Bayelsa: Pro-democracy group lauds Nigerian Army over conduct of troops

The National Democratic Front (NDF) has hailed the Nigerian Army for its professional conduct during last Saturday’s governorship election in Bayelsa State.

The gallant troops, alongside other security agencies, were on ground in the usually hostile oil-rich state, ensuring that armed militia don’t stop Nigerians from performing their constitutional obligation.

Unlike in time past where unprecedented violence and bloodletting was the day’s order, the exercise in Bayelsa was relatively peaceful and calm.

In a press conference on Monday, the NDF was full of praise for the Army for its “invaluable role in the peaceful conduct of polls in the country.”

The group, in a statement signed by Secretary General, Dr Abdulkadir Bolaji, believes it is a “ testament of the commitment of the Army in protecting the country’s nascent democracy and upholding the sanctity of the constitution”.

The pro-democracy group is particularly impressed with Chief of Army Staff, Lt. Gen. Tukur Buratai for “the institutional reforms introduced in the Nigerian Army that has seen to the renewed vigour and commitment of officers and soldiers in protecting the territorial integrity of Nigeria.”

Read full statement below:

The National Democratic Front commends the Nigerian Army and other security agencies for their invaluable role in the peaceful conduct of the gubernatorial elections, and it wishes to state that. However, for this intervention, the polls would have witnessed unprecedented violence and bloodletting.

This is indeed commendable because our country’s democracy was preserved, and the will of the people prevailed in electing leaders of their choices during the elections.

The National Democratic Front particularly commends the Nigerian Army for its invaluable role during and after the polls in Bayelsa state, which gave rise to the relative peace and tranquillity that pervaded the state that is known for high militant activities.

This is indeed a testament to the commitment of the Nigerian Army in protecting the country’s nascent democracy and upholding the sanctity of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.

The Nigerian Army, by every standard, lived up to the expectation of Nigerians and the international community by seeing to the peaceful conduct of the polls.

The National Democratic Front believes that despite the myriads of security challenges that were witnessed during the gubernatorial elections in Kogi state, the intervention of the Nigerian Army indeed saved the day in Kogi state; else, the level of destruction and loss of lives would have been disastrous.

This is also on the heels that there was some noticeable connivance by some security agencies in abetting the anomalies that were witnessed during the elections. However, it is on record that the Nigerian Army stood tall and was able to minimize the level of casualties during the elections in Kogi State.

The National Democratic Front wishes to specially commend the Chief of Army Staff, Lt. Gen. Tukur Buratai for the institutional reforms introduced in the Nigerian Army that has seen to the renewed vigour and commitment of officers and soldiers in protecting the territorial integrity of Nigeria, as well as preserving the constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria at all times. The Chief of Army Staff also deserves special praise for ensuring that soldiers are not used to disrupt elections anymore, but rather, on the ground to preserve the integrity of the electoral process as with the case in Bayelsa and Kogi states.

The National Democratic Front notes with enthusiasm that with the way and manner the Nigerian Army has been restructured by the present leadership led by Lt. Gen. Tukur Buratai, Nigerians should expect that gone are the days where officers and soldiers would be used by politicians to subvert the will of the people.

The National Democratic Front commends the Nigerian Army and other security agencies that worked round the clock to ensure that the electoral process in Bayelsa state was peaceful, and the voters were able to exercise their electoral franchise without fear, and also for its timely intervention in the Kogi state polls to save the day by minimising incidences of violence, bloodletting and other acts of electoral brigandage.

This is indeed commendable and an indication that our nascent democracy shall thrive with the commitment exhibited by our security agencies in recent times. The National Democratic Front also notes that all of these would not have been possible without the inputs of the Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, who indeed promised Nigerians that the country’s nascent democracy shall thrive under his watch.

The fact that we are experiencing peaceful electoral transition in the country indicates that Nigeria is indeed on the path to greatness, and the efforts of the various security agencies cannot be overemphasized.

This much the National Democratic Front identifies and encourages the various security agencies not to relent in their efforts so far in the best interest of the generality of Nigerians and our nascent democracy.

The National Democratic Front wishes to use this medium to state that with the level of professionalism in the Nigerian Army and other security agencies, Nigerians do not have any reason to entertain any form of fear towards the preservation of our democracy.

The National Democratic Front also wishes to encourage Nigerians to continue to extend their support to the security agencies in the country in their quest towards protecting the territorial integrity of the country, as well as the preservation of our democracy.

Kogi State: Inec Declares Yahaya Bello Winner

The All Progressive Congress (APC), governorship candidate, Yahaya Bello has been declared the winner of the governorship election held in Kogi State on Saturday by the Independent National Electoral Commission.

The INEC’s Returning Officer for the election who is also the Vice-Chancellor of Ahmadu Bello University (ABU), Zaria, Professor Ibrahim Garuba, said Bello had been declared winner, having scored the highest number of votes during the poll conducted on Saturday.

Bello polled a massive 406,222 votes to defeat his contestant, Musa Wada of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, who scored 189,704 votes to emerge second.

Umar said the total number of cancelled votes were 149,576 and that the margin of lead was 216,518.

Also, Mrs. Natasha Akpoti of the Social Democratic Party SDP came third in the exercise with 9,482 votes.

However with the result, Bello has been re-elected for a second term in office in Kofi state.

INEC had on Sunday evening suspended further collation of results till today. 19 Local Governments had been collated yesterday while results for Ibaji and Lokoja were being awaited.

When collation resumed on Monday morning at about 9.30am, the Returning Officer for Dekina made clarifications on why votes were cancelled in certain poling units in the Local Government.

After the clarifications, Garbadeen Olugbenga, the Returning Officer for Ibaji gave the result of the LG. According to him, the APC won in the Local Government, having polled 12,682 votes while the PDP polled 10,594 votes.

He said the total registered voters were 66,675 but that only 25,598 of them were accredited, as the total votes cast in the area were 25,258.

In Lokoja, the Returning Officer said there were 137,301 registered voters, but that only 34,897 voters were accredited. In Ibaji, APC scored 19,451 votes while PDP garnered 11,059 votes.

During the collation, INEC announced cancellation of votes in many Polling Units and many Local Governments across the state. Ballot box snatching, violence, over-voting and fighting were among reasons preferred for the cancellation. 25 political parties participated in the election.

Meanwhile the PDP and Wada at a media briefing on Sunday rejected the result, describing it as a ruse that would be challenged at the tribunal. The party alleged widespread violations of the Electoral Act. Also, the party, through its agent, Capt. Joe Agada refused to sign the final copy of the result as a protest against its outcome, Pm news reports.

Bayelsa poll: Frank congratulates Lyon, urges Secondus to resign

A Political activist and former Deputy National Publicity Secretary of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Comrade Timi Frank, on Monday, congratulated the Governor-elect of Bayelsa state, David Lyon, describing his victory as deserving.

Frank in a statement in Abuja also urged National Chairman of the PDP, Prince Uche Secondus and the National Working Committee (NWC) led by him to apologise or resign over the loss of a state controlled by the party since 1999.

“This victory was not won by the APC but by the people of Bayelsa who have resisted imposition and oppression with their blood because of their implicit confidence in the capacity of Lyon to transform the state and change their story for the better,” he said.

He called on Lyon to be magnanimous in victory and to serve as a dependable rallying point for all Bayelsans irrespective of their political affiliations, ethnicity or creed. 

Frank said: “Your victory is not an APC’s mandate but that of the the collective will of the people of Bayelsa. Please when you assume office, strive to use it to unite the people of Bayelsa because the state can only attain true peace, development and greatness when united.

“Bayelsa has been divided for too long, but you have been chosen to heal their wounds and wipe their tears.
“Bayelsa has elected you Governor, it is now your turn to govern Bayelsa and cater for all Bayelsans.
“What you do from now will prove whether the confidence now reposed in you by the majority of Bayelsans was misplaced or you will justify their hopes and aspirations by carrying all stakeholders, including those who contested against you, along in your efforts to realise the Bayelsan dream and thus build a greater state we can all be proud to bequeath to upcoming generations.
“Your opponents during the election equally have lofty ideals and ideas for the advancement of the state. Therefore, embrace and work with them in the quest to realise the overall objective of governance which is the welfare and security of the people of the state.”
Frank prayed for the repose of the souls that were lost during the just concluded exercise and equally commiserated with the families of the victims. 
“These innocent Bayelsans whose lives have been brutally cut short died in the service of the state. They paid the supreme sacrifice to make Bayelsa great. Let these deaths, injuries and property destroyed not be in vain. 
“I urge you to immediately set up a truth and reconciliation committee to appraise all that transpired before, during and after the election, with a view to ensure holistic healing and reunification of the various interests in the state.”
Frank noted that the emergence of Lyon as Governor-Elect has vindicated his position that the PDP had chosen to relinquish the governance of Bayelsa to the opposition APC when it decided to field a weak candidate against a popular aspirant who could have steered the party to victory.
He called on the National Chairman of the PDP, Prince Uche Secondus and the National Working Committee (NWC) led by him, to immediately apologise to all leaders and members of the party in Bayelsa State in particular and the country in general, or resign their positions for deliberately trading the party’s political capital and dominance in the state for a pot of porridge.
“Secondus and the NWC knew what to do but they neglected to do it. This defeat is directly attributable to their poor choices, myopic political calculations and selfishness.
“It is our hope that the outcome of the Bayelsa State governorship election will serve as a lesson to the party to field popular candidates in future elections. The era of imposition is over. Take note,” he said.

Davido Allegedly Arrested in Dubai

Popular musician, Davido has been reportedly arrested for inflicting injuring an unidentified young man said to be a fan.

According to a Twitter report, the victim had reportedly approached an already tipsy Davido in an elevator. Things didn’t turned out well as planned as the music star got infuriated and broke a bottle on the victim’s head.

The police were called in, immediately and the music star was arrested while the victim was rushed to the Kuwait hospital in Deira.

However, the music star and his team are yet to confirmed the accusations levelled against him.

Court documents confirms Busola Dakolo’s N1m Fine

The court documents of the judgement delivered by justice Othman Musa, of the High Court of the Federal Capital Territory in the case filed by Busola Dakolo, wife of popular singer, Timi, has revealed that the court actually awarded N1m cost against Busola..

Justice Musa had last Thursday, 14th November, 2019 dismissed the the case filed by Busola against Pastor Biodun Fatoyinbo, founder of Commonwealth of Zion Assembly (COZA), alleging rape.

The court not only dismissed the case, it also awarded N1m cost against Busola, who is the claimant in the case.

But few days after the judgement was delivered, Busola, through her lawyer, Pelumi Olajengbesi, threatened to sue some media houses, saying the court did not award N1m cost against his client.

The letter he wrote reads in part: “We write in respect and reference to your online publication on the 14th day of Nov., 2019, with the caption “Sponsored; Court Throws Out Busola Dakolo’s Case Against Fatoyinbo” where in the said report you falsely stated, to wit: the Court also awarded cost of N1, 000, 000 against Busola Dakolo and held that the fine should have been 10 times more because the court’s time was wasted “.

However, the court judgement below reads:

Revealed: Court Documents Put A Lie To Busola Dakolo’s Falsehood On N1m Fine

The court documents of the judgement delivered by justice Othman Musa, of the High Court of the Federal Capital Territory in the case filed by Busola Dakolo, wife of popular singer, Timi, has revealed that the court actually awarded N1m cost against Busola..

Justice Musa had last Thursday, 14th November, 2019 dismissed the the case filed by Busola against Pastor Biodun Fatoyinbo, founder of Commonwealth of Zion Assembly (COZA), alleging rape.

The court not only dismissed the case, it also awarded N1m cost against Busola, who is the claimant in the case.

But few days after the judgement was delivered, Busola, through her lawyer, Pelumi Olajengbesi, threatened to sue some media houses, saying the court did not award N1m cost against his client.

The letter he wrote reads in part: “We write in respect and reference to your online publication on the 14th day of Nov., 2019, with the caption “Sponsored; Court Throws Out Busola Dakolo’s Case Against Fatoyinbo” where in the said report you falsely stated, to wit: the Court also awarded cost of N1, 000, 000 against Busola Dakolo and held that the fine should have been 10 times more because the court’s time was wasted “.

However, the court judgement below reads:

.

Troops renovate road leading to Boko Haram hideout in Borno

The Nigerian Army has maintained its onslaught against Boko Haram/ISWAP fighters.

The gallant troops of Operation Lafiya Dole have left no stone unturned in its bid to totally wipe out the fleeing insurgents.

As seen in some photos that went viral on social media a couple of months ago, the troops were pictured constructing a bridge leading to secret hideout of the radical Islamic sect.

Yet again, the gallant troops have displayed selflessness and rare patriotism.

This time around, though, the troops proved that they are not only engaged in the counter insurgency operations but are also working hard to mend the abandoned roads into the areas.

The gallant troops of Sector 3 Operation Lafiya Dole were spotted fixing bad portions of the road from Monguno-Kekeno-Cross Kauwa, Borno State.

It will be recalled that no fewer than 50 Boko Haram fighters were killed by the Nigerian Army around the said road in April.

#BayelsaDecides2019: Army, security agencies deserve commendation not vilification, group cautions Dickson

The Nigerian Army and other security agencies deserve massive commendation for what it described as near-perfect election in Bayelsa State, according to the Centre for Democracy and Change (CDC).

At a press conference on Saturday in Yenegoa, the group of election observers stated that rather than vilify the Army and other security agencies as done by Governor Seriake Dickson, our gallant troops and other security agencies should be applauded for again rising to the occasion.

The outgoing governor had called for the cancellation of the election even before the exercise fully commenced, insinuating that the security agencies are conniving with the All Progressives Congress.

However, in response, the Centre for Democracy and Change accused Mr Dickson of plots to truncate the election meant to produce his successor.

In a statement by Executive Director, Gbenga Badamosi, the CDC disclosed that Mr Dickson and his likes would have had a field day if not for the brave soldiers on ground to support the police and other security agencies.

While calling him to order, CDC, however, apprised the governor that he will be held criminally liable for any breach of the peace in his state.

Read full statement:

The Centre for Democracy and Change (CDC) is alarmed at the plot by the outgoing Governor of Bayelsa state, Mr. Seriake Dickson to truncate the election that is meant to produce his successor.

Mr. Dickson has taken the unprecedented step of a governor calling for the cancellation of an election even before voting was properly underway. The instances and incidents he is latching onto to make this questionable call have been proven as being blown out of proportion, which raises the question of his motives for attempting to deny Bayelsans of their franchise when they have used the same instrumentality to keep him office for almost eight years.

Part of the justification for this treacherous call by Mr. Dickson is the lumping together of militias with the Nigerian Army and the Nigeria Police Force, something that has exposed the desperation on his part to have his party’s candidate win the election, possibly in order to install a lackey that will cover his tracks for whatever unacceptable acts he might have committed in his eight-year rule.

CDC elections observers are on ground in Bayelsa state and at no time did we witness the incidents that the Governor claimed to have occurred. Remarkably, neither local nor foreign observers have made any comment as to the conduct of the election along the line that Mr. Dickson did.

We are concerned that he made these indicting comments to provoke the army and other security agencies to abandon the electorates to his militias that have been paid to disrupt the vote. There have also been reports that the so-called army and police personnel are the militias that the governor procured fake uniforms for in order to use them for the agenda that he has now fully activated.

CDC is aware that the presence of legitimately deployed Army and other security personnel is the saving grace in Bayelsa at this electioneering moment as thugs loyal to politicians had made up their minds to destroy our democracy by sabotaging the governorship election.

We consequently call Mr. Seriake Dickson to order even as we warn that he shall be held criminally liable for any breach of the peace in Bayelsa state arising from his incitement of the populace against military and security personnel on election duty.

It does not matter whether his party or another political party wins the election because CDC will take this matter up when his immunity expires with his tenure as what he has done is capable of triggering a genocide.

Human rights group lauds Indian government over ban of Amnesty International

….wants Nigeria to emulate counterparts

The Coalition for Human Rights Monitoring Groups in Nigeria (CHRMGN) has hailed India for the ban meted on international non-governmental organization, Amnesty International (AI).

Following suspicious activities, the Asian nation in 2014 began a crack down on foreign NGOs, suspending or banning thousands of groups, many working in health or the environment, for receiving money from abroad

AI recently received the chop, for amongst others, violating foreign exchange regulations through taking money from its London-based parent.

The Coalition for Human Rights Monitoring Groups in Nigeria has advised the Nigerian government to take a leaf from its Indian counterparts, especially after several evidence against the supposed humanitarian group.

The group made this known at a press conference on Saturday in Abuja on the need to commence investigation on source of funding of Amnesty International and other NGOs operating in the country.

In a statement signed by Gabriel Agibi, the coalition revealed that this has become imperative owing to the nature of NGOs activities and how their actions, in many instances, have caused security threats in the country.

The group said it came to this conclusion after stakeholder’s emergency general meeting.

The group recounts how the AI, on numerous occasions, attempted to undermine the progress of the Nigerian military in the North-East.

According to them, if relevant authorities in Nigeria fail to commence detailed investigations into the sources of funding of the NGOs in Nigeria, it may hamper the fight against terrorism.

Read full press statement:

The Coalition of Human Rights Monitoring Groups in Nigeria dedicated to assessing and monitoring the level of human rights compliance of critical organs of government in Nigeria wishes to bring to the notice of the relevant authorities in Nigeria on the need for detailed investigations into the sources of funding of Amnesty International ( AI) and other NGO’s operating in Nigeria.

This is given the suspect nature of the activities of NGOs in operation in Nigeria and how their actions, in many instances, have caused security threats in the country.

The Coalition of Human Rights Monitoring Groups, having studied the recent happenings in India, where Amnesty International was caught in the web of illicit funds transactions, views the development as worrisome given the global posture on human rights by Amnesty international. This is aside from the fact that Amnesty International has, in numerous instances, constituted themselves as parallel governments in countries where they operate.

The Coalition of Human Rights Monitoring Groups in Nigeria after a stakeholder’s emergency general meeting came up with the unanimous decision for the Nigerian authorities to commence immediate investigations into the funding of the operations and activities of Amnesty International in Nigeria.

This is highly recommended given the threat terrorism has posed in Nigerian and around the world, where terrorist organisations have perfected the art of using NGOs to transfer illicit funds for the operations of their affiliates all around the world.

The Nigerian authorities must also, as a matter of urgency, launch an investigation into the operations and funding of other NGOs operating in Nigeria to identify their sources of funding.

The Nigerian authorities must treat this call as a matter of urgency in the best interest of the generality of Nigerians who have been subjected to untold hardship as a result of the nefarious activities of some NGOs who have been collaborating with some foreign interest to undermine the sovereignty of Nigeria.

The Coalition of Human Rights Monitoring Groups in Nigeria wishes to state that there is multiple evidence to suggest that the bulk of the NGOs operating in Nigeria have ulterior motives aimed at causing unrest in Nigeria.

The situation in North-East Nigeria provides us with vivid examples of how the NGOs have been undermining the efforts of the Military in the fight against terrorism. Worthy of mention is Amnesty International in its annual reports accusing the Nigerian Military of Human Rights violations, which is, in most instances, fabrications and half-truths.

The Coalition of Human Rights Monitoring Groups in Nigeria wishes to state in unequivocal terms that should the relevant authorities in Nigeria fail to commence detailed investigations into the sources of funding of the NGOs in Nigeria, the fight against terrorism in Nigeria would continue to remain a mirage.

The Coalition of Human Rights Monitoring Groups in Nigeria wishes to commend the Indian authorities in India for taking the bold step of expelling Amnesty International from their country for nefarious acts.

It is expected that the Nigerian Authorities should learn from the Indian example and act in the best interest of the country if we are desirous of winning the war against terrorism in Nigeria.

The Nigerian authorities must also act decisively in dealing with NGOs found to be operating against extant laws in Nigeria.

The Indian example should serve as an eye-opener on the activities of Amnesty International in Nigeria and other places where it operates and why Nigerians should disregard the constant fabrications in its annual reports.

The activities of Amnesty International in Nigeria have been suspect as echoed in times past in numerous forums, especially with its constant attacks against the operations of the Nigerian Military in the theatre of operations in North-East Nigeria, as well as its tactic support to other militant groups in Nigeria such as the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) and the Islamic Movement in Nigeria (IMN).

The Nigerian Authorities must act now as a matter of urgency in commencing investigations not just on the source of funding of Amnesty International as well as other NGOs in operation in Nigeria, it must also put in place measures that would keep NGOs operating in Nigeria in check.

Burna Boy Appears on Upcoming American Movie ‘Queen and Slim’ Original Soundtrack

African Music Giant, Burna Boy, On November 15, 2019, appeared on the original soundtrack of upcoming American movie, ‘Queen and Slim.’

The movie is an upcoming romantic thriller that will be released in the United States on November 27, 2019. It stars Danieal Kaluuya, Jodie Turner-Smith, Chloe Sevigny and more.

According to iTunes, the movie, “Begins as so many relationships do these days, on Tinder. Queen & Slim is screenwriter Lena Waithe’s first feature-length film.

“It follows the tumultuous path of a newly acquainted young couple struck by life-altering tragedy and then forced to deal with the fallout as partners. The film’s soundtrack, then, is a wealth of moods and vantage points pertaining to black love in the modern age—or in the case of Queen & Slim, the thoughts and feelings that emerge on the way to it.

President Buhari Approves E- Custom for NCS

President Muhammadu Buhari, on Friday, approved the development of Electronic Based Customs known as E-Customs for the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS)

This was disclosed by the Comptroller-General of Customs, Col. Hameed Ali (rtd) at the graduation of Senior Course three of Nigeria Customs Command and Staff College, Gwagwalada, Abuja.

Ali said the deployment of technology would go a long way in enhancing activities of the service and that E-Customs would change the manner the NCS operates.

According to him, when fully deployed, the entire processes including local administration, clearing of goods and services will be done electronically.

He said: “Export and import processing will be paperless. We need to up our game in our knowledge of computer because in the next one and half years, if you don’t have knowledge in computer, you cannot function in customs.

“Your performance evaluation report will not be written on paper. You will fill it online and your superior will assess you online.
“We need to tell ourselves that even if it will take you through private studies to learn, do so, you must learn how to use computer because everything will be fully computerized.”

The customs boss also said that the NCS board had approved the change in name of the institution from Command and Staff College to Training and Doctrine Command.

He also said that the college would serve as component that would coordinate and ensure that other training colleges of the service were fully articulated.