Hushpuppi: Group wants FBI, Interpol searchlight on Atiku, Adeyanju, others

The National Coalition of Democrats (NCD) has called on the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) and International Police to investigate ex-Vice President Atiku Abubakar and other stalwarts of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) over possible links to arrested suspected fraudster, Raymond Igbalode, popularly known as Hushpuppi. 

Renowned for his flamboyant lifestyle, Hushpuppi and 12 others were nabbed in Dubai by Interpol on June 10 over multiple cyber crimes and money laundering to the tune of  150 million dirhams (N168 billion).  

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) subsequently declared the Instagram celebrity wanted over links to several cyber frauds. 

In a statement signed by its Spokesman, Garuba Nuhu, on Wednesday, the National Coalition of Democrats reasoned that there could be more to this act, especially with Hushpuppi’s known relationship with some PDP members, as seen in pictures and videos on social media. 

According to the group, Hushpuppi might have actually worked discreetly with the opposition party in laundering of funds for the prosecution of the 2019 general elections. 

NCD said its logic is born out of the fact that PDP’s top shots, led by its presidental candidate held several meetings in Dubai ahead of the polls and the likes of Atiku, Dino Melaye, Timi Frank and Deji Adeyanju are possibly his close associates. 

The group, therefore, called on the FBI and Interpol to investigate Atiku and other PDP members who may have been first-line beneficiaries of the fraud committed by Hushpuppi. 

It added that Hushpuppi could have likely “assisted these individuals to launder funds through his network because the level of fraternity between Hushpuppi and these individuals points to that direction”

Read full statement below:

The National Coalition of Democrats wishes to lend its voice to the recent arrest of Raymond Igbalode, popularly known as Hushpuppi for allegedly hacking into the United States (US) unemployed database and impersonating citizens qualified for unemployment funds of over $100 million meant for Native Americans in the battle against the coronavirus pandemic.  

This is indeed a sad tale for Nigeria in the sense that the arrest effected by the Dubai Police has indeed painted Nigerians as fraudsters before the international community. 

The National Coalition of Democrats has in times past alerted Nigerians to the activities of some Nigerians with no identifiable means of livelihood, yet displaying a life of affluence in the social media space. 

The case of Hushpuppi further lends credence to this concern raised earlier as most of our youths have elected to tow the dishonourable path all in the quest to make money at all cost. More worrisome in this latest development is the fact that the said Hushpuppi has been severally identified with some members of the opposition party in Nigeria. 

This is also on the heels that a top member of the opposition Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) is known for travelling to the United Arab Emirates where he held several meetings in the buildup to the 2019 general elections. 

It is also common knowledge that the PDP leadership turned Dubai into their strategic meeting place from where they plotted for the execution of the general elections.

The National Coalition of Democrats wishes to state in unequivocal terms that Hushpuppi indeed shared some affinity with some top members of the PDP as evident in the posting of pictures and videos of their several meetings in the social media space. 

It, therefore, reckons that there is every possibility that the said Hushpuppi might have been working discreetly with the PDP stalwarts in the laundering of funds for the prosecution of the 2019 general elections.

The National Coalition of Democrats wonders why the opposition PDP would elect to see Dubai as a haven for holding strategic meetings while wining and dining with the said Hush Puppy.

The likes of Atiku Abubakar, Dino Melaye, Timi Frank and Deji Adeyanju have in numerous times posed for photographs with the said Hushpuppi . It is common sense to articulate that there must have been in a strategic business partnership with him in the area of repatriation of illicit funds for the prosecution of the general elections using his syndicate network. 

The National Coalition of Democrats wonders why questions were not asked as regards his source of wealth if indeed they were genuine in their aspirations. This is not minding the fact that Hushpuppi indeed has led millions of youths into believing that hard work is not a guarantee for success. 

The National Coalition of Democrats believes that these top goons of the PDP are first-line beneficiaries of the fraud committed by the said Hushpuppi. There is every need for further investigations by the International Police and the Federal Bureau of Investigation. This is imperative in the bid to trace the root of the heist committed by Hushpuppi as well as identifying his partners in crime in Nigeria.      

The National Coalition of Democrats wishes to inform members of the general public that from all indices, there seems to be a strategic linkage between Hushpuppi and some stalwarts of the opposition PDP. It will be in the interest of the generality of Nigerians if this case is further investigated.

We are convinced beyond a reasonable doubt that indeed Hushpuppi might have assisted these individuals to launder funds through his network because the level of fraternity between Hushpuppi and these individuals points to that direction.

The National Coalition of Democrats as a result of this call on the Interpol and the FBI to leave no stone unturned in unravelling the collaborators of Hushpuppi in Nigeria.  

We are convinced that this is indeed necessary to put issues in proper perspectives and to serve as a deterrent to our teeming youthful population. 

George Floyd: Lagos protesters defy rain, march against racial killings

With the gruesome murder of an African-American by a ‘white’ cop still causing widespread outrage across the world, some Nigerians in Lagos, on Monday, staged a walk in condemnation of the dastardly act.

The Black Lives Matter Movement in Nigeria (BLMMN), stormed the streets of Nigeria’s commercial capital despite the heavy downpour, in total condemnation of the indiscriminate killing of coloured people in the United States of America.

George Floyd died on May 25th after Derek Chauvin, then an officer with the Minneapolis Police Department, pressed his knee into his neck for nearly nine minutes.

On May 29th Mr Chauvin was arrested and charged with third-degree murder and second-degree manslaughter.

However, African-Americans and other sympathizers worldwide are demanding an end to the killings which is gradually becoming a regular occurrence in the US.

Speaking on behalf of the group, convener, Josephine Okpara said an end must be put to “white supremacy and build local power to intervene in violence inflicted on black communities by the state and vigilantes”.

Madam Okpara expressed disgust at the manner blacks are being dehumanised, describing it as “ uncharitable and a gross disservice to our intellectual sense of existence in the world”.

According to her, the killing of Floyd is another grim example of how black lives have been disregarded by the state and their affiliates.

The Black Lives Matter Movement in Nigeria, therefore, expressed total solidarity with the global community in condemnation of the indiscriminate killing of black people.

Okpara said that their thoughts and prayers are with the families of those that have lost their lives by the shenanigans of the US government who have failed address this menace that has indeed put black people all over the United States of America at risk.

On behalf of the group, she, however, urged President Donald Trump and everyone in government to take up the challenge of making “ Black Lives Matter now and forever in the US”.

Read full address below:

We are all gathered here in solidarity with a global community the Black Lives Matter Foundation whose mission is to eradicate white supremacy and build local power to intervene in violence inflicted on Black communities by the state and vigilantes, and combating and countering acts of violence, creating space for Black imagination and innovation, and centring Black joy.

The Black Lives Matter Movement in Nigeria is taking this peaceful march because indeed, Black Lives should matter in the scheme of things in the world. The oppressions and senseless killings of Blacks are uncharitable and a gross disservice to our intellectual sense of existence in the world.

Our consciousness must awake to this gross injustice that is deliberately meted out to Blacks in the United States of America. The recent killing of George Floyd by police officers in Powderhorn, a neighbourhood south of downtown Minneapolis, Minnesota provides us with that grim example of how Black Lives have been disregarded and dehumanized by the state and their affiliates.

We are at a loss as to when this great injustice would abate. We are not slaves. We are not thieves or rogues. We are a people strong in our beliefs, resilient in our spirits, excellent in our careers and strong in our bond.

Black lives should indeed matter because they are children, brothers, sisters, mothers, and fathers. They matter because the injustices we face steal from all of us. The white people and people of colour alike steal our very humanity.

Systemic and institutionalized racism are defining civil rights and social justice issues of our time. We’ve come to understand that to be silent about the violence and threats to the lives and well-being of Black people is to be complicit in that violence and those threats.

We say no to this, and we will rise in defence to our liberty to life, association and movement. Our offence is because we are coloured skin. But they must understand that been coloured skin does not and should not translate to state targeted violence and oppression against us.

We are dutiful in our rights, and we have excelled in our quest for self-actualization. This should not be used against us just because of the colour of our skin. They must realize that our skin colour is a reflection of the strength of our character in the face of adversary. It is a reflection of our value system that emphasizes resilience in our spirits.

The Black Lives Matter Movement in Nigeria is in total solidarity with the global community in condemnation of the indiscriminate killing of black people. This is indeed an anomaly that has been sustained over the years and under various administrations in the United States of America.

Today, the numbers are increasing daily with many George Floyds gone unnoticed. For how long can we continue to watch as many others are cut down in their prime just because of the colour of their skin?

We are in solidarity in Nigeria. Our thoughts and prayers are with the families of those that have lost their lives by the shenanigans of government in addressing this menace that has indeed put Black People all over the United States of America at risk.

Just as we are in solidarity, we are speaking from the top of our voices for the killings of Blacks in the United States of America to stop. From Lagos to Abuja, Port Harcourt, Kano, Sokoto, Kaduna and the nook and crannies in Nigeria, our members are united in one voice. We say stop the killings of blacks in the United States of America.

Today it is George Floyd; tomorrow it might be Muyiwa, Nnamdi or Musa. We cannot fold our arms and watch our young men and women cut down in their prime. We in Nigeria stand with the protesters because it was not an isolated incident. It is a manifestation of the injustice that has been going on for decades in the United States of America.

The injustice and inequality in the United States of America is not about one situation; it is about one situation happening again and over again where Black Lives truly didn’t matter to those in authorities and to those whom we are paying to protect us.

In Nigeria, we recognize and share in the pains of the families and friends of George Floyd. We are in solidarity with the millions of Blacks in the United States of America that have poured out the streets in their numbers in condemnation of the indiscriminate killing of George Floyd.

The American government must rise to this challenge in the interest of peace. President Donald Trump, the governors, and mayors in all American cities must take up this challenge to make Black Lives Matter now and forever in the United States of America.

The history of the United States of America is not complete without the mention and contributions of African-Americans. Their exploits have been ingenious in various sectors of the American economy. And if for nothing else than this Black Lives should matter in the United States of America.

Our fists are raised to the heavens in a show of support to the global community fighting against the indiscriminate killing of Black people in the United States of America. For us in the Nigerian Chapter of the Black Lives Matter Movement, the killing of Black People can no longer continue. The death of George Floyd should bring to an end the indiscriminate and senseless killing of Black people in the United States of America.

Our words, thoughts and prayers are with Black people all over the world. We join our hands in the global initiative. We are blacks. We are strong. We are united, and we are free and free, indeed. Black Lives Matters now and in the years ahead.
This is a big fist in the air from Nigeria.

FG to drive new economy with additional 77,400 young farmers

The federal government through the newly resusitated National Agricultural Land Development Authority (NALDA) has revealed plan to raise about 77, 400 young farmers into Nigerian farming business across the nation in different farming activities ranging from crop farming to animal husbandry.

The newly appointed Executive Secretary of NALDA Prince Paul Ikonne, said this Monday in Abuja at the maiden press briefing since President Muhammadu Buhari brought the agency back.

NALDA was created by General Ibrahim Babangida-led administration in 1992 but was abolished during the rationalisation of agencies during Chief Olusegun Obasanjo’s administration in year 2000.

Speaking at the media conference, Prince Ikonne said his plan is to ensure that the organisation drive the country’s economy.

“Our short-term programs are; Providing farm inputs such as improved seeds, fertilizers, machinery, environmentally friendly crop protection agents, growth enhancers and trainings which will be given to already existing farmers and this will assist them during this farming season in order to improve their yield.

“The President, having given a marching order when he said “we must produce what we have to eat” NALDA as an authority under the Presidency has come up with programs in order to meet this directive by Mr. President.”

Speaking on how to achieve his plans, Ikonne said: “We intend to have 77,400 young farmers injected into Nigerian farming business across the nation in different farming activities ranging from crop farming to animal husbandry.

“These young farmers will be drawn from the 774 Local Governments, with a pilot number of 100 per local Government. In this initiative we will partner with Governors for provision or donation of land and other stakeholders as this will create employment and food production will be increased.

“Back To Farm; we will use this program to encourage everyone to go back to farm by reaching out to the military and paramilitary organizations, NASS members, civil and public servants, journalists, corporate bodies, religious organizations and individuals.

“You will agree with me that all these organizations mentioned and some individuals have land that are not being put to use, so we intend to encourage them to use these lands for farming even if it is for personal consumption. #BackToFarm

“These 3 programs are our starting point in order to meet the immediate mandate of Mr. President for providing food for all and we intend to achieve this within the next 6 months.”

While expressing confidence in the organisation to drive economy, the executive secretary said: “Our intention going by NALDA’s mandate, is to make agriculture a business and a source of wealth creation for the country. This we intend to achieve by increasing palm oil and soya beans production for export among others. Nigeria’s potential in the agricultural sector cannot be over emphasized and having identified the lapses of why we as a nation have not attained the height of food sufficiency, NALDA under my watch will provide the required leadership and with the support of Mr. President we will achieve our mandate.

“NALDA will partner and collaborate with other government agencies and international organizations in order to attain food sufficiency and make agriculture the main source of revenue for Nigeria from export.”

He, however, called on Nigerians who are interested in working with NALDA as volunteers to register through its website www.nalda.ng, even as he called “on all Nigerians and stakeholders, to see agriculture as a business and to solicit for their support as we take off today towards achieving food security which NALDA will be driving.”

Speaking earlier, the nalda’s pioneer director of planning, satistics and data bank, Dr. Akin Fapounda, who gave review of where the organisation was before it was disbanded in year 2000, commended President Muhammad Buhari for bringing the Authority back to existence.

“It is nice to see NALDA back to the country.”

Dr. Fapounda said if Nigeria will succeed, NALDA must succeed in agriculture.

He said NALDA is not meant to be a federal government agency but for state government to look for lands, settle all compensation and use the land for proper farming.

Probe Ebonyi over alleged N2billion fleece, indigenes urge EFCC

Association of Ebonyi State Indigenes in Diaspora (AESID) has asked the Economic Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) and other anti-graft agencies to embark on a comprehensive probe of the state financial records in the last 16 years.

The association specifically called on the Independent Corrupt Practices and other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) the Directorate of State Services (DSS) and the Police to bring to book all those who have caused the state economic doldrums and future dooms beginning from the Sam Egwu-led administration to Elechi and now, the Dave Umahi-led government.

In a statement signed on Sunday by the President worldwide of the association, Ambassador Pascal Oluchukwu, said the probe become necessary over alleged mismanagement of a N2 Billion loan given by the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) to the state government under the leadership of Engr. David Nweze Umahi, for the 2016 farming season.

“We are aware that it all started with the courage and boldness of one of the enlightened citizens of the state and former Secretary to the Ebonyi State Government, Professor Benard Odoh to hold the Umahi-led administration accountable especially with regards to the disturbing statistics of the National Bureau of Statistics which recently named our State as the 3rd poorest in the federation and information from the Debt Management Office, DMO which indicates that the present government has increased the State’s domestic and external borrowings.

“Already, Prof. Odoh had in his response to the allegations maintained that he had no hands in the disbursements of the said fund as his role was merely limited to providing strategic leadership for the supervising Ministry of Agriculture as then headed by Barr. Uchenna Orji as a Commissioner.

“After making startling disclosures to the effect that only a little over N900m out of the total sum were released to the committee for disbursements and purchase of tractors, a seemingly confident Odoh has filed a petition to the anti-graft agency, the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) inviting it to probe all persons involved in the matter while also stunningly offering himself to be investigated.

“AESID as a non-governmental organization whose mandate is to protect and safeguard the interests and welfare of the common Ebonyian, we laud the steps taken so far by the former SSG, Prof. Odoh in reporting this matter to the EFCC which is indeed the appropriate body to investigate financial crimes and prosecute offenders as being in the right direction. This is because it is only reasonable that the accuser whose present and former appointees are also being questioned cannot be the judge in their own case.”

While condemning what it called witch-hunting, intimidations and harassments of the former SSG Prof. Odoh, the group said: “We strongly believe that the state would be saved from an impending economic doom if its financial records are holistically ascertained and offenders who have plundered its resources made to face the wraths of the law.

“There exist in our beloved state, many phony contracts and projects which have remained uncompleted several years after they were awarded till date while the contractors obviously live large on public funds meant for their executions. Also, many funds, grants and loans given the State which is still being repaid from the allocations as debts have remained largely unaccounted for. This has severely hampered developments on all fronts in critical sectors in the State such as; Education, Health, Agriculture, Economic and Human capacity developments and Empowerment, Youths and Sports development among several others.

“In specific terms, we were reliably informed that the Engr. David Umahi-led government for instance has accessed many grants such as N6bn UBEB funds which could not be secured by the previous Elechi administration. Also, information at our disposal indicates that the same government has in the last 5 years accessed a total of over N9bn so far as Agric loans for farmers from the Central Bank of Nigeria, CBN. Despite these humongous sums and the fact that the government prides itself as investing heavily in the Agricultural sector, we are terribly disappointed that our dear State only boasts of getting most of its rice from some northern and neighbouring States for milling and packaging as the ‘Abakaliki’ brand of local rice.

“Like the rest of Ebonyi people who have been made to believe that this step was meant to save cost for the government and the people, we demand to know: How much exactly have been saved by the government through this use of direct labours by the Umahi-led administration?

“To this end therefore, we also call on other anti-graft agencies such as the Independent Corrupt Practices and other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) including the Directorate of State Services (DSS) the Police and indeed, any agency that is responsible for law enforcement and justice implementation in Nigeria to wade in and ensure that fairness and justice is not only seen to be done but actually done and the state’s looted resources recovered.
“It is our strong believe that this probe would be in the overall interest of the Ebonyi masses,” the statement said.

5th Anniversary: Buhari killing Nigeria with debt – Frank

Former Deputy National Publicity Secretary of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Comrade Timi Frank, on Friday, said that the last five years of General Muhammadu Buhari’s regime remains the worst in the history of the country.

Frank in a statement in Abuja said that the nation’s progress is presently on a freeze and can only return to normal mode of development after Buhari’s tenure.

He noted that apart from the President’s inept and riderless administration in the last five years, Nigerians must brace up for further economic and social torments ahead in the next three years.

He lamented that Buhari has continued to lead the country and its yet unborn citizens into the abyss of debt and slavery with his penchant for amassing loans meant to be shared by the cabal rather than for positive developmental projects.

He insisted that it would take Nigeria another 10 decades to repay and recover from the loans already amassed and squandered by the present administration.

Frank said: “Today marks the fifth year of the Buhari’s regime in power, yet, Nigerians have not recovered from his ruinous ways of the dummy sold to them prior to the 2015 presidential elections.

“Buhari is not only the most incompetent Nigerian leader but the most unprepared for the nation’s exalted office of President.

“Notwithstanding his half-baked polices like the single treasury account, closure of borders and playing patron to deadly and bloodthirsty herdsmen, his incapacity to comprehend the workings of modern economy is legendary.

“In 2016 alone, over five million Nigerians lost their jobs when he plunged the country into an unwarranted recession.

“Besides, the worsening insecurity across the country, he has not deemed it to change the leadership of the armed forces purposely selected from a section of the country and religious faith.

“The only legacy Buhari has built in the last five years is an ever increasing debt profile for the country.

“Under Buhari, Nigeria’s debt profile rose from N10.32 billion in June 30, 2015 to 27.4trillion naira as at December 31, 2019. 

“Presently, our rubber stamp 9th National Assembly is sealing another $5.513billion external loan for Buhari.

“This is after the same National Assembly hurriedly repurposed N850 billion external loan to be sourced by Buhari from the local capital markets in May 2019.

“Already, over a quarter of Nigeria’s N10.51 trillion revised 2020 budget, that is N3trillion has been earmarked for debt service, which far exceeds the N2.23trillion meant for capital expenditure.”

“This clearly shows that Buhari’s only Next Level Agenda has been to lead the country into bondage through unmitigated borrowing from multilateral lending institutions like the World Bank, IMF, AfDB, Islamic Development Bank and the China EXIM Bank, among others,

“With all these, one of Buhari’s hirelings claims that ‘we are glad’ the retired General ‘came our way’ in 2015. What do you expect?

“I believe that Nigeria will be free from this burden one day. All it would take is for Nigerians to put on their thinking caps and elect a leader who will lead them out of Egypt and not one that would further increase their heavy yoke.

“Today Nigerians are celebrating five years of poverty, hardship, sickness, joblessness, rising inflation, drowning economy and debt slavery courtesy of Buhari.”

CALSER describes AI’s latest report on military fallacious, subjective

The Centre for Africa Liberation and Socio-Economic Rights (CALSER) has rubbished Amnesty International’s latest report against the Nigerian Military in the war against Boko Haram/ISWAP terrorists.

Amnesty had alleged that children in the North-East were being subjected to unlawful treatment and detention in inhumane conditions.

However, in a counter-report signed by Princess Ajibola, on Wednesday, CALSER described the claims as “ fallacy, lacking in objectivity”.

The Centre said this may just be another coy by the international humanitarian organization in its characteristics penchant for distracting the Nigerian troops when the morale is high.

CALSER added that this is even more striking, especially as the report was based on an interview conducted on only 48 children held in detention, as well as 22 adults.

Contrary to AI’s allegation, the Centre disclosed that the military have been conducting operations that led to the rescue of thousands of women and children, granting them access to medical care before release to their families.

CALSER noted that in all of its engagements, “we have not been able to establish cases of torture by the Nigerian Military as put forward by Amnesty International”.

The Centre for Africa Liberation and Socio-Economic Liberation, therefore, stated that the recent report by AI is lacking in all ramifications and should be disregarded by all and sundry.

It, however, pledged its commitment to continue working with the military in the war against terrorism in Nigeria.

Read the full report below:

The Centre for Africa Liberation and Socio-Economic Rights Statement on Amnesty International’s report “‘We dried our tears’: Addressing the toll on children of Northeast Nigeria’s conflict” accusing the Nigerian Military subjecting children in North-East Nigeria to unlawful treatment and detention.

The Nigerian Military has been engaged in the prosecution of the war against terrorism in North-East Nigeria since 2009 when the Boko Haram terrorist group began a violent campaign against Nigeria.

As standard with warfare, there are bound to be casualties of immeasurable proportion. But the report by Amnesty International in fulfilment of its supposed mandate of bringing to the fore perceived cases of human rights violations in countries where it operates, Nigeria inclusive is lopsided.

In the report by Amnesty International, it alluded that the Nigerian Military’s treatment of those who escape such brutality has also been appalling. From mass, unlawful detention in inhumane conditions, to meting out beatings and torture and allowing sexual abuse by adult inmates – it defies belief that children anywhere would be so grievously harmed by the very authorities charged with their protection.

This statement is at best a fallacy that lacks objectivity as the activities of the Nigerian Military in North-East Nigeria has continuously been scrutinized by a coalition of civil society organizations including the Centre for Africa Liberation and Socio-Economic Rights.

The Centre for Africa Liberation and Socio-Economic Rights believes that the motives of Amnesty International in this regard could be hinged on a disdain for the successes recorded since 2016 when the Nigerian Military gained ascendency over the Boko Haram terrorist group.

This is on the heels that the report was based on an interview conducted on 48 children held in detention, as well as 22 adults. It is indeed questionable that conclusions can be drawn from such sample size given the population of North-East Nigeria that as at 2011 stands at 23,558,674 or 13.5% of the country’s population.

It must be stated that such a sample size cannot avail a reasonable conclusion in research. As such, there is a high level of mischief on the part of Amnesty International, which might not be unconnected with its insatiable desire to see to the festering of the crisis in North-East Nigeria to suit their purpose and cause a distraction to the operations of the Nigerian Military.

The Centre for Africa Liberation and Socio-Economic Rights have in times past questioned the genuineness of the reports of Amnesty International on Nigeria. This position of ours had led to the commissioning of various researches to ascertain the veracity of the claims made by Amnesty International.

It suffices to state that on these occasions, there was a wide disparity between what was reported by Amnesty and our team of independent researchers. This has been the trend, and it has assumed a worrisome dimension with the recent report by Amnesty International.

Amnesty International in its report also posited that most of such detentions were unlawful; children were never charged or prosecuted for any crime and are denied the rights to access a lawyer, appear before a judge, or communicate with their families. The widespread unlawful detentions may amount to a crime against humanity.

It is common knowledge that the use of children in war is a crime against humanity. And as such, it is indeed bewildering that Amnesty International can feign ignorance to these ignoble acts by Boko Haram. While it is understandable that Amnesty International would feign this ignorance, it is nonetheless against all known protocols why such anomalies should be encouraged rather than rebuked.

The Centre for Africa Liberation and Socio-Economic Rights is in receipt of the fact that the Nigerian Military has been conducting rescue operations that have led to the rescue of thousands of women and children have been rescued from the Boko Haram captivity. It is also public knowledge that the Nigerian Military has availed those rescued from captivity access to medical care, as well as counselling before they are released back to their families.

Therefore, there is no record in the archives of the Centre for Africa Liberation and Socio-Economic Rights that indicates otherwise. We have also been painstaking in scrutinizing cases of human rights violations in North-East Nigeria and the bulk of the summary of our scrutiny highlighted gross violations by the Boko Haram group. Case studies were seen in the Chibok girls, the Dapchi girls, as well as the Buni Yadi massacre of young boys in their dormitory by the Boko Haram group.

It must be stated that children rescued from Boko Haram captivity are not detained or charge for terrorism as in the first instance, the involvement of children was more forceful and against their wishes. This fact, the Nigerian Military highlighted and stated that counselling sessions are availed rescued captives regardless of their age or gender.

Amnesty International was economical with the truth when it stated in the report that almost everyone fleeing Boko Haram territory, including children, is “screened” by the Military and Civilian Joint Task Force – a process that, for many, involves torture until the person “confesses” to affiliation with Boko Haram. Alleged Boko Haram members and supporters are transferred and held, often for months or years, in squalid conditions in detention centres including Giwa Barracks in Maiduguri and the Kanji military base in Niger State.

Every discerning mind would agree that screening is a precautionary measure put in place by the Nigerian Military to ensure that fleeing Boko Haram terrorist do not infiltrate the civilian populace and wreak further havoc. The Centre for Africa Liberation and Socio-Economic Rights observed that these precautionary measures have indeed drastically reduced incidences of suicide bombings in markets, places of worship, communities and other places in times past.

Moreover, in all of our engagements, we have not been able to establish cases of torture by the Nigerian Military as put forward by Amnesty International. We are indeed aware that the Nigerian Military has a Directorate for Civil-Military relations, as well as the establishment of human rights desks.

It is worthy to state that the establishments of these initiatives have seen to the reprimanding and consequent prosecution of errant soldiers that were caught violating human rights in North-East Nigeria.

It is therefore awkward that Amnesty International estimates that at least 10,000 people, including many children, have died in detention during the conflict. There is no iota of truth in this claim, and this much Amnesty International must own up to.

Amnesty International contradicted itself in its report wherein it stated that conditions are better at the Operation Safe Corridor site than elsewhere in military detention, and former detainees spoke positively about the psychosocial support and adult education there.

For inexplicable reasons, Amnesty International refused to acknowledge the fact that the detention facilities of the Nigerian Military operate under the same conditions. This much the Centre for Africa Liberation and Socio-Economic Rights can attest to given the fact that it has on several occasions, visited the various detention centers of the Nigerian Military in various locations.

The Centre for Africa Liberation wishes to advise Amnesty International to dedicate substantial time to conducting field research instead of relying on hearsays and desk research with regards to the operations of the Nigerian Military in North-East Nigeria.

Conclusion:

The Centre for Africa Liberation and Socio-Economic Liberation states in unequivocal terms that the recent report by Amnesty International is lacking in all ramifications and should be disregarded by all and sundry.

The accusations are with sinister motives and not a reflection of the issues on the ground. The general public must realize that acts of terrorism are of various dimensions and Amnesty International through its recently released report has availed us the possibility of intellectual terrorism.

The Centre for Africa Liberation would continue to work with the Nigerian Military in the war against terrorism in Nigeria.

5 years scorecard: Group rates Buhari, Army high on Counter-insurgency

The Centre for Social Justice, Equity and Transparency (CESJET) has showered encomium on President Muhammadu and the Nigerian troops for their efforts towards ending the war against insurgency in the last five years.

CESJET made this known in its five-year assessment report on President Buhari’s administration in the war against terrorism and the accompanying efforts of the Nigerian Army.

President Buhari has earned plaudits from Nigerians and the international community for dramatically halting the once growing spate of Boko Haram/ISWAP attacks in the country.

Prior to Buhari’s reign, Nigeria appeared powerless, clueless and helpless, with terrorists extending their mayhem to the Federal Capital Territory; bombing prominent locations at will.

After carrying out an assessment tour of the North-East, spanning five years, CESJET acknowledged that President Buhari has displayed sincerity of heart and purpose towards bringing the war to an end.

In the report signed by Executive Secretary, Isaac Ikpa, on Tuesday, the centre hailed the current administration for showing the much-needed political will to finish off the terrorists.

CESJET also extolled Chief of Army Staff, Lt. Gen. Tukur Buratai for aligning with the vision of the president, showcasing exemplary leadership, commitment and doggedness in the theatre of operations.

According to the centre, the army has so far been professional in the discharge of their duties, exhibiting utter respect for human rights.

With the end of the war insight, CESJET, however, urged the Federal Government to continue to give the needed support to the troops.

Read full report below:

Introduction

The Centre for Social Justice, Equity and Transparency (CESJET) is a civil society organization in the vanguard of the entrenchment of social justice, equity and transparency at all levels of governance in Nigeria.

CESJET has over the years been consistent in holding government accountable in policy formulation and implementation in Nigeria. We have released various reports on governments dedication in various sectors of the economy by way of assessing the commitment of the government to the rule of law, human rights and protection of lives and properties, as well as the freedom of expression of the rights and privileges of Nigerians as enshrined in the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (as amended).

CESJET in fulfilment of the above-stated areas of interest and focus undertook a strategic five-year assessment report on the commitment of the Muhammadu Buhari administration in the fight against terrorism and other militant groups in Nigeria.

The assessment report covered five years (2015-2020) with emphasis on the operations of the Nigerian Army in the prosecution of the Boko Haram war in North-East Nigeria and other parts of the country.

Research Methodology

In undertaking this assessment, emphasis was placed on primary sources of data collection that included interviews, distribution of questionnaires, on the spot assessment visits to the theatre of operations in North-East Nigeria, to IDP camps, as well as affected communities in Nigeria.

CESJET constituted a team of researchers with each team consisting of journalists, psychologists, doctors and nurses, interpreters, observers and auditors. The team was spread across communities in North-East Nigeria and reported to a central processing team stationed in Maiduguri, Borno State.

Duration of Research
The research lasted a period of two months and three weeks. A group of experts analyzed the reports from the various teams under a strict guideline that emphasized objectivity in an attempt to achieve the overall objective of putting issues in proper perspectives with regards the prosecution of the war against terrorism by the government and the Nigerian Army.

The Assessment
The team of researchers undertook extensive research work in North-East Nigeria while highlighting various issues such as:
The level of casualties on unarmed civilians
The level of destruction in North-East Nigeria
The operational effectiveness of the Nigerian Army
The respect for human rights by the Nigerian Troops
The state of IDP camps
The commitment of the political authorities

The Level of Casualties on Unarmed Civilians:
From the reports aggregated, there was an agreement that the level of casualties in the battle between the Boko Haram group and the Nigerian Army was at a minimal level. The bulk of those affected was in the process of rescue missions by the Nigerian Army where Boko Haram terrorist carried out mass killings when the Nigerian troops closed in on them in their numerous camps.

Borno State recorded the highest number of the use of women and children as a human shield by the Boko Haram group. This fact is responsible for why some clearance operations of the Nigerian Army were hindered so as not to record human casualties.

It was observed that those rescued from Boko Haram captivity were placed in counselling camps and were attended to by counselling psychologists and those requiring medical attention were transferred to the nearest medical facilities.

There is also a level of agreement amongst the various teams on the level of commitment of the Nigerian troops in ensuring that all rescue operations were carefully planned and with minimal use of force.

The Level of Destruction in North-East Nigeria:
It was observed that the level of destruction in North-East Nigeria was phenomenal. Damages in these communities date back to 2009 at the onset of the Boko Haram crisis.

However, life seems to be returning to most of these communities as the Nigerian Military has been carrying out reconstruction work and spearheaded the relocation of displaced persons back to their communities.

It was also observed that the military engineers were also involved in the provision of basic amenities such as water and the rebuilding of primary healthcare centres and places of worship in these communities.

The operational effectiveness of the Nigerian Army:
The operational effectiveness of the Nigerian Army in North-East Nigeria received a pass mark from the various teams. It was highlighted that there is a strong presence of the Military in all the communities visited by the team.
It was observed that the Military were in high spirits and showed dedication and commitment to the prosecution of the war within the ambits of the law. It was also noted that the military boast of sophisticated arms and ammunitions and the officers and soldiers were well-kitted in operational gears.

The operational line of command was also well-spelt out with each command, battalion and company responding to chains of authority most efficiently.

However, the team gathered that some soldiers have been in operation for as long as three years, and some of them exhibited fatigue occasioned by prolonged absence from their families and loved ones.

The respect for human rights by the Nigerian Troops:

After extensive interaction with the community and religious leaders in most communities visited by the team of researchers, it was stated that the Nigerian troops were respectful for locals and continuously carried out profiling of people in conjunction with representatives of the people to ensure that they fish out Boko Haram members that have taken refuge amongst the population.

It was discovered that the template for identifying Boko Haram infiltrators were issued to the various community leaders who in turn passed such information to their subjects.

The consensus in all the communities was that of praises for the efforts of the Nigerian troops in respecting the rights and privileges of the people. The relationship between the people and the Military is cordial, and this has resulted in the provision of food as gestures to the soldiers in the various communities visited.

The state of IDP camps:

Our team of researchers visited some select IDP camps in North-East, Nigeria. It was observed that most of the camps were populated by those that have refused to return to their communities despite pleas and assurances by the relevant authorities that it was safe for their return.

The team observed that soldiers and other security operatives adequately manned the various camps daily. There was a high level of organizations in their daily routine, but for some teething issues that were being addressed at the time of visiting by our team of researchers.

The commitment of the political authorities:

It was observed that was a conflict between political authorities in North-East Nigeria, and this gave rise to a delay in the provision of infrastructures in some of the communities in North-East Nigeria.

The political authorities at the state and local government levels felt that the government at the centre is usurping their responsibilities to the people by carrying out reconstruction work in communities without permission from the state government.

Our team observed that there have been concerted efforts towards resolving the differences by both parties.

Other Highlights:

It was observed that the army leadership in North-East Nigeria has been exceptionally professional with regards to the prosecution of the war. It was noticed that there was a high sense of collaboration between the various security agencies in operation.

The Boko Haram group does not control any swathe of Nigerian territory like in times past where over 16 local government areas were under the control of Boko Haram group.

According to information gathered the activities of Boko Haram has been restricted to the fringes of the Lake Chad Basin region, but for pockets of attacks carried out by the group from their hideouts.

The welfare of the officers and soldiers takes a high premium, and the equipment of the troops are mostly new and of serviceable conditions.

Conclusion:

The Centre for Social Justice, Equity and Transparency upon conclusion of the assessment tour of North-East Nigeria, states the following:

That the commitment of the Muhammadu Buhari administration in the war against terrorism in North-East Nigeria is commendable, there has been an unprecedented display of sincerity of heart and purpose by the government towards bringing the war to an end.

That the administration of President Muhammadu Buhari has indeed provided that political will towards defeating the Boko Haram group by ensuring the operational effectiveness of the Nigerian Military in operation in North-East Nigeria.

That the Nigerian Army under the leadership of Lt. Gen. Tukur Buratai has been exemplary in its operations in North-East Nigeria, its observance to the rules of engagement and the preservation of human rights are of high standards.

That the gains recorded by the Nigerian troops in battle in North-East Nigeria are as a result of the provision of a conducive environment for the operation of the Nigerian Military by the political authorities in Nigeria.

That the Nigerian authorities are indeed committed to halting the threat posed by the Boko Haram group across the West African region through the reinvigoration of the Multinational Joint Task Force.

Suggestions:

CESJET herby suggest that the Nigerian government must continue to give the needed support to the Nigerian Military by ensuring that it continuously provides all that is required in the prosecution of the war against terrorism in Nigeria.

Group kicks against former NIMR DG, Ujah’s appointment as Vice-chancellor

President Muhammadu Buhari and the Education Minister Adamu Adamu have been urged not to appoint  Professor Innocent Ujah as the Vice Chancellor of the newly established Federal University of Health Sciences, Otukpo, Benue state 

A group, Coalition Against Corruption and Other Related Offenses, CACRO in a statement signed by its National Coordinator, Dr Kolawole Oladejo, alleged that Ujah was sacked as Director General of the Nigeria Institute of Medical Research, Yaba, Lagos, for fraud and corruption.

The group also urged the electoral committee of the Nigeria Medical Association to disqualify the former NIMR boss from contesting for the office of the national president of the association to save it from future embarrassment.

Oladejo said the group took its cue to follow up on the issue from a report by SaharaReporters on November 20, 2015.

He said the newspaper had exclusively reported how he awarded ghost projects to siphon money from NIMR.

The statement reads, “On 20th of November, 2015, a Nigerian leading investigative newspaper, SaharaReporters, exposed one Prof Innocent Ujah for alleged fraud and nepotism. This same professor today wants to be Vice Chancellor of a newly established Federal University of Health Sciences, Otukpo, and as well contesting for the position of national president of NMA.

“These allegations were based on a petition seen by the newspaper which accused Prof Innocent Ujah, then the Director-General of the Nigerian Institute of Medical Research of nepotism, fraud, financial recklessness, and abuse of office among other offences by some “concerned NIMR staff”. 

“The accusations listed were substantiated by several documents attached to the petition including invoices, financial sheets, employment documents, and receipts. 

“In order to substantiate the allegation of nepotism, the petitioners attached a list of recently hired staff, CVs, and acceptance letters. The petitioners alleged that Mr Ujah hired his sister, Patricia Onyemowo Agbo, as the Assistant Chief Administrative Officer, despite being unqualified for the position.

“The petitioners not only question her relationship with Mr Ujah but also claim that her academic qualifications are not suited for her role.  A copy of Mrs Agbo’s CV clearly indicates she only possessed an MBA Finance, a degree not suited for the Assistant Chief Administrative Officer position. 

“In addition, she listed Mr Ujah as a reference on her CV suggesting a conflict of interest with the Director General. Finally, there is the matter of the alleged backdating of her employment which the petitioners claim must be investigated. 

“Several of the documents provided pertain to contracts awarded by Mr Ujah as DG of NIMR. The petitioners allege that these contracts were artificially inflated to allow himself and the contractors to skim money from the NIMR bursary.

“One example is an invoice for 296 pounds of Thailand rice and 20 pounds vegetable oil.  The contractor, JohnWells Global Concept Venture, was paid N14,950 per pound of rice amounting to a total of N4.4m.

“Petitioners also claim that Mr Ujah utilizes contractors from Jos, where he used to live and work, in order to steal more money through kickbacks. The petitioners claim “(Mr. Ujah) is fond of paying exorbitant consulting fees, in millions of naira, to these contractors. The ownership and board of directors of these contractors used to launder money out of the institute through overblown project and contract cost needs to be investigated.

“The petitioners specifically listed: DP Nigeria Ltd., Bernas Investment Ltd., A and B Evergreen Global Ventures, Omalobo Nigeria Enterprises; Goga Consults, HL Communications Ltd., Crossgate Design Associates, and Marafa Ventures as contracts needing further scrutiny by the EFCC and other authorities.

“All these documents also alleged ghost projects being used to siphon money from NIMR, including 4 million naira expense for a generator which was new and needed no maintenance according to the petitioners. Additionally, “a payment of two million naira (N2,000,000) was made for the supply of diesel, which was neither requested nor supplied.

“The staff at NIMR request in their documents that the evidence they are providing be properly investigated by the appropriate authorities in order to establish whether there is any wrongdoing on the part of Mr. Ujah. The request that the EFCC and Office of the President look into the financial crimes they allege are being committed at NIMR.”

The group said President Buhari acting on the newspaper publication and other reports sacked Ujah in July 2016 for fraud and corruption.

Ujah had publicly challenged the authorities of University of Jos(a Federal Government institution) in court when Doctors without PhD were excluded from vying for VCship. 

“This, I did to save my profession from eternal disgrace and ignominy at the expense of being sacked from my appointment as DG, NIMR. Despite all the threats on my life and career, I had the commitment and courage to enter into the ring all alone from among over 15 professors of Medicine even when I was not a contestant for office of VC. This, in my view, is commitment!

“When I returned from NIMR, I was punished by the University by refusing to pay my salary for 20months. A sacrifice I made for  my profession.  

“My dear colleagues, it is my well considered view that a lot of what happens in leadership positions depends on our vision, character, courage, focus, ideological leaning, and other attributes. 

I am aware that some of our best NMA Presidents came from the public/civil service and admirably withstood their appointing authorities/Federal Government, when it came to making a historic choice between the welfare of their members and the interests and pressures of the Federal Government”he said

How Buhari’s 5 years inspired the military to top form

By Richard Murphy

The President Muhammadu Buhari led administration has saved Nigeria from imminent collapse, by revamping the military’s institution which image, structure and organization was at its lowest point.

Within five years of direct support, strategic planning and implementation, the Nigerian Armed Forces have been inspired back to shape and can now hold its head high, performing creditably well, stoutly defending the territorial integrity of the nation, securing the lives and property of citizens, ridding the country of subversive elements and stamping out terrorism.

This is a sharp contrast from its dismal record in the not so distant past when it lost its place as a regional leader owing to the many missteps of the past and the devastation of its ranks by the insurgents.

No doubt, one of its biggest challenges the military has faced since the Nigerian civil war is the Boko Haram crisis when some elements took up arms against the state in the Northeastern part of the country in the attempt to take over the country by force.

The more the armed forces tried to engage, the more it betrayed signs of fatigue, weakness and lack of capacity which emboldened the terrorist to push further into the country bombing towns and communities at will, attacking military bases and villages and wrecking heavy toll on both the military and civilian population.

Worse still, troops that were supposed to defend the citizens seem more in need of help. Pathetic stories of troops deserting at the slightest indication of danger rend the air with reports of whole units fleeing from battle fields for safety, known as tactical withdrawal in other countries.

Aggrieved soldiers who had no confidence in themselves, their weapons and on the high command, protested openly by opening fire on their commanders.

Regaled with tales of how their husbands were being butchered at the battle fields, wife of soldiers could no longer keep calm and marched in the barracks with placards protesting the deployment of their spouses’ to the battle front.

The situation was so bad that a Nigerian state governor lamented that the Boko Haram is “better armed and better motivated” than government forces trying to stop their attacks.

Then Borno State governor, Kashim Shettima, was quoted as saying that not only were the insurgents better equipped but that “given the present state of affairs, it is absolutely impossible for us to defeat Boko Haram.”

Security experts confirmed that the terrorists were using sophisticated weapons and were receiving better allowances from their sponsors than the Nigerian troops.

No doubt, President Buhari met the worst armed forces at the time he took over the helms of affair. But quite astutely, he has been able to transform it into one of the best in the world today in just five years.

Facts indicating that the Nigerian military has recorded significant gains since the current administration speak for itself as Nigeria has never had it better than what is going on at the theatres of operation with the insurgents.

Since March when Lt. Gen. TY Buratai moved to the theatre of war in Borno State, the gallantry of the fighting forces have become more pronounced at every turn making many to wonder if is the same institution that was being ridiculed some back.

Within two months, no less than 500 of the Boko Haram and ISWAP terrorists have been liquidated by Nigerian troops while many have been seriously wounded or arrested.

In the same March, Nigerian troops eliminated a notorious Boko Haram strategist and trainer, Abu Usamah, and killed over 100 of their fighters who were hiding in hidden communities like Kwalaram, Ngilewa, Sabon Tumbu, Bukarmairam, Wulgo in the Marte and Gamboru Ngala and in Gorgi, Damboa local government of Borno State.

In April, Nigerian troops in another operations also killed 105 insurgents in Buni Gari and captured many of their weapons.

The terrorist group suffered much more devastation in May when troops killed 134 and arrested 28 of their informants while overrunning their camps in Durfada, Allafha, Timbuktu, Bulajibi and Gonikurmi near the Sambisa forest.

The heat on the insurgence was so intense that the Boko Haram leader, Abubakar Shekau in an audio message admitted to being weakened and cried for mercy seeking Allah’s protection against the firepower of the Nigerian military.

Not long after that 11 of the ISWAP members ran to the military and surrendered their weapons.

These gains have been made possible by a number of factors which the Buhari administration adopted which include reorganizing the military by dealing with those who had frittered away the resources meant for fighting insurgency.

President Buhari also appointed highly professional, well trained and disciplined officers to man each arm of the armed forces.

His appointment of Lt. Gen T.Y Buratai has been a source of huge blessing to the military as it was Chief of Army Staff that was responsible for the success of the Multinational Task Force on insurgency in the Lake Chad region.

To prove that the President hadn’t made a mistake by appointing him, Buratai began to lead insurgency operations from the front by going to the battlefield himself.

There, he is said to engage troops directly, hearing their grievances and complaint and then take immediate actions to address them, thereby motivating the fighting forces.

His presence at the theatre of operations has also been a massive boost in the application of experience and strategy as it is already paying off.

The Army Chief’s latest innovation is said to involve moving reinforcement while troops are pressing hard against the insurgents thereby overwhelming the terrorists.

The president Buhari administration has also taken positive steps to train and equip the military.

It has sent so many officers for coaching and has acquired some of the weapons of warfare to outwit insurgents.

This year alone, the army acquired 17 military vehicles consisting of VT-4 main battle tanks and two types of self-propelled howitzer from China.

The vehicles consist of VT-4 main battle tanks and two types of self-propelled howitzers.

The army made the purchase from the Chinese government as part of its strategies to intensify effort in the fight against Boko Haram terrorists in the Lake Chad region and the contract was signed between Nigeria and the NORINCO back in 2019.

Nigerian troops expected to operate the vehicles have already been trained in China with the Chinese government confirming that Nigeria has become the first nation in the region to own advanced tanks with the buffalo 4-Wheel vehicles numbering 55 which have been procured and commissioned.

The Defense Industrial Corporation of Nigeria, DICON, in 2015 was also revived and made to commence the production of the 7.62 x 39mm special ammunition cartridge in its facility in Kaduna in addition to the ones it is producing.

In 2019, the Nigerian Army also deployed four newly acquired Mine Resistant Anti-Ambush Personnel (MRAP) vehicles and inducted them in Maigumeri super camp in Maiduguri.

The MRAP vehicles are meant to offer increased firepower, enhanced force protection against small arms as well as improved capability.

The government also increased budget on defense and this time around made sure that money meant for security were not diverted but gets to its intended destination.

In 2018 for instance, the Nigerian military budgeted about N38bn for the purchase of ammunition, fighter jets and helicopters as part of its efforts to tackle the Boko Haram insurgency in the North-East.

This comprised N5,281,288,780 for the “procurement of ammunition of various types and calibres,” while another N1,024,800,000 was for part payment for three light utility helicopters.

In the 2017 budget, the army had also budgeted N5bn for the procurement of weapons to prosecute the anti-terrorism war.

Meanwhile, in the breakdown of the 2018 budget, the army set aside N1bn for the purchase of armoured vehicles, and N300m for the acquisition of 25 infantry patrol vehicles and N235,697,000 for the purchase of vehicles for the Operation Lafiya Dole.

These are indeed big strides that have made it possible for Nigeria to begin to hope that the insurgency which has ravaged the country for so many years would soon be a thing of the past and the entire villages in the Northeast would no longer live in fear.

Murphy is a security expert and wrote in from Calabar.

Premium Times and her uncharitable Sallah gesture to the military

By Samson Abu

“Support PREMIUM TIMES’ journalism of integrity and credibility. Good journalism costs a lot of money. Yet only good journalism can ensure the possibility of a good society, an accountable democracy, and a transparent government. For continued free access to the best investigative journalism in the country, we ask you to consider making a modest support to this noble endeavour. By contributing to PREMIUM TIMES, you are helpingng to sustain a journalism of relevance and ensuring it remains free and available to all.”

The above sentence is what readers on the Premium News platform are confronted with for every news story. The appeal is strong and meant to elicit monetary donations from members of the public in the sustenance of “journalism of relevance.”

Whatever the motives of Premium Times are in soliciting for monetary donations from members of the public remains to be unravelled in the fullness of time. I am still struggling to come to terms with it because I have had reasons to question the editorial stance of Premium Times in times past.

When I see responsible journalism, I know it. When I also see irresponsible journalism occasioned by mischief and a price tag for every news story I also know. I stand to be corrected; Premium Times is leading in this fold, especially when it comes to issues that concern the Nigerian Military in the fight against Boko Haram terrorist group in North-East Nigeria.

Having all these in mind, I sparsely visit Premium Times let alone rely on the genuineness of its reportage of issues. But a senior colleague of mine and an expert in conflict and security drew my attention to a publication in Premium Times titled “EXCLUSIVE: Nigerian Army ‘secretly trying’ soldier who criticized service chiefs on social media” he left the following note for me:

“Your good friends are in their elements again. This story is not about the soldier, but that of the Service Chiefs. You can guess what is up. Happy reading”

Out of curiosity, I followed the link to the story and to say I wasn’t disgusted at the display of shoddy journalism would be an understatement. My conclusion was that with the likes of Premium Times, journalism has indeed gone to the dogs in Nigeria.

As a first, I knew after reading the first paragraph that someone has made a “modest support” in the accounts of the organization towards helping “to sustain a journalism of relevance and ensuring it remains free and available to all.”

The trajectory in the story was poor. No media house that is well structured and abides by the journalism creed would sanction such a disjointed story lacking in every form of integrity and professionalism.

The Premium Times story reminded me of an article “Thinking about the Symbiotic Relationship between the Media and Terrorism” written by Mohammed Elshimi, where he stated that that the media does not create terrorist organizations, but it does promote terrorism. The principal distinction to bear in mind is: once terrorism gets going, the relationship between terrorism and media becomes symbiotic.

He stated that ‘Symbiotic’ explains how these strikingly different actors become interlocked in a relationship hinged on a convergence of interest: the media’s insatiable drive to supply content is simultaneously mirrored by the strategic necessity of terrorist movements for the oxygen of publicity.

“The media provides a platform for terrorist movements to broadcast and amplify their message to global audiences. Without this platform, the message of terrorist movements would not reach beyond its very immediate locale and therefore would remain unknown to most people outside the confined boundaries of the attack.”

Enter the world of Premium Times in Nigeria where the medium has been notorious in promoting acts of terrorism in Nigeria. Their scathing campaign against the Military is indeed legendary. They seem to have absolute disdain for the operations of the Nigerian Military in North-East, Nigeria for inexplicable reasons.

I recall that sometime in 2016, the Chief of Army Staff sued Premium Times for libel and character assassination. And since then there has been no love lost between the Nigerian Army and Premium Times. In my opinion, this recent diatribe by Premium Times is nothing but a huge distraction to the counter-insurgency operations in North-East Nigeria.

I am aware that the military authorities have stated that the soldier involved in the online video that went viral would be placed under observation and counselling. That was the most rational thing to do in a circumstance like this and not what Premium Times wants members of the unsuspecting general public to believe.

Premium Times must understand that a warfront is different from a newsroom and therefore the need to be circumspect in the propagation of half-truths. This is also on the heels that the country is at the last phase of the Boko Haram war and Nigerians may have forgiven those that contributed in promoting the war in the past but not anyone or organization that further prolongs the war through whatever means.

This is not a time for distractions, and it’s such a shame that Premium Times is that veritable tool identified by those against the interest of Nigeria to distract the Nigerian Army. Sufficing to add that the prerogative of the tenure of the Services Chiefs in Nigeria is that of the President and Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.

And for those interested in the Service Chiefs, I wonder in whose interest they want this to happen. I can bet that it is not in the interest of the country, but that of their cronies and business partners whose trade has been greatly affected since the Nigerian Military turned the tide against the Boko Haram terrorist group.

Even though it is expected that these merchants of war would fight back, the interest of the country must supersede personal interest. The promoters of Premium Times must realize and desist from availing their medium to unpatriotic elements to further fan the embers of war in Nigeria. The agitation is needless. It would only serve the purpose of denting further the already dented image of the organization by their often malicious stories on individuals and organizations.

It must be stated, and expressly so that since Premium Times cannot substantiate their claim of a secret trial, it would be in the interest of remnants of their reputation to retract their story and commit themselves to the best practices in journalism.

Premium Times must not distract the Army at this point. The authorities have said the soldiers involved in the outburst would be put through observation and counselling on the heels that emotions can run riot in war situations. This is normal and not peculiar to Nigerian troops engaged in the Boko Haram war in North-East, Nigeria.

The Nigerian Army is in the process of taking stocks, and it is expected that the Boko Haram group and their collaborators would fight dirty, including launching vicious attacks using different mediums and methods. And the Premium Times charade is an example of an uncharitable Salah gesture to the efforts of the Military in the push emancipation of North-East Nigeria from the clutches of Boko Haram terror group.

Needless, I mention that terrorist activities won’t thrive if there are no collaborators in the chain of violence. Some carry arms, some facilitate logistics, and some propagate their activities. Premium Times must stand out and not be counted as accomplices to acts of terrorism in Nigeria when the history of the Boko Haram insurgency is written.

Terrorism knows no tribe religion or organization for we all are victims of their fangs. Consequently, there must be a unity of purpose to defeat terrorism in Nigeria. The media has a vital role to play in this regard. This is the time for the press to join ranks with the generality of Nigerians that have given their support to the efforts of the Nigerian troops in battle. There is no need magnifying issues that would provide the Boko Haram terrorist the psychological boost that they so crave. For that in itself is aiding and abetting their activities.

Premium Times should take a cue from other media organizations in Nigeria. No doubt, they boast of some fine blend of journalists in the country, but this credit must be channelled in the right way and the interest of Nigeria. This is a piece of advice.

Abu is a freelance journalist based in Maiduguri.