Chief Judge Of Nigeria Advises Judges Not Satisfied With Their Salaries To Go Elsewhere

July 24, 2019

The Chief Judge of Nigeria (CJN), Justice Tanko Muhammad has advised judges that are not satisfied with their salaries and have to resort to bribery and corruption to look elsewhere for another job.

“Anybody who is not satisfied with the job and he wants money the judiciary or judicial line is not a place for money-making.”

Answering reporters questions shortly after being sworn in today, July 24 as CJN by President Muhammadu Buhari at the Presidential Villa, Abuja, Justice Tanko said that judiciary is a line whereby judges make a lot of name.

“You do what the law asks you to do and this is what we have been doing.”

He warned judges against what he called “go-between’, explaining that there are people who are posing themselves as go-between, “that is between a Judge and perhaps somebody who is standing trial.

“Don’t ever believe in that kind of thing except is told to him in the court, don’t believe in any subterranean way. Wait let them tell you this is the position of the law. This is what is happening.

“Some people are going round asking for money here and there. I’m sure any Judge or any Justice who is in his real sense can never ask somebody to go and collect money for him because he knows that he is being paid by government for what he does.”

Speaking on the government’s battle against corruption, Justice Tanko promised to use the judiciary to supporting the government in fighting corruption.

“We interpret the law and we come with better interpretation. If there is any case which is pending, I tell you that we have been speeding up any case that has to do with allegation of corruption. We speed it up so that if somebody is required to go to jail, he will go to jail and that is the end of it.

“And we will see that all these transcend down to the lower epoch of the judiciary so that even the Area Courts, Magistrate Courts will see what we do and they would be bound by what we do.

“And I’m telling you that the judiciary under my watch by God grace, will be better and the issues of all these kinds of corruption I will ask you people or any other person who knows about it to please let him write to me or let him have contact with me and tell me.

“But remember, the thing that is difficult is when we ask you to substantiate you will be able to substantiate. Don’t just make a hollow allegation that `we have heard….; we have done…..’. Be sure that you are quite in possession of your facts. You will be able to establish when we ask you to establish your allegation and we will deal with it.”

US Visa Ban Echoes Buhari’s Global Popularity – Buhari Media Organization

Editorial staff

July 24, 2019

The Buhari Media Organization (BMO) has described the visa restriction order imposed on a category of Nigerian politicians by the United States government as a way of exonerating the Muhammadu Buhari’s government and an acceptance and popularity his government .

The group noted that the United States is taking the step in spite of efforts by opposition figures, led by the Presidential candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Atiku Abubakar, to turn the US government against the newly elected government with false narratives.

In a statement today, July 24 by its Chairman Niyi Akinsiju and Secretary Cassidy Madueke, the group said that the US State Department’s position showed the futility of the opposition’s efforts to demonise the government before, during and after the 2019 elections.

“We acknowledge the decision by the American government to impose visa ban on individuals responsible for undermining the last electoral process or organising election-related violence. It is in line with a warning the US issued before the election, and we note that it is within the rights of the Americans to do so.

“And by making it clear that the actions are not directed at the government that emerged from the process, the US has tacitly cleared the Buhari administration of involvement in acts of political violence inspite of efforts by lobbyists engaged by the PDP to taint the President’s victory.

“This is a welcome decision considering that the US specifically targeted officials of the Venezuelan government and their family members when it imposed visa restrictions on the country in the wake of recent election in that country.”

The pro-Buhari group expressed hope that the visa restriction would cover individuals who threatened violence if their candidates failed to win the last elections, as well as others who freely used hate speech on social and traditional media in the run up to the election.

“Nigerians can easily recall how some highly placed opposition figures told the world before the Presidential election that the spate of violence in the country would increase if President Buhari was re-elected for a second term.

“That comment was not only inciting but also ominous in a country with a history of post-election violence. Like many Nigerians, we drew attention to the irresponsible and unguarded statement and urged the opposition party to caution its members, but surprisingly it did not see anything wrong with it.

“There was also a slew of hate speeches on social media by key opposition figures and there was also at least one instance where an opposition spokesman in Kaduna State was filmed instigating party loyalists to take up arms against members of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).

“And although U.S. privacy regulations prohibit the American government from naming the individuals affected by the restrictions, we hope that they would be meticulous in identifying individuals who actually fomented violence during and after the election.”

BMO also welcomed Washington’s expression of its commitment to work with President Buhari to strengthen democracy, end corruption and improve respect for human rights.

“It is particularly reassuring that the US is extending a hand of fellowship to the Buhari administration to stamp out corruption in the country.”

Police Avert Another Shiites Violent Protest At Abuja Banex Plaza, Arrest 12

Editorial staff

July 23, 2019

Police operatives were said to have moved swiftly to avert another violent protest by members of the El-Zakzakky Islamic Movement of Nigeria (IMN), known also as Shiites at Banex Plaza in Abuja, today, July 23, leading to the arrest of twelve members of the sect.

a statement by the Police Public Relations Officer in the FCT Command, DSP Anjuguri Manzah said that the Shiites were arrested while on the rampage, attacking innocent members of the public, blocking roads and disrupting activities around the Banex area.
The statement said that the Police personnel drafted to the scene acted professionally by using minimum force to bring the situation under control and restore normalcy in the area, adding that those who were arrested are currently being interrogated by the team of police detectives.
The Command reassured members of the public that adequate measures have been put in place to beef up security in the Federal Capital Territory and to protect lives and property.

Wives Of 36 State Governors Lament Rising Cases Of Rape, Related Crimes

Editorial staff

July 23, 2019

Wives of the governor of 36 State in Nigeria, have cried out against the rising cases of violence against women and children in the country, including rape, defilement of toddlers and others.

In a statement today, July 23 by the chairperson of the body, Erelu Bisi Fayemi, the governors’ wives expressed great concern over the increasing rate at which women and children are being sexually abused in Nigeria.

“On a daily basis, we are inundated with cases of defilement (of even babies of six months old), rape, domestic violence, sexual harassment and murders of women and children.

“It is also worrisome that women and children with special needs have also become targets of sexual violence. We note with concern that in spite of the existence of laws at the federal level such as the Violence Against Persons (Prohibition) Act of 2015 as well as legislations at State level to protect the well-being of women and children, perpetrators continue their despicable acts with impunity. On the rare occasions when incidences of rape are reported, victims are intimidated and shamed into silence.

The governors’ wives therefore declared as follows:

Call on the Inspector General of Police to direct the Nigerian Police to treat rape and defilement cases with the speed and seriousness such cases deserve, in order to ensure justice for victims. We are also requesting that the Nigerian Police should be tactful and supportive in the handling of alleged sexual offences and take measures to prevent the intimidation of victims by families and associates of suspects. We are also appealing for Rape and Sexual Offences desks to be created in Police Stations across the country where they do not exist, and that appropriately trained personnel are designated to provide timely support for victims.

Implore the Attorney General of the Federation as well as State Attorney Generals to fast track cases of rape and defilement. We also urge the setting up of Special Offences Courts for rape and defilement cases, and for such cases to be charged to the courts and heard without undue delays.

Beseech the Minister of Health to ensure the provision of timely, sensitive and comprehensive medical services to victims of sexual violence. We plead that all medical facilities be equipped with Rape Kits and Post- Exposure Prophylaxis (PEP) to prevent rape victims from contracting HIV. It is also our hope that professional counselling services can be made available to sexual violence survivors.

Appeal to the National Assembly, Executive Governors and State Houses of Assembly to facilitate the passage of laws to protect women and children from violence and abuse. Where legislation already exists, we call for political will in the enforcement and implementation of such laws. In this regard, urgent medical attention, shelter, counselling and other support mechanisms for survivors are important.

Plead with all political, religious and community leaders to speak up against the abuse of women and children.

Encourage civil society organisations and women’s support groups to continue to advocate on behalf of victims as well as provide all relevant services. We acknowledge the efforts of organisations such as WRAPA, which was created by former First Lady, HE Justice Fati Abubakar, and many others across the country who have been working tirelessly on these issues.

Urge the general public to address this issue by supporting victims to get justice and breaking the culture of silence and stigma which prevents victims from coming forward.

“As Wives of Governors, we are committed to using our positions to support all efforts aimed at mitigating this scourge. Nigerian women and children deserve to live their lives free from abuse of any kind.”

Rising Trade Tensions Between US And Its Trading Partners Worries CBN Committee

Editorial staff

July 23, 2019

The Monetary Committee of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) has expressed open concern over what it called “rising trade tensions, particularly between the US and its key trading partners in Europe, Canada, China and India.”

It is also worried about the rising debt levels in some Advanced Economies and Emerging Markets and Developing Economies (EMDEs) as well as growing political uncertainties across several regions.

In a communiqué today, July 23, after a two-day monthly meeting in Abuja, the CBN Committee stressed that such tensions have weakened Global economic output, adding that the persistent headwinds are expected to continue for the rest of the year, 2019.

Reviewing the global economic development against Nigeria’s economy, the CBN Committee, headed by its Governor, Godwin Emefiele, said that the International Monetary Fund (IMF), had, because of such gloomy picture, downgraded its 2019 global growth forecast from 3.6 per cent to 3.3 per cent.

Price developments across the major advanced economies remained muted alongside softening output growth. In the Emerging Markets and Developing Economies (EMDEs), however, inflationary developments were mixed in response to challenging macroeconomic conditions.”

The Committee noted that the return to monetary accommodation by the advanced economies could see a new wave of capital flows to the EMDEs as investors continue to search for higher yields.

On domestic front, the CBN Committee said that available data from the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS) showed that real Gross Domestic Product (GDP) grew by 2.01 per cent in the first quarter of 2019, driven by the non-oil sector, compared with 2.38 and 1.89 per cent in the preceding and corresponding quarters of 2018, respectively.

“The Committee noted the continued but moderate expansion in the economy as indicated by the Manufacturing and Non-Manufacturing Purchasing Managers’ Indices (PMI), which grew for the 27^th and 26^thconsecutive months in June 2019. The indices stood at 57.4 and 58.6 index points, respectively; in June 2019.Staff forecast indicate a 2.11, 2.39 and 2.56 per cent growth in GDP in Q2, Q3 and Q4 2019, respectively, expected to be driven largely by the non-oil sector. The Committee, however, noted that the downside risks to the growth projections to include low credit to the private sector; high unemployment; delayed intervention of fiscal policy as well as low revenue and fiscal buffers, amongst others.The continued intervention by the Bank in the real sector is, however, expected to partly ameliorate the downside risksonly in the short-run, while sound fiscal policy is expected to drive growth in the medium to the long-run.

“The Committee observed that broad money supply (M3) grew by 4.97 per cent in June 2019 from the level at end-December 2018, at an annualized rate of 9.95 per cent. It was alsobelow the indicative benchmark of 16.08 per cent for 2019. The growth in M3 was largely driven by the increase in Net Domestic Credit (NDC), which grew by 17.26 per cent in June 2019from the level at end-December 2018. The growth in Net Domestic Credit (NDC) was accounted for by the significant increase in credit to Government, which grew by 55.80 per cent, while credit to the private sector grew by 9.0 per cent in June 2019.The Committee, however, noted that the constrained growth in the monetary aggregates as an indication of weak financial intermediation in the banking system and called on the Management of the CBN, to sustain the various initiatives of the Bank to improve lending to the private sector in Nigeria.

“The Committee welcomed the moderation in headline inflation (year-on-year)to11.22 percent in June 2019from 11.40 per cent in May 2019.This was attributed to the decline in the Food and Core components to13.56and 8.80 per cent in June 2019from 13.70 and 9.03 per cent in May 2019, respectively. It noted the development as being partly due to the CBN’s support to the agricultural sector and the prevailing stability in the Nigerian foreign exchange market. The MPC further noted that although inflation moderated in June 2019, the continued pressure on prices continues to be associated with structural factors such as the high cost of electricity, transport and production inputs. The MPC, however, expects that with the commencement of the harvest season, food prices will taper further downwards. It thus, however, advised that the security challenges in some parts of the country should be addressed urgently to increase agricultural produce in order to sustain the downward trend in inflation.”

The MPC reiterated its commitment to ensure the maintenance of price stability.

The net liquidity position and interest rates in the economy reflected the impact of liquidity injections and the Bank’s liquidity management operations associated with fiscal federalism, transformation of maturing CBN Bills, Open Market Operations (OMO) auctions and foreign exchange interventions.

“Accordingly, the monthly weighted average Inter-bank call and Open Buyback (OBB) rates, oscillated within the MPR corridor, increasing to 8.38 and 8.71per cent in June 2019 from5.14 and 8.34 per cent in May 2019, respectively.”

The Committee noted with concern the continued bearish trend in the equities segment of the capital market in spite of the sustained capital inflow to the economy, reflecting continued portfolio reallocation from equities to fixed income securities. Consequently, the All-Share Index (ASI) declined by 9.11 per cent to 28,566.79 index points on July 12, 2019, from 31,430.50 index points at end-December 2018. Market Capitalization, however, grew by 18.77 per cent to N13.92 trillion on July 12, 2019, from N11.72 trillion at end-December 2018.This was due largely to the additional listing of new firms during the review period.

“The Committee welcomed the continued stability in the foreign exchange market and the steadyaccretion to external reserves, which stood at US$44.88 billion as at July 19, 2019, representing a 0.38 per cent increase from US$44.71 billion at the end-June 2019. The MPC also noted the steady moderation in the Non-Performing Loans (NPLs) ratio of the banking industry to 9.36 per cent in June from 10.95per cent in May 2019. While this remained above the prudential benchmark of 5.0 per cent, its continued moderation indicates the improved resilience of the banking system. The Committee thus emphasised its resolve to further drive down the Non Performing Loans (NPLs)in the industry so as to strengthen the strategic health of banks in the Country.”

Saudi Ambassador Pays Solidarity Visit On Speaker Gbajabiamela

Greenbarge Reporters

July 23, 2019

The Ambassador of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia Adnan bin Mahmood Bostaji, today, July 23, paid a solidarity visit on the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Hon Femi Gbajabiamila in his officer at the National Assembly.

The Ambassador and his entourage were received in audience by the speaker, with some members of the House.

Adnan Bostaji, who congratulated Gbajabiamila on his election as the leader of the House and wished him success in his new job, took time off to discuss the bilateral relationship between Saudi Arabia and Nigeria and ways of developing it.

This was even as the Speaker commended the cordial and historic relationship between the two countries.

Senate President Angry With Shiites Over Habitual Violence

Editorial staff

July 23, 2019

The Senate President, Ahmed Lawal has expressed disgust over what he called “the habitual resort to violence by members of the Islamic Movement of Nigeria (IMN) under the guise of the exercise of their rights to freedom of association and expression.”

A statement today, July 23, by his special adviser on media, Ola Awoniyi, quoted the Senate President as also deploring the excessive use of force by the security agents on the protesters.

Senator Lawal called on the security agencies to evolve a new approach for peaceful enforcement of law and order, even in the face of provocations.

The Senate President advised the Federal Government to find a speedy resolution to the agitation by members of the Islamic Movement of Nigeria, within the context of the rule of law and national peace and security.

“All lawful options need to be considered towards avoiding carnage from needless confrontations of citizens with the security forces.”

Boris Johnson Becomes New British Prime Minister

Editorial staff

July 23, 2019

Boris Johnson has been elected new Conservative leader in a ballot of party members and will become the next British prime minister. He beat Jeremy Hunt comfortably, winning 92,153 votes to his rival’s 46,656.

The former London mayor takes over from Theresa May tomorrow, July 24.

Johnson began his acceptance speech by praising his predecessor, saying it had been “a privilege to serve in her cabinet”.

He promised the audience he would “deliver Brexit, unite the country and defeat Jeremy Corbyn”.

Outgoing PM, Theresa May congratulated Mr Johnson, promising him her “full support from the back benches”.

Almost 160,000 Conservative members were eligible to vote and turnout was 87.6 percent.

Johnson’s share of the vote – 66.4% – is slightly lower than the share won by David Cameron in the 2005 Tory leadership election (67.6 percent).

Buhari Describes Slain Channels TV Reporter, DCP Usman As Vibrant, With Promising Future

Editorial staff

July 23, 2019

President Muhammadu Buhari has described Precious Owolabi, a National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) member with Channels Television, and Deputy Commissioner of Police, Usman Umar, of the Federal Capital Territory Police Command, who died during the violent protest by members of the Islamic Movement of Nigeria (IMN) in Abuja yesterday, July 22 as vibrant with promising future.

In a condolence message through his spokesman, Femi Adesina, President Buhari stressed that Owolabi and Usman Umar were law-abiding, hardworking and vibrant Nigerians with a promising future, describing their untimely death as “sad, regrettable and worrisome.”

The President, who condoled with the management and staff of the television station and police leadership, advised residents of Abuja in particular and the country in general to go about their lawful activities without fear as he had already directed the leadership of security and law enforcement agencies to safeguard the nation against such mindless attacks.

He added that perpetrators of the mayhem will not go unpunished and that no government can tolerate unceasing affront to constituted authority.

“Let nobody or group doubt or test our will to act in the higher interest of majority of our citizens.”

Also, the President of the Senate, Senator Ahmad Lawan, has expressed profound sadness over the avoidable loss of lives in the violent clash of members of Islamic Movement in Nigeria with security agents deployed to maintain law and order in Abuja yesterday July 22.

Senator Lawan, in a statement by his special adviser on media, Mr. Ola Awoniyi expressed his condolences to the management of Channels Television on the tragic death of their reporter, saying that it is tragic that a brilliant life and professional prospect was abruptly cut short in a manner that diminishes us as citizens of a democratic nation.

He condoled with the family of Owolabi, the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) and Nigerian Union of Journalists (NUJ) on the painful loss of their son, member and colleague even as he also condoled with the family of Deputy Commissioner of Police, Usman Umar and the Nigeria Police over the death of their son during the incident.

This was even as the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), FCT Council expressed deep sadness over Owolabi’s death. It described July 22 as another sad day for the journalism profession in Nigeria.

“The death of Precious Owolabi signifies how brutish and short life has become in Nigeria and signposts the danger faced by journalists daily in carrying out the constitutional mandate of holding government and its officials accountable to Nigerians,” a statement by the NUJ Chairman, Emmanuel Ogbeche.

According to Ogbeche, the federal government should take responsibility for the senseless death of Owolabi as it was its constitutional duty to safeguard his welfare and security as well as those of other Nigerians.

He called on the federal government to demonstrate its seriousness in addressing the pervading insecurity by finding an amicable resolution to the grievances of the IMN to avoid further needless deaths in the country.

The NUJ chairman said that while death was inevitable, journalists should always take into account the environment they were reporting from and not become the ‘story.’

Ogbeche expressed the hope that the government will compensate the family of the deceased who was on a national assignment.

Why PDP, Secessionists And Anti-Buhari Generals Are Scheming, By Lolu Akinade

Editorial staff

July 23, 2019

President Muhammadu Buhari must be enjoying the shortest honeymoon ever after a popular victory at the polls, if one is to credit the rising voice of the opposition led by a certain section of media, as well as leaders of the Biafran secessionist movement who suddenly have found love in the arms of anti-Buhari General like Olusegun Obasanjo and Lt. General TY Danjuma.

It is almost like a dream, to imagine someone like General Obasanjo mouth divisive rhetoric dripping with hate: like “islamization” and “Fulanization”, fake news that he unleashed on President Buhari last week, which he attempted to walk back with his wrong footed letter of “fake prayers and concern” more recently. A man, who in seeking power severally in Nigeria acted nationalist (even to the detriment of his Yoruba kit and kin), but suddenly finds his ethnic and divisive voice at the departure lounge of life is truly saddening!

Clearly, Obasanjo must be in it for himself (as he always is) and not for the Yorubas; and definitely not Nigeria! Heck, a man complains loudly about open grazing in Nigeria but failed to remind Nigerians he stole 35,000 hectares of land from under the Upper Benue River Basin Authority at Gassol, Taraba state which easily could have been a pilot location for how to raise cattle and could have prevented the crisis President Buhari is now having to deal with. These greedy men won’t stop at anything!

When one reads a General TY Danjuma, whom after feeding fat on Nigeria treasury after securing oil blocs by collaboration with thieving dictators, suddenly discovered the art of screaming and punching back at President Buhari because he feels his oil bloc may be threatened one cannot but feel sorry for our Generals out of power.

I mean, did he suddenly just discover that Christians, Moslems and the Faithless occupy the country he once led at the highest level? The crazy thing about the divisive views of these Generals is the seeming hook and line sinker the gullible population seem to be aping these “owners of Nigeria”.

All pointers to the seeming incoherent noise from the hallow chamber of the “discontents” point to a sinister agenda, driven by a desire to seize power in 2023.

The gamble of the discontent is simple: with President Buhari not on the ticket, and the ruling party pulled in different directions by politicians with competing ambitions, 2023 offers the most suitable re-entry point for the “owners of Nigeria” even if it has to be obtained by duplicity, blackmail and forging unholy alliances!

The calculation of the “discontents” is simple: they realize the simple formula of 2015 that continued to hold true in 2019 was the enduring alliance between the North and Southwest Nigeria. Hence, to undo this political arrangement something must be done to pry the Southwest away from the grip of the ruling party, and cause disaffection between the core North and Southwest, while hoping for collateral damage in the North Central to produce the Goodluck Map of 2011 that gave the discontents the longest and most dramatic rape of the treasury yet in the history of Nigeria!

To do this, the job of discrediting the APC in the Southwest began way before the 2019 contest, with mass hate messages and fake news circulating in the Southwest Media. Indeed, knowing that the singular most effective bulwark against their strategy is Vice President Osinbajo, the discontent have recently sought to discredit him or raise the fear of the Yorubas that he is being undermined by some “cabal” – to further poison their minds against the ruling party. These gate messages crafted on Whatsapp, Facebook, Twitter and Instagram continue to circulate persistently, some even as voice notes proclaiming the Vice President is resigning or has resigned. What a load of balderdash!

Naturally, practitioners in the media industry know the role of “brown envelopes” in gaining favorable media coverage. The fact that President Buhari’s team has not been playing ball did not endear them to the Lagos-Ibadan media, whose program and promotion of a particular form of hate speech designed to drive a wedge between the Yoruba and Hausa-Fulani has reached a certain dangerous crescendo that can plunge the nation into political and security crisis if left unchecked.

In recent times, a coordinated action between Wadata Plaza, which houses the PDP headquarters, Otta Farms and certain rogue elements in Yorubaland who continue to raise the temperature of the land as regards security must be alarming to security agencies. Particularly the activities of perpetual enfant terrible, Yinka Odumakin, who went on Channels TV to demand that the President, order a shoot at sight of all Fulani Herdsmen that supply 100% of meat needs of Yorubaland in the Southwest is troubling. This demand, and the criminalization of the “herdsmen” profession and weaponization of crime that bears no semblance to facts or data, continue to be the primary challenge of security agencies.

On social media, they’ve curated and infiltrated several platforms especially on a WhatsApp and Facebook, circulating fake videos of kidnapping and voice overs on seemingly innocent scenes of herders. They even paraded one old supporter of Goodluck Jonathan, one belligerent Suleiman to threaten southerners after they exploited the Ruga crisis. More recently, they’re circulating fake news on everything from registration of illegal immigrants to imagined invasion by Fulanis of ancestral homes of Yorubas- despite long years of living peaceably. The frustrated Diaspora audience who feeds daily on imagined news from Nigeria is a natural recruit for them, even as the large horde of unemployed youths in southwest Nigeria have been employed as e-rats in the Fayose tradition to unleash these ungodly materials on innocent minds now at the mercy of misinformation and disinformation tactics. It is all propaganda!

For example, despite the well know security challenges of Nigeria’s highways particularly Benin-Ore-Lagos road, Mr. Odumakin and his “fake news” purveyors were the first on air to associate the unfortunate shooting of the daughter of the Afenifere Chieftain just last week, with “Fulani Herdsmen”. This is despite the oral and documented evidence of police and the co-occupants of the vehicle that identified “masked gunmen” and spoke of no herd neither of assailants of Fulani extraction. Indeed, this tactic deployed by the Odumakins of the world, working for their paymaster in Yola and Otta, is deliberate.

The idea is to drive a permanent wedge among Yorubas and the Northern political elites. Their calculation is that with this in the bag, what will be left is for the PDP to field their Cameroonian Prince in 2023, with a thoroughly discredited Southwest APC on the back foot, and ride to victory with a South Eastern Vice President: the very arrangement the Otta General is said to be promoting to get certain strain of puppets he has pre-planned to be installed as usual.

This “Eastern Plot” which will see power shift from the NW-SW alliance to NE-SE axis, despite the numerical disadvantage of the later, relies largely on blackmail and discrediting veritable political structures. This alliance is what is driving the “Massobization” of the Opposition, who have suddenly embraced the secessionist manifesto: albeit short term, and conveniently to achieve their pre-determined goal.

As such, no one should be surprised when Presidential Wannabe Sowore, was found embracing Nnamdi Kanu in New York last week, and the same internationally sponsored Sowore whose nexus to foreign intelligence agencies is well known: is now said to be acting unwittingly in concert with Olusegun Obasanjo for a revolution – a senior colleague to Sowore in the cloak and dagger world of foreign intelligence elements in Nigeria.

The international dimension to the “Eastern Plot”, self evidenced by the increasing interest of foreign intelligence agencies in President Buhari’s policy of “Open Trade” with China, which has suddenly increased their chatter much similar to the way it did in 1984 is a prelude to destroying any legacy of “self dependence” developed by President Buhari’s administration. Nigerians must resist them.

All in all, the ace holder in this game is the ordinary Yoruba man and woman on the streets of the 6 Southwestern States, and 2 North Central states of Kogi and Kwara, whose ethnic and age-long tribal sentiments are daily being appealed to by the hatchets of the “Eastern Plot”. Their bet is that just like 2011, when Yorubas were convinced to vote for one Goodluck Jonathan, they will also be gullible in 2023.

But Yoruba folks are wont to forget the same Jonathan working in cahoots with international criminals turned on them by ensuring that not even a single South westerner made the first eleven in governance under his watch in Nigeria, while abandoning capital projects including Lagos-Ibadan and Lagos-Ore roads (setting the grounds for criminality on those highways today) and letting thugs like former Governor Fayose lose on the citizenry.

The only way to convince people to vote against their own political and economic interest is to scare them of their safety. This is the summation of the purveyors of the “Eastern Plot”. Will Yorubas fall for the banana peel the second time?

Yoruba ronu. The battle for 2023 has started. No distraction.

Lolu Akinade writes from Kabba,

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