The Inspector General of Police (IGP), Usman Alkali Baba, has given details about how310,973 personnel in the Force will be deployed, along with other security formations, to guard 176,846 polling units in 8,809 wards of the 36 states of the federation and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT0 in the nation’s general elections, beginning with Presidential and National Assembly poll next week Saturday, February 25.
The IGP, who spoke to news men today, February 16 in the series of ministerial media briefing at the Presidential villa, Abuja, said that a total of 404,106 personnel from various security agencies would be deployed for the conduct of the general elections.
“From INEC records, there exist 176,846 polling units in 8,809 wards of the 36 states of the federation and FCT, where the elections will be conducted.
“The Nigeria Police, with the support of other security agencies, has perfected plans to deploy, in a coordinated and collaborative manner, to cover all these locations.
“The deployment will cover the National Collation Center in Abuja, as well as other collation centres across states of the Federation, the FCT and the 774 local areas of the Federation.
“In view of the above, Nigeria police will deploy 310,973 personnel for the elections security operations. This will comprise of the conventional policemen, the mobile policemen, the special counterterrorism unit, the special forces, the intelligence response team and other sections of the police.
“The manpower requirement for this exercise will be complemented by the military and other security agencies.
“In this regard, aside from the military and the DSS, other security agencies will contribute a total of 93,495 personnel for the election security operations. These include the Nigerian Security and Civil Defence Corps, which will deploy, through the Police, 151,000 personnel; the Federal Road Safety Corps, 21,000; Nigerian Correctional Service 11,336; the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency, 9,447; Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, 350, totalling 404,106 to police the elections.
“With this layout, a minimum of at least two personnel, drawn from the above agencies, will be jointly deployed to man each of the polling units across the country while the armed personnel will secure the public space, INEC facilities, vulnerable locations, border areas, as well as undertake armed escort duties for INEC personnel, materials and local and international observers.
“We also expect the military to complement this situation by providing armed protection to critical national assets, ensure that the enforcement of movements is curtailed through the blocking of exit points and entry points to various states, local governments and so forth.”
The IGP, who listed some threats against the conduct of the elections including fuel scarcity and cash squeeze, assured that the situation with both would stabilise before the commencement of the exercise.
“We are very sure the situation of cash and petrol will stabilize before the conduct of the election.”
The police boss said that an intelligence unit has been put in place to track and apprehend those who might engage in vote buying and others who might want to disrupt the exercise.
“As part of efforts to address the menace of votes selling and buying, a special intelligence unit of the force has been constituted to clandestinely monitor the trend and work with EFCC, ICPC and INEC in identifying the network that may be involved in this illegality and apprehend them where possible.
“In addition, the unique technical intelligence assets of the force are also being deployed towards identifying adverse elements that may be planning to disrupt the process.”
The Governor of River State, Nyesom Wike has said that Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu, the All Progressives Congress (APC) Presidential candidate, has the character and courage needed for Nigeria. Wike said that he owes nobody apology for making the declarative endorsement while wishing Tinubu luck in his presidential bid. He spoke when he received Tinubu at the Government House, Port Harcourt, shortly after the APC candidate’s campaign rally yesterday, February 15. “I have no apology to anybody to say nobody born of a woman can intimidate me. You have never changed party one day. That tells of your character and courage and that is what we require in this country.” Governor Wike, however, advised Tinubu not to encourage further funding on the APC governorship candidate in Rivers State Tonye Cole, saying that he has no chance against Siminaliayi Fubura, who is the candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP). Wike acknowledged that Tinubu, a former Lagos Governor has never changed political party and holds firm to what he believes in, saying that he copied some of his (Wike’s) governorship policies that have brought him praise, particularly quality welfare for judicial officers, from the policies of Tunubu when he was Lagos Governor. “Let me advice you, don’t spend any more money on your governorship candidate here (Rivers), because he doesn’t stand the chance of winning.” Wike Berated the PDP presidential candidate, Atiku Abubakar, for lacking character in switching political parties and not being a promise keeper in the agreement to let party chairmanship go to South after he won the party ticket.
The Finnish Government has reportedly given Simon Ekpa 48 hours to reverse all his pronouncements amounting to international terrorism against Nigeria or be arrested and charged with international terrorism. A statement today, February 16, signed by Sanna Mirella Marin for Prime Minister of Finland, warmed Ekpa to desist from such nefarious activities which are capable of disturbing the peace and causing bloodshed. The Finnish Government expressed worry over his imposition of sit-at-homes on days slated for democratic elections in Nigeria. “Following complaints by Nigerians in Finland and the Nigerian Government about your various pronouncements, using social media outlets, to impose sit-at-homes in Nigeria, you are hereby warned to desist from such nefarious activities which are capable of disturbing the peace and causing bloodshed. “More worrying to the Finnish Government is your imposition of sit-at-homes on days slated for democratic elections in Nigeria. This is an act of international terrorism. You are hereby directed to call off your planned sit-at-homes by pronouncing through the same media outlets, you used for your illegal pronouncements, a reversal of your sit-at-home orders. “Mr Simon Ikpa, you have 48 hours to reverse course or you will be arrested and charged with international terrorism. This is an act of international terrorism. You are hereby directed to call off your planned sit-at-homes by pronouncing through the same media outlets, you used for your illegal pronouncements, a reversal of your sit-at-home orders. “Mr Simon Ikpa, you have 48 hours to reverse course or you will be arrested and charged with international terrorism,” the statement read. The Prime Minister also directed his Attorney General, Raija Toiviainen, to ensure that his directive is immediately carried out.
President Muhammadu Buhari has directed the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) to continue to accept the old N200 note as legal tender up to April 10 this year while old N500 and N1,000 notes can be redeemed henceforth, only at the CBN designated points.
In a nation-wide broadcast this morning, February 16, the President said that the shift in the implementation of the new monetary policy is meant to further ease the supply pressures, particularly to Nigerians.
“I have given approval to the CBN that the old N200 bank notes be released back into circulation and that it should also be allowed to circulate as legal tender with the new N200, N500, and N1000 banknotes for 60 days from February 10, 2023 to April 10 2023 when the old N200 notes ceases to be legal tender.”
President Buhari said that in line with Section 20(3) of the CBN Act 2007, all existing old N1,000 and N500 notes remain redeemable at the CBN and designated points.
“Considering the health of our economy and the legacy we must bequeath to the next administration and future generations of Nigerians, I admonish every citizen to strive harder to make their deposits by taking advantage of the platforms and windows being provided by the CBN.”
Buhari assured Nigerians that his government would continue to assess the implementation with a view to ensuring that Nigerians are not unnecessarily burdened.
He said that the CBN would also ensure that new notes become more available and accessible to the citizens through the banks.
Full text of the Presidential broadcast is reproduced here:
I have found it necessary to address you today, on the state of the nation and to render account on the efforts of our administration to sustain and strengthen our economy, enhance the fight against corruption and sustain our gains in the fight against terrorism and insecurity which has, undoubtedly, been impacted by several internal and external factors.
Particularly, I am addressing you, as your democratically elected President, to identify with you and express my sympathy, over the difficulties being experienced as we continue the implementation of new monetary policies, aimed at boosting our economy and tightening of the loopholes associated with money laundering.
Let me re-assure Nigerians, that strengthening our economy, enhancing security and blockage of leakages associated with illicit financial flows remain top priority of our administration. And I shall remain committed to my oath of protecting and advancing the interest of Nigerians and the nation, at all times.
In the last quarter of 2022, I authorised the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) to redesign the N200, N500, and N1000 Nigerian banknotes.
For a smooth transition, I similarly approved that the redesigned banknotes should circulate concurrently with the old bank notes, till 31 January 2023, before the old notes, cease to be legal tender.
In appreciation of the systemic and human difficulties encountered during implementation and in response to the appeal of all citizens, an extension of ten days was authorized till 10th February, 2023 for the completion of the process. All these activities are being carried out within the ambit of the Constitution, the relevant law under the CBN Act 2007 and in line with global best practices.
Fellow citizens, while I seek your understanding and patience during this transient phase of implementation, I feel obliged to avail you a few critical points underpinning the policy decision. These include:
The need to restore the statutory ability of the CBN to keep a firm control over money in circulation. In 2015 when this administration commenced its first term, Currency-in-Circulation was only N1.4trillion.
The proportion of currency outside banks grew from 78%in 2015 to 85% in 2022. As of October 2022, therefore, currency in circulation had risen to N3.23 trillion; out of which only N500 billion was within the Banking System while N2.7 trillion remained permanently outside the system; thereby distorting the financial policy and efficient management of inflation;
The huge volume of Bank Notes outside the banking system has proven to be practically unavailable for economic activities and by implication, retard the attainment of potential economic growth;
Economic growth projections make it imperative for government to aim at expanding financial inclusion in the country by reducing the number of the unbanked population; and
Given the prevailing security situation across the country, which keeps improving, it also becomes compelling for government to deepen its continuing support for security agencies to successfully combat banditry and ransom-taking in Nigeria
Notwithstanding the initial setbacks experienced, the evaluation and feedback mechanism set up has revealed that gains have emerged from the policy initiative.
I have been reliably informed that since the commencement of this program, about N2.1 trillion out of the banknotes previously held outside the banking system, had been successfully retrieved.
This represents about 80% of such funds. In the short to medium and long terms, therefore, it is expected that there would be:
A strengthening of our macro economic parameters;
Reduction of broad money supply leading to a deceleration of the velocity of money in the economy which should result in less pressures on domestic prices;
Lowering of Inflation as a result of the accompanying decline in money supply that will slow the pace of inflation;
Collapse of Illegal Economic Activities which would help to stem corruption and acquisition of money through illegal ways;
Exchange Rate stability;
Availability of Easy Loans and lowering of interest rates; and
Greater visibility and transparency of our financial actions translating to efficient enforcement of our anti- money laundering legislations.
I am not unaware of the obstacles placed on the path of innocent Nigerians by unscrupulous officials in the banking industry, entrusted with the process of implementation of the new monetary policy. I am deeply pained and sincerely sympathise with you all, over these unintended outcomes.
To stem this tide, I have directed the CBN to deploy all legitimate resources and legal means to ensure that our citizens are adequately educated on the policy; enjoy easy access to cash withdrawal through availability of appropriate amount of currency; and ability to make deposits.
I have similarly directed that the CBN should intensify collaboration with anti-corruption agencies, so as to ensure that any institution or person(s) found to have impeded or sabotaged the implementation should be made to bear the full weight of the law.
During the extended phase of the deadline for currency swap, I listened to invaluable pieces of advice from well meaning citizens and institutions across the nation.
I similarly consulted widely with representatives of the State Governors as well as the Council of State. Above all, as an administration that respects the rule of law, I have also noted that the subject matter is before the courts of our land and some pronouncements have been made.
To further ease the supply pressures particularly to our citizens, I have given approval to the CBN that the old N200 bank notes be released back into circulation and that it should also be allowed to circulate as legal tender with the new N200, N500, and N1000 banknotes for 60 days from February 10, 2023 to April 10 2023 when the old N200 notes ceases to be legal tender.
In line with Section 20(3) of the CBN Act 2007, all existing old N1000 and N500 notes remain redeemable at the CBN and designated points.
Considering the health of our economy and the legacy we must bequeath to the next administration and future generations of Nigerians, I admonish every citizen to strive harder to make their deposits by taking advantage of the platforms and windows being provided by the CBN.
Let me assure Nigerians that our administration will continue to assess the implementation with a view to ensuring that Nigerians are not unnecessarily burdened. In this regard, the CBN shall ensure that new notes become more available and accessible to our citizens through the banks.
I wish to once more appeal for your understanding till we overcome this difficult transient phase within the shortest possible time.
Fellow citizens, on the 25th of February, 2023 the nation would be electing a new President and National Assembly members. I am aware that this new monetary policy has also contributed immensely to the minimization of the influence of money in politics.
This is a positive departure from the past and represents a bold legacy step by this administration, towards laying a strong foundation for free and fair elections.
I urge every citizen therefore, to go out to vote for their candidates of choice without fear, because security shall be provided and your vote shall count.
I however admonish you to eschew violence and avoid actions capable of disrupting the electoral processes. I wish us all a successful General Elections.
Thank you for listening. God bless the Federal Republic of Nigeria.
Nigerian Content Development and Monitoring Board (NCDMB), has signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with the Technical Secretary of the National Content Monitoring Committee of Senegal (ST-CNSCL), on regional collaboration to deepen local content.
The Senegalese National Content Monitoring Committee is an agency that is responsible for the coordination and supervision of the development and implementation of the local content strategies in the Senegalese oil and gas sector.
Under the terms of the MoU, NCDMB will offer ST-CNSCL strategic advice and guidance in the areas of laws, frameworks, knowledge exchange, procedures for baseline study, data collection on capacities that exist in Senegal, design of strategic plan for local content implementation in Senegal and other capacity development initiatives.
The Executive Secretary of the NCDMB, Engr. Simbi Kesiye Wabote, while signing the MoU at the opening of the 7th SAIPEC Sub-Saharan Africa International Petroleum Exhibition and Conference in Lagos on Tuesday, proposed strategies that would break down barriers and promote cross-border collaboration amongst governments and businesses.
He stressed the need the need for peer review mechanisms, and sharing of experiences and ideas on industry sustainability and growth.
Wabote drew the attention of sub-Saharan Africa’s Ministers of Petroleum to the relatively high crude oil price levels and upswing potentials experienced from 2021 to date and the geo-political dynamics at play, highlighting the challenge for African oil and gas service providers “to partake in the development and maintenance of oil fields,” which could be best facilitated through a deliberate action plan.
In his paper entitled: “Sub-Saharan Africa Local Content Collaboration Strategies,” the Executive Secretary said the action plan under consideration centres on legal framework, funding, infrastructure, human capacity development, and research and development. He equally highlighted initiatives and grounds covered by the Nigerian Government through the NCDMB in local content development and how other African oil producers could benefit from these.
A legal framework, as he pointed out, is an enabling legal or regulatory framework, a basic requirement “to drive and develop local content sustainability.” That would be the critical instrument “to forge a collaborative Africa local content strategy.” That requirement, he observed, has been taken care of by the African Continental Free Trade Agreement (AfCFTA), which he noted “created the world’s largest free trade area by integrating 1.3 billion people across 54 African countries, with the objective of tapping into a combined Gross Domestic Product (GDP) of over $3 trillion.”
In the area of infrastructure, he cited Dangote Integrated Refinery and Petrochemical Company, with an installed capacity of 650,000 barrels per stream day (bpsd), which he noted would “afford Nigeria and other African countries the partnership opportunities for sourcing petroleum products and fertilizer.” Other critical infrastructure cited were Lekki Free Trade Zone, SHI-MCI FPSO Fabrication/Integration Yard, Lagos, West African Gas Pipeline Project, the ongoing AKK gas transmission pipeline, and NCDMB’s seven Nigerian Oil and Gas Parks (NOGAPS), two of which are due for commissioning in 2023.
The occasion provided an opportunity for the Executive Secretary to invite business organizations from the sub-Saharan region interested in the manufacture of equipment, components and spares relevant to oil and gas operations to apply for spaces in the industrial parks at Emeyal II in Bayelsa State, and Odukpani, Cross River State.
With regards to funding, he expressed satisfaction for progress made towards establishing an Africa Energy Bank to address financing challenges of Africa’s oil and gas projects in an era of declining investments in fossil fuels.
For human capacity development, the NCDMB boss noted its importance “to the successful implementation of local content as every intervention will be powered by humans – either through intellect, skill set or both.” Research and Development is similarly pivotal to successful implementation of local content.
Engr Simbi was profusely thankful to the Petroleum Technology Association of Nigeria (PETAN) for “graciously hosting and dutifully organizing this auspicious event year after year.” In his concluding remarks he expressed the hope that the Association would look into “how to develop and showcase indigenous technology at SAIPEC.”
Lawyer to the Kaduna, Kogi and Zamfara State governments on the old naira notes which the Supreme Court ruled that it should continue to be legal tend, Abdulkareem Mustapha has described the action of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) defying such ruling, as executive lawlessness.
“The (Supreme) Court’s order has been flouted by the government. We are talking of executive lawlessness here. We have filed an affidavit to that effect… We want the court to renew the order for parties to be properly guided.”
Speaking today, February 15, during the proceeding, lawyer Mustapha said that the Federal Government and its agencies have allegedly directed the rejection of the old notes thereby failing to comply with the 8 February court order, Punch reports.
He said that the plaintiff filed a notice of non-compliance with the order of the court order made on 8 February.
“The order has been flouted by the government. We are talking of executive lawlessness here. We have filed an affidavit to that effect… We want the court to renew the order for parties to be properly guided,” he said.
Responding, Justice Okoro asked Mustapha to file a proper application and put forward his complaints, which according to him, would enable the respondent to respond appropriately.
Justice Okoro said that there was no need for a renewal of the court’s order since the order made by the court on 8 February was made pending the determination of the motion for injunctions filed by the plaintiff.
He maintained that the order still subsists since the motion was not yet heard.
In a unanimous ruling, a seven-man panel of the Supreme Court had last week Wednesday, granted an interim injunction restraining the Federal Government of Nigeria from implementing the Central Bank of Nigeria’s 10 February deadline for the swapping of the old naira notes with the new ones.
The judgment followed a motion ex-parte on behalf of three northern states Kaduna, Kogi and Zamfara, who on 3 February filed a suit seeking to halt the implementation of the CBN’s policy.
The Supreme Court, today, February 15, adjourned hearing in the suit banning the use of the old naira to next week Wednesday, 22 February 2023. This is coming after nine governors joined the suit initially filed by Kogi, Kaduna and Zamfara states.
The States are Katsina, Lagos, Cross River, Ogun, Ekiti, Ondo and Sokoto, bringing the new total of plaintiffs to ten. On the other hand, Edo and Bayelsa have filed to be joined as respondents.
The seven-man panel led by Justice John Okoro ordered them to amend their processes to be heard as one.
Four persons, including a nursing mother, were reported to have died in Benin, the Edo State capital, in protest by angry residents around the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), over the scarcity of naira notes.
It was reported that two persons were killed on the Akpakpava road where the CBN office is located, one at Sakpoba road, while the nursing mother was killed by stray bullet while waiting at the ATM spot to withdraw cash.
Report had it that angry residents had today, February 15, besieged the CBN to swap old notes, following its rejection by banks, fuel stations and market women.
Trouble started when an unmarked Toyota Hilux which the protesters believed was from the government office, coming to the CBN to collect new cash wanted to enter the bank
This was said to have angered the customers, who rejected and started throwing stones at the vehicle before security agents brought the situation under control.
The protest snowballed into crisis when other protesters from Mission road and Sakpoba road started attacking the CBN by throwing stones and other objects with the attempt to break in.
One of the protesters who gave his name as Abraham, alleged that government officials wanted to collect new notes from the CBN, hence the people had to stop them.
He said the police responded by firing tear gas and bullets in the air and in the process three people were killed.
The angry protesters later moved into the town attacking and vandalizing banks offices across the state.
It was gathered that UBA, First Bank, Keystone, Access bank, Unity banks, Polaris banks had their ATMs vandalised.
Following the development, banks across the state hurriedly closed down so hoodlums.
Another protester, Godwin Osemwingie, told Daily Trust that he saw three corpses on the ground while others sustained injuries.
“The problem right now is that I went to the bank to deposit my old naira notes, they said they are not accepting it and even the bus drivers are also rejecting it,” he said.
On his part, Osasere Enadaghe, said he went to Bureau D’ Change (BDC) to exchange 50 euro currency for naira and was given old naira notes of N30,000, but when he got to where he intended buying some items, the sellers rejected it.
“What I see in this place now is very peculiar to us. We are passing through a difficult time. We don’t know where we are going or where we are coming from.”
Presidential candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Asiwaju Bola Tinubu has appealed to the people of Rivers State, particularly youths, to ensure that the next election is hitch-free and devoid of violence.
“Let us work hard and build a nation, a nation where peace, unity, stability, joy and happiness will reign supreme. We should be working together not killing one another.”
Addressing an impressive rally at the Yakubu Gowon Stadium in Port Harcourt, the State capital, Asiwaju Tinubu stressed without peace and unity, the country cannot progress and achieve prosperity.
He promised to work to ensure increased security in the state and South-South region, and provide effective protection for oil installations in the region.
The APC candidate paid special tribute to Abubakar Asari Dokubo who he described as his friend and brother.
“Asari Dokubo is a very bold and courageous worker. Brave and honest. Since I encountered him, he has been very consistent and straightforward.”
Meanwhile the APC National Chairman, Senator Abdullahi Adamu has condemned the opposition People’s Democratic Party (PDP) for reneging on its promise to field a Southern candidate and work toward a Southern president in 2023 after power would have resided in the North for eight years.
“PDP does not know the essence of promise. When you make a promise, you keep it. On our part, we are honourable people. We have a full-fledged Southerner as our candidate. What the PDP failed to do, we have done. What the party failed to give the South, APC has given the South. So as Southerners, please the people of Rivers, play your part by voting APC. Let your vote speak for you.”
At the rally, the APC flag was handed over to the governorship candidate in the state, Tonye Cole.
Cole promised the people a new government that is responsive to their yearning, urging them to vote the party at all levels.
The rally was attended among others by APC Vice Presidential Candidate Senator Kashim Shettima, Governors Atiku Bagudu (Kebbi), Dave Umahi (Ebonyi) and Babajide Sanwo-olu (Lagos) as well as former Ekiti State governor Dr. Kayode Fayemi and his former Edo State counterpart, Comrade Adams Oshiomhole.
Others included Minister of State (Petroleum) Chief Timprey Sylva, Deputy National Chairman (South), Barrister Emma Enekwu and his Northern counterpart, Senator Abubakar Kyari, National Vice Chairman (South-South) Chief Victor Giadom Nigeria’s Ambassador to Jamaica Maureen Tamuno, Pastor Osagie Ise-Iyamu and Comrade Isa Aremu.
As President Muhammadu Buhari prepares himself for a happy return to his comfortable country home in Daura, Katsina State, after nearly eight years in office, a 19-year old, tender, innocent girl named Leah Sharibu remains a hapless, pathetic, unspeakably traumatized captive of Boko Haram terrorists, obviously, under the most dehumanizing conditions.
Given what has, reportedly, been the horrible experiences of young, beautiful girls like Leah who have been captured by these terrorists, one is really scared to imagine the extent of savage violations she might have been subjected to for over five years now! It is heartbreaking that she hardly gets mentioned again these days, especially, by those whose job it is to rescue and bring her home to her grieving parents and siblings!
Has Nigeria woefully failed Leah Sharibu then? Has President Buhari who may have her age mates as grandchildren forgotten her? Has he given up hope of ever bringing her home again to her heartbroken parents? Will he leave her in the horrible den of terrorists as he happily retires to the comfort his home and family in Daura in the next few months?
What happened to Buhari’s very loud, almost 5-year old promise to rescue her quickly? Or even his firm pledge during the campaigns for his first term that he would end the Boko Haram menace in six months and ensure the freedom of all their captives? What did he have in mind when he was making those promises? Has he exhausted all his ideas and strategies for ending terrorism and banditry? What in his assessment was the result of his efforts in this regard after nearly eight years in office? Or was he merely dropping those campaign promises (just to get the people’s votes) after which he hurriedly forgot them as soon as he won the election and settled into the limitless comfort of presidential office in Nigeria?
Leah was among the 110 students of the Government Girls’ Science and Technical College, Dapchi, Yobe State, abducted by Boko Haram terrorists on February 19, 2018. She was only 14 then. When in March of the same year news broke that the terrorists had brought back the girls with the same fanfare they had taken them away – like kids going on an excursion, Leah’s parents rejoiced like the other parents, and rushed down to embrace their beloved child and take her home. But on discovering that her child was not released with her classmates, Leah’s mother, Rebecca Sharibu, fainted. The shock was too much for her.
Speaking of her experience later, she said, weeping profusely: “My heart was broken when I searched through the released girls and could not set my eyes on my dear daughter, Leah”.
Leah’s equally traumatized father, Nathaniel Sharibu, could only sorrowfully plead that serious effort should be deployed to bring his daughter back: “Nigeria must do all within its powers to bring back my daughter the same way they did to others.” Now, after nearly five years and no heartwarming news had come in about his beloved daughter, the only girl in the family, his conclusion would probably be that he merely sang ballads to the deaf!
The terrorists had refused to release Leah because she is a Christian and had refused to renounce her faith and convert to Islam as they demanded. That was her unpardonable offence which she has continued to pay dearly for. Her heart must have bled as she watched the other girls go home, but she remained firm in her resolve not to trade her faith for her freedom. She is a heroine of the Christian faith.
Now, how does Leah see Nigeria and her leaders today? An American boy will look you straight in the face and declare that he is ready to die for America any day, anywhere, and he means every word he uttered. Same goes for youths from several other countries. Why? They know very well that should any of them be in trouble anywhere in the world, their country would spare no resources and efforts to rescue them. Their leaders are patriotic and humane and sincerely love and care for the people they are governing. They tower far above those callous and selfish leaders who only remember hapless captives like Leah Sharibu when they want to use their predicament to score cheap political points!
On Saturday, June 23, 2018, a young football team in Thailand, made up of 12 boys between the ages of 11 and 16, went missing with their coach in a Northern Thailand cave. The world stood in awe as their country went all out to trace and bring them home. Nobody bothered to ask why they embarked on such an adventure. That was no longer necessary. The most important thing was their safety. The whole country and their leaders became united in their resolve to rescue the boys and gave themselves no rest until they were found and brought out to safety. The dedication and concern of the Thai leaders aroused the sympathy of the world which moved in to help.
In saner countries, the worsening insecurity in Nigeria and the fact that many of our citizens are either in captivity or brutally displaced are enough reasons to inspire in Gen Buhari the noble decision to stand down from office. But in these parts, people seek power not to serve the citizenry, but largely to wallow in the glamour and luxury of the office. So, even if they run the country completely aground, they would still remain there even if to play the undertaker. The verdict of history holds no attraction for them.
So, as Buhari prepares to retire to his comfortable home and into the loving arms of his wife and children, Leah Sharibu’s hot tears continue to flow in the terrorist’s den. For five excruciating years, she must have looked out each day for the rescue team that is yet to even take off. Sense of loneliness and abandonment has remained her daily sources of additional torments. Maybe, the Buhari regime had wished that we forgot Leah and moved on – like they seem to have done with the Chibok girls. It is now clear that the horrible plight of the Chibok girls was merely a very effective tool for winning the 2015 election, and nothing more!
Nigeria is today bleeding at all corners. The universities are still battling to recover from the eight months’ clearly avoidable strike by lecturers even as the government strives to weaken the toiling hands of the teachers with very punitive decisions on their welfare.
Since the past few months, Nigerians have been groaning under one of the worst, seemingly intractable petrol crisis in this country that has unleashed overwhelming hardship on the populace, a situation that has now been horribly compounded by the unavailability of the newly redesigned naira notes for the common man to purchase food and services even at very prohibitive prices.
Is this the kind of badly battered Nigeria that Buhari is leaving behind after eight years as president? Very Pathetic and sad!
*Ugochukwu Ejinkeonye, a journalist and writer and can be reached on Amazon.com) (scruples2006@yahoo.com)
A group, Alumni Association of the National Institute (AANI), has expressed concern on the implications of the current naira and fuel scarcity to the forthcoming general elections across the country.
The President of the group and former Inspector General of Police, Muhammed D. Abubakar, in a statement today, February 14, said that the prevailing economic difficulties in the country have been aggravated by additional tension, occasioned by perennial fuel scarcity and cashless policy.
The statement, signed by the group’s National Publicity Secretary, retired Brigadier General Sani Kukasheka Usman, quoted M.D Abubakar as advising the government to find practical solutions to the challenges before the general elections.
He called on the government to ensure that an enabling environment is created for Nigerians in all parts of the country to freely exercise their franchise.
Abubakar stressed that reliable elections and a smooth handover of power would strengthen Nigeria’s democracy and help it reach its full potential.
He further called on the Federal Government of Nigeria, security agencies, and the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to intensify efforts towards a credible and violence-free election in all parts of the country. The former IGP condemned all forms of electoral malpractice, including intimidation, vote-buying and election violence.
He urged all contestants for the various elective positions to eschew violence and money politics and uphold global best practices and focus on the issues of security, welfare, and economic prosperity of Nigerians, over and above personal and pecuniary interests. He also urged politicians to follow the rules and respect the results of elections and advised voters to choose candidates based on their skills and honesty rather than putting their children’s and grandchildren’s futures at risk for small sums of money or ephemeral items.
He said that, as part of its efforts to promote credible elections, AANI will observe the forthcoming elections across the country, adding that the group will not be biased when it comes to watching elections and will do its job as a national organisation with the utmost dedication and impartiality, just like it did during the last elections. He recalled that AANI had held a national conference on national unity in September 2022, which came up with far-reaching recommendations for implementation by the government and other stakeholders, adding that the association is always available for partnership and further collaboration to enhance national unity and cohesion.
He rated the Association as the foremost national association of a diverse group of eminent Nigerian men and women that cut across professional, socio-cultural, economic, and political affiliations in the country, trained on the rudiments of policy formulation and strategy and have been contributing to national development through its mission: “To serve as a think tank to the government of Nigeria,” vision:”To promote the noble ideas of a better society,” and the motto: “Towards a better society.”
He said that the association is the most important think tank for Nigeria’s federal, state, and local governments.
“It has been contributing objectively to the national conversation on many issues that affect Nigeria’s growth and development and give the government the right recommendations and implementation strategies.”
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Nigerian Content Development and Monitoring Board (NCDMB), has signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with the Technical Secretary of the National Content Monitoring Committee of Senegal (ST-CNSCL), on regional collaboration to deepen local content.
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