DESPERATE POLITICIANS BEHIND KILLINGS IN PLATEAU- PRESIDENT BUHARI

President M. Buhari

President Muhammadu Buhari on Monday, June 25, decried how desperate politicians have increasingly cheapened human life in their quest to establish a reign of instability and chaos in the country for political gains. President Buhari, who was reacting to recent clashes in Plateau, which left scores dead, said in a statement by his senior special assistant on media and publicity, Malam Garba Shehu, in Abuja, that those behind the killings hoped that it would give them an advantage in the coming elections.

He said: “We know that a number of geographical and economic factors are contributing to the longstanding herdsmen/farmers clashes. But we also know that politicians are taking advantage of the situation. This is incredibly unfortunate. “Nigerians affected by the herdsmen/ farmer clashes must always allow the due process of the law to take its course rather than taking matters into their own hands." 

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the presidency quoted security information which indicated that about one hundred cattle were rustled by a community in Plateau state, and some herdsmen were killed in the process.

The report also revealed that the state governor, Simon Lalong, had invited thepp aggrieved groups and pleaded against further action while the law enforcement agents looked into the matter. Less than 24 hours later, violence broke out. It further stated that some local thugs then took advantage of the situation, turning it into an opportunity to extort the public, and to attack people from rival political parties.

“There were reports of vehicles being stopped along the roads in the state, with people being dragged out of their cars and attacked if they stated that they supported certain politicians or political party. “On his way back to Jos after attending the All Progressives Congress (APC) Convention in Abuja, the state governor had to dismantle a number of illegal road blocks set up by these thugs. There were also a number of dead bodies thugs had killed, lying along the road," the report added.

The police command in Plateau had on Sunday confirmed the killing of 86 people in attacks on Razat, Ruku, Nyarr, Kura and Gana-Ropp villages of Gashish District in Barkin Ladi local government area of the state. The command had earlier said that only 11 persons were killed. ASP Terna Tyopev, the command’s Public Relations Officer (PPRO) confirmed the new figure to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Sunday in Jos. 

The Plateau government had since announced a dusk to dawn curfew in Riyom, Barkin Ladi and Jos South local government areas to check further breakdown of law and order in the state.

Meanwhile, report has it that Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association of Nigeria (MACBAN) gave reasons why herdsmen attacked mourners in Plateau state, killing over 120 people and causing serious injuries to hundreds others. 

NIGERIANS BERATES FED GOVT, SECURITY AGENCIES OVER FRESH MINDLESS KILLINGS IN PLATEAU

Some torched houses and cars

Some of the houses and vehicles razed down during the recent Plateau massacre. Photo Credit: Google

NIGERIANS are blaming the federal government as well as the country’s security agencies for the fresh killings that took place in Barkin Ladi local government area of Plateau State between Saturday and Sunday.

According to the Nigeria Police Force, 86 persons have been confirmed killed in the attacks and over 50 houses torched. However, residents of the area and survivors of the attack say more than 120 persons were killed.

Reports say suspected herdsmen attacked a village during a burial event and started killing people and burning houses.

“Fulani people attacked our members who attended the burial of the father to one of our clergy Baba Jakawa, at Gidin Akwati, Gashis district. Late Jakawa was aged over 80 years, a committed member of COCIN, so his burial attracted many sympathisers,” Pam Chollom, Pastor in charge of Church of Christ In Nations (COCIN) told journalists on Saturday.

“The armed Fulanis ambushed the sympathisers on their way back from the burial, attacked and killed 34 persons from Nekan village, 39 others from Kufang, and 47 people from Ruku village. As we speak with you, many others are still missing in the bushes.”

Many who reacted to development on tweeter said this is one killing too many, and urged the federal government to match their words with actions and stop the incessant killings across many states of the country.

Some others wondered what might have led to the killings since there is no anti-open grazing law in Plateau State. Mansur Dan-Ali, Minister of Defence, had attributed the killings by herdsmen in Benue State to the enforcement of the anti-open grazing bill.

Meanwhile President Muhammadu Buhari has condemned the fresh killings, vowing not to rest “until all murderers and criminal elements and their sponsors are incapacitated and brought to justice”.

In 2018 alone, there have been mass killings in Benue, Rivers, Taraba, Zamfara, Kaduna and Plateau States; some o f the states have witnessed mass killings more than once.

These do not include the killings by Boko Haram insurgents in the North East region.

Yet, the Buhari administration consistently claim that it has delivered on its promise to significantly improve security in Nigeria, which is one out of its three cardinal policies.

But many Nigerians disagree. Read some of the reactions below:

REAL REASONS WHY OTHER CHAIRMANSHIP ASPIRANTS STEPPED DOWN FOR ME – OSHIOMHOLE

Adams Oshiomhole
APC National Chairman

The new National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Adams Oshiomhole, has insisted that the other candidates withdrew themselves “unconditionally”.

Oshiomhole stated this at the party’s National Convention on Saturday in Abuja.

The former Edo Governor claimed that he emerged unopposed because of the trust his other colleagues had for him.

Oshiomhole was unopposed after a voice affirmation by party members.

“Few days before today, all the other candidates, one after the other decided individually, on their own to withdraw unconditionally. So to God be the glory,” he said.

“When people trust you, then half of the job is done. When you are free to initiate ideas, you are able to mediate with your internal differences so that the people know that you are their own and that you are not working against them, there will be no suspicion about who you have to use or the person you settle for.

“Number two is that we have to promise the world a people democracy. We give members the voice by ensuring that party members and everybody discuss issues and at the national level, we need to challenge the political elites and the business elites to discuss issues of the economy.”

BREAKING: ADAMS OSHIOMHOLE EMERGES APC NATIONAL CHAIRMAN

Former Edo State governor, Adams Oshiomhole, has been confirmed as the National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC).

Adams Oshiomhole reportedly returned unopposed after a voice affirmation by party members. Chairman of the 2018 convention committee and governor of Jigawa State, Mohammed Badaru, who made the announcement, stated that 18 positions were unopposed, and all were affirmed on Saturday.

Mr. Oshiomole is to replace the outgoing chairman of the party, John Oyegun, who also hails from Edo State. Mr. Oyegun, alongside Oserhermen Osunbor, Clement Ebri, and Ibrahim Emokpaire, were initially in the race but eventually stepped down for Mr. Oshiomhole.

Premium Times reported that in his speech Saturday, Mr Oyegun wished Mr Oshiomhole well as he takes over the reins of the party’s leadership.

Some of the names of those unopposed are:

1. Adams Oshiomhole … National Chairman

2. Ibrahim Masari … National Welfare Secretary

3. Tunde Bello…National Financial Secretary

4. Misbahu L Didi….Representative of the physically challenged

5. Zakari Mohammed….Zonal secretary north central

6. Ibrahim Abdullahi

The much awaited affirmation of the preferred candidate for the position of National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress held on SATURDAY did not come out easy at all.
There were lots of horse trading...

However, the chairman of the APC National Convention Planning Committee, Abubakar Badaru, who presided over the convention, announced that Adams Oshiomhole was the only person contesting the position of national chairman.

He said, “Adams Oshiomhole has been returned unopposed for the position of national chairman, there will be no election. So, I will ask you if you affirm him as chairman, you answer ‘affirm’ or say  ‘aye’ when I ask for affirmation.”

Badaru then asked the delegates if they would affirm Oshiomhole as the party’s national chairman and they all chorused “affirmed.” He then announced the former Edo State Governor as returned unopposed.

None of Oshiomhole’s former opponents was sighted near the stage when Badaru made the announcement.

Three persons namely: Prof. Osareimen Osunbor, Clement Ebri and Ibrahim Emokpai, who earlier expressed interest in contesting against Oshiomhole, pulled out of the race before the convention.

AMAECHI FINALLY EXPOSE THOSE WHO BETRAYED IPOB / BIAFRA

Mbazulike Amaechi

A first Republic Minister of Aviation, Mbazulike Amaechi has accused Igbo leaders of betraying the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) and other pro-Biafra agitators.

In an interview with Vanguard, Amaechi said IPOB members were made to look like law breakers.

“Any aggrieved person, group or organisation has the right to engage in agitations for better condition. There is no law that says that when you are maltreated, you should not complain against or to the person maltreating you. But in the case of IPOB, the Igbo leaders who should have directed them on the best way to follow betrayed them.

“Igbo leaders must not support the IPOB, but at the same time, they should not have betrayed them. If you are my leader and I am doing something you do not support, you should not sell me out or betray me the way Igbo leaders betrayed IPOB and other pro-Biafra groups.

“Personally, I believe in one great country which we fought for its creation and independence, with other notable and patriotic Nigerians who do not have the divisive minds like the present leaders of the country have in today’s Nigeria.

“I am very sad that the country I and other nationalists fought very hard for its creation and independence has been betrayed and my side of the people treated as slaves in their country. It is very annoying and saddening.

“Young men have the right to agitate but their leaders have betrayed them. If their leaders do not support them, they should not sell them out or betray them like they have done to IPOB which has been roundly betrayed by Igbo leaders who should guide them.

“IPOB is not a terrorist organisation and they are neither armed nor involved in any kind of violence. MASSOB has been there over the years doing their thing without violence, yet Nigerian government has been after them, but in the North, people are being killed, houses burnt and communities sacked by herdsmen, yet they have not been declared a terrorist group. It is IPOB they declared as a terrorist group.

“When a people as part of a union say they are not happy with the union like the Biafra agitators are doing and embark on protest against the union, the people should be allowed to decide their faith whether to belong or not, it was done in Great Britain,” he said.

CATHOLIC BISHOP ADMONISH PRESIDENT BUHARI TO NEGOTIATE WITH LOOTERS

Bishop Mathew Hassan Kukah

The Bishop of Sokoto Catholic Diocese, Mathew Hassan Kukah, has advised the federal government of Nigeria to change its tactics in the anti-corruption fight against looters.

Bishop Kukah said the government should negotiate with looters of the nation’s treasury in order to recover stolen funds.

The cleric made this known while speaking at the 29th and 30th Convocation lecture of the University of Jos on Friday.

Bishop Kukah explained that some countries had negotiated with corrupt officials to recover stolen funds and it worked for them, hence calling on Nigerian government to adopt the same tactic.

According to Bishop Kukah, “Fighting corruption as a whole is beyond just recovering stolen funds, although it is necessary to punish treasury looters and corrupt officials, to solve the whole problem would involve tackling it from the roots and that means the institutional framework.

The catholic Bishop went farther to opine that the Federal Government lead by President Buhari should direct relevant agencies to “Investigate what they have stolen, then call them and negotiate how much of it can be recovered, while you put frameworks in place to holistically solve the problem.

“Corruption is not only a Nigerian thing. Former presidents of nations like America, France, Israel, South Africa, among others, have been removed due to corruption charges. Yet, their countries are working”, he added.

WHY PRESIDENT BUHARI REINSTATED PERMANENT SECRETARIES SUSPENDED IN 2015

President Muhammadu Buhari has ordered the reinstatement of three permanent secretaries, who had been under suspension since 2015.

Lawrence Ojabo, Director Information, Office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, on Friday said the President gave the directive while considering recommendations of the Federal Service Management Committee and that of the SGF.

He explained that the president ordered that the appointments of the permanent secretaries, who have been without posting since November 2015, should not be terminated in view of the fact that allegations against them could not be proven.

“The Presidential clean bill for the top civil servants is a further demonstration of the Federal Government’s determination to ensure that no government employee is unduly victimized on account of frivolous allegations and petitions,” he said.

The permanent secretaries are Mrs, Ibukun Abimbola Odusote, Mrs. Nkechi Ejele and Mrs. Fatima Binta Bamidele.

Bamidele, was in the Ministry of Niger Delta Affairs while Ejele and Odusote were in the Ministry of Culture and National Orientation and the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development, respectively.

The officials were suspended in November, 2015 and investigated for alleged misconduct.

However, Bamidele recently retired from the service upon the attainment of the mandatory age of 60 years.

ABARIBE’S ARREST: NIGERIA ‘DESCENDING INTO FASCIST STATE’ — PDP

PDP chairman, Uche Secondus.
[Photo credit: Concise News]

The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has expressed fears over the safety of a Senator, Enyinnaya Abaribe, (PDP Abia), who was arrested by the State Security Services (SSS).

The party, via a statement, Friday lamented that the ”Gestapo-style arrest of Abaribe has further confirmed the earlier alarm that the APC-led Federal Government has commenced a total clampdown on the opposition and perceived opponents of President Muhammadu Buhari’s 2019 re-election bid”.

It said the clampdown on Mr Abaribe is in furtherance of the moves to ”intimidate and emasculate members of the National Assembly who are known for their outspokenness against the constitutional violations and misrule of the APC administration”.

The statement reads in part:

”The PDP notes that the Federal Government has given no reasons for the arrest and detention of Senator Abaribe, who has been kept incommunicado without access to his lawyers and associates.

”The party also notes the apprehension of Nigerians following numerous alleged plots by the Federal Government to frame up other lawmakers, including Senate President Bukola Saraki, Deputy Senate President, Senator Ike Ekweremmadu, as well as Senators Dino Melaye and Shehu Sani.

”Nigerians can now see that our dear nation is fast descending into a fascist state where constitutionally guaranteed freedom of speech no longer obtains and citizens are marked, arrested and detained on the whims and caprices of those in power.

”The PDP charges the DSS to immediately declare Senator Abaribe’s whereabouts, as well as the charge against him. Moreover, the laws of our nation are clear on the process of arrest and prosecution of any citizen and not recourse to clampdown and intimidation.”

BREAKING: DSS ARRESTS SENATOR EYINNAYA ABARIBE, PDP KICKS

The Department of State Services, DSS, has reportedly arrested the Senator representing Abia South senatorial district in the Senate, Senator Eyinnaya Abaribe.

ENYINNAYA Abaribe, the senator representing South Senatorial District, Abia State, in the National Assembly, has been arrested by the operatives of the State Security Service (SSS).

His party, Peoples Democratic Party PDP confirmed his arrest in a tweet hours ago.

“The Gestapo-style arrest of Abaribe has further confirmed our earlier alarm that the @APCNigeria-led FG has commenced a total clampdown on the opposition and perceived opponents of President @MBuhari’s 2019 re-election bid,” PDP tweeted.

The SSS could not be reached to confirm the arrest because the Service is yet to appoint a  spokesperson.

Abaribe was arrested in Transcorp Hotel in the Maitama District of Abuja, a source revealed. The senator has been critical of President Muhammadu Buhari and the ruling party, APC in the recent times. 

The senator, who  is also the Chairman, Senate Committee on Power, Steel Development and Metallurgy, had recently alleged that N30 billion was smuggled into the power budget without his committee’s knowledge. 

Reports said Senator Abaribe was arrested in Abuja on Friday at a popular hotel located at Maitama District. 

However, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) via a statement, Friday, lamented that the ”Gestapo-style arrest of Abaribe has further confirmed the earlier alarm that the APC-led Federal Government has commenced a total clampdown on the opposition and perceived opponents of President Muhammadu Buhari’s 2019 re-election bid”.

It said the clampdown on Mr Abaribe is in furtherance of the moves to ”intimidate and emasculate members of the National Assembly who are known for their outspokenness against the constitutional violations and misrule of the APC administration”.

The statement reads in part:

”The PDP notes that the Federal Government has given no reasons for the arrest and detention of Senator Abaribe, who has been kept incommunicado without access to his lawyers and associates.

”The party also notes the apprehension of Nigerians following numerous alleged plots by the Federal Government to frame up other lawmakers, including Senate President Bukola Saraki, Deputy Senate President, Senator Ike Ekweremmadu, as well as Senators Dino Melaye and Shehu Sani.

”Nigerians can now see that our dear nation is fast descending into a fascist state where constitutionally guaranteed freedom of speech no longer obtains and citizens are marked, arrested and detained on the whims and caprices of those in power.

”The PDP charges the DSS to immediately declare Senator Abaribe’s whereabouts, as well as the charge against him. Moreover, the laws of our nation are clear on the process of arrest and prosecution of any citizen and not recourse to clampdown and intimidation.”

WORLDCUP 2018: AHMED MUSA STARS WITH TWO(2) GOALS AS NIGERIA CLAIM FIRST VICTORY

(L-R) Nigeria’s forward Ahmed Musa, Nigeria’s goalkeeper Ikechukwu Ezenwa and Nigeria’s midfielder Oghenekaro Etebo celebrate at the end of the Russia 2018 World Cup Group D football match between Nigeria and Iceland at the Volgograd Arena in Volgograd on June 22, 2018. Philippe DESMAZES / AFP

 

Ahmed Musa struck twice to become the first Nigerian to score at two World Cups Friday as the Super Eagles secured a crucial 2-0 win over Iceland, who missed a penalty.

The African side will secure a spot in the knockout stage if they beat Argentina on Tuesday in Group D’s final round of fixtures.

A draw would be enough to eliminate the Argentines but would leave Nigeria’s fate hinging on the outcome of Iceland’s game against Croatia.

Musa, who came into the starting line-up in place of Alex Iwobi, announced himself with two of the goals of the tournament so far.

Nigeria’s forward Ahmed Musa (L) celebrates with Nigeria’s defender Leon Balogun after scoring their second goal during the Russia 2018 World Cup Group D football match between Nigeria and Iceland at the Volgograd Arena in Volgograd on June 22, 2018. Mark RALSTON / AFP

 

Musa’s sweetly struck half-volley fired Nigeria into the lead just after half-time before he added a second with 15 minutes to go to make the Group D game safe.

Iceland got a lifeline in the 82nd minute with a VAR-awarded penalty but dead-ball specialist Gylfi Sigurdsson blazed over the bar.

With Croatia heading the group on six points Nigeria knew a second defeat would mean elimination and Iceland started brightest after coach Heimir Hallgrimsson changed to a 4-4-2 from the 4-5-1 he had used in the 1-1 draw with Argentina.

Alfred Finnbogason, who scored the equaliser against Argentina as a lone striker, was joined up front by Jon Bodvarsson and the pair quickly made an impact.

Captain Aron Gunnarsson launched a long throw into the box and, after Bodvarsson had made a nuisance of himself, a push gave Iceland a free-kick just outside the area.

– Unstoppable half-volley –

Gylfi Sigurdsson struck it smoothly round the wall but 19-year-old goalkeeper Francis Uzoho was able to make the save high to his right.

Nigeria, with captain John Obi Mikel sitting deeper in midfield than against Croatia, slowly worked their way into the game with Victor Moses a constant threat on the right flank.

The pace inevitably dropped with the temperature still a stifling 31 Celsius at the 6:00 pm (1500 GMT) local time kickoff.

The match became a stalemate until 10 minutes before half-time when Iceland came close to opening the scoring but Leon Balogun’s glancing header just did enough to thwart Gylfi Sigurdsson and Birkir Bjarnason lurking at the back post.

And on the stroke of half-time Finnbogason came within a whisker of doubling his World Cup tally when he flashed wide Gylfi Sigurdsson’s whipped in free-kick.

Gernot Rohr brought on wing back Tyronne Ebuehi for Bryan Idowu at the start of the second half and Nigeria came out full of running.

Nigeria’s forward Ahmed Musa (L) and teammates celebrate their victory at the end of the Russia 2018 World Cup Group D football match between Nigeria and Iceland at the Volgograd Arena in Volgograd on June 22, 2018. Mark RALSTON / AFP

 

The tireless Moses was released down the right and his cross was met by Musa who teed up the ball deftly with the outside of his right foot before unleashing an unstoppable half-volley into the roof of the net.

As he wheeled away in celebration his knee caught Ragnar Sigurdsson in the back of the head and the Iceland defender needed treatment, a bandage and a change of shirt after sustaining a nasty cut.

Wilfred Ndidi forced Hannes Halldorsson into a fine fingertip save with a wickedly dipping shot from distance in the 58th minute.

Musa made the game safe with his second, controlling a long ball without breaking stride and beating Kari Arnason before rounding Halldorsson and powering his shot past two covering defenders on the line.

AFP