Governor Kashim Shettima of Borno state has said that this year’s Christmas is about the best ever celebrated in Maiduguri, capital of Borno State since he came into office in 2011.
The governor, who thanked the gallant Nigerian military, confirmed that they finally chased the terrorist Boko Haram from their Sambisa Forest fortress on Thursday. He spoke at an event to reopen two roads that were shut since 2013 because of the rampaging terrorists.
“I want to start by declaring that since I became the governor of Borno state in over five years, this is the best Christmas season that I have ever witnessed.
“This is the best December we ever witnessed and the year 2016 is my best year so far as governor of Borno state. 2016, for me is Nigeria’s year of victory and Borno year of hope and resurrection.
“It is in 2016 that we began to have access to major roads like Gwoza, Bama, Dikwa,Monguno and Damasak, following their liberation by our gallant armed forces.
“It is in the year 2016 that major highways began to be reopened, it is in the year 2016 that we accelerated our major reconstruction of liberated cities.” [myad]
Governor Ayodele Fayose of Ekiti State has described the news about the taking over the Sambisa Forest by Nigerian army as a mere propaganda by the All Progressives Congress (APC) led federal government.
He said asked President Muhammadu Buhari’s government to stop what he called the recycled stories of defeat of Boko Haram insurgents, which he said is aimed at diverting the attention of Nigerians from the fact that there is ravaging hunger at this time of the year.
Governor Fayose said that it has become predictable that whenever Nigerians cry of the pains and sufferings they are going through, the federal government will come with stories like; “20 Chibok girls found,” “$1billion found in Mr A, B or C bedroom,” “Boko Haram technically defeated,” “We have captured Sambisa forest,” etc, just to divert attention.
In a statement today, Monday by his Special Assistant on Public Communications and New Media, Lere Olayinka, Governor Fayose said: “it is painful that Nigeria under President Muhammadu Buhari has become directionless either due to the cluelessness of the president or his old age that has foisted a purposeless leadership on the country.
“This year’s Christmas is the worse in the history of Nigeria. People cannot afford to celebrate and enjoy themselves due to the hardship caused by the APC government. To make matters worse, the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) also created artificial scarcity of cash, such that people could not access their hard earned money in the banks as most banks in the country do not have cash to pay their customers.
“Like I have maintained, the main issue confronting Nigerians now is hunger and hunger does not speak the language of political propaganda that is being used by the APC led federal government. It is therefore no longer about diversionary news, it is about preventing Nigerians from dying of hunger.
“The only solution to the myriad of problems facing the country is for those holding power in Abuja to face the sad reality that it was the hard stance of the president, his statements against Nigeria and its people both at home and abroad coupled with his demonstration of hatred against some sections of the country and desperation to crush his perceived enemies that led us to where we are today.
“It was the president that went to foreign countries to de-market Nigeria by calling all Nigerians thieves and dishonest people. He was the one who created atmosphere of economic and political instability in the country by his acts of nepotism and vindictiveness? “Therefore, for the country to move forward, the President must change his attitude from a vindictive military dictator to a civilian president of all Nigerians.”
He lamented that those cabal in the presidency have hijacked the president and his government, running the country aground, saying, “Things were never like this at any time in the history of Nigeria apart from 1984.
“They are not running the economy of Nigeria by the open participation of Nigerians but by some cabal, who see themselves as superior to others. By their failure to involve those who know more than them, they have succeeded in creating unemployment instead of three million jobs that they promised Nigerians per year.
“They have taken Nigeria back to the Stone Age and it will take several years for the country to recover, if it will ever recover.
“With every means of livelihood of the common people taken away from them, free, fair and credible elections becoming a mirage, Nigerians must begin to speak out now before the country is completely destroyed by this directionless federal government.” [myad]
Whether it was borne out of his operational knowledge or out of belief driven decisiveness, the directive by the Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Tukur Buratai, to troops fighting in the North East to deal Boko Haram the final blow turned out to be prophetic. It was similar to the scenario that played out in Exodus 14:13: “And Moses said to the people, ‘Fear not, stand firm, and see the salvation of the Lord, which he will work for you today; for the Egyptians whom you see today, you shall never see again.’” Boko Haram put more fear into Nigerians than the Egyptian overlords put in the Israelites. Few ever anticipated that the terror group would be defeated in their own lifetime. Many had concluded that the scourge is something that has come to stay. This was what made the COAS’ directive prophetic in its daring forecast. Even at that many people were sceptical at the time Buratai saw into the near future. The scepticism may be explained in part as the product of the intense propaganda mounted by Boko Haram sympathizers whose efforts were boosted by the desperate attacks staged by the militant wing to give the impression that the terror group was still invincible. Added to this are the various stories and videos published in some mainstream media and pliant online platforms to create the impression that the Army was fighting a losing battle. On top of that was the collective pessimism among a population of those that have been conditioned to believe their country cannot run its own affairs the right way. Friday December 24, 2016 proved otherwise. The Army took the last Boko Haram camp in Sambisa Forest, effectively ending the insurgency and defeating the terrorists. Only the officers and men of Operation of Lafiya Dole could have easily decoded Buratai’s directive as a clear indication of an imminent end of the war based on their military training and the knowledge they have of him during his many outings with them in the trenches. Under other circumstances those that gave up hope would have been right in thinking that Boko Haram’s reign of terror will never come to an end. Afterall, countries that should sell weapons and military gears to Nigeria repeatedly declined citing trumped up reports of abuses. Another great threat to Nigeria’s sovereignty at the height of the war on terror were the activities of foreign NGOs like Amnesty International that desperately worked to stall any progress in defeating the terrorist by effectively mounting propaganda for them. It was a vicious circle. Amnesty International fabricated reports on which countries based their decision not to sell equipment to Nigeria and the NGO then cite refusal to sell equipment as proof that Nigerian troops were committing atrocities. The group’s questionable reports were usually launched to coincide with whenever troops were poised to carry out decisive offensive – demoralising the troops was the desired outcome of such manoeuvres. Furthermore, dark forces against the war on terror were the intellectual and cyber wings of the terror group that consistently muddled the issue on social media and online platforms. These were the people that produced slick videos to create the impression that the war was being lost. Of course, they had the assurance of being given publicity by western affiliated online newspapers that hide under ethics and a commitment to report all side to support the terror group. These are the enemies that should receive special attention now that fighters of the group’s militant wing is are in flight – they are the ones that will attempt reviving fear using any attacks that the fleeing losers can launch as pivot for unleashing national hysteria. The desperation to keep Boko Haram in place was frantic as it became apparent that there were also those that want the terror group to thrive just so that it can be milked for financial gains as evident from the armsgate scandal in which billions of naira were being fleeced in the guise of buying weapons under the former administration. Those that make money from phoney negotiations and peace talks that led nowhere. The refusal of the Army and the Federal Government to again fall for the cheap tricks was highly condemned by those who would have been beneficiaries of the resulting fraud. These set of people have been hungry for a while since the government resorted to not paying criminals and their hunger will breed more desperation that we must all be on the look out for. We must look across our borders. Our neighbours have not shown a capacity that correspond to ours in dealing with this terrorists, and we must immediately eliminate the possibility of Boko Haram re-grouping in another country. This is thus the time to ramp up our participation in the Multinational Joint Task Force (MNJTF) to take advantage of the alliance in pursuing the fleeing terrorists into any neighbouring country to enter into. We cannot risk not incinerating the snake now that its head has been cut off since the kind of leadership that gave us this victory is rare. It’s obvious that we won the war with the coming of President Muhammadu Buhari as Commander in Chief of the Armed Force with his right choice of military chiefs, whose appointments signalled the beginning of the end for Boko Haram. That decision was crucial to now finally sealing our victory with the decisive leadership of General Buratai. Nigerians are appreciative of the efforts as demonstrated by a father of twin boys born in one of the suburb of Abuja who named them Buhari and Buratai in appreciation of the selfless efforts of the present administration. It is a victory that has united both hailers and wailers. Even the Chief Mourner of GEJ’s failed administration, Reno Omokri, who ordinarily would have been denial as a leader of the disgruntled was forced to say a big thank you to the Nigerian Army and the Federal Government. In conclusion, the Nigerian Army which pride itself as the “Pride of the nation” has proven that this description is beyond rhetoric. The exploit of the troops of the Nigerian Army is thus rightly being celebrated. State governors and other notable persons have been ending congratulatory messages to Mr President, COAS and the Nigerian Army. The euphoria of Boko Haram’s defeat being delivered as our New Year gift must however not make us forget to do the needful. The sacrifices that made the war succeeded must never be ignored and not be forgotten. Members of Operation Lafiya Dole without any hesitation should be promoted by at least one rank including those that paid the supreme price being posthumously so honoured and the difference reflected in the entitlements payable to their families. . Agbese writes from the United Kingdom. [myad]
Former Nigeria Military President, retired General Ibrahim Badamasi Babangida has rejoiced with President Muhammadu Buhari and Nigerians over the conquest of the notorious Sambisa Forest by the “gallant military personnel.”
A statement by Media Office of the former Head State today, Monday said: “it is a sign of relief, that the Military has finally smocked out Boko Haram terrorists from their notorious enclave of Sambisa Forest.”
General Babangida saluted the courage and determination of President Buhari, Army chiefs as well as armed men and women and other security personnel for their sacrifice for the painful liberation.
“May I rejoice with the government and Nigerians on the successful dislodging of Boko Haram from their base in Sambisa. With the successful takeover of the sambisa forest, General Babangida hoped that very soon the remaining Chibok girls will be located and reunite with their families.”
He further paid tributes to all fallen heroes for paying a supreme sacrifice in their efforts of keeping the nation from aggression.
Babangida however advised the military to unveil a new strategy of further defeating pockets of insurgents/terrorists, armed bandits and cattle rustlers all over the country.
Also, the Niger State governor, Alhaji Abubakar Sani Bello has described the capture of CAMP ZERO, Sambisa Forest which was the last stronghold of Boko Haram, as a global achievement made possible by the political will of President Muhammadu Buhari and the commitment of the Armed Forces and other security agencies.
Governor Sani Bello said the destruction of Sambisa Forest is a clear and strong message to all criminal elements in the country of the capacity, willingness of the Armed Forces and other security agencies as well as the political will of Mr President in securing every inch of Nigeria.
In a congratulatory message signed by his Chief Press Secretary, Malam Jibrin Baba Ndace, Governor Sani Bello commended the Armed Forces, particularly the Nigerian Army and the Nigerian Airforce for their determination, commitment and bravery.
“I commend the effort of the Army, Airforce and all the security agencies involved in the operation that led to final liberation of the dreaded Sambisa Forest. Above all, I commend President Muhammadu Buhari for his political will in seeing to the end of Boko Haram”, he added.
The governor called on security agencies to work together in ensuring that all ‘CAMP ZEROs’ are cleared in Nigeria.
“CAMP ZERO in Sambisa Forest is a metaphorical representation of other enclaves of criminal elements in the country such as armed robbers, kidnappers, cattle rustlers among others. I urge security agencies to work together in identifying and destroying such strongholds.” [myad]
From right to left: President Muhammadu Buhari shakes hand with the Archbishop of the Church of Nigeria (Anglican Communion), Cardinal John Onaiyekan while the former FCT CAN Chairman, Rev Dr. Isreal Akanji and The Most Rev Nicholas Okoh look on with interest during Christmas homage to Buhari at his residence in Aso Villa, Abuja today, Sunday, December 25, 2016. Photo By Sunday Aghaeze. [myad]
The National Leader of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Asiwaju Bola Tinubu, has said that the end of Boko Haram has come with the taking over of Sambisa Forest by the conquerors soldiers
In a statement today, Sunday by his media office, Tinubu congratulated the nation, President Muhammadu Buhari and the Nigerian troops for the last Friday’s onslaught on the insurgents when the army’s Operation Lafiya Dole troops finally entered and seized Boko Haram’s Camp Zero located in the heart of Sambisa Forest.
While commending the troops for their bravery and resilience, Tinubu urged Nigerians to spare a moment to pray for the soldiers, who, he said, had given the nation a wonderful Christmas gift by crushing the terrorists.
He urged the soldiers to consolidate on the victory by finishing the fight with the rescue of the abducted Chibok schoolgirls.
The statement read partly, “I congratulate the nation, President Buhari and the army for crushing Boko Haram in their last stronghold of Sambisa Forest. I congratulate the troops of Operation Lafiya Dole for their bravery and resilience. They have given the nation a most wonderful Christmas gift.
“I know the insurgents were engaged in their last desperate acts and merely clutching to their last straw. Now they have been put down. Terror will have no place in our land. The end is here.
“I commend the troops. I thank them again for their courage and bravery. It’s time to finish the job and locate and liberate the remaining Chibok schoolgirls abducted from their school in 2014.
“As we sink ourselves in the Christmas celebration, let us remember to pray for the troops. Let us remember that for them, there was no Christmas.
“Let us also spare a thought for the Internally Displaced Persons. We must support them and give them hope.” [myad]
One of the gallant soldiers, who just returned to Maiduguri from the liberated forest, has narrated the story of how they finally conquered the notorious Sambisa Forest from Boko Haram insurgents.
The soldiers who spoke to news men on condition of anonymity said: “it took months of planning and mapping because of the size, difficult weather and other factors in the Sambisa Forest.”
He said that the operation was carried out day and night, adding that one of the major factors that delayed the takeover of the insurgents’ hideout was the thousands of people, including those living in villages around the vast forest that were being held as human shield by the Boko Haram leaders.
“The 151 Battalion of the Nigerian Army advanced into Sambisa through the Banki-Darul Jamal axis, the 27 Battalion advanced through Mafa, the 152 Battalion advanced through Pulka, while the 222 Battalion approached the dreaded forest through the Maiduguri axis.
“When mine detectors cleared the way, troops moved in to confront the insurgents, who were equally well armed with sophisticated fighting equipment.
“Hundreds of Boko Haram captives, including men, women and children have been freed and taken to safety. All I can tell you is that no big Boko Haram commander is alive in the Sambisa; we are in control of the forest.”
It was gathered that the 4,200 troops were deployed to the Sambisa Forest through various fronts, including Ngurosoye, Konduga/Aulari, Bama, Fulka and Damboa.
Governors of Jigawa, Kano, Yobe, Adamawa, Borno, Katsina, Kaduna and Sokoto states have assured President Muhammadu Buhari that the whole country is behind him in his efforts to secure the country and make it safe for all.
They are of the view that there cannot be any meaningful development without security.
The governors, who joined some of their colleagues from South-East, South-South, South-West and North Central states who made earlier calls to commend the President on the conquest of Sambisa Forest from Boko Haram said that Nigerians and the wolrd are celebrating the feat.
They congratulated the President and the leadership of the armed forces for the takeover of the Sambisa Forest from the Boko Haram terrorists even as they paid tributes to the brave servicemen and women who made supreme sacrifices in the liberation of the Sambisa Forest and hoped that their services will never be forgotten.
They advised the President to mobilize all resources, both human and material, to sustain the gains made so far in the fight against terrorism and economic sabotage, adding that the attainments of the armed forces under his leadership was something that was never in doubt at the time of his election in 2015.
The Governors called on the United Nations, the United States, the European Union, the rich countries of Asia, the Mideast and international aid and donor agencies, to raise their support to Nigeria in order to quicken the pace of the resettlement and rehabilitation of the millions of Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) in camps across the country. [myad]
The General Superintendent of the Deeper Life Bible Church, Pastor William Kumuyi, has said that God would grant President Muhammad Buhari the solution to the numerous challenges facing the country. Kumuyi who spoke to news men today, Sunday, when he played host to the Speaker, Lagos State House of Assembly, Mudashiru Obasa, who led some members of the Assembly on a courtesy visit to the church’s December Convention said: “we talk of the hours of recession, difficulty, distress and all that, but God is granting us His promises. “We are not going to carry over our problems. We pray and believe that the Lord will answer. “As you will see, as we get to the New Year, there is no carryover of our problems. “God will give solutions to the problems of our lives, families, communities, the state and our nation.” The pastor said that with prayer and faith in God, the country would get out of all its challenges, including the economic recession. The founder of the church said that God created “us and wants everything to be sufficient for everybody.” While, addressing the congregation of thousands of worshippers, Speaker Obasa urged all Christians to show love to their neighbours, and that the state is committed to fight unemployment among the youth. He said that the newly created Employment Trust Fund would help reduce joblessness by providing soft loan with little interest for enterprising people of Lagos state. “We must go beyond religious demarcation and show ourselves that we are brothers and sisters. “Let us love one another. We should extend hands of fellowship to our neighbours.” Obasa, who urged churches to pray for the state and nation, said the state was passionate to give good governance and improve the economy of the state for the benefit of all. He expressed delight over the warmth reception accorded his team by the leadership of the church. The speaker; the Deputy Majority Leader of the House, Muyiwa Jimoh; and the Chairman, House Committee on the Environment, Dayo Saka-Fafunmi, were among the team. Funmilayo Tejuosho, the Chairman, House Committee on Judiciary, Human Rights, Petitions and Lagos State Independent Electoral Commission, among others government functionaries also made the list. The four-day nationwide convention, which started on December 23 and expected to end on December 26, is tagged: “Power for the Present Hour.” It is taking place at the Deeper Life Conference Centre Km 42, Lagos/Ibadan Expressway. [myad]
President Muhammadu Buhari has expressed confidence in the rising political profile of the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Hon. Yakubu Dogara, who he said always put Nigeria’s interest above every other thing.
The President, in a statement to mark the Speaker’s 50th birthday anniversary today, Sunday, emphasized that he was impressed with Dogara’s rising political career and his leadership style at his relatively young age.
According to Buhari, the Speaker’s performance has reinforced his confidence in the country’s youth, saying: “with Dogara’s performance as Speaker, fears that the country’s younger politicians have been pushed into background are unfounded.”
The President said that his administration would always encourage the younger generation, adding that he was optimistic of closer working relationship with the legislature in order to fast track the implementation of critically important national policies and programmes. [myad]
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Boko Haram: End Of A Nation’s Woe, By Philip Agbese
Whether it was borne out of his operational knowledge or out of belief driven decisiveness, the directive by the Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Tukur Buratai, to troops fighting in the North East to deal Boko Haram the final blow turned out to be prophetic. It was similar to the scenario that played out in Exodus 14:13: “And Moses said to the people, ‘Fear not, stand firm, and see the salvation of the Lord, which he will work for you today; for the Egyptians whom you see today, you shall never see again.’”
Boko Haram put more fear into Nigerians than the Egyptian overlords put in the Israelites. Few ever anticipated that the terror group would be defeated in their own lifetime. Many had concluded that the scourge is something that has come to stay.
This was what made the COAS’ directive prophetic in its daring forecast. Even at that many people were sceptical at the time Buratai saw into the near future. The scepticism may be explained in part as the product of the intense propaganda mounted by Boko Haram sympathizers whose efforts were boosted by the desperate attacks staged by the militant wing to give the impression that the terror group was still invincible.
Added to this are the various stories and videos published in some mainstream media and pliant online platforms to create the impression that the Army was fighting a losing battle. On top of that was the collective pessimism among a population of those that have been conditioned to believe their country cannot run its own affairs the right way. Friday December 24, 2016 proved otherwise. The Army took the last Boko Haram camp in Sambisa Forest, effectively ending the insurgency and defeating the terrorists.
Only the officers and men of Operation of Lafiya Dole could have easily decoded Buratai’s directive as a clear indication of an imminent end of the war based on their military training and the knowledge they have of him during his many outings with them in the trenches. Under other circumstances those that gave up hope would have been right in thinking that Boko Haram’s reign of terror will never come to an end. Afterall, countries that should sell weapons and military gears to Nigeria repeatedly declined citing trumped up reports of abuses.
Another great threat to Nigeria’s sovereignty at the height of the war on terror were the activities of foreign NGOs like Amnesty International that desperately worked to stall any progress in defeating the terrorist by effectively mounting propaganda for them. It was a vicious circle. Amnesty International fabricated reports on which countries based their decision not to sell equipment to Nigeria and the NGO then cite refusal to sell equipment as proof that Nigerian troops were committing atrocities. The group’s questionable reports were usually launched to coincide with whenever troops were poised to carry out decisive offensive – demoralising the troops was the desired outcome of such manoeuvres.
Furthermore, dark forces against the war on terror were the intellectual and cyber wings of the terror group that consistently muddled the issue on social media and online platforms. These were the people that produced slick videos to create the impression that the war was being lost. Of course, they had the assurance of being given publicity by western affiliated online newspapers that hide under ethics and a commitment to report all side to support the terror group. These are the enemies that should receive special attention now that fighters of the group’s militant wing is are in flight – they are the ones that will attempt reviving fear using any attacks that the fleeing losers can launch as pivot for unleashing national hysteria.
The desperation to keep Boko Haram in place was frantic as it became apparent that there were also those that want the terror group to thrive just so that it can be milked for financial gains as evident from the armsgate scandal in which billions of naira were being fleeced in the guise of buying weapons under the former administration. Those that make money from phoney negotiations and peace talks that led nowhere. The refusal of the Army and the Federal Government to again fall for the cheap tricks was highly condemned by those who would have been beneficiaries of the resulting fraud. These set of people have been hungry for a while since the government resorted to not paying criminals and their hunger will breed more desperation that we must all be on the look out for.
We must look across our borders. Our neighbours have not shown a capacity that correspond to ours in dealing with this terrorists, and we must immediately eliminate the possibility of Boko Haram re-grouping in another country. This is thus the time to ramp up our participation in the Multinational Joint Task Force (MNJTF) to take advantage of the alliance in pursuing the fleeing terrorists into any neighbouring country to enter into.
We cannot risk not incinerating the snake now that its head has been cut off since the kind of leadership that gave us this victory is rare. It’s obvious that we won the war with the coming of President Muhammadu Buhari as Commander in Chief of the Armed Force with his right choice of military chiefs, whose appointments signalled the beginning of the end for Boko Haram. That decision was crucial to now finally sealing our victory with the decisive leadership of General Buratai. Nigerians are appreciative of the efforts as demonstrated by a father of twin boys born in one of the suburb of Abuja who named them Buhari and Buratai in appreciation of the selfless efforts of the present administration.
It is a victory that has united both hailers and wailers. Even the Chief Mourner of GEJ’s failed administration, Reno Omokri, who ordinarily would have been denial as a leader of the disgruntled was forced to say a big thank you to the Nigerian Army and the Federal Government.
In conclusion, the Nigerian Army which pride itself as the “Pride of the nation” has proven that this description is beyond rhetoric. The exploit of the troops of the Nigerian Army is thus rightly being celebrated. State governors and other notable persons have been ending congratulatory messages to Mr President, COAS and the Nigerian Army.
The euphoria of Boko Haram’s defeat being delivered as our New Year gift must however not make us forget to do the needful. The sacrifices that made the war succeeded must never be ignored and not be forgotten. Members of Operation Lafiya Dole without any hesitation should be promoted by at least one rank including those that paid the supreme price being posthumously so honoured and the difference reflected in the entitlements payable to their families.
. Agbese writes from the United Kingdom. [myad]