No Army gunboats ,helicopters in search of ESN camp in our communities --Igbo group

*Says allegation by SaharaReporters false

*Adds: It's campaign of calumny against, Army,FG

* Interested persons or groups can visit the South East to verify statement. 

A coalition of different groups in the South East has denied media report that the Nigerian Army deployed gun trucks and helicopter to the region to track down the camp of Eastern Security Network (ESN) and possibly arrest its members.

The group insisted that the report of heavy presence of soldiers as well as hovering of army surveillance helicopter in the South East to identify ESN operation centre,recently launched by the leader of Indigenous People of Biafra,IPOB,Mazi Nnamdi Kanu, specifically published by an online medium,SaharaReporters, was completely false.

The conglomerate of South East groups,operating under the umbrella of Coalition of Igbo Groups Worldwide,in a statement, Thursday, while wondering the intension of what it called "the fake report", asked Nigerians to disregard it in its entirety.

Alleging that the action was part of campaigns of calumny against the Nigerian Army in particular and the Nigerian state in general by the duo of Mr Omoyele Sowore, publisher of SaharaReporters and Nnamdi Kanu, the IPOB leader, the coalition appealed to Nigerians to disregard the report.

The national coordinators of the affiliate groups who signed the statement, were

Mrs Achike Ezeife for South East Mothers Forum; Barr. Uche Ude for Ndigbo Progressive Youth Vangurd;Mazi Osigwe for Igbo Unity Congress;Deaconess Grace Ejike for

South East Market Women Vanguard and

Pastor Andy Okoro for the South East Youth Network, respectively.

The coalition accused SaharaReporters' publisher and Nnamdi Kanu of planting the report with the aim of discrediting the Nigerian Army and set the gullible reading public against the federal government.

Recalling what it described as "constant false report Mr Sowore was churning against the Nigerian state" the coalition said it was not surprised at the latest one by the Publisher of SaharaReporters as according to it, Sowore like Nnamdi Kanu, were engaging in what they are doing to claim their money from their paymasters, who they alleged,were using them as agents to destabilize the country.

According to the coalition, Sowore's ceaseless campaigns against the country especially President Muhammad Buhari and his administration stemmed from anger he is still nursing over his failed presidential bid in the 2019 general elections.

"We are aware that his failed presidential ambition is still hurting him and he's venting his frustration on President Muhammadu Buhari."

"The antecedents of Sowore, the Convener of the failed #RevolurionNow Movement could not inspire meaningful people. This latest false report is part of his grand plan to set Nigerians against the government with a view of destabilising the country for personal agenda.

" Nigerians of goodwill have already known the character, disposition and antecedent of the person at the centre of this. They won't fall for his antics,"it added.

The group said in the statement:"Our attention has been drawn to yet another concocted, false and malicious report alleging deployment of personnel, gun trucks and surveillance helicopter to the South East to track down the Eastern Security Network camp and possibly arrest members.

" Ordinarily, we would have ignored this report but for the misconception which it would create in the minds of the reading public, we,chose not to be on the fence given especially that we are fully aware of developments on ground here in our region and communities.

"We wish to unequivocally refute this brazen allegation in its entirety as it seeks to to set Nigerians against the Nigerian Army as well as the Nigerian state,thus fulfilling the motive for which its handlers had set to achieve."

The group spoke further:"Every aspect of that allegation is not true.  Sowore in collaboration with Nnamdi Kanu are on campaign of calumny against the federal government. We are not speaking for the Nigerian Army nor the federal government but we wish to say here emphatically that nobody is after the Eastern Security Network going by our independent findings.

"The truth is that Nigerian government has engaged South East governors to mediate by talking to their youths to drop arms.

"So, it is unfair for SaharaReporters to be carrying lies against the Nigerian Army and by extension the federal government, making Nigerians to look at them as aggressors This is not fair to a security agency working so hard to ensure safety of Nigeria and the citizens.

"Like we said,it is not true, nobody is pursing Eastern Security Network. What they have done for now is engaging with Eastern governors, traditional rulers and stakeholders to see how they can talk to their youths to drop their guns.

"It is not true, there is no deployment of troops in our communities. Our communities are peaceful, we have not seen any helicopter hovering in our communities."

In the statement, the coalition further explained: "We are direct members of our communities in Igbo land and not diaspora bigots like Nnamdi Kanu and Sowere. We can authoritatively say that there is no troops in our forests looking for anybody, talk more of looking for members of Eastern Security Network or anyone.

" Contrary the report also, we insist here that there is no helicopter and gun truck anywhere here in South East searching for anybody. The allegation is a mere propaganda and  just the figment of the imagination of these enemies of Nigeria in their continuous campaigns of calumny against the Nigerian state and President Muhammadu Buhari's administration." 

According to the group,"They are  raising this allegation against the Nigeria Army and the Nigeria state just to attract sympathy and justify the funds they are collecting from some foreign donors to destabilize our country." 

"But let us remind the Ndigbo that nobody  is more Nigerian than Igbo. No single tribe has the kind of business and investment scattered across Nigeria like Igbos and we must not fall prey to antics of these selfish persons who are making their  personal money using us," the statement added.

The Coalition of Igbo Groups Worldwide challenged the duo:"Let Nnamdi Kanu and Sowore relocate their families to Nigeria, to live here with us. It is only by so doing that we can begin to take them serious."

The group called on interested persons or groups to carry out independent investigations in the South East region with a view to undertaking an assessment of the situation in the zone, saying the outcome of their findings would confirm its position as contained in the statement.

"We are calling on interested persons or groups to carry out independent investigations in the South East; visit the communities and see for themselves the true situation there," it urged.

State of the nation: Vilifying Kukah for speaking truth to power wrong, says Muslim coalition

State of the nation: Vilifying Kukah for speaking truth to power wrong, says Muslim coalition

*Nigeria 'll be a great place if there were 2 or 3 persons like Kukah, it says

*Tasks Buhari to take Bishop's message as wake-up call to adjust for good of Nigeria

*Promoting interest of one region against others not character of a good leader,it says

*We love president, want him to leave legacy of united Nigeria,it adds.

A coalition of Nigerian Muslim professionals has condemned attacks trailing Bishop Matthew Kukah following his Christmas Day Message,where he allegedly berated the state of the nation, warning that unless leaders sit up,Nigeria was heading towards a failed state.

The revered Bishop of Sokoto Catholic Archdiocese was also quoted as accusing President Muhammadu Buhari of piloting Nigeria into darkness in the message titled:"A Nation in Search of Vindication."

He took swipe at the worsening state of insecurity in the country just as he berated the current federal administration of glaringly abandoning the nation's extant federal character principles and rather promoting nepotism with impunity.

The development has been drawing criticisms from the president's friends,political associates and party, the ruling All Progressives Congress,APC.

But reacting to the attacks on the Bishop, the coalition of Nigerian Muslim Professionals while commending Kukah for what they described as "his boldness to speak truth to power", faulted those vilifying him.

In the statement signed by the group's National Coordinator, Prof. Mohammed Inuwa,the group while noting that President Buhari means well for the country,faulted him in some actions taken by his administration which it said,was not promoting unity.

The Coalition of Nigerian Muslim Professionals said the country would be a great place to live if there were up to three persons like the Catholic bishop,saying those who were hiding from the truth were doing so for their personal interests.

It tasked the president to see the Bishop's message as a wake-up call with a view to adjusting his policies and programmes for the betterment of the Nigeria and Nigerians.

The Nigerian Muslim Professionals took a swipe at those trolling the Bishop, saying they were doing it for their pecuniary gains and not the interest of the country.

It warned against twisting the message to mean the Bishop endorses coup,saying contrary to those promoting that insinuation, the revered Bishop was too learned to support such ignoble path to installing leadership,saying Nigerians with conscience would not fall to the antics of those twisting the Bishop's message for selfish reasons.

The group said having followed Bishop Kukah's activities and preachings since the days of the military, it was convinced that not to many Nigerians took the interest of the country at heart like kukah”.

"Even during the military era where people dreaded the powers that  be at the time, Bishop Kukah,who was then a Catholic priest spoke truth to those at the helm of affairs without fear or favour. He has shown through his actions all the years that he is a true son of Nigeria in particular and Africa in general. We should support him for being bold enough to come out to speak what many Nigerians know is the truth but afraid to speak out for fear of the leadership", the statement read.

" While we must admit that President Muhammad Buhari means well for the nation, we  must say that most people  in his government are grossly incompetent and don’t deserve to stay around power even in an uncivilized space," the group stated.

The group said it would not shy away from the truth even though most of the president's actions drawing criticisms were in favour of its region.

It flayed the glaring marginalisation of the Igbo in every facet of national life,saying the development was not promoting national cohesion which nationalists that laid down their lives for the country's independence wanted.

"There’s nothing wrong with Bishop kukah’s statement in the actual sense. Some regions particularly the South East  has been marginalized in successive governments, and the administration of President Muhammad Buhari came and amplified it with the worst,"it added.

It described those attacking Kukah as faceless individuals who were being promoted by selfish people in leadership to silence truth.

" We strongly condemn the wrong approach taken to respond to a  message by a patriotic Nigerian by these incompetent people working to derail the president's agenda.

"It is completely wrong to be attacking Bishop Kukah by some faceless sponsored groups. Bishop kukah did not in anyway call for coup, he is too learned to do that. 

"We stand completely with Bishop Kukah, this government must be fair to all Nigerias irrespective of tribe and religion," it said.

State of the nation: Vilifying Kukah for speaking truth to power wrong, says Muslim coalition

State of the nation: Vilifying Kukah for speaking truth to power wrong, says Muslim coalition

*Nigeria 'll be a great place if there were 2 or 3 persons like Kukah, it says

*Tasks Buhari to take Bishop's message as wake-up call to adjust for good of Nigeria

*Promoting interest of one region against others not character of a good leader,it says

*We love president, want him to leave legacy of united Nigeria,it adds.

A coalition of Nigerian Muslim professionals has condemned attacks trailing Bishop Matthew Kukah following his Christmas Day Message,where he allegedly berated the state of the nation, warning that unless leaders sit up,Nigeria was heading towards a failed state.

The revered Bishop of Sokoto Catholic Archdiocese was also quoted as accusing President Muhammadu Buhari of piloting Nigeria into darkness in the message titled:"A Nation in Search of Vindication."

He took swipe at the worsening state of insecurity in the country just as he berated the current federal administration of glaringly abandoning the nation's extant federal character principles and rather promoting nepotism with impunity.

The development has been drawing criticisms from the president's friends,political associates and party, the ruling All Progressives Congress,APC.

But reacting to the attacks on the Bishop, the coalition of Nigerian Muslim Professionals while commending Kukah for what they described as "his boldness to speak truth to power", faulted those vilifying him.

In the statement signed by the group's National Coordinator, Prof. Mohammed Inuwa,the group while noting that President Buhari means well for the country,faulted him in some actions taken by his administration which it said,was not promoting unity.

The Coalition of Nigerian Muslim Professionals said the country would be a great place to live if there were up to three persons like the Catholic bishop,saying those who were hiding from the truth were doing so for their personal interests.

It tasked the president to see the Bishop's message as a wake-up call with a view to adjusting his policies and programmes for the betterment of the Nigeria and Nigerians.

The Nigerian Muslim Professionals took a swipe at those trolling the Bishop, saying they were doing it for their pecuniary gains and not the interest of the country.

It warned against twisting the message to mean the Bishop endorses coup,saying contrary to those promoting that insinuation, the revered Bishop was too learned to support such ignoble path to installing leadership,saying Nigerians with conscience would not fall to the antics of those twisting the Bishop's message for selfish reasons.

The group said having followed Bishop Kukah's activities and preachings since the days of the military, it was convinced that not to many Nigerians took the interest of the country at heart like kukah”.

"Even during the military era where people dreaded the powers that  be at the time, Bishop Kukah,who was then a Catholic priest spoke truth to those at the helm of affairs without fear or favour. He has shown through his actions all the years that he is a true son of Nigeria in particular and Africa in general. We should support him for being bold enough to come out to speak what many Nigerians know is the truth but afraid to speak out for fear of the leadership", the statement read.

" While we must admit that President Muhammad Buhari means well for the nation, we  must say that most people  in his government are grossly incompetent and don’t deserve to stay around power even in an uncivilized space," the group stated.

The group said it would not shy away from the truth even though most of the president's actions drawing criticisms were in favour of its region.

It flayed the glaring marginalisation of the Igbo in every facet of national life,saying the development was not promoting national cohesion which nationalists that laid down their lives for the country's independence wanted.

"There’s nothing wrong with Bishop kukah’s statement in the actual sense. Some regions particularly the South East  has been marginalized in successive governments, and the administration of President Muhammad Buhari came and amplified it with the worst,"it added.

It described those attacking Kukah as faceless individuals who were being promoted by selfish people in leadership to silence truth.

" We strongly condemn the wrong approach taken to respond to a  message by a patriotic Nigerian by these incompetent people working to derail the president's agenda.

"It is completely wrong to be attacking Bishop Kukah by some faceless sponsored groups. Bishop kukah did not in anyway call for coup, he is too learned to do that. 

"We stand completely with Bishop Kukah, this government must be fair to all Nigerias irrespective of tribe and religion," it said.

SOKIPEP condemns attacks, reprisals that claimed 7 lives in S/Kaduna

*Commends OPSH, DHQ Special Force on swift response 

*Praises FG, Governor El- Rufai for supporting security agencies

* Urges stakeholders not to be discouraged but sustain peace efforts in area

A peace advocacy group, Southern Kaduna Peace Practitioners Network,SOKIPEP, has condemned the  isolated killing of two herders in Jema’a Local Government Area of kaduna State about three weeks ago by some suspected native criminals.

SOKIPEP also flayed the  malicious poisoning of water and grasses on cattle routes in five villages of Zango Kataf Local Government Area of the state about seven days ago, and the consequent reprisals attacks in Gora Gan  Community in Zango Kataf Local Government.

The attack in Gora Gan  community of Zango Kataf,it said,led to death of 

seven natives and burning down of 13 houses and a shop,respectively.

According to a statement, Friday,by the group, through its National Coordinator, Rev. Dauda Fadia,the dastardly acts were likely to be the results of alleged killing of two herders and poisoning of streams and grasses on cattle routes,leading to death of about 23 cattle.

Regretting that some persons were killed while houses and shops were also burnt down during  the reprisal attack, it noted that the actions were retrogressive considering the efforts put so far by the federal, and Kaduna State Government, Operation Safe Haven (OPSH) as well as other critical stakeholders to ensure peace in the area.

While urging restraint by both parties,it accused some persons benefiting from the crisis in the area for being responsible for the acts.

The group, however, commended Operation Safe Haven and the Defence Headquarters Special Forces for their prompt response as well as averting escalation which it noted,would have had devastating consequences on both parties.

"We wish to condemn in the strongest terms the inhuman and barbaric killings of  two herders  in Jema’a Local Government Area of kaduna State and the subsequent poisoning of streams and grasses on cattle routes which led to the death of about 23 cattle in Mataei;Ugwan Wakili;Ugwan Tobo; Magamiya and Asha Awuce, all villages in Atyap Chiefdom in Zango Kafaf local Government Area of  Kaduna state by some criminals suspected to be from Atyap Community as well as the reprisal attack on Gora Gan by suspected Fulani militia.

"These condemnable acts that took place all within the last three weeks, culminated in the brutal reprisal attack on Gora Gan Community in Atyap Chiefdom of Zango Kataf Local Government Area of Kaduna State by some suspected Fulani criminals, yesterday, December 17, 2020

Seven persons were killed while 13  houses and a shop were also burnt down during the reprisal attack.

"We wish to say that these retrogressive and callous acts  by  both parties are highly condemnable and must not be allowed to thrive," it said in the statement.

The group said," While not trying to hold brief for any group or create a defence for the reprisal attack, the reprisal attack was provoked by the criminal activities of some unguided natives.

"  As peace practitioners, we must speak the truth because only truth, justice,  and equality can guarantee peace and stability, this we must do no matter who is involved or hurt."

" Our elders and cultural organizations must carry out community advocacy and enlightenment targeted at  our youths in Southern Kaduna, so that they can  stop the youths from always taking laws into their hands thereby endangering the lives of other innocent and peace loving people of Southern Kaduna,"it charged.     

 It queried:"What is the point of poisoning grasses and streams on cattle routes without any provocation? Is this not share wickedness and criminality aimed at instigating crisis?"

"We believe strongly that the  misguided  youths who carried out this wicked act of poisoning grasses and streams were sponsored by some blood-tasty fifth columnists who were benefiting from the age- long crises that is being resolved due to the concerted efforts of the federal government, Governor Nasir el-Rufai, Operation Safe Haven and other critical stakeholders," it said.

The peace advocacy group added:"We believe this progress made in the peace efforts in the area has put these supposed sponsors out of business since their business thrive only in crisis times hence their desperate efforts to revive it."

"We advise that the entire good people of Southern Kaduna must come together to reject these evil and crisis merchants once and for all, we must not be discouraged by these acts but continue to do all within our powers to  pursue peace. it said.

It commended Operation Safe Haven, the Defence Headquarters Special Forces, and other stakeholders for the painstaking efforts at ensuring peace reign in the area.

"Our findings from the community attacked confirmed once again that the quick intervention of troops of Operation Safe Haven and the Defence Headquarter special forces averted what would have led to more casualties and carnage yesterday.

"They repelled the attack and chased the attackers out from the community.  This is the kind of response expected of security agencies.

"We therefore, want to appeal to the security agencies to fish out these criminals from both sides and their sponsors  as they did in the past.

"We call on our elders to go all out to preach and work for peace instead of grand standing on media for political relevance while wishing for peace," the statement added further. 

According to the group,"Given that this is our place, we will be at the receiving end if we sit down with our hands folded without taking  reasonable actions to restore peace."

Igbo elders condemn Nnamdi Kanu over formation of security outfit in a trending video

Igbo elders condemn Nnamdi Kanu over formation of security outfit in a trending video

*Task South East governors,Ohaneze to rise against action

*Urge them to lead way for region's security similar to Amotekun in South West

*Say Kanu's action personal not igbo’s agenda

Igbo elders have decried the formation of an illegal security outfit code name "South East Security Network" by the leader of Indigenous People of Biafra,Mazi Nnamdi Kanu,and tasked governors of the South East region to immediately move against the action.

Besides,the elders called on the leadership of Ohaneze Ndigbo not only to denounce Kanu's action but advise people of the region against falling prey to Kanu's illegal activities.

They,however, called on the South East governors to lead the way in forming a security outfit that would protect that region, similar to Amotekun formed by authorities of the South West Region.

Also,they charged the "South East governors and business men in the region to pull resources together and form a security outfits like Amotekun or civilian JTF backed by law, which can be controlled and be effective."

The Igbo elders said while the recognized the desire of the people to protect themselves through community policing given the worsening security problems in the country, it must be done within the country's established laws.

The South East elders operating under the aegis of Conference of Igbo Elders for Peace and Development, in a statement,said Kanu's action does not have their blessings and asked Nigerians to see his action as personal and not representing the region.

In the statement signed by Dr Festus Edochie, National President and Barrister (Mrs) Esther Amadi,National Secretary of the group, respectively, the elders said its attention to the inglorious activities of Mr Kanu was drawn to a trending video of some misguided youths armed with prohibited firearms and dangerous weapons.

" We observe with utmost shock and concern a disturbing video of a group of some misguided youths codename South East Security Network bearing arms and circulating on the social media.

  "In the said video, the  group which claimed to be operating somewhere in Anambra State carried Ak-47 and other dangerous weapons under the guise of providing security against violent crimes being committed by herdsmen in the region.     

"We condemn this  group and its activities in its entirety and call on all South East governors and well-meaning Ndigbo to come out and condemn this act of criminality being sponsored by a self-appointed  leader of a proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra,IPOB, Mazi Nnamdi Kanu," they said in the statement. 

The Igbo elders said,"While we recognize perfectly the yearning and desire of every Nigerian today for community policing and self-security due to the insecurity in the country, we insist that it must be done in accordance with the law of the land and by the right people who are legally empowered to do so."  

"No group or individual has the legal right to bear prohibited fire arms of that nature without the proper backing of the law .Hence we must all rise in the South East  to not only condemn but also distant ourselves from this act without delay," they added.

Going further,the group said:" No doubt, the current security architecture of Nigeria has failed and Nigerians deserve to protect themselves but that must be done  within the premise of the law."

 "We are Nigerians and cannot form a parallel security arm that bear prohibited firearms for any reason in our region.

                                           

" It is not in the place of IPOB to organize such a group armed with  automatic weapons, no lawful country or citizen will support that, even the civilian Joint Task Force which is supported by law with members assisting in fighting terrorism in Borno State and other parts of North East don’t use automatic weapons.

"In the South West,also Amotekun which is lawfully set up by the authorities in the region does not use automatic firearms.

" Bearing prohibited firearms under any guise is unacceptable,   

" Only dane guns  and pump action rifles can be licensed in Nigeria. We have restrictions in Nigeria on the use of firearms and nobody is above this law. Criminals use these illegally,"the statement further read.

They noted that,"The obvious gap in our national security notwithstanding,  a proscribed organization like IPOB does not have the right to arm a group of young men with automatic weapons in the name of a security network or any nomenclature. It is totally unacceptable and must be resisted by all Ndigbo of good will."

" We are therefore calling on all the South East governors and business men in the region to pull resources together and form a security outfits like Amotekun or civilian JTF backed by law, which can be controlled and be effective. 

"Finally, we wish to call on the South East governors, Ohaneze Ndigbo and other well meaning groups to come out to condemn the act of criminality that may spark unrest in the region thus portraying Ndigbo as bad and lawless people. 

"We further appeal to all Nigerians not to see this act of criminality as an Igbo agenda, but a deliberate act by a fugitive criminal, Mazi Nnamdi Kanu, to gain popularity and earn his daily bread from his sponsors," the statement further read. 

     .

Insecurity:Buhari's refusal to sack service chiefs not normal and disturbing, says interfaith group

Insecurity:Buhari's refusal to sack service chiefs not normal and disturbing, says interfaith group

*Reels out 6 prayer points for Nigerians of all faith

*Charges president to listen to voice of Nigerians on restructuring of security architecture

An interfaith group under the aegis of National Coalition of Interfaith Group of Nigeria,NCIGN,has decried the silence of President Muhammadu Buhari to rejig the nation's security architecture over the growing insecurity in the country.

The group particularly said it found the president's inaction over sack of service chiefs and implementation of some far-reaching resolutions of the National Assembly on insecurity very disturbing.

To this end, the interfaith organisation, in a statement, Wednesday, by its National Coordinator, Sheikh Mohammed Ibrahim and Co-Coordinator, Bishop John Adebayo,has reeled out six prayer points for Nigerians of all faith to take before God in prayers for intervention in the security problems.

Noting that the issue of security of life and property was "deteriorating on an hourly basis", the group decried "Mr President's deliberate refusal to act according to the demands of Nigerians." 

"We found President Muhammad Buhari’s inaction over the sack of the service chiefs and other recommendations on security very disturbing and abnormal hence, we  passionately appeal to Nigerians of all faith all over the world to take one hour of their days starting today, Wednesday, December 16,2020 ,to pray for God's intervention", it said.

"We issue this statement to state our position on a pertinent national issue that has become embarrassing to our dear country and which has put us to shame even among our immediate brothers in the west African sub region. 

"We have become a laughing stock even among smaller nations that used to depend on us as big brother.

"It is the issue of security of life and property which is deteriorating on an hourly basis, and Mr President's deliberate refusal to act according to the demands of Nigerians. 

"As people in the active service of God from all faith and denominations, we have cogent reasons to believe that  fervent prayers seeking the face of God can restore peace in our dear country," it said.

It,however,said:"We believe that Mr President may have been hypnotized by strong forces who are benefiting from the current status quo of insecurity and lack of performance."

"It is our stand that it is not normal for a whole country to be speaking with one voice that the service chiefs should not only be sacked but also that the entire security architecture be rejigged,and Mr President would remain adamant and unconcerned," it said.

It added:"This is not the Buhari we  know and voted for. We voted Buhari for his uprightness and decisiveness and not the Buhari we are now witnessing some unusual and  unacceptable silence over issues of national concerns, as we are seeing today." 

According to the organisation,"Nigerians are tired of the alarming insecurity in the country and the seeming inaction of Mr President in addressing the situation."

" This may result to self help if nothing is done within these few days ahead. The country belongs to all us and not a particular set of people,"it warned. 

Among the prayer points the group pointed out for Nigerians were "the  health and wellbeing of  President Muhammadu Buhari; prayer for the president to immediately restructure the security architecture of the country; prayer for peace and security of the country.   

Others are for for Nigeria to come out of  recession, prayer for the protection of our frontline troops and the safe return of all the adopted children in GSS Kankara, Katsina State.

 " We appeal to all Iman’s to use these six issues as their prayer points during this week's Jumat prayer.                     

"Also, we call on all pastors to lift these prayer points to God during this Sunday's services.  

"As a people of faith, we believe that prayers and hard work can change our situation for good.  This is why this has become expedient," the statement quoted the group as saying.                         

"We must rise up and pray for Mr President to act on insecurity of our nation before it becomes too late," it added.

"Those responsible for actions or inaction which has heightened the insecurity must go and new and effective hands injected into the system," it insisted.

TERRORISM: CSO Gives Amnesty 7-day notice to vacate Nigeria over alleged false report on Nigerian troops

Terrorism: CSO gives AI 7-day notice to vacate Nigeria over alleged false report on Nigerian troops

*Accused right agency of promoting terrorists

' agenda in Nigeria

*Pass vote of confidence on Nigerian troops

 *Tells Nigerian military, troops not to be distracted, demoralized over allegations

A Civil rights group, Conference of Nigeria Civil Society for  Peace, Human Rights and National Unity, has frowned at the 2020 report of Amnesty International alleging rights violation and  atrocities by the Nigerian troops in the North East and demanding full investigation into the allegations by International Criminal Court.

To this end, the group which accused the Amnesty International of constantly showing sympathy to terrorists through its actions and reports,has given the international agency a 7-day notice to vacate Nigerian soil or face its wrath.

This was as the group appealed to the Nigerian military authorities and the front line troops to continue their war against terrorists with a view to securing the country and not be swayed by the report which it claimed was aimed at distracting them.

The civil society organisation, in a statement by its National Coordinator, Prof. Wole Ajayi and National Secretary, Barr. Festus Nwankwo,

Sunday, described the AI's latest report as "another blatant, callous, mischievous, and  premeditated falsehood."

 The group said the consistent false reports by the international organisation against the Nigerian military has left it with no option than to pointedly accused it as not only the financiers of the terrorists but also their collaborator."

"Our attention has been drawn to yet  another blatant, callous, mischievous, and  premeditated falsehood against Nigeria military by a suspected Boko Haram collaborators and financiers,the Amnesty International local branch in Nigeria.

 "In its 2020 report which it tagged "My Heart Is In Pain:Older People's Experience of Conflict, Displacement, and Detention in North East Nigeria,the group had accused Nigerian military of  committing human rights violation as well as high-level atrocities in its battle against terrorists in the North East.

So far,the Prosecutor General of the International Criminal Court (ICC) on Friday 12 December 2020, alleged that she has found a reasonable basis to believe that “members of the Nigerian Security Forces ("NSF")” have committed acts constituting crimes against humanity and war crimes.

But the Nigerian based civil society organisation said the report of the Amnesty International resulting in ICC's pronouncement was a "deliberate falsehood aimed at demoralizing the frontline troops so that their ally the Boko Haram would eventually win their war against the Nigerian state."

It alleged that the AI has been engaged in "several unfounded allegations ranging from unlawful executions of innocent Nigerian citizens, arson, rape, unlawful detention of elderly people in the military facility by the military authority in the North East",among others all in its bid to ensure the terrorists gain upper hand in the war. 

"Nothing can be further from the truth like these sponsored allegations.

" We wish to condem the report in its entirety. We pass a vote of confidence on our gallant troops fighting in the North East and other parts of the country,"it said.

According to the civil society organisation, "It is in the character of Amnesty International local branch to publish deliberate falsehood against our military and Nigerian state on a yearly basis just to justify their grants and financial support from Boko Haram and its sponsors around the world."

" We are more aware of their agenda now  than ever before,   but we have a message for them, that Nigeria belongs to us and we will do everything possible including shading our blood to protect its sovereignty and unity.

"We will never again  allow agents of darkness like Amnesty International and its collaborators to disunite us so that terrorists will take over our country," said.

It noted that:" Our troops remain one of the most professional troops in the world who have  been tested in several international theatres through peace keeping missions and foreign collaborations",adding: "These are verifiable facts for Amnesty International to check if they are concerned about a good work."

It claimed that,"A careful look of the report shows that it is a hasty and hatchet job done just to criminalize our selfless troops fighting to defeat Boko Haram which Amnesty International is working for, hence the concocted lies to weaken our soldiers."

"As civil society organizations in Nigeria ,we reject the report in its entirety. We wish to further remind the AI that we have one country and one national army hence we will not allow any group of people working for their selffish and financial interest undermine our troops and national security. It is unacceptable and we will not take it," it said.

The group asked:" If Ai is a sincere about human rights organization, how come they are quiet about the death of our soldiers and other security agencies in the North East? Why have we not heard AI’s lound voice on the killings of about 36 policemen and 6 soldiers during the #EndSARS protests?" Or when innocent children or citizens are abducted by terrorists or bandits. 

"On a daily basis, our troops are killed by terrorists and other criminals yet the AI is quite!,Who’s interest is Amnesty International serving? Certainly,it's the interest of the enemies of Nigeria and we cannot take it because if Nigeria is allowed to burn today, Amnesty International will move back to its country or origin.  

"We can't allow any terrorists' sponsors like AI hide under human rights protection to undermine our national security.

" Our hospitality has been abused by AI and there is a need for an urgent action before we lose our country. Consequently, we wish to  give Amnesty International 7 days  to vacate Nigeria’s shore, failure to do so will attract severe consequence,"it said.

Being Communique issued at the end of an Expanded National Executive Council (NEC) Meeting of the Sports Writers Association of Nigeria (SWAN) at Hotel Reno, Abuja on December 11, 2020.

1. NEC approves that the National Secretariat utilize the land given to SWAN, in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) to build a permanent secretariat for the Association.

2. NEC directs states where the tenure of the Executive Committees have expired, to conduct elections on or before March 31, 2021. Some of the states include Cross River, Edo, Enugu, Ebonyi, Osun, Ekiti, Ogun, Lagos, Sokoto, Katsina, Zamfara, Gombe, Borno, Taraba, Adamawa, Nasarawa, Plateau, Niger and Benue.

3. NEC applauds the collaborative initiative of the Vice President, North West, Idris Malikawa with the British Council to enable members acquire diploma and post graduate diploma in journalism and urges the National Secretariat to adopt the model as part of its capacity building programmes.

4. NEC endorses five key areas for the application of the FIFA Relief Fund given to SWAN through the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) in line with the spelt out guidelines. These include; (a) Welfare, (b) Capacity Building, (c) Secretariat Project, (d) Payment of Secretariat Staff and (e) Operating Cost.

5. NEC expresses doubt over the January 3 to 18, 2021 dates for the 20th National Sports Festival (NSF) announced by the Federal Ministry of Youth and Sports Development, and urges the Ministry, Edo State Government and the Presidential Task Force (PTF) on Covid-19 to harmonize on a suitable date for the Festival.

6. Following appeals from respected Nigerians and critical stakeholders, NEC extends a hand of fellowship to misinformed sports journalists willing to return to SWAN and urges them to register through the national platform provided for such.

7. NEC observed one minute silence in memories of veteran sports journalists Bisi Lawrence (BizLaw), Muyiwa Daniel, Henrietta Ukigwe and others who passed on recently.

Signed: 

Communique Drafting Committee 

Duro Ikhazuagbe, Chairman

Victoria Taduwokai, Secretary

Alambo Datonye, Member

Jude Opara

Secretary General

Kaduna Speaker Cup: Emulate Sabo GRA In Fostering Unity, Zailani Absolute Care Foundation Urges

The Zailani Absolute Care Foundation has commended the Tsaunin Kura GRA Residents Association (Sabo GRA) for blazing the trail in consolidating peaceful and unity in Kaduna metropolis through the organising of the Rt. Honourable Yusuf Zailani Peace and Unity Soccer Competition.

This was expressed in a statement signed by its Chairman, Honourable Tasiu Musa, made available to newsmen on Saturday December 12, 2020.

According to the statement, the foundation urged other communities to emulate Sabo GRA in fostering peace and unity not just in the metropolitan, but the entire state.

"We are delighted to receive the letter of invitation for the competition.

"As a foundation, we are indeed excited that the competition is organised in honour of our principal, Rt. Honourable Yusuf Zailani, the Speaker of the Kaduna State House of Assembly.

"We are even more delighted to know that the competition is in line with one of the Cardinals of the Speaker," it said.

The statement further explained that this will give a boost to the efforts of the Malam Nasir el-Rufai-led Kaduna State Government' and consolidate on its peace building.

"We therefore, commend the Dr. Silas Adamu-led executives and all members of Sabo GRA for this noble initiative," it added.

The foundation therefore, charged its members as well as sports and peace loving Kaduna residents to come out enmasse and make the competition a huge success.

#EndSARS: Prof. Ango's killing claim not our position but his personal opinion --Northern elders

#EndSARS: Prof. Ango's killing claim not our position but his personal opinion --Northern elders

*Condemn statement,ask Nigerians to ignore him

*it's attempt to instigate ethnic killings, they claim

*Caution against misguided statements

Some elders in the North have disassociated themselves from the statement attributed to Prof.Ango Abdullahi,to the effect that many people from northern part of the country were killed in the South East  during the #EndSARS protests.

 The elders, who frowned at the statement, asked Nigerians to ignore it,saying the statement was a personal opinion of Abdullahi and not the general position of Northern elders as he portrayed.

The northern elders operating under the aegis of Coalition of Northern Elders for Peace and Development, in a statement,described Prof. Abdullahi's statement as "false, unfortunate, insensitive, callous  and meant to instigate Nigerians against one other",especially igniting ethnic killings and asked Nigerians not to fall prey to his antics.

In the statement signed by the group's National Coordinator, Engr. Zana Goni and National Women Leader,Hajia Mario Bichi,the northern elders said Abdullahi acted alone in his statement, insisting they were not part of it.

They said the elder statesman's unfounded killing claim at a time Nigerians had put to past the ugly civil war experiences and were building bridges and working on consolidating national reconciliation was the least unfortunate.

"We wish to condemn in the strongest possible terms the statement credited to a well-read and  respected elder statesman from our region, Prof. Ango Abdullahi,to the effect that  Igbo people killed many northerners in the South East  during the #EndSARS protest  which was hijacked by some sponsored criminal elements.

"This statement is false, unfortunate, insensitive, callous  and meant to instigate Nigerians against one other. Making this unfounded claim,especially at a time Nigerians had worked past the ugly civil war experiences and are building bridges and consolidating on national reconciliation,is the least unfortunate.

" We wish to let Nigerians know that Prof. Ango Abdullahi's statement was his personal opinion and did not represent the position of Northern Elders as he had portrayed, "the statement read.

They added:"We expect that an elder statesman of his status with such level of education ought to have known the difference between criminality and ethnic agenda. 

"What happened in some South East states was a pure act of criminality and  not an Igbo agenda and was not  peculiar to the region."

They queried: "How  can he say  Igbo people killed Northerners? Nothing can be more misleading than  this."

According to the statement, " People were killed and properties destroyed in several parts of the country including some parts of the North.  It is unfair to attribute this act of some misguided deviants as a collective Igbo agenda." 

"It is an established facts that during and  after the uprising,so many Igbo group rose to condemn the attacks by these criminals and even shared intelligence with security agencies which led to the arrest of so many of these misguided youths.

" Prominent groups in Igbo land also condemned the activities of the outlawed Indigenous People of Biafra,IPOB, in public. So we wonder where Prof. Ango got his fact from,"they further said. 

They cautioned:"It is our humble appeal that we guide our comments especially those capable of igniting hate across the country."

"We must continue to preach national unity and work together to defeat criminality in our country instead of attributing such act to a particular region," they tasked.

"We therefore call our Northern and Southern brother to ignore this statement in its entirety," they said.

PHOTOSPEAK ; SWAN officials with NFF Sec Gen at Glass House

Kaduna State SWAN Chairman, Isaiah Benjamin, NFF Secretary General, Malam Sanusi and SWAN President, Honour Sirawoo shortly after a courtesy meeting with the expanded NEC members of SWAN at the NFF Glass  House Abuja

Kaduna 2020 Polo: Georgian Cup Holders, Rubicon Record Slim Victory Over First Timers, Malcomines

Kaduna 2020 Polo: Georgian Cup Holders, Rubicon Record Slim Victory Over First Timers, Malcomines

It was a tension filled game as the battle for the Georgian Cup in the Kaduna International Polo Tournament 2020 opened on  Thursday December 10 at the Ahmadu Yakubu Polo Club House, Murtala Muhammed Square.

Malcomines took the early lead in the first chukka as it ended   2-1.

Rubicon came back strong in the second chukka and levelled up as they scored two goals to end it 3-3 to end the second chukka.

The third chukka recorded several lost chances from both teams as they attempted to outdo each other.

Rubicon gets the first break and scores the only goal for that chukka at the tail end, just on time before the bell rang to end the third, 3-4.

Malcomines drew the first blood in the fourth chukka, leveling up 4-4 but later conceded two goals to end that chukka 4-6.

Fifth Chukka witnessed goals drought as both teams failed to hit.target, ending it 4-6.

The sixth chukka witnessed Malcomines pull one back early to make the tally 5-6 for a dramatic end to the explosive encounter.

The winner of the match is also the champion of the Argentine Ambassador's Cup, sponsored by Alhaji Dawule Baba.

Kaduna Speaker Hails el-Rufai On Signing Of 2021 Budget, Assured All Round Development

Kaduna Speaker Hails el-Rufai On Signing Of 2021 Budget, Assured All Round Development

 

From Ibrahim Dahiru Danfulani, Kaduna

The Speaker of the Kaduna State House of Assembly,  Rt. Hon. Yusuf Zailani has described the signing of the 2021 budget of the state by Governor Nasir el-Rufai as a positive look towards progress in the coming year.

Rt. Honourable Zailani expressed this in a statement signed by the Chief of staff to the speaker Haruna Jafaru Sambo and made available to our Press on Wednesday.

"The signing into law of Kaduna State Budget for 2021 by His Excellency, Malam Nasir el-Rufai, Executive Governor of Kaduna State is a welcome development as it will positively impact on All spheres of the society as it is implemented from January 1, 2020.

"This is good news for our people as we look forward to massive infrastructural development," he said.

The Speaker assured that Governor el-Rufai will carry all in the state along in implementing the urban renewal that has been ongoing.

"Just as I assured visitors from Tsaunin Kura Residents Association (Sabo GRA) who visited me last week at the State Assembly, no part will be left behind," he assured.

He commended the Governor for the decisive action of passing the budget  bill into law.

Zailani also appreciated the Governor for acknowledging the efforts put in by the state Assembly in passage of the budget.

It would be recalled that when signing the budget, Governor el-Rufai said, "

“It is my privilege today to sign the 2021 Budget of the Kaduna State Government into law as passed by the Kaduna State House of Assembly. I thank the House of Assembly for consistently passing the next year’s budget way ahead of the end of the preceding financial year."

Governor el-Rufai also congratulated Zailani for emerging the first chairman of the Northern Speakers Forum, describing it as well deserved.

Kaduna Speaker Hails el-Rufai On Signing Of 2021 Budget, Assured All Round Development

Kaduna Speaker Hails el-Rufai On Signing Of 2021 Budget, Assured All Round Development

 

From Ibrahim Dahiru Danfulani, Kaduna

The Speaker of the Kaduna State House of Assembly,  Rt. Hon. Yusuf Zailani has described the signing of the 2021 budget of the state by Governor Nasir el-Rufai as a positive look towards progress in the coming year.

Rt. Honourable Zailani expressed this in a statement signed by the Chief of staff to the speaker Haruna Jafaru Sambo and made available to our Press on Wednesday.

"The signing into law of Kaduna State Budget for 2021 by His Excellency, Malam Nasir el-Rufai, Executive Governor of Kaduna State is a welcome development as it will positively impact on All spheres of the society as it is implemented from January 1, 2020.

"This is good news for our people as we look forward to massive infrastructural development," he said.

The Speaker assured that Governor el-Rufai will carry all in the state along in implementing the urban renewal that has been ongoing.

"Just as I assured visitors from Tsaunin Kura Residents Association (Sabo GRA) who visited me last week at the State Assembly, no part will be left behind," he assured.

He commended the Governor for the decisive action of passing the budget  bill into law.

Zailani also appreciated the Governor for acknowledging the efforts put in by the state Assembly in passage of the budget.

It would be recalled that when signing the budget, Governor el-Rufai said, "

“It is my privilege today to sign the 2021 Budget of the Kaduna State Government into law as passed by the Kaduna State House of Assembly. I thank the House of Assembly for consistently passing the next year’s budget way ahead of the end of the preceding financial year."

Governor el-Rufai also congratulated Zailani for emerging the first chairman of the Northern Speakers Forum, describing it as well deserved.

Ibako Dazzles, outpace Sublime Farms As 2020 Kaduna Polo Gallops Off

Ibako Stun Sublime Farms As 2020 Kaduna Polo Gallops Off

As the 2020 Kaduna International galloped off at the Ahmadu Yakubu Polo Club House Murtala Muhammed Square Kaduna on Monday, Ibako Oil and Gas recorded a win in the first game played.

They beat opponents, Sublime Farms 4-3 and half  in the four chukka game of the Imani Cup.

Alhusus came on strong and recorded a slim 4-3 victory over equally brilliant NUL Polo also in the Imani Cup contest.

In the third match of Imani Cup, ZMO Group fell 2-4 to Big Scale Farms in an encounter that witnessed brilliant displays from both sides.

As hostilities began for the El-Amin Cup, it was goals galore for high scoring Rumbu Industry who  doubled the tally to beat Yola Yelwa 9-4.

The second match for El-Amin Cup, saw Titan Golden slump 2-5 to Tital Bai Bai.

In other matches played, Shifu Restaurant beat hard fighting 8Twenty 8 Polo Team 7-5 and half, while Kano trounced Tunga 8-2 in their encounter.

In the last game for Day 2, Dattaku narrowly escaoed with a win over  Tila Farms 5-4 and half

The tournament which features Africa's most prestigious Polo trophy the Georgian Cup, is expected to gallop to.a halt on December 13.

Sabo GRA Rolls Out Maiden Edition Zailani Peace, Unity Cup

Maiden edition of the Zailani Peace and Unity Cup Tsaunin Kura (Sabo GRA) will be kicking off on Sunday December 13, 2020 at the LEA Primary School, on James Bawa Magaji off Jafaru Markarfi Road  in the community.

A statement from the Executive PRO, Tsaunin Kura GRA Residents Association (Sabo GRA), Okpani Jacob Onjewu Dickson informed that eight teams will be participating in the competition, billed for kick off by 4pm.

"In this maiden edition, only eight teams will be participating, drawn from Chikun, Igabi, Kajuru, Kaduna North and Kaduna South," it informed.

"They are Sabo GRA 1 (Chikun), Kakuri Academy (Kaduna South), Sabo GRA 2 (Chikun) and Ikhana Babes (Igabi).

Others are Sabo GRA 3 (Chikun), Kajuru, Unity Academy (Kaduna North) and Sabo GRA 4 (Chikun).

The statement said that the competition is organised to foster peace and unity in Kaduna metropolis and environs.

It explained that the Kaduna State Governor, Malam Nasir el-Rufai is exoected  to perform the ceremonial kick off, accompanied by the Speaker Kaduna State House of Assembly, Rt. Honourable Yusuf Zailani, Commissioner of Sports Development, Professor Kabir Mato, other executive council members of the state and Honourable members of the State Assembly.

Other dignitaries expected at the opening ceremony are the Kaduna State FA Chairman, Honourable Shareef Alkassim and Chairman/CEO Treasures of The Universe, and Treasures Academy, 

The President of Sabo GRA Residents, Comrade Dr. Silas Adamu is expected to serve as Chief host.

The competition which is the brain child of the youth wing of the Tsaunin Kura GRA Residents Association  executives, is expected to end on December 20, 2020.

Luxury Bus Association Leadership visits OPSH Command, Hails Commander

Luxury Bus Association Leadership visits OPSH Command, Hails Commander

 

The delegation led by the Chairman, Chief Chukwuemeka Okeke were at the Headquarter of the Outfit to commend Commander Operation Safe Haven and his men for the improved security in Plateau State since he took over command of the Task Force. They specifically appreciated the outfit for the level of security on the major roads in and out of Plateau State and some part of kaduna where they cover.

They hinted that their vehicles now move safely even at night without inhibition and commuters now have more confidence traveling with buses. They urged OPSH to continue to do their best to sustain the tempo of their operations so that peace and security will be fully restored in the State.

The Commander OPSH in his response said the outfit will continue to perform its duties professionally to ensure security of law abiding citizens. He also stressed that the Association is a critical stakeholder in ensuring security of commuters particularly as we approach the Yuletide season. He urged them to continue to provide information as well as report any suspicious persons in their parks. It is alleged that some gunrunners and drug peddlers use commercial buses to convey weapons and drugs in and out of Plateau State.

The Association pledged their support for OPSH and other security agencies to ensure the commuters enjoy safe trips to and from the Plateau during the Yuletide season. Other members of the delegation are; Igbokwe Joseph, Christopher Umeh, Emeka Okeke, Gabriel Ugu, Engr Ekene Oha and James Okoro.

COVID-19 Protocols To Be Adhered To, As Kaduna 2020 Polo Would Be Colorful, Polo Captain Says

in spite of the dim the COVID-19 pandemic brought upon the world and particularly sporting activities around the globe, the 2020 Kaduna International Polo Tournament will be colourful.

Polo Captain of the Kaduna Polo Club,  Alhaji Babangida Ibrahim gave the assurance  at a press briefing to herald the tournament billed to commence on Saturday December 7 at the Ahmadu Yakubu Polo Club House, Murtala Muhammed Square, Kaduna on Saturday night. 

"Despite the impact that the COVID-19 has had globally, this year's tournament will be colourful as all arrangements have been concluded in ensuring that," he assured.

He explained that a total of four teams have so far registered to compete for the prestigious Georgian Cup.

"Emir of Katsina Cup has four teams, Imani Cup four teams and the El-Amin Cup  10 teams, among others" he informed.

According to him, just like in 2019 when two expatriates participated in the high goal games, the same number is expected this year.

 

In ensuring that the health of spectators and players is not put at risk, he said the COVID-19 protocols would be strictly adhered to.

"Social distancing, use of sanitizers and facemasks must be used by spectators," he declared.

"We look forward to an exciting outing as our traditional sponsors are   coming as usual for the tournament which will be held from December 7 to 13," he emphasized.

In his brief remarks, the Secretary of the club, Ibrahim Kankia assured that breath taking moments should be expected from  all other cups including the Georgian Cup which First Bank has been sponsoring for over 100 years.

"The tournament promises to be exciting. The only difference is COVID-19 but we will.observe the protocols," he said.

Northern Elders Lauds Sultan of Sokoto For Stating The Truth

Northern elders applaud Sultan's courage on stating the worsening state of insecurity

...says monarch stated true situation in Northern region

...calls on other prominent elite to speak up

...appeals to Buhari to restructure security architecture

...insists on Service Chiefs' removal

Some Northern elders have commended the Sultan of Sokoto, Alhaji Muhammadu Sa'ad Abubakar for summoning the courage to speak on the deplorable security situation in the troubled region.

According to the elders, the position of the Sultan is a true reflection of the state of insecurity in the North which,  they maintain, is largely responsible for the food crisis besetting the nation.

The reverred monarch had, at Thursday's meeting of the Nigerian Inter-Religious Council, NIREC, decried the precarious security situation in the North, saying the region was now the worst place to live.

Reflecting on the activities of bandits in the North West, the Sultan said "people leave foodstuff in their houses for bandits."

While calling for urgent action through actionable engagement, the spiritual leader of Muslims in Nigeria said: "Security situation in northern Nigeria has assumed a worrisome situation", regretting that no strong media platform could report the story to the world. 

The monarch had said:"Few weeks ago, over 76 persons were killed in a community in Sokoto in a day. I was there alongside the governor to commiserate with the affected community.

" Unfortunately, you don’t hear these stories in the media because it’s in the north. We have accepted the fact that north doesn’t have strong media to report the atrocities of these bandits.

"“People think the north is safe but that assumption is not true. In fact, it’s the worst place to be in this country. Because bandits go around in the villages, households and markets with their AK 47 rifles and nobody is challenging them. They stop at the market, buy things, pay and collect change, with their weapons openly displayed. These are facts I know because I am at the centre of it. I am not only a traditional ruler; I am also a religious leader. 

"So, I am in a better place to tell the story. I can speak for the north in this regard because I am fully aware of the security challenges there. We have to sincerely and seriously find solutions to the problem; otherwise, we will find ourselves soon, in a situation where we would lose sleep because of insecurity. 

“As religious leaders, we must promote peace, love, unity and tolerance among our followers. We will discuss all these issues at the close door session of the meeting and possibly come out with strong suggestions for government".

But reacting to the monarch's expression,the elders operating under the aegis of Coalition of Northern Elders for Peace and Development, in a statement by their national coordinator, Engr. Zana Goni and the National Women Leader,Hajia Mario Bichi, said the Sultan vindicated their consistent alarm on the state of insecurity in the region.

The elders therefore, called on other prominent leaders in the region to join their voices in projecting the true position of things in the region, in order to attract the attention of relevant authorities.

More importantly, they reiterated their call on President Muhammadu to rejig and restructure the security architecture in the country, in order to cause meaningful change in status quo 

The statement reads: "We most respectfully commend the Sultan of Sokoto, our father,for stating the true position of things in the North, as it concerns insecurity.

"We had said it over and over again, that the state of insecurity had reached a point where our farmers can hardly access their farms, even as travellers on busy highways can no longer guarantee their safe arrival without being kidnapped.

"Our mothers, fathers and children are now at the mercy of terrorists and bandits, who kill, harass and destroy property without being confronted, in many instances, by our security operatives.

"As patriotic elders, we think the position of the Sultan is a Clarion call to our dear President, His Excellency Muhammadu Buhari, to restructure the security architecture in the country without further delay.

'we applaud our President for ensuring huge budgetary allocation to the military and security sectors, thereby demonstrating his interest in securing lives and property.

"We, however, regret that our Security Chiefs have not shown commensurate commitment in tackling these security challenges, owing to what we see as lethargy and spent ideas.

"Accordingly, we call on President Muhammadu Buhari to sack the Service Chiefs without further delay, and appoint younger senior officers that will bring fresh perspectives and ideas to bear in addressing the deteriorating security situation in the North in particular, and the country in general".

AfCFTA Secretariat Unveils new App for Businesses to Trade Across Africa

24th November 2020

Innovators and SMEs in Africa will now enjoy a global one-stop-technology platform from the Africa Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) Secretariat that will link them to possible sponsors for their innovative projects that can boost trade across the continent.

The platform dubbed AfCFTA App, will issue a mark of identity to every organization or businesses interested in benefiting from AfCFTA to ease ways of doing business and getting partnerships across Africa, export and import goods under the low duty regime, and satisfy some “know-your-customer” requirements at banks and financial institutions. The app will go live on January 1.

This comes barely two weeks to the African Union Heads of State summit slated for December 5, 2020 that will take many critical decisions about positioning AfCFTA as the next big thing in the world’s economy. The app is the enabler of the broader AfCFTA Vision effort, an AU initiative in partnership with Sankoree Institute, an affiliate of AfroChampions. The two partners intend to propel AfCFTA to success with the backing of the continent’s development finance institutions. 

“It is true that Africa has seen a number of trade agreements at regional level, but AfCFTA is different because it is being set up as the ultimate program to fulfil the dreams of the Founders of the African Union: a truly single market big and strong enough to compete for the biggest of global opportunities. The quick launch of the AfCFTA group of apps and the Vision Challenge to resource our innovators and entrepreneurs with the key instruments to drive trade on the continent shows the unique passion being invested in this enterprise,” said Francis Mangeni, Director of Trade Promotion and Programs at the Accra-based AfCFTA Secretariat. AfCFTA is the world’s largest trade block with a membership of 54 out of the 55 African Union nations. 

Once fully operational, economists say AfCFTA would considerably expand intra-Africa trade whilst helping the continent move up the value chain in multiple industries, helping achieve the vision of Agenda 2063 of a united, prosperous, continent relating on equal footing with its peers on the global stage. 

To fulfil these expectations, however, entrepreneurs and innovators are key. The AfCFTA Vision Challenge, enabled by the AfCFTA App, shall empower innovators to present their compelling and persuasive ideas for potential investment. Contestants only have to register for an AfCFTA number at no cost at www.afcfta.app and then submit their entry through the online portal (https://www.afcfta.blog/challenge) to participate. 

Major African DFIs and other visionary financial institutions such as TDB, Africa50, AfDB, AFC, Equity Bank, Ecobank and Afreximbank are being coopted as the “institutional jury” for the AfCFTA Vision Challenge. Compelling solutions to challenges posed by some of Africa’s foremost political leaders, and analysed by leading continental thinkers, in eight identified issue areas submitted ahead of the two deadlines of November 30 and December 22, stand a chance of securing syndicated investment from these leading institutions.

“Building on our AVRIVA initiative (www.avriva.org) in partnership with the Africa Union’s Open Corridors Initiative, we are opening a new chapter in the continental economic integration process,” said Paulo Gomes, co-Chairman of AfroChampions, “one in which broad alliances powered by technology shall completely change Africa’s reputation for signing agreements that it struggles to execute.”

The role of the AfCFTA Secretariat is to coordinate capacity that already exists on the continent in order to generate the necessary momentum. Digital technology can play a critical role in this quest due to its levelling function and exponential network creation ability.

Digital technology has become one of the most efficient ways to bring large but marginalised communities like Small, Medium & Micro Enterprises (SMMEs), youth, women and the informal sector into the productive sectors of an integrated African company.

The partners are of the view that all the components of the AfCFTA Vision Initiative work seamlessly together to boost the chances of a spectacularly successful AfCFTA rollout. 

*****

 

 

About AfCFTA Secretariat

The AfCFTA Secretariat is a creation of the AfCFTA Agreement tasked with the responsibility of coordinating the successful implementation of the Agreement. The Secretariat operates as an autonomous organ of the African Union charged with implementing the decisions of the higher organs of the body in respect of the wide array of areas covered by the Agreement, ranging from industrialisation to lntellectual Property, and from trade in professional services to harmonisation of standards for manufactured goods.

 

About Sankoree Institute

An affiliate of the AfroChampions Initiative and other leading pan-African institutions, the Sankoree Institute brings together many of Africa’s most passionate and eminent leaders, thinkers and doers to reimagine all the best paths to a strong, globally influential, integrated, and prosperous Africa. Sankoree leads the charge in experimentation, exploration, prototyping and execution of the best ideas resulting from robust, rigorous, and action-oriented dialogue, analysis and design-thinking.

 

Contact

For Press Inquiries: 

Francis Mangeni: secretary-general@au-afcfta.org 

& Maud Isliker: Maud@afrochampions.com

Plateau: Coalition applauds security agencies for smoking out cultists

*Hails Operation Safe Haven for living up to residents' expectations

*Charges residents to report and support security agencies with useful information to clean state of crimes.

*Tasks Gov Lalong to continue to support security agencies to defeat criminals

*Insists on law by Plateau House of Assembly backing action against cultism

A peace advocacy and human rights group in Plateau State has applauded security agencies especially Operation Safe Haven (OPSH) for smoking out cultists terrorising the state,charging them to keep the pace to totally clean the state of criminal activities.

The group which expressed concern over the inglorious activities of cultists in Plateau State,thus causing residents sleepless nights, in recent times, particularly hailed the Commander of OPSH,Major General Chukwuemeka Okonkwo for his commitment to ensuring a safe Plateau for the residents.

In a statement, Monday,the group said it was elated that one week after voicing its feelings about the ugly situation with attendant call for the security agencies to go all out in arresting and prosecuting those involved in cult activities in the state,a good news came to it following the arrest of 27 cult gang members by the special military task force.

But the group operating under the umbrella of 

Coalition of Plateau State Civil Society for Peace and Human Right, in the statement signed by its National Coordinator,Dr Pam Pwajok and National Secretary,Mrs Hannah Golu,respectively, insisted that despite the breakthrough by the military task force, the need for a declaration of state of emergency by Governor to totally clean the state of cult and other criminal elements is  still necessary.

On the other hand,the coalition insisted that its call to the Plateau State House of Assembly to immediately prioritize the treatment of the state anti cultism law by working towards its immediate passage for effective and efficient treatment of cult related cases in the state was still in force.

It tasked the governor to continue to provide necessary support to all the security agencies in the state to enable them prosecute the war against all criminal activities.

” We therefore want to finally appeal to Governor Simon Bako Lalong to continue to provide the necessary support to all the security agencies to enable them defeat this crime once and for all,”it said.

The group in the statement said:"It is with utmost humility and sense of patriotism that we wish to sincerely appreciate the Commander of Operation Safe Haven (OPSH), Major General Chukwuemeka Okwonkwo,for what he is doing on the Plateau by cleaning the state of crimes and criminal activities.

" We are also elated for what other security agencies are doing in collaboration with OPSH,a special military task force set up for internal security in Plateau State, Southern Kaduna and Bauch State, to clean the areas cultists, kidnappers and other criminals. The officers and men of OPSH have shown professionalism, bravery and rare commitment to duty," this is really commendable."

 Regretting that,"Sometimes, last week,the activities of suspected cultists and kidnapping became heightened" which necessitated its statement voicing concerns, the coalition said it was happy that "to our greatest delight, Operation Safe Haven swung into action and arrested about 27 suspects with dangerous weapons."

" Since then,  the town has been very quiet to the glory of God,"it noted.

According to the coalition,"This response by the outfit all the time has restored the once lost confidence on  the security agencies and we pray earnestly that the tempo is sustained so that we can have a peaceful Yuletide season and a decent society."  

" The kind of proactive measures we are seeing from the security agencies is one of its kind and as CSOs, we must commend public officers and organizations who have distinguished themselves and are leaving up to expectations,"it added.         

The Coalition of Plateau State Civil Society for Peace and Human Right, said:"The massive arrests of these suspected cultists have really brought a lot of relief to the residents."

"We call on the security agencies to sustain this onslaught against these criminals once and for all. On the other hand,we call on all residents to cooperate with the security agencies for effective results," it charged.

Recall that the Special Task Force, Operation Safe Haven,on Saturday, paraded 27 suspected cultists arrested after conducting series of raid operations on criminals and cultists hideouts in Jos, the state capital.

Parading the suspects at the Operation Safe Haven Headquarters in Jos, the Commander of the Task Force, Major General Chukwuemeka Okonkwo, said the suspects were arrested at various locations within the metropolis where the activities of cultists have been on the rise in recent times.

Those apprehended included six females and their associates from peoples and Tripple Hotels in Apata area, Westside, Rukuba road, Jenta Adamu and Jenta Mangoro areas.

Items recovered in the course of the raid included three locally fabricated pistols, knives, machetes and some ammunition.

Similarly,a number of drug barons were  arrested but were handed over to the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) for further action

SOKIPEP applauds El-Rufai over staff of office to new Agwam Zikpak

SOKIPEP applauds El-Rufai over staff of office to new Agwam Zikpak

...Appeals to Kaduna State Governor to do more for Southern Kaduna

...advise El Rufai to stay focused, ignore distractions

...seeks public support for peace, security efforts by government 

A peace advocacy group, Southern Kaduna Peace Practitioners Network (SOKIPEP), has commended the Kaduna State Governor, Mallam Nasir El-Rufai, over the presentation of the staff of office to the new Agwam Zikpak, His Highness Dr. Kantiyok Josiah Tagwai.

The group noted that the action of the Governor was a clear demonstration of love for  Southern Kaduna and its people, even as it added that no Governor in recent history had shown the level of commitment to peace in the area like El-Rufai.

According to SOKIPEP, the statement the governor made at the presentation of staff of office to the first class traditional ruler in Southern Kaduna, underscored his desire for the return of peace to the part of the state that has witnessed crisis over the years, with attendant deaths and destruction of property in the trail.

Recall that Governor El-Rufai had recognised the efforts of some individuals and groups championing the cause of peace in Southern Kaduna.

 He had observed that a strong partnership between the government and traditional institution was urgently needed, to midwife the return of peace and order across board.

This was as he also emphasised community participation in the search for genuine peace and reconciliation, which he insisted, was one of his government's cardinal objective.

The Kaduna State Governor had stated that,  “addressing the security challenges and threats to the rural economy that is bedeviling some of our communities requires a strong partnership between the government and traditional institutions".

He had added that: "Following recent tragic events in Zangon Kataf, Jema’a and Kaura local government areas, there have been remarkable attempts at community level peace-building.

‘’We wish to commend all the personalities and institutions involved in and supporting the efforts to chart a new path of peaceful relations in our communities.

"With delight that there is also a peace process in this chiefdom, following the courageous and exemplary peace process initiated by His Highness Dominic Gambo Yahaya in neighbouring Zangon Kataf Local Government.’

In its reaction, SOKIPEP said the disposition of the state's chief executive, was indicative of a man that loves peace, makes peace, and is ready at all times to build bridges of peace in Kaduna.

In a statement signed by its National Coordinator, Rev. Dauda Fadia, SOKIPEP urged the governor to continue to make the  development of Southern Kaduna part of his priority.

The group said such tendency will endear him more to the ordinary people in the troubled area, who desire a peaceful atmosphere, to be able to go about their normal,  everyday socio-economic and social activities.

The group, however, encouraged the governor to stay focused, claiming that attempts were being made to distract him by arm-chair critics, who continue to paint a grim picture of Southern Kaduna, thereby portraying the governor as an enemy of the people.

Again, the Network enjoined indigenes of Southern Kaduna to ensure absolute support for the government, insisting that doing so was in their collective interest.

"We will like to recall the recent event of presentation of staff of office to one of our first class monarchs, the new Agwam Zikpak, His Highness Dr. Kantiyok Josiah Tagwai", the statement read.

It read further: "Our commendation is anchored on the positive effect this development will bring to the people of Agwam Zikpak in particular, and Southern Kaduna in general.

"Again, the presentation of the staff of office was timely as it happened at a time some people and group had accused the governor of disrespect and disregard for traditional institution in Southern Kaduna.

"We are not saying thar Governor Nasir El-Rufai is infallible, for it is only the Almighty God that is above mistakes in all His dealings.

"However, we make bold to state that given all that he had done in the past,and is still doing, El-Rufai remains a valued friend of Southern Kaduna, and should so be treated.

"As an indigenous peace and advocacy group,we undertake to continue to pressure the Kaduna State Government on the need to always integrate Southern Kaduna into decision making processes, as a means to earn the people's confidence and trust.

"This is because, in the final analysis, government impact is largely measured by what the locals see, feel and say; not the jaundiced and prejudiced assessment of the elite in society, whose agenda is most often than not self-serving.

"We, therefore, call on our brothers and sisters, mothers and fathers, to see the need to support efforts by the government and security agencies at ensuring security of lives and property, as an obligation that must be discharged to its fullest.

"As it stands, we have no other place we can call our own, and so all hands must be on deck, to enthrone a secure and crime-free Southern Kaduna.

"Once we recognise the fact that crime is borderless and faceless, we will begin to understand that no society, ethnic group, religion or tribe is free of criminal elements.

"Let us develop the culture of reporting criminals to security agencies, and avoid the temptation of stereotype and ethnic profiling, whenever attacks happen".