Fish out fake NDDC contractors, Frank tasks audit panel

A political activist and former Deputy National Publicity Secretary of the All Progressives Congress (APC) Comrade Timi Frank, has commended efforts by the current leadership of the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) to audit and document projects and contracts awarded by the commission.

Frank said in a statement on Tuesday in Abuja, that there is need for all true sons and daughters of the region to fully support such move because it is about the development of their long suffering region.

Reacting to the inauguration of a 50-member committee by the commission in the Niger Delta states to verify all claims by so called contractors, the outspoken activist said he “will mobilise all lovers of development in the region to support the exercise, name those who are causing Niger Deltans pain and depriving them of the expected development for so long.

“For the development of my region, we will no longer keep quite. People must do the right thing, if you know you don’t have any business with NDDC, please stay away and don’t turn the commission to a conduit pipe where money meant for the development of the region are being shared,” Frank said

While expressing support for the current leadership of the NDDC led by Dr Joi Nunieh, the Bayelsa born activist urged the Minister of the Niger Delta, Godswill Akpabio, to ensure that the directive for the forensic audit is carry out to the later.

“The ordinary people of this region can not continue to suffer, living without portable water to drink, lack of good roads, many qualified youths are without commensurable jobs while the region’s resources are being used to develop other regions. It is high time we name and shame those who are holding us down in the Niger Delta.

“I know the current Managing Director of NDDC means well. She has the capacity to do the right thing but I also urge her to carry out her assignment without fear or favour,” Timi Frank stated.

The former APC chieftain called on leaders and elders of the region, the civil society groups and individuals to rise up and buy into the efforts to sanitize “massive corruption that has held the commission down for so long and liberate the region from the shackles of underdevelopment.”

He also called on the committee led by Dr Cairo Ojougboh as Chairman, Dr Emmanuel Audu-Ohwavborua Deputy Chairman and Mrs Iyingi Numbere as Secretary not to compromise the assignment, adding that all eyes will be on them.

“The Cairo Ojougboh committee must be fair, just and shun partisanship. Niger Deltan leaders and youths will note this particular exercise as part of history, therefore the committee must do the right thing.

“I also call on the Niger Delta Minister, Goodswill Akpabio to use his uncommon skills to work hand in hand with the leadership of NDDC under its current Managing Director, Dr Joi Nunieh, to achieve the purpose for which the commission was established.

“I call on the serving Governors of the region and the National Assembly members, especially the Senators to drop their personal interest and ego, bearing in mind the long suffering of our people. Instead of waging unnecessary war that will further deprive the region more development, I urge them to cooperate with the leadership of the NDDC for the exercise to be a success,” Frank stated.

Armed Forces Remembrance: Group defends Army alleges Wike would have spilled more blood

The Good Governance Advocacy Centre (GGAC) has suggested that there would have been massive blood bath in Rivers State during the last elections if not for the presence of the military.

The group believes Governor Nyesom Wike would have had a filled day and spilled more blood had the gallant troops not been on ground in the oil-rich state.

GGAC made this assertion at a press conference on Monday in Abuja in reaction to the governor’s utterances ahead of this year’s Armed Forces Remembrance Day.

Mr Wike, at a church service on Sunday, accused the military of “unprofessional” conduct during the last polls and proceeded to urge Nigerians not to throng out to celebrate the 2020 Armed Forces Day.

However in a statement signed by convener, Comrade John Odusote, the Good Governance Advocacy Centre rubbished the governor who they claim hired political thugs to rig the ballot, leading to bloodshed.

According to Mr Odusote, more blood would have been spilled if not for the brave and uncompromising Nigerian Army personnel on ground during the exercise.

The fact that Mr Wike made such utterances in a church, the group believes, is an indication that he is troubled by the innocent souls he destroyed or wasted to acquire political power.

The GGAC, therefore, described his call on Nigerians to snub the sacrifices of “noble and selfless men and women as well as the fallen heroes and heroines of the Nigerian Military” as “ absolutely hollow and meaningless noise”.

Read full statement below:

Compliments of the season, as the Good Governance Advocacy Centre (GGAC) a Non-Governmental Organization (NGO) and active crusaders for public progress and good governance in Nigeria. We also wish you a blissful year freed from the sickening entanglements of the preceding years.

GGAC has observed that Nigerians have kicked-started the week-long activities for the 2020-Armed Forces Remembrance Day throughout the federation since last week with Friday Prayers in mosques and inter-denominational church services. The activities would round-up this week, with the customary laying of writ on the tomb of the unknown soldier, a proud and reflectively solemn national event in all ramifications.

However, in a deliberate, premeditated, absurd actions and incoherently reckless utterances, Rivers state Governor Nyesom Ezenwo Wike in his characteristic manner of farcical grandstanding, erraticism and empty ego attempted to discolour the shine and reverence of this patriotic and solemn national culture of commemorating our fallen heroes and heroines and also, celebrating those still in active service in protecting and defending the territorial integrity and sovereignty of our dear country, Nigeria.

We viewed with angst and dismay, a speech last Sunday, January 12, 2019 during an Inter-denominational Church Service to mark this year’s Armed Forces Remembrance Day Celebration at the Saint Peter’s Anglican Church, Rumuepirikom, Port Harcourt, which went viral on both traditional media and social media platforms, credited to Gov. Wike, in which the Governor ignored his shameful moral baggage and undemocratic conduct by unconscionably questioning the professionalism of uniformed men and by extension, members of the Nigerian Armed Forces.

After profusely acknowledging the Nigerian Military in curbing the threatening armed criminal activities of kidnappers, cultists, insurgents and armed robbers in the country generally, Gov. Wike in his usual senseless arrogance proceeded to urge Nigerians not to throng out to celebrate the 2020 Armed Forces Day, alleging involvement of the military in electoral heist in the 2019 general elections.

We wish to state unequivocally that no Nigerian Governor or leader anywhere has indulged in such bizarre conduct and utterances like Gov. Wike consistently demonstrates in his contorted piousness and deceptions of some gullible Nigerians.

Gov. Wike so shamelessly mouthed on the internationally revered Nigerian Military that; “It is unfortunate that the military has lost its integrity because of some unprofessional personnel. Nobody is afraid of the military because of their unprofessional conduct. Those who come to rig election or kill Rivers people, Heaven will never remember them.”

There is no modicum of doubt that Gov. Wike is sustainably haunted by the innocent blood of his kit and kin he massively murdered in cold blood to ascend the leadership of the state in 2015, beginning with his party- the PDP’s primary elections to the actual governorship ballot. And the records are clear and in public domain for all Nigerians to verify.

We are aghast with Gov. Wike’s recent outbursts concerning the 2019 general elections in River state, wherein he accused the Nigerian Military of complicity in rigging the ballot. But the reverse is the case. It is a known and indisputable fact that Gov. Wike drafted top appointees of his Government including commissioners and hired political thugs to rig the ballot for him and the PDP.

Wike and his goons would have spilled more blood had the Nigerian Army personnel on Election Duty shirked from their responsibility of protecting the electoral process and the sanctity of the ballot box. And indeed, that was the experience, anywhere his hired merchants of death through election rigging escaped the eagle eyes of security agents. They killed massively.

GGAC emphasizes that it was the Nigerian Army which actively frustrated the multi-layered plots of Gov. Wike and his armed brigades with their vigilance in River state. Each time there is an election in Rivers state, Wike persistently turns the state into a theatre of war, blood and sorrows. It has earned the state the unenviable epaulet of “Rivers of Blood,” by the Nigerian media.

With the latest utterances’, it’s clear that Gov. Wike is not only haunted by the blood of the innocent, but tormented by spirits of his slain brothers and sisters in the state, which he viciously gunned down in the demonic quest to grab state power at all cost.

Perhaps, Gov. Wike is demented to a fault; if not outright and calculative executive mischief. Or else, we wonder how Gov. Wike would have forgotten so soon the incidents during the 2019 general elections. The Governor personally or through his close aides made covert and public attempts to bribe and influence soldiers on Election Duty, which the apolitical, neutral, unbiased and professional officers rejected severally?

Could Gov. Wike in truth tell or deny to Nigerians that in the days preceding the February 23, 2019, Presidential and National Assembly elections and even on the day of elections, his henchmen were not arrested in different parts of Rivers state in possession of unapproved electoral materials?

Can Wike hold his head in high esteem as a leader and refute the standing fact that troops deployed to safeguard INEC sensitive materials at CBN branch Port Harcourt, on election eve and that these covert operators did not attempt to bribe and induce the soldiers?

Were his hatchet men, comprising Major A.P. Ubah and some policers namely, DSP Oyoku Ifelle (Camp Commandant, Rivers State Government House), Sergeant Akanu Garba , Inspector Hyacinth Oboi and Sergeant Nketan Chucks, not arrested by a team of the Nigerian Army, 6 Division Headquarters over attempts by Gov. Wike’s proxies and cronies to bribe them to release sensitive electoral materials to electoral undertakers?

After investigations, the suspects who approached the soldiers on duty in a Range Rover belonging to the DSP, ostensibly led by the Camp Commandant Rivers State Government House, the suspects had various incriminating items in their possession such as the sum of N2.25million; INEC 2019 electoral tags and customized Rivers State Government House brown envelopes. And the sum of N500,000 (five hundred thousand) was also found in the Toyota vehicle of Major A.P. Ubah and just like, the multiple other confessions aligned to the actions of a coordinated syndicate assigned to rig the elections?

Furthermore, and in good conscience, Can Gov. Wike disclaim that on Saturday, February, 23rd 2019, a member of Rivers State House of Assembly, Hon. Opokri Wanaka, in company of Dr. Reason Onya Williams, Rivers State Commissioner for Urban Development paid unscheduled visit to troops camp at Akinima and sought to see the Commander of the troops at the location? And and upon meeting him, offered the officer some amount of money, but it was rejected? What was the experience of the troops at Mbiama Bridge, when a white Hilux vehicle with Rivers State Government Reg No. L02-03 RV RIVERS and eight occupants was halted for a search?

The soldiers discovered to their consternation a carton and two bundles of INEC 2019 presidential election ballot papers in the vehicle. Later investigations disclosed that none of the six occupants were neither INEC permanent nor adhoc staff or even security agents. What does Gov. Wike want Nigerians to believe? Is it that State Assembly member, Hon. Okpokri Wanaka, his commissioner, Dr. Onya Williams, Gov.Wike and others were both organizers and participants in the elections?

When has it become lawful for serving state governors to usurp the functions of INEC to deploy staff in an election as demonstrated by Gov. Wike severally? Why was it expedient for Wike to put a call to the officer who arrested Okpokri and his team of election riggers?

But in his usual bullying style and grandstanding on his senseless and defence of dubious actions, Gov. Wike was miffed and barked, claiming, it was wrong for security agents to parade state government officials who were on election duty. By implication, it confirmed the grandeur rigging Wike and his team unleashed on the 2019 general elections in the state. Why was Wike’s commissioner found in possession of electoral materials? The later denials were belated attempts to save his face, which had already been rubbed with mud and his integrity impugned.

Angrily, he claimed, “The army cannot be a judge in their matter. You cannot parade officials on legal electoral duties. You cannot change the narrative. They have violated all known laws.” But the question is that were the Wike’s arrested aides’ part of INEC staff in an election they assigned themselves the unlawful job of secretly ferrying materials to some destinations without INEC staff or approval? This is the reasoning of a power-drunk and someone who rode to power with a known reputation of a political thug, who believes everything must work in his favour by hook or crook.

The unholy invasion of the electoral process in 2019 by Gov. Wike, evident in incidents of bribes and violence to influence the outcome, spared no one. Nigerians can testify how a group by the identity, “UK Matters Most,” led by the convener, Mr. James Moore, stormed #10 Downing Street, Buckingham Palace as well as the Westminster Parliament all in London, in protests demanding that the Prime Minister must initiate action over allegations that Gov. Wike bribed British consular officials.

The group accused Gov. Wike of bribing consulate staff in British High Commission office, Abuja concerned with election duty with the sum of $1 million to prepare, twist and stamp a false and misleading information on conduct of the polls in Rivers state. Gov. Wike may wish, but cannot erase these glaring evidences of complicity in destroying the sanity of the electoral process in Nigeria.

Nigerians must know that Gov. Wike is a dangerous character and his pursuit of power at all cost is strewn with satanic machinations perpetually. So, blood and arsons or whoever it affects does not prick Wike’s conscience, insofar as the end justifies the means, the Machiavellian style.

A Governor with such rotten records of electoral heist, killings and bloodletting in his quest for power cannot under normal circumstances, be bold enough to attempt to ridicule an institution like the Nigerian military; particularly, the Nigerian Army and its leadership of corrupting an electoral process. Rather the military, saved and rescued the system from the devilish machinations and destructions’ of power broods like Gov. Wike and his cahoots.

Therefore, the public proclamation of Gov. Wike during the 2020-Armed Forces Day in a Port Harcourt church and on sacred altars of God Almighty is indication that the Governor is troubled by the innocent souls he destroyed or wasted to acquire political power in the presence of God Himself. It is sacrilegious enough.

And calling on Nigerians not to celebrate these noble and selfless men and women as well as the fallen heroes and heroines of the Nigerian Military is absolutely hollow and meaningless noise. We know, Nigerians have consigned to the trashcan. Nigeria’s democracy must be saved from sinister political hawks and power monks like Gov. Wike.

It unfortunate that Gov. Wike doesn’t even know when it is time to play politics and a time for governance. As a man enjoying a repeated stolen mandate gotten with the blood of Rivers people, he should savour the crooked victory quietly rather than playing the ostrich.

The only way Gov. Wike can assuage the pains of Rivers people is to concentrate on delivering good governance to the people. But the resort to hurling meaningless and useless darts, in the hope of defraying the spirits of innocent souls haunting him is no panacea to it. It only demonstrates that the relentless spirits of Wike’s victims are driving him to an irrecoverable madness.

Gov. Wike may wish to retreat into his shell and ponder deeply; genuinely atone for his sins and beg forgiveness from the people for his violent crimes against his own people before the day of reckoning hits him hard. Its pointless seeking sensational escape by blaming the Nigerian Military through such reckless utterances. Clinging to his current disposition now is one sure step to his final perdition.

Thank you all for your audience.

Integrity according to Wike’s dictionary

By David Onmeje

Wonders shall indeed never end in Nigeria. We are in a clime where careless statements are issued without minding the consequences of such statements on the psychological and physical state of the people. In this case, a situation where a governor of a state is as careless as the average meat seller in the market speaks volumes of the calibre of persons that occupy public offices in Nigeria.

As a start, I do not think Governor Nyesom Wike is eminently qualified to speak on issues surrounding integrity. I say this because history is replete with acts of his that are unheard of in terms of morality, respect for human dignity, respect for the rule of law, respect for the people, and as well as respect for the constituted authorities in the country. For Nyesom Wike, it has been a life of absolute disregard for societal norms and values.

The recent statement credited to Nyesom Wike stating that the Nigerian Army has lost its integrity is, in my opinion made in poor taste and meant for mischief purposes. Unsurprisingly, I could not come to terms with his posturing given the fact that the occasion where he made those scathing remarks was at a church service marking the 2020 Armed Forces Remembrance Day Celebration.

His utterances were definitely not in line with the aim of the day, and I can bet that the presiding pastors would have felt ashamed that the governor had turned their auditorium into a campaign arena to get back at those whom he perceives as political opponents. And for strange reasons, the Nigerian Army is one of those Governor Nyesom Wike has chosen to disparage for inexplicable reasons.

I must add that if all governors in Nigeria carry on like the governor of Rivers state, then Nigeria can be conveniently labeled a banana republic because he represents all that should not be in governance. My curiosity with Wike’s bias against the Nigerian Army took me to the conduct of the 2019 gubernatorial elections in River state where he roundly and unintelligently accused the then General Officer Commanding 6 Division of the Nigerian Army in Rivers of all sorts of crime just because the GOC refused his bidding during the elections.

This much was discovered when the GOC went public to state that indeed Governor Nyesom Wike made overtures to him in an attempt to compromise the integrity of the electoral process. Having failed in this regard, a heavily funded slander campaign was launched against the Nigerian Army in a puerile attempt at painting the organization as lacking in integrity, while in truth, the one lacking in integrity is the governor who is known as a serial election fraudster from his days as the chairman of Obio-Akpor Local Government Areas of Rivers State.

I must add that I am still at a loss as to why Governor Nyesom Wike is so bent on dragging the reputation of the Nigerian Army in the mud. It would have made some sense if the accuser in question is a man of integrity himself. But a situation where the word integrity has no meaning in his dictionary leaves more to be imagined. For governor Wike, life is war. He is at war with virtually everything, including the way he speaks, as evident in his recent diatribe against the Nigerian Army.

I am tempted to state that Governor Nyesom Wike might be experiencing some form of internal disorders that is known to just a few people around him, hence his erratic behaviors. Little wonder why he is at war with himself? Little wonder why he is at war with the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), little wonder why his approach to issues is laced with erratic misadventures.

Let me state this in unequivocal terms that this recent attempt by Governor Nyesom Wike at painting the Nigerian Army in bad light is yet, another failed attempt in his book of catastrophe, where the Nigerian Army occupies virtually all the chapters for refusing to do his bidding in compromising the integrity of the general elections in Rivers state.

Just maybe to Governor Nyesom Wike, integrity is about saying what is untrue in order to mislead the members of the unsuspecting general public. Integrity is also when morals are sacrificed at the altar of selfish and personal aggrandizement. Integrity is when a dog is given a bad name to hang it. All of these are tenets of integrity according to the dictionary of Governor Nyesom Wike.

I would also like to use this medium to advise Governor Nyesom Wike on the need for him to urgently retrace his steps in his campaign of slander against the Nigerian Army. This is on the heels that it is common knowledge that his grouse with the Nigerian Army stems from the insistence of its commanders to be on the side of truth and national interest.

Governor Nyesom Wike must retrace his steps and desist from insulting our sensibilities with his diatribe against the Nigerian Army. Unless he wants to pretend he is not aware of the fact that the Nigerian Army is actively engaged in operations around the country simultaneously. Therefore, this distraction is highly unnecessary and should be discontinued in the interest of peace and tranquility. The Nigerian Army does not fit into Governor Nyesom Wike’s definition of integrity. And it would be in their best interest to stay away from Wike’s integrity mantra.

Onmeje wrote this article from the United Kingdom.

Bayelsa Governorship: Nabena Hails Appeal Court over Lokpobiri, Lyon Case

The Court of Appeal ruling which struck out the case of former Minister of State for Agriculture, Senator Heineken Lokpobiri challenging the candidacy of the Bayelsa State Governor-elect, Chief David Lyon is an affirmation that the All Progressives Congress (APC) Direct Primaries was credible, transparent and reflected the wish of APC members on who should be the party’s governorship candidate, the party has said.

Deputy National Publicity Secretary of the (APC), Mr. Yekini Nabena, who spoke with newsmen in Abuja on Saturday shorthly after the Appeal Court ruling, also called on Bayelsans to rally around and support the incoming administration of Chief David Lyon.

Nabena also congratulated the APC on the Appeal Court’s overwhelming affirmation of Chief David Lyon’s candidature.

“The Court of Appeal in delivering its verdict have sided with party members and defended their votes which they overwhelmingly gave Chief David Lyon to move Bayelsa state to the Next Level.

“While Senator Heineken Lokpobiri has a legitimate right to contest the outcome of the Direct Primaries through legal means, it is now clear through the Appeal Court ruling that Senator Heineken Lokpobiri had no case ab initio.

“I now call on all who mean well for our dear Bayelsans to rally around and support the incoming administration of Chief David Lyon whose campaign development blueprint when implemented will deliver home grown inititiatives to ensure progress, peace and stability of the state and indeed the Niger Delta.

“Finally, I invite Bayelsans to enjoy responsibly a glass of Heineken over this heartwarming Appeal Court ruling.” The Bayelsa-born APC chieftain stated.

Arewa youth leader, Shettima lauds South-west govs over Amotekun Draft

Contrary to insinuation in some quarters, leader of the Arewa Youth Consultative Forum (AYCF) Yerima Shettima, has expressed support for the newly inaugurated security measure in the South-west named Amotekun, saying he has been an advocate of Community Policing all along.

Shettima also distanced himself from a nothern group earlier condemned the South-west move.

He urged Nigerians to disregard social media insinuations that he and his group were against the inauguration of the Amotekun arrangement in the South-west.

Reacting through a statement he personally signed and made available to newsmen in Abuja on Saturday, Shettima said if the federal government cannot put measures in place to secure lives and property of Nigerians, state or regional efforts to secure citizens should not be opposed.

“I am an advocate of Community Policing, if I now come out to condemn the inauguration of Amotekun in the South-west that is counter productive. So, I commend the initiative and I will encourage the citizens to cooperate with the system to ensure effective operation which certainly will bring about secured society,” Shettima stated.

While urging the Nothern Governors Forum (NGF) to come up will a similar programme constitutionally recognised to protect the North, Shettima added that “it is a good thing that even the North-west governors are already thinking along that direction.”

Caring as Gen. Buratai’s Golden Rule

By Peter Otene

“Nobody cares how much you know, until they know how much you care.” —Theodore Roosevelt
 
It is absolute trite repeating the visible and unassailably signposted positive impacts of the Government of President Muhammadu Buhari on combating Boko Haram insurgency and its Islamic State West Africa (ISWAP) terrorist’s booster in Nigeria. It is clear-sighted enough that despite the odds stacked against the conclusive prosecution of the Boko Haram/ISWAP terrorism in Nigeria, the Nigerian Army under Lt. Gen TY Buratai has sustained its determination to defeat, rather than being defeated by the terrorists.

Anywhere one encounters Nigerian soldiers either on the battlefield or by the roadside, in the Northeast, they exude passionate, courageous and irrevocable spirit of certainty in finally subjugating the evil tormenting Nigerians. Sometimes, even in video clips from the Northeast theatre of the war, released intermittently on social media, Nigerians sight soldiers jubilantly displaying acts of gallantry, when they triumph over Boko Haram insurgents. More penetrating is seeing troops fighting and caring for the old and young; children and women who are most times rescued from the terrorists and even administering oral polio vaccine as a first step to living a normal life again.
It is representatively symbolic of general excitements and the humane reflection of troops in the frontlines to show rare kindness and love. It inspires and assures of the troops’ anticipated last victory against Boko Haram at the cost of anything, including sacrificing their lives.

Today, Nigerian soldiers anxiously look forward to that hour with eagerness; the day they would be feted with garlands as heroes and heroines of counter-terrorism globally. The meekness and affection of troops towards those they fight for can only be found in rare cases and only amongst the Nigerian troops confronting the insurgents.
 
Leader of the counter-insurgency operations and Nigeria’s Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lt. Gen. TY Buratai has effectively worked on the hedgy psyche of troops in confronting terrorists on the battlefield. Nigerian soldiers are no longer the previously known demoralized lot, which flinched in the frontlines in the face of danger. Nigerian soldiers have no cause to again protest against lawful directives from their commanders or freely indulge in mutiny against superiors because of the injustice in the system, which also gravely affected their welfare. The narrative is discernibly not the same. 

Media reports recount that from September to December 2014 alone, Nigerian soldiers, including senior officers faced Court Martial at different times on charges of mutiny over the counter-terrorism war in the Northeast. Sadly, many were convicted for mutiny and were jailed for various terms or even sentenced to death. Sometimes, expositions on such unfortunate incidents in Nigeria’s years of counter-terrorism combats preceding the Buhari Presidency are hotly disputed or challenged with a partisan flavor by some Nigerians.

But a report in the BBC News anchored by Ross Will, published on September 16,  2014 stated that 12 Nigerian soldiers “… have been sentenced to death for mutiny and attempted murder after shots were fired at their commanding officer in the north-eastern city of Maiduguri in May… Front-line troops often complain that they lack adequate weapons and equipment, while there have also been reports that they have not been paid or properly fed.”
The Guardian (online) published on same date, reported that “Demoralized soldiers have told the Associated Press that they are outgunned by the insurgents, frequently are not paid in full, and feel abandoned on the battlefield, left without enough ammunition or food. Endemic corruption in Nigeria means millions of dollars budgeted for the fight against the extremists goes missing.”

And in another report by the Independent (Online) by James Rush dated December 18, 2014 also chronicled such mutinies and convictions of 54 soldiers for refusing to battle Boko Haram insurgency. The report served the world the same nauseating narrative bordering on welfare of soldiers.
It said; “Troops regularly complain they are outgunned by the militant group, while some have also claimed they were not paid in full or were “abandoned” on the battlefield without enough ammunition or food.”
Apparently, the Nigerian Government and Military authorities of the time, probably never heard the voice of William Lyon Mackenzie King, a Canadian politician who once clamoured that;  “If I am outspoken of the dangers of intemperance to members of our armed forces, it is because we are all especially concerned for the welfare of those who are risking their lives in the cause of freedom.”

Our country was embarrassed with a dozen of such ugly incidents of mutiny or withdrawal from the battlefront in the face of menacing enemies before the Buhari Presidency. It manifested mainly because the welfare of soldiers, and even troops on the battlefield in the Northeast was largely ignored and neglected. It created the atmosphere for the expression of rampant mutinies and its damning negative effects on the counter-insurgency operations.   
But Gen. Buratai has acted differently as a leader and soldier who knows the pains of soldering and the inescapable reality  of placing premium on soldiers welfare, as Sidney Sheldon, famed American novelist contemplated thus; “My heroes are those who risk their lives every day to protect our world and make it a better place – police, firefighters and members of our armed forces.
The principle of welfare of soldiers and troops is a two-pronged approach. It is undeniably welfare, that is prompt payment of salaries /allowances and special interest in their families. And secondly, the provision of adequate and sophisticated fighting equipment for soldiers to protect the people and themselves in the battlefield.
Gen. Buratai has remedied both problems since becoming the helmsman of the Nigerian Army, by elevating soldiers’ welfare with an unbeatable attention and focus. He religiously sticks to Army’s welfare remuneration packages as stipulated by extant laws.  Salaries are paid promptly, and same for allowances, which are paid fully to soldiers and troops in the Northeast or those elsewhere within Nigeria, on special assignments.

It is a rewarding departure from the tradition of the past and reason troops on the frontlines are voluntarily goaded to extra-miles and into the deepest valleys with him in the counter-terrorism wars for the past four years. The psychologocal impact of this welfare is now being reflected in the troops. They have learnt to be humane towards those they fight with their lives to protect.
The successes recorded by the Army under Gen. Buratai are incalculable and proudly commendable because of this simple commitment.  
The Army Chief frequently visits troops at various locations to either supervise or celebrate special festivities like Sallah, Christmas/New Year with troops.
An anonymous thinker hints about the secret of loyal followership by stressing that “To be kind is more important than to be right. Many times, what people need is not a brilliant mind that speaks, but a special heart that listens.”  Another anonymous author espouses this same idea by saying, “Empathy is the most important leadership skill needed today!”
So, all the times, when Gen. Buratai visits troops, he dusts his toga of a boss and descends to the level of freely interacting even with the least junior Army Personnel during bonfire carnivals for the celebrations. The Army Chief has convened several open parleys with troops in the Northeast. Through such fora, he listens to personal problems of troops, even those concerning their families and instantly acts on them. No subordinates would like to disappoint a leader who exhibits such leadership empathy, mien and actions as one finds in the COAS.     
  
Gen. Buratai treats every soldier like his personal child. He follows them to the warfront; fights with them in the trenches and offers assistance to all indiscriminately. He ensures troops are not deprived of anything, even if it means sleeping on the open corridors of the Presidential Villa to get the attention and approval of the Commander-In- Chief, President Buhari.
It is one of the secrets of Gen. Buratai’s winning formulae against Boko Haram/ISWAP terrorists, who are fruitlessly, very desperate to reverse the gains.

Buratai  is a living library of Congress on the art of asymmetric warfare and counter-terrorism. He knows the antics and how to extract his targeted results. His bag of strategies and tactics, cannot be exhausted in a single write-up. But welfare of soldiers has been a major influencer and energizer of troops for his successes as anti-terrorism Chief in Nigeria. Most importantly, an average Nigerian soldier today cares because he has a leadership that cares about him and his family.

Probably, let the rest of Nigerians ruminate about what American politician, Kirsten Gillibrand said about the Armed Forces of his country; “The brave men and women who have served – and those who continue to serve – our armed forces have selflessly sacrificed for our nation, and we owe it to them to provide the best services and protections available when they’re overseas and after they return home.”.

Otene is a humanitarian worker based in Maiduguri.

Ugwuanyi and the transformation of Enugu as Africa’s Dubai

By David Onmeje
 
Until state creation propelled by the crave for rapid development, thrusted the balkanization knife into the old Anambra state to birth a fresh Enugu state, the coal city was the heart of South-eastern Nigeria. It bubbled with commerce and industry, which spilled into other cities of the region.
Enugu state would remain a bride to be courted by every South-east man or woman for many generations to come. Every one who presides over the state, attempts to answer to its multiple developmental needs. But the administration of Governor Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi has dispensed exceptional leadership as the political leader of the state in the last four and a half years.
His leadership is unique as can be attested to by his numerous achievements. Ugwuanyi was entrusted with public service at a time Nigeria was seeping through sickening and frustrating economic woes and multifaceted challenges.

At the occasion of the 2019 Democracy Day held at Okpara Square in Enugu, which Gov. Ugwuanyi dubbed, “Festival of Gratitude and Praise,” the Governor confirmed that ;  “The laudable goals we have achieved appeared impossible at that time owing to the realities on ground: huge debt profile of the state pressing down our neck and huge salaries and pension arrears confronting us.” But Ugwuanyi’s dispensation of genuine leadership in austere times has singled him out prominently as a prudent manager of both human and economic resources; a visionary and grassroots leader. His scorecard in the last few years has somewhat become a national anthem, recited in the nooks and crannies of the state by people savoring his leadership ingenuity and reputable organizations alike.
Are Ugwuanyi’s transformational efforts in Enugu state really deserving of such loud eulogies? Of course, the verifiable evidence supports such exciting assertions for a Governor who started the journey in May 2015 and celebrated with the epaulet of “Gburugburu” by  his people. He articulated the vision of his administration on a four-point agenda, clarified as employment generation, social services and good governance, rural development, security and social justice.

It is understandable that there is a culture by Nigerians to dispute the achievements of their leaders because of the proclivity to deceit. But Gov. Ugwuanyi gets his accolades beyond the borders of the state and from reputable organizations which silently scrutinize his government’s performance. A mid-2019 report by the National Bureau of Statistics named Enugu state as one of the six states in Nigeria, which recorded the highest net gains in full-time employment  between 2017 and 2018 with a figure of 122,333.

Enugu state under Gov. Ugwuanyi is also rated by the Financial Derivatives Company as one of Nigeria’s Most Financially Stable States with Lagos and Kano states. This accolade is in an era where most states loudly bemoan economic crunch.
Further testimony of Ugwuanyi’s commendable performance preceding the encouraging reports came from a World Bank Ease of Doing Business in Nigeria report. It decorated Enugu State as the third best state to start a business in Nigeria after Abuja and Lagos, as the Governor pursued his dream of activating Enugu as a recognizable economic hub in the country through investor-friendly policies.
 
Therefore, these feats were not attained by mere wish, but through meticulous planning, prudence and beneficial application of resources. To get himself financially armed for the enormous challenges, Gov. Ugwuanyi had to change the Internally Generated Revenue (IGR) of the state from its poor earnings to an appreciable level of generation and remittance to support development initiatives.
His reforms overhauled the Enugu State Internal Revenue Service (IRS), which jerked up the IGR from a paltry N14 billion in 2016 to N18.4 billion and to a record N22 billion in 2017. Enugu state’s internal revenue generation performance was ranked among the best 10 in the country by BudgIT, a civil group that advocates transparency in governments’ earnings and expenditure. And the inauguration of the Enugu State Ease of Doing Business Council early 2018 smoothened the path, as the Governor untied the knots that initially slowed down transactions.

His faithful implementation of the reforms compelled the recognition of Enugu state among the five states in the federation to earn Vice President Yemi Osinbajo’s Presidential Enabling Business Environment Council (PEBEC) Awards 2019.  
After creating a favorable business environment, Gov. Ugwuanyi pursued his dream for a boisterous economy and rewarding investments for Enugu state. He organized the first Enugu State Economic Summit in history. It was branded ‘Oganiru’ and attracted the in-flow of investors far and near to the state.

The people are already savouring  the benefits noticeable in the completion of the HELIU Estate project in Enugu and the Dragon Market in Dubai modelled Lion Business Park, a PPP arrangement between the Enugu  State Government and a Chinese Investment Company, erected on an expansive land. And to further animate the socio-economic environment, work on the abandoned Enugu International Conference Centre is nearing completion. This edifice which was abandoned by the past administration when completed is capable of hosting international events including global summits for Heads of government from any part of the world.

Quite impressively, Gov. Ugwuanyi did not embezzle or divert the improved IGR unlike his predecessors who turned same into an ATM machine for family use. There were months same was used to pay salaries and pensions of workers, which is permanently fixed for 23rd of every month even before the federal allocation hits the account of the state.

Interestingly, the Governor commits whatever allocation accrued to the state to massive rural transformation. Ugwuanyi’s passion for rural dwellers, whom he fetes as the “the true heroes of democracy” because of consistent neglect and obscurity from government patronage  is legendary. It is very heart-warming to see how the administration sought to change the narrative in order to put smiles on their faces.   
Therefore, his administration has completed the construction of urban and rural roads projects spanning over 300 kilometers. It has enhanced intra and inter-state connection of the people, much as maintenance of infrastructures erected by past administrations became a prime policy of his administration.
The Governor has uniquely touched the hearts of the people of Nkanu West LGA, by constructing the Agbani-Amurri road, this was a community that was once condemned to neglect by both the federal and state government for over 100 years. Similarly, the people of Akpugo zone for the first time since the creation of Enugu state are enjoying the first government project in their community with the newly constructed Ogonogoeji-Ndiagu-Akpugo road from the point of  Atavu Bailey Bridge to Afor Onovo.

The Governor has also flagged -off the  construction of four rural roads in the state at the cost of about N1 billion and covering  over 100 kilometres .
 
Moreover, Gov. Ugwuanyi has taken the notch higher in roads construction by awarding contracts worth N2.4 billion  for six major roads. It also covers  the historic 35 years deplorable Eha-Amufu-Nkalagu federal road at Isi-Uzo LGA among others. This gesture remains a day dream to the people as the community did not have the usual big wigs to influence any development to their region until the divine coming of Ugwuanyi.

To further assuage the years of pains of neglect of rural dwellers in the state, Gov. Ugwuanyi  initiated the “Choose-Your-Project” (CYP) policy and the Visit Every Community (VEC) programme, (VECP) schemes . The programmes allow key stakeholders in each of the 17 local government areas in the state to identify priority projects of choice worth N100 million and N10 million respectively for government to execute in their domains. He has kept faith in this covenant with  the people and over 35 development projects have been executed under the CYP; while VECP has over N5 billion already disbursed to communities in answer to this special rural intervention. That his administration has committed about N45 billion into road construction in the state is not news; the real excitement is the practical evidences of expending such monies dotting every part of the state. It is impossible to embark on a 10 minute drive without coming in contact with at least three of these fabulous engagements to demonstrate that Enugu is indeed in God’s hands.

The state capital, Enugu has received a fair share of the “Gburugburulisation” as a visit at night will convince anyone that Dubai is indeed real and possible in Nigeria and just to ensure that it competes with other world cities in terms of world class infrastructure and facilities.
Gov. Ugwuanyi has installed 25-units of 60 KVA and 10 units of 200 KVA generating sets to power street lights in the metropolis. Cleanliness they say is next to godliness, the God-fearing leader has complemented the efforts of the Enugu State Waste Management Authority (ESWAMA) by constituting a special task force to arrest the menace of indiscriminate waste-disposal to restore the scenic aesthetics of the coal city.

It is therefore apt to add that his administration has also launched the programme of continuous road maintenance in Enugu metropolis  christened  “Operation Zero Potholes” and the Enugu Clean Team Project as part of measures to enforce urban renewal and cleanliness of Enugu city. There is no doubt that these are yielding the much desired dividend as the potholes are fast vanishing away. The urban renewal initiatives are working to specifications, as the committee on Enugu State Urban Renewal is always at work to closely monitor and supervise the total implementation of the initiative.

The people of Enugu state have described Ugwuanyi’s passion for safety of lives and property as exceptional. His inauguration of the Security/Neigbourhood Watch Endowment Fund and the Enugu State Justice Reform Team (ESJRT) to work favorably on his defined terms and results. Many citizens and residents have very good testimonies to Ugwuanyi’s credit as not only a man of peace but a peacemaker and lover of peace to a fault.

A civil servant, Mr. Mike Uzoh emphatically says, Enugu state is comparatively peaceful  as  incidents of ritual killings, banditry, insurgency and other such armed criminalities have  considerably  reduced in the various communities of the state. He said, under Ugwuanyi, the “The case of kidnapping has only been heard once or twice,” in the state.
A commercial bus driver, Mr. Ejike Obieyem collaborates it as he asserts, “You can bear me witness on the population of persons and vehicles on our major roads, market areas, banks, churches, mosques, among others. People are really coming into Enugu to settle down with their families as a result of insecurity in their former states and stations.”

There is no doubt that Gov. Ugwuanyi has etched his name on the sands of time, as a Governor whose vision has sighted Enugu as an African version of Dubai and is working assiduously to consummate this reality.

Onmeje is a public affairs analyst based in the United Kingdom.

Inter-faith group lauds PMB on war against insurgency, religious tolerance, others

Pentecostal Arch-Bishop of South- South, Dr. Julius Ediwe, has showered praises on President Muhammadu Buhari for remarkable successes recorded in the war against insurgency and religious tolerance among various groups across the country.

Dr. Ediwe who is also the Grand Patron of the National Inter- Faith and Religious Organisation for Peace spoke on behalf of the group in a press conference on Wednesday.

In his speech titled “Saluting the efforts of President Muhammadu Buhari in the fight against terrorism and religious tolerance in Nigeria”, the cleric reckoned that Christian and Muslim co-existing peacefully regardless of religious and ethnic affiliations over the years is the handiwork of Mr President.

He added that since President Buhari assumed leadership in 2015, the country has become more united and focused amidst the myriads of challenges and evil permutations confronting it.

Dr. Ediwe, on behalf of the National Inter-Faith and Religious Groups, lauded the effort of President Buhari and urged him to continue to do more in the overall interest of the country.

The respected preacher pointed out some critical sectors, such as the “leadership of the Nigerian Military headed by General Gabriel Olonishakin, as well as the Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria, led by Godwin Emiefele”.

According to the clergy, Nigeria never witnessed such transformation as experienced under President Muhammadu Buhari.

Dr. Ediwe, however, urged those that are bent on causing disaffection in the country to support the current administration and spend more time interceding for President Buhari.

Read full address below:

I bring Calvary greetings to you all under the auspices of the National Inter-Faith and Religious Organizations for Peace in Nigeria.

This press conference could not have come at a better time than now in appreciation of the giant strides of President Muhammadu Buhari in ensuring that our great country Nigeria is indeed placed on the enviable path of progress as evident in critical sectors in the country such as security and religious tolerance amongst the various religions in the country.

As you may be aware, the National Inter-Faith and Religious Organizations for Peace are in the vanguard of promoting peaceful co-existence between adherents of the various religious groups in Nigeria. We are more than anything else committed to seeing a united, secure, and vibrant Nigeria that would indeed reflect the dreams of the founding fathers of our great country.

This much has been seen in the way and manner our Christian and Muslim brothers have continued to live as one regardless of our religious and ethnic affiliations over the years.

The National Inter-Faith and Religious Organizations for Peace is highly appreciative of efforts of President Muhammadu Buhari in keeping the country united and focused despite the myriads of challenges confronting it since he assumed leadership of the country in 2015.

We are cognizant of the fact that agents of doom and darkness have been put out of business, and this hasn’t gone down well hence the nocturnal sponsorship of violence in the country through proxies and unorthodox means.

We wish to state that President Muhammadu Buhari’s efforts in his fight against Boko Haram terrorist group have been outstanding. It is indeed a testament to an unalloyed commitment to leaving Nigeria better than he met it.

The National Inter-Faith and Religious Groups is appreciative of this laudable effort and wishes to charge President Muhammadu Buhari to continue to do more in the overall interest of the country.

The tolerance of the administration of President Muhammadu Buhari towards all religions in Nigeria is indeed worthy of note. This is so in the sense that the focus and emphasis have always been merit and competence above religious and ethnic considerations.

This stance of President Muhammadu Buhari is evident in critical sectors of the Nigerian economy, such as the leadership of the Nigerian Military headed by General Gabriel Olonishakin, as well as the Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria, led by Godwin Emiefele, to mention but a few.

The promotion of merit above mediocrity and ethnic bigotry in the selection process for critical sectors such as security and the economy is indeed commendable and has seen to the various successes recorded in Nigeria since President Muhammadu Buhari assumed leadership of the country.

The National interfaith and Religious Organizations for Peace wishes to state that the focused leadership as provided by President Muhammadu Buhari has indeed defied all the evil permutations of those against the continued peaceful existence of Nigeria, we say this due to the avalanche of progress that has been recorded in the critical sector of the economy as well as the multiple gains recorded in the fight against terrorism.

This highly negates the evil narrative bandied around by some mischievous elements in the public space attempting to paint President Muhammadu Buhari as a religious bigot and an ethnic champion.

We dare say that in the annals of Nigeria, there has never been a President who has indeed displayed respect and tolerance for our religious and ethnic diversity as President Muhammadu Buhari. This much he has proved to all well-meaning Nigerians in the quality of appointments in critical sectors of the economy.

President Muhammadu Buhari has carried on without fear or favor; he has indeed displayed true statesmanship that is required of any president in a plural country like Nigeria. It would indeed be common sense for those who have been blinded by their selfish interest to see the enormous good the coming of President Muhammadu Buhari has done to our great country.

The National Inter-Faith and Religious Organizations for Peace is indeed a witness to the transformation experienced in Nigeria under President Muhammadu Buhari, and that is why the organization has made it mandatory to always intercede on his behalf in prayers and supplication to God for wisdom, strength and the courage to continue to lead Nigeria on this path of national recovery.

This Press Conference would be incomplete without sending a word of advice to those that are bent of causing disaffection in the country. Even though it is incomprehensible that some organizations under the banner of religion have been propagating falsehood against unity.

These organizations must do well to desist from such enterprise as it is against the preaching of peaceful co-existence, as explicitly stated in the holy books of the Bible and the Koran. They must desist from playing politics under the umbrella of a religious organization to pollute the body of Christ in Nigeria.

The National Inter-Faith and Religious Organizations believe that there is strength in our unity, and as such, we must embrace one another in love and peace. The focus instead should the offering of prayers for the President in his quest to take Nigeria to greater heights. For what shall it profit them to heat the polity unnecessarily with calls and postulations that are unfounded?

They must, as a matter of urgency and sober reflection, spend more time interceding for President Muhammadu Buhari and not to allow themselves to be used by power grabbers that mean no well for the unity of Nigeria. We wish to state that the unity of Nigeria is indeed sacrosanct.

Thank you all, and God bless and keep Nigeria United in Jesus’ Name.

Group accuses France of equipping terrorists, breaching int’l laws

The Centre for Africa Liberation and Socio-Economic Rights (CALSER) has sounded an alarm over France’s alleged donation of weapons to Boko Haram/ISWAP terrorists, describing it as a “breach of international laws”.

The Centre brought this to the fore at a press conference on Tuesday in Abuja to address what it described as “reported concealed arms shipment into Nigeria from France”.

It will be recalled that the Nigeria Customs Service had reportedly seized a truckload of arms from the European nation, concealed as relief materials for Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) in Borno State.

President Emmanuel Macron’s government has repeatedly been fingered to be sponsoring terrorism in Africa and the latest news further compounds the situation.

Despite refuting the reports, CALSER’S convener, Princess Ajibola believes France is simply weaponizing information – manipulating facts to aid its destabilization agenda in Nigeria.

Princess Ajibola revealed that it was Macron’s government that pressurized the Republic of Chad to withdraw its 1200 from the collaborative anti-terrorism war in the areas where that country’s borders overlapped Nigeria.

CALSER, therefore, demanded that Nigerian authorities should proactively probe back to early period of the Boko Haram insurgency with a view to identifying the roles played by France.

It further called on the United Nations to investigate this provocation by France as it poses threat to world peace and stability.

While advising the Federal Government to boycott any diplomatic ties with the French nation, the Centre believes its Ambassador should be expelled until there is visible changes.

Read full address below:

Gentlemen of the press, we invited you to this press briefing following the disturbing news backed up with images and videos of the discovery made by the Nigeria Customs Service of arms shipment from France into Nigeria. More worrisome is the fact that the shipment was disguised as relief materials for Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) in the north-east of Nigeria, the same people whose lives have been upended by the terrorists being supported by France.

We have also noted that efforts are on by France, through its national broadcaster, France 24 and other willing platforms, to discredit the pictures by claiming that the seizure of the weapon caches was from another time and place or that the images had appeared under different circumstances and contexts. But to us in CALSER, that is the nature of propaganda – France is simply weaponizing information – manipulating facts to aid its destabilization agenda in Nigeria.

The discovery of the concealed stash of weapons is unfortunately not an isolated incident considering that IDPs had in the past reported aircrafts of French origin air-dropping supplies to terrorists at odd hours. It equally tallies with and answer the question of how Boko Haram and ISWAP terrorists come about the endless supplies of sophisticated firearms that encourage them to attempt taking on the military of nations.

The world must also not lose sight of the pressure that France mounted on the Republic of Chad to withdraw its 1200 from the collaborative anti-terrorism war in the areas where that country’s borders overlapped Nigeria. Terrorists have since started exploiting that vacuum to attempt incursions into Nigeria from Chad, which practically implies that France has pulled Chad out of the counter-terrorism war.

The combination of these developments has seen Boko Haram/ISWAP terrorists renew their murderous activities of killing innocent people, razing down communities, abducting women and children while actively attacking Christian Communities in what is an open attempt to spark off sectarian strife. This is the legacy that France is resolute on bequeathing Nigerians.

CALSER is today asking: France, why are you sponsoring a war on Nigeria? France why are you financing the abduction of our people, children and women? France, beyond the greed for cheap natural resources, what do you stand to gain from the bloodbath that you are promoting in Nigeria? When will France accept that the era of colonialism is long past and African countries should be the masters of their own destinies? What will it take for France to stop its war against the stability of Nigeria and by extension Africa?

We demand that the authorities in Nigeria proactively investigates not just this latest cache of weapons being sent to Boko Haram/ISWAP by France but should probe further back to cover the period of Boko Haram’s insurgency with a view to identifying the roles that France has played in the growth of terrorism in the region. The outcome of such probes should be made available to the relevant supra-national bodies, especially the United Nations (UN), which must step in to play its role.

The United Nations must step in to investigate this provocation by France because of the threat it poses to world peace and stability as well as the capacity to cause untold human suffering for Nigerians.

Nigeria must also not rule out expelling the French Ambassador to Nigeria until that country decides to act responsibly and call off its attacks against Nigeria by cutting off support for terrorists that are troubling Nigeria.

On their part, Nigerians should begin a boycott of all goods and services of French origin as a way of expressing their displeasure at the massacre being planned against them by France. Nigerians should further prepare to take their own destinies in their own hands by moving in on French interests in the land where it fails to halt its assault on Nigeria.

Thank you for listening.