The Rivers State Governor, Nyesom Wike, has said that henceforth, the same punishment being meted on coup plotters would be applied to election riggers in the state.
Governor Wike, who spoke today, July 5 at the groundbreaking ceremony for a 9,200 capacity Convocation Arena at the University of Port Harcourt, emphasized that anyone caught rigging elections in the state henceforth would be punished as coup plotter.
“Not one person will dare to rig election in Rivers State. Not one person will dare. I tell people, allow the university community to produce those who will be leaders of this country.
“Don’t turn universities to where you will have politicians who manipulate and change the mandate of the people. Anybody who does that knows it is a coup and you know the punishment for coup plotters.
“These days, you see a lecturer, PhD holder, a professor ready to soil his name, to allow self to be kidnapped and taken somewhere to sign results and to declare somebody who did not win election winner.
“If you, especially vice-chancellors want to play politics with us, I will rub you mud. If you want to join the politicians, openly come and join us. But if you want to hide under the university, be prepared for the consequences”
On the electronic transmission of elections results in 2023, the governor added: “INEC (Independent National Electoral Commission) knows they have to be prepared. We will resist any attempt for anybody to manipulate the amendment of the Electoral Act.
“To say election results will not be transmitted electronically will not happen. If you want the vote of the people to count, the results must be transmitted electronically.”
The Presidency has marvelled at the Professionalism displayed by the officers of the Department of Security Service (DSS) displayed at the arrest, repatriation and continuation of the prosecution of the leader of the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra (IPoB), Nnamdi Kanu.
The Presidency commended the security people for raiding the residence of Yoruba secessionist, Sunday Igboho.
A statement today, July 5 by a presidential spokesman, Malam Garba Shehu said: “this level of professionalism must be sustained and brought to bear as we focus on extracting from our society those who have found a new trade in targeting students, rural dwellers and our citizens in the North-West. The nation recognizes their efforts and sacrifice.”
The Presidency said that the subversive leader of the proscribed IPOB, “a group known for its murderous actions and virulent messaging” was detained as a result of cross-border cooperation.
It recalled that the international operation was executed in a closely coordinated fashion following which he was handed over to our National Intelligence Agency, and then returned to Nigeria to face the Law.
“The violence inspired by IPOB has led to hundreds of fatalities, particularly targeted at Government assets and Law Enforcement Agents. Additionally, there have been at last count, fifty (55) separate violent attacks, heavily concentrated in the South-East, which heaped further hardship on our honest and hardworking citizens, preventing them from earning their livelihood and going about their normal lives.”
The statement said that Government had long been monitoring the activities of IPOB and had strong cause to believe that their funding sources include proceeds of suspected illicit criminal activities.
“By this singular action of our Security Forces, sanity, calm and peace has been returned to our communities who previously lived in constant fear of these misguided elements.
” In furtherance of continued diligent work, the State Security Service on Thursday, 1st July raided the residence of a militant ethnic Secessionist, who has also been conducting acts of terror and disturbing the peace under the guise of protecting fellow “kinsmen”.
“His seditious utterances and antics, which he is known to have publicly expressed, have overtime morphed into very hateful and vile laden speeches.
“It must be highlighted that the government respects fundamental rights of citizens to express their views and recognizes this as a democratic tenet. However, any attempt to build an Armoury coupled with plans either subtle or expressed to undermine our unity as a nation will not be condoned.
“Mr. President’s directives to Security Services regarding anyone seen to be carrying arms, particularly AK-47 are clear and require no further illumination. Assault weapons are not tools of peace loving people and as such, regardless of who they are and where they are from, the Security Agencies should treat them all the same.
“The successes of our Security Agencies must be commended as they have demonstrated significant deftness, guile and secrecy in carrying out these missions.”
The Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) has bowed to ensure effective stewardship of the nation’s hydrocarbon resources to guarantee energy security and drive wealth creation in Nigeria.
The Group Managing Director of the Corporation, Mallam Mele Kyari, spoke today, July 5 at the 2021 Nigeria Oil and Gas Conference and Exhibition (NOG 2021) in a keynote address.
Speaking on the topic: “Vision and Priorities for Nigeria’s Energy Transformation,” Mallam Kyari said that for a nation with a teeming youth and a developing economy, Nigeria needed the right policies to unlock its huge economic potential, stressing that NNPC was working towards bridging the energy gap to multiply wealth for its varied stakeholders.
“We see a nation that must integrate by developing midstream and downstream infrastructure as the intersection and bridge to value. We see a nation in need of right policy framework to attract new investment while encouraging existing players.”
Mallam Kyari said that the Corporation has completed the Escravos Lagos Pipeline System (ELPS) Phase II project, thereby expanding the gas supply channel for domestic gas utilization, adding that it has also kick-started the Ajaokuta-Kaduna-Kano (AKK) gas pipeline project, while the Obiafu-Obrikom-Oben gas pipeline (OB3) project was billed for completion soon.
The GMD maintained that the Corporation’s vision is to emplace the critical backbone infrastructure, create liquidity and provide the necessary linkage to markets.
He noted that NNPC and its partners were harnessing and exploiting the nation’s huge gas potentials one of which was the Nigeria Liquefied Natural Gas (NLNG) Train 7 project which the President performed the Ground-breaking ceremony recently.
According to him, the NLNG Train 7 is a flagship project expected to increase the nation’s LNG production capacity by 35% and seal Nigeria’s position as one of the top LNG nations in the world, adding that Nigeria was in the process of also transforming into an LNG-consuming country while at the same time deepening domestic utilization of Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG).
On the refineries, he said the programme for the rehabilitation and upgrading of the existing refineries was on course, adding that while work had already started on the Port Harcourt Refinery Company (PHRC), work would soon start on the Warri Refining and Petrochemical Company Limited (WRPC) and the Kaduna Refining and Petrochemical Company Limited (KRPC).
“The NNPC plans to take 20 per cent equity in the Dangote Refinery and acquire stakes in other private modular and condensate refineries in the country. Our priority is to meet our local fuel demand because that is the right way to go thereby making Nigeria to become the hub of petroleum products supply to other African countries in the years ahead,” Mallam Kyari informed.
He said NNPC, as a National Oil Company (NOC), has made strategic decisions that would enable Nigeria to be energy sufficient through its partnerships and several business portfolios that would add value to the nation.
The NNPC helmsman said the recent passage of the Petroleum Industry Bill (PIB) by the National Assembly was a clear example of how collaboration across political lines can deliver reforms, assuring that the Corporation would sustain engagement with partners to co-create solutions for unique challenges and provide the platform for effective policy engagement.
President Muhammadu Buhari has said that he is proud of a renowned actor, writer and movie producer, Richard Mofe-Damijo, otherwise known as RMD, who just turned 60, and the entertainment industry in Nigeria In a statement today, July 5 by a presidential spokesman, Femi Adesina, felicitating with RMD, Buhari said that the Nigerian entertainment industry has successfully earned a reputable place in the world through hardworking and dedicated professionals, whose tenacity, creativity and resilience continue to attract and sustain viewers on the beauty and cultural diversity of the country. The President congratulated RMD, who he described as veteran actor and a lawyer, “on his many achievements in the entertainment industry, winning national and international awards that brought glory to the local film industry, and placed the country on global limelight.” He acknowledged the contributions of RMD to the field of community and development communications, culture, tourism and journalism, working in the public service as a former Commissioner of Culture and Tourism, preceded by serving as Special Adviser on Culture and Tourism in Delta State. President Buhari also congratulated Nollywood “on the joyous event of RMD’s birthday, praying that God will continue to bless and strengthen the actor and his family.”
South East Governors The Southern Governors’ Forum has come up with the word of rejection of nearly everything in Nigeria. In a communiqué at the end of the Governors’ meeting today, July 5 in Lagos, the Governors rejected the proposed 3% and support the 5% share of the oil revenue in the newly passed PIB, to the host community, as recommended by the House of Representatives. The Governors also rejected the proposed 30% share of profit for the exploration of oil and gas in the basins, in addition to rejecting the ownership structure of the proposed Nigeria National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPC). “The Forum disagrees that the company be vested in the Federal Ministry of Finance but should be held in trust by Nigeria Sovereign Investment Authority (NSIA) since all tiers of Government have stakes in that vehicle.” The Southern Governors rejected the removal of the Electronic transmission of the election result from the electoral act and also rejected the confirmation of exclusive jurisdiction in pre-election matters on the Federal High Court. The Governors re-emphasised the need for a State Police, saying that if for any reason security institutions need to undertake an operation in any State, the Chief Security Officer of the State must be duly informed; They frowned at selective criminal administration of Justice and resolved that arrests should be made within the ambit of the Law and fundamental human rights; They set a timeline of Wednesday, 1st September, 2021 for the promulgation of the anti open grazing law in all member States. The Governors insisted that Funds deducted from the Federation Account for the Nigeria Police Security Trust Fund should be distributed among the States and Federal Government to combat security challenges. They however, re-affirmed their commitment to the unity of Nigeria on the pillars of equity, fairness, justice, progress and peaceful co-existence between and amongst its people. “The Forum reiterates its commitment to the politics of equity, fairness and unanimously agrees that the presidency of Nigeria be rotated between Southern and Northern Nigeria and resolved that the next president of Nigeria should emerge from the Southern Region. They commended security operatives in the country for their relentless efforts in restoring security and safety even as they expressed sympathy for families and loved ones of those who have fallen in the line of duty. The communiqué, signed by the Governor of Ondo State, who doubles as Chairman of the Southern Governors’ Forum, Oluwarotimi Odunayo Akeredolu, unanimously chose Lagos State as its permanent secretariat.
The Major Oil Marketers Association of Nigeria (MOMAN) has expressed disappointment over the failure of those who have been licenced, to go into the business of refinery.
The Association said: “if you have a policy that allows you issue significant numbers of licenses and only a few are utilised, this tells you that there is a problem somewhere, which requires government’s attention.
“Government needs to have a discussion with the licensees to find out their challenges and how it can be of assistance to them.”
Members of the Association, who toured the 650,000 barrels-per-day single train refinery of the Dangote Oil Refinery at Ibeju-Lekki, Lagos recently further advised the Federal Government to encourage more investors who have obtained licenses to establish private refineries in the country.
Speaking on behalf of the Association, its chairman, Adetunji Oyebanji said: “I have always agitated for the deregulation of the downstream oil and gas sector.
“Now, with Dangote Refinery, it makes it easier to achieve. I believe deregulation will come pretty soon the when Dangote Refinery starts working.”
He expressed belief that the Dangote Oil Refinery would help remove the various bottlenecks associated with importation of petroleum products into the country.
Oyebanji said that the marketers are eagerly waiting for the completion of the refinery, which is expected to make Nigeria self-sufficient in petroleum refining.
“It is our desire to see our members buy refined products from Dangote Refinery when it comes on stream. We are open to discuss commercial terms with the management of Dangote Oil Refinery regarding lifting of refined products. The impact it will have on the market chain will be changed from a situation whereby a marketer will have to wait for four to five months through imports lead time before getting products.
“The turn-around time is going to be much faster. It will be more efficient. Getting products from Dangote Refinery will also give us the possibility of getting the product by vessels or by trucking. It is going to have a positive impact on the way we do business in the downstream sector. Hopefully, we believe Dangote Refinery is going to result in delivering decent margins for our members; enough margins for us to begin to rebuild or/upgrade the assets in the industry.”.
He said that Dangote Refinery would move Nigeria from an import dependent nation to self-sufficiency in petroleum products.
“This refinery will move us from import dependent in petroleum product to becoming totally self-sufficient. It will move Nigeria from a situation whereby all the products that we consume will be available locally. It is going to be a very big development and a game changer for us and we are looking forward to its completion.”
Oyebanji expressed hope that the coming on stream of Dangote Refinery would facilitate the deregulation of the downstream oil sector.
Chief Operations Officer, Dangote Oil Refining Company, Giuseppe Surace told the marketers that the refinery, which has been designed to process a variety of light and medium grades of crude, including petrol and diesel as well as jet fuel and polypropylene.
He said the refinery is billed to produce up to 50 million litres of petrol and 15 million litres of diesel a day, roughly 10.4 million tonnes of the product, 4.6 million tonnes of diesel, and 4 million tonnes of jet fuel yearly, in addition to having a fertiliser plant, which would utilise the refinery by-products as raw materials.
He disclosed that the 650,000 barrels-per-day capacity refinery, which has recorded 90 per cent completion, is expected to address the challenge of petroleum product importation in Nigeria and other African countries.
“If you look at the overall percentage completion, we have achieved good, considerable progress. But that overall includes engineering and design, which is 100 per cent over. Procurement is about 98 per cent over. So, it covers various aspects.”
Other members of the Association that accompanied the chairman are the Executive Secretary of the Association, Clement Isong; Managing Director, Total Nigeria Plc, Imrane Barry; Managing Director, MRS Oil Nigeria Plc, Marco Storari; Managing Director, ARDOVA Plc, Olumide Adeosun; Managing Director, NNPC Retail Limited, Elizabeth Aliyuda; and 22 others.
On the 17th of February 2021, the MOMAN CEOs had on February 17, had a virtual meeting with Alhaji Aliko Dangote, the President of the Dangote Group and Edwin, where the Dangote Group presented its project and which culminated to the physical site visit.
National Tuberculosis and Leprosy Centre | Photo credit: ICIR
Babies, female nurses and security guards have been kidnapped by suspected bandits from the residential quarters of the National Tuberculosis and Leprosy Centre (NTLC) in Zaria, Kaduna State.
It was gathered that the bandits who have stormed the area from a nearby forest, engaged policemen in a gun battle before they escaped with their victims.
The area, known as Saye District District in the outskirts of Zaria is close to notorious Sabon Birni, Galadima and Malu Forests where armed bandits keep their victims hostage.
State commissioner for Internal Security and Home Affairs, Samuel Aruwan said that Nigerian troops have intensified efforts to rescue the victims.
The vocal minority will always have their say, but the silent majority will have their way. Nevertheless, it is capricious to let the pesky minority govern and dominate the narrative. A solitary story by a negligible decimal could be held as the belief and view of the bulk. This is why the silent Igbo majority who are opposed to the secessioning of the south-east from Nigeria need to speak up.
We cannot discount the perils, ills and concomitants of the civil war. But it has been 51 years since the end of the war, and the Igbo have built back better and stronger. We people every corner of Nigeria and have made where we settled our home. It is customary to find an Igbo native who can speak Hausa and Yoruba fluently – even much better than their indigenous tongue.
A united Nigeria remains a viable emporium for the enterprising Igbo.
With enduring resilience we have made magic out of the ordinary and turned dust into gold in the places we have settled. Whether in the north or in the south, we dominate commerce. We have forged bonds and made families with host communities. We have crossed bloodlines and have nourished our gene-pool with the rich ancestry of other peoples of Nigeria. We have become aboriginal Nigerians.
It gladdened me when the Igbo Delegate Assembly said in June they are opposed to the breakaway of the south-east from Nigeria. The Igbo leaders from the 19 northern states declared that there is a new tribe – The Northern Igbo. This melange of Igbo whose histories have become intertwined and many others with roots in the south-east and even resident there are in the majority.
Really, there is a new and only tribe – the aboriginal Nigerian; a cross-genetic breed.
Those crusading for the secession of the south-east today are deficient students of history and sociology. Even the late Odumegwu Ojukwu, the captain of the secessionist struggle during the war, regretted that devastating episode in our history. Ojukwu said: ‘’I don’t think the second war is necessary. We should have learnt from the first one.”
There is no victory in war; only pain, blood and death. Nobody should provoke another war in Igbo land. Ndi Igbo must not let the vocal minority drown them out. They must speak up and be heard.
At the weekend, I had a robust conversation on Nigeria and the south-east with some friends. It jogged something in me. While the claims of marginalisation by Ndi Igbo cannot be brushed off, Nigeria has not been all grim for the Igbo. The Igbo are perhaps the most financially fortunate of all groups in Nigeria. I recall, under the Jonathan administration, the Igbo ruled the commanding heights of the economy. They peopled strategic places in the government. In fact, the Jonathan administration was passed off as an Igbo government, and rightly so. What we did with that opportunity will be discussed in subsequent columns. But Nigeria has not been all ash and sackcloth for Ndi Igbo.
And who says we cannot seek justice and fairness within Nigeria? Operating in a democracy affords us several vehicles to realise whatever we seek – within the orbit of the constitution. But our pursuit of equity must not come with bloodshed. It must not be at the cost of precious human lives.
So, in our discussion, we idealised the possibility of a movement to drive the quiet thoughts of the silent Igbo majority. That is, a non-partisan and strictly ideological platform to mobilise Igbo voices and consciences for a united Nigeria and to counter secessionist narratives. We came up with the concept of ‘Ndi Igbo for One Nigeria’. Yes, Ndi Igbo stand for One Nigeria. Our voices should be louder than those who seek to divide us.
I believe many are reluctant to speak up for fear of violence. I have been threatened many times for my views, but my belief in a united Nigeria is stronger than my fear. Should we remain reticent by fit of fear and watch our years of hard work tumble down? Do we keep our hands suspended in the air while our kith and kin are slaughtered in avoidable violence?
The silent Igbo majority need to speak up. It is an existential struggle for us and our children.
We need to rise and take a stand. Nigeria belongs to us and every other Nigerian. We must hold the fort.
‘Ndi Igbo for One Nigeria’ berths and our voices against secessionist agitations just got louder.
The Department of State Services (DSS) has begun an analysis of the call logs of the detained aides to Yoruba rights activist, Sunday Adeyemo, popularly known as Sunday Igboho. The secret security agents are believed to be carrying out a forensic analysis of the call logs, messages and other contents on the phones of the 13 aides of Igboho who were arrested during Thursday’s raid on his Soka, Ibadan residence.
The suspects are Abdulateef Ofeyagbe, Amoda Babatunde (aka Lady K), Tajudeen Erinoyen, Diekola Ademola, Abideen Shittu, Jamiu Noah, Ayobami Donald, Adelabe Usman, Oluwapelumi Kunle, Raji Kazeem, Taiwo Opeyemi and Bamidele Sunday.
Igboho has gone underground since his Ibadan residence was raided by men of the DSS ahead of a major rally in support of the call for Yoruba nation in Lagos on Saturday.
The DSS spokesman, Peter Afunaya, had told news men in Abuja on Thursday that the raid was carried out based on an intelligence report that Igboho had stockpiled arms in his residence.
The agency presented seven AK-47 rifles allegedly recovered during the raid on Igboho’s house, as well as three pump-action guns, 30 fully charged AK-47 magazines, 5,000 rounds of 7.62mm ammunition, five cutlasses, one jack-knife, one pen knife, two pistol holsters, a pair of binoculars, a wallet containing $5, local and international driving licences in his name, ATM cards, a German residence permit No. YO2N6K1NY bearing his name, two whistles, 50 cartridges and 18 walkie-talkies.
Others are three charm jackets/traditional body armour, two laptops, one Toshiba and one Compaq laptops, Igboho’s passport and those of his aides.
Afunaya claimed that five of the AK-47 rifles recovered from Igboho’s residence were snatched from the Nigeria Customs and Immigration personnel at Idi-Iroko, Ogun State.
He explained that Igboho and his group, in the guise of campaign for self-determination had become well-armed and determined to undermine public order.
It was gathered that the secret police planned to go after Igboho’s collaborators and financiers.
Multiple sources said DSS investigators hoped to track down those offering financial and material support to the agitation for the creation of Yoruba Nation.
It was also gathered that the secret police would liaise with the International Criminal Police Organisation to apprehend Igboho wherever he may be hiding.
“The service is in the process of liaising with the Interpol to track down the fugitive. He will be watch-listed so he can be arrested wherever he may be found.
“Our forensic experts would comb the call logs and other contents of the phones of all the suspects in custody. We hope to harvest a trove of information that could lead to Igboho’s financiers and collaborators in the coming weeks,” a DSS operative confided in one of our correspondents on Friday.
Also, another top DSS official told one of our correspondents that the phones seized from Igboho’s home would be examined and this could also expose the identities of those sponsoring him.
“It is standard procedure to process suspects and their phones. Igboho didn’t know we were coming, hence he was unable to take away his passport and other items. Operatives are currently searching through the seized phones, WhatsApp chats and other things.
“This could expose the identities of people sponsoring Igboho and those supporting him,” the source said.
Millennials are thriving in the workforce today. They are the next generation to be leaders in the workplace and will be the generation that shapes the future of leadership. There are not many millennial role models that potential leaders can follow and emulate. Thus, we must attract leaders for the new generation. This means that it is time for a change in leadership style and approach. Millennials are multiplying into the workforce population today as they are reaching their peak employment years. They are giving new insight into office life and the structure among employees and employers. Senior management at many organisations is seeking the right steps to recruiting and developing millennials into leadership roles. The first step is to create a successful plan to help millennials transform into a leader. Best practices to enhance number of millennial leaders To cultivate and enhance the number of millennial leaders, it is important first to understand the attitudes and behaviours of the generation. “The primary traits of the millennial generation that may manifest as elements of millennial leadership styles are collaboration, integration, multitasking, experimentation and nomadic behaviours.” There are three things leaders can do to assure these millennials will achieve success on the job, despite generational differences. The first is giving them the big picture. Millennials want to contribute their part in the workplace. By making sure that they understand goals, mission statement, and how the company works together as a whole, a whole new understanding will be created. Second, leaders need to help the millennials find the “me” in team. From team sports during youth to classroom projects, millennials are no stranger to teamwork. Team performance expectations need to be laid out for a supreme understanding. They can bring knowledge of technology that will be helpful in ways such as social networking and virtual environments. Lastly, millennials need to be mentored on career-building behaviours. Career-building is one area in which beginning workers may be deficient compared to the older or more experienced employees. The future of any company is founded on good leadership. Many good leaders have a great understanding of the company activities and are dedicated to achieving the goals of the company. Young leaders, especially the millennials, are innovative, and flexible to new ideas. These future leaders are willing to work longer hours since they understand the importance of developing into a good leader. It is important that the organisation recognise and develop the millennials into leadership positions. For millennial leaders to be successful, there are some ways that management can support them in their leadership development. • Help them understand the “why” of their job – why they are asked to do something and why it is important to the overall cause of the company. • Give them regular feedback, so they understand their progress. • Help them understand that they may need to demonstrate to their team how using technology can improve productivity.
• Help them understand what credibility looks like for the team members they lead and help them modify their leadership style when needed. Sixty per cent of our current workforce is made up of millennials and as the older generation continues to retire, that number will continue to increase. We must start training and promoting the millennial generation to ensure the company’s future. The millennial generation is different than those that came before it and we must take that into consideration when it comes to their motivation and engagement. To do this we must we must make an environment which they want to work in and that promises growth in a supportive environment. Life outside of the workplace is also very valuable to millennials so we must make an environment that provides a balance of both work and personal life. Millennials can benefit the companies in many ways. Their leadership role is today’s generation is outstanding, they understand their weaknesses and strengths. Millennials have changed the role of leadership and creating a new trend in leadership where a manager would direct and not command. Millennials treat everyone in the company equally, which can create trust and loyalty within company’s employee. They have taken a strive towards inclusive leadership instead of authoritarian leadership to create to equal opportunity for everyone. Another way we can benefit from millennials is the way they would collaborate and brain storm with each other in the company. It is one of their main priorities when it comes to handling big projects. They would consult with many trusted people in the company to push the project forward, such as managers, mentors, peers, and other advisors. In today’s world, millennials value flexibility and work-life balance. We must keep this in mind and provide them with many benefits from our company. Millennials can be reliable to work from home as well, which can make a job a lot easier for them. They been raised along technology, digital communication, and other tools to understand how to work remotely. Millennials can switch job quickly, providing them with these options would convince them to stay with our workforce. Millennial care about trust, we should share every decision or announcement from our workforce and keep it less confidential. This can increase the rate of job satisfaction from our workforce. This is another way that convince millennials to stick around the company. We need to be open and honest with all our employees and make sure they all understand their role. Also, give opportunities to grow and allow them to earn bigger roles in the company. When it comes to the millennials they would love to be able to have a job that supports them with a great environment. I know for a fact they would be looking for a new career, they love employee engagements in any office setting that will engage with their workers, showing them that you actually care about them and their employment at your company. Work outings, work parties, and work gathering I feel like will build the culture better around the working environment for the millennials and they love having those type of engagements. Some practices we could implement to create this culture would be: Flexible work hours and schedules Employee engagement: Work parties, Work outings, work event and gatherings, incentives Clear career path and opportunities Open communication Give them purpose Acknowledge their work. Analyzing the motivations, behaviors, and characteristics of the millennial generation is a critical first step when designing a leadership development program. Millennials have many positive leadership traits of which a company should take advantage; they are great multi-taskers, embrace diversity, innovative, flexible, innovate, and willing to put in the extra hours to move toward success. Incorporating these factors while also providing the future leaders with a strong sense of the company’s programmes, goals and vision are all important when developing this generation of leaders
Kenny, a Success Coach, Teacher, Conference Speaker, Certified Management Consultant, can be reached at Kennyfolarind@gmail.com.
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The Rivers State Governor, Nyesom Wike, has said that henceforth, the same punishment being meted on coup plotters would be applied to election riggers in the state.
The Presidency has marvelled at the Professionalism displayed by the officers of the Department of Security Service (DSS) displayed at the arrest, repatriation and continuation of the prosecution of the leader of the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra (IPoB), Nnamdi Kanu.
The Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) has bowed to ensure effective stewardship of the nation’s hydrocarbon resources to guarantee energy security and drive wealth creation in Nigeria.
Ndi Igbo Stand For One Nigeria, By Fredrick Nwabufo
We cannot discount the perils, ills and concomitants of the civil war. But it has been 51 years since the end of the war, and the Igbo have built back better and stronger. We people every corner of Nigeria and have made where we settled our home. It is customary to find an Igbo native who can speak Hausa and Yoruba fluently – even much better than their indigenous tongue.
A united Nigeria remains a viable emporium for the enterprising Igbo.
With enduring resilience we have made magic out of the ordinary and turned dust into gold in the places we have settled. Whether in the north or in the south, we dominate commerce. We have forged bonds and made families with host communities. We have crossed bloodlines and have nourished our gene-pool with the rich ancestry of other peoples of Nigeria. We have become aboriginal Nigerians.
It gladdened me when the Igbo Delegate Assembly said in June they are opposed to the breakaway of the south-east from Nigeria. The Igbo leaders from the 19 northern states declared that there is a new tribe – The Northern Igbo. This melange of Igbo whose histories have become intertwined and many others with roots in the south-east and even resident there are in the majority.
Really, there is a new and only tribe – the aboriginal Nigerian; a cross-genetic breed.
Those crusading for the secession of the south-east today are deficient students of history and sociology. Even the late Odumegwu Ojukwu, the captain of the secessionist struggle during the war, regretted that devastating episode in our history. Ojukwu said: ‘’I don’t think the second war is necessary. We should have learnt from the first one.”
There is no victory in war; only pain, blood and death. Nobody should provoke another war in Igbo land. Ndi Igbo must not let the vocal minority drown them out. They must speak up and be heard.
At the weekend, I had a robust conversation on Nigeria and the south-east with some friends. It jogged something in me. While the claims of marginalisation by Ndi Igbo cannot be brushed off, Nigeria has not been all grim for the Igbo. The Igbo are perhaps the most financially fortunate of all groups in Nigeria. I recall, under the Jonathan administration, the Igbo ruled the commanding heights of the economy. They peopled strategic places in the government. In fact, the Jonathan administration was passed off as an Igbo government, and rightly so. What we did with that opportunity will be discussed in subsequent columns. But Nigeria has not been all ash and sackcloth for Ndi Igbo.
And who says we cannot seek justice and fairness within Nigeria? Operating in a democracy affords us several vehicles to realise whatever we seek – within the orbit of the constitution. But our pursuit of equity must not come with bloodshed. It must not be at the cost of precious human lives.
So, in our discussion, we idealised the possibility of a movement to drive the quiet thoughts of the silent Igbo majority. That is, a non-partisan and strictly ideological platform to mobilise Igbo voices and consciences for a united Nigeria and to counter secessionist narratives. We came up with the concept of ‘Ndi Igbo for One Nigeria’. Yes, Ndi Igbo stand for One Nigeria. Our voices should be louder than those who seek to divide us.
I believe many are reluctant to speak up for fear of violence. I have been threatened many times for my views, but my belief in a united Nigeria is stronger than my fear. Should we remain reticent by fit of fear and watch our years of hard work tumble down? Do we keep our hands suspended in the air while our kith and kin are slaughtered in avoidable violence?
The silent Igbo majority need to speak up. It is an existential struggle for us and our children.
We need to rise and take a stand. Nigeria belongs to us and every other Nigerian. We must hold the fort.
‘Ndi Igbo for One Nigeria’ berths and our voices against secessionist agitations just got louder.
By Fredrick Nwabufo can be reached on
Twitter @FredrickNwabufo.