Buhari supporters accuse Zulum, Shettima over Borno insecurity

The Network of Buhari Supporters Worldwide (NBSW) has called on security agents to probe Governor Babagana Zulum of Borno State and his predecessor Kassim Shettima over violence in the state.

The group made this known at a press conference on Thursday in Lagos following President Muhammadu Buhari’s visit to Maiduguri.

In a statement signed by National Coordinator Achimugu Atawodi Agada, the Buhari supporters expressed disgust at the manner the president was greeted, fingering Zulum and his godfathers to be behind the show of shame.

It alleged that Zulum’s action may not be disconnected from the fact that President Buhari is aware of his treacherous promotion of conditions that encourages terrorist activities in his state.

According to the group, those involved “clearly lacked the capacity to discern right from wrong and were out up to it by those with interests”.

The NBSW, therefore, urged the leadership of the All Progressives Congress (APC) to investigate the role by its members who booed Mr. President during his visit to Maiduguri.

While urging for a thorough investigation into the incident, the pro-Buhari group urged the president not to be deterred.

Read full statement below:

The Network of Buhari Supporters Worldwide (BSNW) is disappointed that some Nigerians allowed themselves to be used in a failed attempt to embarrass President Muhammadu Buhari during his visit to Borno state.

The undignified act of booing the office and institution of the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria clearly showed that those who took part in the show of shame clearly lacked the capacity to discern right from wrong and were out up to it by those with interests to protect.

It has now been verified that the booing of Mr President was ordered from high up by no less a person than the Borno state’s Governor, Babagana Umara Zulum, who knew beforehand that President Buhari was aware of his treacherous promotion of conditions that encouraged terrorist activities in his state. It is most unfortunate that Governor Zulum conveniently hid the nature of his dark activities behind series of populist actions to endear him to the very people whose murder he was facilitating.

We therefore call on the leadership of the All Progressives Congress (APC) to investigate the role by its members who booed Mr. President during his visit to Maiduguri irrespective of how highly placed they are in the national hierarchy.

We are demanding for such investigation because information at our disposal suggests that some persons who were not comfortable with the indictment of the state government and local leaders for the festering of terrorism had to put out the embarrassing show.

We urge Mr. President not to be deterred by the antics of such party men and women, who will for their own selfish motive go as far as trying to humiliate Mr. President who thought it wise to come in and pay a state condolence to the people.

In view of the recalcitrance on the part of these highly placed members of the state executive council, we hereby insist that nothing but the imposition of a state of emergency on Borno state will restore security to not just the state but the entire north east region. We demand full Presidential orders that will help address the insurgency in the state.

To the extent that the political leadership of Borno State has failed, there is only one more solution which is to remove terrorist supporting officials from office until such a time teventually returns to Borno State.

Boko Haram: Group asks Buhari to declare state of emergency in Borno

The National Democratic Front, NDF, has called on President Muhammadu Buhari to declare a state of emergency in Borno State, following the renewed spate of insecurity in the State.

The group also asked the President to stop the local government allocations to the State alleging that those profiting from it have refused to let peace reign in Borno State.

This was disclosed in a speech by the Secretary General of the National Democratic Front, NDF, Dr. Abdulkadir Bolaji , on the security situation in Nigeria at a press conference on Thursday in Abuja.

NDF was reacting to the killing of about 30 persons in Auno area of the state by the dreaded Boko Haram elements.

Bolaji said the current governor of the state, Prof Babagana Zulum and his predecessor, Kashim Shetima must be investigated over the nagging security situation in the state.

Full text of his speech below.

Early this week, the nation woke up to the news of another round of violence, mayhem, arson and bloodletting by the terrorist group, Boko Haram.”

In that particular incident, which happened at Auno, a little town few kilometers to the Borno State capital, Maiduguri and where a gate had been constructed to prevent sudden attacks by insurgents through the major road leading to the state capital, more than 30 persons were said to have been killed while many other were wounded and left for dead and property worth millions of naira burnt to ashes.

With gory tales of humans burnt alive, it was a tragedy of enormous proportion that could only have been done by the worst dregs of humans.
Borno State which has suffered much pains and sorrow due to the activities of these terrorists over the years and certainly does not deserve another round of such heinous crime and wanton bloodletting.

We sympathize with the people of the state over this tragedy and pray for fortitude for the families of those who have lost loved ones to bear the losses.

While we join the rest of the world to mourn this tragedy, we must not lose sight of the fact that the sudden resurgence of violence and the boldness exhibited by the terrorist groups operating in the fringes of the Northeast of Nigeria are not beyond human conspiracies.
We note particularly that it was few days after the governor of Borno state, Prof. Babagana Zulum made the infamous statement that security agents who have sacrificed their lives to ensure the safety of other citizens are extorting money from motorists and other travelers that the violence on the road escalated.

“This is not without reason.
“In conflict of such proportions, apart from the weaponry used, one of the effective ways of either dampening or boosting the morale of the warring sides is the use of information.
Information serves as signals to troops and other armed groups in conflict as it exposes the readiness or otherwise of the warring sides.

What the Zulum statement, as harmless as it looked did at this instance, was to write off the efforts of the military in the fight against insurgency and to lay on them a moral burden that will dampen their spirit for days.

As this was going on, the terrorists who also have military experts among them carefully processed the comments by the governor and weighed its effect and set out to work at the time because they knew the governor by his remarks had done incalculable damage to the moral of the soldiers on the battle field and immediately came out of their sleeper cells and launched attacks on major towns especially on the Damaturu- Maidudguri axis.
Those who ply the Damaturu- Maiduguri road would agree that this is not the first time the gate at Auno would be closed to travelers a given time and that those who arrive after the closing time had to sleep there till the next day.

The essence of closing the road as stated earlier, was to prevent a situation where the insurgents would launch a surprise attack on Maiduguri as they had threatened to do several times through that route and the strategy had worked for years as it had kept the blood thirsty group at bay for several years.

Unfortunately when Zulum made the comment, they took advantage of the effect that was bound to set in to try to establish their presence as usual, killing people.
What people should ask is whether the Zulum statement is a one off thing done ignorantly or one that was deliberately to cause confusion in the camp of the military.

You will recall that the governor had made similar provocative statements afterward reprimanding senior military officers in the presence of their juniors.

It is a well known fact that the military thrives on order, discipline and hierarchy, it is usually counterintuitive for senior officers to be exposed to ridicule in the presence of their juniors.
As much as possible, the military tradition favours preserving the dignity of senior officers who would be giving orders to their juniors.

Much as Zulum was praised in some quarters for speaking out against what was clearly his perception, the fact remains that the same Zulum will not tolerate a situation for instance where the President would scold him in the presence of his commissioners or local government chairmen.

Many did not fail to notice that while a few were praising Zuklum for the comment, those who travel on the Damaturu- Madiduguri road regularly were apprehensive saying the statement is capable uf worsening the security situation in the state.
They said they were even prepared to pay even thrice what the Governor claimed the security agents were extorting from travelers than be left to die in the hands of the murderous Boko Haram.

Their worst fear however came to pass when the insurgents re-launched attacks on the road leading to the Auno tragedy.

Much as it looks like a one off thing, we cannot fail to draw a parallel between what the governor said, what happened in Auno and what happened during the Goodluck Jonathan administration.
We have observed that it is whenever peace and security is attained in Borno and the Federal authorities or any other body starts talking about conducting local government elections in the state, that is when there would be a relapse to violence and the flood gate would be opened to the terrorists to operate.

We recall that the abduction of the Chibok girls happened when there was relative calm in Borno state and the opposition parties then started demanding for local government elections to be conducted in the state.

It is an open secret that state governors use the allocations of their local governments in their states as their personal resources.

The case of Borno state is even worse as the state has not witnessed local government elections since the upscale of insurgency.

What this means is that the governor reserves the right under a caretaker on interim arrangement to appoint his cronies to man the affairs of the local councils.
With 23 local governments, what accrues to Borno as local government funds are quite huge and since there are no elected structures at the third tier level, it is at the discretion of the governor and his appointees to dispense the funds.

You will recall that at a time, 14 local governments in the state were under the control of the Boko Haram yet they continued to receive their allocations from the center.

There is no doubt that since President Muhammadu Buahri came on board as President in 2015, much has been achieved in the area of security with many of the local government under captivity of the Boko Haram freed and many Internally Displaced persons, IDps, returning to their communities.
This laudable feat it would appear is not acceptable to some as it would deprive them of the opportunities of bilking the third tier arm of government.

Was it a coincidence that it was immediately after the Federal government started talking about ensuring democratic structures are put in place at the local government levels in all the states of the federation and the possibility of conducting elections at that level that the Borno State governor made his infamous statement leading to the demoralization of troops and the emboldening of the terrorists?

People might say that the Borno State Governor is naïve politically given that he had just assumed office, but people should not forget that he owes his ascendancy to certain forces who would want their interests protected.

You will also notice that recently whenever there is an attack in any part of Borno State, the governor would be first to arrive and will continue with his invectives on the military top brass and the following day, the call for the change of service chiefs would top national discourse.
In view of the above, we hold that the politicians in Borno State have failed us and the government needs to do something urgently.

Solutions:
We call on the Federal Government to in view if the security implication of major politicians in Borno State discontinue releasing allocations to the local governments in the state until elections are conducted at the local government level.

We also call on the Federal government to declare a state of emergency in Borno State to forestall further attacks due to carelessness on the part of the political leadership in the state.

Lagos Airport: Sirika expresses concern over flight diversions, cancelations

The Minister of Aviation, Senator Hadi Sirika has noted, with great concern, the experiences of air travellers to and from the Murtala Muhammed International airport Lagos regarding flight diversions and, in many cases, outright cancellations, which have been occasioned by highly inclement weather conditions.

In a statement Thursday by Director signed by the Public Affairs, Ministry of Aviation, James Odaudu the Minister said while these developments are greatly regretted, “we wish to let the public know that the authorities at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport in Lagos were in the process of replacing the old Category 2 Instrument Landing Systems with the newly procured Category 3 system that allows for the lowest visibility landing. Unfortunately, there was a malfunctioning of certain components, which, coupled with the unforeseen weather conditions, made landing at the airport difficult.”

According to the statement the procurement of the Category 3 Instrument landing System is in pursuance of the desire of the Federal Government to ensure the safety of air passengers by ensuring that airplanes can land with almost zero visibility.
“We wish to assure the public and the airlines, that efforts are on to return the system to full working condition and that normalcy of operations will be re-established in due course.

“On the diversion of incoming international flights to neighbouring countries, we wish to reiterate that the decisions are purely those of the airlines which we have no control over.

“However, it should be noted that those flights could, and should have been rerouted to the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport Abuja which is shorter or equidistant from Lagos to the foreign airports to which some of the flights have been diverted.

“In recognition of Abuja as an alternate airport, Qatar airlines has applied to divert its flights to the Nnamdi Azikiwe International airport, to which the Minister granted immediate approval. It is left to be seen why some others decided to divert to another country.

“We wish to use this medium to assure the general public that the comfort, safety and security of the flying populace remains the central focus of this administration and that no effort would be spared in ensuring this,” the statement added.

BREAKING: Supreme Court nullifies Bayelsa governor-elect’s election, declares PDP winner

The Supreme Court on Thursday nullified the election of Bayelsa State governor-elect, David Lyon and his running mate, Biobarakuma Degi-Eremienyo, who were already preparing to be inaugurated into office.

A five-man panel of the apex court led by Justice Mary Peter-Odili ordered the Independent National Electoral Commission to withdraw the Certificate of Return issued to the All Progressives Congress’ candidates as the winners of the November 16, 2019 governorship election in the state.

The apex court ordered INEC to issue fresh certificates to the candidates of the party with the next highest votes and with the required constitutional spread of votes in the results of the election, which are the Peoples Democratic Party’s candidates.

Justice Ejembi Ekwo, who read the lead judgment of the apex, made the orders after disqualifying the APC’s deputy governorship candidate, Degi-Eremienyo, as a candidate in the election.

The court upheld the November 12, 2019 judgment of the Federal High Court in Abuja which had disqualified Degi-Eremienyo in the election for submitting forged certificates to INEC.

The court ruled Degi-Eremienyo’s disqualification had infected the joint ticket with which he and the governorship candidate, Lyon, ran for and won the November 16, 2019 election. – PUNCH NEWSPAPERS

Group accuses Gov Zulum, aides of plotting Buhari’s embarrassment

The Borno Coalition for Justice (BCJ) has fingered Governor Babagana Zulum of Borno State and his aides in an attempt to embarrass President Muhammadu Buhari during his visit to Maiduguri on Wednesday.

The coalition made the allegation on Thursday at a press conference to address the “despicable plot at embarrassing President Buhari by aides of Borno Governor”.

Speaking on behalf of the Borno coalition, convener Mohammed Ali described the gesture as “cowardly and insensitive”, an evidence of Zulum’s hatred towards the president.

As indigenes of Borno, the group recounts that President Buhari enjoys demigod status in the state owing to his giant strides which dates back to his military days and it is impossible for the same people to turn their backs on him.

The coalition said the handwriting of the governor, his predecessor and godfathers was all over the show of shame.

The Borno Coalition for Justice, therefore, advised Zulum to call his political aides to order and go a step further by tendering an unreserved apology to Mr President.

The group, however, pleased with President Buhari not to be perturbed and continue his drastic approach to insecurity by declaring a state of emergency on the state.

Read full statement below:

The attention of Borno Coalition for Justice has been drawn to the despicable attempt at embarrassing President Muhammdu Buhari, who visited Borno State for a condolence visit in the aftermath of the Boko Haram attack in Auno recently.

The Borno Coalition for Justice is indeed appalled by the display of hypocrisy by the government of Borno state for allowing street urchins under the sponsorship of aides and advisers of the Governor throw tantrums at the convoy of President Muhammadu Buhari.

This is indeed unsolicited and an indication that the government of Borno State is not appreciative of the numerous sacrifices President Muhammadu Buhari has made for the people of Borno State in ensuring that the Boko Haram insurgency comes to an end.

We wish to state that this display is cowardly and insensitive. It is indeed a continuation of the contempt which the Governor of Borno state and his immediate predecessor have for President Muhammadu Buhari.

This is also on the heels of the fact that it is no longer a hidden secret that the political godfather of the Governor of Borno State has been interested in one of the highest offices in the country and he has indeed set out machinery towards actualizing this in ways too numerous to mention, but including undermining the efforts of President Muhammadu Buhari in the fight against Boko Haram terrorist in North-East Nigeria.

We wish to state in unequivocal terms that this is indeed a part of the larger script that is aimed at promoting the interest of those nursing vice-presidential ambition at all cost and not minding whose ox is gored.

The Borno Coalition for Justice wishes to state that as in previous times, the Governor of Borno State must elect to be on the good side of history because no discerning mind in Borno State would attempt to boo President Muhammadu Buhari under whatever guise.

It must be stated that Borno State is one of the states that President Muhammadu Buhari has tremendous following since he was Governor of the state from July 1975 to March 1976. He has been at home with the people, and the people of Borno State adore him for his invaluable contributions to the development of the state.

The Borno Coalition for Justice condemns this puerile attempt and wishes to advise Governor Babagana Zulum to call his political aides to order as the people of Borno State would not condone any further attempt at embarrassing President Muhammadu Buhari under any guise.

We also wish to state that the hatred towards President Muhammadu Buhari must stop henceforth as it would serve no purpose in the long run because the people of Borno State sees in President Muhammadu Buhari a revered idol.

The Governor of Borno state must realize that the street urchins that they paid to cause an embarrassment to President Muhammadu Buhari would one day constitute themselves into a nuisance in the state.

We consequently demand that the Government of Borno State must tender an unreserved apology to President Muhammadu Buhari. The elders of Borno State must also lead a delegation from the state to apologize to President Muhammadu Buhari for this act of ingratitude and, indeed, a show of shame.

Bayelsa: Frank charges Lyon on women, youths, against sycophants

Ahead of David Lyon’s inauguration as the new governor of Bayelsa state, a political activist and former Deputy National Publicity Secretary of the All Progressives Congress (APC) Comrade Timi Frank, has called on the incoming Bayelsa state governor to beware of sycophants and corrupt politicians capable of tarnishing the image of the new administration.

Frank also said the incoming governor should consider more competent women and youths in his government and not necessarily appoint people based on friendship or political affiliation.

In a statement made available to newsmen in Abuja on Thursday, the Bayelsa born political activist reminded David Lyon that his victory at the last Bayelsa state governorship election goes beyond the All Progressives Congress (APC) as a party, hence the need for him to run an all inclusive government.

Timi Frank, who expressed confidence that David Lyon will deliver on his campaign promises, said Bayelsa state is still backward in terms of development because the state has not been lucky of a committed governor.

“I will like to congratulate Chief David Lyon as he takes over the mantle of leadership of my state on Friday, 14th Feburary 2020. I expect the new governor to dedicate this laudable success to God and the people of Bayelsa because the last governorship election which produced him goes beyond APC as a political party, it was a vote of no confidence in the outgoing governor and a vote of confidence in the incoming governor.

“Bayelsans voted irrespective of party affiliation for justice, development and a new order in the state. It is my believe that the incoming governor will learn from the outgoing governor, especially how his praise singers turned to boo him at the end of his government.

“It is my believe that the incoming governor will be a governor for all irrespective of tribe, political party, religion or any other sentiments.

“I call on Chief David Lyon to be wary of sycophants and corrupt politicans with bad records with various anti-corruption agencies in the country. This is important because Bayelsans actually voted for David Lyon and it is David Lyon they will hold accountable when the time arises.

“Political jobbers should not have upper hands over technocrats and professionals. Political appointments should not be lopsided. Fairness and justice should however be your watch words.”

While praying to God for wisdom, knowledge and understanding for the incoming Bayelsa governor, Frank urged David Lyon to be firm in taking decisions but always pay attention to the feelings, outcry and demands of Bayelsans.

“I wish the incoming governor will hit the ground running. I wish David Lyon will not abandon projects started by his successors, especially those ones with direct bearing on the lives of Bayelsans.

“David Lyon should not dwell in blame game. Transparency should be given utmost priority. Governor Seyi Makinde of Oyo state and Governor Zulum in Borno state are examples of dedication and focus in government today. I hope our amiable Lyon will in no time join the forum of performing governors and the confidence reposed in him by our people will not be in vain,” Timi Frank stated.

The former APC spokesman, however, called on Bayelsans at home and abroad to join hands with the incoming governor to succeed, adding that doing so will be a great interest of the state.

Frank also called on all the aggrieved politicians and leaders at all levels in the state to forget about their personal interests, political affiliations and ethnic sentiments for now but give peace a chance for the new governor to prove himself.

Sign:
Comrade Timi Frank
Political activist
Abuja.

Another group backs anti-AI protests, insists ‘human rights’ body has betrayed Nigeria

Sequel to the protest on Tuesday, the Coalition for Nigeria Movement (CNM) has thrown its weight behind the call for the expulsion of Amnesty International from the country.

According to the group, it salutes “the brave Nigerians who stood up in their numbers to draw the attention of the world to AI’s nefarious and destabilization activities.”

Speaking on behalf of the group at a press conference on Thursday in Abuja, Secretary-General, Dr. Maxwell Obioma said Nigerians are resolute in the task of protecting Nigeria from the clutches of Amnesty International.

He revealed that Nigerians are now aware of AI’s plot in conjunction with some foreign interest such as the Iranian government to truncate the nation’s democracy.

The despicable part of AI’s plot, according to the coalition is that it has bought some Nigerian non-government organizations and legal practitioners to its fold with astronomical sums.

The Coalition for Nigeria Movement believes AI has betrayed Nigeria by entering into a pact with Iran to promote and protect the Islamic Movement of Nigeria (IMN).

While hailing the Nigerians for standing for their sovereignty, the group advised Amnesty International to have a rethink and retrace its steps.

Read full address below

Ladies and Gentlemen of the Press
Members of the Distinguished Diplomatic Community
Representatives of Civil Society Organizations
Other critical stakeholders

“Nigerians are resolute in the task of protecting Nigeria from the clutches of Amnesty International.”

The Coalition for Nigeria Movement, a civil society organization at the vanguard of ensuring the sustenance of good governance and democracy in Nigeria, wishes to applaud the hundreds of thousands of Nigerians that showed solidarity in the quest for the protection of our nascent democracy.

We were overwhelmed by the large turnout of people who came out in their numbers under one accord, which was aimed at highlighting the atrocities of Amnesty International in their ignoble quest to see to the disintegration of Nigeria.

As a people, we are aware of the plot by Amnesty International in conjunction with some foreign interest that has been plotting for the disintegration of Nigeria manifest in their disjointed and often fabricated reports about Nigeria.

This much they have carried on unabated and most recently the unholy alliance they entered with the Iranian Government to cause havoc and crisis of unimaginable proportion in Nigeria through the sponsorship of militant groups under various nomenclatures.

The activities of Amnesty International has been despicable and an affront to the territorial integrity of Nigeria. This act is indeed condemnable and an indication that indeed the bulk of the spate of insecurity in Nigeria is as a result of the evil machinations of foreign interest that are not happy with the gains made by in Nigeria since the advent of the present administration.

The despicable part of the plot is that due to the quantum of money made available by Iran, some Nigerian lawyers and Non-Governmental Organizations have decided to sell their conscience in return for a plate of porridge by attempting to defend and support the activities of Amnesty International in Nigeria. This is indeed an indication that Amnesty International and its Iranian sponsors have indeed infiltrated the polity with blood-stained monies that are proceeds of terrorism.

These lawyers and NGOs have decided to feign ignorance of the numerous ways Amnesty International has attempted to compromise the territorial integrity of Nigeria since they started defending the actions of the Islamic Movement of Nigeria (IMN).

That the activities of the IMN have indeed brought sorrow and tears on the faces of innocent Nigerians is an understatement. And to imagine that some that call themselves Nigerians and recite the National Anthem and National pledge is indeed a shame.

Our very foundation has been threatened by the violent and terrorist activities of the Islamic Movement in Nigeria. They have maimed and killed innocent Nigerians for no justifiable reason. They have attempted to assassinate the Chief of Army Staff, they have killed a senior police officer, and they have killed and abducted innocent women and children in furtherance of their plan to establish Iranian backed caliphates in Nigeria.

The Coalition for Nigerian Movement wishes to advise those Nigerians that have decided to stand the truth on its head and think they cannot survive without Amnesty International should have a rethink and retrace their steps because Arise Oh Compatriots, Nigeria call Obey.

They must indeed obey the call for a greater and prosperous Nigeria that has refused to be susceptible to the whims and caprices of some vested interest that are hell-bent on the disintegration of the country.

The constant attack by Amnesty International on the Nigerian state is indeed part of the grand plot it has entered with the Iranian Government that involved the payment of millions of dollars in return for spreading falsehood against Nigeria before the international community.

We consequently wish to state that Iran or the IMN should not add to our troubles, and they must respect the sovereignty of the Federal Republic of Nigeria and a reason why all well-meaning Nigerians must join in the call for the expulsion of Amnesty International from Nigeria.

We thank the hundreds of thousands of Nigeria that came out in their numbers to draw the attention of the world to the various activities of Amnesty International to destabilize Nigeria.

Thank you all, and God bless Nigeria.

Group asks Buhari to declare state of emergency in Borno State

The Centre for Africa Liberation and Socio-Economic Rights (CALSER) has called on President Muhammadu Buhari to forthwith declare a state of emergency in Borno State.

This is on the heels of what it described as politically instigated killings in the state, targeted at destabilizing the Buhari administration.

At a press conference on Wednesday in Abuja, Convener, Princess Ajibola condemned the renewed spate of insurgents attacks in Borno state.

The group wondered why Borno is overly targeted for renewed insurgent attacks despite the concentration of troops in almost all the communities in the state.

CALSER alleged that Governor Babagana Zulum and his predecessor Senator Kashim Shettima know about the spate of insecurity in the state.

The Centre for Africa Liberation and Socio-Economic Rights, therefore, called for total declaration of a State of Emergency in Borno State in order for the relevant authorities to get to the root cause of the renewed terrorist activities.

The group further demanded that Zulum step down to allow for full presidential powers to restore peace and security in the state.

Read full address below:

I welcome you all lovers of democracy and unity of Nigeria. Ladies and gentlemen of the revered press. Stakeholders. Representatives of Civil Society Organizations. Others here present.

We stand on existing protocols.

“The Urgent Need for the declaration of A State of Emergency in Borno State.”

The urgency of now requires that urgent and proactive measures are put in place or enacted by those vested with such responsibilities in the overall interest of the country.

The leadership of the Centre for Africa Liberation and Socio-Economic Rights wishes to condemn in its entirety the renewed spate of insurgents attacks in Borno state, with the latest which recently happened in Auno community where some unscrupulous elements elected to set vehicles, building and human beings on fire for no justifiable reason.

This act is not only an affront to our collective sensibilities as a people; it indeed speaks volumes of some conspiracy theory that does not want the war against Boko Haram terrorists to come to an end so they can continue to hide under that cover to fleece the people of their commonwealth.

We are particularly alarmed as to why in the whole of North-East Nigeria; Borno state is the only state that is witnessing renewed insurgent attacks despite the concentration of troops in almost all the communities in the state, including those that are impassible due to the failure of the government to provide the necessary amenities for human habitation.

There is indeed more than meets the eyes, and it is consequently our considered opinion that questions must be asked and answers must be provided by the political leadership in the state that have chosen to grandstand at the detriment of assisting the military in its quest to route remnants of Boko Haram/ISWAP out of Nigeria completely.

We wish to state that the way and manner the Governor of Borno State, Professor Babagana Zulum have been soliciting for headlines in the newspapers is indicative of a plot to discredit the efforts of the Nigerian military and portraying a picture of failure in leadership on the part of the military, whereas, the reverse is the case.

In the light of the revelations, we wish to state that, indeed, Governor Babagana Zulum and his predecessor Senator Kashim Shettima are suspect in the spate of insecurity in Borno state because it is apparent that they have more skeletons in their cupboards to hide from the public.

As a means of diverting the attention of the public from their despicable act of depriving the people of the necessities of life that would aid their resettlements back into their communities, they have elected to sponsor violence in some parts of the state to achieve their inglorious objective.

The Centre for Africa Liberation and Socio-Economic Rights wishes to state that since local government funds are under the direct control of the governor since the insurgency has affected political administration at local government levels, and the recent call for the restoration of Local Government system across Nigeria as enshrined in the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, the governor of Borno State, Babagana Zulum and his immediate predecessor and godfather Kashim Shetimma would hear none of that because of the quantum of revelations that would occasion it.

In the light of these, they have elected sponsor acts of violence at various local government areas, especially in places where they have committed economic and political atrocities in an attempt to cover their tracks.

The fact that the Honorable Minister of Justice and Attorney General of the Federation is enforcing the constitutional declaration of the restoration of local government system in all the 36 states could be responsible for the politically perpetuated unrest witnessed in Borno State, so much so that the question is: Why only Borno State in the whole of North East?

In the light of the above-mentioned, the Centre for Africa Liberation and Socio-Economic Rights wishes to call for a full and total declaration of a State of Emergency in Borno State. This is necessary for the relevant authorities to get to the root cause of the renewed terrorist activities in the state.

The governor of Borno State must step down to allow for full presidential powers to restore peace and security in the state and to also allow the deprived and exploited people of Borno State some relief. And the Theatre Commander of Operation Lafiya Dole is appointed to oversee the affairs of the state until normalcy returns. This, we believe, is necessary for the quest for the restoration of lasting peace and tranquility in Borno State.

The Centre for Africa Liberation and Socio-Economic Rights wishes to state that if indeed the federal government is desirous of finding lasting peace in the North East region, the example must be set from Borno State by declaring a state of emergency.

This, we believe, would be in the best interest of the people of the state whose commonwealth has been hijacked by a few greedy people that was vested with the responsibility of making life meaningful for the people.

The time to act is now. We thank you all for the rapt attention, and it is our earnest prayer that the Federal Government acts in the best interest of the people.

Protesters ask Trump to intervene against Iran, AI

Protesters in Abuja have signed a petition calling on the United States of America to intervene in an alleged plot by Iran and Amnesty International (AI) to destabilize the country. The protesters were said to be about a thousand people.

The petition, addressed to US the President Donald Trump, through the US Ambassador to Nigeria, seeks to end “Iranian government’s avid sponsorship of groups/individuals truncating Nigeria’s democracy”.

With the help of proxy Islamic Movement in Nigeria (IMN), the Asian nation seeks to establish Islamic Caliphates in Nigeria in whatsoever way possible, even if it means shedding blood.

Amongst others, convener Mohammed Ibn Shuaibu reminded the US president that it is the same IMM that burnt the country’s flag and carried placards condemning the killing of General Qassem Soleimani, chanting, “Death To America.”

According to the petition, Iran has been shipping in ammunition and arms into Nigeria while also nurturing fighters in other countries .

These Nigerians reckoned that if nothing is done, Iran’s dangerous schemes may escalate, especially now it has formed an alliance with Amnesty International.

The 1,000 Nigerians, therefore, urged the US to step in and activate measures that would support the efforts of the security agencies in Nigeria.

Read the full petition below:

The President
The White House
1600 Pennsylvania Avenue NW
Washington, DC 20500.

Through:
The Ambassador of the United States of America in Nigeria
Abuja-Nigeria.

Dear Mr. President,

The Islamic Republic of Iran and the Threat to Nigeria’s Nascent Democracy- an Appeal for Intervention

This is indeed trying times for Nigeria with the renewed onslaught against our nascent Democracy by forces that are known to be harbingers of terrorism all over the world.

This letter cannot be written at a time better than now in the light of the threats posed by the Islamic Republic of Iran to the relative peace and tranquility in Nigeria with their avid sponsorship of groups/individuals with the sole intention of truncating Democracy in Nigeria and establishing Islamic Caliphates using their proxy-The Islamic Movement in Nigeria (IMN).

Dear Mr. President, you may wish to know that the Islamic Movement in Nigeria (IMN) is an offshoot of the Islamic Republic of Iran formed about four decades ago; it advocates the creation of an Iranian-style Islamic state in Nigeria.

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

IMN adherents in Nigeria first pledge allegiance to him at their gatherings, and then to their local leader, Sheikh Ibraheem El- Zakzaky. The IMN views itself as a government and Sheikh Ibraheem El-Zakzaky as the only legitimate source of authority in Nigeria.

Dear Mr. President, the activities of the IMN was banned in Nigeria because it had resorted to violence as a means of entrenching their ultimate aim of an Iranian-style Islamic state in Nigeria. This is on the heels that Iran has provided the IMN with financial and political support since its inception.

This has enabled the IMN to increase its presence in northern Nigeria as part of Iran’s drive into West Africa. The IMN has established a network of Shiite seminaries, schools, organizations, and a martyr’s foundation, wholly funded by Iran.

Dear Mr. President, Iran has sought to increase its influence in certain countries in Africa in recent years through activities such as arms sales, training fighters for combat in the Middle East, and funding Shia sects such as the Islamic Movement in Nigeria.

It could thus be agreed that Nigeria and other African countries could emerge as a venue for a confrontation between the U.S. and Iran as the Iranian authorities have threatened to retaliate after the U.S. airstrike that killed the Iranian Quds Force commander, General Qassem Soleimani.

Mr. President may wish to be informed that there was a violent protest in Nigeria by the IMN, They also burnt a flag of the United States of America and carried placards condemning the killing of General Qassem Soleimani and chanting, “Death To America.”

Dear. Mr. President, the reality before Nigeria is indeed stark and graving if urgent interventions are not made. The Iranians are going to want to show that they have influence on a global scale and they may look for low-hanging fruit or easier targets that they can go after, and that may very well occur in Nigeria with the increased funding of the IMN by Iran as well as the establishment of militant groups across Northern Nigeria to wreak havoc of unimaginable proportion.

It is also instructive to state that the Iranian Government has infiltrated Nigeria with tens of thousands of fighters that were mobilized and used for conflicts in Iraq, Syria, and Yemen and these fighters have been responsible for the upsurge of criminality in Nigeria manifest in rampant kidnappings, banditry, and other terrorist acts that if left unchecked might spell doom for Nigeria and by extension other African countries.

Dear Mr. President, as stated earlier, the main aim of the Islamic Movement of Nigeria is to propagate the ideology in Iran and turn Nigeria into an Islamic state, as was done in the Iranian Revolution of 1979.

We consequently wish to solicit the support of the United States to see the actions of the Islamic Republic of Iran as an affront to Democracy in Nigeria hence the need to activate measures that would support the efforts of the security agencies in Nigeria in curtailing the threats posed by the IMN. This is highly necessary given the fact that the IMN is now a global threat.

Dear Mr. President, this threat is real. The Islamic Republic of Iran wants to destabilize, destroy, and demonize the democratic process in Nigeria by sponsoring and financing activities that are capable of breaking the country into pieces.

We have it on competent authority how the Islamic Republic of Iran has been shipping arms and ammunition for use by the IMN and other proxy organization in an operation code-named “Armageddon” which is for killing and maiming, disrupting the peace and tranquility in Nigeria and establishing the Iranian caliphate in Nigeria.

Dear Mr. President, this is our appeal, and we are confident of the intervention of the United States in protecting the nascent democratic experience in Nigeria.

While anticipating a favorable response, please accept, as always, assurances of our highest regards.

Mohammed Ibn Shuaibu
Convener

PDP: Group distances self from alleged plot to truncate democracy

A group known as the Peoples Democratic Party National Solidarity Vanguard (PDP-NSV) has distanced itself from any conspiracy or action geared towards truncating the nation’s democracy.

The group made its position known at a press conference on Tuesday in Abuja to address some utterances by the PDP on sensitive national security issues.

In a statement signed by its National Coordinator, Alhaji Shehu Sani, the group said it can not be part of conspirators in oblique plots against the dismemberment of Nigeria.

In the spirit of healthy opposition politics, however, the group denounced itself from “ such shadows emanating from either the party itself or any member”.

It further pledged support for President Muhammadu Buhari, who according to them has planted a bridge between ethnic and religious lines in the country and so far curtailed insecurity after recovering territories that were taken by insurgents.

Read full statement below:

Ladies and Gentlemen of the Press.

Please accept our profound gratitude for responding to our invitation to this media chat. It has become necessary for us to clarify the air by speaking to Nigerians on certain perceived recent wrongs, actions and utterances which have tended to tilt or constitute potential dangers to the corporate existence of our beloved nation, Nigeria.

Members of the PDP National Solidarity Vanguard (PDP-NSV) have observed with dismay and consternation the persistent unguarded, inciting and uncouth public utterances and statements by a select few members of our party- the PDP on sensitive national security issues. We deem such abhorrent outbursts as alien to our national culture and ethics of universal brotherhood.

We consider these reckless statements directed at the APC-led federal government of President Muhammadu Buhari, on his handling of insecurity issues especially resurgent acts of violence and deaths. The vitriols of the incumbent Government are imbued with unconcealed and unjustifiable hatred, deliberate venom and beyond the threshold of the expression of genuine concern about the predicament of Nigerians trapped by rampaging merchants of deaths in some parts of the country.

PDP-NSV infinitely frowns at such barbaric acts of heartlessness and undisguised appetite or preference for violence and bloodshed in parts of the country in the guise of opposition politics. We are extremely worried at the constancy of such misguided and instigative statements from some members, and more so, at a time of grave national tragic incidents, which should inspire sober reflection and grief by their sheer capacity to activate greater violence and anarchy.

Such inclination is inconsistent with our orientation and ore national values as a political party. Like us, most Nigerians are worried that the disposition of some PDP chieftains on matters of resurged attacks, unmitigated violence and deaths in select areas unwittingly admit to the public that the party as a congregation of respected Nigerians is incidentally infested with people excited at bloodletting and unnecessary heating of the polity at the detriment of Nigerians.

Certain irresponsible utterances over a sensitive matter of national security such as spearheaded and reflected in January 2020 debate in the plenaries of both chambers of the National Assembly (NASS) or the isolated remarks of PDP chieftains and loyalists with same tenor, pricks the conscience very hard towards our collective culpability. And it invokes a sturdy feeling that we are people working behind the scenes to create, worsen and accentuate Nigeria’s dilemma of renewed insecurities.

Such undignified acts by some members bear semblance with the general suspicions of Nigerians and President Buhari that PDP is the masked force behind resurgent insecurity atrocities in some areas in Nigeria and the excited feasting on the blood of the innocent. Of course, we all know this position is untrue, but unfortunately, the reckless flippancy of some members strongly alludes to it. This is not encouraging and those concerned should desist.

PDP-NSV believes that all of us cannot be smeared in the same basket because we ascribe to one political party. We believe in decent opposition politics, which respects responsible values, the indivisibility, oneness, peace and security of Nigeria. We cannot be party to or affiliate or align ourselves with any covert or overt force incensed or tempted to work in antithetical position with the stability of Nigeria.

Therefore, we denounce and dissociate ourselves from such shadows emanating from either the party itself or any member who indulge in such reprehensible and repulsive actions or utterances.

The Republic of Iran, and its allies like the Republic of Turkey whose shadows are traced in sponsoring the festering of Boko Haram/ISWAP terrorism in Nigeria should not attempt to destroy our party by making some members of the PDP planks for actualizing this satanism. Henceforth, we are prepared to checkmate and resist them with all our might.

We state it clearly to all and sundry that PDP-NSV will neither spare a thought nor hesitate to expose any of our member who is discovered to be enmeshed and in alliance with external forces in plots to destabilize Nigeria. Or disguisedly supporting or sympathizing with acts of violence and deaths designed to cause possible disintegration of Nigeria.

The PDP-NSV wishes to lay bare the fact that majority of members of the party are in support of a united Nigeria and in full support of what Mr. President has done so far to curtail consuming insecurities in the country. We therefore, extend our unreserved cooperation and support to him in the quest of ridding Nigeria of any form of security threats for peace and unity.

Mr. President’s determined and courageous war against terrorism and insurrections are commendable and appreciative. In truth, had the PDP done half of what President Buhari has accomplished on security, and still doing, when our party controlled political power at the center for 16 years, Nigeria would have extricated itself from this mess a long time ago.14.

Let’s humbly admit and accept the unchangeable reality that the then PDP Government did not do half of what Mr. President has done towards fighting Boko Haram and other armed criminalities in the country. Whilst the PDP as a major opposition party in Nigeria can disagree with Mr. President on so many policies of his administration, we cannot however, endorse any attempt to blackmail the President on his efforts on curbing insecurity. This empty and shameless braggadocio on security by some PDP members will only make the party a laughing stock before Nigerians and the rest of the world.

Any Nigerian plotting the fall of the President Buhari’s Government for selfish reasons and through undemocratic or illegal means should bear in mind that Nigerians and the rest of the world will reject any attempt to truncated her hard earned democracy. Indisputably, such characters will also neither enjoy our backing nor blessings on any act designed to destroy the unity of Nigeria and plunge the country into tatters.

Thank you and journey mercies.