Minister of the Nigeria Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Senator Bala Mohammed has said that no matter the level of provocative statements and sentiment by some Nigerians and leaders from different parts of the country, President Goodluck Jonathan and members of his team would never been disturbed. The administration of President Jonathan, he added, will continue to show restraint, tolerance and accommodation. Speaking at the weekend when the Executive Secretary of Nigerian Christian Pilgrim Commission (NCPC), Mr. John Kennedy Opara led members of the Commission to pay him a courtesy call at his Area 11 office in Abuja, the Minister said that the government would not mind the antics of some leaders who fan the embers of sentiment. According to him, President Jonathan has demonstrated that he is a leader for all Nigeria and that he would continue to shun sentiment but give opportunity to Nigerians of all ethnic and religious backgrounds to thrive. “We will continue to exercise restraint so that we don’t join issues that would put us apart. Rather we will continue to tolerate and accommodate so that Nigeria will be a better place for everybody. “With our humility and modesty, we don’t join issues with leaders but sometimes we are really put aback to see statements and insinuations coming out from leaders who have benefited from this country; who have benefited from the peace and tranquility of this country doing or saying things that will put us on a collision course; exacerbating the mistrust and suspicion within the polity is very unfortunate.” The Minister urged Nigerians to shun sentiments of religion and tribe so that the country could move forward and overcome her challenges. [myad]
Governor Tanko Al-Makura of Nasarawa state has said that he is ever ready to fight back any attempt by members of the state House of Assembly to impeach him. “I have done it before and I am ready to do it again if they still have the mind to impeach me.” Governor Al-Makura spoke today when he answered questions from newsmen at the Presidential Villa, Abuja, shortly after he had a close door meeting with President Goodluck Jonathan. The governor regarded the alleged fresh move by the state Assembly to impeach him as a mere rumour which he would not take seriously. “I don’t respond to rumour. I am waiting; we will sill cross the river when we get there.” Governor Al-Makura said that he was in the Villa to give President Jonathan updates of the security situation in his state, adding that it has improved greatly. He disclosed that his government has started implementing the recommendations of various panels set up in the past to look into crises in the state. “We are implementing the administrative side of the white paper on the reports while the police are investigating the criminal side of the reports.” Al-Makura said that whoever is indicted from the police investigations would be prosecuted appropriately. [myad]
Nigerian Government has denied hiring Australia’s Stephen Davis as a Boko Haram negotiator. The Coordinator of the National Information Centre, Mike Omeri, who disclosed government’s position on the issue in Abuja today, said that the government has no plan of prosecuting any Nigerian for now following the allegations made by the Australian.
Davis has insisted that former governor of Borno State, Ali Modu Sheriff and former Chief of Army Staff, Gen. Azubuike Ihejirika are Boko Haram sponsors. He also mentioned an unnamed senior official of the Central Bank of Nigeria and an Egypt-based man as those funding the sect. Davis, who refused to disclose the identity of the CBN official, said his allegations were informed by discussions he had with several Boko Haram field commanders. But Omeri insisted that government has not hired anybody to negotiate on its behalf with the Boko Haram.
Omeri made it clear that nobody has been hired by the government to negotiate on its behalf with Boko Haram, adding: “Anytime the government decides to do so, it will make it known to the public. “The government is still investigating the allegations made by the alleged negotiator. However, the government has no plan to question anybody because of those allegations made by the Australian.” [myad]
The chairman of Nigeria Bar Association in Borno state,Abdulwasiu Alfa, has said that 50 lawyers have threatened to drag the former chief of army staff, Lt Gen. Azubuke Iheijerika and Senator Ali Modu Sheriff before International Criminal Court at the Hague, if Nigeria’s government fails to investigate the allegations of Boko haram financing levied against them by Mr. Stephen Davis. This is even as 12,000 Civilian Volunteers asked the government to allow tham to join in the battle against Boko Haram.
Alfa told members of the association that at least 50 private lawyers had committed to prosecuting the case at the ICC, adding: “the Federal Government should act now. If it fails, we shall after 21 days from today. Give effect to our undertaking to initiate criminal proceedings before the office of the chief prosecutor of ICC to investigate these allegations. We strongly believe only a court can declare a person innocent or guilty. This can only be done when such person is properly investigated and possibly arraigned before a court.”
Alfa also insisted that no Nigerian should be given an impression that he or she is above the law and added: “if anything, the revelation by Dr. Davies has confirmed the long conclusion by Nigerians about the involvements of Ali Modu Sheriff and Rt. Gen. Azubuke Ihejirika as sponsor, faciltator and masterminds of Boko haram sect.
“If the Nigeria Government fails to thoroughly investigate the duo of Sen. Ali Modu Sheriff and retired general Ihejirika Azubuke, we shall mobilize our knowledge, skills and resources to initiate or commence criminal proceedings before the ICC for the heinous crimes committed against humanity by the sect and their sponsor.”
And With military officials and the government of Borno State quietly backing away from claims that the strategic town of Bama was still in the control of Nigerian soldiers, at least 12,000 volunteers gathered today in Maiduguri to offer their services in the war against the Is Boko Haram. The volunteers, who gathered at the Maiduguri palace of the Shehu of Borno, Abubakar Umar Ibn- Garbai Elkanemi, urged the Nigerian government to accept their services in the war against terror.
Thousands of ex-service men, hunters, and youths said they were ready to become part of the increasingly critical war against Boko Haram, which recently has captured several towns in Borno and Yobe States and killed more than 2,000 civilians in the first half of 2014, according to Human Rights Watch.
Some of the ex-servicemen, who had served in the military, the police, and with the SSS, said today that they wished to join youths in the civilian joint task force (JTF) to stop Boko Haram’s incessant attacks and recent string of triumphs over demoralized Nigerian soldiers based in the violence-ravaged northeast of Nigeria.
The prospective volunteers trooped today to the palace of the Shehu of Borno to seek his support and cooperation in their desire to combat the seemingly energized and increasingly more brutal Islamist insurgents. Some of the vigilante volunteers vowed to enter Sambisa forest and other hideouts to hunt down Boko Haram militants and bring an end to the ongoing insurgency.
Over the last three weeks, Boko Haram insurgents launched a series of attacks on several towns in Borno and neighboring states, including Damboa, Gamboru Ngala, Bama and Banki. The terrorists have seized numerous towns and engaged in widespread slaughter of civilians. Thousands of people have been displaced, some of them taking refuge in neighboring west African countries.
Some of the volunteers said their goal was to resist Boko Haram’s reign of terror and to reverse the insurgent group’s seizure of important towns.
Ex-staff sergeant Yahaya Suleiman, who fought in Nigeria’s civil war, urged the Nigerian government to accept the offer from him and others. “We are fully ready to join the military in fighting against terrorism. Enough is enough. All we need is support from the federal government to stop this madness.”
The dramatic gathering came a day after the Shehu of Borno suggested that people of different faiths observe three days of alms, prayers and fasting in order to restore peace to the state and the country at large.
The Shehu also called on members of the vigilante youth, popularly known as ‘Civilian JTF,’ to always abide by the rule of law while discharging their civic responsibilities.
Addressing the volunteers, the traditional ruler commended the effort of the civilian JTF in tackling the Boko Haram insurgency. He urged them to always follow the directives of the military and other security agencies. He added that the civilian JTF had helped to dislodge the sect from Maiduguri and surrounding areas. He encouraged other besieged towns and communities to set up their own volunteers to help fight terrorism.
“I want to thank you for this visit and the effort you are collectively and voluntarily making in order to fight Boko Haram who are bent in not only destroying our social and economic structures, but also killing innocent lives. I want to also appeal to you that you should desist from politics, religious or ethnic considerations while discharging your duties.”
The Borno State coordinator of the civilian JTF, Abba Aji, said the residents of the beleaguered states had suffered enough at the hands of Boko Haram. He said he and other volunteers were determined to go after the insurgents “even if we are not well armed. We are optimistic that, with our sticks, Dane guns and other local arms, we will raid all terrorist hideouts and kill them when given permission by the federal government.”
Aji added that members of the civilian JTF were now more motivated with the support and assurance they received from retired military men, local hunters and other patriotic citizens who have expressed their willingness join the group to end the madness perpetrated by Boko Haram terrorists.
The passion displayed by the volunteers came as US authorities tacitly confirmed that the insurgents had indeed seized the town of Bama, contrary to earlier denials by the Nigerian military and Borno State officials. Bama is less than 45 miles from Maiduguri, the capital of Borno State. Its capture by Boko Haram raised fears that the group might try to seize Maiduguri as well.
A top US official announced plans to offer a border security initiative designed to help Nigeria and other threatened West African countries to contain the Islamists.
Speaking in Abuja, Assistant Secretary of State Linda Thomas-Greenfield, described the situation on the ground in Nigeria as “worsening.” Noting that attacks by Boko Haram insurgents had “grown more acute,” Ms. Thomas-Greenfield added, “This is a sober reality check for all of us. We are past time for denial and pride.”
The official stated that the US was “very troubled by the apparent capture of Bama and the prospects for an attack on and in Maiduguri.” [myad]
The Federal Government has directed all public and private schools in the country to reopen on September 22. The government had last month, ordered that schools should remain closed till October 13 due to the outbreak of the Ebola virus in the country.
Minister of Education, Mallam Ibrahim Shekarau, who disclosed the the new development in Abuja today after an emergency meeting with state Commissioners for Education said that measures put in place to curb the spread of Ebola are still intact.
Schools in Nigeria were initially expected to reopen for the new academic session on September 13.
The minister said all Federal Government colleges should also comply with the directive, saying that any state Ministry of Education that has not appointed designated desk officers on Ebola information should do so before resumption date.
Shekarau said that states’ ministry of education should ensure that at least two staff in each school, both public and private, are trained by appropriate health workers on how to handle any suspected case of Ebola.
He asked them to embark on immediate sensitization of teaching and non-teaching staff in schools on preventive measures. He wanted the training to be concluded before resumption of schools. [myad]
Former chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Mallam Nuhu Ribadu has withdrawn from the contest for the ticket of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) for the October 11, 2014 Adamawa State governorship election.
He withdrew from the race today along with seven other aspirants, leaving only six aspirants to continue the struggle for the ticket at tomorrow’s PDP primary election.
The Adamawa state PDP Chairman, Joel Madaki gave the names of others who withdrew from the race as Auwal Tukur; Aliyu Idi Hong, Andrawus Sawa; James Barka; Gen. Aliyu Kama; Markus Gundiri and Abubakar Girei.
Those who are still in the race, according to the report, are Ahmed Gulak, Buba Marwa, Ahmed Modibbo, Dr. Umar Ardo, Jerry Kumdisi and Acting Governor Umaru Fintiri.
Addressing newsmen the Presidential Villa, Abuja shortly after a marathon meeting between the Senate President, David Mark and several other PDP chiefs with the aspirants that ended around 1:00 a.m today at the Banquet Hall of the Villa, Madaki said: “Fourteen aspirants contesting for the position earlier has now reduced to six aspirants due to this meeting. It is a very welcome idea. Nobody was forced to step them. Those who stepped down did so voluntarily in order to wait to contest for the position in 2015.
“The six aspirants contesting this election are Ahmed Gulak, Buba Marwa, Ahmed Modibbo, Dr. Umar Ardo, Acting Governor Umaru Fintiri, and Jerry Kumdisi.”
Madaki explained that those contesting tomorrow’s primary are barred from running in 2015.
The October 11 bye-election is designed to elect a substantive governor for Adamawa following the recent impeachment of the Governor Murtala Nyako. [myad]
All are set for the former Nigeria Vice President, Atiku Abubakar to declare his intention to run for the 2015 Presidential election on the platform of All Progressives Congress (APC). A statement from his special adviser on media, Garba Shehu today said the former Vice President will do the formal declaration on Wednesday, September 24. Garba Shehu said that the campaign team of Atiku would be anchored by a veteran of successful presidential contests and a former Minister, Professor Babalola Borisade. Borisade, he added, is a well-known political strategist who worked for the victory of the late General Shehu Musa Yar’Adua and thereafter, late Chief M. K. O. Abiola on the platform of the defunct Social Democratic Party, SDP. “Borisade also worked as the strategist for President Olusegun Obasanjo in 1999 and 2003 elections, both of which were won resoundingly.” Shehu quoted Atiku Abubakar as saying that he is seeking to serve Nigeria not because of himself, saying: “it is about our young people. It is about Nigerians. It is their future, not the past. It is about reforming government, securing the people and reconciling the nation.” He said that Atiku, also the Turaki of Adamawa, is of the view that 2015 is special and a potential turning point in Nigeria’s history. According to the former Vice President: “we need to seize the moment, to give every Nigerian a chance to help re-define Nigeria as a place for them and their children to prosper and feel safe. A change is needed now, and I’m ready to lead that change.” [myad]
Elders’ Committee of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Kano State has endorsed Governor Rabi’u Musa Kwankwaso to contest presidency of the country in the next year election.
The committee, in a communiqué signed by Ambassador Kabiru Rabi’u and Comrade Saleh Jili after a meeting yesterday said that the endorsement of Kwakwaso was in consideration of present “regrettable and avoidable situation” of leadership Nigeria has found itself under the PDP.
“It is very clear that the present incompetent leadership of the country cannot get us out of the present serious problems.”
The said that the decision was unanimously reached in consideration of the country’s need for better and more dynamic leaders. [myad]
Minister of the Nigeria Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Senator Bala Mohammed has said that no matter the level of provocative statements and sentiment by some Nigerians and leaders from different parts of the country, President Goodluck Jonathan and members of his team would never been disturbed. The administration of President Jonathan, he added, will continue to show restraint, tolerance and accommodation. Speaking at the weekend when the Executive Secretary of Nigerian Christian Pilgrim Commission (NCPC), Mr. John Kennedy Opara led members of the Commission to pay him a courtesy call at his Area 11 office in Abuja, the Minister said that the government would not mind the antics of some leaders who fan the embers of sentiment. According to him, President Jonathan has demonstrated that he is a leader for all Nigeria and that he would continue to shun sentiment but give opportunity to Nigerians of all ethnic and religious backgrounds to thrive. “We will continue to exercise restraint so that we don’t join issues that would put us apart. Rather we will continue to tolerate and accommodate so that Nigeria will be a better place for everybody. “With our humility and modesty, we don’t join issues with leaders but sometimes we are really put aback to see statements and insinuations coming out from leaders who have benefited from this country; who have benefited from the peace and tranquility of this country doing or saying things that will put us on a collision course; exacerbating the mistrust and suspicion within the polity is very unfortunate.”
The Minister urged Nigerians to shun sentiments of religion and tribe so that the country could move forward and overcome her challenges.
Governor Tanko Al-Makura of Nasarawa state has said that he is ever ready to fight back any attempt by members of the state House of Assembly to impeach him. “I have done it before and I am ready to do it again if they still have the mind to impeach me.” Governor Al-Makura spoke today when he answered questions from newsmen at the Presidential Villa, Abuja, shortly after he had a close door meeting with President Goodluck Jonathan. The governor regarded the alleged fresh move by the state Assembly to impeach him as a mere rumour which he would not take seriously. “I don’t respond to rumour. I am waiting; we will sill cross the river when we get there.” Governor Al-Makura said that he was in the Villa to give President Jonathan updates of the security situation in his state, adding that it has improved greatly. He disclosed that his government has started implementing the recommendations of various panels set up in the past to look into crises in the state. “We are implementing the administrative side of the white paper on the reports while the police are investigating the criminal side of the reports.” Al-Makura said that whoever is indicted from the police investigations would be prosecuted appropriately.
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Governor Tanko Al-Makura of Nasarawa state has said that he is ever ready to fight back any attempt by members of the state House of Assembly to impeach him.