IYANDA'SBLOG

https://ift.tt/eA8V8J
Global warming is shrinking the Colorado River. That means less water for 40 million people.

https://ift.tt/eA8V8J
Kenyans urge potential lenders to stop giving the government money over fears of growing debt.

An abducted student of Federal College of Forestry Mechanization, Afaka, Mando, Kaduna State, has narrated how they were released from captivity, Daily Trust reports.

The Nigerian Army had claimed that its troops “recovered five of the students”, who spent over three weeks in captivity.

Samuel Aruwan, Commissioner for Internal Security and Home Affairs, was the one who first announced the release of the students but he did not go into details.

However, in a statement on Tuesday, Brig. Gen. Yerima Mohammed, Army Spokesman, unveiled the identities of the “recovered students”, and showered encomiums on the troops.

“The rescued students are currently receiving medical attention in a military facility in Kaduna. The GOC 1 Division, Maj Gen DH Ali-Keffi has commended the troops for their effort and charged them not to rest on their oars until all kidnap victims are rescued and returned to their families,” he had said while giving the impression that the military rescued the students.

But speaking shortly after the freed victims were reunited with their families on Wednesday, Francis Paul, a 200 level student of Agriculture Technology at the institution, said the bandits released them voluntarily.

“One afternoon, they (the bandits) came and started selecting us… I was very ill that day. So, they asked me to sit aside and they added some girls and put us on motorbikes. They dropped us at a village close to the main road and said we should walk towards the road and we did,” he said.
 

Insecurity News AddThis :  Original Author :  SaharaReporters, New York Disable advertisements : 
https://ift.tt/39UtR7I

The Kogi State Police Command has secretly arraigned two Buhari-Must-Go protesters, Larry Emmanuel and Victor Udoka, in court, without giving them access to their lawyers.

The police in their desperation to harass the peaceful protesters also ensured that they were remanded at the Kabba Prison – without the knowledge of their lawyers or family members.

SaharaReporters learnt that neither the charges on which they were arraigned were made to the public or the identity of the Magistrate handling the trial. 

SaharaReporters had earlier today reported that the police in Kogi State refused to produce the two Buhari-Must-Go protesters who were mobbed by hoodlums sponsored by the state government and thereafter taken to the police command.

It had been reported that the lawyers of the protesters since Monday had not been able to set eyes on them, as the police who claimed to be in custody of the two men, refused to bring them to their lawyers.

This is sequel to the torture which violent youths on Sunday gave the middle-aged protesters who were pasting Buhari-Must-Go posters in Lokoja, the Kogi State capital.  

SaharaReporters had reported that the irate mob flogged the two youths, filmed them and brutalised them before they were later handed over to the police. See Also News REVEALED: Names Of Five Rescued Students Out Of 39 Kidnapped In Kaduna 0 Comments 9 Hours Ago

It had been gathered that the police thereafter quizzed the two protesters and detained them when they insisted on seeing their lawyer before making a statement.

“The lawyers have been there for two days now and the police haven’t produced them. The police commissioner in Kogi could not produce anti-Buhari protesters he claimed were in his custody after two days.

“We are hearing they were never returned to police custody after the police handed them over to thugs,” a source in Lokoja had told this newspaper.

“They arranged a Magistrate to secretly try the two guys without legal representation.

“They are reportedly in Kabba prison. The police have refused to release the charges to the public and all efforts by lawyers to get the charges have not been fruitful,” a human rights activist following the case revealed to SaharaReporters.

Human Rights Legal Politics News AddThis :  Original Author :  SaharaReporters, New York Disable advertisements : 
https://ift.tt/3cXjqCe

The Kogi State Police Command has secretly arraigned two Buhari-Must-Go protesters, Larry Emmanuel and Victor Udoka, in court, without giving them access to their lawyers.

The police in their desperation to harass the peaceful protesters also ensured that they were remanded at the Kabba Prison – without the knowledge of their lawyers or family members.

SaharaReporters learnt that neither the charges on which they were arraigned were made to the public or the identity of the Magistrate handling the trial. 

SaharaReporters had earlier today reported that the police in Kogi State refused to produce the two Buhari-Must-Go protesters who were mobbed by hoodlums sponsored by the state government and thereafter taken to the police command.

It had been reported that the lawyers of the protesters since Monday had not been able to set eyes on them, as the police who claimed to be in custody of the two men, refused to bring them to their lawyers.

This is sequel to the torture which violent youths on Sunday gave the middle-aged protesters who were pasting Buhari-Must-Go posters in Lokoja, the Kogi State capital.  

SaharaReporters had reported that the irate mob flogged the two youths, filmed them and brutalised them before they were later handed over to the police. See Also News REVEALED: Names Of Five Rescued Students Out Of 39 Kidnapped In Kaduna 0 Comments 9 Hours Ago

It had been gathered that the police thereafter quizzed the two protesters and detained them when they insisted on seeing their lawyer before making a statement.

“The lawyers have been there for two days now and the police haven’t produced them. The police commissioner in Kogi could not produce anti-Buhari protesters he claimed were in his custody after two days.

“We are hearing they were never returned to police custody after the police handed them over to thugs,” a source in Lokoja had told this newspaper.

“They arranged a Magistrate to secretly try the two guys without legal representation.

“They are reportedly in Kabba prison. The police have refused to release the charges to the public and all efforts by lawyers to get the charges have not been fruitful,” a human rights activist following the case revealed to SaharaReporters.

Human Rights Legal Politics News AddThis :  Original Author :  SaharaReporters, New York Disable advertisements : 
https://ift.tt/3cXjqCe

Mohammed Adamu still remains the Inspector-General of Police on the Nigeria Police Force website, https://ift.tt/2PHdlB6 than 24 hours after he was sacked by President Muhammadu Buhari, SaharaReporters has gathered.

President Buhari had on Tuesday sacked Adamu and subsequently approved the appointment of Alkali Usman Baba as the new acting IGP.

He was in Owerri, the Imo State capital, when the Minister of Police Affairs, Muhammed Dingyadi, made the announcement.

Adamu had visited the state following attacks on the Imo State Police Command headquarters and the Owerri Correctional Prison.

He had charged men of the state police command not to spare members of Indigenous People of Biafra, adding that there was no hiding place for criminals in the state.

Dingyadi had communicated the president’s replacement of Adamu with DIG Usman Alkali Baba, to State House correspondents at the Presidential Villa on Tuesday.

The president said Alkali should replace Mohammed Adamu with immediate effect.

Buhari had on February 4 extended the tenure of Adamu as the IGP for three months.
 
Adamu, who was appointed in 2019, had clocked the mandatory 35 years in service on February 1 and was expected to have been replaced by the president.
 
His tenure extension had elicited widespread criticism and a resultant lawsuit.

A check on the police website at exactly 6pm on Wednesday showed that Adamu was still listed as the most senior police officer in the country while Alkali was listed as Deputy Inspector-General of Police in charge of Force Criminal Intelligence and Investigation Department (FCIID).

Earlier in the day, Alkali resumed office after being decorated by Vice President Yemi Osinbajo.

Adamu, the outgoing IGP, handed over to him at the Force Headquarters in Abuja.

The Yobe State-born cop was born on March 1, 1963 and bagged a master’s degree in public administration from the

University of Maiduguri, Borno state in 1997 and a Bachelor of Arts from the Bayero Usman University, Kano in 1985.

Police News AddThis :  Original Author :  SaharaReporters, New York Disable advertisements : 
https://ift.tt/3tc5hqs

Mohammed Adamu still remains the Inspector-General of Police on the Nigeria Police Force website, https://ift.tt/2PHdlB6 than 24 hours after he was sacked by President Muhammadu Buhari, SaharaReporters has gathered.

President Buhari had on Tuesday sacked Adamu and subsequently approved the appointment of Alkali Usman Baba as the new acting IGP.

He was in Owerri, the Imo State capital, when the Minister of Police Affairs, Muhammed Dingyadi, made the announcement.

Adamu had visited the state following attacks on the Imo State Police Command headquarters and the Owerri Correctional Prison.

He had charged men of the state police command not to spare members of Indigenous People of Biafra, adding that there was no hiding place for criminals in the state.

Dingyadi had communicated the president’s replacement of Adamu with DIG Usman Alkali Baba, to State House correspondents at the Presidential Villa on Tuesday.

The president said Alkali should replace Mohammed Adamu with immediate effect.

Buhari had on February 4 extended the tenure of Adamu as the IGP for three months.
 
Adamu, who was appointed in 2019, had clocked the mandatory 35 years in service on February 1 and was expected to have been replaced by the president.
 
His tenure extension had elicited widespread criticism and a resultant lawsuit.

A check on the police website at exactly 6pm on Wednesday showed that Adamu was still listed as the most senior police officer in the country while Alkali was listed as Deputy Inspector-General of Police in charge of Force Criminal Intelligence and Investigation Department (FCIID).

Earlier in the day, Alkali resumed office after being decorated by Vice President Yemi Osinbajo.

Adamu, the outgoing IGP, handed over to him at the Force Headquarters in Abuja.

The Yobe State-born cop was born on March 1, 1963 and bagged a master’s degree in public administration from the

University of Maiduguri, Borno state in 1997 and a Bachelor of Arts from the Bayero Usman University, Kano in 1985.

Police News AddThis :  Original Author :  SaharaReporters, New York Disable advertisements : 
https://ift.tt/3tc5hqs

The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps has stated that more than 50 armed herdsmen were arrested last week.

This came as the corps granted operational licences to 17 new private security companies to provide additional security for the lives and property of Nigerians. 

The Commandant-General of the corps, Ahmed Audi, while presenting the licences to the owners of the private guard’s companies at NSCDC headquarters in Abuja on Wednesday, called for synergy among the companies, Tribune reports. 

He tasked them to provide credible intelligent security information that would complement the corps’ mandate of providing safety and enhance security for the nation.

He warned them against the use of firearms while urging them to exhibit high professional conduct in the discharge of their duties.

The CG, who revealed that more than “50 armed herdsmen were apprehended across Nigeria in the last week”, urged the companies to gather credible information and form a synergy with the Corps in the fight against insecurity in Nigeria.

He added the guards would become a central part of the implementation of the soon-to-launch School Safety Initiative to provide and deliver the needed security around various schools in the country.

He said: “We are facing a very serious conflict in Nigeria, let us come together and collaborate as your position is central to the delivery of the needed security for the nation as this is the first time Nigeria is facing this kind of asymmetric warfare.

“We have a place in the history together that we must guide jealously. While it is my duty to ensure the utmost performance of the industry, special attention would be paid to the recipients of today, towards

ensuring that you perform exceptionally in line with my dream to upbeat the corps operational activities as well as the Private Security Industry in order to play our expected role in the face of the present-day security challenges."

Insecurity News AddThis :  Original Author :  SaharaReporters, New York Disable advertisements : 
https://ift.tt/39RUCcY

The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps has stated that more than 50 armed herdsmen were arrested last week.

This came as the corps granted operational licences to 17 new private security companies to provide additional security for the lives and property of Nigerians. 

The Commandant-General of the corps, Ahmed Audi, while presenting the licences to the owners of the private guard’s companies at NSCDC headquarters in Abuja on Wednesday, called for synergy among the companies, Tribune reports. 

He tasked them to provide credible intelligent security information that would complement the corps’ mandate of providing safety and enhance security for the nation.

He warned them against the use of firearms while urging them to exhibit high professional conduct in the discharge of their duties.

The CG, who revealed that more than “50 armed herdsmen were apprehended across Nigeria in the last week”, urged the companies to gather credible information and form a synergy with the Corps in the fight against insecurity in Nigeria.

He added the guards would become a central part of the implementation of the soon-to-launch School Safety Initiative to provide and deliver the needed security around various schools in the country.

He said: “We are facing a very serious conflict in Nigeria, let us come together and collaborate as your position is central to the delivery of the needed security for the nation as this is the first time Nigeria is facing this kind of asymmetric warfare.

“We have a place in the history together that we must guide jealously. While it is my duty to ensure the utmost performance of the industry, special attention would be paid to the recipients of today, towards

ensuring that you perform exceptionally in line with my dream to upbeat the corps operational activities as well as the Private Security Industry in order to play our expected role in the face of the present-day security challenges."

Insecurity News AddThis :  Original Author :  SaharaReporters, New York Disable advertisements : 
https://ift.tt/39RUCcY

A former Head of State, Abdulsalami Abubakar, has raised an alarm over the proliferation of weapons in the country, saying an estimated six million arms are circulating illegally.

Abubakar, who is also the chairman of the National Peace Committee, disclosed this at a dialogue session of the committee with key stakeholders in Abuja on Wednesday.

He stated that the proliferation of weapons has heightened insecurity in the country and led to over 80,000 deaths.

Abdulsalami said challenges facing the country is not only insecurity in the narrow sense of the military definition but that it has assumed an all-encompassing nature.

He listed these challenges to include the Boko Haram insurgency, banditry, kidnapping, increasing poverty, calls for the balkanisation of the country from different quarters, threat of hunger arising from the insecurity that farmers have faced and continue to face, increasing sense of collective despair and despondency among the populace.

“The proliferation of all calibre of weapons not only in our sub-region in general and in Nigeria, in particular, is worrying. It is estimated that there are over six million such weapons in circulation in the country.

“This certainly exacerbated the insecurity that led to over 80,000 deaths and close to three million internally displaced persons,” Abubakar said.

The ex-military Head of State, while assessing the security situation, said the security forces are not just overstretched but underfunded.

He said the security agencies can perform better with more sophisticated weapons, equipment and funding.

He said, “We believe Nigeria must find a way out of these problems. Our hope is that perhaps among us, by listening to your different perspectives, we can begin to build up confidence among our people so that we can hold together.

“So our hope is that we shall not only share our collective lamentations about the current situation but propose some concrete suggestions that can point the way forward, suggestions that can inspire more confidence among our people and ensure that our country remains one.”

He added that President Muhammadu Buhari was aware of the meeting and that he supported it.

The meeting was attended by the Sultan of Sokoto, Alhaji Muhammadu Sa’ad Abubakar III; John Cardinal Onaiyekan; Ekiti State governor and chairman of the Nigerian Governors Forum, Kayode Fayemi; Plateau State governor and chairman of the Northern Governors Forum, Simon Lalong; religious leaders, service chiefs, top military brass, police chiefs, among others.

CRIME Insecurity News AddThis :  Original Author :  SaharaReporters, New York Disable advertisements : 
https://ift.tt/2Tf0bv8

A former Head of State, Abdulsalami Abubakar, has raised an alarm over the proliferation of weapons in the country, saying an estimated six million arms are circulating illegally.

Abubakar, who is also the chairman of the National Peace Committee, disclosed this at a dialogue session of the committee with key stakeholders in Abuja on Wednesday.

He stated that the proliferation of weapons has heightened insecurity in the country and led to over 80,000 deaths.

Abdulsalami said challenges facing the country is not only insecurity in the narrow sense of the military definition but that it has assumed an all-encompassing nature.

He listed these challenges to include the Boko Haram insurgency, banditry, kidnapping, increasing poverty, calls for the balkanisation of the country from different quarters, threat of hunger arising from the insecurity that farmers have faced and continue to face, increasing sense of collective despair and despondency among the populace.

“The proliferation of all calibre of weapons not only in our sub-region in general and in Nigeria, in particular, is worrying. It is estimated that there are over six million such weapons in circulation in the country.

“This certainly exacerbated the insecurity that led to over 80,000 deaths and close to three million internally displaced persons,” Abubakar said.

The ex-military Head of State, while assessing the security situation, said the security forces are not just overstretched but underfunded.

He said the security agencies can perform better with more sophisticated weapons, equipment and funding.

He said, “We believe Nigeria must find a way out of these problems. Our hope is that perhaps among us, by listening to your different perspectives, we can begin to build up confidence among our people so that we can hold together.

“So our hope is that we shall not only share our collective lamentations about the current situation but propose some concrete suggestions that can point the way forward, suggestions that can inspire more confidence among our people and ensure that our country remains one.”

He added that President Muhammadu Buhari was aware of the meeting and that he supported it.

The meeting was attended by the Sultan of Sokoto, Alhaji Muhammadu Sa’ad Abubakar III; John Cardinal Onaiyekan; Ekiti State governor and chairman of the Nigerian Governors Forum, Kayode Fayemi; Plateau State governor and chairman of the Northern Governors Forum, Simon Lalong; religious leaders, service chiefs, top military brass, police chiefs, among others.

CRIME Insecurity News AddThis :  Original Author :  SaharaReporters, New York Disable advertisements : 
https://ift.tt/2Tf0bv8

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, Gombe Zonal office on Wednesday secured conviction for Yusuf Ibrahim Gokaru, a former Bauchi State Accountant General. 

Gokaru was jailed for one year with an option of fine by Justice Muazu Abubakar of the Bauchi State High Court on charges bordering on obtaining money by false pretences, concealment of the source and origin of the money. 

This was stated by the EFCC on its official Twitter handle on Wednesday. 

According to the anti-graft agency, Gokaru's troubles began in August 2019 when the Bauchi State Government, in a petition to the Commission, alleged that the convict abused his office as Accountant General and obtained one hundred and eight million, three hundred and sixty-three thousand, two hundred naira only (N108,363,200) for personal use.

The agency in the statement said, "The money was diverted from the World Bank assistance to Bauchi State Government under the State Education Programme Investment Project, SEPIP. The defendant transferred the money from Bauchi State Consolidated naira account domiciled at Polaris Bank to a Unity Bank account

"The offence is contrary to Section 1 (1) (a) of the Advance Fee Fraud and Other Fraud Offences Act, 2006 and punishable under Section 1 (3) of the same Act

"In the course of investigation, thirty-one million naira (N31 million) was recovered from the defendant. However upon arraignment on March 13, 2020, he pleaded not guilty to the charges preferred against him, setting the stage for trial.

"The prosecution counsel, A.Y. Muntaka in the course of trial presented witnesses and tendered documents which were admitted in evidence.

"When the case came up today, April 7, the defendant changed his plea and pleaded 'guilty' as charged. 

"Consequently, the judge pronounced him guilty and sentenced him to one year imprisonment with an option of fine.

"Justice Abubakar also ordered the convict to pay the sum of seventy-seven million naira (N77 million) as restitution to Bauchi State Government within one year."

Corruption CRIME Legal News AddThis :  Original Author :  SaharaReporters, New York Disable advertisements : 
https://ift.tt/3fQLh93

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, Gombe Zonal office on Wednesday secured conviction for Yusuf Ibrahim Gokaru, a former Bauchi State Accountant General. 

Gokaru was jailed for one year with an option of fine by Justice Muazu Abubakar of the Bauchi State High Court on charges bordering on obtaining money by false pretences, concealment of the source and origin of the money. 

This was stated by the EFCC on its official Twitter handle on Wednesday. 

According to the anti-graft agency, Gokaru's troubles began in August 2019 when the Bauchi State Government, in a petition to the Commission, alleged that the convict abused his office as Accountant General and obtained one hundred and eight million, three hundred and sixty-three thousand, two hundred naira only (N108,363,200) for personal use.

The agency in the statement said, "The money was diverted from the World Bank assistance to Bauchi State Government under the State Education Programme Investment Project, SEPIP. The defendant transferred the money from Bauchi State Consolidated naira account domiciled at Polaris Bank to a Unity Bank account

"The offence is contrary to Section 1 (1) (a) of the Advance Fee Fraud and Other Fraud Offences Act, 2006 and punishable under Section 1 (3) of the same Act

"In the course of investigation, thirty-one million naira (N31 million) was recovered from the defendant. However upon arraignment on March 13, 2020, he pleaded not guilty to the charges preferred against him, setting the stage for trial.

"The prosecution counsel, A.Y. Muntaka in the course of trial presented witnesses and tendered documents which were admitted in evidence.

"When the case came up today, April 7, the defendant changed his plea and pleaded 'guilty' as charged. 

"Consequently, the judge pronounced him guilty and sentenced him to one year imprisonment with an option of fine.

"Justice Abubakar also ordered the convict to pay the sum of seventy-seven million naira (N77 million) as restitution to Bauchi State Government within one year."

Corruption CRIME Legal News AddThis :  Original Author :  SaharaReporters, New York Disable advertisements : 
https://ift.tt/3fQLh93

Senate President Ahmed Lawan, commenting on the tsunami of chaos, disorder, and terrorism unleashed on Nigeria by Fulanis said: “I believe that majority of Nigerians believe that they should stay together - and I mean the ordinary Nigerians... I believe that the unity of this country is non-negotiable.”

The word “barbarian” was used to refer to the native  or savage, the wild (untamed) man, the cruel man who lacks grace.” Lawan and Fulani perfectly fit the definition of barbarians. How can a senate president oozes out such cow dung that “unity of Nigeria is non-negotiable” in the face of blatant injustice, deliberate marginalization, and unchecked terrorism perpetrated by his Fulani kinsmen backed up by General Muhammadu Buhari?

How dare Lawan preach unity when 99,99 per cent positions and appointments in federal ministries, agencies, and institutions are headed by Fulanis? Yorubas and other ethnic groups are excluded and locked out in all federal positions. Without justice there can NEVER be peace. Who’s the Fulani barbarian to determine whether Nigeria’s unity is negotiable or non-negotiable? Do Fulani barbarians have the prerogative to dictate which ethnic group leave or stay in Nigeria? Who are the ordinary Nigerians calling for Nigeria to remain one? The truth is, only the political leeches like Lawan who profit from the miseries of ordinary Nigerians are fighting to keep Nigeria one. 

To be human is to be civilized. It means having good habits and fine taste, and governing one’s life rationally. The difference is clear between Yorubas and Fulanis. Fulanis are savages and barbarous. They pose clear and present danger to Yorubas and Yoruba civilization. Fulanis are not connected to reason, logic, fairness, equity, justice, freedom, liberty, and democracy. Yorubas on the other hand, are civilized people. Yorubas are humanized through the inculcation of good habits and through the liberal disciplines. Yorubas believe the bonds that holds humanity together are wisdom, reason, compassion, love, tolerance, acceptance. Teaching and learning, communication, discussion, and reason joins men in fellowship. Fulanis are nasty, unreasonable, unintelligent, raw, crude, and cruel.

For those still being led by greed and foolishness in support of one unworkable Nigeria, Fulani barbarians would never allow true federalism because it will erode and erase their power grid on the center. If they were serious about unity and keeping Nigeria one, they should have done the following that men and women of reason had called for longest time ago:

(1) A new Constitution by the representatives of the people. (2) Transfer 68 items on the federal exclusive list to state and local governments while 30 should go to the center. (3) Create more states in the Southwest and South-south to be at par with the number of states in the north. (4) Adhere strictly to Federal Character in all federal appointments and employments. (5) Dismantle the Lugard relic aka Nigeria Police Force and replace it with state and local government police. (6) A new revenue allocation formula based on derivation. And much more. Now, it’s too late and too little for the Fulani barbarians to cajole, deceive, or trick Yorubas to staying in Nigeria. Our minds are made up. There’s no going back on Oduduwa Nation... we are on our way out!

bjoluwasanmi@gmail.com

Opinion AddThis :  Original Author :  Bayo Oluwasanmi Disable advertisements : 
https://ift.tt/3aR8NPs

Intelligence report gathered by the Nigerian Air Force, indicates that the Alpha Jet aircraft (NAF475) that went off the radar with two crew members on board on March 31st, 2021 might have crashed while Boko Haram terrorist group led by Abubakar Shekau, has claimed responsibility for downing this Air Force (NAF) Alpha fighter jet, that crashed in Konduga Local Council of Borno State.

Like a general aviation crash, a military plane/jet crash can be caused by a wide variety of factors, such as design or manufacturer defects, pilot error, negligent maintenance, air traffic controller error, inclement weather or bring down by enemy.

Nigerian Alpha Jet

In the case of the NAF Alpha Jet aircraft  crash two point need to be examine, firstly, accidentally crashed as claim by Nigeria Air Force or downing by Boko Haram as they also claimed. If it accidentally then investigation must be carryout to prevent further phonemenon. But if otherwise then there is fire on the mountain. 

If this fighter jet is truly brought down as claim by Boko Haram then I don't expect Nigeria Leaders and service chief to sleep with two eyes closed because no wise man keep sleeping while his house on fire. 

Unlike tanks military fighter jet can not be brought down by 'RPG' a rocket-propelled grenade(Ruchnoy Protivotankoviy Granatomyot) that is a shoulder-fired missile weapon that launches rockets equipped with an explosive warhead, this is commonly seen with Boko Haram, Baundry, Militants and Military personel etc. Most RPGs can be carried by an individual soldiers or terrorist and frequently used as anti-tank weapons. 

To bring down a fighter jet or military air craft Anti-aircraft warfare or counter-air defence is needed, that is all measures designed to nullify or reduce the effectiveness of hostile air action as been define by NATO. Air-to-Air Missiles from other jets or Surface-to-Air missiles from the ground were the common option available.

If truly Boko Haram brought down the Alpha Jet aircraft (NAF475) It simple means they might have used Surface to air missiles. A surface-to-air missile (SAM), also known as a ground-to-air missile (GTAM) or surface-to-air guided weapon (SAGW), is a missile designed to be launched from the ground to destroy aircraft or other missiles. 

THE CAUSES FOR ALARM.

1-Finance, anti aircraft warfare is very expensive, from thousands of dollars to millions of dollars, Surface-to-air missiles prices are determine by their guidance, mobility, altitude and range. And if a terrorist group is able to aquire this weapon it means the group is been finance by a rich group of people, government or super rich individual. And if they are able to aquire Anti-aircraft warfare what is the probability they will not go for more deadly weapons to cause more disaster or expand their territory.

2-Technicality, It goes beyond only finance it requires an expert to assemble and lunch a missiles of this class that is another cause for alarm. 

3-Strength, if a terrorist can be so strong to acquire Anti-aircraft warfare or counter-air defence it means we are facing a real war because that means they are well equipped and have capacity to cause more damages.

4-Encouragement, this is going to be an encouragement and morale-boosting to this terrorist group and other similar group like Baundry. 

5-Border security, this is a sign that we fail to secure our border. if heavy weapons such as this can find it way to our territory then we are in danger. With thousand customs, Immigration and all government agencies in roles such as intelligence gathering, battlefield surveillance, airspace surveillance, reconnaissance, observation, artillery spotting, border patrol etc. 

My aim and objectives is never to create a panic but a wake up call to our leaders and military chiefs. They need to put more effort and probably change the their tactics in order secure our nation and bring an end to our security challenges.

In as much I agree with more personel recuitment but war and security challenges especially this Nigeria case beyond just a number of personel. Our leaders need Political will and boldness to raise war against the beneficiaries of insecurity (both military and civilian) this include those that finance the terror. Border security, intelligent gathering, deployment of modern security gadgets, pre-active approach, modern counter terrorist training and approach (State of Israel as a case study), modern war aircraft, personel welfare, training and increacement of salaries and allowances, transparency in military budgets and expenditure, weaponry, state police is also a good step.

Together we shall build a nation where justice and peace shall reign.

Samuel Olanrewaju Bill.(STAR)
samolabill@gmail.com

Opinion AddThis :  Original Author :  Samuel Olanrewaju Bill Disable advertisements : 
https://ift.tt/3dsUB04

The former Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) Governor, Professor Chukwuma Charles Soludo, is the official candidate of the ruling All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) in the November 6th gubernatorial poll in Anambra State. Soludo, in the event of victory come November, would be succeeding the incumbent APGA Governor, Willie Obiano, whose second four-year tenure is billed constitutionally to end at the end of the year. Soludo remains, in the eye of the bookmakers, the candidate to beat in the forthcoming guber poll.

His candidacy is considered solid and favourite given the incumbency factor in his favour and the fact that APGA has established itself as a political party implanted in the hearts and minds of 'ndi-Anambra'. Though the opposition All Progressives Congress (APC) and the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) would be fielding contenders for the top post Soludo could pull of a landslide victory if the state structure and machinery of the ruling party is deployed for him towards victory.

Anambra 2021 promises to be a battle, therefore, between APGA and the rest of the opposition parties. The reason is simple: In all the 36 states of the turbulent federation the party founded by the late Biafran warlord, Dim Emeka Ojukwu, remains the only party in control of only one state! APGA is unique in many ways -- even under the Nigerian political standards.

Anambra state is lucky or fortunate to have had quality Governors unlike what obtains in our sister states like Abia and Imo. Peter Obi performed above average for eight years punctuated by illegal impeachments and litigations arising from same. Obiano is not doing badly given the landmark infrastructural achievements dotting the landscape.

Prof. Soludo, last week, was in the place of his birth, Isuofia town, Aguata Local Government Area of the state. At the Civic Centre he had organized an interactive town hall meeting with the youths of the community. According to Prof. Soludo himself live on Channels Television in Lagos, he had just finished his presentation signalling for question and answer session to commence when suddenly some armed hoodlums or bandits invaded the venue shooting indiscriminately!

As the gun battle subsided three police orderlies of the ex-CBN boss lay dead in the pool of their blood! Soludo himself managed miraculously to escape the mayhem with his body, spirit and soul intact. Besides, the attackers had abducted one Hon. Emeka Ezenwanne, the Commissioner of Public Utilities.

With the aggressive kidnapping of the Commissioner (who has since regained his freedom) the crucial question being asked centred on the real motive behind the bloodbath. Was it aimed at killing or kidnapping Soludo? Was it a politically-motivated assassination attempt as alleged by the APGA Media Warriors? Were the masterminds about to settle a cheap political score?

According to Governor Obiano in his televised Easter message to the Anambra people the Commissioner was released unhurt without any dime or ransom paid to the killer-kidnappers. The military and police personnel were deployed to set Ezenwanne free in a jiffy. But if he were to be ordinary mortal or an artisan would he have been freed speedily?

The issue of security (or the absence of same) has become a huge national challenge defying almost every Buharian effort --- if there is any at all lately. Nowhere is safe any longer, not even the temples of God or those of knowledge. Even Aso Rock has had its fair share of insecurity given the gunfight involving the First Lady, her aides and children and an aide of the President.

Now, with the Anambra guber election months away it remains to be seen how the underwhelming security forces would be able to be on top of the ugly situation. Every now and then you hear muggings on the streets and slaying of uniformed men on duty.

The problem goes deeper than could be imagined. In a nation where unemployment continues to soar, where poverty statistics are no longer shocking, where corruption continues unabated despite propaganda stunts by the federal government social harmony or peace can never be guaranteed by anyone.

Those leading us know what to do to turn things positively around but they are reluctant to do it. They criminally refuse to do the right thing to set our people 'free'! Since they are living opulently at our collective expense comeuppance would be their daily portion.

Who wanted Prof. Soludo dead? We may not be in a good position to answer that question since investigations are still on course. Yet, it is worth speculating here that eliminating Soludo and thus removing him permanently from the guber equation could pave way for the emergence of forces outside APGA as the executive power post-Obiano. 

But playing politics of bitterness and violence cannot be said to give glory to Him who gives power to whom He wants. And that does not magnify democracy in our land.

Going forward, Soludo must beware of the peril of power. It exists everywhere, even in the villages. The capacity to look hubris in the face and push it aside remains one of the leadership traits seldom encountered in our political clime. To lead is a serious business. And leadership itself remains a vocation with its responsibilities and irresponsibilities, opportunities and inopportunities.

If it could be that dangerous and life-threatening to engage the youths of his community then how would it be when Soludo ventures out on a campaign trail to Onitsha, Ihiala, Awka or Nnewi? Hell could be let loose? The question is: Does Soludo have what it takes to tame the 'lions' or 'tigers' in their den? Can he ride the high wave of insecurity?

Or do we conclude that what he went through in Isuofia, his hometown of all places, was a sign of his unpopularity or rejection? If the volatile assault at the homefront was any indication then the road to the Government House in Awka could be rowdy, deadly and bloody!

SOC Okenwa
soco_abj_2006_rci@hotmail.fr

Opinion AddThis :  Original Author :  Ozodinukwe Okenwa Disable advertisements : 
https://ift.tt/39Rrlze

The Rule of Law Accountability and Advocacy Centre (RULAAC), a human rights advocacy group, says the sacking of Mohammed Adamu as the Inspector-General of Police and his replacement with Usman Baba Alkali is unconstitutional.

President Muhammadu Buhari had on Tuesday, asked Alkali to take over the office of the IGP with immediate effect.

Until his appointment, Baba was the Deputy Inspector-General of Police, Force Criminal Investigation Department, Force Headquarters.

Reacting to the appointment via a statement by its Executive Director, Okechukwu Nwanguma, RULAAC said President Buhari lacks the power to singlehandedly appoint an IGP.

The group noted that the President can only appoint a new police boss with the help of the Nigeria Police Council comprising him as chairman, all the 36 state governors, the chairman of the Police Service Commission and the outgoing IGP.

The statement read, “The procedure for appointment and removal of the Inspector General of Police is clearly spelt out in both the 1999 Constitution and the new Police Act 2020 which President Buhari signed into law in 2020.

“The procedure requires that the Police Council, comprising the President, the governor of each of the states of the federation and the FCT, the chairman of the police service commission and the sitting inspector general of police, would meet to consider the candidates and advice the President who will then appoint one of them based on the advice of the Council. The President also needs to consult the Police Council to remove a sitting IGP.

“The law does not empower the President to singlehandedly appoint or remove. There is no contemplation of an acting IGP whose appointment will be confirmed by the Council of State. The council of state has no role in the appointment process.

“President Buhari is currently out of the country on medical tourism. When then did the police council seat? The person appointed is not the most qualified among the potential candidates. The choice would probably have been different had the council sat. Minister of Police Affairs who announced the purported appointment is not even a member of the police council.

“President Buhari does not appear to be willing to break his streak of illegalities, from illegal extension of the tenure of a retired IGP to the abrupt removal of the IGP before the expiration of his illegal period of extension, to the appointment of an acting IGP without recourse to the constitutional and statutory procedure.

“The purportedly appointed acting IGP suffers irredeemable legitimacy deficit. He cannot command authority and respect because his appointment is illegal. It cannot stand. The President must begin to lead by example. He must put an end to the subversion of the law. Democracy is protected by the rule of law.”

Police News AddThis :  Original Author :  SaharaReporters, New York Disable advertisements : 
https://ift.tt/2OwXS6g

The Rule of Law Accountability and Advocacy Centre (RULAAC), a human rights advocacy group, says the sacking of Mohammed Adamu as the Inspector-General of Police and his replacement with Usman Baba Alkali is unconstitutional.

President Muhammadu Buhari had on Tuesday, asked Alkali to take over the office of the IGP with immediate effect.

Until his appointment, Baba was the Deputy Inspector-General of Police, Force Criminal Investigation Department, Force Headquarters.

Reacting to the appointment via a statement by its Executive Director, Okechukwu Nwanguma, RULAAC said President Buhari lacks the power to singlehandedly appoint an IGP.

The group noted that the President can only appoint a new police boss with the help of the Nigeria Police Council comprising him as chairman, all the 36 state governors, the chairman of the Police Service Commission and the outgoing IGP.

The statement read, “The procedure for appointment and removal of the Inspector General of Police is clearly spelt out in both the 1999 Constitution and the new Police Act 2020 which President Buhari signed into law in 2020.

“The procedure requires that the Police Council, comprising the President, the governor of each of the states of the federation and the FCT, the chairman of the police service commission and the sitting inspector general of police, would meet to consider the candidates and advice the President who will then appoint one of them based on the advice of the Council. The President also needs to consult the Police Council to remove a sitting IGP.

“The law does not empower the President to singlehandedly appoint or remove. There is no contemplation of an acting IGP whose appointment will be confirmed by the Council of State. The council of state has no role in the appointment process.

“President Buhari is currently out of the country on medical tourism. When then did the police council seat? The person appointed is not the most qualified among the potential candidates. The choice would probably have been different had the council sat. Minister of Police Affairs who announced the purported appointment is not even a member of the police council.

“President Buhari does not appear to be willing to break his streak of illegalities, from illegal extension of the tenure of a retired IGP to the abrupt removal of the IGP before the expiration of his illegal period of extension, to the appointment of an acting IGP without recourse to the constitutional and statutory procedure.

“The purportedly appointed acting IGP suffers irredeemable legitimacy deficit. He cannot command authority and respect because his appointment is illegal. It cannot stand. The President must begin to lead by example. He must put an end to the subversion of the law. Democracy is protected by the rule of law.”

Police News AddThis :  Original Author :  SaharaReporters, New York Disable advertisements : 
https://ift.tt/2OwXS6g

The Senate Public Accounts Committee has commenced investigation into the alleged sale of two Toyota Prado SUVs worth N31 million at N1.5 million by officials of the Lake Chad Research Institute, in Maiduguri, Borno State three years after the initial purchase.

The committee discovered the ridiculous transaction while scrutinising the 2015-2018 Auditor General’s report currently being treated by both chambers of the National Assembly, Punch reports.

Pinterest

According to the AuGF report, the SUVs were procured in 2013 and 2014 respectively but were sold three years after they were procured.

The Chairman of the Committee, Mathew Urhoghide, at the resumed sitting of the panel on Wednesday, expressed shock when the current Executive Director of the institute, Alhassan Bibinu, told the committee that he was using a refurbished Hilux as the official car.

The AuGF had issued a query based on the inability of the management of the institute to provide reasons for the ridiculous sale of the jeeps.

The query read, “The management of the institute could not account for two Toyota Prado Jeeps which were purchased in 2013 and 2014 with registration No. 45KOIFG for one Jeep while the other had not been registered.

“No reason was given for not registering the second Prado Jeep. In addition, a Toyota Hiace bus with registration No. 45KO3FG could not be accounted for during the audit.

“This is a violation of Financial Regulation 2128 which states that 'Every public officer is personally and pecuniarily responsible for government property under his control or in his custody'. 

“Inability of the management of the institute to account for government property under their custody suggests abuse and mismanagement, as government property may have been diverted to private use.

“The Executive Director is required to account for the vehicles. The issue was communicated to the Executive Director through my Audit Inspection Report Ref. No. EIAD/WTR 16/CORP/4 dated 21st December 2017 but he failed to respond.”

The Institute in its response said, "The vehicle (Prado Jeep) was purchased on 21st March 2014 at the Cost of N18.7m and the former Executive Director, Dr Oluwasina Olabanji, sought the approval of ARCN for boarding the vehicle to the former chairman Governing Board, Mr Yakubu Tsala at the cost of N750,000 only.”

On the second SUV, the institute said, “The Prado Jeep was purchased on 18th September 2013 at the cost of N12.4m and request for approval to board the vehicle and was written to ARCN dated on June 7th, 2017.”

The Committee, however, ordered the Institute to come along with the former Executive Director who allegedly gave the order for selling the two SUVs.

Scandal News AddThis :  Original Author :  SaharaReporters, New York Disable advertisements : 
https://ift.tt/31Sg6lP

The United Kingdom has said there have been 79 cases of rare blood clots, resulting in 19 deaths, with people receiving the AstraZeneca vaccine in Britain.

This was disclosed by the country’s medicines regulator on Wednesday.

“By the 31st of March, over 20 million doses having been given, we have had 79 cases reported. Of the 79 cases, 19 people have sadly died,” June Raine, Chief Executive of the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA), told a briefing.

Meanwhile, a British government committee advising on coronavirus vaccinations said Wednesday most people under 30 should be offered an alternative to the AstraZeneca jab if possible, due to concerns over blood clots.

“Adults who are aged 18 to 29 years old who do not have an underlying health condition should be offered an alternative Covid-19 vaccine in preference to the AstraZeneca vaccine, where such an alternative vaccine is available,” Wei Shen Lim of the Joint Committee on Vaccination and Immunisation, said at a press conference.

PUBLIC HEALTH News AddThis :  Original Author :  SaharaReporters, New York Disable advertisements : 
https://ift.tt/3laaoV0

The South-East leadership of the Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association of Nigeria (MACBAN) says it has commanded the relocation of its members from Ebonyi State following the recent killings there. 

Suspected Fulani herdsmen attacked and killed no fewer than fifteen persons in the Ishielu Local Government Area of the state last week. 

File Photo

The group said the vacation will pave way for peace and afford the security agents to carry out a thorough investigation. 

The South-East zonal chairman of Miyetti Allah, Gidado Sidikki, disclosed this while speaking to journalists in Awka, the Anambra State capital, on Wednesday. 

He noted that the relocation order was for a period of time to enable the security agencies in collaboration with the Ebonyi State government, the leadership of Miyetti Allah, community leaders and other stakeholders to investigate the cause of the attacks on innocent people.
 
Sidikki said, "We have ordered all the cattle breeders to relocate from the state for now. We are afraid they may be killed unjustly in the course of retaliation. So, we have asked them to leave the state for now and return as soon as the tension is down.

“I am sad about the incident because Fulani herdsmen in the area have been living peacefully with the host community for decades. Why now?

"The Miyetti Allah, in the zone under my watch, has been monitoring all the activities of cattle breeders grazing in the five states: Anambra, Abia, Enugu, Imo and Ebonyi, to ensure they don’t cause trouble with their host communities while on duty.

"Hence, it will be shocking if it is eventually confirmed that herdsmen are the ones responsible for the killing." 

Siddiki cautioned the herders in the region not to take the law into their hands. 

He, however, urged them to seek legal redress when they face harassment and intimidation. 

He appealed to security agencies to find those who recently killed at least 15 residents in the state and bring them to justice.

Insecurity News AddThis :  Original Author :  SaharaReporters, New York Disable advertisements : 
https://ift.tt/3ms7HPn

American rapper, DMX has reportedly tested positive for coronavirus while in the hospital fighting for his life.

The rapper, whose real name is Earl Simmons, was hospitalised at White Plains Hospital last Friday after suffering a drug overdose that triggered a heart attack. 

He is facing serious health issues.

He was reported without oxygen for like 30 minutes while unconscious when police arrived on the scene on April 2 and transported him to the hospital.

The rapper was scheduled for critical brain function tests today to determine the decision that his family will have to make. But it has now been revealed that he has tested positive for Coronavirus.

According to VladTV, his manager, Steve Rifkind, said he tested positive for COVID-19 while in the hospital.

The positive coronavirus test will now shut doors to visitors who wish to see and spend a little time with the New York legend. Only his mother and fiancée Desiree Lindstrom are reportedly among the small group of family members allowed to see DMX face-to-face.

The 50-year-old’s loved ones hosted a vigil outside the hospital on Monday (April 5). Hundreds of fans showed up to help uplift his spirit with a prayers, which were closed out by recorded vocals from DMX himself.

DMX is reportedly still on life support and in a coma in the hospital’s ICU. The next couple of days will be crucial in his battle to recovery.

Entertainment News AddThis :  Original Author :  SaharaReporters, New York Disable advertisements : 
https://ift.tt/3cX6Se5

Two riot policemen have been killed by gunmen at a checkpoint in Dogon-Gawa, Takum Local Government Area of Taraba state.

The Executive Chairman, Takum Local Government Council, Shiban Tikari, disclosed this to journalists on Wednesday.

File photo used to illustrate story.

Tikari said the gunmen suspected to be bandits took away the slain cops’ rifles.

According to him, the incident happened when the two policemen were left behind to provide security at the checkpoint, while their colleagues went into town to get food.

Tikari stated, “The gunmen came on motorcycles and opened fire on the two policemen, killing them in the process. The attackers also took away their rifles.

“There have been reoccurring incidents of attacks of this kind in the last few months by bandits, who used to disguise in military Special Joint Task Force uniforms.

“These attacks, especially the one of today, have heightened tension in the area.”

In a related development, unknown gunmen in the early hours of Wednesday, killed three people, including two policemen and a foreigner in Ukum Local government Area of Benue State.

The victims were killed when the armed men attacked Symmetry Trading Company located in Ukum area of the state where they abducted two Chinese nationals working as engineers in the company.

Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), DSP Catherine Anene, confirmed the incident in a statement.

Anene said, “On 7th April, 2021 at about 0730hrs, a distress call was received from police officers posted to escort expatriates from the above-named company in the Ukum Local Government Area that, they came under an attack of gunmen who laid ambush at the site under construction before their arrival.

“During an exchange of fire with the gunmen, two policemen and one of the expatriate lost their lives while two of the expatriates were kidnapped.

“More police officers have been deployed to the area for trail of the hoodlums and rescue of the kidnap victims.”

Insecurity News AddThis :  Original Author :  SaharaReporters, New York Disable advertisements : 
https://ift.tt/3nAK1YL

https://ift.tt/eA8V8J
The Grammy-winning artist's cousin, Donovon Lynch, was shot and killed in Virginia by police.

The "Fulanization agenda" has only benefited and further empowered Buhari's rich and powerful friends.

 

The campaign for secession of the Yoruba people from Nigeria has been intensified over the past few weeks. The proponents of this agitation want an independent republic of the Yoruba nation or as they put it - Oduduwa Republic. Their agitation had been taken a step further with a recent press conference led by Sunday Igboho and Professor Banji Akintoye. 

At the press conference, the duo declared secession and called on all Yoruba people living in the Northern region to return to the South-West. The duo also warned of a looming ethnic war to put their pronouncement into effect. In a show of seriousness, a proposed currency for the Oduduwa Republic was afterwards circulated on social media and publicized by sections of the mainstream media. The currency was named Fadaka - the Yoruba word for Silver.

It should be noted that the demand for an independent nation of the Yoruba people did not just start this year. It started making the rounds in the wake of annulment of the “June 12” 1993 elections won by MKO Abiola, a Yoruba billionaire. And just last year, roponents of an Oduduwa Republic called for a 1st October. But they capitulated in the face of a threat of repression by the state security services. 

Yoruba secessionist agitation became muted after the 1999 return to civil rule, with a Yoruba general and former head of state, Olusgeun Obasanjo elected as president. And quite importantly as well, some of the leading voices for an Oduduwa republic, had by that time become more comfortably integrated into the structures of wealth and power. 

The renewed and intensified call for a republic of the Yoruba people in recent years began with the rising cases of kidnappings and banditry in the South-West region. While the Northern region had suffered the worst cases of insecurity, terrorism, kidnappings and banditry, most parts of the South-West, especially Oyo, Ogun, Ondo and Ekiti states were also beginning to deal with similar threats but of lesser magnitude when compared to the horrors in the northern region, where women, men, girls, and boys have become easy prey in the fiery dens of bandits and terrorists. The fact that schools in Kaduna had to be closed by the state government is a testament to how much the insecurity in the North have taken a ridiculous turn of very worrisome magnitude.

Of much deeper embarrassment is how powerless and utterly incapacitated the Nigerian government appears to be in the face of such insecurity that has consumed thousands of lives, rendered thousands homeless, made many fatherless, scores motherless and more innocent children orphans. 

It is conditions such as this that gave rise to Sunday Igboho and his team who appear to be volunteers committed to ridding Yorubaland of insecurity by raising arms against the forces of banditry. While their aim expresses an intention to fight kidnappings and banditry, their methods of engagement and slogans are based on ethnoreligious stereotyping directed against the Fulani people who are known for herding cattle.

While the majority of the cattle herders are Fulani, it is evident that not all Fulani cattle herders are criminals, and definitely not all Fulani are bandits. Worthy of note is the fact that despite producing more Nigerian Presidents and Heads of State, Northern Nigeria has fared worse in the regional economic indices of the country. 

Millions of poor people in the north, including Fulani can barely afford chickens, let alone cattle. While there may be a handful of Fulani who own cattle in the South-West, most of the cattle being herded by poor Fulani herders are owned by some a few elites, including from the Southern region. In the event that some Fulani herders protect cattle with Ak-47 rifles, one can almost be certain that those weapons were provided by the Southern and Northern elites who own those cattle herded and protected by the poor Fulani in the South-West. This makes it clear that the "ethnicization" of insecurity within the South-Western region of Nigeria is as counterproductive as ethnicizing terrorism in the Northern region of Nigeria. 

"Ritual killings" in Ijebu-Ode, child/street cultism in Lagos and street/campus cultism and the age-long kidnappings in the South-South region of the country are pointers to the fact that insecurity is not synonymous with a particular ethnic group.

Furthermore, the regime of General Muhammadu Buhari (retd.) in talks, actions and inactions has proven to be completely incompetent, clueless, and largely anti-people. The presidency’s penchant for nepotism and ethnoreligious favoritism has also helped water the seeds of ethnic strife within the country. It is in the light of these that what began as a Sunday Igboho-led resistance against “killer herdsmen” has suddenly metamorphosed into a Yoruba self-determination agitation. 

However, what most ethnic agitators fail to understand is that despite Buhari's nepotism and ethnocentric politics, or "Fulanization agenda" as some secessionists would call it, millions of Fulani people have not benefited from this so-called agenda. They have in fact become worse of, much further than they ever were even under regimes headed by Nigerians from the Southern region like Olusegun Obasanjo and Goodluck Jonathan. 

On the contrary, the "Fulanization agenda" has only benefited and further empowered Buhari's rich and powerful friends. In like manner, a "Southernization agenda" would most likely not be of any benefit to the poor Southerner but for the rich and powerful Southern elites. Just the same way Olusegun Obasanjo and Goodluck Jonathan's governments only benefited their Southern friends and Northern cronies. In like manner, our respective state governors and legislators from the Southern region have only represented the interests of their rich friends and not those of the poor working-class people in the Southern regions.

Before the recent calls for an independent State of the Yoruba people, there had been more strident calls for secession in other regions such as the South East and South South. And in each case, the Nigerian state has met such agitations with untoward violence and repression. The first of these happened during the administration of Major General Aguyi Ironsi, an Igbo Man from South-East Nigeria and the Nigerian Head of State as he then was. During the regime of Ironsi, Isaac Boro led a campaign for the secession of the people of the Niger Delta majorly domicile in what is now known as South-South region of Nigeria. It actually declared the establishment of a Niger Delta Republic. The Aguyi Ironsi regime crushed the movement with maximum force, smashing the republic it created in twelve days. 

The story of Biafra is more well known. The Biafran struggle for secession from Nigeria precipitated into a 30-month Civil War which led to the death of two million people. The Nigerian state did not only crush the Biafra agitation with maximum force, but it also committed one of the worst genocides in the history of mankind. 

Sadly, the shadows of the 20th century Biafra war, is now upon us in the 21st century with a renewed call for Biafra Republic led by Nnamdi Kanu’s Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB). This is because, the socio-economic conditions that led to the struggle for Biafra in 1967 are still prevalent in 2021, but in worse dimension and in a way that has now attracted an additional campaign for the exit of the Yoruba people.

As revolutionaries, we support the right of oppressed nationalities to self-determination. But this is definitely not the same thing as fostering ethnic polarization of working-class people. We call for the unity of working people of all nationalities because it is when we, the poor masses, unite and fight that we can defeat the bosses. 

Our problem as a poor people has nothing to do with the ethnicity of the persons in power. Already, South-West governors and a number of monarchs who have done nothing other than stealing from the poor people of Western Nigeria have stated their opposition to the Igboho-led agitation for Oduduwa Republic. 

It was South-East governors that unanimously announced the proscription of IPOB and have on several occasions supported the killing of IPOB members and innocent Igbo bystanders by the Nigerian Army. 

Sanwo-olu, a Yoruba man, was the one who invited the Nigerian Army to shoot at peaceful protesters at Lekki Tollgate during the #EndSARS protest in October 2020. These are few of the many pointers suggesting how united, consistent and unanimous the ruling elites can be when it comes to protecting their joint business venture: Nigeria.

 As President, Obasanjo, a Yoruba man from Ota, Ogun state, could not construct a decent road in his hometown, Ota, let alone deliver quality governance to the people of Nigeria. Aside the Legendary corruption, maladministration and gross ineptitude of President Jonathan, his Hometown, Otueke, in Bayelsa State, boasts only of flooded roads and streets. 

And as I have previously enumerated, more Presidents and Heads of State have come from Northern Nigeria, but the North is worst in all socio-economic indices with highest rate of insecurity, illiteracy, poverty, mortality, poor hygiene, lack of accessibility to clean water and least infrastructure. To be clear, while southern elites have had their fair share in exploiting the poor people of the South and the Nigerian people at large, the North however, parades the worst of the Nigerian elites. They exploit and oppress poor people in Northern regions and also try to undermine their spirit of resistance by denying them of education and imposing slavish religious indoctrination. 

If we think through things objectively, it will be clear as daylight that the poor people across all ethnic groups are exploited by the rich and powerful elites organized across all ethnoreligious clusters across the country. 

None of them would voluntarily submit their business concerns to either secession or a revolution. But at revolutionary periods, the ruling class would rather create a civil war situation under the guise of Secession, than to allow a revolution that puts an end to oppression of people of all ethnic groups by thieving elites from all ethnic groups.

It is audible to the deaf and visible to the blind that the enemies of the Southern masses are first the rich and powerful elites in the South, and then their rich and powerful Northern colleagues. All the governors, House of Representatives members, Senators and Local government officials of the South are Southerners. 

They are directly responsible for the oppression and impoverishment of the Southern people before their Northern counterparts. These bosses, sections of whom stir hate and “tribalism” amongst us are also organized and united irrespective of their ethnoreligious differences than to.

Hence, instead of ensnaring ourselves in a civil war occasioned by ethnic agitations, it makes more sense for we, the poor people across all ethnoreligious groupings, to stand united in a revolution struggle to take power from our common oppressors – the rich few. 

Meanwhile, history has proven that a civil war is more often than not inevitable with secessionist agitations. A civil war is a war, funded by rich people but which consumes the lives of poor people. Here, poor persons of different ethnic backgrounds are the ones led to slaughter, either as soldiers or innocent and often starved civilians. 

Poor people fight themselves and die in a civil war that ends up benefiting the elites of the different ethnic groups, in varying proportions. Although, the Nigerian State will respond to a call for revolution with very deadly hostility and violence, but the oppressed people can be sure they are "dying" in a fight against their common oppressors, rather than killing themselves in an ethnic war imposed and funded by the rich elites of different ethnic groups.

There is a rich tradition of resistance politics in several parts of the North. Parties such as NEPU/PRP, Zamfara Commoners Party and Borno Youth Movement were oases of struggle. But the conservative arm of the elite in the region have been able to stem generalization of radical secular politics, making it more difficult for revolutionary groups to organize in these places. 

Building solidarity and our collective struggle requires that revolutionaries in the South stand up against attacks on voices of dissent in the North as a cardinal part of our work. The struggles of the poor masses in every part of the country should be promoted in every way. 

The division of oppressed people along ethnic lines does little or nothing to liberate the poor from the shackles of poverty, hardship, and oppression. On the contrary, it ends up strengthening the hold of the rich and powerful few over millions of poor and oppressed Nigerians. We must fight against ideas that promote such division in our ranks.

Our battle cry to working-class people irrespective of their ethnic, regional and religious affinities is and must remain: Unite & Fight!

 

Opinion AddThis :  Featured Image :  Original Author :  Sanyaolu Juwon Disable advertisements : 
https://ift.tt/2XEeQSz