The Nigeria Presidency has announced that it has sent a photograph of arrested bomber claiming to be one of the 219 missing Chibok Girls, to the Murtala Mohammed Foundation for verification by interested Chibok community stakeholders.
A statement by Senior Special Assistant to President Muhammadu Buhari on media and publicity, Malam Garba Shehu today said that pictures of the arrested suspected bomber girl obtained by the Presidency officials indicated that the girl in question is in all likelihood a minor, of the age between nine and 12 years.
“Her accomplice is about 30 years or more. In addition, the two spoke no English at all but only Kanuri.”
Garba Shehu said that the pictures of the girl were being shielded from the public as a result of the well-known rules concerning the publication of child photography, even as he disclosed that the girl was found to be heavily drugged and bore several injuries on her body, for which she is receiving treatment.
“In view of this, it is unlikely that she is in the right form or shape for her movement to the regional capital, Maroua on Monday as earlier planned.
“The ministry of Women Affairs, the Nigerian High Commission in Cameroon and all agencies of government will continue to work together with other stakeholders in trying to get to the bottom of the issue.” [myad]
A middle age man, Mr. Arogoy has handed over his son, David, who engaged in armed robbery, to the police at Ekpan Division in Uvwie Local Government Area of Delta State.
Arogoy explained to the police that his son had returned home in agony at the wee hours of March 14 with bullet wounds and he had to report the case to the police for his own safety.
Mr. Arogoy also informed the Divisional Police Officer (DPO) in charge of the division, Mr. Chris Sorgbara, a Chief Superintendent of Police (CSP), that his son had been in the armed robbery business for long and he did not want to be seen as aiding and abetting his chosen profession.
It was gathered that the suspect had confessed that he and his gang had gone on a robbery operation in Edo Guest House at Ekpan that fateful morning.
It was gathered that on March 13, the 20-man gang had mounted a roadblock on the NPA expressway directly under the refinery fly-over where they had dispossessed unsuspecting road users of many valuables.
Members of the gang were said to have been terrorizing the area, particularly Edo Guest House, for over a month and their latest operation was said to be their third in a row.
Confirming the incident, CSP Sorgbara disclosed that he had received a distress call between 5:00 a.m and 5:30 a.m of March 14 that there was a robbery operation going on in Edo Guest House at Refinery road.
He said he was also informed that the robbers were armed with machetes, broken bottles, and knives, among other weapons.
Sorgbara said he had to swiftly dispatch the anti-robbery patrol team under him to intercept and dislodge the criminals.
According to him, the robbers, on seeing the police team, opened fire and the police responded and a gun duel ensued. During the gun duel, he said the leader of the gang, simply identified as Oga Kenneth, was gunned down on the spot while other members of the gang escaped with bullet wounds.
Oga Kenneth was described by the police DPO as a notorious robber who was responsible for various armed robbery operations in the area.
It was learnt that on March 11, one Ajukwu Chubuike, Odivwri Kobiro and Prince Edafe, were arrested at the same Edo Guest House while dispossessing guests of their belongings. [myad]
Northern youths under the auspices of Northern Youth Council of Nigeria, (NYCN), have asked President Muhammadu Buhari to resign as petroleum minister to end persistent fuel crisis in the country.
In a statement signed by President of NYCN, Isah Abubakar, the group said that the President should resign as Petroleum Minister and appoint substantive Minister of Petroleum resources for effective service delivery.
The statement reads: “President Buhari should appoint a Group Managing Director for Nigeria National Petroleum Corporation and relieve the minister of state for petroleum resources of double appointments.
“We realize that since Mr. President’s pronouncement of himself as Substantive Minister of Petroleum, the situation and availability of petroleum products especially that of premium motor spirit (PMS) in the market has become very scarce, indicating total failure on the part of Mr President as the Minister of petroleum resource and Ibe Kachikwu as Minister of State and GMD of NNPC.
“We demand that Mr. President hire a competent hand to handle the ministry and appoint a new GMD for NNPC as this will enable effectiveness and productivity in the ministry and agency.
“We understand that your administration has good intention for the masses and the country but the scarcity of petroleum products in the market has inflated more pains on us as a people.
“The cost of transportation, food items and other essential household commodities had drastically increased.”
Abubakar, however, threatened massive protest if the situation persists more than reasonable time.
“We wish to emphatically state that if this condition persists, Nigeria Youth will not hesitate to mobilize ourselves across the country for massive protest, this we believed will shutdown the economy of the country as we are already in consultation with other civil society organization to map out effective National protest.” [myad]
The Islamic Movement in Nigeria (IMN) also known as Shiite has distanced itself from reports that it planned to kidnap military officers to demand the release of its leader, Sheikh Ibraheem Zakzaky.
In a statement by its spokesman, Ibrahim Musa, IMN described the reports as mischievous and calculated to give the movement a bad name.
“Our attention has been drawn to a false, unsubstantiated and mischievous claim, that looks more like a planned operation aimed at painting the Islamic Movement in Nigeria (IMN) black, of some ‘intelligence’ report that the IMN may plan kidnap of military officers for ransom for the release of our revered leader, His Eminence Sheikh Ibraheem Zakzaky.
“Typically, this was followed by the alleged kidnap of an Army officer in Kaduna with the Nigerian Army issuing statement calling on the public to give information that would lead to the arrest of the perpetrators.
“Soon, some media outlets were quick to quote these malicious sources linking the IMN with the alleged kidnap.”
He said that the government and its Army are going further with their plans of campaign of calumny and false propaganda against the Movement, ranging from smear documentaries on Television networks, advertorials in daily newspapers, sponsoring fake non-governmental organizations and engagement of some very dubious characters to malign the IMN and its leadership, to engaging in organized crimes and attributing same to the Movement.
The statement declared that the IMN under the leadership of Sheikh Zakzaky has never and will never engage in any form of crime to meet any of its objectives.
“Crime and criminal activities are fundamentally sinful and are not in our character. The Islamic Movement knows that due to official administrative ineptitude and official negligence of constituted authority, a lot of crimes including kidnapping are prevalent in the country.
“As a religious body, the IMN condemns and preaches against all forms of crime. Therefore, it is virtually illogical and unreasonable for anyone to presume that the IMN would turn around to engage in such acts of immorality.”
The statement said that the IMN is a peaceful mass movement, with enlightened and responsible members, adding that for close to four decades now, it has conducted its activities in the most civilized manner and cannot in any way be derailed from that golden track record.
“IMN will therefore never be lured or diverted into any form of crime or violence. We are forced to believe that the government and its Army are resorting to these vicious campaigns in desperation.
“They wish not only to bury their crimes against humanity, but also to justify the bestiality they meted on the innocent unarmed members of the movement between 12th and 14th of December 2015, including burning IMN members alive, sexual mutilation and harassment of women, as well as abduction and illegal detention of members including the leader of the movement, besides killing over 1000 unarmed citizens.”
Zakzaky has been in detention since his arrest following a clash between the Nigerian Army and his followers in Zaria on December 12, 2015.
The Presidency was reported to have said that the Shiite may have been behind the abduction of a military officer, Colonel Samaila Inusa who was kidnapped in Kaduna on Saturday. [myad]
A 15 year old Japanese girl escaped from a 23 year old man who was said to have kidnapped her about two years ago. The Japanese police have already arrested the man. Information had it that the girl disappeared from her hometown in Saitama, near Tokyo, when she was just 13. Police said that the now-15-year-old girl escaped from suspect Kabu Terauchi’s apartment in downtown Tokyo yesterday, Sunday while he was shopping in Akihabara, a district known for technology and comic book geeks. Saitama police said the girl, whose name was withheld because she is a minor, told investigators that she escaped when her captor forgot to lock the door.
The girl was seen wearing a sweat suit and sandals in the cold weather when she called home from a pay phone at a train station in downtown Tokyo. Her mother reported the call to the police, who raided Terauchi’s apartment.
Investigators captured Terauchi in the early hours of today near a forest west of Tokyo. He was bleeding from the neck from a minor self-inflicted injury as a result of a failed suicide attempt.
Police plan to formally arrest him on suspicion of kidnapping.
Terauchi attended university during the years he allegedly had the girl in captivity. He graduated this month and even had a job offer.
Police quoted the girl as saying that she was confined in Terauchi’s apartment near his university in Chiba before moving to Tokyo last month. She was always locked inside and closely watched, but was not tied up or put in chains. He sometimes took her outside but always closely watched her, according to police. [myad]
Kogi State governor, Alhaji Yahaya Bello, has asked people in the opposition, especially, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to stop lying over the federal government bailout fund which he said he is yet to access from the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN).
In a statement by his Chief Press Secretary, Kingsley Fanwo, the governor said his administration is committed to transparency and determined to end the past maladies of corruption and would therefore never keep the citizens in the dark about activities of his administration.
“Kogi State has not secured bailout fund from the Central Bank as insinuated by some mischievous characters that lack the art of objective opposition and syllogistic positioning on issues that affect the state.
“I cannot continue to lament on the rot of the past. I was elected to bring hope to the people and not to dwell on the maladministration of the past governments in the state.
“It is spurious to say we have secured the bailout fund meant for the state from the Central Bank of Nigeria. As soon as we receive the fund, we will announce to the whole world as part of the policy of my administration to run a government that will be in touch with the people
“This is the time to bond together to subjugate and conquer our common challenges as a state. It is not the time to spread falsehood that could dampen our progress. The sponsors of the rumour have failed in their attempts at diminishing the growing acceptance and popularity of the Governor among the people who have shown tremendous appreciation to his policies, especially on public service reforms and cleansing.”
The Governor advised politicians to desist from “playing politics with the welfare of the people” even as he assured the workers of the state of his “irrevocable commitment to improve their welfare and productivity.
“It is not right to turn down the truth for political gains. It is the height of indifference to the yearnings and aspirations of the civil servants who have been eagerly awaiting the release of this fund. We are following the procedural processes to ensure we play our own part of the deal.”
Governor Yahaya Bello described as wanton falsehood, claims that the non-release of the fund is political, expressing confidence that the processes leading to the release will soon be over. [myad]
A human rights organization, Coalition of Civil Society Groups, has withdrawn its case against President Muhammadu Buhari and the Minister of Education, Adamu Adamu after the President had openly tendered an apology over the dissolution of the Governing Council of Universities.
The Group said that while President Buhari’s decision to reverse an action that was taken in error was highly commendable, the constant embarrassment brought to his government by those who believe that it was still business as usual “should be ruthlessly addressed to serve as deterrent to others.”
In the case filed at the National Industrial Court in Abuja, the CSOs, among other reliefs, had asked the court to declare as illegal, the sacking of 13 Vice Chancellors of Nigerian Universities and reinstatement of the governing councils of Universities.
During the National Executive Council meeting of the All Progressives Congress (APC) held on Thursday in Abuja, Mr. Buhari in his apology admitted that the sacking of the governing councils was done in error.
He said: “We gave a blanket order which we had to rescind when we said all boards are suspended or dissolved. We had to go back and lick our vomit in terms of universities councils because we found out that according to their laws, they cannot choose vice chancellors unless the councils sit and interview candidates who want to be VCs.
”So, there is nothing wrong in saying sorry and going back on your decision. So, we said sorry and allow all the universities to continue with their councils. So, please, try to bear with us as we reflect on where we found ourselves.”
But the CCSG in a letter to Buhari, signed by its President, Etuk Bassey Williams, and Secretary-General, Abubakar Ibrahim, described the President’s apology as a noble and timely action which has put him on the right side of history.
While calling on the President to march his words with action as a way to tell a democratic story of a change government under President Buhari, the coalition said: “Nigerians are watching and anxiously waiting to see this open apology made by you come into fruition because much is expected of this government.”
According to the group, the President’s remorse “will forever remain a point of exemplary reference for the present crop of African leaders that offering apologies or reversing mistakes is not a sign of weakness but a show of courage to thread on a path meant only for the brave.”
“May we humbly remind you Sir that our coalition was the first to call your attention to this error through the office of the Minister of Education when this decision was first taken as we observed that your action was predicated upon an ill-conceived advice that emanated from Mr. Adamu Adamu.
“It was after the failure of several appeals that this decision be reversed by the Minister of Education that we embarked on several peaceful protests to call the attention of all relevant stakeholders including the National Assembly to this fundamental flaw, which if allowed to stand will set a very bad precedent capable of tainting your administration as one that has no regard for the rule of law.
“This is one embarrassment too many by charlatans who are yet to understand that this change which is sweeping through all facets of the Nigerian society has truly come to stay. As a mark of respect and show of solidarity to your administration, the Executive Council members of the Coalition of Civil Society Groups after an emergency meeting have decided to withdraw our suit at the National Industrial Court (NIC/ABJ/64/2016) filed against (the President) and the Federal Ministry of Education in respect to this matter.
“This is our own way of saying thank you for yielding to the voices of several stakeholders who appealed to you to revisit your decision, which though taken in good faith but known to all Nigerians to be predicated on the wrong counsel of an overvaulting public officer in the person of Adamu Adamu. As we journey through to 2019 under your leadership, we expect more democratic practices as well as sound political and economic reforms at all times.” [myad]
Former Nigerian President, Chief Olusegun Obasanjo, has said that there is light at the end of the tunnel in the nation’s battle against the dreaded Boko Haram, saying that it is clear that the battle is being won.
“Today, now I think we are not out of the woods yet but it would appear that we can see the light (at the end of) the tunnel.”
Obasanjo, who was in Maiduguri to commission some projects as part of the 40th anniversary celebration of University of Maiduguri (UNIMAID), said that President Muhammadu Buhari has evolved the right strategies in fighting the Boko Haram insurgency and the insecurity that has ravaged the nation for some time now.
The former president, who sneaked into Maiduguri in 2011 to initiate the process of dialogue with the terrorist group, said there was a marked difference between 2011 and now, with the situation showing that there is gradual return of normalcy.
Obasanjo said during a courtesy call on Borno State Governor, Alhaji Kashim Shettima: “a lot of water has passed under the bridge in this part of the country. I must not forget to commiserate with all our people in this state and indeed the entire North-East who have been victims of insurgency in the way we have never witnessed it in this country before.
“As I have said with the governor, I do travel a lot in Africa and outside Africa and wherever I have gone in recent times what people want to know is what and how Nigeria is coping with the situation of insurgency.
“There is no doubt that with the combined effort at the local level, at the state level and at the federal level and even at the community level, our security forces are on the ascendancy over the forces of destruction, the menace and danger of insurgency that we have experienced for almost six years now.” [myad]
Presidential candidate of the second republic Nigerian Advance Party (NAP), prominent lawyer and human rights activist, Dr. Tunji Braithwaite, died at the age of 82 today after what was termed brief illness.
Dr. Braithwaite who reportedly died at St. Nicholas Hospital in Lagos, was not known to be suffering from any terminal disease.
The late statesman was an advocate of a new confederal constitution to replace the 1999 constitution. He had argued that the 1999 constitution encourages corruption by granting immunity to governors and presidents.
“Governors determine security votes which they do not account for. Since 1999, the military constitution clothes them [governors and presidents] with immunity against being arrested for criminal misdeeds,” he said.
Dr. Braithwaite believed that Nigeria should be reconstructed in such a way that gives greater autonomy to each State.
“The existing six geopolitical zones are uniquely different developmental problems for which a single ‘one-size-fits-all’ solution can never work in the reality of Nigeria’s diversity.”
Meanwhile, the former Vice President Atiku Abubakar says the death of Nigeria’s veteran lawyer and politician, Tunji Braithwaite, has robbed the country of one of its greatest giants not only in the field of law, but also in politics.
Atiku, in a statement by his media office in Abuja today, said that he particularly admired the late Braithwaite because of his unwavering commitment to constitutional reforms, especially his agitation for restructuring of the country.
The former Vice President explained that he shares in Braithwaite’s passion for creating a fairer federal system that would reduce the fear of too much power and resources at the centre at the expense of the federating units.
Atiku said that he was keenly following Braithwaite’s contributions on the issue when he was a delegate at the 2014 National Conference, adding that his consistency in the pursuit of his convictions was remarkable.
According to him, the late veteran lawyer and politician was not “your typical Nigerian politician that opportunistically changes his opinions to ingratiate himself with the new powers that be.”
According to the Turaki Adamawa, “these are extraordinary virtues for which I admire him deeply and regard him as a role model. May his soul rest in peace.”
The Pan-Yoruba socio-political organization, Afenifere, also mourned the passing away of Dr Tunji Braithwaite at the age of 82, describing him as an iconoclastic political leader and social activist.
This is contained in a statement signed by Mr. Yinka Odumakin, National Publicity Secretary of the group in Lagos.
The statement said that the deceased was known for his principled stance on national issues and consistent defence of the rights of the oppressed people of Nigeria throughout his lifetime.
“His last major outing was his membership of the 2014 National Conference where he stoutly canvassed a confederal arrangement as the best constitutional order for Nigeria.
“His death has brought a closure to a rich era of political sagacity and social crusading.
“He would always be remembered for his consistency, tenacity and intellectual fecundity.
“It is our prayer that God Almighty will protect the family he has left behind. “May his great soul rest in perfect peace.” [myad]
President Muhammadu Buhari has described the national leader of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu as forthright, diligent and dogged In a birthday message to Asiwaju who clocks 64 years tomorrow, March 29, the President acknowledged the rising political profile of Asiwaju Tinubu which he said began since he was elected a Senator of the Federal Republic of Nigeria in 1992. This “is a testimony to his forthrightness, diligence and doggedness, the same qualities that had endeared him to the electorate and given him all-round success as a private sector worker, a businessman and two-term Governor of Lagos State.” The President said that as one of the pillars of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Tinubu had cultivated visionary leadership style and created a formidable opposition party in Nigeria that worked vigorously within a short period to oust a party that had been in power for 16 years. The President the APC national leader, who is also the Jagaban of the Borgu Kingdom in Niger State, that his patriotism and commitment to democracy and good governance, and his generous spirit will always be remembered and appreciated by generations of Nigerians. He prayed that God will grant the Asiwaju long life, good health, wisdom and prosperity as he steadfastly supports efforts to promote the development of Nigeria. [myad]
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