Breaking: Prostesters ask Iranians to leave Nigeria

A group of Nigerians, on Monday, stormed the Iranian Embassy in Abuja, calling for the country’s nationals to leave its shores.

Led by the Concerned Citizens for Defence of Nigeria, the protesters demanded the immediate expulsion of Iranians and their “agent of darkness” from Nigeria.

In a statement by Convener, Mrs Victoria Ameh, the Concerned Citizens said the rally is necessitated by Iran’s fresh attempt at causing havoc in Nigeria through their proxy, the Islamic Movement in Nigeria (IMN).

Formed about four decades ago, IMN advocates the creation of an Iranian-style Islamic state in Nigeria.

It was heavily influenced by the Iranian revolution, which saw Ayatollah Khomeini take power in 1979 after the overthrow of the US-allied Shah in a popular uprising.

The Concerned Citizens revealed that the Iranian government have pumped in millions of dollars in a bid to destabilize and overthrow the Nigerian government.

According to the group, “Iran would stop at nothing until they achieve their desire to see to the collapse of Nigeria, and this is what Nigerians in their numbers have come out to reject in its entirety.”

It further added that the latest move stems from the fact that Nigeria, just like many other countries didn’t take sides with it over the diplomatic row it had with the United States of America over the killing of one of its top military commander, Gen. Qasem Soleimani in Iraq.

The Concerned Citizens, therefore, warned that Nigeria’s integrity can’t be shaken, advising Iranian citizens and businesses to forthwith leave its shores.

Read full address below:

All Protocols observed.

“Nigerians say NO to the clandestine attempt by Iran to truncate our democracy.”

We, the members of the Concerned Citizens for the Defence of Nigeria, are gathered here today to send a strong message to the Iranian authorities in the light of the various revelations concerning how they have been plotting to see to the disintegration of Nigeria to suit their despicable purpose.

We are here, not because we do not have other engagements. But it is indeed a statement of fact that above all and in pursuit of our core mandate as an organization devoted to the defense of Nigeria from external sources through advocacies and civil means brings this strong message on behalf of the over 180 million Nigerians who do not have anywhere to call home but Nigeria to the Government of Iran.

The Government of Iran has indeed exhibited an act that is not only despicable, shameless, but of poor taste, because it has indeed begun a futile attempt at causing havoc in Nigeria through their proxy, the Islamic Movement in Nigeria (IMN).

The activities of the IMN in Nigeria are indeed one laced with tales of violence and affront to the constituted authorities in Nigeria with the active support of the Government of Iran. They have killed and maimed innocent people. They have constituted themselves into a parallel government, and they have indeed planned to establish their territory in Nigeria without recourse to the provisions of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.

As we all know, the activities of the IMN is fully sponsored by the Government of Iran from time immemorial. They have sponsored the violent activities of IMN against other peaceful practicing Muslims that do not share in their extremist ideology that has resulted in deaths and incapacitation.

One of the contemptible acts of the IMN was the attempted assassination of the Chief of Army Staff in Nigeria, where his entourage was ambushed on his way to an official function in Zaria-Nigeria. Also, the IMN has held violent protests in some parts of the country, especially the Federal Capital Territory-Abuja that led to the death of a senior police officer and many more deaths.

We know that the Government of Iran would stop at nothing until they achieve their desire to see to the collapse of Nigeria, and this is what Nigerians in their numbers have come out to reject in its entirety.

The Government of Iran should know that Nigerians are not fools. That we have been diplomatic in our conduct all the while is not a sign of weakness. But rather that of strength in our diversity for we are good people of a great nation.

We wish to state that despite their shenanigans, we have continued to respect Iran as a sovereign country. And we expect that such gestures should be reciprocated. But instead, they have chosen the path of dishonor to cause mayhem in Nigeria through their proxy, the IMN.

We believe that this new onslaught by the Government of Iran stems from the fact that Nigeria, just like many other countries refused to take sides with it over the diplomatic row it had with the United States of America over the killing of one of its top military commander, Gen. Qasem Soleimani in Iraq.

That Nigeria refused to back its atrocities in the international community is why the Government of Iran has vowed to take its pound of flesh with the renewed onslaught against Nigeria by infiltrating the country with mercenaries to destabilize the country manifest in the spate of kidnappings and other despicable activities that are threatening the peace and tranquility in Nigeria.

The Government of Iran is also the brain behind the violent protests across the country with the ultimate aim of causing economic and political unrest. They have set aside vast sums of monies in the regard as well as the deployment of sophisticated arms and ammunitions to the IMN group in Nigeria.

The Concerned Citizens for the Defense of Nigeria sees this act as an affront to the sovereignty of Nigeria, and this gathering is one amongst many civil means we intend to use to send a strong warning to the Government of Iran and their agents in Nigeria to desist from their evil ways or face the full wrath of Nigerians.

The Concerned Citizens for the Defense of Nigeria demands that should the Government of Iran not discontinue this violent campaign against Nigeria, and respect the sovereignty of Nigeria as a country, we shall be left with no choice than to take the bull by the horns in preserving the sovereignty of Nigeria from the enemies of our country.

We are demanding that the Government of Nigeria begin the process of identifying all the channels through which Iran has been promoting terrorism in Nigeria through its proxy, the IMN.

We are also demanding that the Nigerian government begin the process of identifying all the interests of Iran in Nigeria and consequently activating the relevant machinery towards expelling them from Nigeria as Nigerians are not fools that would sit and watch how another country would destroy our country.

This is necessary in the light of the fact that it has been established with facts that the mission of the Government of Iran is to see to the collapse of Nigeria so that their proxy, the IMN can successfully establish their caliphate.

The generality of Nigerians are united in this accord to see that Iranian officials and businesses leave Nigeria in the interest of peace as Nigeria is not a part and would never be an annex of Iran through which they can import their extremist ideology to the African continent.

The territorial integrity of Nigeria can be shaken. However, it can never be broken because we are a strong and united country. This much we want to pass across to the Government of Iran in faraway Tehran. Iran cannot truncate the nascent democracy in Nigeria under any condition. We say no to this, and we also reject it in its entirety. This is indeed the time for Iran to leave Nigeria.

We are resolute on this call because Nigeria is indeed for Nigerians and not for Iran. As such, we refuse to be susceptible to their whims and caprices. A word is indeed enough for the wise and discerning, for we shall not extend any form of respect for any country that does not respect the sovereignty of Nigeria. Nigerians say NO to the clandestine attempt by Iran to truncate our democracy.

Is Nigeria still winning the war on insecurity?

 
 
By Philip Agbese
 
Twine main polemics dominate national discourse on security issues in Nigeria. The first camp basically comprises ardent critics and opposition members who are hostile to the administration of President Muhammadu Buhari. To this club of Nigerians, enmeshed in a partial mindset, its more convenient to score the national government led by President Buhari and the ruling APC zero on security.
They claim since 2015, Buhari has proved pitiable helplessness in taming insecurities in the land, which in their perceptive view, rather escalates every day.  This is altogether not unusual with opposition elements in any clime, which does not necessarily obviate the reality anyway.

There is another clan of people. They are the impartial and neutral set of Nigerians, who glowingly glorify President Buhari for impacting positively on the previously enervating insecurity in the nation. They argue most trenchantly that there is nowhere that insecurity in a country is completely conquered and the sense can only stick if it dawns on anyone that the United States of America, the United Kingdom and many others are still under the spell of terrorism.
 It is utopian to think insecurities anywhere should end in a jiffy. Rather, it is reduced to the barest minimum as exemplified by President Buhari, if measured against the insecurity realities prior to his ascension to power in 2015.

These disparate and counter-reactive views on the insecurity situation in Nigeria have subsisted. However, all opposing camps accept that wild insecurity engulfed Nigeria and predated the administration of President Buhari. The anti-establishment analysts on security cite resurgent acts such as  in Boko Haram/IWSAP terrorists; armed banditry, ethno-religious conflicts,  organized and commercialized kidnapping  and communal strifes to impulsively  buttress their standpoint.  

But the pro-establishment camp, whose voice aligns more to the truth, ancient wisdom and informed reason extrapolate that such erratic traces of insecurities are expected, normal and curbed gradually to ensure greater safety of lives and property. It is not difficult to discern the reality of an immolated insecurity by the ruling APC government led by President Buhari, despite intermittent resurgence of attacks and killings. Those who obstinately stick to views that nothing has changed on security in Nigeria under the Buhari Presidency deserve pity. It is certain that they are pretentious, prejudiced, sentimental or genuinely oblivious of its intensity before now.

The severity of insecurity threats to Nigeria was encapsulated in President Buhari’s 2020 New Year open letter to Nigerians tagged “Nigeria’s Decade;” He stated that “We have been fighting on several fronts: violent extremists, cultists and organized criminal networks. It has not been easy. But as we are winning the war, we also look to the challenge of winning the peace, the reconstruction of lives, communities and markets. The North East Development Commission will work with local and international stakeholders to help create a new beginning for the North East.”
 The presidential perspective on insecurity in Nigeria is more clearly elucidated by the recent position of the Arewa Consultative Forum (ACF) through its Secretary-General of ACF, Mr. Anthony Sani.
Appraising President Buhari’s administration on security of the nation, especially in Northern Nigeria where Boko Haram had engrained its  reign of terror , the ACF said; “He, therefore, decided to confront the challenges and recorded some appreciable successes which consigned Boko Haram to fringes of the North East and their attacks were reduced to occasional suicide bombings using small girls. Consequently, the fears which hitherto overwhelmed the North gave way to hope and confidence that comes with normal life.”

Two elements can be deduced and denoted from the submissions of ACF, a body which also has Northern Nigeria as its primary constituency. The first is that Boko Haram and its later variation is no longer the severe nightmare of the entire North and, again, its atrocious activities have been consigned to the fringes of the Northeast equally being tackled. It is no less a reflection of the true reality. Truth be told that many Nigerians started enjoying this bliss from terrorism and allied criminalities as far back as 2016. There was a time armed banditry and cattle rustling sacked and permanently displaced natives in most states of the Northwest and same for monstrous militancy in the Niger Delta. The Nigerian Army’s series of special operations flushed out these criminal elements and restored peace and normalcy.

No one has ever argued that insecurity has deserted Nigeria terminally, but it is considerably tamed. Unfortunately, though, the relaxed tide in insecurities across the country has irked certain interests who believed the best style to de-market the administration of President Buhari is to infuse political dimension into security.  
Therefore, apart from covertly recruiting and arming youths, while silently pursuing political ambitions, the consciousness of such plotters of breach of security has never reconciled with the reality of a changed scenario on the security trajectory.

As far back as 2016 signs to this effect manifested as trumpeted by the COAS and leader of the counter-insurgency operations, Lt. Gen. TY Buratai.  He told an unsuspecting nation, which incidentally never spared a thought to his outbursts or acted appropriately that ”All these cries of insecurity which some groups and individuals are taking it as a political game I think they should have a rethink because it is no longer the case. ”
 
Interestingly, shadows of the induced and politically motivated insecurity in the country would later de-robe itself with public statements from prominent opposition members and their minions. In one of his campaign affronts on the Buhari Presidency in 2018, the 2019 PDP presidential candidate, former Vice President Atiku Abubakar gave the inkling of politically induced insecurities, in a somewhat blackmailing fashion of Nigerians to magnate undeserved votes.
Atiku was blunt that if Nigerians fail to vote him as their President in 2019, insecurity and herdsmen killings in the country will continue. The statement smacked of the insight of an insider.  But as usual Nigerians ignored him. It was only when Boko Haram/ISWAP terrorism and herdsmen bloodbath intensified in the months leading to the 2019 general elections that the full import of his utterances dawned on Nigerians. In protests to such devilry, Nigerians again massively reelected Buhari.    
Nigerians were also appalled at the quantum of illegal/ smuggled arms and ammunition into the country in the build-up to the last general elections. Security agents impounded many of these illicit arms and ammunitions, at different points in the country.  And to every sane mind, these arms in the possession of political thugs were actively used to cause electoral violence and killings in the few areas security vigilance relaxed. Most of those armed have retained these arms; after being abandoned by their masters.
They have turned the force and anger against innocent Nigerians by perpetrating all manner of crimes, attacks and killings. Last year, a bewildered President Buhari directed the Inspector General of Police (IGP) to mop us these arms, as indication of his perturbance.
In fact, each time these criminal armed gangs pull the trigger in mindlessly violent extermination of Nigerians, it is the opposition’s voice that is heard first. And it is usually rare in sympathy with victims of such attacks, but virulent castigation of the Buhari Presidency’s failings on securing lives and property of Nigerians. Even when external bodies which independently understudies the insecurity dilemma in Nigeria applauds Buhari’s efforts, opposition elements are quick to counter the narratives’ as false.   
A recent report by the United States based Non-Governmental Organization by the identity, “Centre for Diplomacy and Democracy” praised President Buhari for standing up to the challenge of multiple insecurities. And   Atiku again broke his silence.  
After pouring invectives on the NGO, Atiku furiously stated that “President Buhari and the APC have shown without equivocation that the job at hand is overwhelming for them. And because they lack the basic clue of how to tame the bogey that they have created….”
A part from the jejune that drapes throughout the length and breath of the statement; the contents’ riled,  rhymed, alluded and indeed, connoted the actualization of the plots on  threats  of insecurity Atiku reeled out before the general elections.
Whatever anybody thinks, and including the opposition elements, President Buhari and Nigeria are winning the war on insecurities. And like President Buhari remarked on 2020 New Year day epistle; “The Federal Government will continue to work with State Governors, neighbouring states and our international partners to tackle the root causes of violent extremism and the networks that help finance and organise terror. Our security forces will receive the best training and modern weaponry… We will use all the human and emerging technological resources available to tackle kidnapping, banditry and armed robbery.”  

Agbese wrote this article from the United Kingdom.

Group asks Nigerians to rise up against Iran, Amnesty International’s plots

The Citizens Against Destabilization (CAD) has urged Nigerians not to succumb to the plot by the Iranian government and Amnesty International to destabilize the country.

CAD made this known at a press conference on Iran’s nefarious plot to wreck havoc through their proxies on Sunday in Abuja.

In a statement signed by President, Comrade Stephen Okenarh, the group revealed that the destabilization plot by Iran is part of the broader strategy towards securing the release and escape into exile of their stooge and leader of the Islamic Movement of Nigeria (IMN).

According to them, Iran had budgeted a whopping $500 million for the destabilization plot and this much is evident in the way and manner the adherents of the IMN had carried themselves in recent times.

The Citizens against Destabilization, however, stated in unequivocal terms that should the federal government fail to act fast in addressing the threat posed by the IMN and Amnesty International, the consequences might eventually lead to the disintegration of Nigeria.

The group, therefore, urged Nigerians to disregard any statement from Amnesty International and their affiliates on Nigeria as this is indeed a part of the plot to make the citizens gullible for the smooth execution of the destabilization plot as arranged by the Iranian.

Read full statement below:

The Citizens against Destabilization, a Civil Society Organization at the vanguard of exposing the nefarious plots by organizations and individuals against Nigeria through its vast network of members, is holding this press conference to intimate Nigerians on a recently revealed conspiracy against the Unity of Nigeria.

We wish to state that the Government of Iran has perfected plans towards the destabilization of Nigeria in cahoots with some organizations and individuals in Nigeria.

The destabilization plot by the Iranian Government is part of the broader strategy towards securing the release and escape into exile of their stooge and leader of the Islamic Movement of Nigeria (IMN)

This has consequently seen to the covert supply of arms and ammunitions to the IMN in Nigeria through unconventional means all aimed towards launching a violent attack on Nigeria that would include jailbreaks across the country.

We have credible information stating that the Iranian Government had budgeted a whopping $500 million for the destabilization plot against Nigeria, and this much is evident in the way and manner the adherents of the IMN had carried themselves in recent times.

The Citizens against Destabilization wishes to state that the Iranian Government had also enlisted the services of Amnesty International to spread propaganda against Nigeria through the publication of false and fictitious reports meant to distract the security agencies in an attempt to allow the arms piling and movement of the IMN across the country where there are prisons and concentration of critical government infrastructures marked for destruction.

This much Amnesty International has agreed to do as credible information at our disposal indicates that colossal sum of monies was paid for these services to the country representative of Amnesty International in one of the African countries to evade the prying eyes of the EFCC and the DSS in Nigeria.

The Citizens against Destabilization wishes to state in unequivocal terms that should the Government fail to act fast in addressing the threat posed by the IMN and Amnesty International; the consequences might eventually lead to the disintegration of Nigeria.

We also wish to state that this sinister plot has reached the peak, and it’s only a matter of time before the full implementation across the country in an operation tagged unleash sorrow, tears, and blood.

The Citizens against Destabilization wishes to inform members of the general public that it should do well to disregard any statement from Amnesty International and their affiliates on Nigeria as this is indeed a part of the plot to make the citizens gullible for the smooth execution of the destabilization plot as arranged by the Iranian Government.

This is of great concern because the Iranian Government must understand that Nigeria is a sovereign country that is governed by laws and any attempt to impose their ideologies on Nigerians, as they have attempted with the sponsorship of the activities of the IMN in Nigeria, would be resisted by all and sundry through civil actions.

The Citizens against Destabilization wishes to call on our security agencies to beam their searchlights on the activities of the IMN and Amnesty International to nip in the bud the destabilization plot against Nigeria. We also call on the Federal Government to seek collaboration with its western allies in truncating this threat posed by the Iranian Government to Nigeria.

The Citizens against Destabilization wishes to call on the Federal Government to expel these agents of darkness out of the country for the Peace and Unity of our country. Enough is indeed Enough.

Insurgency: Army, Buratai have surpassed expectations – CESJET

The Centre for Social Justice, Equity and Transparency (CESJET) has given a pass mark to Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lieutenant General Tukur Buratai and his gallant troops in the war against terrorism.

According to the group, the Army chief has surpassed expectations despite obvious plots from desperate politicians and their collaborators to undermine the gains.

In a statement signed by Executive Secretary, Isaac Ikpa, the Centre said it is pleased by the COAS, his troops and President Muhammadu Buhari for ridding the country of insurgents and other criminal elements.

CESJET recalled how Nigerians lost hope in the Northeast devastated by years of Boko Haram insurgency and how this terror activities extended to the nation’s capital, Abuja.

It added that Nigerians least suspected that Sheik Ibrahim El-Zakzaky’s religious extremists- Islamic Movement in Nigeria (IMN), ethnic warlords in the guise of separatism in the Southeast or militancy in the Niger Delta would give Nigeria a break.

The group, however, urged Nigerians to support the Army chief to continue its ultimate of restoring total peace and tranquillity in the land.

Read full statement below:

We thank Almighty God for the protection of Nigeria, as we welcome members of the press to this media chat and, Nigerians to a new and promising month of February 2020.

Centre for Social Justice, Equity and Transparency (CESJET) is generously captivated to appreciate our Heavenly Creator for the gift and resilience of Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Tukur Buratai for holding forth at this checkered time in our history.

In all fairness, Nigerians can testify that there has never been a time in our collective history as a nation is the country troubled by instigated multi-dimensional security breaches like now. It is enthused by assorted armed criminalities, reckless deaths, agonies and sorrows visited on the citizenry.

But we appreciate God for equally enthroning an Army Chief who is competent, trusted, resilient and fortified like Lt. Gen. Buratai. The President has proved himself as the leader Nigeria truly deserves by diminishing the blazing swords of destructive forces against the nation-state. You have earned our eulogies Mr. President for this wonderful job!

Permit us to recount that President Buhari is one Nigerian leader extremely provoked by perennial power monks and hawkers in the country. The assemblage of elites who have lost out of the favor of power from the masses, quite unacceptably have elevated personal feuds and disgruntlements to state craft by veiled violent expression of grievances.

Worse still, such self-serving renegades of the Nigerian project have coated such aberrational acts on aisles and tenors that are very objectionable, repulsive and un-patriotic. If unrestricted by all of us, it has the dire consequences of piecing the intended knife of discord on our unity, peace and progress.

CESJET is aware of the plots in secret places by these infinitely unappeasable elements, who have continued to foment crises, attacks and killings in different parts of the country. These are orchestrations they back-up with a litany of lethal propaganda to undermine or dwarf the track records of the COAS on security to serve their egoistic instincts of devilry.

These reprobate leaders have refused to see the impact Lt. Gen Buratai has recorded on hitherto consuming and nerve-cracking insecurities in the country, ranging from Boko Haram/ISWAP, armed banditry, violent separatists’ agitations, religious extremism, kidnapping, herders/famers clashes and other crimes against the Nigerian people. And we assure you that, such perverse and prejudiced minds can nerve see or spot the difference even with the aid of extra binoculars or halogen bulbs.

The Army Chief resolutely confronted the hydra-headed monster of bile and endemic insecurities in the land from the outset of his administration.

The Service and Security Chiefs (SSCs), the DSS, the Police and other sister security agencies in Nigeria’s security framework have added immense value to the security re-engineering, re-ordering and new face of Nigeria. They have collectively and sedulously worked to pull back Nigeria from the brink of total collapse of security sanity.

CESJET commends Lt. Gen Buratai on his stewardship and the efforts of his anointed top-class security goons superintending on the security of the nation. Over the years, they have seamlessly paired up with all relevant stakeholders’ in the security ether of the country. We are proud, SSCs have ingrained excellent marks on security challenges in every nook and cranny of Nigeria.

The signs are profound in the taming of the monstrous tide of insecurities which previously tormented Nigerians in the country. And added, the visible respite Nigerians now savour from the North to the Southern parts of the country have attested loudly.

CESJET fondly recalls like millions of others, who lost hope that Nigerians in the Northeast devastated by years of Boko Haram insurgency would one day return back to ruined communities, but it is settled reality now; or IDPs from the region would resettle and rebuild from the debris of destructions; neither did Nigerians ever thought that there would come a time soon when 18 or more LGAs in the Northeast would be reclaimed and liberated from Boko Haram/ISWAP terrorists and over 20, 000 Nigerians held hostage by insurgents would regain their freedom and be reunited with their families.

No Nigerian ever imagined the blissful tidings that Abuja and cities in the Northern parts of the country would be insulate from Boko Haram bomb blasts; its incredulous to know that the high-wired tempo of herdsmen/farmers would vanish especially in Benue, Plateau and Taraba states in North central Nigeria. No one believed that billionaire Kidnapper kingpins like alias “Evans” or Wadume and lots more with unbreakable connections in the corridors of power would either by facing trial or sentenced to jail today.

Nigerians least suspected that Sheik Ibrahim El-Zakzaky’s religious extremists- Islamic Movement in Nigeria (IMN), ethnic warlords in the guise of separatism in the Southeast or militancy in the Niger Delta would give Nigeria a break from mindless violence and killings nor the armed bandits in the Northwest, especially in Zamfara/Katsina states would renounce bloodshed and embrace peace as decent people.

And quite delightfully also, the COAS has doused the tension in the country incited by recent resurgence of these criminalities in parts of Nigeria, through retooling and motivating the Nigerian Military/ other security agencies to match them strength for strength from their hideouts. And news from the trenches speaks of massive naturalization of the forces of evil amassed against Nigeria in humiliating defeats.

CESJET therefore, conscientiously prick the omnibus of all CSOs, CBOs and NGOs domiciled in the country to henceforth key into this agenda by designing and fronting their activities in a manner that unpretentiously curry support to the security agencies and the administration of President Buhari. The war against enemies of Nigeria is collective and all of us must bring out any arsenal in his kitty to kill the infectious fly of insecurity in Nigeria to the anger of the sponsors.

Thank you all and journey mercies.

Who Will Save the Senate?

By John Madu

Since the commencement of democratic experience in Nigeria in 1999, the National Assembly being the legislative arms of government, has somewhat attempted to constitute its self as a parallel government in Nigeria. Right from the time of former president Olusegun Obasanjo, the National Assembly has been enmeshed in various controversies to the chagrin of Nigerians.

I recall that at some point, issues were raised as regards the usefulness and contributions of the legislative arm of government towards National development. This is aside from the fact that a large chunk of the resources is used in funding the activities of the National Assembly with little or nothing to show in return, and with calls for the scrapping of the National Assembly to conserve funds for infrastructural development.

There is no time as now that Nigerians indeed appear to agree that the country’s democracy isn’t working as it ought to. And at the root of it is the caliber of persons seating in the hallowed chambers of the National Assembly, and the high running costs, which they say unless it is drastically reduced, the developmental dreams of the country would remain a mirage. I concur.

The crux of the issue at hand is how the members of the National Assembly have reduced the act of legislation to a child’s play in the sense that thier actions in recent times are nothing but against the interest of the country in general. This is quite unfortunate and calls for sober reflection from discerning Nigerians who are indeed concerned about the development and continued unity of the country.

They have carried on like kindergartens with little or no regard for the sensibilities of those that elected them into office. As it stands, a ticket to be legislator is simply an avenue for wealth accumulation and personal aggrandizement. I would take the call for the sack of Service Chiefs by some legislators in the Senate and the House of Representatives as an example.

It is quite an unfortunate experience in the sense that it was apparent that the call wasn’t in the interest of the generality of Nigerians but that of a few whose pockets have been greased in the usual manner. However, there has been a curious twist in the whole episode as it seems there has been some rethinking by the House of Representatives that revolves around engaging in a more practical and pragmatic approach to the issue of insecurity facing the country.

The Speaker of the House of Representatives, Femi Gbajabiamila, seems to be spearheading this rebirth. I say this for the fact that after a meeting with President Muhammadu Buhari, the speaker told Nigerians that there was a need to ascertain if the security situation falls within the purview of the armed forces or the police and sacking the service Chiefs will not do the magic.

He was somewhat right in the sense that the classification of the security challenges is already yielding the desired results. Secondly, after another meeting with the Service Chiefs, the speaker told the Service Chiefs that they are doing well but need to do more. I think that is rational and a subtle way to pass the message. If you would agree with me, I do not believe there is any employee that would not appreciate this from its employers

It is called morale boasting, which over time, goes a long in bringing the best out of every perceived bad situation. This fact has been proven in the fabric of human psychology, and history is replete with how things have indeed turned around for good. I stand to be corrected. I must not fail to commend the speaker for this line of thought.

But there is an irony. And it is the fact that the Senate of the National Assembly is still in dreamland and acting like a group of drunken sailors whose ship is sailing without direction. This is the perfect description of the position of the Senate on the insecurity situation in the country. The unfortunate thing is that whereas the House of Representatives seems to have gotten its house together, the Senate is playing an expensive Coronavirus prank on the citizens by inaugurating an Ad hoc Committee on Security Challenges to review and reorganize the Current Security Architecture in the country. Yes, you heard me right.

If this is not a child’s play, I don’t know what else to call it. It portrays a situation where a patient is inside a laboratory with a case of highly infectious disease, and the doctors are inside the laboratory, examining the patient to find a cure for the contagious disease. What will then be the fate of those inside the laboratory with the patient? Your guess is as good as mine.

Without mincing words, the inclusion of Senator Eyinaya Abaribe in the committee is a clear indication that the Senate is pursuing a personal agenda against the administration of President Muhammadu Buhari with the curious inclusion of the “sack President Muhammadu Buhari, sack service chiefs” advocates who are all hibernating in the Senate.

There is everything wrong with the inclusion of Senator Eyinaya Abaribe in such a sensitive committee when it is a known fact that his allegiance lies somewhere else. In my opinion, this is an anomaly and quite an assault on our sensibilities as a people. This much the leadership of the Senate should know. But they have so decided to carry on in their usual despicable manner.

In essence, what the Senate is telling Nigerians is the job can never be done, and as such, they must constitute themselves as a clog in the wheels of progress in the country. If this is not the case, how could one then justify the presence of a man of questionable antecedents and character who stood in as surety for Nnamdi Kanu in 2017 in his futile attempt to destabilize the country and only recently called on President Muhammadu Buhari to resign over security concerns.

This indeed defeats common sense if you ask me, but again common sense they say is not common. According to Faze, a member of defunct Plantashun Boys musical group, in his song, Common Sense, stated that “all we need to do is brings to our consciousness the fact that all we need to use sometimes is ‘common sense’ and drift from blaming the government for everything.”

I entirely agree with him because it is indeed common sense for the Senate to know that the security challenges in the country are indeed politically orchestrated by those who have lost out of the political equation and have vowed to sponsor violence in the country in a bid to discredit the present administration. My prayer thus is that may God deliver us from the mendacity of the Senate and also for God to deliver the Senate from the Senate before it gets too late.

Madu is a public affairs commentator and wrote this piece from Lagos.

Diaspora group urges President Buhari to sustain feat against Boko Haram

The Nigeria US-Canada Diaspora Forum has urged President Muhammadu Buhari to sustain the momentum in the fight against terrorism.

These well-meaning Nigerians, based in the North American nations, made the disclosure on Saturday after its annual general assembly to appraise the recent developmental issues, proffering solutions to challenges.

In a communique signed by Cosmas Collins and Lady Josephine Okoye, President and Organising Secretary respectively, the group revealed that Buhari has indeed displayed an unalloyed commitment towards keeping Nigeria united despite the array of security challenges posed by the Boko Haram/ISWAP and its likes.

Among others, the group analysed the US visa ban meted on Nigerians, the Boko Haram/ISWAP threat, politically motivated violence as well as electoral reforms.

In its recommendation, the Nigerians commended the military’s prosecution of the war against terrorism albeit believes more can still be done.

According to them, some corrupt politicians have launched a viral propaganda campaign against President Buhari, aided by religious leaders.

While passing a vote of confidence on President Buhari, the Nigeria US-Canada Diaspora Forum urged the government to sustain the fight against terrorism.

Read full communique below:

The Nigeria US-Canada Diaspora Forum is an organization of Nigerian Businessmen and intellectuals domiciled in the United States of America, and Canada. It was formed in 2018 to champion campaigns that will benefit the Nigerian citizens and the image of his country in the United States of America and Canada.

Since its inception, the forum has contributed meaningfully to the development of Nigeria through its numerous developmental conferences and events showcasing the economic potentials of Nigeria to investors.

The Nigeria US-Canada Diaspora Forum has also been actively involved in policy formulation in critical sectors of the Nigerian economy with the inputs of some of its members that have rendered their invaluable experiences and knowledge in areas such as agriculture, construction, mining, and economic policies.

The Issues Addressed:

At the General Assembly of the organization, the following issues were raised and addressed:

The visa ban placed on Nigeria by the US government and the proactive response;

The worrisome activities of Boko Haram/ISWAP and the efforts of the Nigerian government and its armed forces to restore human rights.

A deliberate attempt by foreign agents and actors to destabilize the country.

The government’s fight against corruption and how corrupt elements employ the use of propaganda to tarnish the efforts of the government in other areas such as the security situation of the country.

The unguarded statements credited to organizations such as the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) and other religious bodies.

Electoral reforms and voting for Nigerians in the Diaspora

Resolutions:

After careful deliberations of the issues raised, various specific committees were formed to analyze and recommend ways forward. Consequently, the following resolutions were made:

That President Muhammadu Buhari has indeed displayed an unalloyed commitment towards keeping Nigeria united despite the array of security challenges posed by the Boko Haram group, as well as other militant groups.

That the proactive response by the Nigerian government towards the Visa ban placed on Nigeria is indeed commendable and a demonstration of the sterling leadership qualities of President Muhammadu Buhari.

That the Nigerian Military’s prosecution of the war against terrorism has been commendable; however, more needs to be done to ensure that Nigeria is cleared of terrorists’ activities.

That from all available statistics that spate of insecurity in Nigeria has assumed a political dimension.

That indeed politicians are behind the despicable acts of violence in Nigeria with the ultimate aim of causing disaffection in the polity and pitching the people against the government

That corrupt politicians in the country have launched a viral propaganda campaign against the administration of President Muhammadu Buhari in a bid to cause a distraction from the fight against corruption.

That some religious bodies have given the security situation in Nigeria a religious coloration.

That the resolution by the Senate and the House of Representatives is ill-informed and targeted at destabilizing Nigeria.

That misinformation, falsehood, and propaganda are responsible for the continuous propagation of the activities of the Boko Haram terrorist network.

That it passes a Vote of Confidence on the administration of President Muhammadu Buhari in the critical sectors of the economy, such as education, health, finance, infrastructural development, and security.

Recommendations:

The Nigeria US-Canada Diaspora Forum arising from its annual general meeting herby make the following recommendations on the developmental issues in Nigeria:

The government must not relent in the fight against terrorism and insecurity by ensuring that the tempo is sustained in the same manner with which it started. This is on the heels that the various security challenges been experienced in the country are indeed politically motivated.

The government must begin the process of identifying those behind the campaign of slander against the Service Chiefs in the country to address the anomaly.

The government should explore diplomatic angles towards resolving terrorism acts posed by Boko Haram and their affiliates by engaging her traditional allies to help with technological tools to track the terrorists and their sponsors.

The Senate and the House of Representatives should open discussion with Nigeria’s allies to block the Boko Haram terrorists from accessing weapons in the international market.

The government should begin a sensitization process through the Federal Ministry of Information on sensitizing the populace on the efforts of government towards addressing the security challenges in the country.

Service Chiefs: Buhari emulating America on tenure to defeat terrorism – Gwaska

A former Chairman of the Federal Character Commission, Alhaji Muhammadu Ari Gwaska, believes President Muhammadu Buhari is following United States of America’s (USA) lead on tenure elongation of Service Chiefs to defeat terrorism.

The National Chairman Pro-Nigeria Elders Council (PRONECO) says it isn’t entirely strange for heads of security architecture to remain in office longer than expected, as the U.S. and other top nations have adopted this strategy at different times to quench insurgency.

According to Alhaji Gwaska, it is unhealthy to change competent and trustworthy hands at a critical time as when there is an ongoing war against terrorism.

The elderstateman made this disclosure after an all-inclusive stakeholders meeting to brainstorm on the state of security in the country.

In 2018, President Donald Trump extended the high year tenure for senior Air Force officers through technical sergeants beginning Feb. 1, 2019.

Similarly, Pakistani Prime Minister, Imran Khan, last year, approved an extension in the tenure of Army Chief Gen Qamar Javed Bajwa for another three years in “view of regional security environment”.

This was the second time in nearly a decade that the country’s top general had their traditional three-year term extended.

Gwaska noted that Buhari is only taking a leaf from the rest of the world by keeping hold of the Service Chiefs who displayed bravery, gallantry and patriotism.

In his words, “We salute the choice of Mr. President’s appointees manning the security architecture of the country. We resolved that the Security Chiefs have not only refused to shirk in the face of all difficulties, sabotage of their gallant efforts, but have continued to determinedly tackle even renewed atrocities of insurgencies and insurrections with renewed zeal and vigor.

“ Therefore, we resolved that all our serving security chiefs have performed exceeding marvelous individually and collectively in the light of subsisting encumbrances’ and deserves not only to be encouraged, but maintained on their positions to sustain the winning streaks against Boko Haram/ISWAP terrorist and armed bandits up again to torment the country.

“ We perceive the calls by the National Assembly (NASS) and some other questionable characters for the sack of the Service and Security Chiefs as exposure of their veiled conspiracy or manifestation of their insidious plans to finally sink Nigeria in internecine clashes of bloodletting. The meeting therefore resolved that Nigerians owe themselves the moral obligation to discountenanced such campaigns as cajoling Mr. President to sack Security Chiefs smacks of mischief and greasing the evil nest of these unpatriotic elements.

“ It is condemnable and unacceptable because the efforts of current Security Chiefs are worthy of commendation anywhere in the world. Consequently, the meeting wholeheartedly commends their efforts, as we urge Mr. President never to harken to such satanic calls for their sack, as it will create a lacuna and embolden armed enemies to freely feast on Nigeria.

“ The meeting observed and unequivocally affirms that it has also come to the knowledge of this gathering of these wisemen that there are multi-layered deliberate campaigns of calumny are being sponsored by some highly placed individuals in the country. Such are backed by some renegade members of the ruling APC in order to destabilize the nation because they are personally aggrieved for falling out of favour/patronage with the present government.

“ The meeting called on the politicians and other disgruntled elements who are still nursing the wounds of defeat and rejection by the Nigerian masses, in the 2019 general elections; and have resorted to kick-start very early political activities ahead of 2023 should be mindful of the distractions it has implanted in the polity by the method they have employed. We see it as part of ploys, exacerbating insecurities in parts of the country backed by foreign interference and the glaring agenda to destroy Nigeria.”

NDDC: ACIF warns Nunieh against paying for abandoned, non-executed projects

…Says commission not for politicians, looters

The Chairman of Anti-Corruption and Integrity Forum (ACIF) and Publisher, Integrity Watchdog Magazine, Comrade Prince Kpokpogri, has cautioned the Acting Managing Director of Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) Dr. Joi Nunieh, against paying contractors for abandoned, non-executed and shoddily completed projects in the region.

The ACIF chairman, however, called for due diligence from the two inaugurated committees for contract documentation and project assessment to ensure thorough verification and inspection of all awarded projects in the Niger Delta region.

Speaking with newsmen on Saturday in Abuja, Kpokpogri expressed shock and dissatisfaction over the findings of the verification exercise instituted as a prelude to the forensic audit ordered by President Muhammadu Buhari, where it was discovered that some award letters were found to be fake; some of the companies were not registered with the Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC), while some firms were registered after they had been given contracts.

Kpokpogri called for the authentication of all the documents submitted by contractors and consultants, adding that the newly inaugurated committees should visit various sites of the acclaimed projects to verify contractors’ claims.

According to him, considering the trillions of Naira pumped into the Niger Delta region, it was disheartening that the developmental pace of the region was still insignificant.

The anti-corruption fighter also called on the Managing Director of NDDC, Nunieh to engage Civil Society Organizations and partner all relevant anti-corruption agencies, organizations and persons in the fight to liberate and reposition the Niger Delta region for the desired development.

“Unions of Community Development Committees in the Niger Delta should rise to focus and monitor their projects. Nobody should be distracted by politicians and looters whose children are schooling and luxuriating overseas at the expense of our commonwealth. Every kobo must be accounted for. No contractor should ask for one kobo payment if they don’t complete their projects. We must protect our region.

“The NDDC has become a conduit pipe for contractors and cabals. The north is fast developing owing to their dedication to the policy thrust of their development commission. Stakeholders in the Niger Delta region must stand to emulate that. We must frown at duplication of projects.

“I commend President Muhammadu Buhari for his stand on anti-corruption. Governors in the South-south must stand against the pillage of their resources by corrupt elements. All Niger Deltans must rise to protect their development. We will not, as an anti-corruption forum, watch, but will employ every available avenue to prosecute contractors and Niger Delta stakeholders found wanting in this anomaly.” Kpokpogri stressed.

He also commended the NDDC acting MD for bringing the Nigeria Financial Intelligence Unit (NFIU), a wing of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) into the audit process, a move he described as one in the right direction.

He pplauded the National Assembly and the Presidency for their commitment to the liberation struggle, urging the MD, Nunieh, not to be deterred by some people he described as “traducers” making moves to tarnish her reputation through certificate forgery allegation which Kpokpogri described as “unfounded.”

Demolition: Rights group vows to get justice for peasant farmers in Ebonyi

The Human Rights Defenders of Nigeria (HURIDE), Ebonyi state chapter has blasted governor David Umahi over the forceful and unlawful demolition of people’s ancestral homes in Ezza North LGA of Ebonyi state for the Airport project without exhausting all due processes.

Some security personnel on Thursday led bulldozers to demolish some house in Ezza North local government area of Ebonyi state, allegedly on the instruction of the state government for the purpose of building an Airport.

But the state chairman of the rights group Comrade Sampson Oko Nweke, assured the victims of Thursday’s demolition of justice through the court of law.

In a statement made available to newsmen after its executive meeting, Comrade Oko Nweke recalled that the state government had recently tipped for bulldozing, some communities in Ezza North LGA as his preferred area for Airport construction without due consultation and compensation.

The rights activist said his group is not against the Airport project by the state government or the location of the project, “but the unlawful, inconsiderate and delinquent processes of acquiring the lands (people’s villages) for that purpose.

Oko Nweke regretted the hurriedness of the governor to misplace, dislodge and dislocate the poor Ezza people and renders them homeless; querying why the governor tends to be disregarding and ignoring the court of law before where the matter between the embattled people and the state government is still pending.

“How can the government just rise in utter disrespect to court proceedings, invade people’s ancestral homes with heavily armed security men and start destroying and demolishing their houses, farmlands, economic trees, churches, and shrines without due consolations, fair compensations or alternative settlements.

“For crying out loud, this is a ruthless strategy, an inhumane treatment, a vindictive approach and a total show of disrespect for the rights of the common people. A development stride should be a source of succor and comfort and shouldn’t mean to inflict pains, agony and sorrow.

This recent action of the state government is totally condemnable, utterly reprehensible and worrisomely shameful and must be seen and regarde as such,” Oko Nweke lamented.

HURIDE Ebonyi chairman further expressed worries over the precarious condition of the displaced people of Ezza North who he said “now wallow like rodents with no roof over their heads.

He vowed that “the group is ready to explore all available avenues within the known boundaries of the law, to ensure the situation are timely remedied and damages adequately recompensed.”

He also assured all Ebonyians of the group’s avowed relentlessness in defending and protecting their rights and liberties in line with the group’s mission of advancing peace in Ebonyi state and the world at large.

How Foreign Agents Planned To Destabilize Nigeria – Source

Credible facts have emerged on how some foreign interests are plotting to destabilize Nigeria through the use of various covert strategies. A top security source who pleaded anonymity stated that the new play revolves around the activities of some social commentators parading themselves as activists to cause chaos and uprising in the country.

The source added that the upsurge of activists in the country making unguarded statements with regards to the administrative style of President Muhammadu Buhari is part of the overarching strategy to ensure that the citizens lose faith in the ability of the government to ensure peace and sustainable growth in the country.

“We have credible Intel that indicates that lots of monies have been circulating amongst some persons that have in times past proven to be loud in the media. These individuals have been tasked to ensure that they castigate and criticize the government efforts on all fronts, especially with regards to the management of the Coronavirus pandemic.”

“These activists have been very active, and they have spared no chance in ensuring that they feed the populace with half-truths on the efforts of the government towards the containment of the coronavirus pandemic.”

Another credible source stated that days before President Muhammadu Buhari declared a 14-day lockdown in Abuja, Lagos and Ogun state, there was a grand plot by some agents of a western country to organize protest rallies in Abuja and Lagos.

“Some foreign interest flew into the country and held nocturnal meetings with some persons who parade themselves as activists in a hotel in Lagos. The objective was to continuously engage the government with criticism and feeding the public with half-truths. The game plan was to ensure that the government is distracted by these allegations. At the same time, they continue their underground scheming to push the citizens out to the streets in their numbers to discredit the government.”

“These individuals went as far as recruiting some persons in Abuja and Lagos to serve as their team leads in various areas where there is a high population of the masses that could be easily compromised with monetary gifts.”

“In Lagos, these individuals went as far as distributing supposed relief materials with the logo of the Lagos state government, and the items distributed were of poor quality capable of inciting the people. If you would recollect, some videos were making the rounds on the despicable items distributed by the Lagos state government.”

In a similar vein, it was gathered that this same strategy was planned for Abuja. However, it was thwarted by the lockdown issued by President Muhammadu Buhari.

“The lockdown directive issued by President Muhammadu Buhari took them unawares. Most of the items could not reach location, and this did not go down well with the foreign interest who felt that their plans were leaked to the authorities.”

“The case of Abuja was particularly unpleasant as a row almost ensued with accusations that monies meant for the plot were diverted to private pockets. There was a case of a lawyer who received quite a substantial amount of money from these foreign interests and could not deliver as promised.”

A source in the know of the deal confided in this medium that the lawyer boasted that he has an extensive network in the country that would ensure that the people come out in their numbers to cause chaos for a week.

“In truth, but for the timely intervention of the authorities, the plan would have succeeded. The government acted proactively, and it indeed saved the day for Nigeria, else we might be dealing with an uprising by now.”

This medium also gathered that there is a sinister plot by the same agents to ensure that the government does not extend the lockdown. A source who pleaded anonymity stated that there is ongoing lobbying of top government functionaries to convince the president not to extend the lockdown.

“I can tell you that there is tremendous pressure on the president not to extend the lockdown. I can also tell that lots of monies have exchanged hands and it is looking likely that they may be able to convince the president. But what most people do not know is that the initial plot to cause mayhem was only suspended and not ditched.”

“These individuals have concluded recruitments of activists under various nomenclatures. They have been heavily mobilized with funds and one of the strategies is that they must be heard on a daily basis in the media. These activists have been slated to appear on television talk shows, and radio programmes and the focus would be on the lackadaisical attitude of the government with regards to the plight of the common man and woman on the streets.”

According to a professor of international relations and diplomacy who does not want his name in print stated that in times like this, Nigeria faces more threats from external sources than internal sources because Nigeria has shown great prospects in recent times.

“There is an international dimension to the myriad of challenges confronting the county. What most people do not know is that there are always willing collaborators internally that help these external sources carry out their nefarious agenda against Nigeria.”

“The recent happenings in the polity suggest so, and it behooves on the government to ensure that its Intel network is well activated to deal with issues that might arise, else there might be an escalation of violence of immeasurable proportion that would set the country up in flames.”

This medium was also able to gather that the Nigerian authorities are aware of the activities of some social commentators who have been compromised to discredit the government. A source in one of the security agencies stated that all the security agencies had been put on alert in this regard.

“I can tell you that the government is aware of the plot to destabilize Nigeria by some foreign agents through some persons parading themselves as activists in the country. The government is leaving nothing to chance, and I believe the government is ahead of these agents of darkness that are hell-bent on seeing to the destruction of Nigeria.”

It would be recalled that there has been an upsurge of activists across the country that have been making statements indicating that the government is not doing enough to protect the citizens in this trying period.