In furtherance of his desire to ease the burden of the fuel subsidy removal on students of higher institutions of learning, President Bola Tinubu has approved provision of buses to the students’ bodies of all universities, polytechnics and colleges of education across the country. A statement today, July 31, by the Special Adviser on Special Duties, Communications and Strategy, Dele Alake said that the desire of the President is to see that students can access their campuses without much difficulty as a result of higher transportation costs. He said that the provision of the buses will also remove the burden of additional cost of daily commuting on parents and guardians. According to Alake, in line with his promise to ensure no Nigerian student abandons his or her educational pursuits as a result of lack of money and economic circumstances of their parents, President Tinubu has also approved the removal of all restrictions on the students’ loan to make it available to any student or household that may desire it. “Similarly, President Tinubu has directed the authorities in all Federal Institutions of higher learning to avoid arbitrary increase in sundry fees payable and where possible defer further increase so that parents and students don’t face too many difficulties. “While it is important to reiterate that President Tinubu has directed release of over 200,000 Metric Tonnes of grains to families in 36 states and Federal Capital Territory, Abuja, the government is working to ensure that vulnerable students can also benefit from conditional cash transfers and food distribution. “The Federal Government salutes the courage, wisdom and partnership of Nigerian Students as our country navigates this challenging time. “President Tinubu will continue to prioritise education and the needs of the students, improve welfare of teaching and non-academic staff and invest in infrastructure to make our institutions of higher learning become more globally competitive.”
The Armed Forces of Nigeria have collectively pledged 100 percent loyalty to the government of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu. This is coming on the heels of the resurgence of military coups in five African countries so far, the last being the Niger Republic this month, July. Speaking today, July 31, after being decorated by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, along with other newly-appointed Service Chiefs with their new ranks at the Presidential villa, Abuja, the Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), General Christopher Musa said: “I assure Mr. President that the Armed Forces of Nigeria is 100 per cent loyal to the government. We will go wherever we are ordered, whether by air, sea or land. “Our appointment is a clear manifestation of the confidence reposed in us and recognition of our humble abilities to deliver for our dear nation. We pledge to carry out our duties with utmost dedication and full loyalty. ”We will ensure that Nigeria is projected in good light. May God bless Nigeria and guide the Armed Forces in our efforts to guard our nation’s territorial integrity, and ensure peace and security reigns supreme.” General Musa, on behalf of other Service Chiefs. expressed their unalloyed commitment to ensure the security and defence of the nation in their respective positions. He also pledged to uphold with utmost dedication the safety and well-being of the nation and its citizens.
President Tinubu charged the new Service Chiefs to maintain teamwork to ensure peace and stability in the country. He noted that the team work has so far the source of the gains recorded so far in the security sector. He commended the dedication, commitment and steadfastness displayed by the Armed Forces, acknowledging their significant contributions to the nation’s peace and stability. ”We have seen that we are recording positive results in our security challenges because of your dedication, commitment and steadfastness,” President Tinubu stated. He assured the new Service Chiefs that the government is committed to supporting them in their responsibilities. The President underscored the value of virtues such as positive team thinking, unity, and selfless service to the nation, declaring that despite current economic challenges, a better future awaits Nigeria. He urged all members of the Armed Forces to view themselves as one single family, regardless of their diversity. He also offered prayers for God’s blessings upon the Nigerian Armed Forces, wishing them peace, progress, and success in their endeavours to protect the country’s territorial integrity. President Tinubu emphasized the importance of honest service to the nation, which he said everyone in government including the service chiefs must embrace, adding that he is working very hard to solve the current economic challenges being faced by Nigerians. ”We are committed to serving you and not to rule over you.” The event was attended by Vice President Kashim Shettima, Secretary to the Government of Federation, Senator George Akume, Chief of Staff to the President, Femi Gbajabiamila, National Security Adviser, Malam Nuhu Ribabu, senior government officials, members of the immediate families of the Service Chiefs, and other heads of security and intelligence agencies in the country.
Abridged Profiles of the inaugurated Service Chiefs:
Chief of Defence Staff Born on December 25, 1967, General Musa joined the military in 1991 and belongs to the Infantry Corps. He obtained a B.Sc Hons in Chemistry from the Nigerian Defence Academy and holds an Advanced Diploma in Security Management from the University of Lagos and an MSc (Military Science) from the International College of Defence Studies in China. General Musa had attended various military courses and held several important positions, including Platoon Commander, Operations Officer for the United Nations Mission in Sierra Leone, and Command Sector 3 of the Multinational Joint Task Force in the Lake Chad Region. He has received several awards and decorations for his meritorious service. He is a member of the Nigerian Institute of Management and Nigerian Institute of Industrial Security. He married to Mrs. Lillian Oghogho Musa, and the marriage is blessed with children.
Chief of Army Staff Lt-General Lagbaja was born on February 28, 1968. He was granted a Regular Combatant Commission as part of the 39 Regular Course on September 19, 1992, in the rank of Second Lieutenant. In the course of his career spanning over three decades, he has attended several courses and held instructional, staff, and command appointments creditably. He holds a Bachelor of Science Degree in Geography from the Nigerian Defence Academy, Kaduna, and a Masters in Strategic Studies awarded by the United States Army War College, Pennsylvania. Major General Lagbaja is an alumnus of the United States Army War College Class of 2014 and is qualified as an Airborne Jump Master. He has served in various capacities, including as a Military Observer at the United Nations Organization Mission in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Chief of Staff at Headquarters 8 Task Force Division in Monguno, and Commander of the 72 Special Forces Battalion in Makurdi. He has also commanded infantry brigades, namely the 9 and 2 Brigades in Lagos and Uyo, and served as General Officer Commanding for the 82 Division in Enugu and the 1 Division in Kaduna. Prior to his appointment as the 23rd Chief of Army Staff, he was the Chief of Operations (Army), where he coordinated all local and foreign operational activities of the Nigerian Army. Lt-General Lagbaja is married to Mrs. Maria Lagbaja, and they have children together.
Chief of Naval Staff Vice Admiral Emmanuel Ikechukwu Ogalla was born on December 20, 1968. He enlisted in the Nigerian Defence Academy as part of the 39 Regular Combatant Course on September 16, 1987, and was commissioned into the Nigerian Navy as Sub-Lieutenant on September 19, 1992. Vice Admiral Ogalla graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Mathematics and received the Sword of Honour as the Best Graduating Naval Cadet, recognized for his academic excellence, military training, leadership qualities, and character. He has attended various courses within and outside the country, including the Basic Hydrographic Course at the National Hydrographic School in Goa, India, and the Junior and Senior Staff Courses at Armed Forces Command and Staff College, Jaji. He also completed the Higher Strategic Course at the National Defence College, Abuja, and holds a Master of Science in Strategic Studies from the University of Ibadan. Vice Admiral Ogalla has held several significant appointments, such as Watch Keeping Duties on board NNS AGU, Instructor, Chief Instructor, and Commandant at the Nigerian Navy Hydrographic School. He also served as the Base Operations Officer at NNS PATHFINDER, where he played a vital role in combating oil theft and other economic crimes. He is married to Mrs. Ijeoma Ogalla, and the union is blessed with children.
Chief of Air Staff Born on September 11, 1970, Air Marshal Hasan Abubakar is the 22nd Chief of the Air Staff. He joined the Nigerian Air Force as part of the 39 Regular Course of the Nigerian Defence Academy and became a commissioned Pilot Officer in September 1992. Throughout his flying career, he accumulated over 4,500 flying hours on various aircraft, including the Air Beetle, Dornier-228, C-130 Hercules, and Boeing 737. Air Marshal Abubakar is a member of the elite Special Forces, having completed training in Basic and Advanced Airborne Courses, as well as the Amphibious Operations Course at the Nigerian Army Infantry Centre and Schools. He holds a Master’s Degree in International Affairs and Diplomacy from Ahmadu Bello University Zaria and received strategic military training at the Nasser Higher Military Academy in Cairo, Egypt. Air Marshal Abubakar has held various important positions, including Operations Officer at the Operational Conversion Unit, 88 Military Airlift Group in Ikeja, Commanding Officer of 21 Wing, Group Safety Officer, and Team leader at the United Nations Mission in the Democratic Republic of Congo (MONUC). He also served as the Commander of the 011 Presidential Air Fleet and as the Chief of Staff of Mobility Command in Yenagoa, Bayelsa State. He is happily married to Mrs. Rakiya Abubakar, and they have children together.
The Acting Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Adeolu Egbetokun, has announced the establishment of the Schools Protection Squad (SPS), a proactive initiative aimed at enhancing security and safety in educational institutions across Nigeria.
The police boss has also concluded plans to launch a comprehensive Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) handbook for the Safe Schools Programme, with the official launch and training event scheduled to take place on August 9. The launch is planned to attract 250 individuals drawn from various sectors, including the presidency, executive, judiciary, legislature, security agencies, civil society organizations, media, school administrators, unions, and other stakeholders. A statement today, July 31, by the Force Public Relations Officer, Olumuyiwa Adejobi said that the Schools’ Protection Squad (SPS) is a specialized unit within the Nigeria Police Force that is tasked with drawing up policies and engaging relevant stakeholders to ensure the safety and protection of students, teachers, and school infrastructure. He said that the squad will be equipped with relevant assets and advanced training to effectively respond to security challenges facing educational institutions. Adejobi said that the launch of the Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) handbook for the Safe Schools Programme is an integral part of the initiative. According to him, the comprehensive handbook outlines the best practices and guidelines for securing schools, risk assessment, emergency response protocols, and collaboration between various stakeholders. “The SOP will serve as a crucial reference for educational authorities, security agencies, and other participants involved in the Safe Schools Programme, empowering them to take coordinated and effective measures in ensuring the safety and protection of schools. “The Inspector-General of Police hereby calls on all relevant stakeholders to actively participate and support the initiative for the safety and general well-being of our educational assets in Nigeria. The IGP similarly believes that through collaborative efforts and a united approach, Nigeria can build a robust education system that guarantees a secure and conducive learning environment for every child.”
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has appointed the Chief Executive Officer, Financial Reporting Council of Nigeria (FRCN), Jim Osayande Obazee, as special investigator to probe the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) and related entities in his Government’s fight against corruption. In a letter dated July 28, 2023 and addressed to Jim Osayande, the President said that he was appointing him as the special investigator in continuation of the fight against corruption. The appointee is expected to report directly to the President while he is required to provide a comprehensive report on public wealth currently in the hands of “corrupt individuals and establishments.” President Tinubu said that the full terms of Obazee’s engagement would be provided later and that he would be required to take immediate steps to block further leakages from the CBN, ensure probity and strengthen key government business entities.
The Commandant of the National Defence College (NDC) in Abuja, Nigeria’s Federal Capital Territory, Rear Admiral O. M Olotu, has said that the College has trained various military formations and police officers since it was established. The Commandant, who spoke today, July 30 when he paid a familiarization visit to the FCT Administration, said that the Command has trained a total of 2,645 participants from the Nigerian Army, the Navy, the Nigerian Airforce, the Nigerian Police Force. It also trained other offers from the Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs), as well as allied participants from 30 African countries and other parts of the world. He said that the College also has participants from Bangladesh, France, Germany, India, Qatar and Pakistan. The Commandant said that he assumed the leadership of the College on the 6th of July this year, barely three weeks ago and that he decided to pay homage to the host, the FCT Administration, so, that he would familiarize himself with the leadership. “Most importantly, to thank the FCTA for all the support rendered to the College over the years, since 1992 when the College moved from Lagos to Abuja.” He said that the College, which is the highest military training institution within the sub-Saharan region of Africa, has been providing strategic level training to officers and senior officers of the armed forces, the police, paramilitary agencies, ministries, departments and agencies of government as well as foreign officers from allied nations. “It’s been a tremendous and very wonderful working relationship between the College and the FCTA and I dare state here that the College wouldn’t have been able to achieve anything without the assistance, cooperation and timely help rendered by this office. Thank you very much for all you’ve done for the college.” The Commandant appealed for further cooperation and support at its new permanent complex to ensure the safety and comfort of its students. Responding, the FCT Permanent Secretary, Olusade Adesola, commended the National Defence College for living up to expectation by contributing to knowledge and the development in Nigeria. He said that the College has garnered such a great goodwill that has made it a reference point where countries send their officers to continuously engage in training activities. He pledged the cooperation of the FCTA in meeting the requests of the Defence College by channeling its demands and concerns as made known by the Commandant to the appropriate SDAs of the Administration.
“Any man whom Allah has given the authority of ruling some people and he does not look after them in an honest manner, will never feel even the smell of Paradise.” – Prophet Muhammad (PBUH).
Before going to my topic, please allow me a little digression. I want to start by appealing to the federal government to please stop the charade and for the people to not take their eyes off the goalpost. Or where do you place the ongoing drama about the former Central Bank Governor’s arrest, arraignment, and re-arrest? In the first place, no one told the nation why he was relieved of his post, yet we clapped. No questions asked. Fine. But is it? Is this how it should be done? Okay, the man, and rightly so, was thought to have worsened the country’s economy and helped activities that would be considered harmful in a serious nation. But when the time to bring him to justice came, the man was charged with the “illegal possession of a gun and 123 rounds of bullets”! Not abuse of office, mind you. Not economic sabotage, conflict of interest (for attempting to contest for the presidency), botched naira redesign, etc. Can you beat that?! And then we were forced to be spectators of the drama of his re-arrest in court after securing bail for twenty million naira. Well, if the government wants to hide something or shield some people who were hand in gloves with the man, no need to regale us with all this. And people should wise up and stop being taken for expensive rides. Next time, say “Thank you, but I don’t want your expensive ride borne out of the high cost of fuel; I’ll rather trek.” We have had leaders in Nigeria who were not found to be corrupt. Alhaji Shehu Shagari was not jailed by Muhammadu Buhari after he was overthrown, unlike many other leaders from that time that were jailed for hundreds of years. Abubakar Tafawa Balewa, Nigeria’s first and only prime minister, had to make Shehu Shagari, who was then his aide, pay the government for returning his (prime minister’s) mother home from Lagos in a presidential aircraft. He angrily told Shagari that he, as PM, did not use the presidential plane when going to his party’s activities or campaigns. General Murtala Ramat Mohammed was a leader who purged the civil service of the corrupt and never allowed them to permeate his government. It was said that he had just thirty naira in his account when he was killed. None of these three leaders had their wives or children in their governments. Their families were not known to have influenced the government or its agents. They did not seek favours from ministries, departments, or agencies. Despite all their stellar attributes and saint-like qualities, none of them are as venerated by the people as General Muhammadu Buhari. Buhari successfully made a large chunk of the people see in their eyes a man wearing angelic garb. Firstly, he was able to make those people see him as “not a politician”. It is common to hear them tell themselves in self-illumination that “You know the General is not a politician.” There is an erroneous belief that politicians are thieves. And so, from the beginning, he jumped off that general definition vehicle. That alone is great politics. Only a master politician can deflect the thoughts of the people from the real him and direct them to the image he wants to be identified as. Then he positioned himself as a man who runs away from worldly possessions, an ascetic of the highest order. Even this was laid to rest when his dressing style three years into the presidency was compared to his pre-presidential style. Even though under his watch those around him filched from the commonwealth, people still believe the man has no desire for material things. He remains in their minds as someone incapable of saying what cannot be so. Before the 2015 election, he said he borrowed about thirty million naira from his bank to buy his form, and none of his followers questioned how he would repay it. And till today, nobody has asked him if he had paid and how – or to account for funds people gave him through scratch cards. To his followers, Buhari is perhaps the only patriot out of 200 million Nigerians. Their refrain was “he wants to work, but he is alone”, despite him tolerating those among his appointees mismanaging the country. And they can go to any length, including insulting those with contrary views, in his defence. Even when foreign foods – despite the closing of the borders against the importation of such by his government – were eaten in the highest of places, clothes and shoes worn were from overseas and official vehicles were all from abroad, the head of the government was seen by his followers as the “most patriotic of patriots.” When hunger and lack were devastating the land, the president was being fed by the government, something that does not happen in America where we “borrowed” our democracy from. Despite all this and many more, the man is still being venerated. Perhaps why many times he behaved and spoke like one taking the people for granted. Even though Abraham Lincoln, the 16th American president and the country’s wartime hero and the first president to be assassinated once said “You can fool all of the people some of the time, and some of the people all of the time but you cannot fool all of the people all of the time”, one can’t help but marvel at Buhari swung those stuff through. Lest I forget I have seen why people now distrust their government. I have seen videos of Nasir el-Rufa’i and Nyesom Wike all saying they do not want to be ministers. El-Rufa’i said that he was a minister 20 years ago and so why should he be one again? He rhetorically asked, “Don’t I have sons, junior brothers? Must I be the only one doing it?” He even boasted that he had trained enough people to take over from him, revealing that anyone who has no one he trained to succeed him has failed. Maybe he has no younger brothers, and his son he has pushed to the House of Representatives. Or perhaps he has just plain failed? But these two men who have been recycled to being ministers after being there first before becoming governors are men of many words and as Tony Wilson sang, they paint pictures, but they are not artists. Therefore, tell me, why should those who watched those videos trust whatever they say again, official or personal, apart from “God is the Creator of the universe”?
Hassan Gimba is the Publisher and Editor-in-Chief of Neptune Prime.
The head of the military junta that staged a coup in Niger Republic, Major General Abdurrahman chiani has vowed that there’s no going back and that he is ready to die for the cause of the people of the country. Reacting to ECOWAS whose members, made up of Presidents and Heads of Government in West Africa, General Chiani said: “some people think that the coup operation is a game. But whether we like it or not, there’s no going back.” He warned that if France and its allies try to attack them “to liberate President Bazum, we will have to liquidate it even before the Westerners reach us. “Those who want to rally, let’s do it now, otherwise, having understood that we succeeded, if they come, we will not give up, either kill them or go to jail. “I’ll tell you a secret: “We often located terrorists, but when we asked to rush to kill them, President Bazoum told us to ask permission from the French forces first. “But our soldiers were falling on the fronts and France did not pay attention to this. “We decided to do the same as Mali and Burkina Faso because one of the largest nests of terrorists is located here, and the “Ahmed Koufa” of the Malians is also located here near the Mali/Niger border. “We are ready to form a partnership with Russia and rely a lot on Mali to achieve this. “I’m already old and so are the other Generals, so if we die it will be for a good reason. “The young man will take power, as in Burkina Faso and Mali. “France will be weaker than all that. Mali was right about these imperialists. Many Presidents here in Niger have received billions to spoil us. I myself have received offers but we have not given up, so be sure of one thing that will make us like Mali. “If I wanted, I would have led the command but if I let the former, Chief of Staff, salivo Modi lead it is for a very good reason and I have my reasons. “I ask the people of Niger to follow the example of Malians and Burkinabes. “God bless Niger.”
In a swift reaction to the military coup in Niger Republic, the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) has closed air and land borders, and declared no-flight zone over the country.
The decision was announced today by the ECOWAS, at a special meeting following the increasing tension stirred by the military actors who are attempting to take over in Niger. This move is seen as a crucial reaction to the recent military coup in the country, which has posed a threat to political stability in the region. The ECOWAS leadership said that the imposition of a no-flight zone will help curb the junta’s influence and hinder any potential allies from providing aerial support. In addition to the no-flight zone, the regional body has agreed on immediate financial sanctions over the coup, and has given the junta a week to cede power. It said that the use of force has not been ruled out.
ECOWAS reinstated its call for the immediate release and reinstatement of President Mohamed Bazoum as the legitimate Head of State and Government of the Republic of Niger. In a communique read by the President, ECOWAS Commission, Dr. Omar Touray, the leaders also rejected any form of purported resignation by President Bazoum and declared him as the only recognised and elected President by ECOWAS, the African Union and the international community. ‘‘In this regard, only official acts of President Bazoum or his duly-mandated officials will be recognized by ECOWAS,’’ they said. The leaders expressed strong condemnation of the attempted overthrow of constitutional order in Niger, and the illegal detention of President Bazoum, as well as members of his family and government. They demanded full restoration of constitutional order in the Republic of Niger and considered the illegal detention of President Mohamed Bazoum as a hostage situation, holding the authors of the attempted coup d’état solely and fully responsible for his safety and security and that of his family and government. In the event, ECOWAS’ demands are not met within one week, the leaders said they would take all measures necessary to restore constitutional order in the Republic of Niger. “Such measures may include the use of force for this effect, the Chiefs of Defence staff of ECOWAS are to meet immediately,’’ the leaders said. ECOWAS leaders also condemned the pronouncement of support by foreign governments and foreign private military contractors, while expressing appreciation to various governments and partners for their stance and solidarity. The Summit also announced the immediate sanctions on Niger including the closure of land and air borders between ECOWAS countries and Niger, establishing a no-fly zone on all commercial flights to and from Niger, and suspending all commercial and financial transactions between ECOWAS Member States and Niger. Assets of the Republic of Niger in ECOWAS Central Bank, Niger state enterprises, and parastatals in commercial banks will be frozen. Niger will also be suspended from all financial assistance and transactions with financial institutions within ECOWAS. In addition, travel bans and assets freezes were imposed on the military officials involved in the coup attempt, as well as their family members and civilians who accept to participate in any institution or government established by these military officials. In an opening remarks, the ECOWAS chairman and President of Nigeria, Bola Ahmed Tinubu, said that he called for the extraordinary submit of the body to address the situation in Niger Republic. “We can’t pretend that we didn’t have the knowledge of what has happen and what is title happening. “We have an hostage situation, an interruption to properly elected government of Niger Republic. “Your presence here reflects your commitment to democracy, I appreciated that. “It is a very challenging time for us. And it is at this time that we must demonstrate our commitment to a sustainable fact clearly open that without freedom and democracy there can be no development, there can be no end to poverty. “The danger that we are now is the fact that one of us, His Exellency, Mohammed Bozum, by his own army, the presidential Guard, what a calamity. It is an assault on every one of us. And we must take a very strong action. One, to protect the life of President Bazoum.” President Tinubu said that disrupting the democratic order has led the people of Niger in a state of uncertainty and vulnerability, and that they their have to face the challenge “that we have right now.” He recalled that during the 63rd ordinary summit, the authority set up a committee, comprising some of them to, to deepen reflections of security matters in the region and to accompany ECOWAS mediation. Tinubu wanted members to focus on what he described as “these assaults.” “I have briefed some of you about the actions that I have taken and prepared to abide by all resolutions necessary to response to this assault and to make sure that our colleague, President Bazoum is safe and that democracy is reinstalled in Niger Republic. “Whether we call it constructive dialogue or otherwise, whatever you and I resolve will make or mar our democratic credentials. “I want us to strong, forceful and resolute about the survival of Bazoum as as well as the freedom and restoration of the constitutionally elected body in Niger Republic.” In his closing remarks to the Summit, President Tinubu thanked fellow leaders, Moussa Faki Mahamat, the African Union Commission (AUC) Chairperson, the Special Representative of the Secretary -General and Head of the United Nations Office in West Africa and the Sahel, Leonardo Santos Simaõ, for their active engagement and invaluable contributions to the discussions. ‘‘As we come close to this Extraordinary Summit on the socio- political situation in the Republic of Niger, I send my heartfelt gratitude to each and every one of you for your active engagement in our open and closed door meeting. ‘‘Your invaluable contributions to our discussions have got us this far and hopefully, we will achieve our objective. ‘‘The essence of African unity and solidarity is hereby reaffirmed. Our unwavering commitment to democracy, peace and prosperity is hereby resolved. ‘‘Throughout our deliberations, we have recognized that the challenges faced by Niger are inter connected with broader issues affecting our region. ‘‘As African leaders, it is our shared responsibility to foster stability and progress, placing the wellbeing of our people at the forefront of our endeavours, and working together towards their prosperity and happiness must always consistently, be our goals and consistently. ‘‘We will stand with our people in freedom and our commitment to the rule of law and not the barrel of gun. Africa has come of age. ‘‘We reject coup and interruption to constitutional order. Thank you for coming,’’ he said. Before the Summit, President Tinubu held bilateral meetings with President Umaro Sissoco Embalo of Guinea Bissau, President Mahmat Iddris Deby Itno of Chad, and Michael Health, the US Deputy Assistant Secretary of African Affairs. Presidents Patrice Talon of Benin Republic, Alassane Ouattara of Cote d’Ivoire, Adama Barrow of The Gambia, Nana Akufo-Addo of Ghana, Embalo of Guinea Bissau, Macky Sall of Senegal, Faure Gnassingbé of Togo attended the Summit while the Presidents of Cape Verde, Liberia, Niger and Sierra Leone were represented.
Reports reaching us at Greenbarge Reporters online newspaper from Adamawa State show that hungry people, especially the youths have gone Haywire, breaking up business premises and shops and carting away foods and other items. The State government confirmed the development which occurred today, July 30, as it promptly imposed a curfew to stem the escalation.
The State Governor, Ahmadu Umaru Fintiri, said that the 24-hour curfew, with effect from today July 30, followed the dangerous dimension the activities of hoodlums had assumed across the state capital. According to the Governor, the youths “attack people with matches and break into business premises and homes carting away property.” Reports said that some group of youths in their numbers storm the Adamawa State Central stores, Jimeta, stealing and destroying properties worth billions of naira. Governor Fintiri said that with the curfew imposed, there will be no movement throughout the state. He said that only those on essential duties with valid identification would be permitted to move around during the period of the curfew. The Governor appealed to citizens and residents of the state to comply with the directive, adding that any person found contravening the order would be arrested and made to face the wrath of the law.
Leader of the outlawed Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB),i Nnamdi Kanu has met with his personal physicians in an Abuja hospital outside the facility of the Directorate of State Service (DSS), even as he described Simon Ekpa, who claims to be his desciple as his enemy. Kanu’s lead counsel, Sir Ifeanyi Ejiofor, in a tweet today, July 30, said:: “Sequel to our avowed assurance to always keep Ezigbo UmuChineke abreast of pertinent happenings especially with Onyendu’s health status, welfare and update on his legal matters, we are pleased to inform you that Onyendu Mazi Nnamdi Kanu met with his choice personal physician yesterday in a hospital in Abuja, outside the facility of the State Security Service (SSS). “As was part of the protocol, I witnessed the consultation. The medical examination was seamless and productive, and he will be progressing to the next stage soon. “As the entire world has always been informed, Onyendu Mazi Nnamdi Kanu has consistently made his position on the infamous sit-at-home known, and his directive is that this must be stopped. “Onyendu’s legal team, under the able leadership of Prof. Mike Ozekhome, SAN, and the leadership of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), have been the lone voice conveying this important message on all media platforms available to us, as well as condemning in unequivocal terms, the heinous criminal activities of the serial fraudster in Finland. “To this end, we urge all Ezigbo UmuChineke and indeed, the members of the public to respect and carry out the wishes of Onyendu and accordingly, desist from any further engagement with those whose primary intention is to ensure that Onyendu is kept in perpetual captivity, and consequently, destroy the entire Southeast through unauthorized sit-at-home and its enforcement. “Interestingly, the bad news for these enemies of our people is that they have failed and failed woefully, and the long arm of the law will surely catch up with them.”
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ECOWAS reinstated its call for the immediate release and reinstatement of President Mohamed Bazoum as the legitimate Head of State and Government of the Republic of Niger.
The State Governor, Ahmadu Umaru Fintiri, said that the 24-hour curfew, with effect from today July 30, followed the dangerous dimension the activities of hoodlums had assumed across the state capital.
How Did Buhari Swing It? By Hassan Gimba
“Any man whom Allah has given the authority of ruling some people and he does not look after them in an honest manner, will never feel even the smell of Paradise.” – Prophet Muhammad (PBUH).
Before going to my topic, please allow me a little digression. I want to start by appealing to the federal government to please stop the charade and for the people to not take their eyes off the goalpost. Or where do you place the ongoing drama about the former Central Bank Governor’s arrest, arraignment, and re-arrest?
In the first place, no one told the nation why he was relieved of his post, yet we clapped. No questions asked. Fine. But is it? Is this how it should be done? Okay, the man, and rightly so, was thought to have worsened the country’s economy and helped activities that would be considered harmful in a serious nation.
But when the time to bring him to justice came, the man was charged with the “illegal possession of a gun and 123 rounds of bullets”! Not abuse of office, mind you. Not economic sabotage, conflict of interest (for attempting to contest for the presidency), botched naira redesign, etc.
Can you beat that?! And then we were forced to be spectators of the drama of his re-arrest in court after securing bail for twenty million naira.
Well, if the government wants to hide something or shield some people who were hand in gloves with the man, no need to regale us with all this. And people should wise up and stop being taken for expensive rides. Next time, say “Thank you, but I don’t want your expensive ride borne out of the high cost of fuel; I’ll rather trek.”
We have had leaders in Nigeria who were not found to be corrupt. Alhaji Shehu Shagari was not jailed by Muhammadu Buhari after he was overthrown, unlike many other leaders from that time that were jailed for hundreds of years.
Abubakar Tafawa Balewa, Nigeria’s first and only prime minister, had to make Shehu Shagari, who was then his aide, pay the government for returning his (prime minister’s) mother home from Lagos in a presidential aircraft. He angrily told Shagari that he, as PM, did not use the presidential plane when going to his party’s activities or campaigns.
General Murtala Ramat Mohammed was a leader who purged the civil service of the corrupt and never allowed them to permeate his government. It was said that he had just thirty naira in his account when he was killed.
None of these three leaders had their wives or children in their governments. Their families were not known to have influenced the government or its agents. They did not seek favours from ministries, departments, or agencies.
Despite all their stellar attributes and saint-like qualities, none of them are as venerated by the people as General Muhammadu Buhari.
Buhari successfully made a large chunk of the people see in their eyes a man wearing angelic garb. Firstly, he was able to make those people see him as “not a politician”. It is common to hear them tell themselves in self-illumination that “You know the General is not a politician.”
There is an erroneous belief that politicians are thieves. And so, from the beginning, he jumped off that general definition vehicle. That alone is great politics. Only a master politician can deflect the thoughts of the people from the real him and direct them to the image he wants to be identified as. Then he positioned himself as a man who runs away from worldly possessions, an ascetic of the highest order. Even this was laid to rest when his dressing style three years into the presidency was compared to his pre-presidential style.
Even though under his watch those around him filched from the commonwealth, people still believe the man has no desire for material things.
He remains in their minds as someone incapable of saying what cannot be so. Before the 2015 election, he said he borrowed about thirty million naira from his bank to buy his form, and none of his followers questioned how he would repay it. And till today, nobody has asked him if he had paid and how – or to account for funds people gave him through scratch cards.
To his followers, Buhari is perhaps the only patriot out of 200 million Nigerians. Their refrain was “he wants to work, but he is alone”, despite him tolerating those among his appointees mismanaging the country. And they can go to any length, including insulting those with contrary views, in his defence. Even when foreign foods – despite the closing of the borders against the importation of such by his government – were eaten in the highest of places, clothes and shoes worn were from overseas and official vehicles were all from abroad, the head of the government was seen by his followers as the “most patriotic of patriots.”
When hunger and lack were devastating the land, the president was being fed by the government, something that does not happen in America where we “borrowed” our democracy from.
Despite all this and many more, the man is still being venerated. Perhaps why many times he behaved and spoke like one taking the people for granted.
Even though Abraham Lincoln, the 16th American president and the country’s wartime hero and the first president to be assassinated once said “You can fool all of the people some of the time, and some of the people all of the time but you cannot fool all of the people all of the time”, one can’t help but marvel at Buhari swung those stuff through.
Lest I forget
I have seen why people now distrust their government. I have seen videos of Nasir el-Rufa’i and Nyesom Wike all saying they do not want to be ministers. El-Rufa’i said that he was a minister 20 years ago and so why should he be one again? He rhetorically asked, “Don’t I have sons, junior brothers? Must I be the only one doing it?” He even boasted that he had trained enough people to take over from him, revealing that anyone who has no one he trained to succeed him has failed. Maybe he has no younger brothers, and his son he has pushed to the House of Representatives. Or perhaps he has just plain failed?
But these two men who have been recycled to being ministers after being there first before becoming governors are men of many words and as Tony Wilson sang, they paint pictures, but they are not artists.
Therefore, tell me, why should those who watched those videos trust whatever they say again, official or personal, apart from “God is the Creator of the universe”?
Hassan Gimba is the Publisher and Editor-in-Chief of Neptune Prime.