The Involvement Of NdIgbo In Blind War of Blame, By Joe Igbokwe

September 12, 2014

At the risk of being tagged once again as anti Igbo by rabid commissioned slave traders who see Ndigbo as easy wares to be marketed to their political masters, I write this open letter to my people. At the huge risk of being called names by my brothers and sisters, I make bold to write this piece to my people. I have been called names in the past for speaking out and I may be wrong but please forgive me. I write because I know that a story that must be told never forgives silence. I write despite all odds because I know that when a writer is silent he or she is lying. I write because I want things to be done differently because I know that the greatest part of hell will be reserved for those who maintain their neutrality in times of great moral crisis. I write knowing fully well that I am not the best God ever created and therefore mine cannot be the last word. Two incidents involving Mrs Stella Oduah who was removed as a Minister for corruption and General Ihejirika who just retired from the Nigerian Army necessitated this open letter. Mrs. Stella Oduah was removed as a Minister of Aviation for issues bordering on corruption. She was accused of financial recklessness.
When the lid was blown open, our people went to town to defend Mrs Stella Oduah. All Igbo organizations went to town with the chorus
LEAVE STELLA ODUAH ALONE. The shouts came from our people all over the world and it was loud enough and at best, deafening. When Mrs Stella Oduah was eventually eased out by the presidency, one thought our people will learn the lesson but not Igbo. Our leaders went to town with a project to honour Mrs Stella Oduah and others with awards in Lagos. In preparation for the ceremony one of the leaders spoke to the press. Hear him
“we are honouring our own Mrs Stella Oduah to show the world that even when Nigeria mocks our brightest and best for doing a good job at the Aviation Industry, we must tell the world that we love and celebrate our own”. She was given an instant title of ADA IGBO. As I write this, billboards are at strategic locations in Igboland celebrating her as ADAIGBO.
Now enter General Ihejirika, the former Chief of Army Staff. General Ihejirika just retired from the Army after serving for more than three decades. General Ihejirika is now eyeing the governorship seat in Abia State on the platform of PDP just few months after pulling out of the Nigerian Army. But just recently an Australian peace negotiator, Stephen Davis who was allegedly contracted by the federal government and who spent four months in Nigeria negotiating with Boko Haram to get the kidnapped Chibok girls out told the world that the former Governor of Borno State Ali Modu Sheriff and Ihejirika have hands in sponsoring Boko Haram. The moment Steven Davis statement hit the Nigerian public space, hell was let loose once again. Our people went to town with the usual mantra:
LEAVE IHEJIRIKA ALONE. Almost all the Igbo organizations have issued press statement suggesting that General Ihejirika is now being persecuted for staking his life to fight Boko Haram for Nigeria. Again the noise was so loud and deafening. According to our people Ihejirika is being persecuted because he is Igbo. Even Igbo World Assembly (IWA) in far away United States was not left out in the drama. In the social media it is Igbo and other Nigerians.
Now the questions are: do we need to defend Mrs. Stella Oduah and General Ihejirika? Are they not old enough or competent enough to defend themselves? Were our people with them when they were serving? Can we swear we know them very well to continue this noise? Do we really know the character of these persons? Why this prebendal politics? If we continue to defend our tribes only, who will then defend Nigeria? Who is working for Nigeria if I may ask? Is it not bad behaviour for Igbo to continue to defend what they know nothing about? Are we not making ourselves objects of ridicule in the eyes of other Nigerians? When we pour invectives on other Nigerians or people who are different from us are we not endangering the lives and businesses of Ndigbo scattered all over Nigerians?
Have we forgotten that our people are the most mobile in Nigeria? Do we know how other Nigerians rate us in this predictable primitive defense? Do we consider the feelings of other Nigerians? What signals are we sending out with this improper behaviour? Don’t we have men and women who will say enough is enough in this madness of defending the indefensible? We know Igbo history, philosophy and sociology, when did it tolerate blind and unquestionable defence of someone who might have compromised his or herself while in office? When has Igbo become so ethically compromised that they do must defend even thieves from Igboland? Are these Igbo not aware that such fight, like in the case of Stella Oduah not only ridicules the Igbo but belittles them before others? What happens to the sanctimonious resolve of our fore fathers never to get involved in war of blame?
When Professor Grace Grange, IG Tafa Balogun, and Speaker Patricia Etteh, were removed for corruption, did the Yoruba resort to this kind of blackmail? What is the North saying about Ali Modu Sherrif, the former Governor of Borno State implicated in Boko Haram insurgency with Ihejirika? These are just few cases I wanted to mention for empha
To the best of my knowledge I do not think our people are playing better politics in Nigeria now. I do not think the way we are going now will help us politically. I do not think other Nigerians will trust us if we continue this way. I have slim hope that other Nigerians will take serious in matters of Nigerian politics. I am not led to believe that we are getting it right, rather I think we are going the wrong way.
For emphasis, Ihejirika may be guilty or not but it is his to prove. I am not saying he is guilty for I do not know the details. He doesn’t need all the cahoots of persuaders now striving to show their support for him to do so. In every sane society, security is a complicated issue and every person within that society, even the president, is a suspect until proven otherwise. The best for Ihejirika is to step out and put a solid defence and shame his accusers. If he believes he will get the mob to extricate him, he is making a mistake and getting himself indicted by history and that is far more dangerous for him.
I suggest that Igbo should stop creating enemies for itself in Nigeria. I suggest that Igbo should rise above ethnic preoccupation to help move Nigeria forward. If we are still one Nigeria, Igbo should consider the feelings of other Nigerians. This defeatism attitude must give way to politics of ideas. This persecution complex must stop. This leadership complex must seize to exist.

Joe Igbokwe Writes From Lagos. [myad]

How Diezani, Anenih And Others Covered Me, Crude Oil Thief Tells Anti Corruption Body

Greenbarge Reporters

September 12, 2014

A Peoples democratic Party gubernatorial candidate in Edo state, Jarrett Tenebe has made a shocking revelation to the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) of how he has been provided cover by senior government officials and top politicians, including Chief Mike Oghiadomhe, a former Chief of Staff to President Goodluck Jonathan, Chief Tony Anenih, Chairman of the Board of Trustees of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), and Petroleum Minister, Diezani Alison Madueke.
The EFCC had arrested Tenebe last week for alleged theft of massive amount of crude oil. Tenebe was said to have told the EFCC investigators that his powerful political patrons and protectors enabled him to carry out lucrative crude oil theft from Nigeria under the guise of evacuating stolen crude on behalf of the federal government.
The stolen crude oil was reportedly sold in Ghana.
The suspect came under renewed scrutiny after US investigators informed Nigeria’s law enforcement authorities that several vessels linked to Tenebe’s Fenix Impex Nigeria Limited were involved in the ferrying of stolen crude from Nigeria to Ghana via the Saltpond oil platform in the West African country.
An EFCC source said that the anti-corruption agency arrested Tenebe as a result of the involvement of US investigators, adding that since the suspect’s arrest last week, the EFCC had been under intense pressure from several quarters to muddle up the case in order to set the suspect free.
It is on record that this is the second time Tenebe and his main collaborator have been in trouble this year. Earlier this year, the suspect and Peter Omoh Dunia (aka Peter Black), a close political associate of Tony Anenih in Edo state, were also arrested, but they were able to pull political strings that ensured their release without prosecution.
In March 2014, Nigerian soldiers, who were under the command of Brigadier General Azinta, had arrested Tenebe and Dunia after the soldiers found fraudulent crude oil evacuation contracts in their possession. One Rear Admiral Austin Oyagha of the Nigerian Navy reportedly signed the evacuation documents on behalf of the Nigerian navy.
Following their arrest by the soldiers in Benin City, Tenebe and Dunia were caught red handed when they tried to bribe Brigadier General Azinta, the brigade commander of the Nigerian Army in Benin. Both men were in possession of $65,000, which was meant to bribe General Azinta.
It was gathered that the brigade commander played along with his would-be bribers for some days before arranging their arrest. The army officer handed over the bribe money to investigators as evidence against the two suspects.
However, the brigade commander was told that the suspects would be moved to Bayelsa State and handed over to the Joint Task Force (JTF). The move was part of a design to ensure their smooth release without prosecution.
It was learnt that James Jephthah (aka Octopus), a very close friend of President Goodluck Jonathan, used his access to Aso Rock to obtain approval for the transfer of the case to Bayelsa where he eventually influenced the JTF to release Tenebe.
The EFCC officially had refused to comment on the ongoing investigation of the Saltpond scam but a top official of the agency disclosed that the Minister of Petroleum Resources, Diezani Alison-Madueke, had ordered the agency not to take any action until she return to Abuja.
A source at the EFCC confirmed that Tenebe’s political contacts had helped him to get appointed as an agent who sells crude oil seized from illegal marketers. The source added, however, that Mr. Tenebe’s politically powerful sponsors also arranged for the suspect to lift additional hundreds of thousands of barrels of oil, which he sold at great profit to different European oil dealers using Ghana as the point of sale.

[myad]

We Have Capacity To Root Out Boko Haram-Chief Of Army Staff: Says Arewa Forum Lied On Recruitment Of Militants

Greenbarge Reporters

September 12, 2014

The Nigerian Chief of Army Staff, Lt. Gen. Kenneth Minimah has made it clear that troops from the Nigeria Army have the capacity to root out Boko Haram terrorists without recourse to recruting external forces.
The army boss, who spoke today shortly after the inauguration of the Radio Diagnosis Centre of the 44 Nigerian Army Reference Hospital, Kaduna, asked Nigerians to disregard such rumour.
General Minimah, who would not elaborate, simply said: “It is not true. It is a blatant lie.”
He spoke against the background of the statement credited to the pan-northern socio-political organization, the Arewa Consultative Forum that the authorities of the Nigerian Army are planning to enlist 10,000 ex Niger Delta militants in the fight against Boko Haram.
The Forum warned the military against such move under any guise.
The Forum, through its National Publicity Secretary, Muhammad Ibrahim, had yesterday in Kaduna, said that it heard it on good authority that there were plans to recall 10,000 retired soldiers into the Nigerian Army to fight the terrorists.
The forum described the move as a welcome development but cautioned that the authorities should scrutinize those that would be recalled.
The ACF had said: “It has been brought to the knowledge of Arewa Consultative Forum that the Federal Government has authorized the reinstatement of 10,000 retired soldiers into the Nigeria Army. This, in the wisdom of government, is to boost the strength of the military to confront insurgency that has engulfed the country.”

[myad]

Secretary Of Kwara All Progressives Congress Dies

Greenbarge Reporters

September 12, 2014

The All Progressives Congress (APC) in Kwara has announced the death of its General-Secretary, Mr. Yemi Afolayan. He died today.
A statement by the party’s Publicity Secretary, Alhaji Sulaiman Buhari, confirmed the death of Afolayan.
Afolayan was once a member of Kwara House of Assembly.
“It is with heavy heart of grief and loss that we announce the death of our General-Secretary, Prince Yemi Afolayan.
“Prince Yemi Afolayan passed on this morning after a brief illness. Funeral arrangements will be announced later by the family.
“We empathise with his immediate family in this moment of grief and we urge them to find solace in the fact that Prince Yemi Afolayan lived an impactful life.
“He will be remembered for his unflinching loyalty to APC, contributions to the development of Kwara State as a parliamentarian and his huge contributions to humanity and mankind.
“Indeed, Kwara has lost a worthy son. We pray for the repose of his soul and we empathise with all APC members and the people of Kwara State,” the statement said.
The state’s chapter of the Peoples Democratic Party has also expressed its condolences to the leadership and members of the APC in the state on the issue.
The party’s condolence message was through a letter signed by its Publicity Secretary, Mr. Rex Olawoye, on Friday in Ilorin.
“The PDP particularly condoles with the family of late Afolayan and the good people of Isin Local Government Area where the deceased hailed from for the irreparable loss.
“We hope the family will find solace in the fact that the deceased lived an eventful life.
“May God grant the bereaved the fortitude to bear the loss,” the PDP said.

[myad]

Group Drags Nigeria To International Criminal Court, Complains Of Boko Haram Atrocities, And Government Complicity

Greenbarge Reporters

September 12, 2014

Human and Environmental Development Agenda (HEDA Resource Centre), a Non-Governmental Organization (NGO), has dragged Nigerian government to the International Criminal Court (ICC), The Hague, Netherlands, requesting it to investigate allegations of complicity against government officials in the terrorism war by Boko Haram in parts of the Northern Nigeria.
In a letter addressed to Prosecutor, Fatou Bensouda of the ICC, the aggrieved group is asking for ‘Possible prosecution of culpabile Nigerian Government officials in Boko Haram terrorism and Genocidal atrocities in Northern Nigeria.
The letter, signed by HEDA’s chairman, Olarenwaju Suraju, drew Bensouda’s attention “to the unfolding revelations surrounding the alleged sponsorship and conspiratorial support of certain ex-officials of the Nigerian Government to the terrorist group, Boko Haram.”
The group said: “The heinous crimes against humanity being perpetuated by the terrorist group in the North-eastern and a few other parts of the country since 2009, is in clear violation of Article 7 of the Rome Statute of the International Criminal Court.
“We, therefore, invite you to open a comprehensive examination of these violations. This is only in line with your office’s promise in a statement issued in response to the criminal abduction of 279 school children of Chibok community in Borno State. We equally wish to request that you investigate and prosecute any international crime that may have been committed by the Boko Haram terrorist group and their sponsors, under the Rome Statute of the International Criminal Court.”
HEDA drew attention to an earlier statement credited to Bensouda, in April 2014, in response to the abduction of 276 schoolgirls in Nigeria by the Boko Haram terrorists, which reads in part:
“I am deeply troubled and alarmed by disturbing reports of alleged abduction of over 200 schoolgirls in Borno State, Nigeria, and the most recent reports that more schoolgirls have been abducted this week. Such acts shock the conscience of humanity and could constitute crimes that fall within the jurisdiction of the International Criminal Court (ICC).
“The situation in Nigeria has been under preliminary examination by the Office of the Prosecutor of the ICC since 2010. In August 2013, the office issued a report concluding that (there is a reasonable basis to believe that) Boko Haram has been committing crimes against humanity of murder and persecution since July 2009. Information gathered by the office indicates that there has been a sharp increase in the frequency and intensity of attacks attributed to Boko Haram since January 2014, including a significant increase in alleged abductions of women and girls and of sexual slavery. Some of Boko Haram’s alleged crimes would also amount to war crimes, as the Prosecutor has recently concluded that the situation constitutes a non international armed conflict.
“As Nigeria is a state which is a party to the Rome Statute, the ICC has jurisdiction over war crimes, crimes against humanity and genocide committed on the territory of Nigeria or by its nationals from July 1, 2002 onwards. Having concluded that some of the alleged crimes committed in the Nigeria situation fall within subject-matter jurisdiction of the ICC, the Office of the Prosecutor is currently assessing relevant national proceedings in conformity with the principle of complementarity.
“Under the Rome Statute, the Nigerian authorities have primary responsibility to investigate and prosecute the alleged crimes. Such cases may become admissible before the ICC if there are no relevant investigations or prosecutions in Nigeria, or if the national authorities are unwilling or unable to carry out genuine investigations or prosecutions.”
HEDA noted that the total number of Nigerian refugees in Cameroon now stands at some 39,000, while Niger is already hosting more than 50,000 forcibly displaced people from Nigeria since May 2013.
“Another 1,500 Nigerians have sought refuge in Chad. In Nigeria, 645,000 have been displaced in Borno, Adamawa and Yobe states, according to UNHCR spokesman, Adrian Edwards.”
The group recalled that in July 2014, Boko Haram was reported for the first time to have taken control over a city – Damboa in Borno State – setting up road blocks and checkpoints in what would represent a major strategic victory over the military.
“More than 15, 000 people fled as a consequence of the attack, increasing the number of internally displaced people (IDP), which is estimated to have surpassed 3.3 million since 2010. In fact, Nigeria has one of the highest IDP populations in the world, a pressing challenge that requires immediate response, according to UN Human Rights expert.
“On a conservative estimate, the death toll arising from Boko Haram’s activities between July 2009 and July 2014 is over 22,000. This includes 2,000 deaths in 2014 alone,” the group said.
HEDA continued recalled that recently, the Nigerian Government allegedly contracted Rev. Stephen Davis, the Australian international negotiator, to dialogue with the Boko Haram sect to secure the release of the abducted Chibok girls.
It said that in an interesting turn of event, Rev. Davis named the country’s former Chief of Army Staff, Lt. General Azubuike Ihejirika, and former Governor of Borno State, Senator Ali-Modu Sheriff, as sponsors of the terrorist group.
It noted that the negotiator, obviously out of frustration from the failure of government to act on his discoveries in the course of negotiation and recommendations for action, spoke to the media, specifically indicting some high-ranking security and government officials as sponsors of the terrorists.
“The spread, daring nature and unchecked ferocity of the Boko Haram group supports the revelation of Stephen Davis, with respect to the involvement of security and government officials in the sponsorship of the terrorists.
“With your public admittance of Boko Haram’s activities as qualifying for crimes against humanity, we shall not bother with further legal points to qualify these atrocities under the Rome Statute. It is also instructive to assert that the Nigerian government, under the current leadership lacks the political will and judicial independence to prosecute the individuals who are friends and former subordinates of the President.
“It is said that an injustice anywhere is a threat to justice everywhere. HEDA is concerned that the failure of the International Criminal Court to halt the egregious affront and murderous campaigns of the Boko Haram, makes more Nigerians and citizens of neighbouring countries potential victims of their brazen murder of innocent souls. We hereby urge the ICC to urgently open immediate examination of this development by inviting Rev. Stephen Davis to provide insight into his revelations, to assist the court in its investigation and possible prosecution of those connected with the crimes.”

[myad]

Nollywood Elliot Joins Politics To Contest Lagos House Of Assembly

Greenbarge Reporters

September 12, 2014

A popular Nollywood Actor, Desmong Elliot has done with acting and directing as he now eyes a seat in the Lagos State House of Assembly.
Elliot who is also a producer and director declared his intention to contest the 2015 election into the Lagos House Assembly under the canopy of All Progressives Congress (APC).
It would be recalled that another Nollywood star, Kate Henshaw recently joined APC even as most of the other entertainers turned politicians have pitched their tents with APC.

[myad]

Harvest Of Deaths In Lagos Synagogue Church Building Collapse

Greenbarge Reporters

September 12, 2014

Many worshippers, including foreigners were feared dead in the Synagogue church in Lagos when the 5-storey building housing the church collapsed. The incidence occurred at about 2pm today at Ikotun, Lagos. The church is owned by Pastor T. B. Joshua.

Reports reaching us showed that most of those who died in the collapse building lodged in building which is owned by the Church.

The affected building is said to be reserved for foreigners visiting the Church to seek spiritual help.

The reports showed that three ambulances which came for rescue were filled with dead bodies of those who died in the incident.

Although the building is already occupied, sources said that there is ongoing construction on top to provide more accommodation for worshippers.

Details later.

[myad]

Nigeria Military Sing Victory Song, As They Retrieve 7 Towns From Boko Haram

Greenbarge Reporters

September 11, 2014

The Nigeria military authorities may be having the last laugh in the battle with the deadly Boko Haram as they announced that they have taken back no fewer than seven towns which had earlier been occupied by members of the sect.

The Defence Headquarters this evening confirmed that its fighting troops have flushed out Boko Haram terrorists from Mubi, Michika, Bazza, Gulak, Gwoza, Bama, Gamboru Ngala and other towns and villages in the region and that they are being stabilized.

It said that the troops will continue to maintain the momentum until the terrorists are obliterated.

The Defence Headquarters tweeted that the militants were flushed out through air and land attacks against as they were fleeing from the battle ground in what looked like surrender..

“The efforts are yielding impressive results in the overall move to rid the areas of terrorists activities,” DQH said in one of the tweets.

It however, frowned at what it called the determination by a section of the media to cause panic and chaos in the region by deliberately ignoring visibly formidable security measures and reporting negativity.

The tweet reads:

“Alarmist Report on Foreign and Online Media on Maiduguri is clearly intended to cause Panic in the city and the nation.

“All facets of security arrangements for the defence of Maiduguri has been upgraded to handle any planned attack or attempt to disrupt the city’s prevailing peace. This kind of alarmist report is uncalled for in view of the efforts and alertness.

“Citizens are nevertheless enjoined to remain vigilant as they go about their lawful business.

“Meanwhile situation in Mubi, Michika, Bazza, Gulak, Gwoza, Bama, Gamboru Ngala & other parts of the North East is being stabilized as highly coordinated air and land operations are ongoing.

“The efforts are yielding impressive results in the overall move to rid the areas of terrorists activities”

[myad]

Presidency Distances Self From Modu Sheriff, Says Investigations On Alleged Boko Haram Sponsors Ongoing

Greenbarge Reporters

September 11, 2014

Nigerian Presidency has distanced itself from the former Borno state governor, Ali Modu Sheriff over his seeming clinging to President Goodluck Jonathan in Chad, saying that security people would be allowed to continue with their investigations into those that were named as allegedly sponsors of Boko Haram.
An Australian, Dr. Stephen Davis had, a couple of weeks ago, named Ali Modu Sheriff as one of those whom Boko Haram leaders told him have been sponsoring their deadly activities in many parts of the Northern Nigeria.
Special Adviser to President Jonathan on media and publicity, Dr. Reuben Abati told newsmen at the Presidential Villa, Abuja today that Senator Sheriff’s name was not on the list of the entourage in the President journey to Chad.
He said that the claim by the National Publicity Secretary of the opposition All Progressives Congress (APC), Lai Mohammed that Modu Sheriff accompanied President Jonathan on his trip to Ndjamena was spurious.
“In keeping with President Jonathan’s commitment to transparency and openness in the conduct of government business, names of the key members of his delegation were announced a day before his trip to Ndjamena.
“They included the National Security Adviser, Col. Sambo Dasuki (rtd.), the Minister of Communications Technology, Mrs. Omobola Johnson, the Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Dr. Nurudeen Mohammed and the Director-General of National Space Research and Development Agency, Prof. Seidu Mohammed.
“As can be easily verified from the complete list of members of the Presidential entourage to Chad which was also circulated on Sunday and never changed,
“The only other persons on the list were the President’s aides, security personnel and journalists.”
Dr. Abati said that those who associate with Senator Sheriff know that he has longstanding interests in Chad and often spends a lot of his time there.
He said that Ali Modu Sheriff happened to be in Ndjamena at the time of President Jonathan’s visit and joined other Nigerian residents of the Chadian capital in coming to the airport to welcome their President.
“That was the full extent of his participation in the visit and it was also at Ndjamena Airport that the pictures which formed the basis of the bogus allegation of President Jonathan hobnobbing with an “accused sponsor of terrorism” were taken.
“The former Governor’s presence in Chad was certainly not at President Jonathan’s instance and he did not participate in any of the President’s discussions with President Idriss Deby or his other engagements in Ndjamena.
“President Jonathan is fully aware of the allegation made against Senator Sheriff by Stephen Davis. That allegation is already being investigated by the security agencies who will make their findings known to the public in due course.
“The President assures all Nigerians that he has not willfully taken any action that could prejudice the outcome of that ongoing inquiry.
“He seizes this opportunity to reassure the nation once again of his total commitment to doing all within his powers to bring all identified and verified sponsors of terrorism to justice, and ending the menace of violent extremism in the country.”
The President’s spokesman expressed surpriss at what he called, the unnecessary hue and cry raised by the APC “and other bigoted critics of the Jonathan Administration over the claim that the President is “hobnobbing” with the former governor Ali Modu Sheriff. [myad]

We Owe No Apology For Selling Jonathan Achievements, TAN Boasts

Greenbarge Reporters

September 11, 2014

Promoters of a None Governmental Organization (NGO), set up to campaign for the re-election of President Goodluck Jonathan in 2015, known as Transformation Ambassador of Nigeria (TAN) has made it clear that it owed no one an apology for showcasing the verifiable landmark achievements of the President.
Reacting to a statement by the Publicity Secretary of the opposition All Progressives Congress (APC), Lai Mohammed, the Director of Communications of TAN, Dr Udenta.O. Udenta, said: “TAN has not in any way gone outside the law to warrant APC’s indecorous language.
“If the impact of TAN is causing some discomfort to the opposition party in its desperation to grab power, it should look inward and not engage in mindless attacks.”
The reaction which contained in a statement issued today said: “We really have no apology to offer to anyone in our mission of showcasing the verifiable landmark achievements of President Goodluck Jonathan.”
Dr. Udenta frowned at the APC’s double standard when Lai Mohammed accused TAN of citizens’ sensitization rallies but was comfortable with APC holding an unvarnished political rally in Sokoto state ans asked: “was the country not in a war as APC claimed, when it embarked in the Sokoto rally? Has Ebola virus suddenly disappeared in the country that enabled the Sokoto rally to take place? Where and how did Lai Mohammed arrive at his conclusion that TAN’s rallies are offending the sensibilities of the families of our citizens and knows that Sokoto rally did not? Why did APC hold the Sokoto rally when the Chibok Girls are yet to be released and Boko Haram is not defeated?”
Dr. Udenta said that TAN is not a political party and would not engage in diatribes with any political party or group but that it would not watch truth being turned upside down in the name of politics.
He challenged the opposition to fault TAN on what it has been doing to showcase President Jonathan’s achievements saying that because of the dearth of evidence against what we are heralding “they now choose to chase shadow by dishing lies to Nigerians.
“Because TAN by its vigorous activities is not letting APC realize its desired ambition of making sure that all achievements of President Goodluck Jonathan are drowned in its negative politics and insipient media, it now feels it can turn the heat on us. TAN certainly would go to any length to defend its legitimate role in the polity and would not shy away even if it means confronting and exposing APC’s anti-democratic behavior.
“The innovation that TAN is bringing into the nation’s political space should attract positive comments to discerning minds. If anybody is uncomfortable, it must be based on selfish ground.”
Dr. Udenta said that since its inception, TAN has maintained a positive attitude and disposition towards all Nigerian institutions and platforms in a single minded celebration of the Nigerian possibility under president Goodluck’s watch devoid of rancor, strife, bitterness and discord. [myad]

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