Founder and General Superintendent of Deeper Life Bible Church, Pastor William Kumuyi, has dismissed reports of any ongoing Christian genocide in Nigeria. According to him, the United States under President Donald Trump, is using religion as a cover to steal the rich natural resources of Nigeria. Pastor Kumuyi, who spoke to newsmen today, November 2 in Lagos, described the claim of christian genocide as a Western propaganda tool aimed at destabilizing Nigeria. He emphasized that some foreign powers, including the United States, are using religion as a cover to interfere in Nigeria’s affairs and exploit its vast natural resources. “There is no Christian genocide happening in Nigeria. “These stories are being sponsored by people who want to divide our nation and give America an excuse to invade and take what belongs to us.” The cleric challenged anyone making such claims to produce verifiable evidence of mass killings targeted at Christians in the country. “Show me one Christian genocide happening in Nigeria. “If you can, I will step down as a pastor today.”
In traditional Nigeria, especially in the Muslim North, where I can confidently say I know a thing or two, segregation was minimal. Communities were integrated, with children of various social backgrounds associating freely. This social cohesion, evident from history and personal accounts, has eroded, giving way to educational divisions that now mirror and deepen societal inequalities. Stories from our elders describe community events that fostered lifelong friendships between the offspring of the bourgeoisie and the proletariat. The bourgeoisie included the middle class, senior public officials, and wealthy families, while the proletariat comprised the masses. In those days, for instance, circumcisions were done ceremonially, as a kind of initiation into manhood. The boy, once circumcised, could flex the little muscles he had and compete in manly games with the boys, mimicking their heroes. He could even go hunting and take part in local wrestling and boxing competitions held for those who had tasted the knife of the circumciser. Annual initiation rituals were organised by the Emir or local ruler for all boys, regardless of social class. Everyone was treated equally, united by these ceremonies, which marked their transition into manhood together. These boys grew up as age mates and enrolled in the same schools, from elementary to tertiary institutions. The boys who grew up this way became friends, and sometimes their bonds were stronger than those of blood brothers. Many who became leaders were children of nobodies. Well, not really nobodies — let us say children of the proletariat, the have-nots. They went on to bring in children of the haves whose fortunes had waned. Of course, the reverse also occurred, because they grew up and studied together as one. At events, you would see them together, boundaries between classes dissolved. The sons of those who hadn’t were active participants in the marriages of the children of those who had, and vice versa. They were friends, solving each other’s family, personal, or official problems, holding hands together, and rising to the top as a team. You would see them together in activities celebrating each other’s life and death. That symbiotic relationship effectively closed the gap between the two classes and united Nigerians more. The son of the poor had hope, and the son of the rich knew he had to work to make it. There was little room for the sense of entitlement we now see. Ask those who attended public schools in those days — Government College, Maiduguri; Barewa College; King’s College, Lagos; Alhuda-Huda, Zaria; Government College, Keffi; Government Girls’ College, Maiduguri, and Dala, Kano, etc. Ask those who went to public universities together, too. Here, we can also say we experienced it. When I was in Shehu Garbai Primary School in Maiduguri in the early ’70s, Mairo, the daughter of the then-governor of the North East, Brigadier Musa Usman, was in my class. Mohammed Suleiman Kumo, Baba, and Indo Buba Ardo were the children of serving commissioners, and we were all in the same class. We had children of the Shehu and Emirs there, and indeed, those of the wealthiest citizens of the era. We were all treated equally and never felt out of sorts with them. I was even the class monitor, though my father was a mid-level civil servant. At my secondary school, Government College, Maiduguri, we had the children of the Deputy Governor, Ibrahim Anas; the SSG; the Head of Service; several commissioners; permanent secretaries; and the state accountant-general. What mattered was who was brilliant and who was not. In choosing school leaders, there was no favouritism. The teachers assessed the desired qualities and chose accordingly. No one was judged by who their father was, politics, religious leaning, or tribe. But in both schools, I also shared the same class and sometimes desks with the children of the downtrodden, some of whose parents were drivers or messengers, others petty traders who wanted their children to become better than them by getting a quality education from well-funded, superbly managed public schools. But all these are no more, as private schools have come and shattered the harmony we met and grew up with. The rise of separate, class-based educational systems has ruptured the bond and widened the gaps between social groups, creating a form of educational apartheid. Now, you have schools that only the children of the upper echelons of society attend, and others for the children of the struggling masses. They no longer mingle. Not in marriages — now, intermarriages between these two classes are becoming a thing of the past, a taboo unlike before. Not in health care — each class has its own hospital. Not in markets, as theirs are in plazas. We are gradually becoming torn apart by our leaders’ resolve to show how different they are from us, mere mortals, pushing us into a nation of “birds of the same feathers…”, akin to what the Hausa would say, “Kwarya ta bi kwarya.” Meanwhile, children from disadvantaged backgrounds now attend dilapidated public schools or subpar private schools whose owners care more about squeezing profit from struggling parents than providing quality education. These institutions further deepen the gulf between the privileged and the struggling. This deepening divide in education is a sure recipe for social disaster, as it also inculcates the psychology of “master” students and “servant” students. Students in highly elitist institutions tend to look down on those attending regular schools. The poor kids never have confidence when they stand near such elitist students — and this impression may last a lifetime. The growing educational apartheid risks entrenching lasting inequality and resentment in society. Granted, private schools provide jobs, pay taxes, build structures, and generate wealth. Still, they must ensure that a significant percentage of their admissions are reserved for children from poor and vulnerable backgrounds. There must be a mixture — a meeting point between all classes of people in education. And, as it used to be, public schools must be upgraded to compete with the best private schools around.
Hassan Gimba, Publisher and Editor-in-Chief of Neptune Prime wrote from Abuja.
One is constrained to throw the big question as shown in the title of this piece for more than two reasons. First, it is on record that the U.S Department of State under International Religious Freedom Act (IRFA) first designated Nigeria as a Country of Particular Concern (CPC) on 2nd December 2020 during the first coming of Donald Trump as President. The designation was lifted by the U.S on 17th November 2021 under the presidency of Joe Budden. It’s curious that the same Trump, who returned to power a couple of years ago still slammed Nigeria, a few hours ago, with the same appellation, based majorly on false security and or diplomatic narration of what Nigeria is all about, though there may be some kind of positive points embedded in it for Nigeria. Let us first understand the concept and implementations of the United States designating a country a “Country of Particular Concern (CPC).” Such designation carries significant diplomatic, political and sometimes economic implications. The designation is made under the International Religious Freedom Act (IRFA) of 1998 of the United States, and it applies to countries that engage in or tolerate particularly severe violations of religious freedom. The U.S. Department of State, through its Office, of International Religious Freedom, designates CPCs annually. A “particularly severe violation of religious freedom” means systematic, ongoing and egregious violations, such as torture, prolonged detention or persecution based on religion. A country so designated faces subtle diplomatic Pressure. As a matter of fact, the designation is a strong form of official condemnation by the U.S government and it can strain diplomatic relations between the U.S. and the designated country. The U.S often uses this as a tool to push for policy changes, such as the release of prisoners of conscience or reforms to religious laws. Once designated, a country may face U.S sanctions under various laws, such as economic sanctions, including restrictions on aid or trade, arms embargoes or restrictions on security assistance and travel bans on certain officials involved in abuses. Being labeled a CPC can damage a country’s international reputation, especially regarding human rights. It can affect foreign investment, tourism, and international cooperation. The country might face increased scrutiny from international organizations, NGOs and other governments. The U.S often pairs CPC designation with recommendations and dialogue. Some countries make policy or legal changes to be removed from the list, by repealing anti-conversion or blasphemy laws. Countries that have been designated as CPCs include China, for persecution of Uyghur Muslims, Christians and Falun Gong practitioners; North Korea, for systematic repression of all religious activity; Iran, for persecution of Baháʼís and other minorities and Eritrea, for detention and torture of religious adherents outside state-approved faiths. In the case of Nigeria, the U.S (President Trump) got the circumstances for designating the country as CPC wrong. It is not as if the situation in Nigeria is that of “we and them.” In other words, it is not a situation where christians are grouped in one side (of the country) and Muslims are grouped in another side. Or it is not as if Muslims line up Christians and begin to kill them in a row (genocide, according to the picture being painted). It is indeed, a common knowledge that Muslims and Christians live together in many communities in the country, even with cases where you get Christians and Muslims as members of the same family. There are also cases where the adherencts of the two major religions intermarry, bear children that embrace religion of their choice in-between. Secondly, the religious insurgents, like Boko Haram, and its like claim to be Islamic base, but have been fighting and killing just anybody that is at variance with their morbid concepts, beliefs and practices, whether Muslims, Christians or anyone else. Thirdly, the headquarters of Boko Haram is in Borno state, with over 90 percent Muslims making up the population and therefore, it is clear that most of the victims of Boko Haram are Muslims. The same thing applies to places like Yobe State and other states in the core North. If Christians are being killed in their hundreds (genocide) for example, Bishop Mathew Hassan Kukah would not have found it comfortable to live in Sokoto, the headquarters of Khalifate, as Catholic Bishop of the Diocese of Sokoto. He was appointed as Bishop of Sokoto Diocese by Pope Benedict XVI on June 10, 2011, and consecrated on September 8, 2011. The Sokoto Diocese covers the northwestern part of Nigeria, a region with a predominantly Muslim population and a small Christian minority. There are thousands and millions of Christians in many parts of the northern Nigeria, either as indigenes or none indigenes that would prefer to remain in the North than going to elsewhere in the country to live. However, the good thing about Trump designating Nigeria as Country of Particular Concern is the possibility of accelerating solution to the lingering security challenges, posed by insurgents, the bandits and other criminals, which many sane people believe, some leaders in different sections, are or have been benefiting from. The provision in the Act instituting CPC which gives the U.S the power to issue travel ban and probably seize the assets of those who are identified as beneficiaries and or sponsors of the security challenges, should be fully implemented, believing that the U.S has their list. All said, it is obviously a shame on the leadership of Nigeria that they allow a situation which they can easily handle to degenerate to a point where another sovereign nation like Nigeria would have to intervene for the purpose of sanitizing the system that has gone unruly. By my orientation and belief, I have never agreed that America has any special qualifications to play the role of God as they often want to show but, by my patriotic instinct, the Americans or even any other nation, is welcome to put our leaders, as much as possible, on the right track to sanity. After all, Boko Haram, Bandits, kidnappers and their likes are not invincibles, and couldn’t have been invincibles for all these years they have reign terror on our individual and collective security.
Sentiment apart, what President Trump is simply implying, especially in threatening to invade Nigeria to wipe out terrorists and bandits, is that the country (Nigeria) has no proactive, performing and caring leaders to save the citizens from lingering insecurity.
The League of African Ambassadors has expressed sympathy to the peoples and governments of Jamaica and all other Caribbean nations that were affected by the catastrophic devastation of Hurricane Melissa. In a statement by Ambassador Nwanne Ominyi, President of the League of African Ambassadors said: “the pain of our brothers and sisters in the Caribbean is our pain.” Ambassador Nwanne Ominyi is former High Commissioner of Nigeria to the Republic of Zambia. The League said that the destruction witnessed across the region “strikes a chord of profound empathy and shared concern within our African hearts. “While oceans may separate us, the deep historical, cultural, and ancestral bonds that unite Africa and the Caribbean remain unbreakable.” The League said that it is compelled by the timeless principles of Pan-Africanism, which is the fact that “the plight of any part of our global African family is an affair for all peoples of African descent. “In this moment of dire need, the League is rallying together to launch the Hand of Friendship and Advocacy initiative.
“This diplomatic and strategic response aims to amplify the call for help and build resilient bridges for the future. To kick-start this effort: “We hereby issue an urgent call to action to the international community, including the United Nations Organization and major humanitarian aid organizations, to rapidly deploy emergency teams and scale up assistance to affected countries. The League stands ready to offer its diplomatic support to facilitate these coordinated relief efforts. “Championing Expert Deployment by Specialized Agencies: Recognizing the critical need for specialized knowledge, the League specifically calls upon global bodies and NGOs with expertise in disaster response—such as the UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA), the Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement, and others—to immediately mobilize and deploy their technical experts to the region. “These specialists are crucial for effective assessment, coordination, and laying the groundwork for recovery. “Forging a Long-Term Partnership for Climate Resilience: We propose the establishment of a long’term “Africa-Caribbean Paftnership on Climate Resilience Initiative. “Using this tragedy as a pivotal moment, we commit to joint advocacy for climate justice and finance on the global stage, emphasizing that Small lsland Developing States and African nations bear the heaviest burden of a climate crisis they did almost nothing to create. “To the governments and peoples of the Caribbean, we say to you that, you are not alone. Africa stands with you! Our solidarity is expressed through our unwavering diplomatic voice, our moral authority, and our commitment to ensure your call for help is heard and acted upon across the world. In extending this hand of friendship and advocacy, we reaffirm that our shared humanity and historical bonds are the most powerful forces against adversity. “Let this be a testament that the resources of solidarity are found in the unwavering commitment to stand together as one family, to speak as one voice, and to demand a global response worthy of the resilience and spirit of the Caribbean people.”
A Federal High Court in Abuja has ordered the remand of a legal practitioner, Ahmed Abdulrahman and four others at the Force Criminal Investigation Department (FCID) until November 10, following their arraignment on an 11-count charge of cyber bullying, advance fee fraud and extortion. The arraignment, instituted by the Inspector General of Police (IGP), targets the five individuals for allegedly blackmailing the Chairman of the Senate Committee on National Security and Intelligence, Senator Shehu Umar Buba. The other defendants are Daure David, Ishaq Abubakar Muhammed, Abdulrashid Abdullahi Musa and Nasiru Usman Abubakar. They all pleaded not guilty when the charges were read before Justice Rita Offili Ajumogobia today, October 30. The charges detail a conspiracy to commit cyberstalking against the Senator. Specifically, in one count, the lawyer, Abdulrahman, was alleged to have intentionally sent a video via his TikTok handle (“Kibanna Channel”) and YouTube channel to defame the lawmaker. The video allegedly linked Senator Buba to the sponsorship of banditry, calling for his investigation. The prosecution noted that the statement was made “by means of computer systems and network, knowing same to be false, for the purpose of causing breakdown of law and order and causing the Senator fear of death.” This offence is contrary to Section 24(1) (5) of the Cybercrimes Act 2015 (as amended) 2024. In another count, one of the co-defendants, Daure David, was accused of attempting to extort ₦5 million from Senator Buba under the false pretense that the money would be used to settle those planning to protest against him. Prosecution Opposes Bail, Citing Repeat Offenses The prosecution counsel, Victor Okoye, vehemently opposed the defense’s bail application, informing the court that shortly after the lawyer was admitted to an administrative bail by the police, he allegedly engaged in two other cyber bullying incidents. Okoye argued that the legal practitioner did not deserve any preferential or special treatment, as the law confers no special status on any legal practitioner involved in criminality. Defense counsel, Affis Matanmi, had moved for bail, reminding the court that his client, as a lawyer of the Supreme Court, had previously honored the administrative bail granted by the police and would not interfere with the investigation. After hearing arguments from both sides, Justice Ajumogobia ordered that the defendants be remanded at the FCID till November 10. The adjournment is to allow the lawyer’s counsel to file a further affidavit and a reply to the prosecution’s counter-affidavit regarding the grave allegations before the court. The matter was subsequently adjourned till November 10 for further hearing. Source: PRNigeria
The Civil Defence, Correctional, Fire and Immigration Services Board (CDCFIB) has asked applicants to check their names on those shortlisted for the Computer-Based Test (CBT) in the ongoing recruitment exercise in the Nigeria’s paramilitary agencies. According to a statement yesterday, October 29, by the Secretary to the Board, retired Major General Abdulmalik Jubril, the shortlisted candidates include applicants for the Nigerian Correctional Service, the Nigeria Immigration Service, the Federal Fire Service and the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps. Major General Jubril advised all applicants to visit the official recruitment portal, https://recruitment.cdcfib.gov.ng from today, Thursday, October 30, 2025, to confirm their status and access details of the next stage. “Candidates are to check if they have been shortlisted for the next stage of the exercise, as well as the centres for the Computer-Based Test (CBT).” He said that successful applicants should carefully note the venue, date and time scheduled for their CBT to avoid missing the opportunity. The Board advised candidates to use only the official portal and to beware of fake websites or individuals claiming to influence the process. “The public is urged to take note of the correct portal address to avoid being scammed. “CDCFIB will not send emails or SMS to applicants. Visit our portal, and once shortlisted, update your profile to print your examination slip. “Follow the instructions carefully.” The CDCFIB had earlier announced that the recruitment exercise would be transparent and merit-based, assuring Nigerians that only qualified candidates would proceed to the next stage.
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, has reversed the presidential pardons granted some of the personalities that were recommended for such pardons, in his final endorsement to relevant authorities. Two of the persons that have been dropped from the pardons are the former member of the Federal House of Representatives, Farouk Lawal and a lady, Maryam Sanda who is serving life jail for killing her husband in Abuja. Her jail term has been reduced to 12 years. A statement today, October 29 by the presidential spokesperson, Bayo Onanuga said that following consultations with the Council of State and public opinion on the matter, the President directed a further review of the initially approved list for consideration in furtherance of the President’s discretionary powers under Section 175(1) & (2) of the 1999 Constitution (as amended). “Consequently, certain persons convicted of serious crimes such as kidnapping, drug-related offences, human trafficking, fraud, unlawful possession of firearms/arms dealing, etc, were deleted from the list. “Others who had been hitherto pardoned in the old list had their sentences commuted.” The presidency said that this action became necessary in view of the seriousness and security implications of some of the offences, the need to be sensitive to the feelings of the victims of the crimes and society in general, the need to boost the morale of law enforcement agencies and adherence to bilateral obligations. “The concept of justice as a three-way traffic for the Accused, the Victim, and the State/Society also guided the review. “The approved list of eligible beneficiaries has been transmitted to the Nigerian Correctional Service for implementation in line with the duly signed instruments of release. “Furthermore, to ensure that future exercises meet public expectations and best practices, the President has directed the immediate relocation of the Secretariat of the Presidential Advisory Committee on Prerogative of Mercy from the Federal Ministry of Special Duties to the Federal Ministry of Justice. President Tinubu also directed the Attorney-General of the Federation to issue appropriate Guidelines for the Exercise of the Power of Prerogative of Mercy, which includes compulsory consultation with relevant prosecuting agencies. “This will ensure that only persons who fully meet the stipulated legal and procedural requirements will henceforth benefit from the issuance of instruments of release. “The President appreciated the constructive feedback and engagement from stakeholders and the general public on this matter. “President Tinubu also reaffirmed his administration’s broader commitment to judicial reforms and improving the administration of justice in Nigeria.”
The former Deputy Governor of Kogi State, Elder Simon Achuba has prayed for the success of the new Chief of Army Staff, Major General Waidi Shaibu. In a statement congratulating the new army helmsman, Achuba prayed God to grant the new Army Chief the wisdom and understanding to finally end the security challenges in the country. Such security challenges include Boko Haram insurgency, banditry, kidnapping, farmers-herdsmen clashes and others. Achuba is confident that Major General Shaibu will bring his wealth of experience to tackle the worrying security situation in the country. According to him, the appointment of Major General Shaibu is a testament to the fact that the federal government is prepared to build a combat-ready, disciplined and people-focused army, capable of decisively confronting emerging security challenges and upholding Nigeria’s pride and honour in peace and war. The former Deputy Governor expressed hope that the Kogi born General would change the narrative on the security situation in the country, even as he advised other service chiefs to work in harmony with him to achieve the goal. Achuba felicitated Kogi state and Nigeria over the appointment of a man of integrity. He expressed gratitude to President Bola Tinubu for the choice of Major General Waidi Shaibu for such a sensitive position.
Former Chief Judge of Lagos State, Justice Ayotunde Phillips is scheduled to chair the Realnews 13th Anniversary Lecture slated for November 19, 2025. The management of Realnews Magazine and Publications Limited, publishers of Realnews Magazine Online, in a statement today, October 28, said that the theme of the lecture would be “Cybersecurity, Illicit Financial Flows and Achieving Agenda 2063 in Africa.” The lecture series is scheduled to be held at Radisson Blu, Ikeja in Lagos, starting by 10 in the morning. Justice Ayotunde Phillips, who also chaired the Lagos State Independent Electoral Commission (LASIEC), assured the organizer of the lecture that she would be available to chair it. In a message, Justice Ayotunde Phillips said: “It is my honour to chair such a distinguished event.” She wil also moderate the panel session at the lecture. Justice Ayotunde Phillips has held several judicial positions during her career on the Bench, such as Chairman, Panel of Inquiry into the sale of the Lagos State Government Shares in Eko Hotels Ltd, 1999; Member Advisory Committee of the Nigeria Rule of Law Assistance Project hosted by the National Centre for State Courts, Washington DC and USAID, June 2000-2004; Member Election Petitions Tribunal, Rivers State, Sept 2000-April 2001; Member Election Petitions Tribunal, Adamawa State, November 2001– March 2002; Probate Judge 2001-2004; Admin Judge, Ikeja Judicial Division March 2009-April 2010; Chairman Welfare Committee High Court of Lagos State 2004-2009; Head Judge, High Court of Lagos State April 2010 to 10th June 2012; Chairman Lagos Settlement Week, Sept 2010 to 10th June 2012.On the 14th June 2012, she was sworn in as the 14th Chief Judge and the 4th female Chief Judge of Lagos State. Her Ladyship retired from the High Court Bench on 26th July 2014 on attainment of the statutory retirement age of 65 years. She served the Lagos State Government for 38 years, out of which 20 years were spent on the High Court Bench. Apart from her love for the law, she enjoys singing, reading, cooking, listening to good music, dancing, watching movies, and travelling. She also has a passion for gadgets and loves exploring the beauty of modern-day technology. Justice Ayotunde Phillips is a member of the Young Women’s Christian Association (YWCA) and International Association of Women Lawyers. (FIDA), International Association of Women Judges (IAWJ), Nigerian Association of Women Judges (NAWJN), World Jurist Association (WJA), Commonwealth Magistrates and Judges Association (CMJA). She is currently the Deputy Chancellor of the Church of Nigeria (Anglican Communion) Diocese of Lagos West, Ikeja, Lagos State. She is also a Member of the Chartered Institute of Arbitrators UK, a Fellow of the Nigerian Institute of Arbitrators, Regional Chair of the Nigerian Conflict and Management Group, Member Board of Trustees, Association of Multi-Door Courthouses of Nigeria, and Member of the Board of Directors of Lagos Court of Arbitration. On the 29th June 2016, she was sworn in as the Chairman of the Lagos State Independent Electoral Commission (LASIEC), whose tenure expired on the 29th December 2021. In May 2017, she was elected as a member of the FIFA Ethics Committee (ADJUDICTORY CHAMBER) and has now been re-elected for a third 4-year term as a member of that chamber. Justice Phillips (Nee: Williams) was born on July 26, 1949, in London, England, United Kingdom, to Justice James Oladipo Williams and Henrietta Aina Williams, both now of blessed memory. Her late Father was a High Court Judge, which makes her a second-generation judge. Publisher and Editor, Maureen Chigbo, in a statement, described Realnews as a general interest magazine, is an online publication that thrives on investigative journalism. She said that it is expert in reporting on the oil and gas sector with its attendant environmental challenges, and aims to unearth exclusive stories about real people and the challenges they face in their day-to-day activities. The publisher said that the publication is a general interest magazine; an online publication that thrives on investigative journalism. “We have expertise in reporting on the oil and gas sector with its attendant environmental challenges. “We aim to unearth exclusive stories about real people and the challenges they face in their day-to-day activities. “We do this bearing in mind that the government can only act to influence the lives of people positively if they are aware of their true situation. “Hence, our objective is to use our investigative skills to ferret out information in the sectors we focus on and produce an unbiased report that will influence the government and decision-makers to take actions that will make society better. “Realnews is populated by seasoned journalists who believe strongly in the tenets and ethics of the profession. “The online publication believes that journalism as the fourth Estate of the Realm, can contribute its quota towards building a fair and just society where fundamental human rights are respected and citizens have the freedom to pursue their interests anywhere in the world without hindrance. “Its editors have a combined experience of several decades in active journalism practice and are highly dedicated to serving humanity.” Maureen Chigbo said the motto of the publishing outfit is: “For God and Humanity.” She said that Realnews Anniversary Lecture Series was established to commemorate the best minds in the society and to tap from them to enrich the discourse in the national development. “The 12th Anniversary Lecture of Realnews was delivered by His Excellency, Ambassador Professor Ibrahim Gambari, former Chief of Staff to President Muhammadu Buhari. “The 11th Anniversary Lecture in 2023 on The Threats of Illicit Funds Flow to the African Economy was delivered by Dr. Edwin W. Harris Jr., Director-General, ECOWAS Inter-Governmental Action Group against Money Laundering in West Africa (GIABA). “The 10th Anniversary lecture in 2022 on “Drug Abuse among Youths in Africa: Implication for Nigerian Economy and 2023 Elections” was delivered by Brig. General Buba Marwa, Chairman, and Chief Executive Officer of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency, NDLEA; the 9th Anniversary Lecture of Realnews in 2021 was delivered by Engr. Simbi Kesiye Wabote, Executive Secretary of the Nigerian Content Development and Monitoring Board on “Nigeria in the Unfolding Integration of the African Market: The Oil and Gas Perspective”; 2020 Eighth Anniversary Lecture of Realnews was delivered by Boss Mustapha, Secretary to the Government of the Federation and Chairman of the Presidential Taskforce on COVID-19 on Managing COVID-19 Pandemic in Africa: The Nigeria Experience; Former President John Dramani Mahama of Ghana gave the 2019 Lecture on Beyond Politics: An Economic Narrative for West Africa while Prof. Mahmood Yakubu spoke on Political Transitions and Africa’s Economic Development: Preparations for Nigeria’s 2019 General Elections at the 2018 Lecture. “The 2017 Fifth Anniversary Lecture on African Leadership in a Turbulent Era was delivered by Dr. Oby Ezekwesili, former Minister of Education and former World Bank Vice President. “The 2016 Fourth Anniversary Lecture on Security and National Development in Plural Democratic Society was delivered by Dr. Mohamed Ibn Chambas, former United Nations Secretary General’s Special Representative to West Africa and Sahel; the 2015 Realnews Third Anniversary Lecture was delivered by Professor Chukwuma Charles Soludo, former Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) on November 19, 2015, under the theme: It’s The Nigerian Economy, Stupid? The Second Realnews Anniversary Lecture on Nigerian Democracy: Getting it Right in 2014 was delivered by Professor Maurice Iwu, former Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).”
Governor Babagana Umara Zulum has given a brand new Toyota Corolla to retired Justice Hadiza Ali-Jos. Justice Hadiza, who rejected the sum of $200,000 (about N300 million), had no car to herself after retirement. It would be recalled that when the retired judge was serving as Chairman of an Election Petitions Tribunal, she rejected a bribe of the sum of $200,000. When the givers refused to take the money away and left, she paid the dollars to the government’s coffers and gave her judgment against them. It was gathered that when the Chief Judge of Borno State, Justice Kashim Zannah mentioned to Governor Zulum that the retired judge had transportation issues, the governor was reported to have shouted: “intolerable and unacceptable.” Governor Zulum reasoned that it was not fair for such an honest judge to serve with integrity and face such challenges in retirement. The governor then promptly ordered the Chief Judge to procure the car which he did, delivering it to the retired judge at her home in Abuja yesterday, October 27.
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What Does President Trump Want In Nigeria? By Yusuf Ozi-Usman
One is constrained to throw the big question as shown in the title of this piece for more than two reasons.
First, it is on record that the U.S Department of State under International Religious Freedom Act (IRFA) first designated Nigeria as a Country of Particular Concern (CPC) on 2nd December 2020 during the first coming of Donald Trump as President. The designation was lifted by the U.S on 17th November 2021 under the presidency of Joe Budden.
It’s curious that the same Trump, who returned to power a couple of years ago still slammed Nigeria, a few hours ago, with the same appellation, based majorly on false security and or diplomatic narration of what Nigeria is all about, though there may be some kind of positive points embedded in it for Nigeria.
Let us first understand the concept and implementations of the United States designating a country a “Country of Particular Concern (CPC).” Such designation carries significant diplomatic, political and sometimes economic implications.
The designation is made under the International Religious Freedom Act (IRFA) of 1998 of the United States, and it applies to countries that engage in or tolerate particularly severe violations of religious freedom.
The U.S. Department of State, through its Office, of International Religious Freedom, designates CPCs annually.
A “particularly severe violation of religious freedom” means systematic, ongoing and egregious violations, such as torture, prolonged detention or persecution based on religion.
A country so designated faces subtle diplomatic Pressure. As a matter of fact, the designation is a strong form of official condemnation by the U.S government and it can strain diplomatic relations between the U.S. and the designated country.
The U.S often uses this as a tool to push for policy changes, such as the release of prisoners of conscience or reforms to religious laws.
Once designated, a country may face U.S sanctions under various laws, such as economic sanctions, including restrictions on aid or trade, arms embargoes or restrictions on security assistance and travel bans on certain officials involved in abuses.
Being labeled a CPC can damage a country’s international reputation, especially regarding human rights.
It can affect foreign investment, tourism, and international cooperation.
The country might face increased scrutiny from international organizations, NGOs and other governments.
The U.S often pairs CPC designation with recommendations and dialogue.
Some countries make policy or legal changes to be removed from the list, by repealing anti-conversion or blasphemy laws.
Countries that have been designated as CPCs include China, for persecution of Uyghur Muslims, Christians and Falun Gong practitioners; North Korea, for systematic repression of all religious activity; Iran, for persecution of Baháʼís and other minorities and Eritrea, for detention and torture of religious adherents outside state-approved faiths.
In the case of Nigeria, the U.S (President Trump) got the circumstances for designating the country as CPC wrong.
It is not as if the situation in Nigeria is that of “we and them.” In other words, it is not a situation where christians are grouped in one side (of the country) and Muslims are grouped in another side. Or it is not as if Muslims line up Christians and begin to kill them in a row (genocide, according to the picture being painted).
It is indeed, a common knowledge that Muslims and Christians live together in many communities in the country, even with cases where you get Christians and Muslims as members of the same family. There are also cases where the adherencts of the two major religions intermarry, bear children that embrace religion of their choice in-between.
Secondly, the religious insurgents, like Boko Haram, and its like claim to be Islamic base, but have been fighting and killing just anybody that is at variance with their morbid concepts, beliefs and practices, whether Muslims, Christians or anyone else.
Thirdly, the headquarters of Boko Haram is in Borno state, with over 90 percent Muslims making up the population and therefore, it is clear that most of the victims of Boko Haram are Muslims. The same thing applies to places like Yobe State and other states in the core North.
If Christians are being killed in their hundreds (genocide) for example, Bishop Mathew Hassan Kukah would not have found it comfortable to live in Sokoto, the headquarters of Khalifate, as Catholic Bishop of the Diocese of Sokoto. He was appointed as Bishop of Sokoto Diocese by Pope Benedict XVI on June 10, 2011, and consecrated on September 8, 2011.
The Sokoto Diocese covers the northwestern part of Nigeria, a region with a predominantly Muslim population and a small Christian minority.
There are thousands and millions of Christians in many parts of the northern Nigeria, either as indigenes or none indigenes that would prefer to remain in the North than going to elsewhere in the country to live.
However, the good thing about Trump designating Nigeria as Country of Particular Concern is the possibility of accelerating solution to the lingering security challenges, posed by insurgents, the bandits and other criminals, which many sane people believe, some leaders in different sections, are or have been benefiting from.
The provision in the Act instituting CPC which gives the U.S the power to issue travel ban and probably seize the assets of those who are identified as beneficiaries and or sponsors of the security challenges, should be fully implemented, believing that the U.S has their list.
All said, it is obviously a shame on the leadership of Nigeria that they allow a situation which they can easily handle to degenerate to a point where another sovereign nation like Nigeria would have to intervene for the purpose of sanitizing the system that has gone unruly.
By my orientation and belief, I have never agreed that America has any special qualifications to play the role of God as they often want to show but, by my patriotic instinct, the Americans or even any other nation, is welcome to put our leaders, as much as possible, on the right track to sanity.
After all, Boko Haram, Bandits, kidnappers and their likes are not invincibles, and couldn’t have been invincibles for all these years they have reign terror on our individual and collective security.
Sentiment apart, what President Trump is simply implying, especially in threatening to invade Nigeria to wipe out terrorists and bandits, is that the country (Nigeria) has no proactive, performing and caring leaders to save the citizens from lingering insecurity.