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.

Bayelsa: APC hails Supreme Court ruling against Lokpobiri

The All Progressives Congress (APC) has applauded Tuesday’s ruling of the Supreme Court dismissing Senator Heineken Lokpobiri’s case and affirming the Bayelsa state Governor-elect David Lyon as the valid candidate of the party in recently concluded governorship election in Bayelsa State.

The Party’s Deputy National Publicity Secretary, Yekini Nabena said the Apex Court sided with Bayelsans. 
Speaking to newsmen in Abuja, the Bayelsa-born APC chieftain said the case instituted by Lokpobiri was baseless. 
He, however, stated that the former Senator was well within his legal rights to approach the courts.
Nabena said, “I congratulate the Bayelsa State Governor-elect, Chief David Lyon and all party stakeholders on the Supreme Court ruling affirming David Lyon as the valid APC Governorship candidate for Bayelsa state. The Apex Court in their ruling sided with Bayelsans.
“From the APC primaries to the governorship election, it was clear that Bayelsans knew who they wanted to govern them. The decision of Party members and the Bayelsa electorate was unanimous as seen in the overwhelming votes they gave the governor-elect, David Lyon in the APC direct primaries and the governorship election.
“Although baseless, Senator Heineken Lokpobiri decided to petition the election in the courts. As we can see, that petition has been dismissed and put to rest by the Supreme Court. We are now focussed on delivering our electoral promise to Bayelsans and bring true development which our dear state deserves.
“Finally, Bayelsans can go home and enjoy responsibly a glass of Heineken.”
David Lyon will be inaugurated on February 14, 2020.
A five-member panel of the court led by Justice Mary Peter-Odili unanimously dismissed the appeal filed by Heineken Lokpobiri, who had instituted his case seeking to be declared the valid winner of September 4, 2019 primary election of the All Progressives Congress.
Delivering the lead judgment of the apex court, Justice Inyang Okoro affirmed the January 11, 2020 judgment of the Port Harcourt Division of the Court of Appeal, which had earlier dismissed Lokpobiri’s suit challenging Lyon’s victory in the primary election.

Anti Iran, IMN, AI protest enters day two with calls for expulsion

For the second day, some Nigerians took to the streets of the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja, demanding the expulsion of Iranians, Amnesty International and others accused of planning to destabilise the country.

After Monday’s rally to the Iranian Embassy, led by the Concerned Citizens Coalition (CCC), these protesters, on Tuesday, took their displeasure to Amnesty International’s office.

In a statement by Convener, Mohammed Shuaibu, the group said it is time for A.I to leave as it has overtime acted against the nation’s interest.

According to Mr Shuaibu, Amnesty International entered a strategic pact with the Iranian government to provide protection for Islamic Movement in Nigeria and other militant groups.

While urging the security agencies to act fast, the Concerned Citizens advised A.I to “take their loot from Iran to other gullible countries where they can act as they wish.”

Failure to do so, however, the CCC added that Nigerians would indeed hold it responsible should there be a resurgence of violent and criminal activities in the country.

Read full address below:

We come in peace as Concerned Citizens of Nigeria in Nigeria under the umbrella of The Concerned Citizens Coalition with an overarching objective to promote the ideals of good governance and a strong and viable Nigeria through the instrument of advocacy.

We are gathered here in accordance with this mandate to protect the interest of Nigeria against those individuals and organizations that are conspiring to truncate our nascent democracy and ultimately set Nigeria on the path of disintegration.

We have stated in numerous forums that indeed, some organizations in Nigeria are acting against our interest by masquerading under acclaimed international organizations working in the interest of the enthronement of peace, while in truth, they are nothing but agents some foreign countries that do not want the progress of Nigeria.

We boldly wish to state that Amnesty International (AI) and its operations in Nigeria have indeed been a source of concerned for most Nigerians in the sense that they have constituted themselves as clogs in the wheels of progress in Nigeria through their often unsubstantiated reports and releases tuned to set Nigeria on the path of disintegration.

That Amnesty International has continued to remain in Nigeria is a great disservice to us as a people and as a country due to the multiple pieces of evidence that indicate that it is indeed working for vested interest and, as such, lost its credibility in all ramifications.

The Concerned Citizens Coalition is not oblivious of the recently hatched plot by the Government of Iran to cause chaos in Nigeria through the sponsorship of proxy groups and organizations to undertake ventures that are inimical to the interest of Nigeria and also injurious to our nascent democracy.

We wish to state that the Government of Iran has indeed committed a colossal sum of monies in this regard, and some of the beneficiaries are Amnesty International, the Islamic Movement in Nigeria, and other proxy groups that are springing up in various parts of the country under different curious nomenclatures.

We are indeed aware that Amnesty International has entered a strategic pact with the Government of Iran to provide protection for the IMN and other militant groups that have been established for the sole purpose of causing mayhem in the country.

This fact is undeniably inimical to the peace and stability of Nigeria, and there is no moral justification for such a dubious organization to continue to operate in Nigeria under whatever guise.

This is also aside from the numerous ways Amnesty International has attempted to cause crisis in Nigeria through its propagandist reports tailored to suit their paymasters. This position was what gave rise to the calls for the expulsion of Amnesty International from Nigeria in times past, and it seems they cannot desist from their dubious intention against the Nigerian state.

Amnesty International, in times past have castigated the Nigerian government and attempted to instigate the people to pick up arms against the government but for the intervention of discerning Nigerians who saw through the gimmick and rebuked Amnesty International. We wish to state that enough is enough for Amnesty International as Nigerians would take none of its despicable opposition to the growth and development of Nigeria.

That Nigerians decided to tow on the side of caution is not an indication of weakness, but a display of the true Nigerian spirit that is abounding in love and tolerance. But this time around, we have decided to take the bull by the horns by demanding that Amnesty International must leave Nigeria as a matter of urgency and national concern.

Amnesty International represents everything that is against the interest of Nigeria in the sense that their contribution to the buoyancy of the Boko Haram/ISWAP terrorist group in North-East Nigeria is legendary through concocted and fictions reports that makes a mockery of human rights evaluations and compliance.

Their tact support for militant groups like the Islamic Movement in Nigeria and the Indigenous People of Biafra have also been phenomenal in the sense that it is sufficing to state that they are a part of these organization through the spread of propaganda aimed at causing a distraction and undermining the efforts of Nigeria in the fight against terrorism and other forms of criminality in Nigeria. They have, through their actions, been painting the Nigerian government as incapable and carrying out acts that violate human rights, whereas the reverse has been the case.

We cannot continue to keep quiet to this anomaly if we are indeed desirous of seeing Nigeria remain united and prosperous as a country. The time to act is indeed now.

Our demand is simple and in the best interest of the generality of Nigerians. Amnesty International must leave Nigeria, for we cannot afford the luxury of harboring organizations that are in bed with terrorist networks around the world. We cannot also afford to allow the blood monies received by Amnesty International from Iran to infiltrate the nook and cranny of Nigeria as the result would be the spread of violence of unimaginable proportion.

Nigerians are more united more than ever in this resolve to see to the closure of the offices of Amnesty International in Nigeria, and it is our firm belief that the relevant authorities in Nigeria would act in the best interest of Nigeria in this regard.

Nigerians are not fools. We have tolerated enough and have consequently decided to act to save our beloved country from imminent collapse by the threat posed by Amnesty International and their cronies.

We advise them to take their loot from Iran to other gullible countries where they can act as they wish. But not Nigeria. They can go for all we care as there is no business with light and darkness.

We consequently give a charge to the relevant authorities to act fast in the light of the abounding pieces of evidence of the shameful acts of Amnesty International against Nigeria. Our security agencies must investigate their operations in Nigeria in the past five years, which would include sources of funding to avoid such anomaly in the future.

We wish to sound a note of warning to Amnesty International that pending their departure from Nigeria; Nigerians would indeed hold it responsible should there be a resurgence of violent and criminal activities in Nigeria.

A word is indeed enough for the wise. Nigerians are watching, and the world is indeed watching.

Terrorism: Protesters in Lagos accuse AI, Iran of complicity

Some Nigerians on Monday, stormed the Freedom Park, Lagos to protest an alleged involvement of Iran and the Amnesty International in causing unrest in Nigeria.

The protesters, under the aegis of the Concerned Progressives, claimed the Government of Iran and Amnesty International were sponsoring violent groups and activities aimed at causing political, religious and economic unrest in the country.

Speaking on behalf of the protesters, Mrs Josephine Okpara called on Nigerians to wake up before it was ‘s too late.

She called on the appropriate agencies of government to deport all Iranians from the country, saying their continued stay in Nigeria is of no benefit to the nation.

Her speech: “Wake Up Lagos, Wake Up Nigeria, Wake Up Before It Is Too Late below,” read below.

We stand on all existing protocol and bring warm greetings from the Concerned Progressives, an organization committed to promoting the ideals of good governance and the unity and progress of Nigeria.

There is indeed fire on the mountain with the recent onslaught on the Nigerian nation by agents of darkness in our midst. These harbingers of death have vowed to see to the disintegration of Nigeria, and this much they have started implementing with the promotion of violent groups and the sponsorship of violence across the country.

As we know, this is not the first time some foreign countries have been conspiring against Nigeria. They have attempted it severally and have failed. But this time around, they have redoubled their efforts to see to the success of this campaign spearheaded wholly by the Government of Iran.

The authorities in Tehran smarting from their failures and revelations of their avid sponsorship of terrorism across the globe are attempting to spread their tentacles to the African continent by all means necessary.

The Iranian Government has vowed to be ruthless with Nigeria and this much their proxy in terrorism, the Islamic Movement in Nigeria has been implementing from time immemorial with their violent protests across the country, the assassination attempt on the Chief of Army Staff, as well as the spread of their extremist ideology in Northern Nigeria.

We wish to inform Nigerians that the Government of Iran has enlisted the support of Amnesty International (AI) the cash and carry human rights organization to lead a deadly propaganda campaign against Nigeria.

We are aware that Amnesty International was paid vast sums of monies for this campaign with the understanding that part of the funds would be channeled to the IMN and other deadly groups they have set up in parts of the country to cause mayhem of unimaginable proportion.

In light of the revealing circumstances, it is evident that Nigeria has to take its destiny into his hands to ensure that all Iranian interests in Nigeria leave the country in the interest of peace and tranquility.

We have tolerated their excesses in times past. However, this time around, we are saying enough is enough for their unwholesome meddling in our affairs as a sovereign nation, and this is the message we are passing in unequivocal terms.

This is indeed a battle for the soul of Nigeria because the drumbeats of war sound from wide and far all at the behest of the Government of Iran and their agents in Nigeria, the IMN, Amnesty International, and other newly established militant groups.

The Government of Iran should know that this time around, Nigerians would not sit and watch. Nigerians would speak out loud in one voice and one accord to see that their evil plots against Nigeria do not succeed.

In the coming days, we shall be raising awareness that would resonate in both national and international communities on how the Iranian Government is plotting for the disintegration of Nigeria by channeling millions of dollars to their proxies in Nigeria.

Our patience has been stretched beyond the limit, and never again shall we allow the proxies of the Government of Iran to destabilize our country. This must indeed stop forthwith as no amount of money in circulation would make their nefarious plot succeed.

We all know that Amnesty International has been acting the script of the Government of Iran through their often false reports on Nigeria. We also know that vast sums of monies indeed exchanged hands. Our consolation is that the Government of Iran would have no option than to demand a refund from Amnesty International because Nigeria would henceforth reject any report from the stable of Amnesty International since it is evident that their continued stay in Nigeria is for the promotion of terrorism and not the protection of Human Rights.

Nigerians would unite against terrorism, and Amnesty International and their paymasters should look elsewhere for the implementation of their ungodly trade because Nigeria is not fit for their purpose.

The IMN leadership should be notified that Nigerians are aware of their establishment of militant groups under different nomenclatures on the instruction of the Government of Iran to wreak havoc on innocent citizens. We are also aware that their ultimate aim is to make these militant groups deadlier than the Boko Haram terrorist group.

Nigerians have indeed woken up from their slumber and is telling the Government of Iran to leave Nigeria in peace, for we are a peaceful and sovereign country dedicated to sustaining the ideals of democracy.

We refuse to be a part of a terrorist country whose only desire is to see people die and perish. That would not be allowed to happen in Nigeria because Nigeria belongs to Nigerian and not Iranians.

We are consequently using this medium to call on all well-meaning Nigerians as well as the international community to prevail on Iran to quietly leave Nigeria with their bags of blood monies to somewhere else. We do not need them and would never need them.

They should take their blood monies to other places to seek war as Nigerians seek peace and tranquility. This is indeed a statement of fact the Government of Iran must respect in their interest.

Our charge to the international community is simple. Iran must leave Nigeria for their continued stay in Nigeria is of no benefit as we know their mission is to spread terrorism and destabilize the country.

Enough is enough, and the time for Iran to leave Nigeria is now. This message should not be ignored because it is indeed the wishes of the over 180 million Nigerians. The international community must be informed that Nigerians have run out of patience, and our demand must be respected.

Nigeria’s Service Chiefs and Why Buhari’s Apple is Sweeter!

By Richard Murphy

I have maintained intentional silence since the nauseating confrontation between the National Assembly (NASS) and President Muhammadu Buhari as well as Service and Security Chiefs (SSCs) shuddered the nation. In a rare disarming display of insensitivity on bubbling tensions on insecurity in the nation, NASS did the unthinkable.

At the plenary of both chambers on January 29, 2020, while debating on separate motions over renewed spate of attacks and killings in parts of the country, lawmakers went on the offensive. The parliamentarians called for the resignation of President Buhari; dubbed security Heads as failures; canvassed for the voluntary retirement of SSCs or their immediate sack together with all other Heads of the nation’s security architecture.

I found the hastiness of the extreme decisions unthoughtful and the condemnations completely outlandish. I may not necessarily be right in my presumptions, but I feel strongly about it. NASS appears to have retraced its apparently faulty steps after an indoor meeting with President Buhari.

Nevertheless, what has refused to free my psyche and keeps lingering in my sub-consciousness is the blatant display of lack of knowledge about security matters and a near arrogant sycophantic pandering to forces antithetical to national interests. In truth, I am not bothered by their refusal to see the positive changes in the management of the country’s litany of securities. Our people say, you can only force a horse to the stream, but cannot compel it to drink from its waters.

Though tension has been doused in this regard, but it is good to straighten the records for posterity’s sake. Everywhere, security issues especially when it affects the soul of a nation, like the case with Nigeria now is treated with a lot of circumspection. Its delicateness demands caution, consistent actions or policies from all actors and stakeholders, if the pursuit of peace is genuine and streams from the heart.

It has been the passion of President Buhari from the outset of his administration. It took the President a diligent search, energy and time to constitute the leadership of his security team because he met Nigeria deeply burdened by choking and multifarious security breaches. Those who were appointed leaders of the various arms of the Nigerian Armed Forces and other supporting security agencies were thorough breed, tested and trusted officers.

The Nigerian Military particularly has undergone impressive reformative metamorphosis. The SSCs met a debased military whose personnel shirked at their own shadows in public and at the warfront; they were objects of roadside gossips and ridicules. Therefore, the SSCs ensured the institutionalization of reforms and innovations in the Nigerian Armed Forces to reposition it, berth stability, entrench professionalism and reclaim the lost glory of this revered institution.

And Nigerians began to experience and feel the positive impact of a rebranded Nigerian Military, which posted results in courageous gallantry at the frontlines and blight of the multiple insecurity challenges which assailed the nation. We instantly saw it decimate and defeat Boko Haram insurgents; crippled armed bandits and cattle rustlers, castrated violent separatists’ movements and turned the blazing swords of mercenary killers into ashes.

Let’s ignore partisan interpretations of Nigeria’s security challenges, and assess the situation on its strength and impartially. Opposition unusually spin anything on insecurity and brandish before the public. I call it opportunistic opposition because most times their comments on matters of security are flat, fluid and mendacious.

But no rational Nigerian can look straight into the face of whatever he holds dear to his heart and be emboldened to claim, there is no progressive change and results in the security management of Nigeria under President Buhari and the serving SSCs. These are not conjured tales, but verifiable realities and facts domiciled in public domain for years.

I consider it very egregious for anybody to seek to topple the leadership of Nigeria’s Security architecture on the simplistic presumption and idiosyncratic excitement that SSCs and other Heads of Security agencies have not performed. Incidents of resurgent attacks and killings in parts of the country alone are not enough motivation to pass such a damning verdict on the President and SSCs.

Service and Security Chiefs are not political appointees. And since they function as apolitical appointees of the government, it harms immensely to decide their fate based on political expediency. As apolitical entities, the SSCs belong to different political persuasions in exercise of their civic rights and such rights should be respected in scrutinizing their stewardship. Sending the SSCs to Golgotha incited by political undertones as done by NASS days back amounted to rocking the boat for insane political permutations at the detriment of national security.

If we expect the best professional Military in Nigeria, then we must necessarily understand that stability of its leadership is very crucial to repositioning our Armed Forces. It mocks wisdom to crusade for the sack of SSCs because there is a surge in instigated armed criminalities. Nigeria is going through uneasy times, no doubt, but the panacea cannot and would never be sacking or changing the Heads of Security.

The world is replete with the finest examples of how a stabilized Military leadership nurture reforms to a level of deep entrenchment and excellence. And by this consistency, the Military is formidably honed to surmount seemingly intractable security challenges. The instance of America’s war veteran and diplomat, Gen. Collin Power comes handy for illustration. The Powell Doctrine was instituted during America’s most turbulent times with wars.

Powell’s headship of various top military commands saw him prosecuting 28 crises including the Persian Gulf War. In the crises era, he served variously as National Security Adviser; Chairman, Joint Chiefs of Staff and Commander US Army Forces. It is certain that America never had its upsets in the wars it fought; but it did not warrant the calls for Powell’s sack or claims that he was ineffective. He eventually won the wars for America.

So, the retention of SSCs by the President in war times is the best practice anywhere and a jurisdiction backed by antecedents in other climes. So, I do not subscribe to the obnoxious view that Mr. President has done something untoward or insecurity has resurged in Nigeria because the SSCs have overstayed in office. From whatever prism and nuance of consideration, the President or Commander- In- Chief looks at loyalty and usefulness of his SSCs to the country. This prerogative should not be violated by anybody.

Equally important is the need to realize that proper reforms can never be fully implemented in any organization within a span of four years as some have argued. Nigeria renders itself to this example in several agencies. To date and after four years, President Buhari is still finetuning the IPPIS in the federal service.

That our Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) has approximated perfection today; the Computer Based Test of Joint Admissions and Matriculations Board (JAMB) is taking shape and the African Development Bank (AfDB) is spreading its reach and meeting its core mandate is a product of the quality time availed the appointees of Mr. President. The Service Chiefs like every other appointee of Mr. President need time to institutionalize their reforms and for them to take firm roots in the system.

In the Nigerian Army specifically, the COAS and leader of the counter-insurgency operations, Lt. TY Buratai has raised the bar in reformations/innovations in the Army. There are ongoing reforms targeted at full professionalism in the Army, such as Army Female Corps, Human Rights Desk, creation of additional Army Divisions, resuscitation of Nigerian Army Artillery schools, Army Aviation School, the Nigerian Army University, Biu and introduction of numerous unique combat strategies in battling Boko Haram/ISWAP terrorists.

The Army is also experimenting with innovations, as Gen. Buratai has embarked on Army agro-investments, welfare and empowerment schemes for soldiers, post retirement housing schemes, Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) initiatives for host communities and lots more. These are not a day’s job. He needs more time to consolidate on these reforms /innovations and to finish the job. Therefore, sacking him or others now as wished by some Nigerians implies termination of these laudable projects mid-way.

Security is a vital aspect of our national life. It is as important as the oxygen we breathe. Therefore, it spares no room for trial and error. Truth be told, it is not everything done by the Service Chiefs to curtail the insurgencies has worked. But it is also outright falsehood to claim none has ever worked. The scenario is constantly monitored and improvements made for better performance as field operations intensify.

In life humanity perfects from experience. That’s why there was a time IDPs camp in Rann was mistakenly bombed by an Air Force jet. Lessons were learnt from the detestable incident and in the last four years, the Nigerian Military has not repeated the mistake. It means, the Military helmsmen have improved on the job.

We must discern clearly that what Mr. President has done to fish out these men and women as his SSCs must be exceptional and he deserves our commendation. I have no modicum of doubt that it is one area Nigeria has got it right under the Buhari administration.

Murphy is a security expert and contributed this piece from Calabar.

Breaking: Prostesters ask Iranians to leave Nigeria

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Read full address below:

All Protocols observed.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Is Nigeria still winning the war on insecurity?

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Agbese wrote this article from the United Kingdom.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Read full statement below:

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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