Presidency Presents Security Checklist, As Nigeria Celebrates Armed Forces Day

January 14, 2021

President Buhari in Maiduguri Borno State to declare Open Chief of Army Staff Conference, Address Troops and Visits Wounded Soldiers on 28th Nov 2018

Nigerian Presidency has listed what it had achieved between 2020 and this year, under the umbrella of the All Progressives Congress (APC).

A statement by the special adviser to President Muhammadu Buhari on media and publicity, Femi Adesina said that January 15 which is observed every year to commemorated Armed Forces Remembrance Day, is considered the milestone for the security checklist to be presented.

“It also provides ample opportunity to chronicle current landmark achievements by our military in tackling security challenges in the land, towards fulfilling the constitutional requirement of Government guaranteeing the protection of lives and property.”

Femi Adesina presented the security checklist as follows:

INTERNAL SECURITY:

Boko Haram is much weaker today than in 2015, as attested to by the Governor of Borno State on December 6, 2020:

“From state-wide statistics on affairs in the 27 Local Government Areas since 2011, the fact is that despite the recent happenings in Borno State, the security situation in Borno State and, indeed, that of the entire North East sub-region is still far better under Buhari, and this is based on records.

“For instance, unlike the years before Buhari when a number of local governments were no-go-areas, we now have indigenes safely back to Gwoza, Askira-Uba, Dikwa, Ngala, Monguno, Kukawa, Damboa, Konduga, Mafa and led by our traditional leaders, which no one could have visited not to talk of living there. Our Emirs were all in exile. Today, Bama is coming back to life and so is Askira-Uba, Damboa, Gwoza and others. Life is even returning to Baga. This was impossible before Buhari.

“In fact, it was not possible to move few kilometres out of Maiduguri. Insurgents were so bold to attack and take over military facilities, like the Army Barracks at Monguno, Bama, Giwa Barrack and Multinational Joint Task Force Headquarters at Baga, to mention just a few. There were daily bomb blast attacks in many parts of Maiduguri, the most populated part of the state but all these have stopped under President Buhari. These are the records and no one can dispute them.”

HIGHLIGHTS OF DEFENCE HEADQUARTERS-COORDINATED OPERATIONS, 18 MARCH TO 30 DECEMBER, 2020:

• The Armed Forces of Nigeria from 18 March to 30 December, 2020 neutralized 2,403 criminal elements (terrorists, bandits, kidnappers, cattle rustlers, etc.) across the country.

• This is in addition to scores of other terrorists and armed bandits killed during air strikes.

• Troops also rescued a total of 864 kidnapped victims across the country.

• In addition, a total of 9,684,797 litres of stolen AGO and 33,516,000 litres of DPK were recovered.

• Equally, 1,910 criminal elements were arrested and large cache of arms, ammunition and equipment were recovered during the period.

• Furthermore, a total of 46,581.8 barrels of stolen crude oil and 22,881,257 litres of stolen PMS were recovered by the troops of the Armed Forces of Nigeria.

Sectoral Breakdown of March to December 2020 Military Successes:

North-West:

5,281 livestock, 6,951 rounds of ammunition and 120 assorted rifles were recovered from the armed bandits by the gallant troops in the Zone, 455 kidnapped victims were rescued and 473 armed bandits killed. 461 arrests were made in the Zone including high profile armed bandits, gun runners and bandits’ collaborators, while a total cash of N6,365,550 was recovered from armed bandits and their informants in the Zone.

North-East:

200 kidnapped victims rescued by troops of Operation LAFIYA DOLE. A total of 1,385 rounds of ammunition, 45 grenades as well as 95 assorted rifles were recovered from BHT/ISWAP fighters. In addition, several gun trucks were captured, while some others were destroyed during air strikes. 1,805 insurgents/terrorists including commanders were killed by the troops aside scores killed by air raids/attacks. Additionally, within the period, a total of 79 arrests were made including high value targets.

North-Central:

Troops of Operations SAFE HAVEN, WHIRL STROKE and THUNDER STRIKE rescued a total of 130 kidnapped victims, and 105 assorted rifles as well as 513 rounds of ammunition and 1,055 rustled cattle were recovered from armed bandits and other criminal elements in the Zone. 1,250 criminals including family members of the Darul Salam sect were arrested within the period. Furthermore, troops neutralized a total of 125 armed bandits including militia gang leaders.

South-South:

A total of 8,890,300 litres of stolen AGO and 33,516,00 litres of DPK were impounded by troops of Operation DELTA SAFE. Troops immobilized a total of 185 illegal refining sites, 85 dugout pits and 163 metal storage tanks within the period. Additionally, troops impounded a cumulative total of 31,236.8 barrels of stolen crude oil as well as 12,272,652 litres of stolen PMS from oil thieves in the Zone. Also, a total of 47 kidnapped victims were rescued, while 72 vandals and criminals were arrested. A total of 4,250 bags of 50kg foreign parboiled smuggled rice were impounded and 45 boats engaged in illegal activities were arrested. Troops also arrested a total of 53 pirates and 25 trucks as well as recovered 23 rifles, 65,330 rounds of ammunition and destroyed 23 sea pirate camps.

South-West:

Troops of Operation AWATSE in the South-West Zone between 18 March and 30 December 2020 impounded a total of 10,458,600 litres of PMS; 15,345 barrels of stolen crude oil and 345,000 litres of stolen AGO. Additionally, troops recovered a total of 3,594 rounds of ammunition and 14 assorted rifles. Also, within the period, a total of 23 illegal refining sites were immobilized, while 15 boats and 23 trucks engaged in illegal activities were arrested. In the same vein, within the period 35 kidnapped victims were rescued, while 48 arrests were made.

NORTH-EAST SECURITY ACHIEVEMENTS, 2015-2020

Specifically, in the North East, the Armed Forces have since 2015 recorded significant achievements in the fight against terrorism in Nigeria. The first actions of the Buhari Administration in that regard were:

· Revitalization of the Multi-National Joint Task Force comprising Nigeria and her neighbours;

· Relocation of the Military Command and Control Center to Maiduguri in June 2015;

· Launch of Operation Lafiya Dole in July 2015.

Since then, several towns and villages have been reclaimed from Boko Haram, thousands of hostages have been freed from terrorist enclaves, and tens of thousands of displaced persons have been resettled. Several Boko Haram leaders have been killed or arrested, and the arrest of Khalid al-Barnawi of the Ansaru splinter cell brought an end to the terrorists’ tight grip on North Central Nigeria.

The Federal Government is investing heavily in military hardware, including 23 new aircraft that have already been delivered and inducted into service, while another 18 manned aircraft and 8 Unmanned Combat Aerial Vehicles (UCAVs) are being awaited, in 2021/2022. This is in addition to attack boats, patrol vessels, armoured tanks and so on.

The Army established ‘Special Mobile Strike Teams’ in the Northeast, while the Air Force has established or is establishing new bases in various parts of the Northwest and North Central (Benue, Nasarawa, Taraba, Zamfara, Kaduna, Katsina).

Here is a selection of significant developments that show the progress in Borno State and the Northeast:

• El-Kanemi Warriors Football Club returned to their home base in Maiduguri in April 2016, two years after relocating to Katsina State because of the insurgency

• Public Secondary Schools resumed in Borno State on Monday September 26, 2016, after two years of closure

• Capture of Boko Haram’s operational and spiritual headquarters, “Camp Zero”, in Sambisa Forest, in December 2016. Following this, the Nigerian Army conducted its Small Arms Championship from 26th to 31st March 2017, a measure aimed at enabling the Armed forces to dominate the area, and avoid regrouping by the terrorists.

• Chairman of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) Borno State Chapter declared the 2017 Easter Celebrations as the best and safest since 2009.

• Arik Air resumed flights to Maiduguri in May 2017, three years after suspending operations to the city.

• Nigerian Military reopened Maiduguri-Bama-Banki Road in March 2018, four years after it was seized by Boko Haram.

• Hundreds of thousands of displaced persons have returned to their homes and communities across the Northeast, since 2015.

• Tens of thousands of hostages have been freed from Boko Haram captivity, including 106 of the Chibok Girls abducted in April 2014, and 105 of the Dapchi Girls abducted in February 2018.

HIGHLIGHTS OF OPERATION SWIFT RESPONSE (PARTIAL BORDER CLOSURE) AUGUST 2019 TO DECEMBER 2020:

Operation SWIFT RESPONSE (OSR) which was launched in August 2019 and coordinated by the Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA) has now transformed into Nigeria’s Joint Border Patrol Team (JBPT) as part of a Tripartite Operation, comprising Benin, Niger and Nigeria.

• 1,401 irregular migrants arrested

Total seizures:

• 159,506.7 (50kg) bags of parboiled foreign rice;

• 10,447 bags of NPK fertilizer used for making explosives;

• 1,974 Vehicles;

• 895 motorcycles;

• 18,690.3 Jerry cans of Vegetable Oil, among other seized items.

• The total monetary value of the apprehended items is about Twelve Billion, Five Hundred and Thirty Eight Million, Three Hundred and Thirty Three Thousand, Five Hundred and Forty Five Naira Fifty Kobo (₦12,538,333,545.50).

2021:

NEW NAF BASES COMING TO KATSINA AND GOMBE

• Nigerian Air Force has acquired land to be used for an Operational Base in Gwauruwa Village, Funtua in Katsina State. The new base will translate into increased security coverage and reduced response times for effective air operations against bandits in the area.

• Nigerian Air Force has commenced construction of a Base for its newly-established Unit, the 203 Combat Renaissance Group (203 CRG), in Gombe State. The Base will host some of the NAF’s newly-acquired armed drones (UCAVs).

LAUNCH OF OPERATION TURA TAKAIBANGO IN YOBE STATE IN JANUARY 2021:

· Operation TURA TAKAIBANGO was launched by the Military as a subsidiary Operation of Operation LAFIYA DOLE on January 7, 2021. On January 9, 2021, Troops of Operation TURA TAKAIBANGO identified and encircled a Boko Haram ambush site in Gujba LGA of Yobe State, killing 28 Boko Haram Terrorists, destroying one Boko Haram Gun Truck with its occupants while capturing another Gun Truck. Also captured were 2 Anti-Aircraft Guns, 13 AK 47 Rifles, 4 extra magazines and a Vulcanizing Machine.

LAUNCH OF EXERCISE “TAIMAKO YAZO”:

• The Nigerian Air Force (NAF) on 2 January, 2021, conducted a Joint Combat Search and Rescue (CSAR), Special Forces (SF) and Air Police K-9 Simulation Exercise (JCSAEX) at Rijana Village along Kaduna-Abuja Highway.

• The Exercise, code named “TAIMAKO YAZO”, was aimed at simulating tactics, doctrine and synergy amongst first responders for effective CSAR operations of downed aircrew or other NAF personnel who have had to eject or abandon their aircraft in emergency situations.

• The ability to rescue crew from hostile environments is particularly important as it can be adapted for anti-kidnapping operations as was recently done by the NAF in concert with other security agencies in the rescue of all the 344 kidnapped boys of Government Science Secondary School, Kankara, Katsina State.

• The Air Force will conduct a total of six of these Exercises between January and June 2021, mostly in the Northwest, particularly in Zamfara and Katsina States.”

President Trump Complains About “Unprecedented Assault On Freedom Of Speech”

Editorial staff

January 14, 2021

President Donald Trump has complained about what he called “unprecedented assault on free speech we have seen in recent days.”

He said: “efforts to censor, cancel and blacklist our fellow citizens are wrong and they are dangerous. What is needed now is for us to listen to one another, not to silence one another.”

Twitter, Facebook, Snapchat and other social media platforms have since blocked the President, accusing him of using their platforms to incite violence in America.

President Trump was accused of having incited last week’s deadly attack on the Capitol that led to the death of some Americans.

The President had insisted that the November 3 presidential election was marred by election fraud and had delayed transition process of President-elect, Joe Biden.

Recall that last week, he was said to have made a final push when he tried to stop the certification of Joe Biden at the Capitol by allegedly inciting his supporters to attack the place and calling some lawmakers on telephone to stop the process.

But now, disgraced and impeached by the House of Representatives yesterday, January 13, President Trump has now appealed to his supporters to shun violence and vandalism. The House voted 232 to 197 to impeach the President with the support of 10 members of his own party.

After the successful impeachment by the Nancy Pelosi led lawmakers, Trump released a video statement calling for calm.

“No true supporter of mine could ever endorse political violence. No true supporter of mine could ever disrespect law enforcement or our great American flag,” Trump said from the Oval Office.

“Now I am asking everyone who has ever believed in our agenda to be thinking of ways to ease tensions, calm tempers and help to promote peace in our country.”

Nigerians Yet To forgive Themselves 51 Years After The Civil War, Bishop Kukah Claims

Editorial staff

January 14, 2021

The of Sokoto Catholic diocese, Matthew Hassan Kukah has said that Nigerians are yet to fully forgive themselves 51 years after the civil war.

“51 years after the war, we are still hearing the kind of agitations that ordinarily, with good governance, honestly, devotion, dedication, commitment, the right leadership, we should have left all these anxieties behind us; unfortunately they are still with us.

“We have met a lot of people who fought the war who are full of regrets. We have not been able to forgive ourselves as a people. The wounds of the civil war have not been able to heal.”

Bishop Kukah, who spoke today, January 14, at the second edition of Never Again Conference with the theme, ’51 Years After After the Civil War’ held virtually and organized by Nzuko Umunna, a pan-Igbo socio-cultural organization, noted that citizens of Nigeria and her leaders are not happy.

“We are failing in almost every area, in education, lack of infrastructure, debt traps, inability to create new opportunities for industrialization and this massive cloud of insecurity threatening the whole nation.

“Part of our problem is not articulating the issues, we really don’t have the mental toughness and discipline to follow through some of these diagnosed problems.”

2023: Kogi Speaker Launches Campaign For Gov Yahaya Bello’s Presidency

Editorial staff

January 14, 2021

The Speaker, Kogi State House of Assembly, Prince Mathew Kolawole has launched campaign for the emergence of the Governor of Kogi State Yahaya Bello as President of Nigeria in the 2023 election in the country.

The speaker, who has been carrying the campaign to some parts of the country, and was in Jos, capital of Plateau State along with his entourage today, January 14, asked his counterparts in the state to support Governor Yahaya Bello, who he said, is found to be suitable “as he has performed creditably well.”

Kolawole, accompanied by his Deputy and other Kogi lawmakers, begged the speaker of Plateau state House of Assembly Abok Ayuba and his colleagues to support their mission.

“Our mission to Plateau is to congratulate the Speaker, Plateau House of Assembly, Abok Ayuba on his election as the Chairman of North Central zone of Speakers Conference of Nigeria.

“We are here to brief him and canvass support for his Excellency, Alhaji Yahaya Bello, the Governor of Kogi State who is the youngest governor in Nigeria to run for president come 2023.

“In view of our relationship with our governor, as legislators, we have articulated all his achievements in the areas of security, women empowerment, youth inclusion in government, education and infrastructural development.

“We have found him to be suitable as he has performed creditably well.

“On this note, we decided on our own, to pass a vote of confidence on him and at the same time, pass a resolution that we want him to contest for the position.

“The youths of Nigeria are also pressurising him that they want him to run for president and he has finally agreed.”

He said that they brought the message to Plateau Assembly being one of those states that is controlled by the All Progressives Congress (APC), adding that they believe in the association of legislators in Nigeria which has about 998 members with over 600 of the members of APC and automatic delegates of the party.

In his remarks, Speaker of the Plateau State House of Assembly, Abok Ayuba said that the Plateau state lawmakers would support Bello if he sets an example by granting Kogi State House of Assembly autonomy.

Abok said that autonomy is one of the key things that the Speakers Conference of Nigeria has been fighting for its implementation.

“As a young person, he should act differently and implement autonomy so that others will follow.

“Sincerely, the north-central should be included in the calculations of this country as it is most times left.

“We will tell them that we form one of the largest populations in the country and we should be considered this time.”

He assured the Kogi speaker that he would convey his message to the state lawmakers when they resume from recess on 20th January 2021.

The Speaker further assured that the Plateau Assembly would join hands with its Kogi counterparts to get what rightly belongs to the North Central Geopolitical Zone

Before Criticizing Me, Compare situation Before I Came In And Now, Buhari Tells Critics

Editorial staff

January 14, 2021

President Muhammadu Buhari has asked those who are fund of criticizing his government to be fair enough to compare the situation that existed before he came in 2015 and what it is now.

“Those criticizing the administration should be fair in terms of reflecting on where we were before we came, where we are now and what resources are available to us and what we have done with the limited resources.”

President Buhari, who spoke today, January 14 when he received in audience, the Executive Secretary of the Nigeria Christian Pilgrims Commission, Reverend Yakubu Pam, remarked: “we had to struggle paying debts, investing in road repairs and rebuilding, to revamp the rail and try to get power. This is what I hope the elite, when they want to criticise will use to compare notes.”

On the security situation, especially in the Northeast, the President asked: “what was the situation when we came? Try and ask people from Borno or from Adamawa for that matter and Yobe. What was the condition before we came and what is the condition now?

“Still, there are problems in Borno and Yobe, there are occasional Boko Haram problems, but they know the difference because a lot of them moved out of their states and moved to Kaduna, Kano and here (in Abuja). We were not spared of the attacks at a time. The government is doing its best and I hope that eventually, our best will be good enough.”

President Buhari assured that the welfare of Internally Displaced Persons is paramount on the agenda of government.

“The people in IDP camps, the weak, aged, I feel sorry for the young because this is the time they are supposed to get education. We must not allow this time to pass because it will never be regained. So we are really interested in what is happening there and we are doing our best.”

The President commended the Executive Secretary on his appointment and activities on peace building around the country despite his short time in the saddle and assured him of the listening ear of the government whenever he had contributions to make.

Earlier in his remarks, Reverend Pam had intimated the President with some of the activities of the Commission since he was appointed in July 2020, adding that they include organization of Peace Summit on Southern Kaduna as well as peace building efforts in Plateau, Benue, Taraba and Nasarawa States.

He said that the Commission has proposed to host Christian religious leaders in a summit to help douse pressures within the polity, among other plans.

Asiwaju Tinubu’s Presidential Storm Gathers Momentum As Associates Mobilize

Editorial staff

January 14, 2021

The Presidential storm of the National Leader of the All Progressive Congress (APC), Asiwaju Bola Tinubu gathered great momentum yesterday, January 13 as his political associates stormed Ibadan to intensify mobilization for him.

The allies in attendance, drawn from the Southwest zone of the country include former and current Speakers of State Houses of Assembly in the geo-political zone. At the last count, no fewer than twenty current and past Speakers in the States’ Assemblies in the region were in attendance at the meeting.

The attendees include Speaker, Lagos State House of Assembly, Mudashiru Obasa, former Speakers of Osun State House of Assembly, Mojeed Alabi and Najeem Salam, former Speaker of Oyo State House of Assembly, Asimiyu Alarape and former speakers from Ondo and Ekiti, among others.

The Lagos State House of Assembly speaker, Mudashiru Obasa, who convened the meeting said that all former and current Speakers in the region had taken it upon themselves to support Tinubu’s presidency in 2023, and had formed Bola Ahmed Tinubu (BAT) Foundation to break the shackles of poverty in the country.

The Lagos State Speaker said that although, Bola Tinubu has not given the go-ahead to kick-start his interest in the presidency, there is a need to deliberate on “this all-important issue on behalf of Tinubu.”

He called on all attendees at the meeting to go back to their respective states to set up the template that would see to the actualisation Tinubu mandate.

Speaking on the essence and resolutions made at the meeting, the National Coordinator, BAT Movement, Ambassador Aliyu Saulawa emphasized that the movement is ready to ensure power shift to the Southwest and to be clinched by Tinubu.

“What was resolved at the meeting include, that power must shift to the South and that the Southwest must produce the next president.”

Source: The Nation.

Lawyer Allegedly Steals N15.7 Million He Won For His Client In Court

Editorial staff

January 14, 2021

A legal practitioner in Port Harcourt, Rivers State, Bardi Robert is now in the net of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) for allegedly converting the sum ofN15.7 Million he won for his client Igwe Ugochukwu in court to his personal use.

Bardi Robert allegedly received the judgment fund in three tranches – N10,000,000, N737,187, and N4,975,000.

According to the EFCC spokesman, Wilson Uwujaren, in a statement today, January 14, said that the suspect allegedly eloped with funds awarded by Rivers State High Court.

Uwujaren said that the alleged accomplice, Obinna Friday Egwom, is still at large, adding however that the suspect would be charged to court as soon as investigation is concluded.

I Believe Igbo Can Achieve Collectively Defined Objectives Without Malice – Ohanaeze Boss

Editorial staff

January 13, 2021

The new President-General of apex Igbo socio-cultural organization, Ohanaeze Ndigbo, Professor George Obiozor, has expressed his belief in achieving the objectives which Igbo race hold dear without malice to anyone, “but with diplomatic dexterity, decency, candour and decorum.”

In his message of appreciation today, January 13, to his fellow men and women who elected him to the exulted position, Professor Obiozor said: ”my dream type of leadership is leader/manager model, using the most and best available efficient persons and instruments to achieve Igbo collectively defined objectives. I believe this can be done without malice but with diplomatic dexterity, decency, candour and decorum.

“I know this is no easy decision on the part of Ndigbo or even my humble self. But I promise you all and my God, that I shall take up to the best of my ability to tackle the challenges and the responsibilities that come with the hallowed office with honour, dignity, dedication, decency and decorum.”

Professor, who is the former Nigerian Ambassador to the United States of America said: ”my most compelling necessity was service, a timely and crucial service at one of the most critical times in Nigeria’s history with dire consequences, particularly for Ndigbo as a national entity.

”Indeed, not only has governance become both difficult and complex in Nigeria, but downright an existential threat to Ndigbo in particular. The Igbo dilemma in Nigeria has come at last. And the time requires a very careful and delicate skilled manager in the relationships between Ndigbo and other Nigerian nationalities especially the national power elites. This requires a mature and experienced person with a capacity to build enough consensus to define and defend the interest of Ndigbo.”

Professor Obiozor added: ”four points priority agenda for Ndigbo are security, economy, education, peace and reconciliation.

”Ndigbo must be safe at home and abroad. Ndigbo must never again be victims of circumstances they did not create nor can they control. Security of Ndigbo, young or old will be a priority in my tenure. And security does not come alone, it comes with justice. Therefore, we must always seek justice, equity and fairness no matter how difficult or how long it takes to achieve them.”

For successful and continuous progress and prosperity of Ndigbo all over the world, Obiozor said he would ”continue with religious zeal and commitment” the South-East Economic Stabilisation fund established by his immediate predecessor, Chief John Nnia Nwodo.

On education, he promised to work with Igbo-speaking state governors to revamp the education system because ”the neglect of education has nearly thrown Ndigbo into incremental irrelevance in Nigerian politics and other national events.”

He appealed for the support of Ndigbo to achieve these objectives, adding:”we must make peace among ourselves. We must engage in healing Igboland, spirit of reconciliation and harmony among Ndigbo. Peace must reign in Igboland.”

Retired Soldiers Occupy Finance Ministry In Abuja, Demand Payment Of Pension, Others

Editorial staff

January 13, 2021

Retired Nigerian soldiers occupied the Federal Ministry of Finance in Abuja, demanding payment of their pension arrears.

They also demanded a stop on all deductions on the pension of all retired medical officers as well as the inclusion of officers who fought during the civil war on the military pension scheme.

The ex-servicemen are appealing to the Federal Government to approve the payment of minimum wage arrears accruing to them between 2019 till date.

A representative of the retired soldiers, Anthony Agbas, who delivered a letter to officials at the Ministry of Finance during the protest today, January 13, said that they have fought for the country and deserve payment of their pensions.

He said that they are hopeful that their demands will be met without further delay, following the peaceful protest.

Leave Bishop Kukah Alone, Presidency Tells Muslim Group over Quit Notice

Editorial staff

January 13, 2021

The Presidency has cautioned Muslim group which issued quit notice on the Catholic Bishop of Sokoto Diocese, Matthew Kukah, over his remarks considered to be offensive to Muslims in the country, to leave him alone.

“The reported ultimatum by a group based in Sokoto, Muslim Solidarity Forum, calling on the Bishop of Sokoto Diocese, Right Reverend Matthew Hassan Kukah, to tender an unreserved apology to the entire Muslim Ummah over his recent malicious comments against Islam, or quietly and quickly leave the state, is wrong because it is not in line with the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.

“Under our constitution, every citizen has the right to, among others, freedom of speech and expression, the right to own property and reside in any part of the country, and the right to move freely without any inhibitions. Nigeria’s strength lies in its diversity.”

A statement today, January 13 by the senior special assistant to President Muhammadu Buhari on media and publicity, Malam Garba Shehu, admitted however that Bishop Kukah’s Christmas message greatly offended many people but that it is wrong for Muslim groups to issue quit notice to the cleric.

Garba Shehu insisted that the bishop has the right to practice his faith and politics anywhere in the country and that issuing him a notice to quit Sokoto is against the constitution.

The statement read: “The reported ultimatum by a group based in Sokoto, ‘Muslim Solidarity Forum,’ calling on the Bishop of Sokoto Diocese, Right Reverend Matthew Hassan Kukah, to tender an unreserved apology to the entire Muslim Ummah over his recent “malicious comments” against Islam, or quietly and quickly leave the state, is wrong because it is not in line with the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.

“The right for all religions to coexist is enshrined in this country’s constitution. The duty of the government, more so, this democratic government, is to ensure that the constitution is respected. But all must respect the rights and sensitivities of their fellow Nigerians.

“Father Kukah has greatly offended many with his controversial remarks against the government and the person of the president, with some even accusing him of voicing anti-Islamic rhetoric.

“On matters such as these, responsible leadership in any society must exercise restraint.

“Knee-jerk reactions will not only cause the fraying of enduring relationships, but also the evisceration of peaceful communities such as Sokoto, the headquarters of the Muslim community as beacon of pluralism and tolerance. The Sultanate has historically had good relations with followers of all faiths. That is why Father Kukah was received on his arrival in Sokoto with friendship and tolerance.

“Under our laws, groups or factions must not give quit notices, neither should they unilaterally sanction any perceived breaches. Where they occur, it is the courts of law that should adjudicate. Unilateral action is not the way to go.

“Groups such as the Muslim Solidarity Forum must be seen to share and uphold the country’s multi-religious principles. And individuals like Father Kukah must respect the feelings of his fellow Nigerians in his private and public utterances.”

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