Court in Abuja, the Nigeria’s Federal Capital, has granted the former Executive Director of Aso Savings and Loans Plc, Maimuna Aliyu, bail in the sum of N10 Million over an alleged fraud amounting to over N57 Million.
This followed today, after the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC), charged her to for the offence.
The Commission in a 3-count charge before Justice M. A. Nasir of the FCT High Court No 16 at Jabi, Abuja alleged that Maimuna used her position as the Executive Director of Aso Savings and Loans Plc, to confer corrupt advantage upon herself by receiving the sum of N57, 000,000 being the proceeds of the sale of three plots of land in Jahi District, Abuja and failing to remit the said amount to Aso Savings.
The ICPC also alleged that Maimuna Aliyu made false statement to officers of the Commission thereby contravening the provisions of Sections 19 and 25 of the Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Act, 2000 and punishable under the same Sections.
Maimuna Aliyu is also facing a charge of criminal breach of trust for allegedly diverting the sum of N57,000,000 to personal use, an offence that is contrary to Section 311 and punishable under Section 312 of the Penal Code.
She pleaded not guilty to all the charges even as her counsel, Mr. Joe Gadzama (SAN) in his bail application, requested the court to grant his client bail on self-recognition and also on the basis that she is a first offender. Hon. Justice M. A. Nasir, in her ruling granted the accused bail in the sum of N10 million and two sureties in like sum. She said that such sureties must be resident within the jurisdiction of the court.
The case was adjourned to March 12 for commencement of hearing.
Governor Simon Lalong of Plateau State has described anti grazing law being enforced by some state governors as anti people. Governor Lalong made it clear that there are levels of implementation which will require government intervention, provision of ranchers and so on. “I can’t implement anti-grazing law. I cannot wake up like some people said last year that I should go and do anti-grazing Law. And I asked anti-grazing law for what? “We are talking about ranching, we are talking about development of livestock business and I cannot use the word anti to start driving people who are interested. It is for those who are interested to come and get involve in it.” The Plateau governor, who fielded questions from news men today, Thursday at the Presidential Villa, Abuja, his state was one of those that embraced ranching. “I had a lot of opposition initially when I said Plateau was keying into ranching. Some states said they don’t have land but I said whether I have land or not we have to provide land for ranching because that I see as solution to the (farmers/herdsmen) conflicts. “In Plateau we have gone far. We have donated land voluntarily, many people donated land for ranching. “Last year, I sent a 12 team to the Federal Ministry of Agriculture. They spent almost a week there to study and the team was headed by former Vice Chancellor of University of Jos, Professor Onazi. We went round all the communities in Plateau, it took three months and Plateau people including the Fulanis accepted that we must embrace ranching. Ranching as a concept is a policy and there are states realizing the importance of the policy.” “When you are talking of ranching, it is a component of agriculture business; you will also require subsidy. Subsidy must come from federal and state governments and by the time we develop it and put every structure on ground, then we can bring laws to regulate the implementation. So I don’t want to jump one step before the other.” Governor Lalong narrated how he told the governor of Benue state, Samuel Ortom not to do the law on anti grazing. “I said (to him), look, why don’t you tread softly; just be careful, take other steps before you start implementation. “But you see, states are different. His own concepts are different and for us on the Plateau is different. I said I will not do the law before implementation. I have not developed the ranching areas so I cannot go and say I put a law, to stop who? If I stop the people what is the alternative. “So I said do consultations, allow the people to understand and buy into the concepts.” On the difference between ranching and colony, Lalong said that after enquiries and study, he discovered that one is bigger than the other. “For me, anytime I hear anything about agriculture I don’t jump into conclusions. I go and study it. Yesterday (Wednesday), I was at the federal ministry of agriculture with my agricultural team: commissioner and others. We spent almost five hours because I said they must convince me and explain to me what colony is. So that when I go back just like I did with ranching, I will go and tell my people that this is the concept. When I had the briefing with them I was convinced about colony. “They said the difference between colony and ranches is that one is bigger than the other. You get a very big field, you get investors, demacate the area. Somebody will ranch bees, somebody will ranch goats, somebody will ranch cattle but government will develop the place, put grasses, water and anybody who is coming in must pay. And you cannot go and force any land, it is voluntary land that government has. “For me, in Plateau, we have two large areas already. That is the concept. The governor said that ranching is not for only Fulani herdsmen, adding that it is everybody’s business. According to him, many youths, thousands of graduates have registered, ready to go into that business. “It is everybody’s business. We must help the federal government to find ways of addressing issues because agriculture is not just agriculture now. It is now a means of diversification. And if you have to diversify, it is serious business for everyone. It is not for a tribe. “So I said if we have to encourage people to go into ranching I will not use the word anti.”[myad]
File photo: Lifeless bodies Don Waney and his some of his memebers
After hours of shootouts between the Inspector General of Police Intelligence Response Team attached to the Joint Police Special Investigation Team, six members of the Don Waney dangerous kidnapping and armed robbery gang were killed. Information coming from the Police Headquarters in Abuja said that other members of the gang were able to escape from the battlefield with bullet wounds. The Force Public Relations Officer, CSP Jimoh Moshood confirmed in a statement today, Thursday, the prolonged cross firing between the officers and the gang members took place in their hideouts in Awara Forest boundary between Imo and Rivers State. He also confirmed that those with bullet wound injury escaped to other locations in Rivers, Delta, Imo and Bayelsa States even as he assured that the Police Teams are currently on their trail. The police spokes person said that the IGP Intelligence Response Team, working on an actionable intelligence, further identified Desmond Okotubo who escaped on January 3 to Abuja after a shoot out with the Police Team in a location in Imo State, adding that the suspect was trailed to Mpape in Abuja where he was arrested after serious resistance on January 9. He said that the 32 year old Desmond Okotubo, who is the principal Suspect, is a Native of Egbenma from Unelga local government area of Rivers State. According to Jimoh Moshood, the suspect confessed to be one of the masterminds of the gang and actively participated in the killings of innocent people in Omoku Rivers state on the New Year day. “He further gave details of how they planned the Operation in Awara Town Imo State before they carried out the act. “The suspect, Desmond Okotubo also revealed to the Police how their Gang leader Don Wanny gathered them and briefed them on the night of 31st January, 2017 on the mission to attack and kill the residents of Omoku town. Thirty (30) of them Armed with over Twenty (20) AK47 Rifles crossed the river from Awara to Omoku forest and proceeded to Omoku town and opened fire on innocent Citizens celebrating the new year.” The police spokes person said that investigation is being intensified to arrest other members of the gang still at large to get to the root of the matter. He said that the suspect will be arraigned in court on completion of investigation.
Plateau state governor, Simon Lalong has a reason to thank God for the decision he took on assumption of office to fully involve everyone, including the Fulani herdsmen in finding solution to lingering clashes between farmers and herdsmen. He said: “when I came I inherited a protracted crisis in the state and so my first priority was how to handle these crises and ensure we have peace in Plateau State. “Within three months, we were able to achieve peace in Plateau State. Most of the lingering crises were between farmers and herdsmen but today in most parts of the state, you will see beautiful relationship between herdsmen and farmers.” Governor Lalong, who answered reporters’ questions at the Presidential Villa, Abuja yesterday, Thursday, made it clear that the best way to achieve peace is for the leadership to embrace everybody as his own. “I have said it a number of time that it is a matter of accommodating (various) interests; you take everybody as your own. In Plateau state, I did that. He said that he just returned from a vacation and was in Aso Rock to brief President Muhammadu Buhari on the happenings in his state in the last one year. He said that with the support from the President, the state has been enjoying relative Peace. Governor Lalong said that the President was very happy with the peace in his state, adding: “of course, the president is always happy when he hears that number, one your state is peaceful and two, that you are paying salaries up to date. “For me, salary is no longer an issue. Last December, I started paying gratuity. So I came to tell him that through his efforts; the bailout funds, I have cleared the salaries. “Indeed, I inherited 11 months arrears and eight months of pensions, and today, I have cleared them. I am now into payment of arrears of gratuity and development projects. “Let me not forget, part of the visit was to ask a shift of date in the president’s visit to the state from January to February and he has agreed and said he will come anytime I want him to come.”[myad]
Kaduna State Police Commissioner, Agybole Abeh, has warned the national leadership of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) planning to stage a mega rally in Kaduna tomorrow, Thursday, to protest sack of 21,780 primary school teachers, to stay away from Kaduna as their safety cannot be guaranteed.
In a statement today, Wednesday, the police commissioner asked the union leadership to note that the state had just come out of series of crises, saying: “we cannot guarantee your safety. We advise you to find a way of reaching and engaging with the relevant authorities in solving whatever grievances, you might be having.”
Agybole Abeh assured the citizens of the state of the readiness of the police to protect their lives and property, even as he asked them to go about their normal activities without fear.
“We will deploy our men to protect public buildings and ensure that there is no break down of law and order”, he stressed.
The national leadership of the NLC had summoned all its national officers as well as executives of its branches across the country to Kaduna on Thursday for the rally.
Meanwhile, Governor Nasir el-Rufai had repeatedly expressed his determination to revive the ailing education sector in the state, vowing that he would not mortgage the future of its two million primary school pupils for unqualified teachers who failed primary four exams. [myad]
Director Army Public Relations, Brigadier General Sani Kukasheka Usman
Nigerian Army has warned residents in the Northeast not to harbor members of Boko Haram fleeing from the Sambisa forest in Borno State.
A statement from the Director Army Public Relations, Brigadier General Sani Kukasheka Usman, said that credible intelligence showed that several of theBoko Haram terrorists have resorted to taking refuge in dry wells and other hideouts in some communities along their escape routes from the Sambisa forest in order to evade the sustained bombardments from air and ground troops of Operation Lafiya Dole.
“No one should shield these blood thirsty terrorists. Any unpatriotic and unscrupulous persons, especially in the North Eastern states of Adamawa, Borno and Yobe found providing safe sanctuaries or any assistance to the criminals will be treated as an accomplice and given same treatment as a terrorist.
“All are advised to take the patriotic path by calling the Nigerian Army Information and Call Centre Number 193 to report any fleeing terrorists or report immediately to the nearest security agency.
“You are warned. Do not be an accomplice of the terrorists.”
File Photo: Shia Muslims march through the streets of the northern Nigerian city of Kano
The Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Police Command has announced the arrest of 52 members of the El-Zakzaky Islamic Movement in Nigeria (IMN), known as Shiite, for embarking on what the Command described as rampage in Abuja.
The Police alleged, in a statement, that the rampaging sect members attacked innocent citizens, including Police operatives today, Wednesday, January 10, adding that the Command recovered some bottles of improvised petrol-bomb, stones and catapult used by them to attack police operatives and damage police operational vehicles.
A statement by the Police Public Relations Officer for the FCT Police Command, DSP Anjuguri Manzah said that the unlawful action of members of the sect which started on Monday 8th January, constituted a serious security threat to the peace of the Federal Capital Territory and at the same time disrupted innocent citizens from going about their lawful businesses.
The statement said that in view of the current security situation in the Country, “the Command wishes to unequivocally state that while it will continue to be professional in the discharge of its constitutional and statutory roles of the protection of lives and property of the good people of FCT; and equally recognize the rights of citizens to express their lawful grievances, the Command will not fold its arms and watch some persons hold the capital city to ransom by disrupting government and legitimate business activities.
“In view of the foregoing, the Command wants to state that any person or group of persons arrested for violating the provisions of the Nigerian Constitution while registering their protest will be arrested and prosecuted in accordance with the appropriate section(s) of the law.”
The Command said that the 52 suspects that were arrested will be charged to court upon the conclusion of the investigation.
Vice President Yemi Osinbajo has declared in Osogbo today, Wednesday: “The greatest problem that our own country has is the absence of integrity. Integrity is key anywhere in the world. Some people must make the sacrifice for others’ sake.”
Professor Osinbajo, who addressed the Southwest Regional Youth Summit in Osogbo, Osun State said that if the government is able to remove corruption from the nation’s economic and social life, “we would have solved 70 percent of our problems.
“The truth of the matter is that if we do not ensure that businesses can thrive, nobody would be able to create opportunities for others. The reason why it is difficult for people to open branches of their businesses is that if you are not there yourself, you might as well forget your business.”
The Vice President said that every society that does not emphasize integrity always fails, adding that any society that does not stand on integrity cannot succeed.
“The whole of the economy is based on trust, even the currency that you spend is based on trust, and business is based on trust. Many times as Nigerians, we have lost that trust even dealing with international partners we have lost that trust.
“So, it is important for us to understand that no matter what we do, we must emphasize this Omoluabi ethos, the ethos of integrity. It is so crucial, without hard work it is impossible to do much. People say all sort of things, they say if you are well connected, you will be a success. “There is a limit to what connections can do, even when you are connected enough to be given a job, if you are not serious and hardworking at that job you won’t move up on that job, so hard work is crucial.”
Professor Osinbajo said that he had studied very closely what young people are doing because he recognized that this country, which is the largest economy in Africa, is the key to the future, not just of Africa, but of the development of the world.
The places that are left to make the kind of growth and progress that the world can make are not very many. Africa is one such place. So we must watch closely what is happening in Nigeria, and that is one of the reasons why I watch and see exactly what young people are doing and try to encourage them.
He observed that every generation owes itself the duty of converting its challenges to opportunities and success.
“And you must not see yourselves as young people of the South-West alone. Yes, you are South-West citizens, you were born and bred here, but you are actually citizens of the world. You are citizens of Nigeria. You must make contacts across the country, you must build bridges across the country; you must see yourself first and foremost as a Nigerian citizen. It is from this Nigeria that we would make the kind of progress that each and every one of us need.
“There is no point doing our business only in the South-west, Nigeria is our playing field; this country is big enough. The advantage of our country is that it has everything that we need, and we must take advantage of it.
“So while we are here locally, we must think nationally, and we must think globally. And we must act nationally, and we must act globally.”[myad]
The biggest stories about the Niger Delta region of Nigeria today is the killing of a dreaded cultist, Johnson Igwedibia, also known as Don Waney, by a combined team of men of the Military and Department of State Services- DSS. In a Press Statement issued by the Nigerian Army entitled: “End of road for notorious cultist, kidnapper and mass murderer- Don Waney,” signed by Deputy Director, Army Public Relations, Colonel Aminu Iliyasu, the military announced the death of Johnson Igwedibia. The statement reads in part: “The authorities of 6 Division Nigerian Army Port Harcourt wish to inform the peace-loving people of Omoku in ONELGA in particular, Rivers State and indeed the entire good people of Niger Delta in general that the notorious cult leader, kidnap kingpin and mass murderer Don Waney is dead.” Igwedibia, one of the big players in the game of the underworld in the region is said to have been gunned down alongside two of his close allies in a border town between Rivers and Enugu States. A former heavy weight in militancy, based in Omoku in Ogba/Egbema/Ndoni-ONELGA Local Government Area of the State is a prime suspect in the new year massacre that took the lives of over twenty persons returning from a ‘cross-over’ midnight prayer in Omoku. Johnson Igwedibia is not a push over by any standard, as at some point in the area, the fear of Don Waney was the beginning of wisdom. Even the Oba of Ogba land, H.R.M. Eze Nnam Obi gave him his way and never crossed his path. Reports say that some security agents were afraid of him, as he was deadly and believed to be invincible. The routes to his mansion in Omoku were manned by soldiers, said to have been detailed to arrest him, dead or alive, yet, he operated without encumbrances. Did security give way for conspiracy? In the days of militancy in the region, sources say Don Waney and his boys were allegedly involved in pipeline vandalism, sea piracy, kidnapping, armed robbery, cultism, thuggery, rape and all other forms of criminality, prior to late President Yar’Adua’s amnesty programme for militants in the region. But, did the amnesty deter him? Years after accepting same, he returned to his trade in full capacity. In 2016, Rivers State Governor, Nyesom Wike introduced another round of amnesty programme, which he also accepted; but to what extent did that influence him? Don Waney was a billionaire by all standards and the peanuts provided for the amnesty programme may have even infuriated him; yet he accepted it, but continued with his ‘business’. On the 20th of December, 2016, Don Waney was conferred with a chieftaincy title of Onyirimba 1 of Ogbaland by the paramount Ruler of Aligwu in ONELGA LGA, King C. Nwokocha. Two of his foot soldiers, Ikechukwu Adiela and Augustine Osisiah were also installed chiefs. In his response to the recognition, Waney commended the Rivers State government for their efforts in ensuring that peace reigns in the region, even as he urged youths of the area to embrace same, promising to join hands with stakeholders to ensure that peace reigns. Contrary to his pledge, he still returned to his old ways, compelling the 6 Division of the Nigerian Army to invade his camp and shrines in the early hours of November 20, 2017. Reports say he narrowly escaped death in that brutal military operation. During the raid, about ten human skulls and human bones were allegedly discovered. Seven suspects, including two women are said to have been arrested and they must be helping security operatives in their investigations. Ultimately, the slain Don Waney was an extremely dangerous person and had caused indescribable harm to many. He is believed to have been involved in the killing of many and destruction of property. At some point, multinational oil companies in the area could not operate without paying homage and some royalty to him. Yes! It was that bad. The situation was helpless at some point. He became a negative role model in the area. Many young people gained employment in companies operating in the region through him. He had large and committed followership, no doubt. On a number of cases, there were unfounded reports of his death, following attacks and invasion of his camp(s). Such reports made it difficult for people to believe that he has eventually been killed. But, now that there is evidence that he is dead, is the battle over? The truth is that the problem in Omoku and the entire Ogba/Egbema/Ndoni Local Government Area may have just begun. Those celebrating his demise at this stage may need to have a rethink. First, reports have it that among his followers are deadlier young people living under oath. Among his hundreds of followers are blood-thirsty and trigger-happy radicals, ready to take after him. In fact, his biological younger brother, whose name is given as ‘Obata Osu’ can best be described as a worse evil. While Don Waney was of a calm disposition, his younger brother is a more radical and violent person. In fact, reports say Don Waney alone could control him. Hundreds of young people benefited from his criminal activities and still owe allegiance to him, even in death. These individuals leave among unsuspecting citizens. More so, the arms at the disposal of the boys are so sophisticated that anyone believing that they are push overs is doing so at his own peril. A combination of high capacity for mischief, absence of repentance, sophisticated weaponry and very deep pockets makes the situation very complex. Taking a clue from history, the crises in Omoku will take strategic planning on the part of security operatives, effective communication, stakeholders’ engagement, sustained operation(s) and ultimately, the grace of God to end. In fact, it will take the grace of God for normalcy to return to the oil-rich city of Omoku. Prior to the reign of Don Waney, one Chi-boy was practically being worshipped in the area. Don Waney was said to have toppled Chi-boy, with support from some known politicians in the area, before assuming kingship over the ‘jungle’. Now that Don Waney is no more, a few things are likely to happen. First, within his camp, there may be conflict over who pilots the affairs of the gang, particularly, now that he was killed alongside his 2iC, while the number three man broke away earlier, over alleged poor compensation from a bootie from some government quarters. The internal crisis may lead to the breaking away of a faction, thereby weakening the Don Waney camp further. Another possible development will be that some other camps that were calm over the years as a mark of respect for the king of the jungle-Don Waney will want to rise to fight for superiority. This rivalry may mark the first phase of violence to be witnessed in the area, after the internal conflict in Don-Waney’s camp. Then, other camps and groups may spring up. Ultimately, the way militancy has been handled over the years in the Niger Delta region shows that crime attracts handsome reward. Changing this narrative requires strategic planning. Those thinking that the sad end of Don-Waney may serve as a bitter lesson and outright deterrent to others involved or intend to be involved may have a rethink. In fact, it will amount to wishful thinking. Even if Don Waney was caught alive and made to die slowly; even through an open torture, it will not change anything. After all, armed robbery attracts death penalty in our law books, but has that stopped the menace? Nigeria’s security operatives must therefore go back to the drawing board and critically analyze the situation and think of the way forward. The way forward is not to celebrate the death of Don Waney, as nothing appears to have really changed, but leadership. There are still many other Don-Waneys in the jungle. One very important task for security operatives is to ensure the protection of lives and property in the area, by taking steps to prevent any further attacks on soft targets. For Omoku, it will take divine intervention for normalcy to return to the area anytime soon. Anyone thinking otherwise is living in fool’s paradise. Stakeholders must return to the drawing board, review the situation, adopt a carrot and stick approach and employ professional public relations strategies, in addition to excellent intelligence and security approaches in order to succeed. Community stakeholders must be engaged on sustained basis as a deliberate strategy. The situation is further complicated by the fact that the 2019 election is fast approaching. Will politicians allow normalcy to return to the area? Who then will they use for thuggery, kidnapping and assassination during the elections? The problem is huge and requires a holistic approach. Indeed, it is too early to celebrate, as not much has changed!
Dr. Walter Duru, a Communication and Public Relations expert/strategist, can be reached on: walterchike@gmail.com.[myad]
Minister of State for Aviation, Senator Hadi Sirika has explained that cattle colony which the federal government is proposing for Fulani herdsmen had always been in existence in different names. “The question of cattle colony or grazing land or whatever name they are called is about the same thing really.” The minister, who answered reporters’ questions in Abuja today, Wednesday recalled how he grew up in the hinterlands to meet what was then called cattle routes. “We call them “burtali” in local language. This was established by the federal government in 1914. It was a designated routes where they (cattle) follow, feed, graze, drink water.
“When that one was available, there was no farmer/herdsmen clash because the routes were specific, identified and mapped and compensation was paid over time.” Hadi Sirika said that because of development and increase in population, such routes were either captured or converted to farms. He said that in mapping out cattle colonies, government will definitely have recourse to owners of farm lands and laws of the land. [myad]
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Governor Simon Lalong of Plateau State has described anti grazing law being enforced by some state governors as anti people.
[myad]
Kaduna State Police Commissioner, Agybole Abeh, has warned the national leadership of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) planning to stage a mega rally in Kaduna 
Don Waney: Too Early To Celebrate, By Walter Duru
The biggest stories about the Niger Delta region of Nigeria today is the killing of a dreaded cultist, Johnson Igwedibia, also known as Don Waney, by a combined team of men of the Military and Department of State Services- DSS.
In a Press Statement issued by the Nigerian Army entitled: “End of road for notorious cultist, kidnapper and mass murderer- Don Waney,” signed by Deputy Director, Army Public Relations, Colonel Aminu Iliyasu, the military announced the death of Johnson Igwedibia.
The statement reads in part: “The authorities of 6 Division Nigerian Army Port Harcourt wish to inform the peace-loving people of Omoku in ONELGA in particular, Rivers State and indeed the entire good people of Niger Delta in general that the notorious cult leader, kidnap kingpin and mass murderer Don Waney is dead.”
Igwedibia, one of the big players in the game of the underworld in the region is said to have been gunned down alongside two of his close allies in a border town between Rivers and Enugu States.
A former heavy weight in militancy, based in Omoku in Ogba/Egbema/Ndoni-ONELGA Local Government Area of the State is a prime suspect in the new year massacre that took the lives of over twenty persons returning from a ‘cross-over’ midnight prayer in Omoku.
Johnson Igwedibia is not a push over by any standard, as at some point in the area, the fear of Don Waney was the beginning of wisdom. Even the Oba of Ogba land, H.R.M. Eze Nnam Obi gave him his way and never crossed his path. Reports say that some security agents were afraid of him, as he was deadly and believed to be invincible. The routes to his mansion in Omoku were manned by soldiers, said to have been detailed to arrest him, dead or alive, yet, he operated without encumbrances. Did security give way for conspiracy?
In the days of militancy in the region, sources say Don Waney and his boys were allegedly involved in pipeline vandalism, sea piracy, kidnapping, armed robbery, cultism, thuggery, rape and all other forms of criminality, prior to late President Yar’Adua’s amnesty programme for militants in the region.
But, did the amnesty deter him? Years after accepting same, he returned to his trade in full capacity. In 2016, Rivers State Governor, Nyesom Wike introduced another round of amnesty programme, which he also accepted; but to what extent did that influence him? Don Waney was a billionaire by all standards and the peanuts provided for the amnesty programme may have even infuriated him; yet he accepted it, but continued with his ‘business’.
On the 20th of December, 2016, Don Waney was conferred with a chieftaincy title of Onyirimba 1 of Ogbaland by the paramount Ruler of Aligwu in ONELGA LGA, King C. Nwokocha. Two of his foot soldiers, Ikechukwu Adiela and Augustine Osisiah were also installed chiefs.
In his response to the recognition, Waney commended the Rivers State government for their efforts in ensuring that peace reigns in the region, even as he urged youths of the area to embrace same, promising to join hands with stakeholders to ensure that peace reigns.
Contrary to his pledge, he still returned to his old ways, compelling the 6 Division of the Nigerian Army to invade his camp and shrines in the early hours of November 20, 2017. Reports say he narrowly escaped death in that brutal military operation.
During the raid, about ten human skulls and human bones were allegedly discovered. Seven suspects, including two women are said to have been arrested and they must be helping security operatives in their investigations.
Ultimately, the slain Don Waney was an extremely dangerous person and had caused indescribable harm to many. He is believed to have been involved in the killing of many and destruction of property.
At some point, multinational oil companies in the area could not operate without paying homage and some royalty to him. Yes! It was that bad. The situation was helpless at some point. He became a negative role model in the area. Many young people gained employment in companies operating in the region through him. He had large and committed followership, no doubt.
On a number of cases, there were unfounded reports of his death, following attacks and invasion of his camp(s). Such reports made it difficult for people to believe that he has eventually been killed. But, now that there is evidence that he is dead, is the battle over?
The truth is that the problem in Omoku and the entire Ogba/Egbema/Ndoni Local Government Area may have just begun. Those celebrating his demise at this stage may need to have a rethink.
First, reports have it that among his followers are deadlier young people living under oath. Among his hundreds of followers are blood-thirsty and trigger-happy radicals, ready to take after him. In fact, his biological younger brother, whose name is given as ‘Obata Osu’ can best be described as a worse evil. While Don Waney was of a calm disposition, his younger brother is a more radical and violent person. In fact, reports say Don Waney alone could control him.
Hundreds of young people benefited from his criminal activities and still owe allegiance to him, even in death. These individuals leave among unsuspecting citizens.
More so, the arms at the disposal of the boys are so sophisticated that anyone believing that they are push overs is doing so at his own peril. A combination of high capacity for mischief, absence of repentance, sophisticated weaponry and very deep pockets makes the situation very complex.
Taking a clue from history, the crises in Omoku will take strategic planning on the part of security operatives, effective communication, stakeholders’ engagement, sustained operation(s) and ultimately, the grace of God to end. In fact, it will take the grace of God for normalcy to return to the oil-rich city of Omoku.
Prior to the reign of Don Waney, one Chi-boy was practically being worshipped in the area. Don Waney was said to have toppled Chi-boy, with support from some known politicians in the area, before assuming kingship over the ‘jungle’.
Now that Don Waney is no more, a few things are likely to happen. First, within his camp, there may be conflict over who pilots the affairs of the gang, particularly, now that he was killed alongside his 2iC, while the number three man broke away earlier, over alleged poor compensation from a bootie from some government quarters. The internal crisis may lead to the breaking away of a faction, thereby weakening the Don Waney camp further.
Another possible development will be that some other camps that were calm over the years as a mark of respect for the king of the jungle-Don Waney will want to rise to fight for superiority. This rivalry may mark the first phase of violence to be witnessed in the area, after the internal conflict in Don-Waney’s camp. Then, other camps and groups may spring up.
Ultimately, the way militancy has been handled over the years in the Niger Delta region shows that crime attracts handsome reward. Changing this narrative requires strategic planning.
Those thinking that the sad end of Don-Waney may serve as a bitter lesson and outright deterrent to others involved or intend to be involved may have a rethink. In fact, it will amount to wishful thinking. Even if Don Waney was caught alive and made to die slowly; even through an open torture, it will not change anything. After all, armed robbery attracts death penalty in our law books, but has that stopped the menace?
Nigeria’s security operatives must therefore go back to the drawing board and critically analyze the situation and think of the way forward. The way forward is not to celebrate the death of Don Waney, as nothing appears to have really changed, but leadership. There are still many other Don-Waneys in the jungle.
One very important task for security operatives is to ensure the protection of lives and property in the area, by taking steps to prevent any further attacks on soft targets.
For Omoku, it will take divine intervention for normalcy to return to the area anytime soon. Anyone thinking otherwise is living in fool’s paradise. Stakeholders must return to the drawing board, review the situation, adopt a carrot and stick approach and employ professional public relations strategies, in addition to excellent intelligence and security approaches in order to succeed. Community stakeholders must be engaged on sustained basis as a deliberate strategy.
The situation is further complicated by the fact that the 2019 election is fast approaching. Will politicians allow normalcy to return to the area? Who then will they use for thuggery, kidnapping and assassination during the elections? The problem is huge and requires a holistic approach.
Indeed, it is too early to celebrate, as not much has changed!
Dr. Walter Duru, a Communication and Public Relations expert/strategist, can be reached on: walterchike@gmail.com.[myad]