrative in the media to feed Nigerians with the actual situations of things at all times and every given opportunity. They must not allow the likes of Sahara Reporters and their agents to take the lead as this might have harsh consequences for the morale of its troops in operation in North-East Nigeria.

Nigerians must stay united in our quest for sustainable growth and development. We must form a common voice to defeat the enemies within and as well as the enemies of our progress. Nigeria is indeed on the path of greatness. I salute the enormous sacrifices of our Military and can only encourage them to do more in service to fatherland.

Oseke wrote this article from Auchi.

Stay away from military, group warns ethnic bigots

The Progressive Yoruba Youth Congress (PYYC) has warned ethnic bigots to steer clear of the military and avoid politicizing its internal administrative matters.

PYYC’s caution trails the manner the recent reshuffling of senior officers was interpreted in some quarters despite being an obvious routine exercise.

In a statement signed by president, Mr. Kola Salau, the Yoruba youths said it is “disappointed that certain interests are attempting to incite the Yoruba nation to take offence” at the redeployment of commander Operation Lafiya Dole.

PYYC wondered why the same group didn’t put in similar energy when one of them, Lieutenant General L.O. Adeosun, was given an accelerated promotion.

The Yoruba youths, however, expressed its support for the military, the Army, in particular, under the leadership of Lt. Gen TY Buratai.

According to PYYC, the Army chief has shown exceptional patriotism and passion for competence and capacity over personal interest.

Read full statement below:

The Progressive Yoruba Youth Congress has noted with alarm the attempt to politicize what should otherwise be internal routine administrative matters in the military. Our sense of alarm arose out of our concern for the consequences that such unbecoming trend have for the long-term stability of the country.

The most recent of this ill-advised impugning of political meaning into military matters are the faulty reactions from some quarters to the routine reshuffling of senior officers that is now being interpreted as punitive when that is not the case.

Some ethnic bigots are alleging that the immediate past Theatre commander of Operation Lafiya Dole, General Olusegun Adeniyi, was redeployed because he spoke out about operational challenges. Whereas we are aware that General Adeniyi was sent to be a research fellow at Nigerian Army Resource Centre (NARC) in Abuja, where he would be able to share his field experiences with others and therefore make the institutional knowledge readily available to others.

The Progressive Yoruba Youth Congress is disappointed that certain interests are attempting to incite the Yoruba nation to take offence at this redeployment when the assignment of commanding Operation Lafiya Dole is not the birthright of any ethnic group. Commanders from other ethnic nationalities had occupied the position in the past and more from other ethnic nationalities will still man the position until the terrorism is wiped out from the northeast of the country.

We wonder why these same interests did not mobilize the Yoruba nation to protest when one of them Lieutenant General L.O. Adeosun was given an accelerated promotion to his current rank, which by the way places him on the same rank as the Chief of Army Staff. This was in recognition of his gallantry and is consistent with the Yoruba drive for competence and excellence.

The Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lieutenant General Tukur Buratai has demonstrated similar passion for competence and capacity, which gives us the impression that he must be a Yoruba son to have such preferences. We are pleased with his stature as a detribalized statesman whose actions are guided by patriotism at all times and will never descend low as to vilify any officer.

The Congress therefore wholeheartedly supports the Nigerian military, particularly the Army under the able leadership of Lt. Gen TY Buratai while urging Nigerians to continue to give him their support.

We however warn detractors of the military to stop giving ethnic slant to internal workings of the military. Those behind the campaign of calumny against the military should learn to give up because all their previous and ongoing attempts to infiltrate the military have failed and will continue to fail because of the detribalized leadership that is in place in the military. We warn these ethnic bigots to stay away from the military as it is not an institution that is open to their interference.

COVID-19 Lockdown: Frank warns against harassment of citizens by security agencies

A political activist and former Deputy National Publicity Secretary of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Comrade Timi Frank, on Thursday, condemned reports of harassment of citizens by some military officers and other security agents enforcing the lockdown directive of the Federal Government.

President Muhammadu Buhari had in a nationwide broadcast ordered a stay-at-home for residents of Lagos, Ogun and the FCT in a bid to contain the spread of the COVID-19.

Frank, in a statement in Abuja, described any form of harassment against Nigerians at the present moment as one suffering too many.

He urged the agents of the military, police and other security agencies enforcing the present lockdown across the country to be civil in their approach in order not to unduly increase the burden of hunger already being borne by poor and vulnerable Nigerians.

He noted that the reported cases of assault against Nigerians on essential duties like Journalists, Doctors and telecomunication staff in Lagos and Abuja have no place in a civilized setting like Nigeria.

He noted that it amounted to an aberration of grave proportion in the first place to deploy military personnel into the streets to enforce a stay-at-home order.

The Bayelsa-born political activist, insisted that apart from workers on essential duties duly exempted by the President in his broadcast, there are countless Nigerians that might need urgent medical attention in the affected areas.

“The military should have deployed their energy to defeat Boko Haram, bandits and all other criminal tendencies in the North-east in particular and Nigeria in general whose sole reason for being on the streets is to secure their daily bread.

“It should be noted that poverty is ravaging the land and the saying that ‘an hungry man is an angry man’ might apply if there is no modicum of civility in handling the situation by the military and other security agencies.

“If the government actually wants the people to stay at home, amenities like stable electricity, water and other necessary palliatives must be provided.

“Even as poor as Rwanda is, President Paul Kagame has been able to provide enough comfort for the citizens to enable them stay at home without any resort to the use of force.

“Why can’t the Federal Government make citizens comfortable for once?”

Frank, however appealed to citizens to strictly abide by the stay-at-home order in other to speed up the containment of the deadly virus.

“Let’s take the inconveniences of the moment as worthy sacrifices to safeguard our lives and effectively contain the spread of the dreaded Coronavirus pandemic,” Frank said.

He called for more sensitization of the populace to the dangers of COVID-19 and
prayed for a quick end to the dire global challenge.

COVID-19 Lockdown: Nigerians Express Satisfaction, Hails Army’s Conduct

By Bunmi Olasanmi

In the wake of the breakout of the Coronavirus pandemic ( COVID-19) globally, the federal government of Nigeria has initiated measures towards the containment of the further spread of the virus. President Muhammdu Buhari consequently imposed a 14-day lockdown in the federal capital territory-Abuja, Lagos and Ogun states.

A section of the country hailed this move by the president and as well criticized by others citing the effect the lockdown would have on the polity. This medium consequently investigated the level of compliance in the Federal Capital Territory and environs.

In the Federal Capital Territory, it was observed that the level of compliance was over 95% with officers and soldiers of the Nigerian Army and other security agencies seen at strategic places within the federal capital territory enforcing the lockdown.

Those that were granted clearance to move were mostly those rendering essential services. This medium sampled the opinion of some persons as regards the directive of the federal government on the containment of the Coronavirus pandemic, and the responses were indeed satisfactory.

According to Mrs. Hannatu Yakzum, a nurse with one of the public hospitals in Abuja, she expressed satisfaction with the level of compliance so far, indicating one of the ways the coronavirus could be contained is when people stay indoors.

“The lockdown is necessary given the fact that the virus spreads upon contact and the World Health Organization has stated there is a need for people to maintain social distancing by staying in their homes for a certain period. The federal government has done well in this regard, even though it would be difficult to observe 100% compliance.”

“As you can see, there is a strong presence of soldiers at strategic places within the city, and they have denied access to those that do not have any business outside. This is quite commendable.”

Another respondent interviewed in the Asokoro area of the federal capital territory believed that mandating the Nigerian Army to enforce the sit-at-home order is one of the best decisions given the attitude of Nigerians to obeying instructions.

“The coronavirus is real and a global pandemic. As we all know, it takes great efforts for Nigerians to obey instructions most times. So the deployment of soldiers is appropriate, and that is why you could see this level of compliance. I am not sure the police would have achieved this much.

It was also observed that soldiers who mounted checkpoints at the City Gate were seen screening motorists in an orderly manner while maintaining social distancing. Mr. Abayomi Lawal, a security operative with Nizamiye Hospital, stated that the soldiers were conducting themselves with care with the kind of questions been asked and the level of distancing maintained.

“We are gradually getting it right in this country; you must agree with me that if this were to be in time past, you must have received some merciless beatings before questioning by the soldiers. But this time around, you could see the decorum displayed by the soldiers. Those without a genuine reason to be on the road are advised to turn back and go home.”

“The level of organization displayed by the soldiers at the city gate is responsible for the orderliness experienced here. As you can see, those cars turning back are those that were denied access by the soldiers.”

However, for Mr. Kunle Ifedayo, a welder residing along the airport road, it wasn’t a pleasant experience he had with the soldiers at the Zuba axis of the federal capital territory. He stated that the soldiers meted out stringent punishment to those they found on the roads.

“I was asked to sit on the bare floor for over an hour by the soldiers. I was on my way to Zuba to quickly buy some materials to complete a job so that I can have some money. I explained to the soldiers, but they won’t listen. They said I have flouted the presidential directive and asked me and some others to sit down on the floor. I think that was too harsh since we were going to buy work materials and not traveling.”

This was not the case for Mr. Stanly Rotimi, a building contractor who was forced to push his car backward for one kilometer for flouting the sit at home directive. According to him, he was on his way to one of his building sites in the Lokongoma axis of Abuja when some soldiers stopped him.

“I was asked of my mission, and I informed them that I was on my way to the site. They asked if I was going to work alone and I informed the soldiers that my workers were already waiting for me at the site. They told me I had no businesses gathering people at this period and was asked to push my car backwards for close to one kilometer. I almost died until an officer beckoned on me to stop and offered me water to drink.”

“In truth, I didn’t know my action violated the government sit at home order, even though I think the approach of the soldiers was very harsh. I could have died in the process of pushing my vehicle all by myself. I am appealing to the relevant authorities to caution the soldiers as it is not everyone on the road that is healthy.”

Our reporters also observed that within the federal capital city that consists of Wuse, Maitama, and Garki, a strong military presence was noticeable at strategic places. It was noted that the soldiers accosted those on the road, and those with the genuineness of reasons to be out were granted passage and while those without any cogent reason were asked to return home.

For Ms. Ada Onyeakachi, a telecoms worker, it was reassuring to see the way and manner the Nigerian Army exhibited decorum in their conduct. She believed that, indeed, things have changed in the operations of the Nigerian Army.

“It was hard to believe I was in Nigeria with the way and manner I was approached by soldiers on my way to work. The decorum was impressive and they as well maintained social distancing with face masks on. I think Nigeria is making progress.”

When our reporters visited the Karu axis of the FCT, it was observed that soldiers mounted checkpoints and ensured that those with legitimate business outside were granted permission into the FCT. Quite many vehicles were turned back.

Some of those our reporters interacted with expressed satisfaction with the conduct of the soldiers. They stated that there were no displays of hostilities as typical in times past. Mr. Ephraim Oguche, who was one of those denied passage, said that he was impressed with the conduct so far.

“I don’t feel bad in any way, but instead glad I was treated courteously by the soldiers. Upon interrogation, they pointedly told me I had no business outside and that I should return and stay with my family. I didn’t argue with them as I know they were only doing their job in the interest of the country.

Our reporters also gathered from credible sources that the military high command issued a directive that under no circumstance should motorists be subjected to any form of torture. Our source who pleaded anonymity stated that it would have been impossible for the soldiers to go contrary to the directive issued by the military hierarchy.

“The conduct of the military personnel on the streets was as a result of the directive issued that under no circumstances should any citizen is harassed on the street. The instruction was clear. Those on essential duties should be granted passage, and those without any genuine reason should be asked to return home.”

“I think to a large extent that has been the order of the day, except for a few cases where some soldiers would attempt to go extreme in their conduct.”

This medium also interacted with scores of people at different locations within the FCT, and the generality of the respondents expressed satisfaction with the implementation of the lockdown by the relevant security agencies.

This was against the initial apprehension expressed in some quarters with the implementation of the lockdown by the relevant security agencies. The military command has, by their action, displayed an enviable level of professionalism.

Truth vs falsehood: When not to crucify the Military

By Ebuka Jackson

I am one of those that that have long stated that journalism has been destroyed in Nigeria with the half-truths and often malicious reportage of events in recent times. It is so despicable that some news mediums would go any length to spread falsehoods, not minding the consequences of such actions in the polity.

The recent redeployments carried out by the Nigerian Army has again elicited reactions from some certain quarters after a news medium in their wisdom twisted the narrative in an attempt to mislead the general public into believing what is not the case.

As a start, it must be stated in unequivocal terms that should the likes of Sahara Reporters carry on in this fashion, Nigeria might wake up one day and realize that we do not have a country anymore.

It is no secret that Sahara Reporters thrives in falsehood, and the content of their news items are highly paid for by their numerous clients that consist mainly of those who do not have the interest of the country at heart. I stand to be corrected; Sahara Reporters can be termed a platform dedicated to the propagation of Armageddon in Nigeria.

Its editorial style smacks a mockery of what journalism entails. Its writing style is unprofessional and lacks every sense of standard editing protocols. It’s more like a copy and pastes session where they are eager to publish in return for their paycheck.

This brings me to the recent publication by the same Sahara Reporters wherein it stated mischievously that the recent redeployment of the Theater Commander of Operation Lafiya Dole in North-East Nigeria by the Nigerian Army was done because Major General Olusegun Adeniyi complained and exposed the inefficiencies of the operations of the Nigerian Army in North-East Nigeria.

This was not surprising coming from the stable of Sahara Reporters. But the challenge here is the fact that the news medium would elect to pass such falsehood to the unsuspecting general public with so much impunity, not minding whose ox is gored.

As a first, Sahara Reporters is not conversant with military operations, and as such, it is smacks of a mockery for it to attempt to blackmail the Nigerian Military for a purely military action. I am constrained to pen this article to put issues in proper perspectives as one conversant with the operations of the Nigerian Military with regards to promotions, demotions, appointments, and redeployments.

As a start, there are standard procedures in the Nigerian Military with regards to the above mentioned. The operational strategies of the Military are always subjected to routine appraisals, and based on reviews, such things as promotions, deployments, and the likes are effected in boosting the operational effectiveness of the force.

I want to use the case of rotation of troops in the battlefront as an example. It is standard procedure, not just in the Nigerian Military, for occasional rotation of officers in their various commands. This is so because when an officer stays too long in a duty post, there is a tendency for such officer to get compromised in the cause of the discharge of their duties. This practice is not just restricted to Nigeria but the world over. This is easily verifiable.

So, that Sahara Reporters sees the redeployment of Major General Olusegun Adeniyi as witch-hunting is a function of two variables. One is the fact that they must have acted in crass ignorance of standard military practice, and two, they carried out the instructions of their paymasters to cause disaffection in the polity.

Either of the above, their action is quite despicable and capable of causing unrest in the country. And not just that, their actions can go a long way in causing mutiny in the Nigerian Military for very obvious reasons. It must be stated that since the formation of Operation Lafiya Dole in North-East Nigeria, scores of commanders have been appointed and replaced by the military hierarchy in line with standard practice. And this standard practice was what led to the appointment of Major General Olusegun Adeniyi in August of 2019 when he took over from Major General Benson Akinroluyo.

It also suffices to add that Major General Olusegun Adeniyi has been in the theatre of operations in Maiduguri for a while. He was the deputy theatre commander to Major General Benson Akinroluyo, whom he subsequently took over from as commander in 2019. So in a way, the narrative been pushed by Sahara Reporters is not only defective, but it is also of poor taste given the fact that Major General Olusegun Adeniyi has been in the theatre of operations for over four years as deputy theatre commander and subsequently as commander.

I must state that this is standard practice, and this much as seen to the various rotations of officers across military formations in the country. Mind you; the recent redeployments didn’t affect Major General Olusegun Adeniyi alone as scores of officers were also affected.

At this point, the public must be aware that Sahara Reporters desist from crucifying the Nigerian Military for no justifiable reason. It must also do well to learn not to delve into issues that are routine military practice the world over. It is, therefore, my considered opinion that this is not a time to play to the gallery. They can continue their money for stories regime, but I beg that the Nigerian Military is spared their shenanigans.

The enormity of the task at hand requires all levels of concentration, and this much Sahara Reporters must realize and come to terms with. They should also do well to educate their paymasters that spreading falsehood against the Military serves no good now and always.

The public must also do well to see through the veil of Sahara Reporters and consequently views its reportage of issues with a pinch of salt. A word is indeed enough for the discerning. This is my take.

Jackson is a public affairs analyst and wrote from Abuja.

Rotation of military officers a professional operations strategy – CP Tsav

A former top security chief in Nigeria and retired Commissioner of Police in Lagos State, Alhaji Abubakar Tsav has stated that the routine posting of officers in the Nigerian Army is a professional strategy aimed at reinvigorating military operation. He said this during an interview with select journalists in the country in the wake of the recent reposting of military commanders across the country by the Nigerian Army.

CP Abubabar Tsav (rtd) stated that as standard with most security formations, there are regular postings and reposting to ensure that cases of familiarity and complicity are reduced to the barest minimum.

“ It is a standard practice that officers should not stay at a particular command for too long a period to reduce incidences of familiarity and complicity with criminal elements in such locations. If you look at the operations of the Nigerian Police and other security agencies, you would realize that there are always postings and reposting as a way of reinvigorating operations for maximum efficiency.

He further stated that postings in the security sector are purely for professional purposes and not witch-hunting, as some would want to believe.

“ People must understand the sensitivity of the operations of security operatives. It’s far different from conventional practice in the civil or public service. Here we are dealing with the protection of human lives and properties, and as such, there is no room for sentiments. Nigerians must come to terms with the fact that whenever any of our security agencies carry out routine postings, it is purely for operational reasons and nothing more.”

When asked if the redeployment of Major General Olusegun Adeniyi from the theatre of operations in North-East Nigeria was not connected with his recent conduct where he posted videos of troops during operations in the northeast, he stated that nothing of such would have been the case as the Nigerian Army under Lt. Gen. Tukur Buratai has evolved to be a professionally active fighting force.

“ I tell you for free that those of us in the security sector understand the dynamics involved in warfare. We also follow security issues carefully, and I tell you that the redeployment of Major General Olusegun Adeniyi has nothing to do with the videos that went viral on the social media space.

“ I think the Nigerian Army of today has evolved past that stage that people are insinuating. Not with a man like Lt. Gen. Tukur Buratai, a statesman to the core. It must be noted that the sensitivity of the northeast operation requires that the Chief of Army Staff carries out a holistic review of his frontline commanders and their performances as a whole and not just about one rare attempt to showcase oneself to the world as a war Commander.”

“ One does not need to be in the top echelon of the Nigerian Army to know that Lt. Gen Tukur Buratai, given the opportunity would promote Major General Olusegun Adeniyi and any other officer that is doing an excellent job. So it must be understood that his redeployment is routine and in line with the operations of the Nigerian Army in operation in North-East Nigeria.”

“ The Boko Haram war is not one that the Nigerian Army would play to the gallery. It is an asymmetric war, and there is no room for personal or selfish pursuit. The overarching objective remains for the best interest of the country and the officers and soldiers of the Nigerian Army. Therefore I strongly believe that his posting has nothing to do with his recent actions but the overall well-being of the Nigerian Army and the interest of the state.”

On the war against insurgency, Tsav stated that in less than no time, the Nigerian troops would have cause to be celebrated by the citizens as the troops have continued to give in their best to the fight.

“ If we go down memory lane, we would realize that since 2009 when the Boko Haram group began a violent campaign against Nigeria, there has never been a time like now where the morale of the fighting troops has been boosted to give in their best. Since 2016, the Nigerian Army has indeed risen to the occasion and proved that they indeed mean business. From the takeover of the over 16 local government areas under the control of the Boko Haram group, to the capture of the operational headquarters of the group in Sambisa forest.”

“ These exploits indeed came with lots of sacrifices, and this is where I give great credit to the Chief of Army Staff, Lt. Gen. Tukur Buratai, for his unflinching commitment to ensuring that the Boko Haram insurgent groups are neutralized. This much we must admit in fairness.”

The anti-corruption crusader also stated that the Nigerian Army has demonstrated and displayed that capacity to end the war against terrorism in Nigeria. It behooves on well-meaning Nigerians to give it all the support it deserves.

“ I believe that those who know me would readily attest to the fact that I am not one that shies away from the truth, even while I was in service. This attribute of mine can be easily verified. I have always spoken the truth in all situations in areas I have considerable knowledge. I think as far as security is concerned in Nigerian, I can count myself as an authority.”

“ I can state categorically that the Nigerian Army of today is indeed a highly professional and effective fighting force. This is not unmindful of the activities of some disgruntled elements that are working hand in hand with some external forces that do not want the progress of Nigeria.”

“ Sufficing to add that despite all their shenanigans, these disgruntled elements cannot break the spirit of the fighting troops. Instead, the troops have continued to display loyalty to the country in the battlefront hence the numerous gains recorded since 2016.”

Tsav particularly queried some news platform that derive pleasure in publishing negative things against the military stating that these news platforms are compromised and it is against the interest of the country if such anomalies continue unabated.

“Terror groups take to social media because it’s cheap, accessible, and facilitates quick access to many people. In the past, it wasn’t so easy for these groups to engage with the people they wanted to. In contrast, social media allows terrorists to release their messages right to their intended audience and interact with them in real-time. The media provides a platform for terrorist movements to broadcast and amplify their message to global audiences. Without this platform, the message of terrorist actions would not reach beyond its very immediate locale and therefore, would remain unknown to most people outside the confined boundaries of the attack.

“ This negative trend must be curtailed because the terrorist groups have found these news platforms as worthy partners in their despicable plot. It is also not a secret that these news mediums are funded by some external interest and members of the opposition that are hell-bent on seeing to the disintegration of Nigeria. This trend must be discontinued, and these news platforms should see themselves as partners in progress as no amount of money is worth any human life.”

He also advised Nigerians to continue to rally support for the Nigerian Army in the quest to defeat terrorism in Nigeria.

“Nigerians must rally support for the troops. They must see the enormous sacrifices that are being made daily and come to the realization that the interest of Nigeria should take center stage at all times. I believe that in less than no time, the Nigerian troops will have cause to be celebrated by the citizens as the troops have continued to give in their best to the fight against terrorism.”

Counter Terrorism: Group chides unpatriotic media over falsehood, anti-military stance

The North East Peace Agenda (NEPA) has lamented the worrisome attacks targeted at the Nigerian military by some media outfits despite the troops’ patriotism and sacrifices to rid the nation of terrorists and other criminal elements.

The group said this unnecessary assault does not bode well for the restoration of peace and security that these institutions stand for.

In a statement signed by National Coordinator, Ibrahim Bukar, on Wednesday, NEPA fingered Sahara Reporters to be at the forefront of this campaign.

While acknowledging that Sahara’s mischievous alliance with foreign groups to rubbish the military isn’t new, Bukar said it reached an all new level with its recent outing.

SR alleged that a routine change of guard in the Nigerian Army was informed by a decision to punish an erstwhile Theatre Commander of Operation Lafiya Dole for daring to demand for weapons to fight Boko Haram terrorists.

The North East Peace Agenda, therefore, condemns Sahara Reporters for promoting mischief, falsehood and dishonest objectives with sole intent of ruining the gains so far made on the war against insurgency.

The group strongly advised the Omoyele Sowore-owned outlet to find their missing conscience and quit following the direction dictated by its foreign financiers.

Read full text below:

The North East Peace Agenda has observed with alarm the resurgence of targeted media attack on the counterterrorism by the Nigerian Military as this does not bode well for the restoration of peace and security that these institutions are saddled with.

This attack on the military climaxed with the glee that an outlet like Sahara Reporters celebrated the Boko Haram attack on Nigerian troops in Yobe state. The mischief that is behind this this criminal undertaken was obvious from the way Sahara Reporters rushed to manipulate figures and distorted facts to arrive at its goal of maligning an institution that has given much to deliver on its sacred mandate.

It is public knowledge that the military has done much to rid the country and neigbouring countries of Boko Haram and its carious subsidiaries, an exercise that has unnecessarily become onerous because of the foreign and international support that terrorists are getting in form of weapons, secret trainings, leaked intelligence, clandestine funding and other forms of support that has given the terrorists an appearance of being resilient.

Perhaps the greatest support that the terrorists have enjoyed comes from international NGOs and pro-terrorists media outfits that help to deliver damaging propaganda for Boko Haram under the pretext of doing cutting edge stories. These are stories that will not stand to the scrutiny of professional and ethical journalism for the mere fact that they are not news stories in the journalistic sense of it but are rather press releases and statements crafted by Boko Haram and given the air or responsibility by known media outfits peddling them.

It is on this note that we reviewed with disappointment how Sahara Reporters led a pack of like minded platforms to allege that a routine change of guard in the Nigerian Army was informed by a decision to punish an erstwhile Theatre Commander of Operation Lafiya Dole for daring to demand for weapons to fight Boko Haram terrorists. A news outlet that can infer such dismal of low intelligence on the part of its readers by telling such tales by moonlight does not deserve their respect and has no business being in existence in the first place.

Tragically, these series of misdeeds are not firsts for Sahara Reporters, which has been in the habit of promoting all manner of fake news against the military. The publication has in the past reported falsehood against the army in favour of the Islamic Movement in Nigeria (IMN), Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Boko Haram and just about any configuration that has the disintegration of Nigeria as its agenda.

For an online news portal whose publisher openly called for a forceful overthrow of a legitimately elected government, under the guise of #RevolutionNow movement, it is no surprise to us that Sahara Reporters and its affiliated agents of darkness deliberately manipulated and escalated casualty figure from the Yobe state incident. This action was not only targeted at derailing the Nigerian military but to also trigger mutiny amongst the troops and cause them to abandon their duties posts for terrorists to overrun the country.

In running this negative propaganda, Sahara Reporters is fully aware that it would create a hive scenario whereby other publications, even the respectable ones, will be sucked into replicating its against the military thereby creating the impression that its lies are mainstream.

Even more appalling is the realization that the dirty contract being executed b y Sahara Reporters is at the behest of foreign interests that have things to gain from supporting Boko Haram against the Nigerian state. That a publication that hinges its existence on supposedly working for the betterment of Nigeria can become the terrorists propaganda corps is mind boggling.

Not minding its practice of resorting to blackmailing and maligning anyone brave enough to challenge its criminal undertakings, the North East Peace Agenda condemn Sahara Reporters in the strongest terms possible for promoting mischief, falsehood and dishonest objectives with sole intent of ruining the gains so far made on the war against insurgency. We strongly advise that Sahara Reporters and those that make decisions within that organization search for and find their missing conscience so that their actions and reports will be guided by the truth and not the direction dictated by its foreign financiers.

We realize that the temptation to retain steady access to the allure of donors remitted foreign currency is strong, but they need to realize that they owe a stronger duty of doing the right thing to themselves and to other Nigerians, whose lives are being negatively impacted by the lies dressed up as exclusive reports. The damage being done to the polity is what should prompt Sahara Reporters to cease and desist from further maligning the military while tendering unreserved apology to Nigerians for packaging the selfish agenda and vendetta of its publisher as facts for its unsuspecting readers to consume and act on.

The North East Peace Agenda calls on authorities to step away from their comfort zone of allowing Sahara Reporters get away with mass murder, for that is what its promotion of falsehood amounts to. The mechanism for exacting consequences for the serial misdeeds of the online news site should be activated and promptly so too.