Governor of Oyo State, Seyi Makinde has publicly declared his assetnin which he said that his total worth, both in cash and properties is the excess of N48 billion.
The governor, in compliance with the Nigeria’s code of conduct law that mandates senior public office holders to file their asset details while assuming office and occasionally update them, said that however that it is not compulsory for him to make the details of the assets public.
Governor Makinde, who released the details of what he filled in his asset form at the Code of Conduct Bureau in Ibadan, the Oyo State capital, said that he would encourage all his potential cabinet appointees to do so when they are nominated.
According to a statement by a spokesperson for Governor Makinde, Taiwo Adisa, said that the asset was categorized in cash at hand, in the bank, landed properties (developed and undeveloped), household items, share and bonds owned by the governor, his wife, Omini Makinde, as well as his companies.
He said that as at May 28, 2019, Governor Makinde’s bank balance stood at N234, 742,296.01. And in dollar terms, he has cash valued at $30,056.99 as at the same date.
The Nigeria Police Force has announced the arrest of suspects in connection to the murder of 58-year-old Funke Olakunrin, daughter of the leader of the Afenifere, Reuben Fasoranti.
The Ondo State Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), Femi Joseph, who disclosed this in a statement today, July 15, did not give the names or the number of those arrested.
The Inspector General of Police (IGP), Mohammed Adamu, had drafted some detectives from the Force to assist other officers in the state last week to complement the efforts of the officers in the state.
“With such officers, we have made a lot of arrests on this matter, but we are doing the screening of those arrested to know who among them are the culprits,” Femi Joseph said, adding: “by the time we finish the screening, we will let the world know the perpetrators.”
He said that the suspects would be arraigned with time.
“Times of tragedy like these are not the time for politics. It reveals only disrespect for the departed and her family.”
The Presidency, which made this reminder to politicians in a statement today, July 15 by the senior special assistant to President Muh
ammadu Buhari on media and publicity, Malam Garba Shehu, hoped that those who stand in positions of influence would recognize and understand such fact.
The Presidency insisted that the murder of Funke is a tragedy and that it is therefore incumbent on all leaders across the country to consider their language and its potential consequences.
“Insecurity is an issue that Nigeria must face together as one nation – united.”
The Presidency expressed concerns on the unfortunate attack leading to the death of Mrs. Funke, daughter of the Afenifere leader, Pa Reuben Fasoranti, recalling that President Buhari had already issued a statement expressing his heartfelt condolences to the family of Mrs Funke Olakunri and it followed up with a telephone call.
It also recalled that Vice President Yemi Osinbajo had also paid a visit to the grieving family in Akure, Ondo State.
President Muhammadu Buhari has written a letter to the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) Senator, representing Kogi State West Senatorial District, Dino Melaye, condoling him over the death recently, of his mother.
In the letter dated July 11 and personally signed, President Buhari said: “On behalf of my family, the government and the people of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, I write to commiserate with you and the entire members of Melaye family on the passing of your mother, Deaconess Comfort Melaye (JP)
“The loss of a mother is usually very painful. However, I encourage you to be inspired by her dedication to the service of God and humanity which I believe saw her to the leadership position of a Deaconess. Caring and supportive mother like mama are precious even more than gold. I know she was very dear to Melaye family and you in particular, but please take heart in the fact that she lived a fulfilled life.
“As you prepare for her rites of passage, I urged you and other members of the family to find inspiration and solace in the richly fulfilled life she lived. I pray that you all have the strength to bear her loss.”
A book, titled: “Beneath The Tamarind Tree,” written by an ex-CNN star and Child Rights activist, Isha Sesay, about the kidnapping of 270 Chibok school girls, has been released.
The book is believed to serve the purpose of spotlighting the crimes against humanity by Boko Haram terrorists.
According to a statement by the senior special assistant to President Muhammadu Buhari on media and publicity, Malam Garba Shehu, copies of the book were presented to the President today, July 15. He said that President Buhari seized the opportunity to assured that his government is determined to securing the release, “by peace or by force,” the remaining 110 Chibok girls, Ms Leah Sharibu and all other citizens held captive by terrorists.
The book, according Garba Shehu, will stir up interest and rally international support for the young girls on the continent who must stay in school and avoid early pregnancy and marriage, in order to actualize their God-given potential.
He said that the author, in the introduction of the book, Isha claimed that she wanted to “humanize” the girls, instead of them being seen as “mere headlines.”
He said that the author acknowledged the release from Boko Haram captivity of more than 50 percent of the girls under the Buhari administration “but says, very rightfully, that “we must not forget the 112 who are still missing”. On this, we share a common position.
“In stitching together her compelling portrait of this unfortunate yet paradoxical incident, Isha, this terrific journalist risks a negative judgment of history on a book that is a farrago of misrepresentation.
“It is wrong of the author to say, of the Buhari administration that “they don’t know who to negotiate with” because Boko Haram had split into factions.
“This is a misrepresentation of the position of the government on split in the leadership of the terrorist group into two contending factions.
“When government spoke on the issue, it was clear that this split had the effect of making negotiation and reaching an agreement a more difficult talk. Otherwise this country and our international partners are still engaged through third parties with the terrorists.
“While it is true that the government has no information on where the captives are held, otherwise it would have seized the location and recovered the girls using all means at its disposal, it is equally incorrect to say Government had given up on the Chibok girls when the truth is that there is nothing on the ground to give that impression.
“In the Ministry of Women and Social Development, there is a fully staffed government unit dealing with the Chibok abductions and its fallout.
“This book asserts that the government and people of Nigeria no longer cared about the girls because “they are poor…they don’t have famous names; people just don’t care.” No. Nigerias care, and that is why the Bring Back Our Girls, BBOG movement was able to generate “the groundswell of public opinion “as acknowledged by the author.
“Yes it is true that “the only reason“ the sitting government at that time “acknowledged fully what had happened” was due the public outcry but it is again unfair to lump criticism on the Nigerian Government without differentiating which of the two administrations that served Nigeria from 2014 to date.
“The Buhari administration came in 2015 with a promise to recover the stolen girls and a milestone has indeed been achieved by bringing back and caring for the more than 50 percent of them, even though the job cannot be said to be complete.
“No one here is giving up and we happy that the individuals, groups and nations partnering with the administration have continued to show interest in securing the release of our daughters.
“We are happy to partner with Isha on her charity that engages adolescent girls in West Africa (W. E. Can lead) and I write to invite her to visit Nigeria again for her continuing update on the Chibok situation and possibilities of partnership with our caring administration over the future of our youths, particularly of the girl child.
Deputy Senate President, Ovie Omo-Agege has said that the level of insecurity in the country has called for urgent extra ordinary measures, including deployment of military personnel to strategic places, especially in the South West and South South.
“On a good day, it is not something we would encourage because as much as possible, you will want to keep the military in the barracks. But because of the exigencies of the moment, we have no choice but to encourage that (deployment of the military personnel. “Nigerians need to be assured of their safety at all times, that is the essence of governance as guaranteed by the constitution.”
Senator Omo-Agege, who answered reporters’ questions shortly after a brief private audience with President Muhammadu Buhari at the Presidential Villa, Abuja, stressed that if deploying soldiers will resolve the growing security challenges, he would support it.
“If, as canvassed and indeed ordered by the Vice President, that we have the army provide security at the check points, will go along way to prevent kidnapping and banditry and other security challenges, why not?”
He said that like other Nigerians, the lawmakers are not happy about what is going on in places, especially in Zamfara state.
“We believe that the head of the security architecture in Zamfara being the commissioner of police can do more than they have already done.
“We are encouraging them to do that because Mr. President has provided everything that ought to be given to them, everything in terms of funding received, in terms of acquisition of weaponry so that have been provided for them. It is now left for them to justify the positions they hold in Zamfara, and other states of course.”
Chief Olusegun Obasanjo and President Muhammadu Buhari
Dear President and General Buhari,
OPEN LETTER TO PRESIDENT, GENERAL MUHAMMADU BUHARI
I am constrained to write to you this open letter. I decided to make it an open letter because the issue is very weighty and must be greatly worrisome to all concerned Nigerians and that means all right-thinking Nigerians and those resident in Nigeria. Since the issue is of momentous concern to all well-meaning and all right-thinking Nigerians, it must be of great concern to you, and collective thinking and dialoguing is the best way of finding an appropriate and adequate solution to the problem. The contents of this letter, therefore, should be available to all those who can help in proffering effective solutions for the problem of insecurity in the land. One of the spinoffs and accelerants is the misinformation and disinformation through the use of fake news. A number of articles, in recent days, have been attributed to me by some people who I believe may be seeking added credence and an attentive audience for their opinions and view-points.
As you know very well, I will always boldly own what I say and disown what is put into my mouth. But the issue I am addressing here is very serious; it is the issue of life and death for all of us and for our dear country, Nigeria. This issue can no longer be ignored, treated with nonchalance, swept under the carpet or treated with cuddling glove. The issue is hitting at the foundation of our existence as Nigerians and fast eroding the root of our Nigerian community. I am very much worried and afraid that we are on the precipice and dangerously reaching a tipping point where it may no longer be possible to hold danger at bay. Without being immodest, as a Nigerian who still bears the scar of the Nigerian civil war on my body and with a son who bears the scar of fighting Boko Haram on his body, you can understand, I hope, why I am so concerned. When people are desperate and feel that they cannot have confidence in the ability of government to provide security for their lives and properties, they will take recourse to anything and everything that can guarantee their security individually and collectively. For over ten years, for four of which you have been the captain of the ship, Boko Haram has menacingly ravaged the land and in spite of government’s claim of victory over Boko Haram, the potency and the activities of Boko Haram, where they are active, remain undiminished, putting lie to government’s claim. The recent explanation of the Chief of Army Staff for non-victory due to lack of commitment and lack of motivation on the part of troops bordering on sabotage speaks for itself. Say what you will, Boko Haram is still a daily issue of insecurity for those who are victimised, killed, maimed, kidnapped, raped, sold into slavery and forced into marriage and for children forcibly recruited into carrying bombs on them to detonate among crowds of people to cause maximum destructions and damage. And Boko Haram will not go away on the basis of sticks alone, carrots must overweigh sticks. How else do you deal with issues such as only about 50% literacy in North-East with over 70% unemployment? Herdsmen/farmers crises and menace started with government treating the issue with cuddling glove instead of hammer. It has festered and spread. Today, it has developed into banditry, kidnapping, armed robbery and killings all over the country. The unfortunate situation is that the criminality is being perceived as a ‘Fulani’ menace unleashed by Fulani elite in the different parts of the country for a number of reasons but even more unfortunately, many Nigerians and non-Nigerians who are friends of Nigeria attach vicarious responsibility to you as a Fulani elite and the current captain of the Nigeria ship. Perception may be as potent as reality at times. Whatever may be the grievances of Fulanis, if any, they need to be put out in the open and their grievances, if legitimate, be addressed; and if other ethnic groups have grievances, let them also be brought out in the open and addressed through debate and dialogue. The main issue, if I may dare say, is poor management or mismanagement of diversity which, on the other hand, is one of our greatest and most important assets. As a result, very onerous cloud is gathering. And rain of destruction, violence, disaster and disunity can only be the outcome. Nothing should be taken for granted, the clock is ticking with the cacophony of dissatisfaction and disaffection everywhere in and outside the country. The Presidency and the Congress in the US have signalled to us to put our house in order. The House of Lords in the UK had debated the Nigerian security situation. We must understand and appreciate the significance, implication and likely consequences of such concerns and deliberations. No one can stop hate speech, violent agitation and smouldering violent agitation if he fans the embers of hatred, disaffection and violence. It will continue to snowball until it is out of control. A stich in time saves nine, goes the old wise saying. With the death of Funke, Chief Fasoranti’s daughter, some sympathetic Nigerian groups are saying “enough is enough”. Prof. Anya, a distinguished Nigerian merit Laureate, has this to say “We can no longer say with certainty that we have a nation”. Niger-Delta leaders, South-Eastern leaders, Middle-Belt leaders and Northern Elders Forum have not remained quiet. Different ordinary Nigerians at home and abroad are calling for different measures to address or ameliorate the situation. All the calls and cries can only continue to be ignored at the expense of Nigerian unity, if not its continued existence. To be explicit and without equivocation, Mr. President and General, I am deeply worried about four avoidable calamities: 1. abandoning Nigeria into the hands of criminals who are all being suspected, rightly or wrongly, as Fulanis and terrorists of Boko Haram type; 2. spontaneous or planned reprisal attacks against Fulanis which may inadvertently or advertently mushroom into pogrom or Rwanda-type genocide that we did not believe could happen and yet it happened. 3. similar attacks against any other tribe or ethnic group anywhere in the country initiated by rumours, fears, intimidation and revenge capable of leading to pogrom; 4. violent uprising beginning from one section of the country and spreading quickly to other areas and leading to dismemberment of the country. It happened to Yugoslavia not too long ago. If we do not act now, one or all of these scenarios may happen. We must pray and take effective actions at the same time. The initiative is in the hands of the President of the nation, but he cannot do it alone. In my part of the world, if you are sharpening your cutlass and a mad man comes from behind to take the cutlass from you, you need other people’s assistance to have your cutlass back without being harmed. The mad men with serious criminal intent and terrorism as core value have taken cutlass of security. The need for assistance to regain control is obviously compelling and must be embraced now. A couple of weeks ago at a public lecture, I had said, among other things, that: “In all these issues of mobilisation for national unity, stability, security, cooperation, development, growth and progress, there is no consensus. Like in the issue of security, government should open up discussion, debate and dialogue as part of consultation at different levels and the outcome of such deliberations should be collated to form inputs into a national conference to come up with the solution that will effectively deal with the issues and lead to rapid development, growth and progress which will give us a wholesome society and enhanced living standard and livelihood in an inclusive and shared society. It will be a national programme. We need unity of purpose and nationally accepted strategic roadmap that will not change with whims and caprices of any government. It must be owned by the citizens, people’s policy and strategy implemented by the government no matter its colour and leaning. Some of the groups that I will suggest to be contacted are: traditional rulers, past heads of service (no matter how competent or incompetent they have been and how much they have contributed to the mess we are in), past heads of para-military organisations, private sector, civil society, community leaders particularly in the most affected areas, present and past governors, present and past local government leaders, religious leaders, past Heads of State, past intelligence chiefs, past Heads of Civil Service and relevant current and retired diplomats, members of opposition and any groups that may be deemed relevant.” The President must be seen to be addressing this issue with utmost seriousness and with maximum dispatch and getting all hands on deck to help. If there is failure, the principal responsibility will be that of the President and no one else. We need cohesion and concentration of effort and maximum force – political, economic, social, psychological and military – to deal successfully with the menace of criminality and terrorism separately and together. Blame game among own forces must be avoided. It is debilitating and only helpful to our adversary. We cannot dither anymore. It is time to confront this threat headlong and in a manner that is holistic, inclusive and purposeful. For the sake of Nigeria and Nigerians, I pray that God may grant you, as our President, the wisdom, the understanding, the political will and the courage to do what is right when it is right and without fear or favour. May God save, secure, protect and bless Nigeria. May He open to us a window of opportunity that we can still use to prevent the worst happening. As we say in my village, “May God forbid bad thing”. OLUSEGUN OBASANJOJuly 15, 2019
Released byKehinde Akinyemi Special Assistant Media.
Three-time champions of the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON), the Nigeria’s Super Eagles were stopped from advancing to the final of the competition in Egypt today, July 14 by the Algerian national team with a 2 – 1 win.
Algeria led through a first-half own goal by William Troost-Ekong before Nigeria equalised with an Odion Ighalo penalty awarded after a VAR review.
However, as extra time looked necessary, Mahrez blasted in from 20 yards with the last kick of the match to send the Desert Foxes through to their first final since lifting the trophy for the only time in 1990.
Algeria will take on Sadio Mane’s Senegal for the title on July 19, in a repeat of a group stage clash they won 1-0.
An injury to Youcef Atal, who fractured his collarbone during the quarter-final win over Ivory Coast on penalties, forced Djamel Belmadi to start Mehdi Zeffane at right-back, while Nigeria fielded the same team that overcame South Africa here.
Algeria supporters filled most of the lower tier at one end of the ground, dwarfing a small section of Nigeria fans, but there were large swathes of empty seats at the 75,000-capacity Cairo International Stadium.
Leading scorers in the tournament and considered the most impressive side, Algeria quickly asserted themselves as Ramy Bensebaini headed narrowly over before a wicked Youcef Belaili cross nearly lead to a goal for Baghdad Bounedjah.
Hesitant defending from Kenneth Omeruo just outside his own area then allowed Bounedjah to nip in, but the Al-Sadd striker could only shoot tamely at Daniel Akpeyi.
Seemingly having moved on from the penalty miss that reduced him to tears in the last round, Bounedjah was consistently proving a nuisance to a nervy Nigeria backline with Jamilu Collins relieved to see a toed clearance land on the roof of the net.
Senegal’s Teranga Lions has advanced to the final of the ongoing African Cup of Nations (AFCON) football competition in Egypt by defeating the highly rated Tunisia’s Carthage Eagles by 1-0.
Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, has picked one of the longest serving newspaper editors in the country, Gbenga Omotosho amongst the list of 25 people he nominated and forwarded to the State House of Assembly for approval as commissioners.
Others on the list are former Secretary to the State Government, Tunji Bello; former Commissioner of Special Duties, Dr. Wale Ahmed and former Commissioner for Housing, Gbolahan Lawan. Gbenga Omotosho, who was editor of ThisDay newspaper for many years is currently the editor of The Nation.
In a statement today, Governor Sanwo-Olu’s Chief Press Secretary, Gboyega Akosile, said others whose names were transmitted in fulfillment of election promise to accelerate the development of the state, are former Commissioner for Science & Technology, Hakeem Fahn; former Commissioner for Wealth Creation, Mrs. Uzamat Akinbile-Yusuf; a Senior Advocate of Nigeria, Moyo Onigbanjo and a professor at the Nigerian Institute of Medical Research, Professor Akin Abayomi.
Also nominated are Rabiu Olowo Onaolapo, Mrs. Folashade Adefisayo, Dr. Idris Salako, Mrs. Toke Benson-Awoyinka, Mrs. Bolaji Dada, Lere Odusote, Dr. Frederic Oladeinde, Ms. Adekemi Ajayi and Mr. Femi George. Other nominees are Mrs. Ajibola Ponnle, Mr. Aramide Adeyoye, Mr. Segun Dawodu, Mr. Sam Egube, Ms Ruth Bisola Olusanya, Mrs. Aderemi Adebowale, Mr. Tunbosun Alake and Mr. Afolabi Ayantayo.
The statement said that the list comprised names of technocrats and politicians, who understand the challenges of the state.
It noted that the painstaking and laborious selection process “is aimed at constituting the best team that will serve Lagos in line with the agenda of his administration vision of delivering a city-state that will rank among the top most liveable cities in the world.
“We took our time to pick the best hands for the tough job Lagosians have elected us to do. The nominees for the twenty five Commissioner and Special Adviser positions include women and men who have made their mark and at the zenith of their professional callings.’’
The statement said the current list “is first batch. Consultation was going on with regard to the complete number of the cabinet members.”
The statement said new cabinet would be unique, because of its diversity, saying Lagos would continue to take the lead in innovation, gender-balance and youth inclusion in the administration of the State.
“We have a blend of youth who are under 40 among nominees for Commissioners and Special Advisers. Women too are well represented in the list. We believe Lagos deserves the best and we cannot give the people anything less than that,” the statement said.
Breaking down the list of nominees, there are 17 men and eight women that will be sworn in as members of the State Executive Council. Also in keeping his promise of millennial’s inclusion, Governor Sanwo-Olu included youths who are in their early and mid-thirties in the list of nominees.
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Governor of Oyo State, Seyi Makinde has publicly declared his assetnin which he said that his total worth, both in cash and properties is the excess of N48 billion.
President Muhammadu Buhari has written a letter to the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) Senator, representing Kogi State West Senatorial District, Dino Melaye, condoling him over the death recently, of his mother.
Senegal’s Teranga Lions has advanced to the final of the ongoing African Cup of Nations (AFCON) football competition in Egypt by defeating the highly rated Tunisia’s Carthage Eagles by 1-0.
Insecurity: Obasanjo Writes Open Letter To Buhari, Suggests Way Forward
Dear President and General Buhari,
OPEN LETTER TO PRESIDENT, GENERAL MUHAMMADU BUHARI
I am constrained to write to you this open letter. I decided to make it an open letter because the issue is very weighty and must be greatly worrisome to all concerned Nigerians and that means all right-thinking Nigerians and those resident in Nigeria. Since the issue is of momentous concern to all well-meaning and all right-thinking Nigerians, it must be of great concern to you, and collective thinking and dialoguing is the best way of finding an appropriate and adequate solution to the problem. The contents of this letter, therefore, should be available to all those who can help in proffering effective solutions for the problem of insecurity in the land.
One of the spinoffs and accelerants is the misinformation and disinformation through the use of fake news. A number of articles, in recent days, have been attributed to me by some people who I believe may be seeking added credence and an attentive audience for their opinions and view-points.
As you know very well, I will always boldly own what I say and disown what is put into my mouth. But the issue I am addressing here is very serious; it is the issue of life and death for all of us and for our dear country, Nigeria. This issue can no longer be ignored, treated with nonchalance, swept under the carpet or treated with cuddling glove. The issue is hitting at the foundation of our existence as Nigerians and fast eroding the root of our Nigerian community. I am very much worried and afraid that we are on the precipice and dangerously reaching a tipping point where it may no longer be possible to hold danger at bay. Without being immodest, as a Nigerian who still bears the scar of the Nigerian civil war on my body and with a son who bears the scar of fighting Boko Haram on his body, you can understand, I hope, why I am so concerned. When people are desperate and feel that they cannot have confidence in the ability of government to provide security for their lives and properties, they will take recourse to anything and everything that can guarantee their security individually and collectively.
For over ten years, for four of which you have been the captain of the ship, Boko Haram has menacingly ravaged the land and in spite of government’s claim of victory over Boko Haram, the potency and the activities of Boko Haram, where they are active, remain undiminished, putting lie to government’s claim. The recent explanation of the Chief of Army Staff for non-victory due to lack of commitment and lack of motivation on the part of troops bordering on sabotage speaks for itself. Say what you will, Boko Haram is still a daily issue of insecurity for those who are victimised, killed, maimed, kidnapped, raped, sold into slavery and forced into marriage and for children forcibly recruited into carrying bombs on them to detonate among crowds of people to cause maximum destructions and damage. And Boko Haram will not go away on the basis of sticks alone, carrots must overweigh sticks. How else do you deal with issues such as only about 50% literacy in North-East with over 70% unemployment?
Herdsmen/farmers crises and menace started with government treating the issue with cuddling glove instead of hammer. It has festered and spread. Today, it has developed into banditry, kidnapping, armed robbery and killings all over the country. The unfortunate situation is that the criminality is being perceived as a ‘Fulani’ menace unleashed by Fulani elite in the different parts of the country for a number of reasons but even more unfortunately, many Nigerians and non-Nigerians who are friends of Nigeria attach vicarious responsibility to you as a Fulani elite and the current captain of the Nigeria ship. Perception may be as potent as reality at times. Whatever may be the grievances of Fulanis, if any, they need to be put out in the open and their grievances, if legitimate, be addressed; and if other ethnic groups have grievances, let them also be brought out in the open and addressed through debate and dialogue.
The main issue, if I may dare say, is poor management or mismanagement of diversity which, on the other hand, is one of our greatest and most important assets. As a result, very onerous cloud is gathering. And rain of destruction, violence, disaster and disunity can only be the outcome. Nothing should be taken for granted, the clock is ticking with the cacophony of dissatisfaction and disaffection everywhere in and outside the country. The Presidency and the Congress in the US have signalled to us to put our house in order. The House of Lords in the UK had debated the Nigerian security situation. We must understand and appreciate the significance, implication and likely consequences of such concerns and deliberations.
No one can stop hate speech, violent agitation and smouldering violent agitation if he fans the embers of hatred, disaffection and violence. It will continue to snowball until it is out of control. A stich in time saves nine, goes the old wise saying.
With the death of Funke, Chief Fasoranti’s daughter, some sympathetic Nigerian groups are saying “enough is enough”. Prof. Anya, a distinguished Nigerian merit Laureate, has this to say “We can no longer say with certainty that we have a nation”. Niger-Delta leaders, South-Eastern leaders, Middle-Belt leaders and Northern Elders Forum have not remained quiet. Different ordinary Nigerians at home and abroad are calling for different measures to address or ameliorate the situation. All the calls and cries can only continue to be ignored at the expense of Nigerian unity, if not its continued existence.
To be explicit and without equivocation, Mr. President and General, I am deeply worried about four avoidable calamities:
1. abandoning Nigeria into the hands of criminals who are all being suspected, rightly or wrongly, as Fulanis and terrorists of Boko Haram type;
2. spontaneous or planned reprisal attacks against Fulanis which may inadvertently or advertently mushroom into pogrom or Rwanda-type genocide that we did not believe could happen and yet it happened.
3. similar attacks against any other tribe or ethnic group anywhere in the country initiated by rumours, fears, intimidation and revenge capable of leading to pogrom;
4. violent uprising beginning from one section of the country and spreading quickly to other areas and leading to dismemberment of the country.
It happened to Yugoslavia not too long ago. If we do not act now, one or all of these scenarios may happen. We must pray and take effective actions at the same time. The initiative is in the hands of the President of the nation, but he cannot do it alone. In my part of the world, if you are sharpening your cutlass and a mad man comes from behind to take the cutlass from you, you need other people’s assistance to have your cutlass back without being harmed. The mad men with serious criminal intent and terrorism as core value have taken cutlass of security. The need for assistance to regain control is obviously compelling and must be embraced now.
A couple of weeks ago at a public lecture, I had said, among other things, that:
“In all these issues of mobilisation for national unity, stability, security, cooperation, development, growth and progress, there is no consensus. Like in the issue of security, government should open up discussion, debate and dialogue as part of consultation at different levels and the outcome of such deliberations should be collated to form inputs into a national conference to come up with the solution that will effectively deal with the issues and lead to rapid development, growth and progress which will give us a wholesome society and enhanced living standard and livelihood in an inclusive and shared society. It will be a national programme. We need unity of purpose and nationally accepted strategic roadmap that will not change with whims and caprices of any government. It must be owned by the citizens, people’s policy and strategy implemented by the government no matter its colour and leaning.
Some of the groups that I will suggest to be contacted are: traditional rulers, past heads of service (no matter how competent or incompetent they have been and how much they have contributed to the mess we are in), past heads of para-military organisations, private sector, civil society, community leaders particularly in the most affected areas, present and past governors, present and past local government leaders, religious leaders, past Heads of State, past intelligence chiefs, past Heads of Civil Service and relevant current and retired diplomats, members of opposition and any groups that may be deemed relevant.”
The President must be seen to be addressing this issue with utmost seriousness and with maximum dispatch and getting all hands on deck to help. If there is failure, the principal responsibility will be that of the President and no one else. We need cohesion and concentration of effort and maximum force – political, economic, social, psychological and military – to deal successfully with the menace of criminality and terrorism separately and together. Blame game among own forces must be avoided. It is debilitating and only helpful to our adversary. We cannot dither anymore. It is time to confront this threat headlong and in a manner that is holistic, inclusive and purposeful.
For the sake of Nigeria and Nigerians, I pray that God may grant you, as our President, the wisdom, the understanding, the political will and the courage to do what is right when it is right and without fear or favour. May God save, secure, protect and bless Nigeria. May He open to us a window of opportunity that we can still use to prevent the worst happening. As we say in my village, “May God forbid bad thing”.
OLUSEGUN OBASANJOJuly 15, 2019
Released byKehinde Akinyemi Special Assistant Media.