The federal government targets over 25,000 jobs and $2.5 billion worth of investment in four years through the Presidential Compressed Natural Gas Initiative.
The Programme Director and Chief Executive of the PCNGI, Michael Oluwagbemi, disclosed this in a stakeholders’ workshop in Ibadan Oyo state on Friday.
He stressed that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu had given PCNGI the mandate to convert one million vehicles by 2027.
“The President has said we need to convert one million vehicles by 2027. We need 1,000 conversion shops and over 3,000 filing stations just like this. You can imagine the level of investment required for this.
“To sustain one million vehicle conversions by 2027, we need 25,000 technicians. So, the job creation potential is an opportunity for job creation in addition to our gross domestic product, $2.5 billion worth of investment to be mobilised in the next four years and, of course, more than $25 billion added to our GDP.”
Recall that President Tinubu approved the Presidential Compressed Natural Gas initiative to achieve 11,500 new CNG-enabled vehicles and 55,000 CNG conversion kits for existing vehicles that depend on Premium Motor Spirit.
[PRESS STATEMENT] On the Chibok Girls in Captivity and General Security Situation in Borno State
Admin
Being Press Statement Presented by Prof Usman Tar, Commissioner for Information and Internal Security, Borno State, at the NUJ House, Maiduguri on Saturday 13 April 2024 in memory of the 10th Anniversary Abduction of Chibok Girls and general security situation in Borno State
Members of the fourth Estate of the Realm, a very good afternoon to you all. On behalf of the Borno State Government, let me thank you profoundly for honouring our invitation for this Press Briefing.
This press briefing will cover the following issues: the abduction and rescue of Chibok girls; the management and resettlement of IDPs and matters arising; the Borno Restoration Project; and the Borno Peace, Reconciliation and Development Programme (Borno Model). With me are colleagues from the Representatives of the l key branches of the Government and strategic MDAs.
1. On the Abduction of Chibok Girls and Matters Arising
Ten years ago, the Boko Haram insurgents criminally abducted 276 innocent girls at their hotels at Government Girls Secondary School Chibok. This painful date is engrained in our collective memory and we shall not rest on our oars until the last of our innocent girls are back home with their families. On this auspicious occasion of the 10th Anniversary of the abduction of Chibok Girls, the Borno State Government identifies and sympathises with all those who are affected by abduction. The Government wishes to inform the public that we shall continue to struggle to salvage our abducted girls on behalf of the parents and relatives of the Chibok girls who are still in captivity. The Borno State Government is committed to rescuing and reuniting the remaining Chibok girls and reuniting them with their families. We understand the pain and anguish that the families of those still in captivity are going through, this is our sorrow!
We also wish to use this occasion to take stock of the rescued girls and provide an update on how the girls are coming to terms with adjusting to normal life after captivity, and efforts of the Borno State Government to sustain the momentum on the rescue of the remaining girls. So far, out of the 276 abducted Chibok Girls,187 have been rescued and reunited with their families. Most of the rescued girls have, over the years, been enrolled in different schools or graduated under the supervision of the Federal Ministry of Women Affairs. A number of the girls have been enrolled into local and foreign scholarships or empowerment programmes. Many have since been reunited with their immediate families and are continuing to receive psychosocial support to reconcile them with normal life. Furthermore, 16 recently rescued girls are being rehabilitated by the Borno State Government and attending the 2nd Chance School where they learn skills in various vocations that will provide them with sustainable livelihoods, while their kids are also placed in nursery schools. Four rescued girls have voluntarily decided to return to their parents.
We remain hopeful and determined that, with the combined efforts of our security forces, intelligence agencies, and community support, all abducted persons will be safely returned.
The Borno State Government will not rest until every missing person is found and returned home safely. We call for unity and support from all citizens as we navigate these challenging times together.
Our thoughts and prayers are with the families of the abducted Chibok girls and, indeed, all missing persons. We will continue to stand together during this difficult time.
2. On the Return of IDPs to their Ancestral Homes, Fire Outbreaks and Matters Arising
The Borno State Government is fully committed to the return of all IDPs - both those in formal and informal camps - back to their ancestral homes. So far, over 90% of active IDP Camps have been decommissioned and the displaced persons resettled, while the balance shall be resettled within 2024 In Sha Allah. The dismantling of each IDP Camp and resettling of the displaced persons is normally preceded by the restoration of security, clearance of farmlands initially within a 5 kilometer radius and restoration of vital infrastructure especially schools, water systems, electricity and mobility. This, village-by-village; town-by- town; and household-by-hold our people are being resettled with military precision and meticulous logistic engineering. We thank the agencies of the FGN, especially the armed forces and security agencies, for their unflinching support in this regard.
In addition to the domestic IDPs, we are also dealing with the issue of Nigerian refugees who are seeking asylum in Niger, Chad and Cameroun. The Borno State Government is deeply grateful to our neighbouring countries and our neighbourly kiths and kindreds for their magnanimity and hospitality in accommodating our citizens in their territories. The relocation of Nigerian refugees is in the radar of the Federal Government. Recently, the Executive Governor of Borno State Governor, Prof Babagana Umara Zulum had sought an audience with the President CnC, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu GCFR, on the issue of relocation of Nigerian refugees to their ancestral homes within Nigeria. The President has pledged to support this process, and provide the federal might that is needed to ensure a seamless return of our people back home after a decade of stay as refugees. This process requires patience on the part of our people. The return of our teeming displaced citizens require careful logistic work and restoration of security and vital infrastructure as a precursor to the actual relocation and resettlement. We urge our people to exercise patience while the state and federal governments find sustainable solutions to our security and developmental challenges.
The Borno State Government is not oblivious of the extant challenges that may be associated with the relocation of the IDPs and refugees. While we relocate our IDPs and refugees, we also have a solum duty to maintain law, order and security in the remaining camps. We are dealing with the risk of attacks by unscrupulous elements and the remnants of the Boko Haram insurgency, and the rising cases of crime and criminality in our active IDP Camps. A case in point is the recent breach in security and issues surrounding the missing IDPs near Ngala town. Certain narratives suggest that these IDPs numbered between 200 and 300 were abducted.
It is important to clarify that while there have been cases of missing internally displaced people, the number, according to the available data, stood at 106 boys and girls, and so far 8 have since returned to their respective camps. On March 3, 2024, these youth left their camps to look for firewood in the bush far beyond the distance that security agencies permitted and considered secure. These IDPs may have come into contact with violent non-state actors in the bush.
The Borno State Government is working closely with the Federal security agencies to safeguard the lives and property of the citizens in the state. In particular, the government is working on the rescue of the missing IDPs and all others in captivity. The Government calls on all stakeholders, including the media, humanitarian partners, and the general public, to approach this issue with sensitivity and understanding. We must work together to address the root causes of displacement and provide support to those in need.
The Borno State government is also not ruling out criminals who take advantage of the security situation to commit atrocities. However, security forces are on the trail of these criminals. Meanwhile, investigating is ongoing on alleged cases of crimes, and we urge citizens to exercise patience while we deal with this all alleged crime. Our citizens should be rest assured that anyone or agency who is found culpable shall face the fill wrath of the law.
Despite the recent challenges in Ngala, the Government wishes to confirm that peace has gradually returned to Borno state, and the "Build Back Borno Better Project" is on course. We would also like to state that about a million IDPs have returned to either their local government headquarters or ancestral homes. The reconstruction and rehabilitation of destroyed communities and public infrastructure is ongoing, and the public's trust in our government and security agencies remains high.
The Borno State Government is working tirelessly to improve conditions in the IDP the camps, enhance security measures, and facilitate the voluntary return and reintegration of displaced persons into their communities.
While fully cooperating with security agencies to carry out the kinetic approach against the insurgents, the Borno State Government is also investing heavily in non-kinetic measures, particularly the mass clearance of farmlands for agriculture and the involvement of community leaders and traditional rulers in alternative dispute resolution.
3. On the Borno Restoration Project and General Security Situation in the State
The Boko Haram insurgency is its final days of extermination, degradation and decimation. Our gallant troops have worked tirelessly to weaken, degrade and downgrade the insurgency through a relentless counter-insurgency operations. The officers and men of the Operation Hadin Kai (OPHK) have given a good account of themselves. They have established a firm and effective presence in all territories that were hitherto disturbed by the insurgents. Today, our gallant troops have maintained a full presence in all the 27 LGAs of Borno State.
In the same vein, while supporting the kinetic operations, the Borno State Government has given considerable attention to non-kinetic operations which includes, the battle for hearts and minds, community-driven dispute resolution mechanism and massive investment in rural and urban infrastructure.
The policy foundation of Borno of the Borno State Restoration project is the 25 year Development Plan and 10 year Strategic Transformation Initiative; the Borno State Agricultural Transformation Agenda and the Borno State Infrastructure Transformation project, among others. The 2024 budget contains a bouquet of key development projects to be accomplished this fiscal year, building on previous budget cycles. Within the tenure of the Gov Zulum Administration, the Government's key development deliverables shall be delivered inshaa Allah.
4. On the Borno State Government Peace, Reconciliation, and Development Project (Borno Model)
The Borno Model is a programme for voluntary reception, processing, rehabilitation and reintegration of those who are affected by, or trapped in the embroglio of the Boko Haram Insurgency. The Borno Model was erected to provide a constructive solution to the vacuum created by the demise of the Boko Haram Kingpin, and terror leader Abubakar Shekau.
The Borno State Government established this platform to provide a sub-national space for a non-kinetic solution to the vestiges of Boko Haram Insurgency, without prejudice to the FGN DDRR infrastructure and the "Operation Safe Corridor" - a federal platform for the rehabilitation of ex-combatants. We know that terrorism is a federal crime and any initiative to counter terrorism and insurgency must conform with federal rules and norms of engagement.
There are kinetic and non-kinetic approaches to preventing and countering terrorism. For the past one decade, the FGN has deployed federal troops under different code names to fight terrorism with mixed results. It is worthy of note that putting boots on the ground exclusively had its limitations; the wholesome application of kinetic approach has so far not yielded the desired result. The efficacy of non-kinetic approach has become imperative. This includes the battle for the hearts and minds of the people, Psychological operation (Psyops), dialogue, reconciliation, mediation and peace-making.
The Borno Model is a child of necessity. It was borne following an opportunity created by the demise of one of the factional commanders of the BHT Abubakar Shekau and following a combat stand-off between the Al-Bamawi and Shekau factions. A vacuum was therefore created by the leadership and command crisis within the BH sect.
On 29 August 2021, the Borno State Government called a meeting of relevant stakeholders which led to the establishment of a special purpose vehicle for reconciliation known as the Borno Model to provide a corridor for willing repentant insurgents to return and surrender unconditionally to the Government of Borno State. The surrender process is a complex process involving initial surrender to military formations serving as the initial point of submission, transportation of the returnees to holding and processing facility at Hajj Camp Maiduguri where the returnees are received, profiled, processed and subjected to intensive programme of deradicalisation, civic education and entrepreneurship training.
The Borno Model is designed to be consistent and conformant with the federal code for law and order. There is an ongoing broad-based consultation between the Borno State Government and Federal defence/Securty establishments to harmonise the Borno Model with the FGN DDRR. As a sub-national entity, the Borno State Government is keenly interested in harmonsing the Borno Model with with Federal DDRR. The Borno State Government is deeply committed to ensuring that the Model meets the expectations of diverse partners and stakeholders. But as a local solution to a national problem, the BOSG reverses the right to take ownership and leadership of the Borno Model. Nevertheless, we look forward harmonising the Borno Model with DDRR will hopefully yield a hybrid model that will meet both national standards and our local reality.
says project would be ready for commissioning in May
The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has said that the construction of the Vice President’s official residence in Abuja will not cause any traffic disruption upon completion.
Mr Wike stated this while inspecting the project on Saturday.
He said the federal government’s design and planning for the residence took traffic flow into careful consideration.
According to the Minister, the Office of the National Security Adviser (NSA) provided valuable input into the project, ensuring that necessary adjustments were made by both the Federal Capital Development Authority (FCDA) and the project contractor.
Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike inspects construction of the Vice President's residence
“Those who designed the Vice President’s residence know why. We are not the ones who designed it. It was the Federal Government that decided that the Vice President’s residence should be located here. So, I’m sure they considered everything before deciding that.
“We have invited the office of the NSA and they have taken a look and made their input which the FCDA and the contractor, Julius Berger have taken into cognizance and made amendments. So, for traffic concerns, I don’t think it’s a problem,” he said.
Highlighting the meticulous planning behind the project, Mr Wike said the selection of the residence’s location was a decision of the federal government, with thorough consideration of all relevant factors before construction commenced.
He expressed contentment with the progress of the project, noting the speed and quality of work.
The minister confidently announced that the project is on track for completion and commissioning by next month, with the contractor pledging timely delivery.
Furthermore, Mr Wike assured the public of the timely completion of other infrastructure projects in the FCT, slated for May, underscoring the administration’s commitment to fulfilling its promises within the first year of office.
“Significant progress has been made on the project since his last visit to the site, while the contractor has also promised to hand over the project in May.
“As for the quality of the job, of course, we can see the work is going according to design and specification. So, we believe, by the grace of God, that is something that will be actualised,” he stated.
Anyone mistakenly seeing President Bola Tinubu as a failure or a weakling is either blind or misguided and unable to see the new Nigeria that is emerging, according to Bello Matawalle, Minister of State for Defence.
He said this while responding to the threat that the North might vote against Tinubu in 2027.
Daily Trust had reported that the forum, through its spokesman, Abdul-Azeez Suleiman expressed regrets that the region voted for Tinubu during 2023, noting that going forward, the region will prioritize unity and consensus in selecting a candidate for the highest office in the land.
But the immediate past governor of Zamfara State described the forum as a “political burden”, insisted that NEF is not, and can never speak for the region.
He added that he and other leaders would not allow “some elements” to bring Northern region into disrepute.
In a statement on Saturday, Matawalle wondered why many people overlooked what he termed “overbearing attitude” of the forum on issues that affect political unity and cohesion of the country.
"This NEF is more of a political burden to Northerners. The group is seeking to erode other people’s rights in order to be recognised or made relevant in the scheme of things despite the failure of their sponsored candidates in the 2023 general elections.”
“In as much as many have overlooked them in respect of their utterances, it is pertinent to underscore their overbearing attitude on issues that affect political unity and cohesion.
"They cannot offer any positive idea or thought about the future of Northern Nigeria or, indeed, of Nigeria and its unity and togetherness.
“We all know President Bola Ahmed Tinubu GCFR won the February 2023 presidential election convincingly. So, who is the NEF to want to undermine the president’s victory and even threaten to unseat him?”
The group is yet to visit any of the ministers dealing with issues of security, agriculture, water resources, police affairs, education, health, budget, foreign affairs or any head of security agencies in the country so far for first hand knowledge of government programs and actions. ”
“The majority of them are more interested in faulting the government so as to be recognised or accorded some relevance.
"Our region, the North, is united, disciplined and politically-driven enough not to listen and accept being teleguided by any group of elites who had fed fat in the past on the North’s resources and opportunities which had retarded development in the region and nation due to their selfishness.
“President Tinubu is poised to do a lot for the North as President of Nigeria, elected by the people of Nigeria, not by one ethnic group or the other, therefore, anyone mistakenly seeing President Tinubu as a failure or a weakling is making a mistake and should rethink.
"Such a person or group is either blind or misguided and unable to see the new Nigeria that is emerging. Therefore, the NEF’s statement allegedly expressing regret for voting for President Tinubu is unfortunate.
“NEF is not more than a group that has refused to accept reality and is living in delusion. The truth is that the North is proud of its support and vote for President Tinubu and will continue to be proud of her relationship with the President given the enormous change and development his government has brought to the region.”
- Says group are lightweights who should be ignored
Minister of State for Defence Bello Mattawalle has described the Northern Elders’ Forum as a political burden to the region, saying that they do not speak for Northerners.
He said the threats issued by the group against President Bola Ahmed Tinubu is “reprehensible and naïve”.
Mattawalle said in a statement that it is preposterous for a group of people seeking political relevance to overburden the system and create political disunity among Nigerians.
He described the forum as a political paperweight trying to embark on a destructive journey that will bring the North to disrepute for personal and selfish gains.
Mattawalle said: “This NEF is more of a political burden to Northerners. The group is seeking to erode other people’s rights in order to be recognised or made relevant in the scheme of things despite the failure of their sponsored candidates in the 2023 general elections.
“Inasmuch as many have overlooked them in respect of their utterances, it is pertinent to underscore their overbearing attitude on issues that affect political unity and cohesion.
“They cannot offer any positive idea or thought about the future of Northern Nigeria or, indeed, of Nigeria and its unity and togetherness.
“We all know President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR won the February 2023 presidential election convincingly. So, who is NEF to want to undermine the President’s victory and even threaten to unseat him?
“This same group of people has intentionally shied away from their responsibility of engendering unity in the North by appreciating the incremental development being brought to the region by Ministers appointed by President Tinubu from the North, especially North West.
“The NEF has not deemed it fit to seek audience with Mr. President to discuss issues affecting the Northern region despite the numerous challenges facing the North as rightly highlighted by the President and being addressed by him.”
He added: “The group is yet to visit any of the ministers dealing with issues of security, agriculture, water resources, police affairs, education, health, budget, foreign affairs, or any head of security agencies in the country so far for firsthand knowledge of government programmes and actions.
“The majority of them are more interested in faulting the government so as to be recognised or accorded some relevance.
“Our region, the North, is united, disciplined and politically-driven enough not to listen and accept being teleguided by any group of elites who had fed fat in the past on the North’s resources and opportunities which had retarded development in the region and nation due to their selfishness.
“President Tinubu is poised to do a lot for the North as President of Nigeria, elected by the people of Nigeria, not by one ethnic group or the other.
“Therefore, anyone mistakenly seeing President Tinubu as a failure or a weakling is making a mistake and should rethink.
“Such a person or group is either blind or misguided and unable to see the new Nigeria that is emerging.
“Therefore, the NEF statement allegedly expressing regret for voting for President Tinubu is unfortunate.
“NEF is not more than a group that has refused to accept reality and is living in delusion.
“The truth is that the North is proud of its support and vote for President Tinubu and will continue to be proud of her relationship with the President given the enormous change and development his government has brought to the region.
“My advice to NEF and others alike is to support the present government and join hands with President Tinubu, GCFR in order to further move the country forward.”
[TheNation]
The National Identity Management Commission has revealed that the new national identity card is a single, multipurpose card and not three separate cards.
The Head of Corporate Communications at NIMC, Kayode Adegoke, disclosed this on Friday in a note titled “Key Facts About the Proposed New General Multipurpose National Identity Card”.
On April 5, the commission announced that it had collaborated with the Central Bank of Nigeria and the Nigeria Inter-bank Settlement System to launch a new card with payment functionality for all types of social and financial services.
Part of the note read, “The new national ID card is a single, convenient, and general multipurpose card, eliminating the need for multiple cards—not three.
“The single GMPC has multiple use cases: payments/financial, government intervention/services, travel, etc.”
According to the commission, only applicants for the card will have to request it with their NIN through the self-service online portal, NIMC offices, or their respective banks.
It added that the card would be issued through the applicants’ respective banks in line with existing protocols for the issuance of debit and credit cards.
“The card can be picked up by holders at the designated centre or delivered to the applicants at the requested location at an extra cost to be borne by the applicants,” it stated.
Earlier, the commission disclosed that the card, which would be produced according to ICAO standards, was positioned as the country’s default national identity card.
According to NIMC, the card shall enable eligible persons, especially those who are financially excluded from social and financial services, to have access to multiple government intervention programmes.
[Punch]
•No aid, no drug, no food – villagers lament plight in the bush 29 days after
•What we told panel – Okoloba Chair
INFORMATION that the Military Board of Inquiry, headed by Air Vice-Marshal David Ajayi, gained access to the Okuama community, Ughelli South Local Government Area, Delta State, locked down by soldiers on cordon-and-search operation since March 14, when 17 military personnel lost their lives in the riverside settlement, has sparked curiosity.
The concealed visit of the AVM Ajayi-led Board of Inquiry, constituted by the Defense Headquarters, Abuja, to Okuama before it commenced sitting last Wednesday in Warri, attracted more than a passing attention because the Army had earlier deprived the Governor of Delta State, who is the Chief Security Officer, CSO, Rt. Hon Sheriff Oborevwori, entry to the community.
Besides the governor, the Army practically barred the Commissioner of Police in the state, Olufemi Abaniwonda, from accessing Okuama.
The stopover of the military board has activated concerns about the neutrality of the Army in the inquiry it has appropriated, which many stakeholders have interrogated.
AVM Ajayi had told Oboreverowi a few days before the commencement of the sitting that the board was in the state to investigate the unfortunate incident that happened at Okuama.
His words, “We are here on a fact-finding mission and not to apportion blame. We are here to gather facts from security agencies, community leaders, and community dwellers.”
Why I did not visit Okuama-Oborevwori
Governor Oborevwori, who met with security heads at Bomadi, headquarters of Bomadi Local Government Area, and expected to have taken a speedboat to Okuama, some kilometres away, four days after the incident, to personally see things flew to Abuja the next day, Tuesday, March 19, to brief President Bola Tinubu on what happened.
He told reporters in Abuja that he was yet to meet with the people of Okuama, as the place was deserted. This was five days after the incident.
According to him, “When something happens like this, it is always not easy to manage tension. Yesterday, I was in that local government; I was in Bomadi for security meeting, to get full details and a briefing.
“So, some of those issues are security issues that you cannot discuss publicly. That is the truth, and we are managing the situation. Therefore, the issue of whether a place has been burned down or people have been killed; this has happened, but what is the way forward?”
Musa, CDS, modifies reason
Speaking on a television program earlier in the month, the Chief of Defense Staff, General Christopher Musa, gave a dissimilar reason. He stated that Oborevwori and residents of Okuama had no access to the community because security agencies were carrying out a “cordon and search” operation.
“We are currently conducting a cordon and search in the community. Cordon-and-search operation means we are searching every nook and cranny within the community because they have a lot of illegal funds from crude oil theft. They have bought a lot of weapons”, the CDs said.
“It is for us to thoroughly clean the community to ensure that no weapon no explosive is left in the community. I can tell you that at the end of the operation, residents of the community will always go back.”
However, the “cordon-and-search” operation was still on when the authorities that denied Oborevwori’s right of entry granted the military board of inquiry access to the community.
Police commissioner speaks for himself
In his case, the state police boss, Abaniwonda, said on a television programme: “We have not been able to move into this community (Okuama). Yes, it is our responsibility as the primary line of defense in internal security. However, when you have another sister agency conducting an operation, the reasonable thing to do is to wait for them to finish.
“We have not been able for now to get into Okuama because of the volatile nature of what is presently ongoing around that environment.
” Efforts are being made to ensure that the perpetrators of this heinous crime are brought to justice. We are working in conjunction with other security agencies and I can assure you that we are making progress.”
Abaniwonda, who acknowledged that the major line of defence in internal security was the responsibility of the police, said, “In the Okuama incident, we have an ongoing military operation there. We have been on the ground, and we have been supportive. We have not been missing in action. Technology has been an integral part of present-day policing. These individuals are being tracked.”
Objection
However, there is no question about the propriety of the military panel visiting Okuama to find facts. The question is why the same military deprived the governor of visiting a community in his state where such a tragic incident that warranted the people fleeing the town occurred.
It was highly unconvincing that Oborevwori’s visit to Okuama on March 18, when he visited Bomadi, would have interfered with the cordon-and-search operation by soldiers. The military, obviously, has another reason for stopping the governor.
The Army did not even respect the words of the governor, who guaranteed after his closed-door meeting with Tinubu that soldiers would not carry out reprisal attacks.
Oborevwori told reporters: “What is happening now is something that we did not bargain for, but we want to assure everybody that there will be no more attacks on the villages, if there’s been anyone that has happened in the past…”
If they denied the governor access, which is objectionable, why also deny entry to the head of the security agency principally responsible for the investigation of such an incident in the state?
Invasion continues
Up till Thursday, the military has not ceased attacks on villages in Ughelli area over the killings; the most recent was Olota community, 50 kilometers from Okuama, but the Army authorities confirmed that the soldiers who arrested some people recovered arms and ammunition.
Twenty-nine days after the villagers, including mothers and children, fled their homeland and took refuge in the forests, aid agencies have not been able to reach them with food, drugs, and other relief materials, essentially because of the fear of soldiers who are busy invading communities and harassing residents in the name of the cordon-and-search operation.
A leader of Okuama, who spoke to Sunday Vanguard, said the Army had levelled virtually all the houses in the community, except schools and churches.
They also alleged that the military brought in caterpillars and other earth-moving equipment to dig the ground to bury their dead, which was the reason it has continued to deny the governor and residents access to the community.
The community rebuffed appearing before the military panel, citing impartiality on the part of the Army, which they termed the accuser, investigator, prosecutor and judge.
Military panel purportedly ruffled by the level of destruction
Informants, who preferred anonymity, told Sunday Vanguard last week that the level of destruction on the ground rattled members of the military panel when they visited Okuama community before coming to the Government House Annex, Warri, for sitting on Wednesday.
They whispered that the panel shut out reporters from the sitting because of what they saw.
“We read they met for over five hours at the Government House Annex, Warri, before reluctantly allowing stakeholders from Okoloba to meet them. They announced through a civilian government official on security to the journalists that they do not require their presence,” one of the informants said.
“What is the military hiding? Why shut out the media from the place? In the past panel of inquiries, with the governor and others, principal officers of the military lead media houses to see and explain what happened.
“In Rivers State for instance, when the Army destroyed houses in Yeghe community in search of repentant militants, they still took journalists there to explain their actions.
“In the era of Governor Chibuike Amaechi, he came with the army and journalists and the community, before the military and governor narrated their losses, and even provided pictures of those killed.
“In this case in Delta State, they shut out the media and kept stakeholders who came at 10 am and waited till after 3 pm. One would like to ask what the panel members were discussing for that long, if not what they beheld traumatized them.
“They should just open the community to natives and allow the people to pick the pieces of their lives; after all, they have razed their homes and identified the killers of their men, who are not even from the community.
“The only offence of Okuama people is that they committed the crime on their soil, but is it those mothers and children who are suffering in the forests that killed the soldiers? Why should they make them pass through such difficulties for more than one month running?”
What we told military panel—Koki, Okoloba chair
The chair of the Okoloba community in Bomadi Local Government Area, Mr. Clement Koki, whose age-long land dispute with Okuama culminated in the March 14 massacre, led his community’s delegation to the military panel.
The panel rounded off inquiries and hearings from the community leadership around 6.45 pm.
Koki, speaking to one of our reporters after the meeting, disclosed that it was all about asking questions to know how trouble started between the two communities, and what led to the ill-fated incident at Okuama.
His words: “They asked us how the misunderstanding between the two communities started, and we told them everything. We gave them the information they wanted to hear from us. More so, we presented all the necessary documents to them”.
We will speak after conclusion of findings —Uzor, Special Adviser
The Special Adviser to Governor Oborevwori on Peace and Conflict Resolution, Chief Edwin Uzor, also said, “The process is still ongoing and we will speak to you after findings are concluded”.
Expectedly, by last Friday, according to media reports, the panel would have proceeded to Bayelsa State, in continuation of its investigation.
Vanguard News Nigeria
AU condemns suspension of political activities in Mali, asks junta to announce transition plan
AdminThe African Union (AU) has condemned the suspension of political activities in Mali by the military junta.
On Wednesday, the military junta issued a decree suspending, until further notice, all activities by political parties and groups on the grounds of “maintaining public order”.
In a statement issued on Saturday, Moussa Mahamat, chairman of AU, expressed “great concern” over the decree, asking the Malian authorities to provide a post-coup transition roadmap to return the country to democratic rule.
“The President of the Commission expresses his serious concern about this suspension which is likely to hinder the implementation of an inclusive transition process in the country,” the statement reads.
“The President of the Commission strongly underlines the right to citizen, religious and political participation as a fundamental right and calls on the transitional authorities to reconsider the said decision and to work on a road map aimed at completing the transition process in course.”
Mahamat reaffirms the AU’s continued support to the Malian people, saying the organisation is desirous to “work with the transitional authorities and all Malian stakeholders to restore constitutional order, within the prescribed deadlines, with a view to promoting lasting peace, stability and development in Mali”.
The West African country has been under military rule since the coup in 2020 that ousted Ibrahim Boubacar Keïta.
In September 2023, the ruling military junta postponed the country’s presidential election earlier scheduled for February 2024.
The military government is yet to announce a new date for the election.
In February, the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) lifted some sanctions imposed on Mali, Niger Republic, and Burkina Faso — member nations that are ruled by the military.
[TheCable]
Some suspected Yoruba Nation agitators, on Saturday, invaded the Oyo State Government Secretariat, Agodi in Ibadan, the state capital.
Eyewitnesses told PUNCH Online that the masked men were stationed at different locations within the area.
This situation, according to investigation, sent panic to the residents and road users along the routes.
Businesses and residents around Bodija, Ikolaba, and Awolowo were said to have quickly locked their shops and doors as some who were about to open for the day’s business turned back.
It was further learnt that the security operatives on duty at the secretariat were shocked as they were unable to disperse the agitators until the arrival of policemen from the state command and other anti-crime agencies in conjunction with members of the Nigerian Army, 2 Division, who demobilised them.
Operatives of the state security network codenamed Amotekun were also said to have been on the ground.
Motorists plying the route were said to have been making a detour as many other road users scampered to safety.
Road users en route Secretariat were diverted along Customs Junction as the Secretariat-Queen Elizabeth Road had been cut off traffic.
It was gathered that the efforts of the Executive Assistant to the Governor on Security, CP Sunday Odukoya (retd.), to calm the situation were futile, as the agitators insisted on hoisting their flag within the Secretariat.
As of the time of this report, efforts to get the State Police Public Relations Officer, Adewale Osifeso’s reaction, were unsuccessful as his mobile number was not reachable.
The Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of Economy, Wale Edun, has announced the earnings of government-owned entities, ministries, departments, and agencies in February.
According to him, the revenue rose to N835.70 billion in February.
There was a notable growth of N681.45 billion, representing a substantial 441.78% surge from the N154.25 billion remitted in the 2022.
The Minister made the disclosure during a presentation titled “Reconstructing the Economy for Growth, Investment and Climate Resilience Development” at the Lagos Business School Breakfast Club, the minister made this statement.
“There is an increasing revenue contribution of MDAs and GOEs, growing from 154.25 in February 2023 to 835.70bn in February 2024 through an automated two-times daily sweep of 50 per cent of MDAs and GOEs IGR since January 2, 2024.
“We have set out a robust execution plan for a 78 per cent y-o-y increase in budgeted revenue in 2024, but implementing enhanced the government’s revenue assurance model is critical with a target budget deficit of 3.9 per cent of GDP from 6.1 per cent in 2023.
“We have taken prudent expenditure measures by minimising unnecessary redundancy, reducing leakages through digitisation and eliminating inefficiencies.
“There is also a revamped process for the commencement of 2024 capital expenditure payments for MDAs and GOEs, which is through direct payments to contractors while promoting a government-wide cost curtailment culture across all MDAs & GOEs,” he said.
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Gov. Abba Yusuf of Kano State clarified that the two commissions of inquiry established by his administration were not intended to target opposition members in the state. Responding to allegations from his predecessor, Abdullahi Ganduje, Yusuf stated that the probes aimed to promote transparency and accountability and address political violence in Kano.
During a visit from the Emir of Kano, Alhaji Aminu Ado Bayero, Yusuf emphasized the importance of ending political violence that has resulted in loss of lives and property. He assured that perpetrators would face consequences regardless of their political affiliations.
Yusuf highlighted his administration’s efforts in curbing political thuggery. Over 200 individuals apprehended by the Kano Police Command have repented and reintegrated into society. He emphasized the significance of youth empowerment and outlined initiatives to foster self-reliance among youths and women.
The governor outlined his administration’s priorities, including improving healthcare, education, and infrastructure. He mentioned ongoing projects such as constructing modern flyovers and upgrading health facilities across the state.
Yusuf disclosed the formation of a committee to investigate past administrations’ wrongdoings and misappropriation and recover looted assets and public funds.
Emir Bayero commended Yusuf’s commitment to development projects and urged parents to monitor their children to curb social vices and political thuggery. The Emir emphasized the importance of collaboration between the government and traditional institutions in fostering development and maintaining peace in Kano.
Details have emerged from the meeting yesterday involving President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, the leadership of the National Assembly and state governors.
The stakeholders visited President Tinubu on Friday at his residence in Lagos.
During the meeting, President Tinubu stressed the importance of unity and increased collaboration among the federal government, state governors, and members of the National Assembly to achieve national development objectives.
According to a statement made available to journalists by Tinubu’s media aide, Ajuri Ngelale, the delegation, led by Vice-President Kashim Shettima, included Senate President Godswill Akpabio, Speaker of the House of Representatives Tajudeen Abbas, Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq of Kwara State, and Chairman of the Nigeria Governors Forum, among others.
Vice President Shettima, speaking on behalf of the President, expressed confidence in Nigeria’s economic recovery and urged a joint effort to drive the nation towards progress.
The Nigerian leader encouraged a united body and collaboration among all stakeholders to achieve shared prosperity and promised a brighter future for the nation under President Tinubu’s guidance.
“Let us unite, rally around our leader, and catapult this nation to a greater pedestal. By December, I hope we will have cause to celebrate. Let us coalesce to take the nation to a greater pedestal,” Vice-President Shettima said.
The Vice-President underscored President Tinubu’s ability to bring people together regardless of their ethnic or religious backgrounds.
He noted that the gathering of 27 governors in Lagos, alongside leaders from the National Assembly and former governors, is a testament to his inclusive leadership style.
”This gathering cuts across ethnic, religious, and political lines. Here, we have Pastor Eno of Akwa Ibom and Father Hyacinth of Benue, and as the President was seated, he was asking, ‘Where is Wammako, where is Yari’? That is the hallmark of true leadership. What binds us together supersedes whatever it is that may divide us.”
”The future of the black man rests on Nigeria to make or mar. Our economy has turned the corner. By the coming months, the economy will roar back to glory,” the Vice-President said.
Senate President Akpabio praised the state governors for adopting President Tinubu’s leadership approach, which is known for its inclusivity and willingness to engage with individuals from various backgrounds, regardless of their political affiliations.
“The governors are doing well. I can say so because I have been there before,” Akpabio said while speaking at the meeting.
Expressing confidence in President Tinubu’s leadership, the Senate President said Tinubu enjoys the broad support of Nigerians across political divides.
“As you coast home to victory for a second term, may all the governors seated here also coast home to a second term victory in their states,” he said.
Kwara State Governor AbdulRazaq voiced his endorsement for the 700km Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway during his speech, emphasizing its importance as a major project that will greatly benefit the nation upon its completion.
He praised the President for his work in strengthening the economy and enhancing the quality of life for citizens, pointing out the positive advancements such as the stabilization of the exchange rate and the decrease in food prices.
The Governor credited these positive changes to the President’s policies and also commended the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare for allocating funds to support 8,800 primary healthcare centres.
“We commend your efforts because the ship is gradually turning. We have seen how the exchange rate of the naira against the dollar is coming down. The cost of food is coming down. The dry season harvest is commencing soon. Things are getting better, and there is light at the end of the tunnel,” Abdulrazaq said, urging President Tinubu to persevere in his efforts towards achieving economic stability.
The governor also expressed gratitude for the Federal Government’s support of states, particularly in distributing grains to alleviate food shortages.
”We are here to support you and thank you for the support you are giving to the subnationals. Trucks are wheeling up across the nation, distributing grains. I have received, and most of the states have.
”Because of what you are doing, those who are hoarding food items are releasing them, and that is why the prices of food are coming down,” he said.
He restated the governors’ dedication to backing the President’s plans and promised to persist in supplementing the endeavours of the federal government in advancing progress and prosperity throughout the country.
Nigeria skipper William Troost-Ekong believes Victor Osimhen has what it takes to be a future captain of the Super Eagles.
The 30-year-old has been a leader in the national team since making his debut in June 2015 in an Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifier against Chad.
Troost-Ekong was born in the Netherlands and represented the European nation at U19 and U20 levels before switching nationality to play for Nigeria. He has since made 71 appearances for the Super Eagles, while starring in multiple tournaments, including the 2016 Olympics in Rio, two AFCONs and one FIFA World Cup.
Troost-Ekong’s latest tournament was the 2023 AFCON in the Ivory Coast, where he played six out of Nigeria’s seven matches as they reached the final of the tournament. Although the Super Eagles failed to end their decade-long wait to win the Nations Cup, having lost to hosts Ivory Coast in the final, He He won the golden ball and was named in the team of the tournament.
Troost-Ekong sees Osimhen as future Super Eagles captain
The PAOK defender scored three goals in the tournament, two of which came in the semi-final and final against South Africa and Ivory Coast respectively. Having captained his country for two successive AFCONs now, Troost-Ekong has tipped Osimhen to one day take up the role.
Like Troost-Ekong, Osimhen also demonstrated impeccable leadership during Nigeria’s AFCON campaign, and although he scored just once, his work rate and selfless play made up for his lack of goals. He was also instrumental in Napoli’s historic title success last season, leading by example from the front and scoring 26 goals in Serie A to emerge as the league’s top scorer.
“I am a fan of his. I saw his journey when he came to be a part of the Super Eagles in 2019, as an understudy of Odion Ighalo. I saw how hard he worked,” Troost-Ekong said.
“He is a leader in our team, and I tell him that ‘everybody is watching you. The way you play, it drives all of us’. I just try to remind him how important he is and I think he understands that role now and what he means to Nigeria as a person and as a football player.
“I’m sure that he’s going to be a captain of the Super Eagles in future, that’s my wish for him. And for him to win the AFCON and be the leader in that moment.”
Troost-Ekong ruled out for the rest of the season
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Meanwhile, Troost-Ekong is unlikely to play any part in the remainder of the season for PAOK after suffering a serious injury just a few days after the AFCON.
The former Udinese and Watford centre-back played through the pain during the tournament but ruptured the biceps femoris in his right foot when he returned to his club and has since undergone surgery in Finland.
The injury caused the defender to miss Nigeria’s international friendlies against Ghana and Mali in March and he now faces a race against time to be fit for the Super Eagles’ upcoming 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifying matches against South Africa and Benin in June.
Should the PAOK defender make a recovery before June, he’d still have to fight for his position following the rise of young talents like Benjamin Taminu.
Troost-Ekong was in a similar position before the 2024 AFCON, having been left in the cold in the months leading up to the tournament. However, he fought his way back into Jose Peseiro’s plans and eventually became a starter under the Portuguese.
The Super Eagles are currently without a substantive head coach, with the NFF appointing Finidi George to serve in an interim role. However, no matter who becomes Nigeria’s next coach, it is unlikely that Troost-Ekong would lose the captaincy, especially with Ahmed Musa’s international career in the balance at the moment.
The Speaker of the Plateau State House of Assembly, Gabriel Dewan, has provided an explanation for swearing in only nine out of the sixteen All Progressives Congress (APC) members recently reinstated by the Court of Appeal.
The judicial decision ousted sixteen members of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) who previously occupied these seats.
In an appearance on Channels Television’s Politics Today on Friday, Speaker Dewan addressed the controversy surrounding the partial swearing-in, which took place last week and has sparked significant backlash from the APC.
According to Dewan, the decision to exclude seven APC members from the swearing-in ceremony was due to incomplete procedural requirements on their part.
“The seven members are yet to complete the necessary procedures needed before they could be sworn in,” Dewan stated, emphasizing that the decision was not politically motivated but was strictly procedural.
He said, “Sometime in November, there was a pronouncement in the court that 16 of my members have been removed by the Court of Appeal. A pronouncement in the court is different from the procedures in the House.
“I wasn’t in the court, I heard it on air that 16 members have been removed. There is no communication to me from the INEC or the CTC of the judgement for me to be sure that truly those members have been removed or anything.
“And I was waiting for that proper thing to be done, what did I get? Sometime in January, a lawyer, one S.O Obende or so, wrote a letter to my office attached with 16 certificates of return of members and I replied back that Obende is not a member of my Assembly. If the court has declared members elect the members know the normal procedure to follow.
“The right thing to be done was for INEC to write to me as the Speaker directing me that based on this judgement, attaching the communication with the CTC of the judgement, that based on this judgement, we have been directed to withdraw the certificate of return from this honourable to these honourables. Therefore, we are directing you as the electoral umpire to recognise this person as your member, that was never done.”
The Speaker added, “Sometimes two weeks ago, I was told by those responsible for documentation in the House of Assembly that 9 members have submitted their certificates of return and have met all the requirements, and I said okay.
“So, I don’t know if the CTC copies of the other members are not ready. So, what was presented to me was what I recognised and I swore them in.”
Dewan maintained that only the presentation of the certificates of return and the CTC copies of the judgements by the remaining members would give him the authority to inaugurate them as members of the House of Assembly.
On the accusation by some members of the APC that he contemn a court order, Dewan challenged those accusing him, to sue him for contempt.
He also denied that his action was politically motivated, insisting that he was only ensuring that due process was followed.
[NaijaNews]