His Excellency, General Ibrahim Badamasi Babangida (rtd) is a former military head of state. IBB as he is fondly called, in this interview with Search FM, a Campus Radio, spoke on a wide range of issues- his childhood, military activities and the civil war. DAILY POST correspondent, Priscilla Dennis monitored the interview.
What was it like growing up in Niger State or as it was called back then, the Niger province?
Well, I think it’s…I was first born here in Minna. I can’t predict where you (students) were in 1941, but it was in 1941 in the month of August. I also started and finished my primary school education here in Minna and then went to Bida where I finished secondary school before joining the Army and received military training at the Nigerian Military Training College in Kaduna, Military Academy in India and so many other military institutions.
Your Excellency Sir, can you tell us more about your educational journey before heading to the Nigerian Military Training College?
I started here in Minna in 1950, by then it used to be called Gwari Federation Elementary School, and then later it became elementary school.
From there, I proceeded to senior primary school and on the completion of primary school education, I went to Bida Provincial Secondary School, where I spent six years before joining the Military Training College in Kaduna.
Joining the military shaped how the rest of your life turned out, what informed the decision to enlist as an officer?
Well, maybe to understand the background, in about that period there was a deliberate government policy. The government of Northern Nigeria at that time, there were not a lot of people from the North who were in the military. So, it took a deliberate policy to go around and invite the younger generation from secondary schools, [government colleges] to come and join the military and that’s what started our career in the military.
You were in active military service during the Nigerian civil war. In fact, you sustained a life threatening injury, what was that experience like?
It’s not a very nice experience I must say. First of all, you had people you went to school with, people you trained with, people who were your friends, suddenly as a result of the war, you find yourselves facing each other on opposite sides. It was not very comfortable but then, we had to do it. The purpose was to unite the country to keep it one not to break it. So that’s the uniquely sad aspect of a civil war and I pray, it never happens again
If you hadn’t joined the military what would have been an alternative career choice?
I wanted to be a civil engineer.
Your Excellency, you’ve held countless positions of authority, including being Nigeria’s number one citizen, what is your leadership style?
Just like any other style, you are placed in a leadership position. Your job is to lead people. You develop a situation where people look up to you to provide certain solutions to their problems or to their fear, whatever it is and you stand out as the person who will be able to do that. So you have to study human beings, you have to read about them and you have to be very compassionate.
Sometimes ruthlessness to get things done, but there are a lot of ways you have to develop so that you’ll be able to achieve certain things. Others you plead with, some you coerce and so on and so forth
You have a lot more free time on your hands after retirement, what do you enjoy doing now?
Watching you children grow
You have achieved so much over the course of your life and career, but if you were to rank your achievements, which would you consider your top three greatest feats?
Top three?
Top three
Number one is that I served the country the best I could, it may not be to your satisfaction, but to the best that I could. I leave that to history to judge and I related fairly well with the people of the country. I had no problem with them and I got to know the country more as I was well travelled. I made friends all over the country and I thought that was one of the greatest achievements.
What advice would you have for young people who are just about to start out in their lives?
I think my only good advice for all of you is to try as much as possible to know and understand that you are going to lead this country in the future. You have an opportunity now as young people. Get to know the country, study the country, the people and if you are able to do that or to understand that, basically I think that will go a long way to prepare you for the eventual leadership of the country
Your Excellency, on a lighter note, in 2021 a biopic was released about your life – ‘Badamasi: The Portrait of a General’, was the biopic an accurate representation of events?
Well, as a military man and man who practised both in war and peace times, I would have corrected one or two places. But, I think what they [Nollywood] are trying to project is a food for thought that could give us room for improvement.
[DailyPost]
No fewer than 145 persons are said to have been killed in bandits’ attacks on 23 villages in Plateau State.
The assailants reportedly killed 113 persons in 20 villages in Bokkos Local Government Area and 32 in three villages in Barkin Ladi Local Government Area.
It was gathered that the villages were attacked from Saturday night to the early hours of Monday.
The attacks were also said to have left hundreds of people injured and property destroyed.
Areas affected included Ruku, Hurum, Darwat, Mai Yanga Sabo and NTV villages in the Gashish and Ropp districts.
The Transition Committee Chairman of Bokkos Local Government Area, Monday Kassah, confirmed the incident to reporters yesterday.
When contacted for reaction, the spokesman for the state police command, Alabo Alfred, did not respond to text messages sent to him by our correspondent.
But Captain Oya James, spokesperson for Operation Safe Haven, a security taskforce maintaining peace in the state, confirmed the attacks to Daily Trust yesterday.
He, however, said he could not confirm the casualty figures at the moment, but said the situation had been brought under control.
“For now, the situation has been brought under control. More reinforcement has been deployed in the affected communities. But I don’t have the figure of casualty at the moment,” James told one of our correspondents.
A humanitarian worker who spoke in confidence said they counted over 180 dead bodies from the attacks.
We’ve recovered 113 bodies – Council chair
The Transition Committee Chairman of Bokkos LGA, Kassah, told journalists yesterday that 113 bodies were recovered from the attacks.
“The attacks were well coordinated, no fewer than 20 different communities were attacked by the bandits.
“As I am talking to you, we have recovered 113 dead bodies from those communities. We have recovered more than three hundred injured; some were taken to hospitals in Jos, some to hospitals in Barkin Ladi and others have been taken to hospitals in Bokkos.
“The security personnel have been doing their best, the difficult terrain reaching those communities has made the security not reaching there on time to prevent those communities,” Kassah stated.
The chairman of Barikin LGA, Danuma Dakil, who also spoke to Daily Trust yesterday, said the attackers killed 32 persons and burnt many houses in three villages in his local government area.
Dakil further stated that the search for more bodies was ongoing.
Attacks barbaric – Gov
Governor Caleb Manasseh Mutfwang described the attacks as barbaric, brutal and uncalled for.
According to a statement by his Director of Press and Public Affairs, Gyang Bere, the governor directed security agencies to promptly apprehend the attackers and ensure they face the full force of the law.
The governor, who expressed deep concern over the incident, urged communities across the state to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activities to security forces for immediate action.
He questioned “The impunity of the attackers who inflicted harm on communities, destroyed property and evaded justice.”
The governor assured that proactive measures would be taken to curb attacks on innocent citizens.
He sympathised with affected families, and urged them to find solace in God as the government diligently works to end the “prolonged violence.”
Residents narrate ordeals
An indigene of Darwat community, Friday Maska, told our correspondent that his mother and younger brother were injured in the attack.
Maska said his mother, Rebecca Maska, was pursued into the bush by the attackers and shot, but was lucky to survive.
He said his mother bled for about three hours before help came her way; while his brother, Nanpan Maska, had his hand cut off and head macheted.
He said both his mother and younger brother were rushed to the General Hospital in Barkin Ladi, but were later referred to Jos University Teaching Hospital (JUTH).
Maska said the assailants operated from 6pm to 11pm.
The Berom Youth Moulders-Association (BYM), under the leadership of Solomon Dalyop Mwantiri Esq, condemned the attack, describing it as an act of terrorism.
The association, in a statement, by its National Publicity Secretary, Rwang Tengwong, said the attack has already led to the complete displacement of thousands of persons.
Tengwong said the attack did not only demonstrate a blatant disregard for human life, but also sought to undermine the peace and unity that are at the core of their values.
He called on the international community to add its voice to the crisis on the Plateau, which has been going on for years.
“On a day meant to celebrate love, compassion, and togetherness, the perpetrators of this dastardly act have brought untold agony, suffering and grief to the affected communities.
“We call on the government and relevant authorities not only to conduct a thorough and impartial investigation into the incident, identify those responsible, and bring them to justice, but to swiftly come up with palliative packages as well as compensation for the victims.
“The BYM also urges the government to take immediate and decisive action to prevent further attacks and ensure the safety and security of all citizens regardless of their ethnic or religious background.
“We want to urge all Plateau sons and daughters to put aside their differences and come together to resist elements perpetrating the dastardly acts,” he said.
Not the first time
Hundreds of people had been killed in Plateau State within this year. Between January and June alone, a total of 201 people were reported killed in 27 attacks in seven local government areas of the state, including Riyom, Bokkos, Jos South, Jos East, Barkin Ladi, Bassa and Mangu, according to a tally by Daily Trust.
Attacks on communities in the state have been ongoing since the ethno-religious crisis broke out in Jos in 2001.
Since then, violence has spread to communities in the state, and there have been clashes between the farmers and the herdsmen with devastating consequences.
Three days ago, 22 persons were killed in attacks on Mangu and Bokkos apart from eight persons that were killed in an attack on Du village of Kwall District, Rigwe Chiefdom, in October.
The National Publicity Secretary, Irigwe Development Association (IDA), Davidson Malison, had said the incident in their communities had been a sad continuation of destruction of lives and properties of the people.
The Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association (MACBAN), Plateau State Chapter, had also said they had lost many members owing to attacks on them in the latest resurgence of violence.
Take ownership of security, defence chief tells Nigerians
Meanwhile, the Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), Gen. Christopher Musa, has called on Nigerians to take ownership of security challenges in the country.
He spoke yesterday at the Defence Headquarters Hospital located at Mogadishu Cantonment, Abuja, when he visited ailing personnel to mark Christmas and his birthday.
Musa, who also called on all Nigerians to have love for and confidence in Nigeria and fight together for its peace and progress, noted that running away from the country is not the solution to the present challenging situation.
He was explaining what he meant in his Christmas message that Nigerians should be united against the common enemies.
“It (Christmas message) entails that all Nigerians should take ownership of the challenges we’re facing as a country. The security challenges, especially, are not armed forces or police challenges or any individual parastatal.
“It is a collective effort for all Nigerians and all Nigerians should put hands together. We cannot do it alone. We need the support of everyone. When you see something, say something, talk as quickly as possible so that measures can be put in place.
“We will continue to seek support from members of the public to take ownership of our challenges. Nigeria is our own. If Nigeria succeeds, we all succeed, if Nigeria fails we all fail and we don’t want Nigeria to fail. So, I call on all Nigerians to give us all the support,” he said.
Musa told journalists that the visit to the hospital was in tune with his leadership concept, which is people-centric, adding that the outreach was to ensure that people, both the security agents and the citizens, felt the impact of love being shared, especially their healthcare.
According to him, it is always good at this period of celebration to come around and see how those who are in hospital who don’t have the ability to celebrate, how they are doing and to wish them well.
“It is for them to always know that we are always with them, we are praying with them and we want them to recover so that they can come back fully to life. We will continue to do that as we have been doing. So this is just not a one off thing, it is something we do regularly,” he added.
Speaking further, the defence chief said those traveling out of the country would not have countries to run to if the indigenes did not develop those countries.
He stated, “We must stay and fight whatever challenge is. Those countries they are running to, stood back and fought and got to where they are. If they had run away, they would not have achieved that for them to go and meet them.”
The CDS, who was flanked by his wife and other principal officers at Defence Headquarters, donated hampers and cash gifts to all the patients in the hospital during the visit.
[DailyTrust]
The Special CBN Investigator, Jim Obazee, has summoned the Chairman of Titan Trust Bank, Babatunde Lemo, in connection with the acquisition of Union Bank of Nigeria Plc by TTB.
The TTB chairman, a former deputy governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria, was directed to report at the Department of Force Intelligence opposite the Force headquarters, Shehu Shagari Way, Abuja on Thursday, where he is expected to be questioned over the UBN acquisition.
Lemo was further instructed to come along with the promoters of TTB, Messrs Cornelius Vink and Mr Rahul Savara, to meet with the team of special Investigators.
Lemo was invited in a letter dated December 24, 2023, and signed by the Head of Operations, Office of the Special Investigator, DCP Eloho Okpoziakpo.
Obazee had in his report alleged that some persons were used as proxies by a former CBN Governor, Godwin Emefiele, to set up Titan Trust Bank and acquire Union Bank.
Obazee, who was appointed special investigator in July, 2023, submitted his final report tagged, ‘Report of the Special Investigation on CBN and Related Entities (Chargeable offences) to the Presidency on December 20, 2023.
In two separate reports on the acquisition of UBN and Keystone Bank submitted to President Bola Tinubu last Wednesday, the Special Investigator also alleged that Emefiele used proxies to acquire Keystone Bank without evidence of payment.
‘’When we carried out investigation, we discovered that some persons were used as proxies by Mr Godwin Emefiele to set up Titan Trust Bank and acquire Union Bank therefrom, all from ill-gotten wealth.
‘’We were able to secure some documents and investigation reports will lead to the forfeiture of the two banks to the Federal Government. We have completed our investigation on this acquisition and have also held meetings with the relevant parties except for Mr Cornelis Vink (that is currently hospitalised in Switzerland).
‘’Otherwise, we are on the verge of recovering these two banks for the Federal Government,’’ Obazee claimed in his letter.
Following media reports on the UBN deal, Lemo in an interview with Sunday PUNCH insisted that the acquisition of the bank followed due process and met all regulatory requirements, including that of the Securities and Exchange Commission and the Central Bank of Nigeria.
He insisted that the establishment of Titan Trust Bank and the subsequent acquisition of Union Bank were transparent and duly verified by the relevant regulatory bodies.
However, in furtherance of the investigation into the UBN deal, and in response to Lemo’s defence, the investigator in the letter titled, RE: CBN investigation activities: Invitation for a follow-up meeting with the Special Investigator,’ took the TTB chairman to task on his defence.
The letter read, ‘’Please, refer to your discussion with the Special Investigator earlier today regarding the offensive defence that your good self issued in PUNCH newspapers, on behalf of TTB which you chair, as well as the email you sent to the Special Investigator today wherein you tried to provide clarification on your reaction to the report on TTB.
‘’The defence seems contrary to the statements, made under caution, by the persons connected with these transactions, including your good self, before the Special Investigator at the Department of State Service in August 2023.
‘’In the said newspapers, you referred to both Cornelius Vink and Rahul Savara as “prominent global entrepreneurs and having thriving businesses in Nigeria…”
‘’In your email as well as your earlier discussion with the Special Investigator, you suggested that both of them be invited to provide clarification on their share ownership and given seven days to make such clarification; failure which they will forfeit their shares to the Federal Government of Nigeria.
‘’We are surprised at your request with regard to these two shareholders. They were given this opportunity via a letter to them dated 28th August 2023 (copy attached as Appendix 1).
‘’Instead of honouring the invitation and providing the requested documents, we received a letter from the Company Secretary of Union Bank, Somuyiwa Sonubi, dated 1st September 2023, informing the Special Investigator that Mr. Cornelius Vink was out of the country on medical grounds and that both “Messrs Vink and Savara will be available for the meeting as soon as they are in Nigeria which will be soon” (copy attached as Appendix 2).
‘’Up until this offensive defence that you put in the public domain, the Special Investigator has neither heard from them nor received the requested documents.”
However, when The PUNCH examined the letter written by Union Bank to the Special Investigator (referenced Appendix 2 above), the lender stated it was submitting all “the documents/information requested for in printed and electronic formats for ease of your review and analysis” alongside the letter.
As of press time, The PUNCH could not independently verify why the special investigator did get the documents as claimed above. Also, our correspondent could not verify if the Special investigator replied the Union Bank to demand explanation as to why the documents claimed to have been submitted alongside the letter were not attached.
Meanwhile, in the latest letter summoning Lemo for a follow-up meeting, the Office of the Special Investigator said, ‘’Accordingly, you are hereby invited to come along with Messrs Cornelius Vink and Mr Rahul Savara to meet with the Team of Special Investigators by 2pm on 28th December 2023 at the Department of Force Intelligence, Opposite Nigeria Police Force Headquarters, Shehu Shagari Way, Area 11, Garki, Abuja; without fail or excuse. ‘’
The letter added, ‘’Please, inform them to come along with all the documents/information requested from them by the letter to Mr Cornelius Vink dated 28th August 2023 (attached herewith as Appendix 1). You will also be required to make additional statements to your earlier statement on that day.
‘’Kindly note that if Messrs Cornelius Vink and Rahul Savara refuse to attend this meeting and provide/defend the requested documents/information, it will be construed that they have decided to forfeit their purported shareholdings in TTB and Union Bank of Nigeria; irrespective of which vehicle that they are using to own the purported shares.
‘’Should you also refuse to attend the meeting to provide additional statement to your earlier statement made in August 2023, it will be construed that you misled the Nigerian public with your reaction in the PUNCH Newspapers today which has gained wide publicity in both electronic and print media.’’
The investigator explained that the invitation was to further ensure that ‘’it is beyond reasonable doubt that the Federal Government of Nigeria has given you a fair hearing.’’
Meanwhile, It is unclear whether without a court ruling, the Special Investigator’s Office has the powers to make investors lose their shareholding should they fail to attend the meeting for whatsoever reason.
[Punch]
The dust over the probe of Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) is yet to settle.
Titan Trust Bank Chairman, Mr. Babatunde Lemo, and two others have been invited by the Special Investigator on CBN, Mr. Jim Osayande Obazee.
The other invited shareholders are Mr. Cornelius Vink and Mr. Raul Savara.
Lemo, who was CBN deputy governor between 2004 and 2014, is expected to appear with the shareholders for further grilling on Thursday.
It was learnt that the big stick might be wielded should those invited fail to honour the invitation to enable the investigator to unravel other details on the $ 500 million acquisition of Union Bank by Titan Trust Bank (TTB).
A conglomerate, the Tropical General Investment Group (TGI), on Sunday, said the USD500 million capital used to pay for the transaction was transparent and unimpeachable.
TGI insisted that it is the majority owner of TTB and Union Banks.
Obazee and his team of crack detectives alleged that their findings proved otherwise.
In a report to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, the Investigator alleged that the two banks were owned and bought by the proxies of the former CBN Governor, Mr. Godwin Emefiele, who has denied the claim.
But attempts by the investigators to interact with the Chairman of TGI, Vink, since August have not succeeded.
TGI said Vink, who has been in Nigeria since 1978, is an elderly person and has recently been medically advised to limit his movement.
The Special Investigator insisted that since TGI assured his team that the two shareholders would “soon” honour the invitation, it was time for them to come for interaction.
In a December 24 letter, the Special Investigator asked Lemo and the two others to appear before his team on Thursday.
The letter, titled: RE: CBN INVESTIGATION ACTIVITIES INVITATION FOR A FOLLOW-UP MEETING WITH THE SPECIAL INVESTIGATOR, said Obazee has not heard from the two shareholders or received the requested documents from them.
The letter was signed by the Head of Operations, Office of the Special Investigator, Eloho Okpoziakpo, a deputy commissioner of police (DCP).
The letter, which was addressed to Lemo, reads in part: “Please refer to your discussion with the Special Investigator earlier today regarding the offensive defence that your good self-issued in Punch newspapers, on behalf of TTB which you chair, as well as the email you sent to the Special Investigator today wherein you tried to provide clarification on your reaction to the report on TTB.
“The defence seems contrary to the statements, made under caution, by the persons connected with these transactions, including your good self, before the Special Investigator at the Department of State Service (DSS) in August.
“In the said newspapers, you referred to both Cornelius Vink and Rahul Savara as ‘prominent global entrepreneurs and having thriving businesses in Nigeria.’
“In your email as well as your earlier discussion with the Special Investigator, you suggested that both of them be invited to provide clarification on their share ownership and given seven days to make such clarification; failure which they will forfeit their shares to the Federal Government of Nigeria.
“We are surprised at your request with regard to these two shareholders. They were given this opportunity via a letter to them dated 28th August 2023.
“Instead of honouring the invitation and providing the requested documents, we received a letter from the Company Secretary of Union Bank, Somuyiwa Sonubi, dated 15 September 2023, informing the Special Investigator that Mr. Cornelius Vink was out of the country on medical grounds and that both ‘Messrs Vink and Savara will be available for the meeting as soon as they are in Nigeria which will be soon’.
“Up until this offensive defence that you put in the public domain, the Special Investigator has neither heard from them nor received the requested documents.”
Obazee said he and his team have decided to give a timeline for Lemo and others to come for interaction.
The letter added: “Accordingly, you are hereby invited to come along with Messrs Cornelius Vink and Mr. Rahul Savara to meet with the team of Special Investigators by 2pm on 28th December 2023 without fail or excuse.
“Please inform them to come along with all the documents /information requested from them by the letter to Mr. Cornelius Vink dated 28th August 2023.
“You will also be required to make additional statements to your earlier statement on that day.”
The Special Investigator said if Vink and Savara refused to honour the committee’s investigation, they may forfeit their shares in the Titan Trust Bank and Union Bank.
The letter said: “Kindly note that if Messrs Cornelius Vink and Rahul Savara refuse to attend this meeting and provide/defend the requested documents /information, it will be construed that they have decided to forfeit the purported shareholdings in TTB and Union Bank of Nigeria, irrespective of which vehicle that they are using to own the purported shares.
“Should you also refuse to attend the meeting to provide additional statement to your earlier statement made in August 2023, it will be construed that you misled the Nigerian public with your reaction in The Punch Newspapers today which has gained wide publicity in both electronic and print media.
“This invitation is to further ensure that it is beyond reasonable doubt that the Federal Government of Nigeria has given you a fair hearing.”
Earlier in a 28th August 2023 letter to Vink and the Managing Directors of Titan Trust Bank and the Union Bank, the Special Investigator made a seven-point demand from them.
In the letter, signed by Dr.Ojogbe Rueben U, some of these requests included the documentation on the licensing of Titan Trust Bank, minutes of Board meetings and foreign exchange dealings transacted with the CBN.
The August letter read in part: “The Federal Government of Nigeria is currently investigating some activities of the CBN and Related Entities as well as some key Government Business Entities (GBEs).
“The investigation is led by a ‘Special Investigator’ appointed by the President, Federal Republic of Nigeria. They have since commenced the assignment.
“To this end, kindly avail the Special Investigator with the under-listed documents/ information:
“The details of the under-listed entities which should include company registration, ownership, shareholding structure, profile, particulars of directors and related entities:
· Luxis International DMCC, Unit 1141, DMCC Business Centre, Level No. 1, Jewellry & Gemplex 3, Dubai, UAE (Magna).
· Magna International DMCC, Unit 1024, DMCC Business Centre, Level No.1, Jewellry & Gemplex 3, Dubai, UAE Magna.
“Further details of the said companies should include the documentation that led to the licensing of Titan Trust Bank and the acquisition of controlling shareholding of Union Bank of Nigeria by these entities, proof of funds, internationally verifiable bank statements (from the incorporation of the entities to date) and the shareholder that gave interest-free loans to the two entities separately (names, nationality, source of the fund, proof of such funds, bank statements as well as the relationship of the entities with Mr. Andrew Chukwudi Ojei, Jerome Olagunju Shogbon, Rahul Savara, Winston Odeh, Adaeze Udensi, Ekene Samuel Louis, Godwin Emefiele, Macombo Omoile, Tunde Lemo, Mudassir Amry, Faruk Gumel, Oluremi Oni, Vink Corporation Middle East FCZ (together with the details of the shareholder that also gave Vink Corporation interest-free loan) and your good self.”
Other demands were:
· Details of how Trust receipts (from Standard Chartered Bank), Zenith Nigeria Plc and Zenith Bank (UK) were involved in the entire arrangement.
· Minutes of the Board meetings, copy of the audited financial statements and management letter that arose from the Audit of the financial statements of the two entities listed in (1) above as well as those of TTB and UBN from 2018 to date.
· Details of any forbearance received from the CBN for UBN (before acquisition by TTB) and why. “Should you not know, please come along with anyone who knows about it (with evidence).”
· Details of the loan capital from Afrexim Bank (Egypt), collaterals thereto and the involvement of the CBN in the entire arrangement.
· Any Foreign Exchange dealings that transacted with the CBN as a retail or wholesale facilitator with TGI, TTB, UBN, Luxis, Magna and other related entities no matter how remotely connected.
· Any other document(s) that can assist the Special investigator in arriving at an informed decision on the investigation of TTB, UBN, CBN and any person(s) of interest in the entire arrangement.
“You are to come along with Mr. Rahul Savara (in person) along with the requested documents to the National Headquarters of the Department of State Services (DSS) in Abuja by 4pm on Friday, 1st September 2023 for interaction in connection with this investigation. Accept the assurances of the utmost regards of the Special Investigator.”
The Investigator also showed that he gave the Union Bank of Nigeria ample time to prevail on Vink to appear before it.
He said although the bank complained of a “short notice period,” it said “Messrs. Vink and Savara will be available for the meeting as soon as they are in Nigeria.”
The bank’s response was contained in a September 1st, 2023 letter to the Special Investigator by the Company Secretary of the Union Bank of Nigeria, Mr. Somuyiwa Sonubi.
It said due to Vink’s medical condition, he was unable to make the appointment as proposed.
The letter was titled “CBN INVESTIGATION ACTIVITIES: INVITATION FOR A MEETING WITH THE SPECIA INVESTIGATOR.”
The letter said: “We write in response to your letter dated 28″ August 2023 on the above subject matter and to submit the documents/information requested in printed and electronic formats for ease of your review and analysis.
“Furthermore, and with all due respect to your office, we wish to inform you that Mr. Cornelius Vink is currently out of the country on medical grounds.
“Given the short notice period in the said letter and Mr. Vink’s medical condition, he is unable to make the appointment as proposed and craves your indulgence in this regard.
“Please find attached copies of Mr. Vink’s medical report for your kind review. Messrs. Vink and Savara will be available for the meeting as soon as they are in Nigeria which we hope will be soon.
“Mr. Vink sends his sincere apologies in this regard, whilst assuring you of his commitment to support your mandate. Please accept the assurances of our highest regards.”
[TheNation]
The Presidency has justified President Tinubu’s intervention in states battling political crises such as Ondo and Rivers.
Presidential spokesman, Ajuri Ngelale, said President Bola Tinubu will continue to intervene in state’s political crisis in the larger interest of the country.
Ngelale, who is the president’s official spokesman, said this yesterday. He was justifying President Tinubu’s intervention in states battling political crises. One of such states is Rivers. Another is Ondo.
Recall that the President had invited the parties in the political crisis in both states for a parley in Abuja. On each occasion, the President had been accused of meddlesomeness and dictatorial tendencies.
However, speaking on a Channels TV programme yesterday, Ngelale said Tinubu did the right thing.
Ngelale said: “That has nothing to do with, of course, political development, destabilisation of a particular region or state or subnational entity that could potentially turn into a national conflagration.
“If the President sees that, he is not going to sit by as the Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces and fold his hands and keep quiet. I think that is what he has done.
“That is to say if you are the Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces and your primary objective is to make sure that the Nigerian people are safe; that they are able to operate in an environment that is stable and does not place them in any form of insecurity, then you know that if a political crisis is devolving into something that is generating manmade insecurity, then the President needs to step in and he took that wise decision to step in,” the presidential aide maintained.”
Meanwhile, since Tinubu intervened in Ondo and Rivers, there has been relative stability. But reactions to his methods still thrive.
No fewer than 4,258 incidents of insecurity have been witnessed across 573 local government areas of the country between May 31 and December 24, 2023.
From the incidents caused by non-state actors across the LGAs, at least 5,691 persons were killed, while 2,719 were kidnapped within the period under review. However, 721 of the kidnap victims were rescued by the military.
Similarly, no fewer than 1,902 citizens sustained varying degrees of injury from violent attacks by non-state actors.
The figure was contained in data by Beacon Consulting, an indigenous security firm that tracks insecurity in the county.
A monthly breakdown showed that on May 31, at least 13 people were killed, four were kidnapped and six were injured.
In June, 854 were killed; 239 were kidnapped and 158 were injured. Similarly, in July, non-state actors killed 597 people, kidnapped 330, and injured 140.
Also in August, 615 were killed, 369 were kidnapped and 215 persons were injured.
In September, no fewer than 594 persons were killed, 348 abducted and 217 were injured.
No fewer than 1,164 fatalities were recorded in October, 518 citizens were kidnapped and 584 sustained varying degrees of injury in the month.
In November, 1,309 lives were lost to various attacks by non-state actors, 464 persons were kidnapped and 334 were injured.
So far in December, at least 545 persons have been killed, 434 kidnapped and 248 citizens have been injured.
Meanwhile, the military, in various operations in the country, rescued a total of 1,987 kidnapped citizens across the country between June and December 24, 2023.
The figures were from media reports during the period under review.
Between June and August, about 721 kidnapped victims were rescued by the military.
From September to December 24, 228;127;412, and 499 kidnapped citizens were freed from captivity, respectively.
Commenting, a security expert, Jackson Ojo, called for an improvement in the economy to put an end to the rising insecurity in the country.
He said, “To be sincere, the issue of insecurity was inherited by the current administration. And the hardship in the country has fuelled it. These criminals see it as a way out of poverty. The economy must be improved for insecurity to be reduced in the country. Also, there is a need for a political will to end criminality in the country. Without the will, our security agencies cannot perform effectively. “
The Catholic Bishop of Sokoto Diocese, Matthew Kukah, has told President Bola Tinubu that neither God nor history will forgive him if he fails to deliver on his promised “renewed hope”, having striven for years to be at the helm of affairs of the nation.
Bishop Kukah said this in his Christmas message on Monday, adding that now that the former Lagos State governor is on the driving seat, Nigeria must turn the corner under his watch.
According to Kukah, Tinubu must have had enough time to think of the answers to many questions that are crying for answers and that under his watch, Nigeria “must end the ugly instrumentalization of religious, ethnic or regional identities.”
The cleric said, “Mr. President, Sir, congratulations and a happy Christmas. Now, you have what you prayed for, what you dreamt of, what you longed for. For the better part of over twenty years, you have plotted to be our President. For years, you campaigned for a new Nigeria through restructuring or overhauling the defective machinery of the Nigerian state.
“For years, you fought the military and other forms of dictatorships. For years, you fought for the victims of a deep state. For years, you sought to create an egalitarian society. For years, you sought a just society. For years you have built networks with individuals, communities and institutions. Now is harvest time.
“You are on the driving seat now. Under your watch, Nigeria must turn the corner. Under your watch, we must end the ugly instrumentalization of religious, ethnic or regional identities. You have had enough time to think of the answers to many questions that are crying for answers.
“Your future and that of our country is in your hands. M. President, you have no excuses before God or the people of Nigeria. Neither God nor history will not forgive you if you fail. This is our moment, our date with history. Now, all eyes and ears are on you. Our prayers for a united country are with you.”
Referencing Tinubu’s “Renewed Hope” agenda, the Bishop noted that Nigerians have almost lost hope in the fact that a government can really and truly care for them, urging the President to ignte the hope.
“We have seen the first faltering steps of policy decisions which have elicited a mixture of controversy, anxiety and praise. This is to be expected. You have promised us a Renewed Hope Agenda, but know that hope has worn thin in our dear nation.
“Nigerians have almost lost hope in the fact that a government can really and truly care for them. Nigerians have lost hope in the fact that our politicians will put our interests first and find a way to deal with the cancer of corruption. We had lost hope in being united again given the seeds of division that had been sown. Ignite our hope again, Sir.
“We now have seen some renewed hope in your effort to run an inclusive government. We want an end to partisanship. The problems of Nigeria are deep seated and they are based on a culture of corruption that has become the foundation stone of governance. This evil structure has to be dismantled. Nigeria’s problems will not be resolved by palliatives.
“The problems deep and are structural. Please do not be afraid to reset the template of power no matter the cultural or historical myths. We are tired of promises and stories. We want evidence we can see and touch, he said.
Kukah also insisted that the senseless killings, abductions, extortion and kidnappings have to end and the sacredness and sanctity of human life restored, adding that blasphemy laws have no place in a democracy.
“Mr. President the killings of Nigerians by whatever name must end and end now. These senseless killings, abductions, extortions and kidnappings have to end and the sacredness and sanctity of human life restored. Blasphemy laws have no place in a democracy. We are not in a theocracy.
“Those who take life by whatever means must be fished out and punished. A culture of compensation to victims must be institutionalised and states must take full responsibility while criminals or those who hide them are fished out. We cannot go on this way. The seeds of hatred that have sprouted in Gaza show us the consequences of allowing a culture of distorted narratives to grow among us.”
He also called on the President to get rid dubious people in the public service whom he said have turned the opportunity to serve into an ignoble enterprise.
“You must rid the public service of criminals who have turned the opportunity to serve into an ignoble enterprise. We concede that there are millions of decent men and women who genuinely wish to serve but are crushed by the deadweight of corrupt ogas at the top who use corruption as their oxygen!
“This surgery must happen if you are to succeed in any of your dreams of delivering much needed services to our people, Kukah said.
A Zimbabwean man identified simply as Mandla has tragically lost his life in a fatal car accident after killing his side chick.
This reportedly occurred shortly after a violent altercation, resulting in the death of his side chick. The circumstances surrounding these events suggest that Mandla was trying to escape accountability for his actions.
According to the contents of a voice note sent by Mandla, the two lovebirds were in a physical altercation over infidelity. Some local publications reported that Mandla narrated how he supported his side chick financially and even sent her on fully paid holidays.
He claimed that his efforts and love were unappreciated, and the lady played him. According to reports, the two got into a physical fight. During the altercation, Mandla reportedly forcefully pushed his girlfriend with such intensity that she struck her head on a solid object, leading to her untimely demise.
Realizing the gravity of the situation, Mandla hastily fled the scene in his Mercedes Benz, speeding down Gwanda Road and possibly attempting to return to South Africa.
He sent a voice note to a WhatsApp group with some of his friends, confessing what he had done and why. In the voice note, he namedrops his girlfriend’s girl named Anele. He was saying she was the girl behind taking his girlfriend down for him.
The escape, however, met a devastating end when Mandla’s Mercedes collided head-on with an inter-Africa bus upon reaching Kensington. The impact was so severe that the car’s engine reportedly catapulted over 50 meters away. Regrettably, Mandla lost his life in the collision, while fortunately, the occupants of the bus escaped without injury.
Mandla, who was married, is survived by his wife and five children, according to people who knew him.
Nigerian celebrities have released their Christmas photos and videos.
The photos are quite lovely.
See below
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singer MI Abaga and wife Eniola
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actor Van Vicker and family
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Hilda Baci
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Ruth Kadiri Ezerika
Maria Chike
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Ebuka Obi-Uchendu and family
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Bam-Bam and Teddy A with their children
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Adeniyi Johnson and family
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Blessing Chinwo and family
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Real Warri Pikin and family
Empress Njamah and her dogs
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Venita Akpofure and daughters
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Linda and Ibrahim Suleiman and family
Nosa Rex and family
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Uche Nnanna and family
Adaeze and Jospeh Yobo and family
Popular Nigerian actress, Iniobong Edo Ekim, better known as Ini Edo has explained why she still single at 41 years.
She gave this explanation in an interview posted on social media.
Ini Edo pointed out that she needs a man that can really love her.
When asked she if she had not found love before, the thespian who began her film career in 2000, pointed out that there is different between being loved and being committed with the relationship.
She added that it is not all about money but about how a man can manage a situation and the people around him.
Ini Edo said, “I’m single because I just want somebody that can really love me. That’s all. I’m not asking for too much.
“You can love someone and not ready to be committed. They two different things. Maybe that’s why I’m still single. I can’t be in a toxic relationship if you can’t give that protective energy that allows me to respect you.
“I can be with man I can’t respect. If you can’t earn my respect then we can be together because what is the point? When it gets to the point that I start to disrespect you that means that you have brought yourself down to that point I begin to talk back at you.
“It’s not all about money. It’s about how you manage a situation and how you manage the people around you. Simply put, it all about kindness.”
More...
A 30-year-old man named Emmanuel Achogwu has been apprehended by the Lagos State Police for stealing four solar panels he was contracted to install.
The incident highlights a growing concern about the theft of public infrastructure in the state.
According to a statement by Lagos Police spokesperson SP Benjamin Hundeyin on social media platform X, officers from Alausa Division arrested Achogwu on Ikosi Road shortly after he removed the panels.
“Recently, @followlasg installed some solar-powered streetlights in some parts of the state,” Hundeyin wrote. “A few weeks later, the solar panels are being stolen. The police was informed and got to work.
A few days back, 30-year-old Emmanuel Achogwu was arrested by officers from Alausa Division on Ikosi Road with four solar panels, moments after he removed them.”
The statement further revealed that Achogwu was one of the technicians contracted to install the stolen panels. An investigation into the matter is currently underway.
An Islamic group, Shi’ites, joined Christians at a Christmas Service at St Joseph Catholic Church, Samaru, Zaria, Kaduna State on Monday. The described it as a move to strengthen religious harmony and unity between religious groups.
Leader of the Shi’ite group, Prof Isah-Hassan Mshelgaru, said the group acknowledged Christmas as a day for festivities, friendliness and unity.
He added that joining Christian faithful as they mark Christmas was meant to renew hope for unity among Muslims, Christians and other religions.
Mshelgaru said their decision to attend the church service was to strengthen the relationship between the two faith groups, noting that Islam and Christianity were revered faiths with more than 90 per cent of Nigeria’s population as adherents.
“When other faithful unite with the two faith groups, it means the whole of Nigerian is united,” he said.
Speaking on the impact of the visit, Mshelgaru said as a group, it started visits to churches more than 25 years ago and since then there had been improved understanding between the group and Christians.
He added, “The visit has reduced the fears and some animosity between the two faith groups. They (Christians) are now open to us; we share sentiments and problems together. The regular exchange of visits has bridged the gaps between us.”
Earlier, the parish priest, Most Revd Isak Augustine, commended the Islamic group for the visit and urged the group for more visits to strengthen religious harmony and unity.
He prayed for God’s peace and to salvage the country from the myriad socioeconomic challenges.
The group also presented gifts to the Church.
NIGERIA’S two senior national teams, the Super Eagles and the Super Falcons, as well as legendary football figures Ahmed Musa and Nwankwo Kanu have sent Christmas messages to Nigerians.
The Super Eagles, who will be involved in the hunt for glory in January and February at the Africa Cup of Nations in Cote d’Ivoire, shared a short festive message overnight.
“Merry Christmas from us all #soarsupereagles #letsdoitagain #christmas,” the three-time African champions wrote on X, formerly known as Twitter.
The Super Falcons, who are the most successful side on the continent with nine Women’s Africa Cup of Nations titles, posted their good wish today and added a prayer.
“Wishing all the amazing fans of the Super Falcons a Merry Christmas! May the festive season bring joy, success, and continued support for our incredible team. #MerryChristmas #SoarSuperFalcons,” they posted.
Super Eagles captain and the team’s most capped player of all time with 108 appearances, Musa, wrote: “Compliments of the season. This festive season, I pray that you experience true joy and peace and may things of celebration never cease from your household. Merry Christmas to you all.”
Kanu, one of the most decorated African players in history with an U-17 world title and Olympic gold as well as European and domestic titles in club football in the Netherlands and England with Ajax and Arsenal, also shared glad tidings.
“MERRY CHRISTMAS. May God protect and bless us and continue to be with us I thank God,” the current Chairman of Enyimba wrote today.
There have been numerous posts from stars across the world celebrating today’s Christmas and looking forward to a prosperous 2024.
[NaijaTimes]
For over 60 years since the establishment of the Central Motor Registry by the Nigeria Police Force, the mandatory registration of vehicle information was done manually, and therefore fraught with some challenges.
To address the rising sophistication of vehicular crime in the country, the Nigeria Police Force in April 2023, introduced the digitalized Central Motor Registry Information System (e-CMR) for the seamless management of every motor vehicle and its ownership.
With the establishment of the e-CMR, motor vehicle owners are now able to provide information about their vehicles, their ownership and other necessary details that will aid digital age policing remotely by using an internet-enabled device.
Many vehicle owners in Nigeria do not know what steps to follow to apply for their CMR Motor Vehicle Information Certificates using the e-CMR portal.
In this article, Nairametrics will outline the steps that Nigerian vehicle owners can follow to register for the e-CMR.
In addition, the advantages and benefits for Nigerians enrolling their vehicles in the e-CMR portal will be discussed as well.
Steps to apply for the CMR Motor Vehicle Information Certificate using the e-CMR portal
First and foremost, enrollment of vehicles in the e-CMR portal can only be possible by using an internet-enabled device, such as a personal computer smartphone.
Individuals and corporate bodies should adhere to the following 12 steps to apply for the CMR Motor Vehicle Information Certificate
Step 1:
- Visit the official website at https://cmris.npf.gov.ng
Step 2:
- Click on Get Started
Step 3: Create Profile (if Profile has been created earlier, go to step 8)
- (a) Profile type – Personal or Organisation
- (b) Identification – NIN for Personal, TIN for Organisation
- (c) Enter your identification number
- (d) Click Verify
Step 4:
- If identity is verified, click Continue
Step 5: Confirm email and phone number
- If Email is no longer valid, select No and enter a valid email
- If the Phone Number is not current, select No and enter a current phone number
- Click Confirm to receive a token through the current phone number and valid email address
Step 6:
- Enter the token and click Confirm Token, if confirmed, click Continue to proceed
Step 7: Personal Information Page (Review uploaded NIN/TIN information)
- Select the Current State of Residence and Current LGA of Residence
- Confirm if your NIN/TIN address is the same as your current address. If No, enter your Current Residential Address
- If you selected a wrong response, click on Change Selection to select the right response
- Create and confirm your password
- Click Next to proceed
Step 8: Apply for CMR Motor Vehicle Information Certificate
- Log in using the following access credentials created during the Profile creation process; Username (Email or Phone Number), and Password (created in the fourth bullet point of Step 7)
- Click Login
Step 9: Choose CMR Request
- (a) CMR Request – Select a Request
- (b) CMR Sub-Request – Select Sub-Request
- (c) Select Number of Requests: (i) Single – for one motor vehicle (ii) Fleet – for more than one motor vehicle in application
Step 10: Vehicle Details
- Select Vehicle Category and Plate Number Type
- Enter Vehicle Details – (i) State Licensing Officer (where the vehicle was registered/licensed) (ii) State Requesting Form (where the applicant is requesting CMR service)
Step 11: Request Confirmation (carefully review information for accuracy and genuineness in this stage)
- Click Proceed to view the invoice and make payment
Step 12: User Profile Features
- (a) Requests – View Request(s), Sold Vehicles, Print Certificate, etc.
- (b) Profile – Update/Edit Password, Email, Phone
- (c) Logout – Exit Portal
Advantages and benefits of enrolling your vehicle with the e-CMR
According to the Nigeria Police Force, there are several advantages and benefits for citizens enrolling their vehicles in the e-CMR.
One of those advantages is that a digitalized CMR enhances the security of vehicles in the sense that the Police can make use of accurate and real-time vehicle information provided during registration to prevent and swiftly resolve vehicular crimes.
Secondly, the e-CMR equips the Police better to enforce laws related to motor vehicles, such as registration and licensing.
Furthermore, the comprehensive database of the e-CMR portal will serve as a deterrent to potential criminals who might use vehicles for illegal activities. The knowledge that the Police have access to accurate information can discourage criminal behaviour.
The digitalized CMR will also help to expedite investigations, particularly in cases of accidents or disputes involving motor vehicles, thereby providing quick resolution and reducing inconvenience for citizens.
In addition, the Nigeria Police Force maintains that the ability of the Force to maintain accurate vehicular information contributes to national security. It ensures that vehicles associated with criminal activities can be tracked and addressed promptly.
What you should know
- The discontinuation of the manual processing and issuance of all CMR documents/certificates and migration to the digitalized NPF CMR portal consequently makes all other CMR certificates previously issued by the NPF invalid.
[Nairametrics]