I Don’t Regret My Comment On ‘Body Bags;’ It Is Not A Call For violence – Gov El-Rufai

February 6, 2019

Kaduna State Governor, Nasir El-Rufai, has made it clear that he never regrets his comment on foreigners who may want to interfere in the internal electoral affairs of Nigeria and his reference to ‘body bags.’

El-Rufai, who featured on an NTA programme yesterday, Tuesday, had said that foreigners who may be planning to interfere in the 2019 elections will leave in body bags.

Reacting to threat by the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to pull out of the Peace Accord as a result of such comment, the governor, through his spokesman, Samuel Aruwan, insisted his statement was apt.

“When Malam Nasir El-Rufai appeared on NTA’s Tuesday Night Live, he made comments every patriot can understand. He stood up for Nigeria’s dignity in the wake of those who would traduce their country and reduce it to the status of a colony in their vain quest for power,” the statement read.

“The video of his comments is in circulation. Any fair-minded person with modest familiarity with the English language and unimpaired comprehension can understand it. It does not contain any call for violence. What it is a powerful defence of sovereignty. Are some sections of our political class implying that they will acquiesce in or collaborate with foreign intervention in our country?

“Affirming that a country will defend itself against needless intervention is the kind of statement you expect to hear from a patriot. It is not a call for violence. Warning about the consequences of meddling in another country’s affairs is legitimate,” he said.

”Malam Nasir El-Rufai has issued a powerful call for vigilance and a clear notice that other countries should not mistake the supine posture of the opposition for national weakness.

“El-Rufai has stood firmly against those who have been trying to divide Nigerians on ethnic and religious lines. He is resolutely opposed to violence, and firmly committed to peace and harmony.”

Ahead Of Nigeria Elections, Police Boss Moves Senior Officers

Editorial staff

February 6, 2019

With the Nigerian elections around the corner, beginning next week Saturday, February 16 with the Presidential poll, the Inspector General of Police, Mohammed Adamu has redeployed and posted some senior officers to various parts of the country.

A statement by the Force spokesman, Frank Mba, listed the officer who have been so redeployed and posted as follows.

i. AIG Wilson A. Inalegwu – AIG Zone 9, Umuahia
ii.AIG Abdul Dahiru Danwawo – AIG Maritime
iii. AIG Adeyemi O. Ogunjemilusi, mni – Directing Staff NIPPS
iv. AIG Maurice A. Yusuf – AIG Research and Planning
v.  AIG Ibrahim Lamorde, mni – AIG Force Intelligence Bureau
vi. AIG Murtala Mani, mni – AIG FORCE CID
vii. AIG Tijani Baba – AIG Zone 7, Abuja
viii. AIG Dibal Yakadi, mni – AIG Zone 5, Benin
ix.   AIG Haruna Huzi Mshelia, mni – AIG Zone 3, Yola
x.    AIG Mohammed Mustapha – AIG Zone 10, Sokoto
xi.   AIG Musa A. Kimo – AIG Zone 6, Calabar
xii.  AIG Adeleye Olusola Oyebade, mni – AIG Zone 11, Osogbo
xiii. AIG Basen Dapiya Gwana – AIG Zone 12, Bauchi
xiv. AIG Karma Hosea Hassan – AIG Staff College, Jos
xv.  AIG Folawiyo David, mni – AIG Training & Development
xvi. AIG Zana Ibrahim, mni – Commandant POLAC, Kano
xvii. AIG Chris Ezike – AIG Zone 4, Makurdi
xviii. AIG Moses A. Jitiboh, mni – AIG Investment, FHQ
xix.   CP Mu’azu Zubairu – CP Lagos State Command
xx.    CP Ahmed Iliyasu – CP Ogun State Command
xxi.   CP Mohammed Wakili – CP Kano State Command
xxii.  CP Austin Iwero Agbonlahor – CP Cross River Command
xxiii. CP Damian Chukwu – CP Borno Command
xxiv. CP Sumonu Abdulmalik – CP Yobe Command
xxv.  CP Asuquo Amba – CP Ekiti Command
xxvi. CP Abiodun Ige – CP Osun Command
xxvii. CP Ibrahim Sabo – CP Niger Command
xxviii. CP Alkasim Sanusi – CP Taraba State
xxix.   CP Garba M. Mukaddas – CP Adamawa Command
xxx.    CP Omololu Bishi – CP Benue Command
xxxi.   CP Bola Longe – CP Nasarawa Command
xxxii.  CP Isaac Akinmoyede – CP Plateau Command
xxxiii. CP Aminu I. Saleh – CP Bayelsa Command
xxxiv. CP Adeleke Yinka – CP Delta Command
xxxv.  CP Bashir Makama – CP Akwa-Ibom Command
xxxvi.  CP Awosola Awotunde – CP Ebonyi Command
xxxvii. CP Belel Usman – CP Rivers Command
xxxviii. CP Bello Makwashi – CP Gombe Command
xxxix.   CP Abdulrahman Ahmed – CP Kaduna Command
xl.         CP Bala Ciroma – CP FCT Command
xli.        CP Akeem Busari – CP Kogi Command
xlii.       CP Galadinchi Dasuki – CP Imo Command
xliii.      CP Suleiman Balarabe – CP Enugu Command
xliv.      CP Dandaura Mustafa – CP Anambra Command
xlv.       CP Etim Ene Okon – CP Abia Command
xlvi.      CP Ibrahim Kaoje – CP Sokoto Command
xlvii.     CP Celestine Okoye – CP Zamfara Command
xlviii.    CP Garba Danjuma – CP Kebbi Command
xlix.      CP Undie Andie – CP Ondo Command
l.           CP Olukolu Sina – CP Oyo Command
li.          CP Ali Janga – CP Bauchi Command
lii.         CP Rabiu Ladodo – CP Jigawa Command
liii.        CP Buba Sanusi – CP Katsina Command
liv.        Ag. CP Egbetokun Kayode – CP Kwara Command
lv.         Ag. CP Odumosu Akeem – CP Edo Command

The statement said that the posting and the redeployment of the affected Senior Police Officers is with immediate effect.

CBN Organizes Workshop To Educate Judges On Legal Matters

Editorial staff

February 6, 2019

The Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), in collaboration with the National Judicial Institute (NJI) is organizing a two-day workshop to educate judges on Secured Transaction in Movable Asset Act (STMA) and National Collateral Registry (NCR).

The workshop, which is the maiden, according to the CBN, will aim at acquainting judges with appropriate legal and regulatory framework of the STMA Act and its contribution to the national economy.

Information obtained from the CBN indicated that the Acting Chief Justice of Nigeria, Justice Ibrahim Tanko Muhammad and the Governor, Central Bank of Nigeria, Mr. Godwin Emefiele are expected to make key remarks at the workshop.

Also expected to participate at the workshop, which opens in Abuja on Monday, February, are the members of relevant committees at the National Assembly, Supreme Court Judges, Appeal Court Judges, Federal High Court Judges, the Chief Judge of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), State Chief Judges, key Government officials, captains of industry, and officials of the World Bank/ International Finance Corporation (IFC).

The Central Bank of Nigeria, in collaboration with the International Finance Corporation (IFC), established the National Collateral Registry (NCR) in 2016 in line with the Bank’s mandate on sustainable economic inclusive growth and financial inclusion. The NCR is a financial infrastructure that seeks to deepen credit delivery to Micro Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) through enhanced acceptability of movable assets such as equipment, machinery, vehicles, crops, livestock, account receivables, inventories, and jewelries.

Police Prepare For 2019 Polls: Hold Conference For Counter Terrorism Unit, Other

Editorial staff

February 6, 2019

The Nigeria Police are fully preparing for the 2019 general elections in the country with the holding of a conference for the officers on Counter Terrorism Unit (CTU) and those in Special Protection Unit (SPU). The conference is aimed at perfecting the plans of the Nigeria Police Force towards the 2019 general elections.

According to the police, the Counter Terrorism Unit was established as a specially trained strike Force with capacity to address the threat of terrorism and sundry insurgency threats to our national security, while the Special Protection Unit is a Police detachment that is dedicated to the provision of specialized security and escort duties for high-risk individuals and corporate organisations that may be under security threat.

The Two Units were established to complement the Police Mobile Force towards supporting the conventional police in addressing critical internal security threats and civil disorders.

The Inspector General Police, Mohammed Adamu, who decalred the conference opened in Abuja today, Wednesday, said that by virtue of their training and expertise, personnel from the Counterterrorism Unit and Special Protection Unit are critical components of the broad election security plan of the Nigeria Police Force.

“It is for this reason that you are all invited here to brainstorm and be briefed on the specific roles that you will be expected to perform during the general elections.

“Within this context of the Strategic Election Security Operational Plan of the Force, you shall be required to deploy your personnel to:
i. Provide specialized protection for INEC staff, and NYSC and other ad-hoc personnel of the Commission that will be deployed for the elections
ii. Secure INEC facilities across the country.
iii. Undertake patrols of the public space before, during and after the elections
iv. Act as reserve Forces that could be deployed for rapid response to crisis areas during the elections.
v. Provide specialized security for local and international election observers
vi. Escort sensitive electoral materials
vii. Provide specialized protection to critical national assets during the exercise.”

The Inpector General said that in order to ensure full mobilization and deployment of personnel for these duties, we shall in the coming days prune down or order the withdrawal of SPU and CTU operatives that are currently on non-essential duties including those attached to certain categories of personalities.

“In performing your election security duties, let me assure you that adequate provisions have been made for your welfare. In return, we expect the highest possible level of professionalism from you, knowing that your conducts will be subjected to national and international scrutiny. I am confident, on my part, that you have the professional depth, strength of character and strong sense of commitment to duty which are needed to guarantee your optimal performance and the success of the exercise.”

We Don’t Interfere In Elections, European Union Monitors React To Gov El-Rufai

Greenbarge Reporters

February 6, 2019

A team of European Union (EU) election observers have said that they have never been known to interfere in the electoral process of any country and will therefore not start it in Nigeria.

Governor Nasiru Ahmed el-Rufai had said on Nigerian Television Authority (NTA) programme yesterday, Tuesday night: “those that are calling for anyone to come and intervene in Nigeria, we are waiting for the person that would come and intervene, they would go back in body bags.”

The governor argued that Nigeria’s sovereignty was sacrosanct and the country also respects other nation’s sovereignty. He said Nigeria only intervened militarily in other countries (Liberia and Sierra Leone) when it had international mandate to do so.

Reacting, the EU team in a statement by the team’s leader, Sarah Fradgley said that the threat would not deter it from observing the general elections set to hold on February 16 and March 2.

“We are aware of the comments by the Governor of Kaduna about non-interference by foreigners during a talk show on the elections Tuesday 5 February.

“The EU only deploys an election observation mission when it is invited to do so by the authorities of a country. The EU has been invited to observe all of the general elections in Nigeria since 1999. Thus this is the sixth time the EU is observing elections in Nigeria.

“The Independent National Electoral Commission invited the EU to deploy an observation mission for the 2019 general elections.

“EU election observation missions give commentary and analysis, and make recommendations about the electoral process. EU election observation missions are impartial, do not interfere in the electoral process, and operate according to a strict code of conduct.

“While the security of EU observers is of paramount importance, and will remain under constant review, EU observers will continue their work across the country in the run-up to – and beyond – the 16 February elections.

“For the last month the mission’s team in Abuja, as well as 40 long-term observers across the country, have followed the elections. We have met with a wide range of candidates, parties, election officials, security agencies, and civil society organisations, and have enjoyed good cooperation at federal and state levels.

“The mission looks at all aspects of the election, including the campaign tone, the transparency of the election administration, the neutrality of security forces, and the independence of the judiciary.”

Benue Monarchs Acknowledge Buhari’s Success On Security

February 6, 2019

Traditional rulers from Benue State have acknowledged that President Muhammadu Buhari has been able to tackle the insecurity, especially the herders/farmers clashes.

They advised that proper surveillance should be carried out on the nation’s borders to prevent infiltration of criminals from the neighbouring countries.

The Tor Tiv of Tiv land Professor James Ayatse, he led the monarchs on a courtesy visit to the President at the presidential Villa Abuja expressed appreciation to President Buhari, for the way and manner he has been conducting peaceful campaign,.

He said that there has been no riots, violence, thereby setting good example. “We had a challenging time in 2016. Thanks for your intervention, for accepting our appeal to step up security. Operation Whirl Strike has succeeded in chasing away violent herders.”

He emphasized the need for a closer look at the border to stop “criminals and bandits” from crossing into Nigeria.

Responding, President Buhari said that the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation, NNPC, will soon commence drilling for a deeper search for oil and gas in the Benue Trough.

This, he said, is the next step following the commencement of drilling in the Kolmani River area, located within Bauchi and Gombe States.

President Buhari recalled that as Minister of Petroleum in the 70s, he had seen “very interesting seismic surveys” that promised oil and gas from the Chad Basin through the Benue Trough down to the Delta region.

He said that for mostly commercial reasons, investment was directed to the Niger Delta given the promise of quicker results.

He narrated past efforts by him as Military Head of State to diversify the country’s sources of oil to strengthen its unity, promising that his administration will intensify efforts in this direction.

The President promised to look at requests for more roads, bridges and tertiary institutions made by the royal father.

Obiano Still Bitter Over Ohanaeze’s Endorsing Atiku Day Buhari Commissioned Zik’s Museum

Editorial staff

February 6, 2019

Anambra State Governor, Willie Obiano, is still very bitter that Ohanaeze held a meeting and endorsed the Presidential candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Atiku Abubakar on a day President Muhammadu Buhari was in Anambra State to commission late Dr.Azikwe’s museum.

Governor Obiano, who spoke when the Ohanaeze Ndigbo, Lagos branch, paid him a visit at the Governor’s Lodge, Amawbia, Anambra State, today Wednesday, described the action of Ohanaeze as a big slap not on President Buhari but late Dr. Nnamdi Azikiwe who “remains a world hero of the Igbo.”

The governor advised the Igbo socio-cultural body to maintain the objective for its creation as a nonpartisan organisation with the principal aim of pushing Igbo agenda.

Governor Obiano said that President Buhari is passionate about developing the Southeast and to add one more state to the region.

“I’m in good terms with the President. He has good plans for the South-East, contrary to the perception of some people. He has emotional feeling that the South-East ought to have an additional state.

“I’m also hopeful that the Federal Government would set aside November 16 as a national day in memory of the late Dr. Nnamdi Azikiwe, the first president of this great country.”

Speaking at the event, the Ohanaeze delegation led by its branch president, Nnamdi Nwigwe, said they were in the state to show solidarity to the Obiano-led government.

The group extolled what it called “Obiano’s negotiating power and think-home philosophy,” among other initiatives.

“We are particularly happy with your position on appreciating President Mohammadu Buhari-led administration’s good gestures to the people of the South-East region and Anambra State in particular.

“The completion of Zik Mausoleum, which is a national monument, the ongoing Second Niger Bridge, road projects and other infrastructures lay credence to the fact that the Buhari administration has not forgotten the region.”

source: Punch

2019: PDP Threatens To Pull Out Of Peace Accord Over Gov El-Rufai’s Remark

Editorial staff

February 6, 2019

PDP National Chairman, Prince Uche Secondus

The Peoples Democratic Party has threatened to review its signatory to the National Peace Accord complaining of remarks by Governor Nasiru el-Rufai of Kaduna State on a national television, regarding members of the global democratic institutions that are working for a peaceful election in Nigeria.

PDP National Publicity Secretary, Kola Ologbondiyan, who is also the Director, Media and Publicity, PDP Presidential Campaign Organization,, said at a news conference in Abuja today, Wednesday that the party took the decision after due consideration of comments, threats and actions by members of the All Progressives Congress (APC), which are directly inimical to a peaceful, free and fair election.

The party called on the National Peace Committee to immediately summon el-Rufai on his remarks, adding: “this country belongs to all of us and no individual or group, no matter how highly placed, can subjugate other citizens or seek to appropriate any sort of absolutism to themselves.”

The party also called on the National Peace Committee to note the shutdown of all the stadia in Kano state by the state Governor, Abdullahi Ganduje.

“It is necessary to state that the PDP is a party of peace and we are committed to the peace accord.

“We wish to remind the acting IGP that his acceptability among Nigerians across party line was based on the pedigree, which was presented to Nigerians before his appointment.

“This pedigree and exposure placed on his shoulders, the responsibility to be just, firm, equitable and professional in the discharge of his duties.

“We therefore urge him not to allow his reputation to be mired in controversial political activities.”

Source: NAN.

I Have No Personal Grudges Against President Buhari – Gov Ortom

Editorial staff

February 6, 2019

President Buhari, Tor of Tiv with Gov. Samuel Ortom

Governor Samuel Ortom of Benue State has made it clear that he has no personal grudges against President Muhammadu Buhari.

Governor Ortom spoke to newsmen shortly before President Buhari arrived in the State Capital in continuation of his re-election campaign explained that his decision to give adequate support for preparation ahead of the President campaign visit was in recognition that Buhari is the leader of Nigeria.

He said that making arrangement for the President such as this, was in line with protocol and was beyond party issue.

“Mr President is beyond party. He is the president of the federal republic of Nigeria and whatever he is doing, it is our responsibility to give him adequate protocol.

“He is our president, and is beyond party and so I am doing all the needful.

“There is no special thing I am doing, than what I am suppose to do as governor of Benue State irrespective of party because he remains my president and I respect him.

“I have no personal issues with him; we talk about policies and issues, there is no personal grudge.

“So, I am here to receive him, and I have made adequate arrangement. This State belongs to Mr President. So he has access, he can be here and do whatever he wants to do.”

Buhari Vows To Dispossess Looters To Develop Infrastructure

Editorial staff

February 6, 2019

President Muhammadu Buhari at the APC Presidential campaign rally in Makurdi, Benue State

President Muhammadu Buhari has vowed to dispossess looters of the public funds they stole, using such funds to develop more infrastructure across the country.

“I assure you, I am not going to change. I am going to be consistent, I will remain steadfast. Anybody who abuses trust will be exposed and he will be dispossessed of the public funds they stole.”

The President, who spoke to party supporters in Makurdi, the Benue State capital, in continuation of his presidential campaigns expressed joy with the large turn out of the crowd at the Aper Aku stadium, which he said showed that the Benue people believed in what his administration is doing to transform Nigeria.

He said that through the efforts of his government, the country has made tremendous success on improving the economy as well as tackling the challenge of insecurity in parts of the country and the fight against corruption.

“I stand before you to thank you most sincerely for deferring the weather and standing for hours to come and see and listen to us. I am very grateful.

“I am convinced that you believe in what we are doing and that you stand to support us even further. When I came to look for your vote in 2015, I promised three fundamental issues based on our party manifesto. Security, economy and fighting corruption. We will do roads, rail ways and provide electricity with monies recovered from looters.”

This was even as Senator George Akume told the party supporters that President Buhari is one of the few Nigerians who does not like money.

“He had opportunity to make money as Head of State, minister of petroleum and military administrators of north eastern states but did not amass wealth.

“Buhari has managed the economy very well and we are very proud of him. The landmark projects of the government are impacting positively on the lives of the people. “Mr. President, you promised to provide infrastructure and we are seeing it, you are not a man of talk but action- talk and do.”

Senator Akume assured the President that the people of Bunue have cordial relationship with the Fulanis and will sustain the relationship if the candidate of the APC in Benue Emmanuel Jime is voted as governor in the March 2nd election.

He said that President Buhari will record 70 percent of the votes in the coming elections.

Senator Akume said that Benue stands for free, fair and credible election.

Akume called the attention of the President to what’s he called ‘the problem is the militarization of the state, accusing the state governor of livestock guards to intimidate the opposition.

National Chairman of APC, Adams Oshiomhole in his remarks, said governors have the responsibility to guarantee security of lives and property and must be seen to compliment the federal government in this regard.

According to him, the candidate of the APC in Benue in the election has the capacity to do so, and improve the lives of the citizens.

“We need leaders who will not blame others for their failures. Nation’s develop when leaders bring ideas to move the country forward.”

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