Young members of the main opposition Peoples Democrat Party (PDP) today, August 3, stormed the National Secretariat of the party, demanding the resignation of its National Chairman, Dr. Iyorchia Ayu.
The youths, acting under the aegis of Concerned Deltans for Good Governance, were at the Wadata Plaza, to register their displeasure over what they described as the refusal of the party chairman to obey an order of the Federal High Court which sacked Sheriff Oborevwori as the PDP governorship candidate in next year’s governorship election in Delta.
Recall that the court order which was delivered by Justice Taiwo Taiwo declared Olorogun David Edevbie as the lawfully nominated and authentic candidate of the party.
It also directed the PDP to forward Edevbie’s name to the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, in addition to ordering INEC to accord him the full rights and privileges due to him as the rightful candidate of the party.
But the protesters who trooped out en masse to demand the party’s compliance with the Justice Taiwo’s ruling carried placards with inscriptions, such as “Ayu lacks integrity to push PDP to victory”, “Obey the Abuja FHC judgement,” “BoT help Delta PDP before NWC kills the party” among others.
Addressing newsmen during the protest, the leader of the group, Chris Anthony, accused Ayu of leading the party towards destruction.
“There’s a burning issue in Delta state, and it’s about who is the rightful candidate of the PDP in the state.
“Everyone knows that the PDP in Delta is the majority party, but with the action of the National Chairman of the party, we are beginning to be convinced that Ayu is a mole in the party to trade the fortunes of the party to the opposition.
“We have seen Ayu not just as a mole, but also as an actor playing the script written by the opposition to actualise the emergence of an APC governor in Delta state.
“Ayu lacks the capacity to lead the PDP and so should honourably resign, because he has demonstrated gross incompetence in handling the affairs of the party. He should resign. Ayu should resign, because he cannot manage the affairs of the party well.
“We are talking about defending the democracy that thrives on the rule of law, but Ayu has willfully refused to obey a simple court judgment.”
Minister of Communications and Digital Economy, Professor Isa Ali Ibrahim Pantami (third from right), with the Executive Commissioner, Stakeholder Management, Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), Adeleke Adewolu; the Director General, National Information Technology Development Agency, Kashifu Abdullahi; the Executive Vice Chairman/Chief Executive Officer, NCC, Professor Umar Garba Danbatta, Special Assistant, Innovation and Technology to Lagos State Governor, Olatunbosun Alake; Chairman, House Committee on Telecommunications, Hon. (Prince) Akeem Adeyemi and Chairman, NCC Board of Commissioners, Professor Adeolu Akande, at the maiden Nigerian Telecommunications Indigenous Content Expo (NTICE) 2022 in Lagos at Lagos recently.
Music legend, Evangelist Ebenezer Obey-Fabiyi, has launched a new ministry tagged: “Freedom from Alcoholism and Drug Addiction Ministry” (FADAM), as part of his efforts to join forces with the war against alcoholism and drug addiction, especially among the younger generation of Nigeria and in the Diaspora.
The development, according to the music icon, is a separate ministry aside from his popular Decross Gospel Mission and Ebenezer Obey Evangelistic Ministry, to massively enlighten and educate youths on the danger of alcoholism and drug addiction.
Obey, as he is fondly called, said that FADAM will also become an avenue to assist parents and families of alcoholic and drug-addicted children and youths as it will allow them to overcome the challenges and make their children better citizens of society.
The octogenarian musician, who received the news of the demise of his son, Olayinka Obey-Fabiyi, during his short vacation in the United Kingdom, stressed that the reason behind the launch of the new ministry is paramount to turning the pains of the death of his son, Olayinka Obey-Fabiyi into a solution ministry to parents and families of such children and youths passing through the same experience.
Obey, also expressed sadness over the death of his son, Olayinka Obey-Fabiyi aged 48, despite trying all he could as a father to help the deceased fight against his weakness, but to no avail.
“The doctors called me six months ago to inform me that Yinka has less than six months to live, this was very painful and bad news that a father must not hear about his son, since then, “l went back to the Holy Spirit to teach me what to do and the result of my communication with the Holy Spirit is the launching of this ministry.
“I have received several condolence messages from all and sundry, l appreciate and thank you all for your love and concern. l also thank Yinka’s friends for their effort and support and l must thank Shina Obey-Fabiyi (my eldest son) for coordinating all his younger brothers and sisters, for extra and special care for Yinka till the end of his life. I also thank the pastors, elders, and the entire Decross family for everything.
“Once again! I appreciate all condolences, but let us rather turn further condolences to prayer support of this new ministry to help those who are in pain of alcoholism and drug addiction. Job 22:21: “Acquaint now thyself with God, and be at peace: thereby good shall come unto thee. Get out of Alcoholism, Get out of Drugs. Jesus loves you.”
Obey assured his fans and music lovers that the incident, though sad, would not in any way affect all his pending performance engagements adding, “Note, all engagements and commitments remain valid and unaffected.”
President Muhammadu Buhari has made it public that he has given security forces in the country full freedom to go all out and deal with the terrorists that have been ravaging most parts of Nigeria.
“I have given security forces full freedom to deal with, and bring to end this madness,” the President, who is the Commander of the Armed Forces of Nigeria emphasized.
The President was reacting today, August 2, in a statement by his spokesman, Garba Shehu, to the killing, by the bandits and terrorists, of many citizens in Sokoto, Kaduna and plateau States in particular and Nigeria in general.
“The President, Tuesday, reviewed the situation following reports on the loss of several lives in the attacks, and assured all possible support from the federal government to the states.
“We have given security forces full freedom to deal with, and bring to end this madness.
“I condemn these barbaric attacks on the country. I wish to assure the states of all possible support from the government of the federation.
“My thoughts are with the bereaved families. May the injured recover quickly.”
The Nigeria Deposit Insurance Corporation (NDIC), has warned Nigerians who invest their money with Fund Managers that the law setting it up does not cover such investments under the Deposit Insurance Scheme.
A statement today, August 2, by the Director of Communication and Public Affairs, Bashir A. Nuhu, said that the Corporation only insures deposits of financial institutions licensed by the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) to accept deposits from the public
The statement said that with the recent increase in investment channels arising from innovative products, there has been an increase in illegal fund managers who have been using different platforms soliciting public to invest their funds with them, promising excessive returns on such investments.
The NDIC said that it has become necessary for it to continue sensitizing the public on the high risk associated with investing funds with illegal funds managers.
“As the deposit insurer, the NDIC would like to inform members of the public that contrary to claims by some of these funds managers, the Corporation does not insure investments with them.
“The NDIC insures only deposits of financial institutions licensed by the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) to accept deposits from the public.
“To confirm whether a financial institution is covered by the deposit insurance scheme of the NDIC, please visit our website at www.ndic.gov.ng and click on Who We Cover for the complete list.
“You can also address any other enquiry to the Director, Communication & Public Affairs Department, Nigeria Deposit Insurance Corporation.
“Members of the public are also advised to report any entity suspected to be involved in illegal deposit mobilization to the law enforcement agencies.”
Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Malam Muhammad Musa Bello is obviously not happy with many public parks in Abuja that have become hideouts for criminals.
“Many parks have become hideouts for criminals, are untidy and become concrete jungles with little regards for the green purposes for which they were established.”
The minister spoke yesterday, August 1, after taking a tour of the Millennium Park in Abuja, before he declared it open for use after being closed to the public in 2020 as part of the Administration’s efforts to curb the spread of COVID -19.
Muhammad Musa Bello lamented that about 95 percent of parks do not comply with the park policy of the FCT Administration and blamed weak it on weak enforcement practices.
The minister however commended the management of the Millennium Park, which he said represents what parks and gardens in the nation’s capital should look and function like.
“What we have seen today and what we have witnessed is what truly a Park is supposed to be in Abuja; very beautiful well-kept lawns with fountains and the protection of the ecosystem.
“The trees here are as old as Abuja, the water body, the fish and the alligators have been protected and more importantly, this is truly speaking, what Abuja stands for – a beautiful green city.
“Look at the bamboo grove, at the bamboo benches, that is the whole essence of what we are trying to do with parks in the FCT.
“There is an area for adults, there is a playground for children, there is a place for people who want to exercise and those who want to just observe and study nature. More importantly, materials used here are also sustainable. This is what a park should be.
“They have an opening time, they have a closing time, they have perimeter fence, they have light, they have security, they have toilets and they have points where you drop litter.
“The world over, a park is a place where you are supposed to come and have peace and tranquility, to either exercise or meditate.”
Musa Bello appreciated Salini Nigeria Ltd for constructing and maintaining the park as well as making it available for public use at no cost to the government or the residents of the Territory.
The minister then presented a latter of appreciation to Engr. Gerrano D’ittria,, who represented the Managing Director of Salini Nig Ltd.
The Minister also announced that as part of the fight against the COVID-19 pandemic, access to the park will be limited to only members of the public who are vaccinated against the disease, saying that the park has been designated as a COVID-19 vaccination center where residents can be vaccinated against the disease.
This was even as Mr. Gerrano D’ttria commended the Minister’s resolve to reopen the park and reiterated his organization’s readiness to continue to partner with the FCT Administration in meeting challenging situations such as the COVID-19 pandemic.
He said that his company constructed the park as part of its corporate social responsibility to the government and residents of the FCT.
Multiple award-winning singer, guitarist, and international music star Bukola Elemide better known as Asa rendered her classic song ‘Fire on the Mountain’ at the unveiling of the new Nigeria National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL) in Abuja on July 19, the event, which held at the old banquet hall of the Presidential Villa was witnessed by President Muhammadu Buhari who also doubles as the Minister of Petroleum, as well as the crème de la crème of the oil industry, and of course the movers and shakers of society.
Inside the cozy ambiance of the old banquet hall, Asa sauntered leisurely to the dais dressed in a black flowing gown and spotting a dark google as though she was mourning a nation in the grips of insecurity. As is customary with artists on stage, whereby they genuflect and acknowledge their audience, Asa neither acknowledged nor bowed before the president and other dignitaries present at the occasion, which is a radical departure from the norm. Apparently, her action signified protest. It’s as if she came on a protest mission and not to entertain her guests. Of course, music is an instrument of protest. Anyway, she went straight ahead into business and gave a rendition of her song in her salt and pepper voice. Her song- ‘There’s Fire on the Mountain’ was not a praise song but a dirge to the high-level insecurity that pervades the land. Asa had rendered a song of lamentations.
Clearly, her song was an obvious tribute to thousands who have been killed, kidnapped, maimed, and brutalised by the orgy of terrorism, banditry, and insurgency across the land. Of that, her song was a tribute to the numberless and nameless compatriots who have become mere static in the unending war on terror. Her song was meant to draw the attention of the high and mighty of society to the state of hopelessness and helplessness that pervades the nation today. Asa’s song was symbolic in several respects. It’s difficult to determine whether the guests were stirred up or offended by the rendition of Asa’s song, which is neither here nor there. Asa being a patriotic Nigerian concerned about the state of affairs must have concluded that the high calibre guests at the event were the right audience for the unique message she delivered at that ceremony.
Asa’s song speaks to the current reality of the Nigerian situation. Besides, the cast of high government functionaries including the president and other bigwigs listened to the lyrics of Asa’s song, and many would have been shell-shocked and transfixed in their seats, most especially the organizers of the event who invited her for the occasion, astounded by the audacity of Asa. Without a doubt, the organizers of the event did not anticipate what Asa had in store for the occasion, for they must have felt uneasy as she rendered her award-winning song to the audience. If it was possible they would have stopped her in her tracks, at least to save their skins, and to avoid official reprimand for bringing an upstart to such an august gathering. At the end of her rendition, the ovation was tepid and muted as the mood at the venue was somber and subdued. Asa had spoken truth to power. Both literally and figuratively, there’s fire on the mountain. For her courage and audaciousness, Asa received rave reviews in social media. Let’s hope Asa’s message would be taken with the seriousness it deserves.
To be sure, there’s fire on the mountain, as it were. Today terrorists rule the roost as they operate in the forests and jungles, highways, and byways, without let or hindrance. Vast swathes of territory are under the command and control of terrorists in Zamfara State. Even the Zamfara State government has acknowledged this fact and has encouraged citizens to procure arms and defend themselves against these outlaws. Indeed the nation is in a state of anomie. There’s widespread insecurity across the length and breadth of the country. Banditry, kidnapping, terrorism, and insurgency have assumed dangerous dimensions. What’s more, in a recently released video, terrorists who attacked the Abuja-Kaduna bound train last March and abducted about 140 passengers have released a video showing the abductees being beaten and brutalized in captivity. The terrorists also threatened to kill the abductees and sell some of them off into slavery.
In the video, the terrorists boasted that they do not recognize the Buhari administration and that their next target is the president himself and the Kaduna State Governor Nasir El Rufai as well as Senators and other lawmakers. The audacity and temerity of the terrorists are as though the nation was rudderless and the government has virtually lost its bearing. Even so one of the terrorists boasted that he was among those who escaped from Kuje prison. Hear the terrorist speak “This is our message to the government of Nigeria and just as you have seen these people here, by God’s grace, you would see your leaders, your senators, and governors will come before us. These ones you are seeing here, we will keep some as slaves and sell some of them off just as our Imam told you in the past.”
However, the government has dismissed the claims of the terrorists, saying it’s the usual propaganda by terrorists. Special Assistant to the president on media Garba Shehu said the president has tried his best and has done all he could to contain the festering sore of insecurity in the land and that everything was under control. He concluded by saying the government is neither clueless nor helpless.
As if to rub salt in the wound, terrorists attacked men of the presidential guards’ 7 brigade, whose primary responsibility is to protect the president and the Federal Capital Territory, along Bwari-Kubwa road, Abuja. The troops were on routine patrol when they were ambushed and attacked. Though the ambush was forcefully repelled by the troops. However, two officers and a soldier were killed in the attack while a number of soldiers were injured. Meanwhile, the commanding officer and thirteen soldiers are still missing and the military has embarked on a search and rescue mission for the missing soldiers. Already the military authorities have confirmed this report. It will be recalled that an advanced presidential security party was attacked in Katsina State in preparation for the president’s visit to Daura for the Sallah celebrations.
As the terrorist become more daring and emboldened, still it is most curious and perplexing that the Deputy Speaker of the House of Reps, Ahmed Idris Wase, on Tuesday revealed that President Muhammadu Buhari received 44 different warning reports from the Department of State Service (DSS) over expected attacks across Abuja, yet it appears those reports were ignored. This is simply confunding. Wase was speaking while presiding over a plenary at the Lower House in the aftermath of the killings of soldiers who were members of the Brigade of Guards.
Evidently, the pervasive lawlessness was brought to the fore with the turbanning of a terrorist kingpin Ado Aliero by the Emir of ‘Yandoton Birni, Zamfara State, Alhaji Aliyu Marafa, as Sarkin Fulani on Saturday, July 17, 2022. However, the Zamfara State Government has dissociated itself from the alleged turbanning of a Sarkin Fulani by the Emir of Birnin ‘Yandoto of Tsafe Local Government Area. The emir has since been suspended by the state government. Another bandit warlord, Abu Sani who masterminded the kidnap of 279 girls from Government Girls Secondary School, Jangebe in Zamfara State recently boasted in an interview with BBC that he was in the business to make money, saying he had killed countless victims.
In the light of worsening insecurity, the Federal Ministry of Education has ordered the closure of all federal schools in the FCT due to heightened security reports that such schools could be the target of terrorists. Also, the Ministry ordered all Principals of Federal Government Colleges to be on high alert and liaise with security agents to beef up security in their schools. In reaction to the current security threats, the Minister of the FCT Mohammed Musa Bello has ordered the immediate closure of all private schools in Abuja. It will be recalled that the Kuje Prison, which is about 39 km from the seat of power, was breached by about 300 terrorists in an attack that lasted about three hours during which over 600 inmates were freed, among those who were members of the Book Haram. The president during a visit to Kuje had expressed disappointment over the security breach at the Kuje Prison. President Buhari said “I am disappointed with the intelligence system. How can terrorists organise, have weapons, attack a security institution and get away with it.” Despite the presidential lamentations no official has been held responsible and reprimanded for this security breach.
There are also unconfirmed reports that the Boko Haram and ISWAP terrorist groups are planning coordinated attacks on parts of the northwest, north central, and the southwest, having mobilised fighters and acquired sophisticated weapons which include rocket-propelled grenade launchers, anti-aircraft guns, and general purpose machine guns.
Even so, the security forces are at their wits ends as they are practically overstretched and overworked beyond the normal run of affairs, with ongoing operations in most parts of the country. It is to the credit of the military that the northeast has quietened, yet the northwest and parts of the north-central have become hotbeds of terrorism, banditry, and kidnapping. Last June several persons including soldiers were killed by bandits during an attack on a mining site in Niger State. In addition, several people, including four Chinese nationals, were kidnapped in the attack. According to reports, gunmen, believed to be bandits, killed at least 43 people including 20 soldiers and seven mobile police personnel in an attack on the Ajata-Aboki mining site in Shiroro Local Government Area of Niger State, local sources disclosed.
As for the economy, Nigeria’s inflation rate recorded a seventh consecutive monthly rise to 18.6 percent in June, representing a 0.9 percent point rise from the 17.71 percent it was in May 2022. This is the highest since January 2017. This has led to an unprecedented high cost of living, with prices of foodstuffs and consumer goods on an astronomical rise. Moreover, there’s a shortage of forex with the naira exchanging at 685 to the dollar in the parallel market. The naira plummeted to an all time low on Wednesday exchanging at 710 naira to the dollar at the parallel market.
On the other hand, the Oil industry which is the goose that lays the golden egg is in trouble. The industry is almost comatose with the unbridled oil theft that has bedeviled the industry. Between January and March, about 9 million barrels were lost to crude oil theft, estimated at 1 billion US dollars. Besides crude oil production has tumbled to about 1.2 million barrels per day instead of the 2 million barrels per day production that’s the normal output.
Also, the education sector has virtually collapsed as the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) has been on strike for over five months with no solution in sight as the government has failed to come up with a lasting solution to the paralysis in the education sector. Already the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) has embarked on a two-day protest in solidarity with ASUU.
As it stands, the economy is in dire straits as debt servicing now outstrips government revenue. There’s the risk of debt distress. Already the government is borrowing to repay its debts and also to pay salaries. The Oil sector which is the goose that lays the golden egg is haemorrhaging. The cost of debt servicing for the first four months of the current year, 2022, exceeded revenue earned even as the Federal Government said it would spend N6.7trillion on fuel subsidy in 2023. The total revenue for the period was N1.63 trillion, while the debt service gulped N1.94 trillion. In short, the economy has tanked.
Now we do not need a Sangoma (Medicine Man) to tell us that the nation is at crossroads. The security situation is worsening by the day. The economy is facing severe headwinds. In a word, the nation is on a knife-edge. Despite the fact that our armed forces have given their all to the battle against terror, it is crystal clear that they are not primed to fight an asymmetrical war, still, the armed forces will have to rise to the occasion and reset their strategy in order to defeat the terrorists once and for all. This is the right time to smoke the bandits out of their holes before they create greater havoc. The earlier we put out the fire of terrorism the better for us all. The armed forces should get cracking. To be forewarned is to be forearmed.
President Muhammadu Buhari has observed that the political instability in Libya has been fueling terrorism in the Sahel, as well and threatening democratic sustenance in both West and Central African regions.
President Buhari, who spoke today, August 2, when receiving Letters of Credence of Canadian High Commissioner to Nigeria, Ambassador James Kingston Christoff and Ambassador of Mexico to Nigeria, Juan Alfred Miranda Oritz, said that Nigeria is not left out of the equation.
“The ongoing war between Russia and Ukraine has undermined the progress countries have achieved in tackling food security in the last decade. While, the political instability in Libya continues to fuel terrorism in the Sahel, as well as scuttle democratic sustenance in both West and Central African regions.
“The devastating effect of global insecurity, climate change and the post-COVID-19 era has devastated global economies. Nations continue to struggle to recover from these multiple global challenges.
Buhari went on to recount the efforts his government has been making to get rid of banditry, kidnapping, herder/farmer crisis and insurgency.
The President commended collective efforts of nations towards tackling security challenges across the globe, and within Nigeria.
He said that on the part of his government, “we are making meaningful progress with the support of friendly countries like yours to sustain these fights until we overcome these challenges.”
He said that Nigeria has been working with other Member-States of ECOWAS and other regional blocs, to deal with the problems of terrorism, trans-border crimes, maritime crimes such as piracy and illegal fishing on our waters, illicit drug and human trafficking, banditry, as well as unconstitutional changes of government.
“I believe that matters of security have become the business of all nations as these challenges go beyond the abilities of any single country to effectively contain. The world must, therefore, work closely together and Nigeria counts on your support in cementing the relations between our countries at both bilateral and multilateral levels to surmount these global threats to civilization.”
The President advised the diplomats to monitor political developments in the country, ahead of the 2023 elections and to remain true to their professional ethics of non-interference.
President Buhari noted that Nigeria is drawing closer to its national elections and candidates representing their parties at different levels are beginning to build consensus within their respective parties in preparations to the launching of campaigns across the country soon.
“As the drums of campaign begin to rise, I urge you to be guided by diplomatic practice to ensure that your activities remain within the limits of your profession as you monitor the build-up to the elections and the conduct of the general elections.”
The President also advised the diplomats to focus on building on the successes of their predecessors.
“The task before you require you both to build on the successes of your predecessors and further make efforts in the expansion and advancement of the cordial bilateral relations and cooperation between Nigeria and your respective countries. These relations as you all know, span across political, socio-economic and cultural spheres, that have overtime benefitted our peoples.
“I am confident that, in carrying out your diplomatic responsibilities in the course of your tour of duties, you will spare time to appreciate the uniqueness and strength in our country’s cultural diversities, in terms of both human and natural resources, as well as the flora and fauna across the country.”
He said that the cultural diversity of Nigeria “represents our pride as a nation and identity as a people,’’ while urging the diplomats to also build friendship and acquaintances in the course of their stay in the country.
Speaking on behalf of the ambassadors, the Canadian High Commissioner thanked the President for the ceremony of accepting the Letters of Credence.
“Today marks formal beginning of our engagement with the government of the Federal Republic of Nigeria. We will work closely with ministers and officials to start a progressive relationship.”
Unity is the ability to pull towards a common goal at a given time. Ethnic and tribal divides are common amongst most Countries of the world, but weaponizing Ethnicity is more prevalent in 3rd World Countries where leaders take advantage of tribal sentiments to appeal to sectional and religion support. Evidence abounds that such leaders hardly can mobilize the entire country’s potential for growth and development. Our inability to unite our country has affected our country negatively. Therefore, inefficient governance is a direct result and Correlation of tribalism in Nigeria.
The greatest dangerous factors to the nation’s cohesion are religion and ethnicity which the political class often use for divisive sentiments to win the sympathy of the people at every election season.
We have been following this destructive path of ethnic and religious biases long before and since our independence as a country. Such antics have contributed in many ways to stifling our growth and development as a nation, much as it is truism that the bane of development of the country is leadership deficiency from top to bottom.
Tribalism will raise primordial favours above rewards for good jobs done, creating a downward slope for Gross Domestic Product (GDP), and hence promoting impoverishment.
If Nigeria must progress, we must eradicate tribalism. Let’s unite the Centrifugal forces of Nigeria beyond ethnic and sectional sentiments in the choice of candidates into public offices
National unity has now become inevitably difficult to achieve, especially at this critical point in time where churches now openly dictate to their members who to vote for or not on the basis of primordial sentiment of religion.
The ambivalence and cataclysmic effect of hunger, hyper-inflation, perennial devaluation of naira and disastrous insecurity in Nigeria do not understand the language of religion and ethnocentric agenda while development and wealth do not speak the language of ethnicity, growth and development speak a universal language. Therefore, if Nigeria can look for the best men and women irrespective of tribe or religion, we will have a chance to rebuild Nigeria from its present ruins caused by years of ethnic politics and religion.
It is the ignorance of the people that made them susceptible to the manipulation of unscrupulous politicians. The politicians that are devoid of any political ideology or electoral value, whose major preoccupation is to have easy access to public funds for self-aggrandizement, resort to the use of ethnic, regional and religious sentiments to hoodwink and blindfold the electorate. They fan the embers of disunity, enmity, animosity and bitterness among the people to satisfy their egocentric, kleptomaniac, as well as megalomaniac tendencies.
Some ethnic jingoists, regional chauvinists, tribal champions and religious leaders are drafted into this unwholesome venture, and are working tirelessly to undermine the integrity of the electoral process. They employ hate speech, baseless insinuations, rumour and falsehood, in both mainstream and social media, which if left unchecked, can jeopardize the little gain that was made in the 23 years of uninterrupted democracy.
We need a network of thinking Nigerians, from among the Muslim and Christian populations, and from the diverse ethnicities across the country, to help salvage our country and its people from the politics of bloodletting, greed and acrimony, that is largely superintended by shameless prostitutes of power, who often have nothing to show for their stupendous wealth, except that they have held political offices as legislators, governors, ministers, board chairmen, chief executives of federal parastatals, or party chieftains; during which time they often so callously and recklessly looted the state resources entrusted to them, that many soon became richer than the institutions which they superintended.
Atima is a concerned Nigerian, wrote in from Ado-Ekiti He can be reached via a.u.atima@gmail.com
The United Nations Children Education Fund (UNICEF) and the World Health Organization (WHO) have lamented that in Nigeria, the Exclusive Breastfeeding rate is a mere 29 percent, meaning that over 70 percent of infants in the country are denied the benefits of breast milk in their formative years.
According to the two world bodies,
in a joint statement today, August 1, by the UNICEF Executive Director, Catherine Russell and WHO Director-General, Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus marking the World Breastfeeding Week, only nine percent of organizations have a workplace breastfeeding policy, indicating that mothers lack the enabling environment to optimally breastfeed their babies.
“The results are high stunting rates of 37 percent of children Under-5, of which 21 percent are severe, and wasting among children under five years of age (7 percent). They continue to present severe consequences for the child.”
In a joint statement today, , UNICEF and WHO noted that as global crises continue to threaten the health and nutrition of millions of babies and children, the vital importance of breastfeeding as the best possible start in life is more critical than ever.
“This World Breastfeeding Week, under its theme Step up for breastfeeding: Educate and Support, UNICEF and WHO are calling on governments to allocate increased resources to protect, promote and support breastfeeding policies and programmes, especially for the most vulnerable families living in emergency settings.
“During emergencies, including those in Afghanistan, Yemen, Ukraine, the Horn of Africa, and the Sahel, breastfeeding guarantees a safe, nutritious and accessible food source for babies and young children. It offers a powerful line of defense against disease and all forms of child malnutrition, including wasting.
“Breastfeeding also acts as a baby’s first vaccine, protecting them from common childhood illnesses.
“Yet the emotional distress, physical exhaustion, lack of space and privacy, and poor sanitation experienced by mothers in emergency settings mean that many babies are missing out on the benefits of breastfeeding to help them survive.
“Fewer than half of all newborn babies are breastfed in the first hour of life, leaving them more vulnerable to disease and death. And only 44 per cent of infants are exclusively breastfed in the first six months of life, short of the World Health Assembly target of 50 per cent by 2025.
“Protecting, promoting, and supporting breastfeeding is more important than ever, not just for protecting our planet as the ultimate natural, sustainable, first food system, but also for the survival, growth, and development of millions of infants.
“That is why UNICEF and WHO are calling on governments, donors, civil society, and the private sector to step up efforts to:
Prioritize investing in breastfeeding support policies and programmes, especially in fragile and food insecure contexts.
Equip health and nutrition workers in facilities and communities with the skills they need to provide quality counselling and practical support to mothers to successfully breastfeed.
“Protect caregivers and health care workers from the unethical marketing influence of the formula industry by fully adopting and implementing the International Code of Marketing of Breast Milk Substitutes, including in humanitarian settings.
“Implement family-friendly policies that provide mothers with the time, space, and support they need to breastfeed.”
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President Muhammadu Buhari has made it public that he has given security forces in the country full freedom to go all out and deal with the terrorists that have been ravaging most parts of Nigeria.
The Nigeria Deposit Insurance Corporation (NDIC), has warned Nigerians who invest their money with Fund Managers that the law setting it up does not cover such investments under the Deposit Insurance Scheme.
Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Malam Muhammad Musa Bello is obviously not happy with many public parks in Abuja that have become hideouts for criminals.
President Muhammadu Buhari has observed that the political instability in Libya has been fueling terrorism in the Sahel, as well and threatening democratic sustenance in both West and Central African regions.
The United Nations Children Education Fund (UNICEF) and the World Health Organization (WHO) have lamented that in Nigeria, the Exclusive Breastfeeding rate is a mere 29 percent, meaning that over 70 percent of infants in the country are denied the benefits of breast milk in their formative years.
Terrorism: Remembering Asa’s ‘There’s Fire on The Mountain’ Song, By Kola King
Inside the cozy ambiance of the old banquet hall, Asa sauntered leisurely to the dais dressed in a black flowing gown and spotting a dark google as though she was mourning a nation in the grips of insecurity. As is customary with artists on stage, whereby they genuflect and acknowledge their audience, Asa neither acknowledged nor bowed before the president and other dignitaries present at the occasion, which is a radical departure from the norm. Apparently, her action signified protest. It’s as if she came on a protest mission and not to entertain her guests. Of course, music is an instrument of protest. Anyway, she went straight ahead into business and gave a rendition of her song in her salt and pepper voice. Her song- ‘There’s Fire on the Mountain’ was not a praise song but a dirge to the high-level insecurity that pervades the land. Asa had rendered a song of lamentations.
Clearly, her song was an obvious tribute to thousands who have been killed, kidnapped, maimed, and brutalised by the orgy of terrorism, banditry, and insurgency across the land. Of that, her song was a tribute to the numberless and nameless compatriots who have become mere static in the unending war on terror. Her song was meant to draw the attention of the high and mighty of society to the state of hopelessness and helplessness that pervades the nation today. Asa’s song was symbolic in several respects. It’s difficult to determine whether the guests were stirred up or offended by the rendition of Asa’s song, which is neither here nor there. Asa being a patriotic Nigerian concerned about the state of affairs must have concluded that the high calibre guests at the event were the right audience for the unique message she delivered at that ceremony.
Asa’s song speaks to the current reality of the Nigerian situation. Besides, the cast of high government functionaries including the president and other bigwigs listened to the lyrics of Asa’s song, and many would have been shell-shocked and transfixed in their seats, most especially the organizers of the event who invited her for the occasion, astounded by the audacity of Asa. Without a doubt, the organizers of the event did not anticipate what Asa had in store for the occasion, for they must have felt uneasy as she rendered her award-winning song to the audience. If it was possible they would have stopped her in her tracks, at least to save their skins, and to avoid official reprimand for bringing an upstart to such an august gathering. At the end of her rendition, the ovation was tepid and muted as the mood at the venue was somber and subdued. Asa had spoken truth to power. Both literally and figuratively, there’s fire on the mountain. For her courage and audaciousness, Asa received rave reviews in social media. Let’s hope Asa’s message would be taken with the seriousness it deserves.
To be sure, there’s fire on the mountain, as it were. Today terrorists rule the roost as they operate in the forests and jungles, highways, and byways, without let or hindrance. Vast swathes of territory are under the command and control of terrorists in Zamfara State. Even the Zamfara State government has acknowledged this fact and has encouraged citizens to procure arms and defend themselves against these outlaws. Indeed the nation is in a state of anomie. There’s widespread insecurity across the length and breadth of the country. Banditry, kidnapping, terrorism, and insurgency have assumed dangerous dimensions. What’s more, in a recently released video, terrorists who attacked the Abuja-Kaduna bound train last March and abducted about 140 passengers have released a video showing the abductees being beaten and brutalized in captivity. The terrorists also threatened to kill the abductees and sell some of them off into slavery.
In the video, the terrorists boasted that they do not recognize the Buhari administration and that their next target is the president himself and the Kaduna State Governor Nasir El Rufai as well as Senators and other lawmakers. The audacity and temerity of the terrorists are as though the nation was rudderless and the government has virtually lost its bearing. Even so one of the terrorists boasted that he was among those who escaped from Kuje prison. Hear the terrorist speak “This is our message to the government of Nigeria and just as you have seen these people here, by God’s grace, you would see your leaders, your senators, and governors will come before us. These ones you are seeing here, we will keep some as slaves and sell some of them off just as our Imam told you in the past.”
However, the government has dismissed the claims of the terrorists, saying it’s the usual propaganda by terrorists. Special Assistant to the president on media Garba Shehu said the president has tried his best and has done all he could to contain the festering sore of insecurity in the land and that everything was under control. He concluded by saying the government is neither clueless nor helpless.
As if to rub salt in the wound, terrorists attacked men of the presidential guards’ 7 brigade, whose primary responsibility is to protect the president and the Federal Capital Territory, along Bwari-Kubwa road, Abuja. The troops were on routine patrol when they were ambushed and attacked. Though the ambush was forcefully repelled by the troops. However, two officers and a soldier were killed in the attack while a number of soldiers were injured. Meanwhile, the commanding officer and thirteen soldiers are still missing and the military has embarked on a search and rescue mission for the missing soldiers. Already the military authorities have confirmed this report. It will be recalled that an advanced presidential security party was attacked in Katsina State in preparation for the president’s visit to Daura for the Sallah celebrations.
As the terrorist become more daring and emboldened, still it is most curious and perplexing that the Deputy Speaker of the House of Reps, Ahmed Idris Wase, on Tuesday revealed that President Muhammadu Buhari received 44 different warning reports from the Department of State Service (DSS) over expected attacks across Abuja, yet it appears those reports were ignored. This is simply confunding. Wase was speaking while presiding over a plenary at the Lower House in the aftermath of the killings of soldiers who were members of the Brigade of Guards.
Evidently, the pervasive lawlessness was brought to the fore with the turbanning of a terrorist kingpin Ado Aliero by the Emir of ‘Yandoton Birni, Zamfara State, Alhaji Aliyu Marafa, as Sarkin Fulani on Saturday, July 17, 2022. However, the Zamfara State Government has dissociated itself from the alleged turbanning of a Sarkin Fulani by the Emir of Birnin ‘Yandoto of Tsafe Local Government Area. The emir has since been suspended by the state government. Another bandit warlord, Abu Sani who masterminded the kidnap of 279 girls from Government Girls Secondary School, Jangebe in Zamfara State recently boasted in an interview with BBC that he was in the business to make money, saying he had killed countless victims.
In the light of worsening insecurity, the Federal Ministry of Education has ordered the closure of all federal schools in the FCT due to heightened security reports that such schools could be the target of terrorists. Also, the Ministry ordered all Principals of Federal Government Colleges to be on high alert and liaise with security agents to beef up security in their schools. In reaction to the current security threats, the Minister of the FCT Mohammed Musa Bello has ordered the immediate closure of all private schools in Abuja. It will be recalled that the Kuje Prison, which is about 39 km from the seat of power, was breached by about 300 terrorists in an attack that lasted about three hours during which over 600 inmates were freed, among those who were members of the Book Haram. The president during a visit to Kuje had expressed disappointment over the security breach at the Kuje Prison. President Buhari said “I am disappointed with the intelligence system. How can terrorists organise, have weapons, attack a security institution and get away with it.” Despite the presidential lamentations no official has been held responsible and reprimanded for this security breach.
There are also unconfirmed reports that the Boko Haram and ISWAP terrorist groups are planning coordinated attacks on parts of the northwest, north central, and the southwest, having mobilised fighters and acquired sophisticated weapons which include rocket-propelled grenade launchers, anti-aircraft guns, and general purpose machine guns.
Even so, the security forces are at their wits ends as they are practically overstretched and overworked beyond the normal run of affairs, with ongoing operations in most parts of the country. It is to the credit of the military that the northeast has quietened, yet the northwest and parts of the north-central have become hotbeds of terrorism, banditry, and kidnapping. Last June several persons including soldiers were killed by bandits during an attack on a mining site in Niger State. In addition, several people, including four Chinese nationals, were kidnapped in the attack. According to reports, gunmen, believed to be bandits, killed at least 43 people including 20 soldiers and seven mobile police personnel in an attack on the Ajata-Aboki mining site in Shiroro Local Government Area of Niger State, local sources disclosed.
As for the economy, Nigeria’s inflation rate recorded a seventh consecutive monthly rise to 18.6 percent in June, representing a 0.9 percent point rise from the 17.71 percent it was in May 2022. This is the highest since January 2017. This has led to an unprecedented high cost of living, with prices of foodstuffs and consumer goods on an astronomical rise. Moreover, there’s a shortage of forex with the naira exchanging at 685 to the dollar in the parallel market. The naira plummeted to an all time low on Wednesday exchanging at 710 naira to the dollar at the parallel market.
On the other hand, the Oil industry which is the goose that lays the golden egg is in trouble. The industry is almost comatose with the unbridled oil theft that has bedeviled the industry. Between January and March, about 9 million barrels were lost to crude oil theft, estimated at 1 billion US dollars. Besides crude oil production has tumbled to about 1.2 million barrels per day instead of the 2 million barrels per day production that’s the normal output.
Also, the education sector has virtually collapsed as the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) has been on strike for over five months with no solution in sight as the government has failed to come up with a lasting solution to the paralysis in the education sector. Already the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) has embarked on a two-day protest in solidarity with ASUU.
As it stands, the economy is in dire straits as debt servicing now outstrips government revenue. There’s the risk of debt distress. Already the government is borrowing to repay its debts and also to pay salaries. The Oil sector which is the goose that lays the golden egg is haemorrhaging. The cost of debt servicing for the first four months of the current year, 2022, exceeded revenue earned even as the Federal Government said it would spend N6.7trillion on fuel subsidy in 2023. The total revenue for the period was N1.63 trillion, while the debt service gulped N1.94 trillion. In short, the economy has tanked.
Now we do not need a Sangoma (Medicine Man) to tell us that the nation is at crossroads. The security situation is worsening by the day. The economy is facing severe headwinds. In a word, the nation is on a knife-edge. Despite the fact that our armed forces have given their all to the battle against terror, it is crystal clear that they are not primed to fight an asymmetrical war, still, the armed forces will have to rise to the occasion and reset their strategy in order to defeat the terrorists once and for all. This is the right time to smoke the bandits out of their holes before they create greater havoc. The earlier we put out the fire of terrorism the better for us all. The armed forces should get cracking. To be forewarned is to be forearmed.
The Last Stanza – There’s Fire On the Mountain
Oh there is fire on the mountain top
And no one is running
One day the river will over flow
And there’ll be nowhere for us to go
And we will run, run
Wishing we had put out the fire
There is fire on the mountain
And nobody seems to be on the run
Oh there is fire on the mountain top
And no one is running.