Soldiers Kill 7 Bandits Who Killed Emir’s Son In Niger, One Couldn’t Speak Hausa, English

May 21, 2021

Soldiers of the Nigerian Army and men of the Nigerian Police Force in the Kontagora local government area have eliminated no fewer than seven bandits, in a dense forest in the outskirt of the town.

The bandits were said to be fleeing after they invaded the farm of Mai Sudan (Emir) of Kontagora at Masuga village, and killed Prince Bashir Namaska, a son of the Emir.

It was gathered that a battalion of ground troops and policemen, deployed for a ‘swift response operation’, pursued the bandits to a thick forest, before they shot and killed some of them.

The rest were believed to have escaped with gunshot injuries. One of the injured bandits captured by troops who later died could neither speak Hausa nor English, but Fulfulde, a foreign dialect, PRNigeria learnt.

The bandits who attacked the Kontagora Emir’s farm that led to Prince Namaska’s death came through a large expanse of land, which belongs to the Nigerian Army.

Late Bashir Namaska was reported to have been killed alongside others by bandits at his Father’s farm at Masuga village, on Kontagora-Rijau road, yesterday, May 20.

Born in 1979, the deceased was among many sons of the Emir of Kontagora.

He served Kontagora Emirate in many capacities among which were the District Head of Kontagora1 and Sardaunan Kontagora, the positions he held until his demise.

He was also the Director-General, Niger State Public Procurement Board between 2013 and 2015 where he contributed immensely to the growth and development of the state.

Security Personnel Uncover Another ” Sambisa” Where Bandits Operate From In Niger State

Editorial staff

May 21, 2021

Security operatives have uncovered in Niger State, a large expanse of land stretching over 40 kilometers, like Sambisa forest in Borno State, from where Bandits have been operating.

The massive land, said to belong to the Nigerian Army, is not being fully utilised or occupied by the military and now harbours camps of armed bandits terrorizing Niger State.

The bandits were discovered to have established their camps at Matan Kari, Fagai, Ozowo, Bihima and Kan Libo, among other mountains inside the army land.

The intelligence source said: “The camps are mountainous areas, within the massive hectare, where the criminals first gather their abducted victims, before moving them to Kaduna, Zamfara and the other Northern States, via forests’ paths.

“They are also being used by bandits operating within the axis to congregate herds of rustled cattle, before ferrying them beyond the State’s borders.

“The ‘flat and levelled surfaces’ on top of the mountains is where a yet-to-be-identified private helicopter often allegedly sighted by local people.

“The huge army land, which starts from the military Barrack in Kontagora town, extends over to the Mai Guge community, in Mariga local government. It is almost 40km in length.”

Another seasoned intelligence officer working for a security agency in Kontagora, who declined to give his name, said: “the unfenced and porous’ army land is the reason why over 500 bandits have been having a field day invading communities, and wreaking havoc, across parts of Niger East.

“The aircraft from Nigerian Airforce (NAF) should therefore be despatched to bomb the areas because innocent citizens don’t longer live within the vicinity of forest that has been left fallow over the years by the military.

“As you may be aware the bandits’ camps also served as escape routes for the criminals when other security personnel are mobilized for counter and rescue operations. As I am talking with you right now the bandits and the rustled cows are in identified locations.”

A top military officer Abuja confirmed that the Nigerian Army and the Airforce are working assiduously on new strategies to tackle the menace of banditry in Niger state.

“The Nigerian military is making efforts to conduct operations that will hunt every criminal in that forest,” the officer who pleaded anonymity said.

Source: PRNigeria.

Defection Of Cross River Gov To APC Embarrassed Us In PDP – Taraba Gov

Editorial staff

May 21, 2021

Governor Darius Ishaku of Taraba State has said that they in the opposition Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) were greatly shocked and embarrassed by the defection of the Cross River State Governor, Professor Ben Ayade from PDP to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).

Speaking to newsmen at the presidential villa, Abuja today, May 21, Governor Ishaku said: “we are greatly shocked and embarrassed that he would suddenly dump the party for APC, because all of us see PDP as alternative to APC.”

He expressed shock that Governor Ayade took such far reaching action despite that all the PDP governors, including Professor Ayade are doing very well in their respective states.

“And for him to leave to APC, I don’t know the details of that. I have not seen the reason, but be that as it may, I believe that any democratic country must have an opposition; a viable opposition and opposition in itself is good for democracy.

“If you don’t have an opposition, then the government in power can go astray and so I believe in the vibrant democracy with an opposition.”

The Taraba State Governor assured that all the governors in PDP are doing very well and have no reason to move to another political party.

Ishaku commended the efforts made by the reconciliation committee of the PDP, which visited Governor Ayade, to reconcile aggrieved party members, stressing: “they have done a good job. A very good one. But it depends on the decision of an individual and what he actually hopes to gain. You may get the best of intentions somebody may not agree with you. And so that is the point that I think is more of the governor’s decision as it affects him, and that nobody can hold brief for that.”

On the fear that other PDP governors may join the APC soon, the Governor dismissed it, saying: “I don’t see that happening and like I said, even his own (Governor Ayade) was a shock to some of us.

“I don’t see that happening. And for Nigeria, we should hope for an opposition, a vibrant opposition that will help to put and maintain the system in going.

“Democracy without an opposition is not a democracy.”

Dark Clouds Currently Hang On New Nigeria, Osinbajo Confesses

Editorial staff

May 21, 2021

Vice President Yemi Osinbajo has confessed that a new Nigeria in the making is currently being covered by dark clouds and travails.

Such dark clouds and travails, he said, will give way to a glorious and bright new morning of a new nation.

Professor Osinbajo, who spoke today, May 21, at the National Prayer Breakfast, which held at the NAF Conference Centre in Abuja said: “the new nation is birthing already. It is covered by a cloud, but the cloud will pass, and God Almighty will take all of the glory for the birthing of a new nation.”

He noted that the theme of the Prayer breakfast: “The Birth of a New Nation”, was significant, especially in these times, emphasizing the need for collective prayers, faith, hope and action.

He said that today’s National Prayer Breakfast “comes at a time of great travail and tribulation for the nation: in the throes of a pandemic for well over a year, leading to a severe economic downturn, loss of jobs and livelihoods; and as we climbed out of the recession, we have been faced with an unprecedented scale of insecurity, in different zones of the nation.

“But we know that every time that a nation where the lives of the children of God is challenged, it is God’s call to His people to take action. It is an opportunity for God to demonstrate that He is God over the nations, that He is the creator of the heavens and the earth, that He knows the beginning from the end. But God also wants us to know that He has ordained us to speak to life.”

Referring to the Holy Book, Professor Osinbajo recalled the work and prophetic actions of men and women of faith who played vital roles in nation-building during biblical times.

“So, the Scripture has consistently shown us that children of God are central to the birth of a new nation, the rebirth of nations. They must desire the change, cry to God, be ready to make the sacrifice of repentance.”

The Vice President described the people of God as the salt of the earth, adding: “as we are the salt, we are also the light, the light ends the darkness; it marks the end of the night of weeping and marks the glorious sunlight of the morning of joy. So, the pouring of the salt into the source of the water, the source of the problem, is the prophetic act we perform today.”

He referenced 2 Kings 2:19-22, and said: “we, the salt, are also poured today by prayer and prophecy, to the source of our nation’s problems. And as we pray and prophesy, a new nation will be birthed; one where, like the city to which Elisha went, the land was healed, the people prospered and peace and joy prevailed.”

Professor Osinbajo thanked the organisers, as well as the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), and former Head of State, retired General Yakubu Gowon, who he described as the “father of the Nigerian Prays movement.”

The Vice President commended General Gowon “for his commitment and dedication to this nation from his youth, when he was Head of State, when he led the fight to keep Nigeria one, to his later years as an elder statesman where his well-seasoned words uttered in Godly wisdom have counselled our nation’s leaders for decades.”

No Fuel Price Increase In June – Minister

Editorial staff

May 21, 2021

The Minister of State for Petroleum, Timipre Sylva, has doused another rumour making the rounds that there will be an increase in the pump prices of petrol in June.

The minister, who personally issued a statement today, May 21 in respect of recent reports regarding the resolution of the Nigeria Governors Forum to increase the pump price of petrol, said: “I would like to strongly urge petroleum products marketers not to engage in any activity that could jeopardize the seamless supply and distribution system in place.”

He emphasized that despite the huge burden of under-recovery, the Federal Government is not in a hurry to increase the price of Premium Motor Spirit (petrol) to reflect current market realities.

“The current price of petrol will be retained in the month of June until the ongoing engagement with organized labour is concluded.

” I also urge members of the public to avoid panic buying because the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) has enough stock of petroleum products to keep the nation wet.”

NNPC Media Chief Strategist, Dr. Obateru Bags NIPR Fellowship

Greenbarge Reporters

May 20, 2021

The Nigerian Institute of Public Relations, (NIPR) today, May 20, in Bauchi, at its Annual General Meeting, conferred the prestigious Fellowship Award on Dr. Kennie Obateru, Group General Manager, Group Public Affairs Division of the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation.
Obateru, a self-driven and an amiable PR practitioner, joined the NNPC in 1992 as an experienced hire. Through the years he has served in various capacities as: General Manager/Head NNPC London Office, Manager, Public Affairs, National Petroleum Investment Management Services (NAPIMS), Manager, Public Affairs, Port Harcourt Refining Company (PHRC) among other positions.
He is an alumnus of the Nigerian Institute of Journalism, Lagos; University of Ilorin and University of Stirling, Scotland, UK, where he obtained a Certificate in News Reporting, a B.A. (Hons) Performing Arts and an M.Sc. in Public Relations respectively.
In 2012, he was awarded a Doctorate Degree in Management (Honoris Causa) by the Commonwealth University, Belize.
Obateru has attended numerous professional courses and conferences at home and abroad which include International Public Relations Association Conferences,) World Petroleum Congresses (WPCs) and more than a dozen OPEC Ministerial Conferences among others.

In the picture, the President and Chairman of Governing Council, Nigerian Institute of Public Relations (NIPR), Mallam Mukhtar Sirajo (left), has a handshake with Dr. Obateru after inducting him into the Fellowship of the Institute.

Boko Haram Leader, Shekau, Kills Himself In Battle With ISWAP

Greenbarge Reporters

May 20, 2021

Leader of Nigerian militant terrorist group, Boko Haram has reportedly blown himself with bomb in a deadly clash between his men and those of the Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP).

Intelligence sources confirmed that ISWAP, a splinter group of Boko Haram, who has grown in power and influence since it started operating from its territorial base on the banks and islands of Lake Chad has now occupies some section of Sambisa Forest following the latest development.

A situation report by one of the intelligence services said that, the notorious terrorist leader must have been killed during struggle for power between the Boko Haram and the ISWAP groups

The reports stated: “On 19th May 2021, about 1829hours, ISWAP top Fighter Baana DUGURI-on this selector – geolocated around sambisa forest Pulka Gwoza LGA BRS, informed ISWAP logistics commander MODU SULUM- geolocated opposite General hospital Konduga LGA Borno state that, they killed ABUBAKAR SHEKAU over all BH leader in Sambisa Forest date.

“DUGURI disclosed that the ISWAP fighters team surrounded the BH leader with his team and shooting ensued between the two factions. DUGURI further added that SHEKAU detonated a bomb and killed himself when he observed that the ISWAP fighters wanted to capture him alive.

“Furthermore, DUGURI informed SULUM that the two sides also lost some fighters during the shooting .He avered that even Yesterday ISWAP was pursuing ABUBAKAR SHEKAU and he SHEKAU discarded his cap and ran but today the pursuit continued and he was finally killed.DUGURI asked MODU SULUM if the other BH members who fled are returning to their houses?

“In his response,, SULUM rejoiced over the death of ABUBAKAR SHEKAU and glorified God over the success.He also said few BH members are returning to their houses.”

Meanwhile, Nigerian military has placed all Borno State Commands of the Nigerian Army and Airforce on Alert. The troops have lately been carrying out discreet bombardments around the Sambisa axis and Lake Chad axis which may have triggered the current crisis and strife between the two hitherto collaborators.

Findings reveal that ISWAP has been in pursuit of Shakau which led to him discarding his camp and running off until he was rounded up yesterday which led to his death.

The clash also resulted to some casualties on the ISWAP side.

When contacted, the spokesersons of the military and intelligence services were reluctant to talk.

Some of the spokespersons are currently attending a capacity building workshop at the Nigerian Army Resources Centre (NARC) Abuja.

Source: PRNigeria

BREAKING: Gov. Ayade Of Cross River Dumps PDP For APC

Greenbarge Reporters

May 20, 2021

The Cross River State Governor, Professor Ben Ayade has dumped the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) on which platform he was elected and switched over to the opposition All Progressives Congress (APC) in the state.
Seven Governors elected on the platform of the APC had stormed Calabar, the Cross River State capital yesterday, May 19, for a meeting with Ayade.
Among those that met with Ayade over dinner were the Governors of Imo, Ekiti, Plateau and Yobe States, Hope Uzodinma, Dr. Kayode Fayemi, Simon Lalong and Mai Mala Buni respectively. They had arrived Calabar at about 7:30pm.
Confirming the development, Ayade’s spokesman, Christian Ita said: “It is true. It just happened now.”
Source: The Eagle Online.

I’m Committed To Multi-Party System In Nigeria, President Buhari Assures

Editorial staff

May 19, 2021

President Muhammadu Buhari has assured Nigerians that he is committed to multi-party system as well as free and fair elections.

The President believed that the bedrock of democracy remains sustenance of the multi-party structure, with trust from citizens.

The President, who spoke today, May 19, at an interactive session with some Nigerians in Paris, France, said that results from elections since he assumed office had been a mixed bag, with the people’s choice playing out, promising to keep the template that had brought more credibility to the electoral process.

“Free and fair election is a great concern. In the last elections, our party lost in some elections and it reflects our position of non-interference.

“Normally those in power will win by hook or by crook. We believe in free and fair elections. I have respect for Nigerians to choose their leaders. We have shown we respect our citizens by allowing them to choose their leaders.

“We gave instructions to security to deal with anyone who uses thugs to disrupt electoral processes. What I can assure you is that you can walk about and around with your head raised high that this administration is committed to multi-party system.”

President Buhari said he had watched Nigerians spend long hours in campaigns listening to candidates since 2003, 2007, 2011, when he contested elections and lost, and 2015 and 2019 presidential elections, which he won.

“Nigerians deserve respect. I have suffered before, so I know what it means. My duty is to serve Nigeria and Nigerians with all my heart. I assure that in spite of the ill luck, with drop in resources, we will do our best,’’ he added.

The President said investments had been channeled into the agricultural sector, with visible results, explaining that the policy on border closure to neighbouring countries was to protect the economy and improve security.

“The future of Nigeria is in agriculture.”

On security, President Buhari said that all the service chiefs were changed in order to inject new energy and ideas into protecting the country, adding that the security chiefs were also given clear targets and time lines.

“We will educate people to develop our country. Our greatest resources are our people and educating them is a priority,’’ the President added.

In his remarks, Nigerian Ambassador to France, Kayode Ibrahim Laro, appreciated the President for always creating time to interact with Nigerians, describing him as the “most friendly President to Nigerians in diaspora.”

At the meeting, Nigerians in Paris raised issues with the President on security, voting in elections, economy and education.

Labour Calls Off Strike In Kaduna As Federal Govt Steps In To Douse Tension

Editorial staff

May 19, 2021

With the intervention of the federal government, the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) has suspended its five days warning strike in Kaduna State.

Announcing the suspension, the NLC President, Ayuba Wabba said the decision is to honour the invitation of the Federal Government on Thursday to mediate in the dispute between labour and the Kaduna State Government.

Earlier today, the Minister of Labour and Employment, Senator Chris Ngige waded into the ongoing face-off between the Kaduna State government and labour unions by inviting both parties to a reconciliation meeting.

The meeting scheduled to hold at the Ministry of Labour and Employment in the Federal Secretariat, Abuja is to be attended by the Kaduna State Governor, Nasir El Rufai and top officials of the State; s well as the President of the Nigeria Labour Congress, Ayuba Wabba and top NLC leaders.

Dr. Ngige had directed the two parties to maintain the status quo ante bellum pending the resolution of the issues in contention.

“I am therefore constrained in the exercise of my powers as the Minister of Labour and Employment, under the Trade Disputes Act, CAP. T8, Laws of Federation of Nigeria (LFN) 2004; to invite you and your top officials to the emergency trade dispute conciliation meeting,” he said.

Ngige’s intervention came three days after the NLC started a protest following the disengagement over the sacking of about seven thousand civil servants at the state and local governments by the Kaduna State government.

The strike paralysed critical sectors of the economy in the state and the state governor, Nasir El-Rufai in reaction, declared the NLC Chairman and other leaders wanted for economic sabotage and attacks on public infrastructure in Kaduna State under the Miscellaneous Offences Act.

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