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The head of the US space agency said last week's anti-satellite weapon test was a "terrible thing".

Tears flowed freely on Monday in Abuja as thousands of members of the Islamic Movement in Nigeria (IMN), popularly known as Shiites, gathered to honour their “fallen heroes and martyrs killed by security operatives across the country”.

The event, which took place at 7 Uption Garden Garki, Abuja, was marked with sober reflection and emotions with portrait photographs of the deceased on display. The deceased include children.

Sheikh Abdulhameed Bello, the Chairman of Shuhada Foundation, who addressed a large crowd of supporters of Sheikh Ibrahim El-Zakzaky during the Annual Yaumus Shuhada Foundation event, said the group had lost 998 members to the “brutality of the Police and Army”.

    

Bello stated that the Shuhada Foundation was formulated to cater to the orphans, widows, aged parents and family members left behind by the deceased. He added that the foundation sponsors the education of the children from nursery to university level.

"We take care of the medical bills of anyone of them that is sick and has health challenges. We also take care of their welfare like marriages and celebration of Salah programme. These martyrs as we are all aware are those that were killed by either by Nigerian Army and the Police," Bello stated.

He decried the attitude of security agencies toward the activities of the movement, stating that the group would not give up in its mandate to exercise its religious belief, despite the intimidation by security agencies.

The protesters, who displayed portraits of the “martyrs” and chanted anti-government songs, were drawn from Kano, Kaduna, Sokoto, Nasarawa and Kebbi states.

The injured members of the movement, particularly those with gunshot injuries, were seen walking with the aid of crutches.

The IMN has held series of protests to demand the release of El-Zakzaky, the IMN Leader, who has been in custody since December 2015, following a violent clash between the movement and the Nigerian Army, during which many people lost their lives.

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Tears flowed freely on Monday in Abuja as thousands of members of the Islamic Movement in Nigeria (IMN), popularly known as Shiites, gathered to honour their “fallen heroes and martyrs killed by security operatives across the country”.

The event, which took place at 7 Uption Garden Garki, Abuja, was marked with sober reflection and emotions with portrait photographs of the deceased on display. The deceased include children.

Sheikh Abdulhameed Bello, the Chairman of Shuhada Foundation, who addressed a large crowd of supporters of Sheikh Ibrahim El-Zakzaky during the Annual Yaumus Shuhada Foundation event, said the group had lost 998 members to the “brutality of the Police and Army”.

    

Bello stated that the Shuhada Foundation was formulated to cater to the orphans, widows, aged parents and family members left behind by the deceased. He added that the foundation sponsors the education of the children from nursery to university level.

"We take care of the medical bills of anyone of them that is sick and has health challenges. We also take care of their welfare like marriages and celebration of Salah programme. These martyrs as we are all aware are those that were killed by either by Nigerian Army and the Police," Bello stated.

He decried the attitude of security agencies toward the activities of the movement, stating that the group would not give up in its mandate to exercise its religious belief, despite the intimidation by security agencies.

The protesters, who displayed portraits of the “martyrs” and chanted anti-government songs, were drawn from Kano, Kaduna, Sokoto, Nasarawa and Kebbi states.

The injured members of the movement, particularly those with gunshot injuries, were seen walking with the aid of crutches.

The IMN has held series of protests to demand the release of El-Zakzaky, the IMN Leader, who has been in custody since December 2015, following a violent clash between the movement and the Nigerian Army, during which many people lost their lives.

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Charles Danladi, the Chairman of Sanga Local Government Area (LGA), Kaduna State, has alerted security agencies and the general public to plans to instigate religious crisis in the area.

Danladi stated this while addressing a press conference in Kaduna on Monday, during which he noted that he has credible intelligence that plans have been concluded to breach the peace in the LGA.

Some local governments in Kaduna State, including Sanga LGA, have been flashpoints of ethno-religious violence in recent times.

The Chairman said: "I wish to bring to your attention the deliberate plans by certain persons to instigate crises on ethno-religious lines in Sanga LGA and to request you to play your role to restore peace in the area.

“Those behind the plans to cause a breach and incite communal tensions met in Kaduna over the weekend under the auspices of a political party. By the evening of Sunday, 31 March, 2019, they had sent monies into Sanga LGA to fund a protest scheduled for Tuesday, April 2, 2019.

“Information available to me indicates that these persons want to promote religious division among the people of the area, which is home to Dr. Hadiza Balarabe, the state Deputy Governor-elect."

Danladi said perpetrators had prepared a false campaign that the Deputy Governor-Elect was making moves to remove the Chairman from office because he is a Christian, just to cause riot in the area.

“There is nothing of the sort, and the masterminds know this, but they seek to deliberately perpetrate falsehood and cause trouble among the peaceful people of the area. As Chairman of Sanga Local Government Council, my duty is to ensure that nothing threatens the peace and security in my area. We have recently been confronted by violent attacks in parts of the area. In such circumstance, we are very vigilant against any incitement on ethnic and religious lines, as we are taking steps to bring to justice those found involved in spreading falsehood,” he said.

Danladi, who did not name the instigators, added that the local council and the state government had taken measures to prevent attacks as witnessed recently in Nandu community in the area.

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Charles Danladi, the Chairman of Sanga Local Government Area (LGA), Kaduna State, has alerted security agencies and the general public to plans to instigate religious crisis in the area.

Danladi stated this while addressing a press conference in Kaduna on Monday, during which he noted that he has credible intelligence that plans have been concluded to breach the peace in the LGA.

Some local governments in Kaduna State, including Sanga LGA, have been flashpoints of ethno-religious violence in recent times.

The Chairman said: "I wish to bring to your attention the deliberate plans by certain persons to instigate crises on ethno-religious lines in Sanga LGA and to request you to play your role to restore peace in the area.

“Those behind the plans to cause a breach and incite communal tensions met in Kaduna over the weekend under the auspices of a political party. By the evening of Sunday, 31 March, 2019, they had sent monies into Sanga LGA to fund a protest scheduled for Tuesday, April 2, 2019.

“Information available to me indicates that these persons want to promote religious division among the people of the area, which is home to Dr. Hadiza Balarabe, the state Deputy Governor-elect."

Danladi said perpetrators had prepared a false campaign that the Deputy Governor-Elect was making moves to remove the Chairman from office because he is a Christian, just to cause riot in the area.

“There is nothing of the sort, and the masterminds know this, but they seek to deliberately perpetrate falsehood and cause trouble among the peaceful people of the area. As Chairman of Sanga Local Government Council, my duty is to ensure that nothing threatens the peace and security in my area. We have recently been confronted by violent attacks in parts of the area. In such circumstance, we are very vigilant against any incitement on ethnic and religious lines, as we are taking steps to bring to justice those found involved in spreading falsehood,” he said.

Danladi, who did not name the instigators, added that the local council and the state government had taken measures to prevent attacks as witnessed recently in Nandu community in the area.

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Hajiya Jumai Karofi, a member of the Islamic Movement in Nigeria (IMN), has narrated how she lost her five children during the violent clash between the group and Nigerian army in Zaria Kaduna State in December 2015.

She narrated her experience on Monday in Abuja during a Shuhada Foundation Programme of the movement to honour deceased members.

Karofi stated that her five children were shot dead in cold blood during the Zaria massacre, adding that the sixth one was in the hospital as a result of the gunshot injuries.

She maintained that her faith in the movement remains unshakable despite the unfortunate incident that has befallen her.

Recounting her ordeal, she said: "There is no discouragement in the struggle. Even historically, when you read about people who stood against tyranny, even not religiously, once you take a step backwards, the oppressors get even stronger. So, the only way is to persist, stand firm and sacrifice everything and get what you want. 

"And for that, we shall live and for it we shall die. We will never take a step backward. This is a promise from us. 

"Today, we are commemorating and remembering our martyrs. As a mother, I lost five of my children during the Zaria massacre and one of my sons is carrying a bullet in his chest right now. Also, I have shot several times; as you could see, when I was coming, they had to hold my hands because of the extent of my pain.”

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Hajiya Jumai Karofi, a member of the Islamic Movement in Nigeria (IMN), has narrated how she lost her five children during the violent clash between the group and Nigerian army in Zaria Kaduna State in December 2015.

She narrated her experience on Monday in Abuja during a Shuhada Foundation Programme of the movement to honour deceased members.

Karofi stated that her five children were shot dead in cold blood during the Zaria massacre, adding that the sixth one was in the hospital as a result of the gunshot injuries.

She maintained that her faith in the movement remains unshakable despite the unfortunate incident that has befallen her.

Recounting her ordeal, she said: "There is no discouragement in the struggle. Even historically, when you read about people who stood against tyranny, even not religiously, once you take a step backwards, the oppressors get even stronger. So, the only way is to persist, stand firm and sacrifice everything and get what you want. 

"And for that, we shall live and for it we shall die. We will never take a step backward. This is a promise from us. 

"Today, we are commemorating and remembering our martyrs. As a mother, I lost five of my children during the Zaria massacre and one of my sons is carrying a bullet in his chest right now. Also, I have shot several times; as you could see, when I was coming, they had to hold my hands because of the extent of my pain.”

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Abubakar Tsav, a former Commissioner of Police and Commissioner at the Public Complaints Commission, Abuja, says President Olusegun Obasanjo's continuing increase in age "has blurred his wisdom".

He said this in an opinion published by SaharaReporters on Monday, following recent comments in Johannesburg when interviewed by AFP that “if the youth think that they will get into power on a platter, they are not getting it right…They will have to snatch it, those (ageing leaders) will not go.”

Tsav criticized Obsanjo for brooking no opposition to his views, and parading a fake aura of superior wisdom, adding that “there is potent evidence that OBJ has wronged God and needs to plead for His forgiveness”.

“In Nigeria or African generally, septuagenarian or octogenarian ages are like a double edged sword,” he wrote.

“It could be a curse or a blessing to someone depending on how he utilizes this special favour from God Almighty in spending these rare years of grace.  So, both suffer either of these two afflictions.

“They can be treasures of wisdom in their communities or nations. But the worse experience is when such people bow to the strings of senility and the instinctual drive of incoherence. The latter category is the problem tormenting Nigeria’s former President, Chief Olusegun Obasanjo (OBJ). And his case seems on the wayward side because innately, he brooks no opposition to his views and parades a fake aura of superior wisdom.”

He berated Obsanjo for his restlessness on the political turf of Nigeria, “making pronouncements at every point and countering or reversing himself on national issues in a manner that belittles his status, as elder statesman”. 

“More than a few Nigerians believe Nigeria has found itself in the subsisting mess President Muhammadu Buhari has bent backwards to re-fix because the likes of the nation’s former leaders like OBJ fretted away the golden opportunities they had to consolidate on the foundation laid by the country’s founding fathers and nationalists,” Tsav argued.

“Therefore, the problems of Nigeria are created and nurtured to fruition by OBJ. But how he finds the conscience to exonerate himself and a heart to blame other leaders who are more transparent and honest with the leadership of Nigeria remains baffling. But it is not strange, if anyone is acquainted with OBJ’s obsequious character.”

Describing Obasanjo as a man in need of God’s forgiveness, he said: “Truth is sacred and it must be told, no matter who is embittered by it.  The series of gaffes committed by OBJ is an indication that he has more issues with ageing than President Buhari. 

“His inconsistency in actions and utterances have confirmed it indubitably. Conversely, Buhari has never changed, unlike OBJ, his accuser, who changes from time to time like a chameleon. He needs real help to overcome his multiple personality issues from his nuclear family, to politics and leadership, which many believe undoubtedly is as a result of his age, which has blurred his wisdom. 

“Those close to OBJ should begin to tinker with the idea of working on his senses and public outings. He is bringing too much shame on himself and his family for no justification. For all it takes, OBJ is not the only former President of Nigeria still alive. There are the likes of Gen. Yakubu Gowon, Gen. Abdulsalam Abubakar and Gen. Ibrahim Babangida. But none of them is this excited on checkmating every shadow of the occupant of Aso Rock. And until recently, when he joined his ancestors, Alhaji Shehu Shagari was choosy in commenting on national affairs. 

“There is potent evidence that OBJ has wronged God and needs to plead for His forgiveness. It is shameful that OBJ who is a supposed elder statesman will embark on such an empty voyage to satisfy his ego and pride.  A genuine Christian ought not to be as vindictive as OBJ portrays himself everywhere. He needs prayers and God’s attention urgently.”

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Abubakar Tsav, a former Commissioner of Police and Commissioner at the Public Complaints Commission, Abuja, says President Olusegun Obasanjo's continuing increase in age "has blurred his wisdom".

He said this in an opinion published by SaharaReporters on Monday, following recent comments in Johannesburg when interviewed by AFP that “if the youth think that they will get into power on a platter, they are not getting it right…They will have to snatch it, those (ageing leaders) will not go.”

Tsav criticized Obsanjo for brooking no opposition to his views, and parading a fake aura of superior wisdom, adding that “there is potent evidence that OBJ has wronged God and needs to plead for His forgiveness”.

“In Nigeria or African generally, septuagenarian or octogenarian ages are like a double edged sword,” he wrote.

“It could be a curse or a blessing to someone depending on how he utilizes this special favour from God Almighty in spending these rare years of grace.  So, both suffer either of these two afflictions.

“They can be treasures of wisdom in their communities or nations. But the worse experience is when such people bow to the strings of senility and the instinctual drive of incoherence. The latter category is the problem tormenting Nigeria’s former President, Chief Olusegun Obasanjo (OBJ). And his case seems on the wayward side because innately, he brooks no opposition to his views and parades a fake aura of superior wisdom.”

He berated Obsanjo for his restlessness on the political turf of Nigeria, “making pronouncements at every point and countering or reversing himself on national issues in a manner that belittles his status, as elder statesman”. 

“More than a few Nigerians believe Nigeria has found itself in the subsisting mess President Muhammadu Buhari has bent backwards to re-fix because the likes of the nation’s former leaders like OBJ fretted away the golden opportunities they had to consolidate on the foundation laid by the country’s founding fathers and nationalists,” Tsav argued.

“Therefore, the problems of Nigeria are created and nurtured to fruition by OBJ. But how he finds the conscience to exonerate himself and a heart to blame other leaders who are more transparent and honest with the leadership of Nigeria remains baffling. But it is not strange, if anyone is acquainted with OBJ’s obsequious character.”

Describing Obasanjo as a man in need of God’s forgiveness, he said: “Truth is sacred and it must be told, no matter who is embittered by it.  The series of gaffes committed by OBJ is an indication that he has more issues with ageing than President Buhari. 

“His inconsistency in actions and utterances have confirmed it indubitably. Conversely, Buhari has never changed, unlike OBJ, his accuser, who changes from time to time like a chameleon. He needs real help to overcome his multiple personality issues from his nuclear family, to politics and leadership, which many believe undoubtedly is as a result of his age, which has blurred his wisdom. 

“Those close to OBJ should begin to tinker with the idea of working on his senses and public outings. He is bringing too much shame on himself and his family for no justification. For all it takes, OBJ is not the only former President of Nigeria still alive. There are the likes of Gen. Yakubu Gowon, Gen. Abdulsalam Abubakar and Gen. Ibrahim Babangida. But none of them is this excited on checkmating every shadow of the occupant of Aso Rock. And until recently, when he joined his ancestors, Alhaji Shehu Shagari was choosy in commenting on national affairs. 

“There is potent evidence that OBJ has wronged God and needs to plead for His forgiveness. It is shameful that OBJ who is a supposed elder statesman will embark on such an empty voyage to satisfy his ego and pride.  A genuine Christian ought not to be as vindictive as OBJ portrays himself everywhere. He needs prayers and God’s attention urgently.”

Politics News AddThis :  Featured Image :  Original Author :  SaharaReporters, New York Disable advertisements : 
https://ift.tt/2JZacsM

Abubakar Tsav, a former Commissioner of Police and Commissioner at the Public Complaints Commission, Abuja, says President Olusegun Obasanjo's continuing increase in age "has blurred his wisdom".

He said this in an opinion published by SaharaReporters on Monday, following recent comments in Johannesburg when interviewed by AFP that “if the youth think that they will get into power on a platter, they are not getting it right…They will have to snatch it, those (ageing leaders) will not go.”

Tsav criticized Obsanjo for brooking no opposition to his views, and parading a fake aura of superior wisdom, adding that “there is potent evidence that OBJ has wronged God and needs to plead for His forgiveness”.

“In Nigeria or African generally, septuagenarian or octogenarian ages are like a double edged sword,” he wrote.

“It could be a curse or a blessing to someone depending on how he utilizes this special favour from God Almighty in spending these rare years of grace.  So, both suffer either of these two afflictions.

“They can be treasures of wisdom in their communities or nations. But the worse experience is when such people bow to the strings of senility and the instinctual drive of incoherence. The latter category is the problem tormenting Nigeria’s former President, Chief Olusegun Obasanjo (OBJ). And his case seems on the wayward side because innately, he brooks no opposition to his views and parades a fake aura of superior wisdom.”

He berated Obsanjo for his restlessness on the political turf of Nigeria, “making pronouncements at every point and countering or reversing himself on national issues in a manner that belittles his status, as elder statesman”. 

“More than a few Nigerians believe Nigeria has found itself in the subsisting mess President Muhammadu Buhari has bent backwards to re-fix because the likes of the nation’s former leaders like OBJ fretted away the golden opportunities they had to consolidate on the foundation laid by the country’s founding fathers and nationalists,” Tsav argued.

“Therefore, the problems of Nigeria are created and nurtured to fruition by OBJ. But how he finds the conscience to exonerate himself and a heart to blame other leaders who are more transparent and honest with the leadership of Nigeria remains baffling. But it is not strange, if anyone is acquainted with OBJ’s obsequious character.”

Describing Obasanjo as a man in need of God’s forgiveness, he said: “Truth is sacred and it must be told, no matter who is embittered by it.  The series of gaffes committed by OBJ is an indication that he has more issues with ageing than President Buhari. 

“His inconsistency in actions and utterances have confirmed it indubitably. Conversely, Buhari has never changed, unlike OBJ, his accuser, who changes from time to time like a chameleon. He needs real help to overcome his multiple personality issues from his nuclear family, to politics and leadership, which many believe undoubtedly is as a result of his age, which has blurred his wisdom. 

“Those close to OBJ should begin to tinker with the idea of working on his senses and public outings. He is bringing too much shame on himself and his family for no justification. For all it takes, OBJ is not the only former President of Nigeria still alive. There are the likes of Gen. Yakubu Gowon, Gen. Abdulsalam Abubakar and Gen. Ibrahim Babangida. But none of them is this excited on checkmating every shadow of the occupant of Aso Rock. And until recently, when he joined his ancestors, Alhaji Shehu Shagari was choosy in commenting on national affairs. 

“There is potent evidence that OBJ has wronged God and needs to plead for His forgiveness. It is shameful that OBJ who is a supposed elder statesman will embark on such an empty voyage to satisfy his ego and pride.  A genuine Christian ought not to be as vindictive as OBJ portrays himself everywhere. He needs prayers and God’s attention urgently.”

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The Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) has rejected a statement by the National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS) alleging discrimination in requirements for recruitment into the petroleum corporation.

On Sunday, NANS a statement by Adeyemi Azeez, its Public Relations Officer, rejected the “anti-poor and anti-masses” recruitment requirements of the NNPC.

NANS had also issued threats of mass action and shutdown of the corporation over the matter.

However, Ndu Ughamadu, NNPC Group General Manager, Public Affairs Division, said there was no discrimination in the various requirements of the corporation’s recruitment process.

The criteria for Graduate Trainee, among others, required applicants to have graduated from an accredited university/polytechnic/monotechnic not earlier than 2014 according to NAN.

Ughamadu said: “There was no discrimination in the criteria, If there is anything, the corporation is supposed to be commended now that it is trying to recruit to reduce the unemployment in the country.

“Our criteria were carefully thought out. We carried out a survey to arrive at all those criteria that were stipulated. There are many categories. There are four; if you didn’t meet one category, you move to the next; if you didn’t meet the second, you go to the third, and so on.

“For the graduate trainee, we put age level at 28 years, the second 34, the third 37 and the last 40. So, any Nigerian looking for employment that falls within any of the four categories is qualified.”

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The Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) has rejected a statement by the National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS) alleging discrimination in requirements for recruitment into the petroleum corporation.

On Sunday, NANS a statement by Adeyemi Azeez, its Public Relations Officer, rejected the “anti-poor and anti-masses” recruitment requirements of the NNPC.

NANS had also issued threats of mass action and shutdown of the corporation over the matter.

However, Ndu Ughamadu, NNPC Group General Manager, Public Affairs Division, said there was no discrimination in the various requirements of the corporation’s recruitment process.

The criteria for Graduate Trainee, among others, required applicants to have graduated from an accredited university/polytechnic/monotechnic not earlier than 2014 according to NAN.

Ughamadu said: “There was no discrimination in the criteria, If there is anything, the corporation is supposed to be commended now that it is trying to recruit to reduce the unemployment in the country.

“Our criteria were carefully thought out. We carried out a survey to arrive at all those criteria that were stipulated. There are many categories. There are four; if you didn’t meet one category, you move to the next; if you didn’t meet the second, you go to the third, and so on.

“For the graduate trainee, we put age level at 28 years, the second 34, the third 37 and the last 40. So, any Nigerian looking for employment that falls within any of the four categories is qualified.”

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In Nigeria or African generally, septuagenarian or octogenarian ages are like a double edged sword. It could be a curse or a blessing to someone depending on how he utilizes this special favour from God Almighty in spending these rare years of grace.  So, both suffer either of these two afflictions.

They can be treasures of wisdom in their communities or nations. But the worse experience is when such people bow to the strings of senility and the instinctual drive of incoherence. The latter category is the problem tormenting Nigeria’s former President, Chief Olusegun Obasanjo (OBJ).  And his case seems on the wayward side because innately, he brooks no opposition to his views and parades a fake aura of superior wisdom.

While serving as a Senator of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (1999-2003) Sen. JKN Waku (of blessed memory) saw the dictatorial personage of OBJ in democratic garbs quite early in the day. And he exposed and   demystified OBJ  in a lengthy  interview he granted, Crystal International Magazine, with the caption, “Obasanjo’s Days Are Numbered.” What has stamped on the psyche of many Nigerians is OBJ’s flaunted penchant of Mr. Know-All. He erroneously passes himself as an embodiment of the collective wisdom of over 200 million Nigerians.

So, OBJ, the former Military and democratic leader of Nigeria has been restless on the political turf of Nigeria; making pronouncements at every point and countering or reversing himself on national issues in a manner that belittles his status, as elder statesman. More than a few Nigerians believe Nigeria has found itself in the subsisting mess President Muhammadu Buhari has bent backwards to re-fix because the likes of the nation’s former leaders like OBJ fretted away the golden opportunities they had to consolidate on the foundation laid by the country’s founding fathers and nationalists.

Therefore, the problems of Nigeria are created and nurtured to fruition by OBJ. But how he finds the conscience to exonerate himself and a heart to blame other leaders who are more transparent and honest with the leadership of Nigeria remains baffling. But it is not strange, if anyone is acquainted with OBJ’s obsequious character.

His inconsistent utterances in recent years have earned him all manner of derogative epaulettes. But it appears, OBJ has no sense of shame. And so, he keeps parroting in Nigeria and around the globe on issues he embellishes to blend with his selfish agenda and egoistic pride.

A few days ago, OBJ  was in Johannesburg,  South Africa  at the launch of a book he  co-authored with Zimbabwe’s   opposition leader and former finance minister, Mr.  Tendai Biti and others titled,  “Democracy Works — Rewiring Politics to Africa’s Advantage.”  But in an asinine twist during an interview he granted AFP, OBJ deviated from the core issues in a book he co-authored to innuendic references in acerbic tirades on the reelection of Nigeria’s President Muhammadu Buhari for another term of four years.

One would empathize with OBJ’s failing senses when what he said in the interview is analyzed. He spoke distastefully about African leaders who are septuagenarians’ and octogenarians’ clinging unto power and promoting the sit-tight syndrome, which he opined, has slowed down the progress of democracy on the African continent.  Good submission, to say, the least on face value.  

But read OBJ’s suggested panacea to the younger generation of Africans in solving the problem; “If the youth think that they will get into power on a platter, they are not getting it right…They will have to snatch it, those (ageing leaders) will not go.”

It’s really amusing;  but what good can anybody expect from OBJ, a leader without scruples? He imposed the politics of “do or die affair,” as serving President of Nigeria on the platform of the PDP.  OBJ introduced anarchy and chaos in Nigeria’s electoral system and by this utterance; by all nuances means he has refused to purge himself of such tendencies.  

Again, his words; “They will have to snatch it, those (ageing leaders) will not go,” is apt reference to the violence Nigerian people encounter during democratic transitions in Nigeria  today. It explains why the people perceive general elections like a war, instead of a peaceful exercise of electing and empowering fresh leaders through the ballot.

Signs that senility has heavily weighed down on OBJ, he tacitly lampoons President Buhari for insisting to remain in power at his age, but based on popular demand by Nigerians.  But in OBJ’s jaded perspectives, Buhari ought not to have sought reelection in 2019.

But who was OBJ’s preferred candidate against Buhari in the 2019 presidential contest on the platform of the opposition PDP? Shockingly, it was the septuagenarian Alhaji Atiku Abubakar, his former deputy and a man he had several condemned, even in his published book, “My Watch,” as corrupt, dubious and someone “with shadowy ancestry,” at the expense of other younger generation candidates in the 2019 general elections.   Its not only when a man walks the streets naked that his insanity is confirmed. OBJ is a classic example.

Laughably, OBJ has forgotten that when he plotted his failed third term bid in 2006, on the eve of the expiration of his second term as Nigeria’s democratic President, he was in the twilight of his septuagenarian age. Yet, he dubiously and criminally sought to cause an illegal Constitutional amendment that would warrant him to contest the presidency for the third time.  Nigerians rejected the idea. And he has nursed the wounds eternally, which accounts for why whoever occupies Aso Villa Abuja, the Presidential seat of power easily incurs the wrath of OBJ,  if he fails to accept his besmirched counsels.  Buhari is such a victim.

OBJ  believes in his words or actions only when it serves his selfish agenda.  He may feel pained that Nigerians have overwhelmingly reelected President Buhari for another term.  But the difference between OBJ and Buhari is that the latter does not use his powers indiscriminately and dubiously to secure leadership unlike the former.

Buhari won his reelection on a clean slate, in free, fair and credible elections. Political spinners or jobbers couldn’t even buy car tyres off him in the guise of fixing his reelection victory.  It’s novel in the history of Nigeria’s electoral process.  OBJ’s lone desire cannot surpass that of millions of Nigerians who prefer President Buhari and, at this stage silence from OBJ would be more golden.

Truth is sacred and it must be told, no matter who is embittered by it.  The series of gaffes committed by OBJ is an indication that he has more issues with ageing than President Buhari. His inconsistency in actions and utterances have confirmed it indubitably. Conversely,  Buhari has never changed unlike OBJ,  his accuser,  who changes from time to time like a chameleon. He needs real help to overcome his multiple personality issues from his nuclear family, to politics and leadership,  which many believe undoubtedly,  it is as a result of his age which has blurred his wisdom.  

Those close to OBJ should begin to tinker with the idea of working on his senses and public outings.  He is bringing too much shame on himself and his family for no justification. For all it takes, OBJ is not the only former President of Nigeria still alive. There are the likes of Gen. Yakubu Gowon; Gen. Abdulsalam Abubakar, and Gen. Ibrahim Babangida. But none of them is this excited on checkmating every shadow of the occupant of Aso Rock. And until recently, when he joined his ancestors,  Alhaji Shehu Shagari was choosy in commenting on national affairs. 

There is potent evidence that OBJ has wronged God and needs to plead for His forgiveness. It is shameful that OBJ who is a supposed elder statesman will embark on such an empty voyage to satisfy his ego and pride.  A genuine Christian ought not to be as vindictive as OBJ portrays himself everywhere. He needs prayers and God’s attention urgently.

Tsav is former Commissioner of Police and Commissioner at the Public Complaints Commission, Abuja.
 

Opinion AddThis :  Original Author :  Abubakar B. Tsav Disable advertisements : 
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Officers suspected to be involved in the shooting of Kolade Johnson, a young man who died from a stray bullet in Lagos, have been arrested.

Johnson was shot in Onipetesi area of Lagos on Sunday, when a team of policemen from the Anti-Cultism Unit visited the area.

According to a statement by DSP Bala Elkana, Police Public Relations Officer of the Lagos State Police Command, the officers are currently undergoing investigation and will face possible prosecution.

The statement read: “On 31/03/2019 at about 5:05pm, the Command received a distress call that Lagos-Abeokuta Express Way has been blocked by some angry youth who were protesting the shooting of one Kolade Johnson (m) of No.1 Beco street, Onipetesi, Mangoro Bus Stop by a team of Policemen from Anti Cultism unit.

“A team of policemen from the Rapid Response Squads and Metro patrol were promptly drafted to the scene. The account of eye witnesses helped in identifying the team which fled the scene immediately after the incident.

“Members of the team suspected to be involved in the shooting have since been arrested and are currently in Police custody undergoing interrogation. They will be subjected to internal disciplinary procedures, and may be prosecuted in conventional court if implicated by ongoing investigation.”

Meanwhile, Zubairu Muazu, the Lagos State Commissioner of Police, has called for calm, giving the assurance that “justice will prevail in this case”.

“The Commissioner of Police also condoles with the family, friends and well wishers of Kolade Johnson. The CP has promised to initiate far reaching reforms to help in repositioning the Anti Cultism Squad for effective service delivery, particularly in areas of respect for Human Rights and proficiency in the use of firearms. Members of the public who have complaints on the activities of Anti Cultism Squad or any of our Police teams should call the following numbers 08063299264, 08065154338 and 08060357795, please,” the statement added.

CRIME Human Rights Police News AddThis :  Featured Image :  Original Author :  SaharaReporters, New York Disable advertisements : 
https://ift.tt/2UpeQV2

Officers suspected to be involved in the shooting of Kolade Johnson, a young man who died from a stray bullet in Lagos, have been arrested.

Johnson was shot in Onipetesi area of Lagos on Sunday, when a team of policemen from the Anti-Cultism Unit visited the area.

According to a statement by DSP Bala Elkana, Police Public Relations Officer of the Lagos State Police Command, the officers are currently undergoing investigation and will face possible prosecution.

The statement read: “On 31/03/2019 at about 5:05pm, the Command received a distress call that Lagos-Abeokuta Express Way has been blocked by some angry youth who were protesting the shooting of one Kolade Johnson (m) of No.1 Beco street, Onipetesi, Mangoro Bus Stop by a team of Policemen from Anti Cultism unit.

“A team of policemen from the Rapid Response Squads and Metro patrol were promptly drafted to the scene. The account of eye witnesses helped in identifying the team which fled the scene immediately after the incident.

“Members of the team suspected to be involved in the shooting have since been arrested and are currently in Police custody undergoing interrogation. They will be subjected to internal disciplinary procedures, and may be prosecuted in conventional court if implicated by ongoing investigation.”

Meanwhile, Zubairu Muazu, the Lagos State Commissioner of Police, has called for calm, giving the assurance that “justice will prevail in this case”.

“The Commissioner of Police also condoles with the family, friends and well wishers of Kolade Johnson. The CP has promised to initiate far reaching reforms to help in repositioning the Anti Cultism Squad for effective service delivery, particularly in areas of respect for Human Rights and proficiency in the use of firearms. Members of the public who have complaints on the activities of Anti Cultism Squad or any of our Police teams should call the following numbers 08063299264, 08065154338 and 08060357795, please,” the statement added.

CRIME Human Rights Police News AddThis :  Featured Image :  Original Author :  SaharaReporters, New York Disable advertisements : 
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