In a bid to make Courts in Asaba Capital Territory easily accessible to stakeholders in justice administration and enhance efficient performance of judges and magistrates, the State Chief Judge, Justice Marshal Umukoro has caused the relocation of High Court and Magistrate Court in Asaba.
By the new arrangement, High Court 2 and 3 have been relocated to Ibusa Road, Asaba.
Justice Marshal Umukoro disclosed that the relocation arrangement also affects Magistrate Court 4 and 5, which have been relocated to Multi-Door Court, High Court Road, off Okpanam Road, Asaba, while Magistrate Court 2 formally at Ibusa Road, is now at Umuda, Umuaji Quarter, and Magistrate Court 3 formally at Oshimili South Local Government Council has been moved to Umuezei (behind UBA).
He explained that the new arrangement would provide among others, the enabling environment for judges and magistrates to enhance productivity in performing their judicial responsibilities.
The chief judge explained that it would also afford litigants easy access to courts and save them the unnecessary stress of moving from one High Court to another, which was before now, scattered at various locations in Asaba.
He advised litigants, legal practitioners and the public to take note of the development, reiterating that the adjustment was for the general interest and convenience of stakeholders in the administration of justice, and effective functioning of the justice sector in the state.
It was a day of mourning for Arewa Community in Warri as four Hausa young men lost their lives during an alleged illegal bunkering in a riverine area known as Omare Bush in Warri South Local Government Area.
It was gathered that there was an explosion that led to fire out break during the alleged illegal oil bunkering and that in the process 10 casual workers of the illegal bunker were adversely affected leading to the immediate death of the four Hausa young men.
The other six victims were immediately rushed to the hospital and private clinic for medical attention.
A Police Officer at the Police ‘ A’ Division, Warri South Local Government Area who spoke under condition of anonymity told our correspondent that the sad incident was yet to be reported to the police at as the time of filling this report.
Our correspondent saw scores of Hausa men outside the gate of the Warri Cemetery discussing the incident while the victims were being interred as late as 8.00 pm.
It was gathered that preserving the dead till the next day was against Muslim rite and that the deceased can only be preserved more than a day if his or her identity was not known.
Efforts made to get confirmation of the incident though calls and text message put across to the Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO) DSP Onome Onowakpeyeya proved abortive as at the time of filing this report.
-Blank NEWS Online (NIGERIA) –By Michael EKOKORUWE:
Oleh Community women in their numbers on Monday staged a peaceful protest to Heritage Energy Operational Services Limited Oleh, at Oleh – Olomoro Field /Flow Station cluster 5 OML30, Isoko South local government area of Delta State, over award of pumps rental services contract to the people of Oleh kingdom.
The women caring different placards with various inscription like “Heritage give urgent attention in awarding pumps renting contract to Oleh indigenous contractor”, Oleh Community needs the pump contract”, “the flow station carried 3, 5, 8, and 9, give us two pumps and “Heritage award the pump rent contract to Oleh people, were resisted by the companies security operatives at Oleh – Olomoro flow station.
Presenting their demand through the chairman of Oleh Community Development Committee, Chief Obaro Ekokobe, the women stated that recent information on the award of pumps rental services contract revealed that, the interest of Oleh people have been marginalized from benefiting.
Ekokobe said, “We were informed by Olomoro people that the award of pumps rental services contract have been awarded by Heritage oil firm to Olomoro contractors, knowing that the facilities are jointly owned by Oleh – Olomoro communities”. He stated that letter demanding immediate award of the said pump rental contracts with names of companies / contractors from Oleh kingdom to Heritage oil firm was tendered since 12th November 2019.
He maintained that the oil firm invited both contractors from Oleh and Olomoro communities to a meeting on Thursday 14th November 2019 at block P. Niger close NPDC/ND Western Estate Edjeba Warri, but Olomoro contractors turned down holding meeting with Oleh contractors.
Ekokobe noted that the field / flow station caries four serviceable pumps jointly owned by Oleh – Olomoro communities which according to him have no discrimination and disparities on the award of contracts.
He called on the management of heritage oil firm to recognize the people of Oleh community in the award of the pumps contract and give two to Oleh; two to Olomoro community, adding that if Heritage is contracting two pumps, both communities should have one each.
Responding on behalf of Heritage Energy Operational services limited, Mr. Daniel Osunba and Mr. Abel Njokor, D.S.S to Heritage oil firm, promised to channel the request of the protesters to the company’s management, noting that the security department of the company is to ensure absolute protection of lives and properties. Others who represented Heritage oil firm are the community liaison officers from Oleh and Olomoro, Mr. Egbo Savoir and Mr. Akporero Augustine.
While calling for peaceful dialogue between the protesters and Heritage oil firm, the managing director and chief executive officer of Dantinajo Gold Resort limited and contractor to Heritage oil firm, Engr. Daniel Omoyibo {DAMOTECK}, urged the women and chairman Oleh community development committee, Chief Ekokobe Obaro to dialogue with the company’s management on their request.
He commended the people for peaceful protest even as he urged Heritage representatives to meet with the people for peaceful settlement to avoid brake down of law and order.
Also speaking was Hon. Kenneth Ogba, member Delta State house of Assembly representing Isoko South constituency 1. The law maker urged the people to be peaceful, noting that their request will be treated by the management of the company with positive response. He said, the company should be allowed to work even as the situation is under control.
The public protest, demonstration and outcry of some prominent Christian Religious group yesterday, brought to the front burner, once again, the demoralizing state of insecurity in the nation and the resultant insensitivity of government to this hydra-header.
Despite the numerous applauses and criticisms that followed the demonstration of this religious group, one thing is Cristal clear: the palpable fear of a possible overwhelming failure of government being bereft of ideas to tackle the challenge anymore.
The spate of killings and the boldness of the perpetrators, in recent time, cause some chilling goosebumps down the spine of those who truly love Nigeria in particular and humanity in general. It is one death too many. Gory videos abound of gruesome depreciation of natural human love and the rendezvous of an already broken and forgotten humanity all over the place, caused by the reprobate minds of those who choose to do evil and the ignorance, complicity and complacency of those who have the political will and might to stop them.
The most unthinkable thing about this all, is the attempt to play politics with the precious innocent lives of those who are already victims of the Boko Haram war including the Soldiers on the front line. When the government is berated for not doing enough, they throw tantrums at every opportunity. This has made the reality on ground to look like a child’s play in the prying eyes of the international community.
What is stopping Nigeria from calling for help just like the Iraqi government did when they were faced with the deadly annexation and occupation of part of her territory by the ISIS? Britain openly declared last year that Nigeria has not invited her for help. Who is this crisis benefiting?
It should be recalled that playing politics with the issue by the powers that be versus the then opposition led by the present President, was what gave BH much ground to expand their evil frontiers in the first place. Today, the issue of changing the present docile security architecture headed by tired and tactless service Chiefs has become a matter of politics. How did we get here?
It is equally very myopic, narrow and bias to think that this present issue of insecurity, especially that of the BH genre, is targeted at a particular Religion. These are heartless crops of twisted hearts, dare-devil killers who care little or nothing about religion even though they leverage on it as a smokescreen. The twelve year old war of the Boko Haram has ravaged, displaced and impoverished both Christians and Muslims in our Nation. Kidnapping and banditry, too, has no religious inclination nor colours. The earlier we accept this the less opaque the road to a permanent solution becomes for all of us. The open protest of the Christian group is long overdue. Despite their religious affiliation, they’re humans and fellow Nigerian citizens to even show concern and do more than what they just did for the peaceful coexistence of all. Just like one of the placard read, every life is important just as every death is a subtraction from our collective humanness.
Summarily therefore, it is obvious that the establishment is in a dilemma as to what next to be done to restore peace and hope while chasing the insurgents and bandits to oblivion. It is becoming very pertinent that independent statutory groups like the National assembly, should intensify efforts at telling the president the truth which may never come from the service Chiefs for obvious reasons.
This is one problem this government must not leave behind for the next government to inherit. It is on the basis of this that this government purportedly claimed to have fought by whatever means to come on board. The government must deliver “security dividends” to us all.
*Austen AKHAGBEME is a Columnist with Blank NEWS Online
Shadows of pain Shadows of gain Shadows of despair Shadows of repair Shadows and nothings
Shadows of love
Shadows of hate
Shadows of today
Shadows of yester years
Shadows and nothings
Shadows I see in life circle Shadows, whenever and wherever Shadows we experience For all in life IS Shadows and nothings
TITLE OF BOOK; SHADOWS AND NOTHINGS AUTHOR; TONY NWAKA
INTRODUCTION ON THE AUTHOR; Dr. Tony Felix Nwaka is a Nigerian author from delta state. He is also the author of ‘’Mountain of yesterday’’ Mr. Benjamin’s Pen and Lords of the creek. He lives in Asaba , Delta State of Nigeria PLACE OF PUBLICATION; kraft Books limited. 6A polytechnic road, Sango Ibadan, Box 22084 University of Ibadan post office, Ibadan. Oyo state. Nigeria.
PUBLISHER; KRAFT BOOKS LIMITED DATE OF PUBLICATION; 2019 The front of the back cover is charcoal in colour with a portrait of a beautiful lady who is either sleeping or day dreaming. The back cover of the book is grey cascading into a fairer version of the beautiful lady at the front back cover including the author’s portrait. The book Shadows and Nothing is a fiction series that comprises of 261 pages, a prologue, epilogue and eighteen chapters. The prologue and epilogue are letters to the main character (Julius) from his ex – girl friend called Evelyn.
THEME OF THE BOOK; ROMANCE In love and Romance many people make mistakes of not knowing what they want due to hearsays. A woman trades in a better husband material for a boyfriend and sometimes a man trades in a good wife material for a girlfriend and lives with the pain of HAD I KNOWN. Forces around like parents, relatives and friends sometimes mar marriages and relationships if both parties involved cannot stand through thick and thin and stay firm for their love. In romance and Love we have winners and losers for all is fair in love and Romance.
BACKGROUND Shadows and Nothings is a full length work literary fiction work on the theme Romance which is human nature. We have an insight into the love gone sour and a new love life of the protagonist (Julius) from a wedding ceremony. Julius does not like wedding ceremonies, but he has to be present on this occasion as the bride is the sister of his best friend. The party turns out to be more than Julius expected and he finds himself hopelessly drawn to another guest at the ceremony. Knowing nothing of the troubles tearing her world apart. Julius relentlessly pursues the enchanting Lauretta until he cracks the walls that circumstances have erected around her. But just when Lauretta begins to put her hope in the redemptive power of Julius love, the glimmer on the horizon is blighted by an old flame from his own equally unsavoury past flickering to life and casting shadows on the future they have dared to believe in. Will Julius succumb to the frailty of human nature? Will they ever be together or will their future be destroyed by the evil threatening within and without him? Will he listen to the counsel of friends or lean to the promptings of his heart? In the end will Julius go the way of others?
PLOT:
The story begins with a prologue written as a letter terminating a relationship. This gave way to the main story. The main character is now a very successful man though single and in search of a better half. The reader is allowed into Julius deep rooted anger from a betrayed love in the person of an ex- girlfriend called Evelyn. Evelyn left Julius and married Fabian who she later divorced and came running back to Julius with hope when she knelt down and held his hand saying’ Julius I know you hate me now. Yes I thoroughly deserve your contempt. I was young and foolish. I haven’t found peace ever since. Since I left you. Please find it in your heart to forgive me. There’s no man that can give me the joy and happiness you gave me. I’m sorry Julius I love you more than you’ll ever know. Please forgive me so that I can know peace again ‘. Because she wants to come back into his life. The plot further unfolds the new girl called Lauretta whose father is a former Governor and the turbulences they both faced in their lives. The anti- climax of the novel was when Julius said these words and I quote’ but as I said, rather than run for dear life at the slightest indication of turbulence, I’ll hold on to the light of love, for it will always dispel the fears of those shadows that are really nothing’.
CHARACTERIZATION: The characters in this work are very normal people we come across every day. These characters complement our day to day living. The father of Lauretta {Ebunoluwa} a former governor a formidable personality Chief Oni Alaba portrays so much wisdom filled with words of advice’ I have tried to render accounts as simply and as straightforward as possible so that the bitter reality may not be lost in a splash of poetic embellishments. These and many other humiliating treatments I got from people to whom I had rendered significant assistance were some of the things that caused me to harden my heart toward any person that came to me for favours. Unfortunately I didn’t know when I began to take callousness beyond the bounds of inhumanity.’……….’ my son, always remember that no bird stays permanently in flight. Work towards charity and purity of thought, for in such sublime vocations of mortal man, the soul is elevated from mud to the penthouse’…………..’ let your opinions and actions be guided by truth and moral conscience, no matter the circumstances. it’s better to speak and work for a place of honour in posterity than bask in the eulogy of a transient crowd. Other characters both major and minor are also unique in their own way.
SETTING AND MODE OR TONE:
Filled with anxious moments, apprehensive and sometimes irritating. Edobor who is Julius friend and knows about the two ladies in his life showed a superstitious side and protective side when Lauretta gave a wristwatch worth $10,000.0 to Julius had this to say’ this lady must have spent a fortune on this. It is important and urgent we know who she is…………….. Honestly, I still keep having a creepy feeling about the whole thing, an ominous air of something evil about to happen. My brother if I were you not minding ………….. I won’t wear this watch again until I get a priest to sprinkle some Holy water or anointing oil on it. Any lady who goes to this length for a guy must be serious. Never mind one we haven’t confirmed to be human.’ But it ended in a beautiful way which is typical of a TONY NWAKA novel.
VIEW POINT: From the eyes of Julius, the major and minor characters believed that Lauretta was shrouded in mystery but Julius stood his ground, especially in his answerer to morayo. ‘Believe me I never gave heed to all that superstition. I’ve always known that, ultimately, the spirit of love would overcome. Whatever arrows the force of life throws at two souls that are genuinely bonded in mutual affection’, he get his reward in Lauretta when she spoke these words’ thank you honey, I like the ring. I knew no one else could have put the ring on my finger. Yes, I will marry you, Juls. I will marry you in this world and the next world to come.i will be with you forever Juls’
STLYE OF WRITING DICTION; the writing style is free and flowery. Easy to read and understand. Very entertaining.
COMPARISON; it can be compared with ‘ EVBU , MY LOVE’ in the pacesetters series of Macmillan’s written by Helen Oviaghele and TOADS FOR SUPER written by chukwuemeka IKE .
RELATION TO THE THEME; the theme is of romance and love gives a broad view of the good, bad and ugly sides of love. The winners and losers and the danger of uncherished love. Real love thrown away is like opportunity and flies away when not captured.
EVALUATION; The Epilogue concluded the story by nailing it home. Quoting from the letter I shall drop the pen at this point and retire to the solitude of my wretched life, clinging only to memories of how we once lived, loved and laughed, and dream that never saw the light of days. Take care Julius and goodbye. I rate this an A. it should be used in institutions of higher learning. A delightful and interesting read for lovers of literature.
CONCLUSION I personally like this book because true love conquered at the end. I leave with this beautiful hymn O you mist of hour! How my hopes were clouded by The expanse of your presence! But I heard the voice of him that redeems; Who did beseech that I tarry a while For, shortly, he said, the mist I fear shall be no more
See you not the joy that comes, now the mist is gone? Yes! Behold the mist is gone O yes! The mist is gone and now I dwell in joy….
–Blank NEWS Online (NIGERIA): From Mike Sogbola, North East Correspondent:
Borno Governor, Professor Babagana Umara Zulum on Wednesday swore-in an Ibo and Yoruba men as special advisers.
The two Chief Kesta Ogualili from Anambra state (Southeast Nigeria) and Alhaji Yusuf Alao from Oyo state (Southwest Nigeria) are among the 26 special advisers swore in by the governor.
Ogualili, hails from Dunukofia local government, while Alao is from Ogbomosho local government area.
Zulum had on January 9, appointed both men who as professionals have lived in Borno state for many years and have been active in supporting the All Progressives Congress (APC).
Borno’s deputy governor, Umar Kadafur who represented Governor Zulum at the swearing-in of the 26 advisers, administered oaths of office and allegiance on them.
The others swore in include. Sheikh Modu Mustapha, Ali Damasak, Mustapha Bulu, Hussaini Gambo, Bukar Ardoram, Tukur Mshelia, Tijjani Modu, Inna Galadima, Zarah Bukar, Mustapha Sandabe, Gadau Ngurno, Mohammed Maulud, Bole Kachallah, Abdulrahman Abdulkarim, Barr. Bashir Maidugu, Bukar Konduga, Umoru Gaya, Ali Zangeri, Tukur Ibrahim, Tijjani Kukawa, Abba Gubio, Malam Gana Badu, Alhaji Adamu Chibok and Ahmed Zarma.
The governor advised the new appointees to live to the high expectations and to contribute to the attainment of the ten pact development agenda already being implemented within the last eight months.
-Blank NEWS Online (NIGERIA) – From Mike Sagbola (North-East Correspondent):
Ruthless and notorious terrorists operating in Nigeria’s North-East, code-named “Boko Haram” have slaughtered two persons sleeping overnight at a military checkpoint in Maiduguri.
The insurgents, according to source, also carted away some of their wares, frozen fish.
According to a security source, who preferred anonymity, the truck which was bringing frozen fish from Kano got to the military checkpoint at Auno, an outskirts of Maiduguri, few minutes to the closure of the security gates but could not continue it’s journey into the town as he had a mechanical fault.
The driver was given an advice by the military and security personnel at the checkpoint to leave the truck, a DAF with Yobe registration number PKM 665 X and proceed into town to sleep with the two other persons with him.
They were said to have rejected the advice and chose instead to sleep in the broken vehicle.
The source said the insurgents came at night slaughtering the three with two dead instantly but one was gasping for life when the men of the Rapid Response Squad arrived the scheme on Wednesday morning.
The corpses of the deceased were deposited at the hospital and the wounded was left to be treated at the emergency unit of the Borno State Specialist Hospital, Maiduguri.
The source said: “That the RRS got an information at about 7am on Wednesday of Boko Haram attack. Information revealed that some armed men suspected to be insurgents intercepted a DAF truck with registration number Yobe PKM 665 X driven by one Yusuf Mohammed and a motor boy Abdullah Mohammed.
“They slept at the gate of Army checkpoint at Auno, which is normally locked up by 5pm. The insurgents came at night attacked the three people in the vehicle, two were slaughtered to death and one, Yusuf Abdulrahaman the slaughter and was still gasping for air this morning when the team from the RRS got the scene of the incident.”
The source added that: “Abdulrahaman was rushed to the Borno State Specialist Hospital for treatment, the DAF truck which still contained some iced fish was towed to Auno for safe keeping and the corpse removed and deposited at the University of Maiduguri Teaching Hospital Hospital (UMTH).”
Attempts to get the commandant of the Borno Rapid Respond Squad, CSP Abioye Babalola to comment was unsuccessful as at the time of writing the report as his mobile line was not reached.
Delta Governor, Sen. (Dr) Ifeanyi Okowa, has expressed sadness on the passing of renowned author, publisher and politician, Dr. George Idodo-Umeh.
Idodo-Umeh died at a hospital in Benin on Monday after a brief illness. He was aged 76.
The deceased hails from Olomoro in Isoko South Local Government Area and was Commissioner for Urban, Rural Integrated Development and Housing, in defunct Bendel State, from 1980 to 1982 and Commissioner for Agriculture and Natural Resources, 1982 to 1983.
In a statement made available to Blank NEWS Online by his Chief Press Secretary, Mr Olisa Ifeajika, on Tuesday in Asaba, Okowa commiserated with the people of Isoko and Olomoro community in particular, over the demise of the renowned politician and Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) chieftain.
He noted that the departed Idodo-Umeh was an elder statesman, grassroots politician and administrator, who excelled as a two-time commissioner in the defunct Bendel.
Idodo-Umeh was an academic and entrepreneur. He founded Idodo Umeh Publishers Limited in Benin and Idodo Umeh Academy in Olomoro, his home town.
In recognition of his outstanding contributions to the growth of his community and Isoko in general, he was honoured with the Chieftaincy titles of the Osugba of Olomoro and the Ogba of Emevor, another community in Isokoland.
The governor described the deceased as “thoroughbred politician’’ whose love for his people led him to contest twice for the Delta South Senatorial District seat in 1983 and 1999 general elections.
He remarked that although the man was unsuccessful on both occasions, he remained committed to the growth and development of the party in the state.
“On behalf of the government and people of Delta, I mourn the passing of an elder Statesman, grassroots-oriented politician, author and publisher, Dr George Idodo-Umeh, who passed on yesterday after a brief illness.
“The news of his death came to me as a shock.
“He was a gentleman-politician, who distinguished himself in the service of his people, especially as two-time commissioner in the defunct Bendel State.
“In the formative years of our great party, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), he was a founding member and ran though unsuccessfully, on its platform to represent his people of Delta South Senatorial District,’’ Okowa said.
He prayed God to accept the deceased’s soul and grant fortitude to the family and friends he left to bear the loss.
*Aa Commission Holds Management Retreat For Board Members, HODs @ Lagos Business School
-Blank NEWS Online (NIGERIA) – By Albert OGRAKA:
Governor Ifeanyi Arthur Okowa is desirous to change the narrative in the Delta State Oil Producing Areas Development Commission, (DESOPADEC) and make it more responsive to the yearnings of the oil producing communities.
Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of DESOPADEC, Bashorun Askia Ogieh, FCNA, CrFA, reiterated this in his opening remarks at a retreat for Board members and Heads of Departments of the Commission, held at the Lagos Business School on Tuesday, January 28, 2020.
According to him, the retreat with the theme; “Leadership and Change Management” was apt, considering the mandatory task set for the Commission by the state Governor. “Our major objective here is to be equipped with the tools to change the narrative at DESOPADEC.”
Bashorun Askia listed some of the tasks issued to the Commission by Governor Okowa to include,
• Reforming the contract award process to curb the patronage of companies without the requisite capacity to diligently execute projects.
• Improving project supervision procedures to eliminate cases of substandard jobs.
• Ensuring that projects executed have direct benefits to communities by liaising with relevant stakeholders in deciding the choice of projects.
• Reposition DESOPADEC into a responsive, focused and purpose-driven intervention agency.
• Initiate measures to sustain and deepen the peace in oil producing areas.
“These are solemn tasks we have been mandated to undertake without any margin for failure. Previously, we have been failing because we were mainly engaged in transactional leadership.
“We as transactional leaders, are more concerned with productivity (which is questionable, sometimes) without necessarily inspiring communication or leading by example. This I must say is against the current trend of transformational leadership that meets the challenges.
“One of the key features of transactional leadership as I have observed, in the course of my sojourn in the corporate world, is the laissez-faire attitude. We are indifferent and have a ‘hands-off’ approach toward our subordinates and their performance.
“We as leaders ignore their needs and do not even monitor performance as it involves corporate goals. Well, that is archaic. We must change to effectively and positively impact on our style of management and those we have been challenged and mandated to affect their lives and environment.
“The good news is that we are transiting to a more accommodating leadership that is relevant and delivers on corporate targets and governance at DESOPADEC. The transformational leadership I talk about here is a model of leadership that meets both the challenges of a rapidly changing environment and the need to emotionally engage everyone within the organisation for the achievement of the organisational goals.
“The leaders, board members and heads of departments must recognise and nurture the talents of the other members of the organisation in order to succeed. In this regard, think about the office cleaner as a key member of the team that helps to deliver on our targets and goals.”
: “In transformational leadership, the leader develops and shares the vision of the organisation’s future so that other members will imbibe it and they will get focused on what to achieve.
“But I must say that this is not happening because we at the management level hoard useful information from our colleagues in other departments or even from our subordinates. We do not provide leadership for change in corporate enhancement because we lock up vital files and information while we proceed on leave.”
While reminding the participants that “Change as it applies to DESOPADEC must involve a shift in management and organisational structure and culture”, Bashorun Askia insisted that, “We must change to effectively and positively impact on our style of management and those we have been challenged and mandated to affect their lives and environment.”
***ReadBlank NEWS Online for regular news updates…Also like us on Facebook & follow us on Twitter @blanknewsonlin1
Advertise in Blank NEWS Online. Visit Us @: www.blanknewsonline.com Email: blanknewsonline@gmail.com Phone: +234 8037 644 337 Nigeria (Blank NEWS Online) – E.I.C: Albert E. OGRAKA
Offering sincere gratitude to God and carrying out duties with the fear of God comes with great reward.
The Senior Pastor of the Four Square Gospel Church, Sanctuary of God’s Mercy, Zonal Headquarters Asaba, Pastor Innocent Afobunor stated this at a Thanksgiving organized by the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Urban Renewal Mrs Charity Ehimen.
Pastor Afobunor whose message was tagged the power of an intimate relationship with God, said everyone has countless reasons to thank God especially for the gift of life.
He warned Christians not to arrogate powers to themselves but should fear God and be exemplary in any position they occupy in life.
He commended Governor Ifeanyi Okowa for maintaining the Government House Chapel as a vibrant place of worship of God and urged others in key positions to put Christ at the centre of their lives.
The cleric congratulated the PS on her elevation and urged her to use her office to affect lives positively and preach the gospel of Jesus.
The chief celebrant Mrs Charity Ehimen said her promotion to the apex of her career was by divine providence and thanked Senator Okowa for reposing confidence in her, promising to give her best.
At the event, the Delta State Head of Service Mr Reginald Bayoko, the Permanent Secretary Government House and Protocol Mr Edwin Ogidi-Gbegbaje described Mrs Ehimen as a dedicated public servant and urged her to continue to be a role model to the younger generation.
Leading mobile payments company WorldRemit saw a 43% growth in remittances to Africa from higher income nations in 2019.
The top five countries receiving remittances from the diaspora in 2019 included, Ghana, Kenya, Uganda, Zimbabwe, with Nigeria receiving the most remittances.
The top sending countries to the region included the United States, Australia, Canada, and Sweden, with the UK sending the most remittances.
The diaspora plays a key role in Africa’s development story, today the value of remittances is three times larger than official development assistance (ODA), and forecasted to become higher than foreign direct investment for a handful of African countries in 2019.
The growth of digital and mobile penetration across the continent has contributed to the growth in remittances. WorldRemit has and continues to partner with both mobile money and bricks and mortar agents to increase accessibility to all our customers regardless of whether they are in a city or a remote village on the continent.
In addition to digital growth within the continent, the diaspora is also changing its pattern of frequency, value, and reason for sending money back home.
Apart from the traditional reasons for sending money to their native countries, members of the diaspora are increasingly looking at ways to be part of what is happening “back home”.
A great example is Ghana, In 2019 after the launch of the Year of Return, Ghana extended citizenship to over 100 African-American’s as well as enacting the Immigration Act which provides for a “Right of Abode” for any “Person of African descent in the Diaspora” to travel to and from the country “without hindrance.”
After a successful 2019, President Akuffo-Addo launched a new initiative “Beyond the Return” which is a drive to see people from the diaspora invest in Ghana via business start-ups, property acquisition, relocating or investment vehicles which the government is setting up.
At WorldRemit, it is important to continue to remain affordable, fast, simple, secure and accessible for the growing market and ever-changing dynamic continent.
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-Blank NEWS Online (NIGERIA) – From Mike Sagbola (North-East Correspondent):
Four persons were said to have died during a suicide attack on a mosque in Gwoza, southern Borno.
Gwoza was at the peak of ongoing Boko Haram insurgency, the administrative capital of the caliphate of the terrorist group.
was learnt that the suicide bomber ran at a group of worshipper during an early morning prayer.
A source who could not ascertained if it was a male or female suicide bomber, said the suicide bomber was lost along with three other worshippers in the mosque.
He said several other persons were injured in the explosion which shook the mosque.
A source, in one of the humanitarian communities in Borno State told our correspondent in confidence that: “I received Information of suicide bomb attack this morning in Gwoza, the attack was said to happened in a mosque. Three people including the suicide bomber were killed.”
A top security agent, who does not want his name mentioned, said it was only the suicide bomber that was lost.
He equally disclosed that 13 worshippers had varied injuries and were assisted to a health centre for treatment.
He said the immediate vicinity of the attack was cordoned off by the military.
Attempt to get the military and police authorities to confirm the attack as at the time of filing the report was not however successful as the messages sent to their spokesperson in Borno, Col. Isa Ado and ASP Okon Edet, were not responded to.messages sent to their mobile lines.
–Blank NEWS Online (NIGERIA) – From Mike Sagbola (North-East Correspondent):
The military has again sealed off another office of an international non governmental organisation in the Northeast.
It was learnt that soldiers invaded the Borno office of Adventist Development and Relief Agency (ADRA} in Maiduguri on Saturday, ordering everyone out, sealing off the office.
Some soldiers were detailed around the office to ensure no one have access to the office.
The military had sometimes last year sealed off the offices of Action Against Hunger and Mercy Corps in the Northeast for alleged activities against Nigerian security.
The two organisations were subsequently opened after interventions from all humanitarian communities led by the United Nations who had to meet with the military and the federal government.
A source said Saturday’s sealing off of ADRA was ordered by the head of the military counter-insurgency operation in the Northeast (Theatre Commander if Operation Lafiya Dole).
An impeccable source revealed to our correspondent that four staff of ADRA were arrested by the military following an intelligence alert that they were planning an unauthorized trip to Magumeri.
The source said the four persons were subsequently handed over to the police and as at Sunday evening detained at the Borno State Police Command in Maiduguri
When contacted for comment, the spokesman of Forum of international non governmental organisations (INGOs), Moshood Raimi said he cannot speak for ADRA since it does not associate with the rest of the Forum of INGOs.
Confirming the report on Sunday, the Country Representative of ADRA, Frederick Omosebi said the organisation is still conducting investigation to determine what was responsible for the action.
Both the spokesman of the military and police, Col. Ado Isa and ASP Okon Edet did not respond to messages sent to their mobile lines.
“Bashorun (Hon.) Askia Ogieh is a grassroots politician, a true Isoko son who is using his position as the Managing Director of DESOPADEC to complement what Governor Okowa is doing in the area of providing infrastructure in the state. As you can see, these projects will greatly impact on the lives of the people.”
Audio money, audio project, and several audio activities have become regular terms used to refer to statements that are not real or promises that cannot be kept.
In the political circles, politicians were known for audio statements until the Governor of Delta State, Senator (Dr.) Ifeanyi Okowa came into governance with sincerity, letting the people know that they can be on the same page with those that they have elected into office.
It might interest you to note that the governor has continually reiterated the need for political office holders to relate fully with their people in their various communities. To the governor, you cannot claim that you are representing a people you cannot sit and dine with or discuss freely with.
Last December, while others were confirming their flight tickets for holidays in foreign lands, Senator Okowa retired to his country home, Boji-Boji, Owa for the yuletide and stayed with his people all through the season. It was really, interesting to see the governor mingling with his people, looking so simple without security aides and without iota of fear.
His behaviour during the yuletide singled him out from his contemporaries as someone that can be described as fully at home with his people. At the Agbor Township Stadium during the finals of Okowa Football Tournament, one had to take a cursory look to find the governor in the crowd as there were no preferential treatment; in the midst of the spectators, cheering the footballers and analysing the game without inhibition. The seats specially arranged for him were vacant as he chose to be with his people who also saw him as theirs without looking at the toga of “Governor. “
With Governor Okowa on the saddle, audio projects or programmes are non-existent as promises are matched with actions. This has to a large extent made the governor to be very free with the people. Governor Okowa weighs his words before voicing them knowing that they are his bonds and God has also, given him the means to keep to his words which has earned him the nickname, Ekueme, meaning, the man who keeps to his promise.
Just yesterday, Saturday, January 25, 2020, the governor was in Isoko North and Isoko South local government areas to inaugurate series of projects. Among the projects inaugurated were the Opute Hall, Ozoro; Ultra Modern Civic Centre, Uzere; Model Secondary School, Uzere; Students Hostel at the Delta State University, Oleh Campus and Six number of 3 bedroom bungalows for visiting Lecturers also at DELSU, Oleh Campus. The projects were executed through the Delta State Oil Producing Communities Development Commission (DESOPADEC) under the leadership of the Managing Director/CEO, Bashorun (Hon.) Askia Ogieh, (FCNA, CrFA),.
Last Tuesday, the Delta State Executive Council had approved the construction of 11 roads across the state. All over the world, transportation remains the driving factor behind thesuccess stories of their economies. Governor Okowa as a tested technocrat, is aware of this and has also surrounded himself with the best brains which gave room for proper analysis of programmes before their execution.
It was therefore, not a surprise that ocean-going ships now berths in Warri Port while the Asaba Airport has also, regained its international status.
No doubt, several roads have been constructed by Governor Okowa administration, which has also earned him the sobriquet, Road Master. But, because, Nigeria is still being confronted with series of challenges, there are several more roads to be constructed in the state as the more road projects are awarded, the more the people yearn for more. To the people of Ugiliamai and Ossissa communities in Ndokwa West and Ndokwa East local government areas of the state for instance, they believe that the less than 6 kilometres Ugiliamai/Ossissa road, which is just after the Ossissa bridge will also, be added among the roads that will get attention by the government as its construction will shorten travelling distance to Abraka, Obiaruku and other places and also, assist in quick movement of agricultural produce to the urban markets.
At that post-Exco press briefing attended by the Commissioner for Information, Mr Charles Aniagwu, that of Works and Youths Development, Chief James Auguoye and Mr Ifeanyi Egwuyenga respectively last week, it was disclosed that the roads approved by Exco for construction include, Oniore/High Court road, Orerokpe; Obi Azikwuo Street, Boji Boji, Owa; Alika Street in Boji Boji, Owa; Ogbeima internal roads in Bomadi Local Government Area; Okerenkoko township road phase 4; Pamol Road in Ethiope West local government area; Construction of additional drains at the Ekwuoma/Umunede road, a road that has already been completed; DDPA road phase 4, Agbor, in Ika South; Igbite Street, Staff Quarters in Okpe Local Government Area; reconstruction and resurfacing of Alihame/Agbonta/Oki road and Tete road in Boji Boji, Owa, Ika North East. The Commissioners also disclosed that strong measures to curb irregular migration were also approved at the Exco meeting.
So, yesterday, it was not unexpected to see the people coming out in their large numbers to cheer Governor Okowa and show appreciation for the projects executed. The governor in his down-to-earth attitude to the affairs that has to do with Deltans and humanity in general, said, “This administration has always been on course. We have come to Isoko to inaugurate some infrastructural development projects executed by the Delta State Oil Producing Communities Development Commission (DESOPADEC), an arm of government.
“We are committed to providing adequate service to our people and we will remain focused; as you can see, the amendment of the laws establishing DESOPADEC has given rooms for more resources to go into provision of infrastructure; several communities in the oil producing communities are feeling the impact of governance. We have commissioned five projects and I am glad that all the agencies of government are responding favourably to the needs of our various communities. Isoko people are friends of my administration and we will do our best to keep to our promises as evident with the projects executed across the state,” he said.
In his remarks at the venues of the inauguration, the Managing Director of DESOPADEC, Bashorun (Hon.) Askia Ogieh commended Governor Okowa for giving government agencies the freedom to execute people-oriented programmes.
Those who spoke at the events including Prof. Abednego Ekoko, Mrs Cordelia Obaro, Hon. Nicholas Areh, Dr. (Pharm.) Nelson Ejakpovi thanked Governor Okowa for providing the enabling environment for democratic dividends to be provided.
Prof. Ekoko stated that it was a good omen for such number of projects to be inaugurated in Isoko land while Mrs Obaro who is the Principal of Model Secondary School, Uzere expressed joy that a lot of infrastructure to aid teaching and learning have been provided.
To Dr. Ejakpovi, “Bashorun (Hon.) Askia Ogieh is a grassroots politician, a true Isoko son who is using his position as the Managing Director of DESOPADEC to complement what Dr Okowa is doing in the area of providing infrastructure in the state. As you can see, these projects will greatly impact on the lives of the people.”
Also yesterday, Governor Okowa left Isoko directly to Warri where he attended the 40th anniversary celebration of Warri Diocese of the Anglican Communion.
Leadership entails a lot and versatility is very important, especially for the office of the Governor of an egalitarian state like Delta. Governor Okowa has displayed a very good knowledge of the state and has proven that he is capable of piloting its affairs and as we move on into the year, we hope to see more progressive people. But, as individuals, are we doing enough to complement his efforts for us to achieve our desired Delta State?
As individuals or groups, are we greasing the joints of government for it to work seamlessly or throwing spanners to the wheels for it to grind to a halt?
We should be conscious of the fact that he who throws stone into a market place may not know the victim and engage in right actions, especially for us to have a society where things work.
Governor Okowa is but, an individual who is saddled with the responsibility of leading Deltans; he is not a “Mr Know It All” or “Mr Do It All”. As such, all hands must be on deck for us to contribute to the success story of the administration with the full knowledge of the fact that the achievements of the government will impact on us positively or negatively for a long time to come based on the roles that we are playing. And in tune with democratic tenets, we chose the government and if we contribute to its failure, we have all failed and if we make it to succeed, by implications, we shall reap the full benefits of the success story.
The Managing Director/CEO of the Delta State Oil Producing Areas Development Commission (DESOPADEC), Bashorun Askia Ogieh FCNA, CrFA, has said he decided to appreciate God for using Governor Ifeanyi Okowa to bring him to limelight promising to use the commission to champion development in oil bearing areas.
Read the remarks by Bashorun Askia:
REMARKS BY BASHORUN ASKIA OGIEH AT THE THANKSGIVING SERVICE ON HIS APPOINTMENT AS MANAGING DIRECTOR/CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER OF DELTA STATE OIL PRODUCING AREAS DEVELOPMENT COMMISSION, HELD AT THE ST. MATTHIAS CATHOLICH I, UZERE, ON SUNDAY, JANUARY 26, 2020
PROTOCOLS:
I welcome you all who, despite your tight schedules, commitments and even at short notice joined my family and I in giving heartfelt thanks to God Almighty for His various acts of mercies and blessings upon our lives.
My Lord Bishop, I will be very brief, as I know that our Catholic Mass is also a brief one and I do not wish an episcopal sanctions from the pulpit on myself.
Permit me to use this opportunity to specially thank and express my deep appreciation to His Excellency, Senator (Dr.) Ifeanyi Arthur Okowa, our amiable Governor, who has in various ways enhanced and ensured my political trajectory in Delta State and beyond.
This Thanksgiving Service is for my appointment as the Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer of the Delta State Oil Producing Areas Development Commission (DESOPADEC) which Your Excellency graciously made possible. In all, we give thanks and praises to God for guiding you in giving me this privilege to serve our people.
Your Excellency, I appreciate that you let me into where the political paddle of Delta State is hidden and the Canoe has been sailing smoothly even in rough waters. My gratitude knows no bounds. It is profound. And you know, it is without regrets. For me, it is the right thing to do, to effortlessly show immense gratitude to you.
As we have it in our local cliché, to whom much is given, much is expected. Your Excellency, I do not take lightly the huge confidence you reposed on me and my team with our appointments. It is a call to duty, a call to build a Delta primed to equip our people with the wherewithal to become entrepreneurial and by creating a clement environment for them to achieve their potentials. I will not fail you. I will not fail our good people of Delta State.
To our people in the oil producing communities, I pledge that under my watch, we will be engaging and liaising with you in decision making. In project execution, the desires and priorities of the communities will be paramount. This is an effective way of making the people buy into and own the projects in their areas.
My Lord Bishop, I cannot put into words my appreciation to you. When I approached you about my intention for a Thanksgiving, you promised to be present but did the unthinkable and the unusual. You gave me the profound honour to choose the date myself, an action that will amaze all Catholics, hearing about this. That you are here with us and presiding gives me the chills. That I am grateful is an understatement. My dear brothers and sisters, please join me to give our Lord Bishop an applause of appreciation!
I also wish to use this opportunity to copiously thank all other persons who have played various roles in getting me to where I am today. Those who prepared my path and nurtured me are many, both the young and the old. Permit me to take the safest route by not mentioning names. It is dangerous to do so because you know, it can cause a massive political earthquake in our state if some names are left out. I am already full of regrets, as I understand my invitation cards for this Thanksgiving Service could not get to all persons that should be here celebrating with us. To this very dear group of persons, I offer my very sincere apologies.
I am an apostle of “Politics is Local” as it is what you do at that level that enhances your status at both the state and federal levels. My political followers, especially of the Peoples Democratic Party stock, across the Isoko Nation can attest to the fact of my modest sharing of my successes with them even at the immodest risk of saying so myself. I can take that risk, after all, no good politician should be quiet about even the little things he has done for his people. And I think I am a decent politician, with special grassroots touch, even though not a wily one like some in the opposition.
It is in this regard therefore, that the BASHORUN ASKIA FOUNDATION (BAF) will be encouraged now more than ever to continue to carry out those activities that one way or the other elevate the status of our people. I will, in this instant, encourage all of us to do the same, just as I will advise that we should not envy, deride, do or say things that may discourage those who are modestly sharing their successes with their brothers and sisters without means. We must all resist the worms that devour from within and among us.
Let me once again appreciate all those who graced the Thanksgiving Service, especially our Governor and his amiable wife, the First Lady, and my friends who came from very far and near to be with us today.
On a lighter note, I must not forget to thank those already seated at the reception ground waiting to be served food and drinks while some of us were lucky to have listened to the Homily and set us in the mood for the reception. See you there…
In a sermon, during the Sunday Thanksgiving service held at Saint Mathias Catholic Church, Uzere, the Catholic Bishop of the Warri Diocese, Most Reverend John Afareha commended Governor Okowa for using Bashorun Askia to attract people oriented projects into Uzere town emphasizing that he has distinguished himself in the position he occupies in DESOPADEC.
The Bishop said any talent deposited into any man must be used for the good of all, stressing that many lost their gifts because it was used for wrong purposes.
Eminent Personalities stormed Uzere, Isoko South Local Government Area of Delta State, hometown of the Bashorun Askia Ogieh for his appointment as Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer of the Delta State Oil Producing Area Development Commission (DESOPADEC,) by the state Governor Senator Dr. Ifeanyi Okowa.
Chief among the guests at the event were Governor Ifeanyi Okowa who had on Saturday commissioned some projects executed by the DESOPADEC, including venue of the reception ceremony, Ultra-Modern Civic Centre, Uzere, Opute Hall, Ozoro, and some structures at the Delta University Engineering Faculty, Oleh Campus and Maritime University, Okerenkoko; and his wife, Dame Edith Okowa.
Also at the event were former Delta State Governor, Chief James Ibori, Chief Ovuozorie Macaulay, Chief Ross Uredi, Prince Johnson Erijo, Chief Mike Usige as well as traditional rulers including the Ovie of Igbide, Edward Obukeni II; among others.
Other prominent Deltans include; the Speaker of the Delta State House of Assembly, Sheriff Oborevwori, former Rivers State Military Governor , Chief Paul Omu and Wife, Chief Mrs Stella Omu, business mogul, Senator representing Delta South, Senator James Manager, Chief Eta Enahoro, Chief DEA Etaluku, President-General, Isoko Development Union, Chief Idu Amadhe , an Aide to Governor Ifeanyi Okowa, Sese Omu , member representing Isoko South Constituency 1 at the Delta State House of Assembly, Kenneth Ogba, and his counterpart at Isoko South Constituency II, Ferguson Onwo, Professor Abednego Ekoko, and Executive Secretary, Delta State Technical, Vocational Education Board, Michael Akpobire.
Guests were later treated to a sumptuous reception at the Ultra-Modern Civic Centre, Uzere which was filled to capacity.
The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency has arrested two hundred and forty-nine persons suspected for various drug crimes in the year 2019 as thirty seven of them were convicted.
In a release signed by the Public Relations officer of the Agency in Awka, Mr. Charles Odigie, the State Commander of the Agency, Mr. Misbahu Idris also revealed that it seized four-hundred-twenty-nine-point-five-nine-eight-eight kilogrammes of hard drugs.
According to the release, Cannabis Sativa popularly known as “Indian hemp” got the largest chunk of the seizures with three-hundred-and-fifty-six kilogrammes while sixty-nine-point-zero-point-three kilogrammes Crystaline methaphythamine also known as “mkpuru mmiri” were seized.
Also, other seizures include Heroine with zero-point-zero-six-three kilogrammes and cocaine seized was zero-point-zero-zero–two-two-three-kilogrammes it also revealed that the Command has one-hundred-and-twenty-four pending cases in the Federal High Court, Awka and Court of Appeal, Enugu.
The State Commander of NDLEA, Mr. Idris applauded the support of Governor Willie Obiano in the fight against trafficking and abusedrug as well as insecurity in the State while warning those involved in illicit drug activities to desist from the lifestyle or face the wrath of the Law.
–Blank NEWS Online (NIGERIA) – From Mike Sogbola, Maiduguri:
Four cases of Lassa Fever have been reported in Borno State with one of the patients dead.
Commissioner of Health, Dr Salihu Kwaya-Bura disclosed this at a press conference in Maiduguri on Thursday.
The Commissioner said that three patients with Lassa Fever symptoms and infection were discovered after the death of the first victim, was reported last Saturday.
“Precisely on the 18th January, 2020, we received a patient at the University of Maiduguri Teaching Hospital (UMTH) which had symptoms of Lassa Fever. Unfortunately, we lost the patient,” the commissioner said.
He said the medical team has conducted laboratory investigation after taken some sample and established the presence of Lassa Fever in the patient body system. He said efforts have also been put in place to established all those who had contact with the patient within the period with a view to quarantine them.
He said three more Lassa Fever patients have been isolated. “One of the patients had contacted the first victim in Kano and is infected now,” Kwaya-Bura explained.
He said the government decided to alert members of the public about the presence of Lassa Fever in the state. He urged the people to maintain high level of hygiene in their homes and environment. He appealed to people not to panic as government has put enough measure including free treatment to halt the spread of the infectious disease.
“In case of any contact with any individual having symptoms of Lassa Fever like bleeding in the nose or ear to go to designated hospital in Maiduguri,” he said.
He said the two hospitals: Abba Kyari Memorial Hospital located at Jajeri and another at Zajeri in the state capital. He appealed to medical or health personnel in the hospitals and health centre to exhibit high level of professionalism and caution when handling Lassa Fever cases.
Also he said the government has established Emergency Centre with a toll free telephone numbers: 080 099999999 for people to call.
The Managing Director/CEO of the Oil Producing Areas Development Commission (DESOPADEC), Bashorun Askia Ogieh, FCNA, CrFA has been commended for his human capital development and various empowerment programmes across the Isoko nation and beyond.
The commendation was made when Bashorun Askia, the Udu 1 of Isoko land received a high powered delegation of Ewheyae Isoko Women International at home and in the Diaspora, led by Evangelist Mrs. Catherine Illolo to pay a congratulatory visit on Bashorun Askia Ogieh for his appointment as Managing Director/CEO of DESOPADEC by Governor Ifeanyi Okowa of Delta state.
Evangelist Mrs. Catherine Illolo, who described Bashorun Askia as the pathfinder of the people, expressed appreciation to him for his numerous empowerment of women and youths across Isoko in general.
The women further expressed gratitude to the state Governor Senator Dr. Ifeanyi Okowa for finding their son, Bashorun Askia worthy for the appointment, which according to them, have brought more gains and infrastructure growth to the oil producing ethnic nationalities of Delta state.
Highpoint of the event was the presentation of congratulatory Card and Wrappers of different categories to Bashorun Askia.
Bashorun Askia assured them of genuine representation, adding that their visit and continued prayers for him and the state Governor is encouraging.
In another development, members of the Oduduwa Yoruba nation, Isoko branch have also during a congratulatory and appreciation visit to the MD/CEO DESOPADEC, Bashorun Askia Ogieh in his Uzere country home, lauded him for his care and deep concern for the Yorubas living in Isoko.
The climax of the visit was a presentation of Award of Excellence to Bashorun Askia Ogieh.
Moreso, in keeping to his promise of making youths millionaires and independent in entrepreneurship, Bashorun Askia Ogieh and members of Team Bashorun Askia Foundation (BAF) have supported Evangelist Vincent George Eriega, an Isoko Gospel Artist with the sum of N 3 million at the official launching of his musical Album and instruments.
The MD, DESOPADEC, described Vincent George Eriega as a one voice vocalist who has displayed a character worthy of emulation, charging him to remain focused in his music endeavours.
The chief launcher, Samuel Askia Jr., Managing Director, Uzere Cassava Processing Factory, who was represented by the HOD, Project Monitoring and Evaluation, Engr. Efe-Aluta Oghale described George as a steadfast loyalist whose dedication is not in doubt.
Meanwhile, the Senior Special Assistant on Political Matters to the Governor of Delta State, Chief (Hon) Obaro Godspower (Akokotu of Olomoro Kingdom) who extolled the MD/CEO DESOPADEC, Bahorun Askia for launching the Gospel Artist’s album with a Cheque of N3 Million to enable him get new musical set, said the artist has displayed good feat as a Gospel Singer who sings for the Lord and building people spiritually.
WARNING AGAINST ACTIVITIES OF RECRUITMENT FRAUDSTERS: NIGERIAN AIR FORCE IS NOT CURRENTLY RECRUITING
The attention of the Nigerian Air Force (NAF) has been drawn to the activities of some unscrupulous individuals who are fraudulently extorting money from unsuspecting Nigerians under the guise of recruiting them into the NAF. These fraudsters deceive prospective applicants to pay certain amounts of money into bank accounts with the false assurance that they would be guaranteed recruitment into the NAF. It is disheartening to note that some people have been swindled by these unscrupulous individuals despite repeated warnings and spirited efforts by the NAF, over the years, to enlighten the public about the nefarious activities of such fraudsters.
In view of this, it has become necessary to state firstly that the NAF is not currently conducting any recruitment exercise. Whenever such an exercise is imminent, members of the public would be duly informed through the NAF official website, www.airforce.mil.ng, as well as on our official social media handles. The public is also once more reminded that the recruitment and selection process into the NAF is ‘FREE OF CHARGE’ and without any form of gratification. Furthermore, the NAF recruitment process is devoid of recruitment agents, hence anyone who claims to be operating in such capacity on behalf of the NAF is a fraudster. The NAF wishes to advise prospective applicants to promptly report anyone who solicits for payments for recruitment into the Service to the nearest NAF Unit or Nigeria Police Post.
You are please requested to disseminate this information through your medium for the awareness of the general public. Thank you for your usual support and cooperation.
IBIKUNLE DARAMOLA
Air Commodore
Director of Public Relations
and Information
Nigerian Air Force
Nine lawmakers of the Imo State House of Assembly, on Tuesday, defected to the All Progressives Congress from Peoples Democratic Party, All Progressives Grand Alliance and Action Alliance.
The lawmakers who defected are Authur Egwim (Ideato North) from AA to APC; Chyna Iwuanyanwu(Nwangele), PDP; Chidiebere Ogbunikpa(Okigwe), PDP; Obinna Okwara(Nkwerre), AA; and Paul Emeziem (Onuimo) also from PDP to APC.
Others are Ekene Nnodimele (Orsu) from APGA to APC, Johnson Duru (Ideato South), AA; Ngozi Obiefule (Isu) AA; and Heclus Okorocha (Ohaji/Egbema) from PDP to APC.
The speaker, Collins Chiji, read their letters of defection on Tuesday at plenary.
-Blank NEWS Online (NIGERIA): From Mike Sogbola, North East Correspondent:
Soldiers and mobile policemen may have reconnected Maiduguri back to the rest of the nation as they have cleared the Maiduguri-Damaturu highway off remnants of Boko Haram that have terrorized motorists in the last few days.
Six soldiers were said to have been lost in the battle, with the insurgents recording a larger number of casualties.
Security source revealed that the insurgents were engaged between Mainok and Benesheikh on the Maiduguri-Damaturu highway between 11am and 1pm on Tuesday.
The sources said the soldiers had engaged the insurgents in a shootout between 11am and 11.35am without anyway given way with casualties on both sides.
According to the source, the tide was however changed when mobile policemen led by the Commander of Borno Rapid Response Squad, CSP Abioye Babalola and Operation Commander, Special Anti-Robbery Squad (SARS), Borno State Command, CSP Mohammed Ibrahim came on the scene.
The source said the two commanders where on patrol of the highway and were able to use their Armoured Personnel Carriers (APC) to engaged the insurgents and dispel them.
The source, who said the battle ranged on till about 1pm, said the military and policemen were able to recover back two gun truck which the insurgents had already taken from the soldiers.
The source said: “two gun trucks were recovered, but six soldiers were lost in the gun duel, two corpses of Boko Haram were seen after the crossfire ceased but many corpses were taken away by the insurgents.”
He added that: “Boko Haram equally suffered a high degree of injuries, many of them were seen leaping off in flight.”
The source, while claiming that no mobile policeman was lost in the attack, said: “Both the police team of SARS and RRS team were protected and face the battle as a result of the new APC procured by Inspector General of Police (IGP) and recently commissioned by President Muhammadu Buhari and manpower that were available as a result of newly launched RRS by Borno Governor, Professor Babagana Umara Zulum.”
The Commander of Rapid Response Squad in Borno State, Abioye Babalola, who confirmed the incident, but did not give details of the casualties from the military and security agencies, said the team was able to record the success due largely to the APC procured by President Muhammadu Buhari and the vehicles donated to the newly established RRS by Borno Governor Babagana Umara Zulum.
Delta Government on Tuesday approved 11 new roads in the state for construction.
Commissioner for Works, Chief James Auguye, made this known while briefing newsmen at the end of the state’s Executive Council meeting in Asaba.
Auguye disclosed that the approved roads needed urgent attention as the state government was desirous of utilizing the dry season to construct a lot of roads.
“As we are aware, we are in the dry season and the government is working to increase the pace of road construction in the state.
He said that the council approved Oniore/High Court road, Orerokpe; Obi Azikwuo Street, Boji Boji, Owa; Alika Street in Boji Boji, Owa; Ogbeima internal roads in Bomadi Local Government Area and Okerenkoko township road phase 4.
“Also approved for construction is the Pamol Road in Ethiope West local government area; Construction of additional drains at the Ekwuoma/Umunede road, a road that has already been completed; DDPA road phase 4, Agbor, in Ika South; Igbite Street, Staff Quarters in Okpe Local Government Area; reconstruction and resurfacing of Alihame/Agbonta/Oki road and Tete road in Boji Boji, Owa, Ika North East.
“Contracts are awarded based on available money, and contractors are happy, projects that can be paid for are awarded because the process for the award of contracts are well planned.
“I want to use this opportunity to state that the Abari/Asaba-Ase road is not abandoned; the only way for the contractor to move equipment to the site is through Uzere federal road which is in a very bad shape. s
“So, our governor has requested for what it will take to carry out remedial work on the federal road to enable the contractor access the Abari/Asaba-Ase road,” he said.
On his part, Commissioner for Youths Development, Mr Ifeanyi Egwuyenga, who, along with his Information counterpart, Mr Charles Aniagwu, were part of the briefing, stated that plans to reduce irregular migration in the state included aggressive enlightenment in schools and creating more job opportunities.
“Our Governor is committed to discouraging brain drain and irregular migration in the state.
“So, during the Exco meeting, a lot of issues were discussed and we all agreed that the bulk of the victims are youths.
“Measures are being taken to encourage youths to develop skills and we are initiating a lot of projects to discourage youths from irregular migration and we are engaging in a lot of partnership to achieve results as it concerns the youths.
“Entrepreneurship programmes for youths cannot be exhausted; we are taking critical look at rural youth dwellers and we will meet them where they are and we will have purely local government domiciled programmes for youths,” Egwuyenga said.
The information Commissioner, Mr Aniagwu, reiterated the determination of government to stop irregular migration of the youths under the guise of seeking greener pastures in places with no guaranteed security and assurance of better living conditions.
-Blank NEWS Online (NIGERIA): From Mike Sogbola, North East Correspondent:
The Borno state chapter of Network of Civil Society Organisations (NECSO) on Tuesday said President Muhammadu Buhari has lived below expectations, insisting that his administration has not secured the promised security of lives and property of Nigeria.
NECSO said the election of President Buhari has not improved security in the country now and it is hard to see if it will ever do.
Addressing a press conference in Maiduguri on Tuesday, NECSO Executive Director/Chairman, Ambassador Ahmed Shehu, lamented that the decade long Boko Haram insurgency has destroyed many lives and property in Borno, Adamawa and Yobe states.
He decried that despite Buhari’s campaign promise to end insurgency and ensure security of lives and property all over the nation, his election and many appointments has not translated into ending insurgency now or the near future.
He noted that insurgency has displaced over 1.8 million people, with 300,000 displaced persons seeking refuge in Chad, Cameroon and Niger.
He equally lamented that insecurity to lives in Borno state is at its peak in Borno State leaving one in every four as internally displaced person with many of them children below five, and 80 per cent being women and girls.
He said there is much to be done; by Buhari administration to win the fight against Boko Haram.
Shehu said: “We are demanding for the security of people’s lives and >>> property. You promised us security, we voted for you for security and we are demanding for security.”
He explained that out of seven roads; linking six states in the region, only the Maiduguri-Damaturu was safe and accessible.
He lamented that the 132-kilometre Maiduguri-Damaturu road has now become a death trap in 2020, asking the President to expedite action in bringing an end to the lingering security situation in the region.
He said there are recent wanton attacks on lives and property, including humanitarian workers in insurgency affected states.
He said President Buhari need not be reminded that the main purpose of government; is to secure the lives of citizens and their property.
He also called on governors and legislators in the region to intervene by employing tools at their disposals to discharge oversight functions.
He added that traditional and religious leaders; should employ their wisdom on how best they could overcome the present insecurity situation.
Shehu warned that failure to address the present insecurity would make Civil Society embark on strategic engagement of stakeholders to provide a lasting solution for security and peace.
The Delta State House of Assembly is to collaborate with the State Command of the Nigeria Police Force in ensuring effective crime fighting and prevention at the grassroots. The Speaker of the State Assembly, Rt Hon Sheriff Oborevwori made the promise when the newly posted State Commissioner of Police, Mr. Mohammed Inuwa Hafiz paid him and other members of the House a courtesy visit in his office on Tuesday, January 21, 2020. The Speaker commended the new Commissioner of Police for being proactive in crime fighting and prevention in the nooks and cranny of the state, saying that this was made possible by his level of experience and cordial relationship with relevant stakeholders. Rt Hon Oborevwori said he was confident that the new Police Commissioner would succeed in the task of securing the state because of his vast knowledge of crime prone areas haven served at various levels in the State Police Command prior to his elevation to the position of Commissioner of Police. He said members of the House have continued to be in constant touch with their constituents and happenings in their communities, pointing out that a synergy between the lawmakers and the police was needed to flush out criminals from the state. For his part, the Delta State Police Commissioner, Mr. Muhammed Inuwa Hafiz said the House of Assembly remained a dependable ally in successfully combating crime, explaining that the visit was to seek the collaboration of the lawmakers in making the state crime free. The Police boss said he had held several meetings with other relevant stakeholders, such as traditional rulers and community leaders since he assumed duty this year, explaining that he was determined to change the narratives of crime and criminal activities in the state. Acknowledging that government alone cannot ensure the security of lives and property of its citizens, the Police Commissioner maintained that Vigilante groups played a pivotal role in assisting the police to fight crime especially at the grassroots. The meeting was attended by principal officers and members of the Delta State House of Assembly.
29 Nigerian words and expressions have been added in the latest (January 2020) updates of Oxford English Dictionary.
Oxford English Dictionary (OED) said some of the words are borrowed while others are coinages.
Here is a list of the new Nigerian words and senses added to the OED in the latest update:
agric, adj. and n.: “Of, relating to, or used in agriculture; = agricultural adj. Now chiefly West African.”
barbing salon, n.: “A barber’s shop.”
buka, n.: “A roadside restaurant or street stall with a seating area, selling cooked food at low prices. Cf. bukateria n., mama put n. Frequently as a modifier…”
bukateria, n.: “A roadside restaurant or street stall with a seating area, selling cooked food at low prices. Cf. buka n., mama put n.”
chop, v.6, Additions: “transitive. Ghanaian English and Nigerian English. To acquire (money) quickly and easily. Frequently in negative sense: to misappropriate, extort, or…”
chop-chop, n.2: “Bribery and corruption in public life; misappropriation or embezzlement of funds. Also as a modifier.”
danfo, n.: “A yellow minibus that carries passengers for a fare as part of an informal transport system in Lagos, the largest city in Nigeria. Also as a…”
to eat money, in eat, v., Additions: “Now chiefly Nigerian English and East African. to eat money: to acquire money dishonestly; to misappropriate, extort, or embezzle funds. Cf. chop v.6…”
ember months, n.: “The final four months of the calendar year (September to December), esp. considered together as a period of heightened or intense activity.”
flag-off, n.: “The moment at which a race, esp. a motor race, is flagged off (see flag v.4 additions a); the start of a race. Now chiefly Indian English and…”
flag, v.4, Additions: “to flag off. transitive (usually in passive). To direct (a driver) to start a motor race, esp. one in which the competitors start at intervals, by…”
flag, v.4, Additions: “to flag off. transitive. Indian English and Nigerian English. In extended use: to start (an event or undertaking).”
gist, n.3, Additions: “Nigerian English. Idle chat, gossip. Also: an instance of this, a rumour or piece of gossip.”
gist, v.2: “transitive. To reduce (a text, document, etc.) to its essence or gist; to condense, summarize, or précis.”
guber, adj.: “Of or relating to a governor or governorship; = gubernatorial adj.”
Kannywood, n.: “The Nigerian Hausa-language film industry, based in Kano; Kano regarded as the centre of this industry. Cf. Nollywood n.”
K-leg, n.: “In singular and plural. A condition in which one or both of a person’s knees are turned inwards, resulting in a noticeable gap between the feet when…”
mama put, n.: “A street vendor, typically a woman, selling cooked food at low prices from a handcart or stall. Also: a street stall or roadside restaurant run by…”
next tomorrow, n. and adv.: “The day after tomorrow.”
non-indigene, adj. and n.: “Not native. In later use chiefly West African: belonging to an ethnic group considered not to be indigenous to a particular area.”
okada, n.: “In Nigeria: a motorcycle which passengers can use as a taxi service.”
to put to bed in put, v.: “West African. to put to bed: to give birth. Also: to give birth to (a child).”
qualitative, adj., sense 3: “West African. Of high quality; excellent.”
to rub minds in rub, v.1: “to rub minds (together): (of two or more people) to consider a matter jointly; to consult and work together; to confer. Similarly to rub our (also…”
sef, adv.: “Used for emphasis after a statement or rhetorical question, often expressing irritation or impatience.”
send-forth, n.: “A celebration or event to mark a person’s departure; a send-off. Frequently as a modifier, as send-forth ceremony, send-forth party, etc.”
severally, adv., Additions: “East African and West African. On several occasions; repeatedly.”
tokunbo, adj.: “Denoting an imported second-hand product, esp. a car.”
zone, v.
zoning, n., Additions: “Nigerian English. The system or practice of allocating nominations for certain political offices to candidates from particular regions, as part of an…”
-Blank NEWS Online (NIGERIA) – From Mike Sogbola, Maiduguri:
A High Court in Maiduguri, Borno state capital, on Monday remanded Hajiya Aisha Wakil, popularly called Mama Boko Haram to a custodial centre.
Mama Boko Haram was standing trial alongside Tahir Saidu and Lawal Shoyade, on an amended five-count charge, bordering on conspiracy, obtaining money by false pretence and cheating to the tune of N111.7 million.
Aisha Kumalia, the presiding judge, gave the order to the remanding of the accused after the Economic and Financial Crimes (EFCC) had arraigned them.
The EFCC had said the defendants, sometime in 2018, conspired and falsely presented to one Mohammad Umar, purported contracts for installation and servicing of 10 pieces of Chison 600A, 2009 version deluxe ultra sound system and the supply of white beans through their non-governmental organisation (Complete Care and Aid Foundation).
One of the count read: “That you, Aisha Alkali Wakil, Tahiru Saidu Daura, and Prince Shoyade, whilst being chief executive officer, programme manager and country director respectively of Complete Care and Aid Foundation (a non-governmental organisation) and Saidu Muktar (now at large) sometime in October, 2018 at Maiduguri, Borno State, within the jurisdiction of this honourable court with intent to defraud, induced one Mohammed Umar Mohammed of Nyeuro International Limited to deliver to you 3,000 (three thousand) bags of 50kg white beans worth N65,000,000.00 (Sixty Five Million Naira) under the guise of executing a purported contract of supply of the said beans which you knew to be false and thereby committed an offence contrary to Section 320(a) and punishable under Section 322 of the Borno State Penal Code Laws Cap 102.”
They all pleaded not guilty to all the charges and Benjamin Manji, prosecution counsel, applied for a trial date and prayed the court to remand the defendants in the Nigerian Correctional Centre pending the determination of the case.
The judge subsequently ordered the defendants to be remanded at a custodial centre and adjourned the case till February 10, 2020 for commencement of trial.
Delta Governor, Sen. (Dr) Ifeanyi Okowa, on Monday said the Court of Appeal Complex for the Asaba Division would be inaugurated on Feb. 3, 2020.
Okowa who inspected ongoing work at the complex located at Mariam Babangida Way, told select newsmen that finishing touches were being made to ensure that everything was in place before the inauguration.
He expressed satisfaction with the level of work done so far on the project and stated that the functionality of the court would bring a lot of relief to Deltans who travelled long distances to other states to seek justice.
He said, “We were here a few weeks before the Christmas holidays to inspect this project and from what we can see now, the contractors have done very well; a lot of work has been carried out on this project.
“This project is due for inauguration on the 3rd of February which is two weeks from today.
Although I believe that there is still a few more things to be done, the contractor has given the assurance that within one week the project will be completed.
“Four states were approved to have Courts of Appeal and I am happy that we are set, everything is in place as we will meet with the date set for its inauguration.”
The governor explained that with a division of Court of Appeal in Delta, there would be speedy delivery of judgment for the people.
He added that the risk of going to other states and travelling long distances in search of justice would now be eliminated.
According to him, we are happy as a people and as a state that we are making progress in all spheres of life.
The governor also inspected the Traditional Rulers Council secretariat project where he noted that its completion would provide a conducive environment for the traditional rulers to discuss issues concerning their kingdoms.
He told the newsmen that traditional rulers had contributed a lot to the development of the state by ensuring peaceful co-existence in their domains and that giving them a befitting secretariat was important.
The Commissioner for Housing, Chief Festus Ochonogor, his Information counterpart, Mr Charles Aniagwu, the Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice, Mr Peter Mrakpor, among others, accompanied the governor on the inspection.
-Blank NEWS Online (NIGERIA) – From Mike SOGBOLA’, Damaturu:
The Network of Yobe Civil Society Organizations has condemned government reaction to the rising insecurity in the Northeast.
The group in a signed statement on Monday by it’s Comrade Baba Shehu, said it observes with total dismay, the growing insecurity in the Northeast in recent weeks, especially on the Damaturu-Maiduguri Highway where innocent travellers are brutally killed on daily basis yet, the government chose to be almost in total silence without a proactive measure to curtail such.”
Shehu said: “We wish to remind the government that as citizens, we have rendered every support required by the security forces on ground to curb the insurgency in our state and region, even at the expense of our fundamental rights which has faced serious abuses, all for us to live in peace and security.
“But, it seems our lives are taken for granted by tolerating insurgents to continually feast on.”
He added that: “The government should equally remind itself that our priority need from her is security, which it has not done enough to provide, but succeeded in making citizens lose confidence in her sincerity in that direction.”
He said: “We are all witnesses to the heavy security deployments whenever top government officials visit our cities, exposing us to unnecessary hardships throughout their stay. Therefore, we consider the lackluster attitude in securing our highways and communities by the government as hypocritical and the height of irresponsibility and as such we are calling on her to take proactive measures in ensuring the security of our lives and properties.”
In the same vein, the international Non Governmental Organisation, INGO community in Nigeria has equally condemned the Saturday’s attack on humanitarian facilities in the Northeast.
In a twit on it’s verifiable twitter account, @INGOforum_ng, the group utterly condemned the attack in Ngala targeting humanitarian facilities.
It called on all parties to the conflict to cease from these attacks and respect International Humanitarian Law.
The twit said: “We remind all armed actors of their obligation to ensure the protection and safety of civilians, including aid workers. The increasing insecurity and lack of adherence to International Humanitarian Law is putting the delivery of lifesaving assistance to over 7 million people in need in the most affected states of Adamawa, Borno and Yobe at risk.
“To allow humanitarians to continue delivering much needed life-saving assistance, all parties to the conflict must respect the humanitarian principles of humanity, neutrality, impartiality and independence. The two aid workers and other civilians still held captive should be released immediately. Aid Workers are #NotATarget.”
–Blank NEWS Online (NIGERIA) – From Mike SOGBOLA’ Maiduguri:
The United Nations has condemned an attack on its facilities in troubled Northeast.
It had last Thursday shown apprehension over growing insecurity in the area, even as it had been reported that some of its workers in some Borno town had been recalled to the state capital Maiduguri.
A statement on Monday by the UN Humanitarian Coordinator in Nigeria, Mr Edward Kallon strongly condemned Saturday’s attack by Boko Haram on it’s humanitarian hub in Ngala, a Nigerian border town with Cameroon.
The statement read:. “I am outraged by the extremely violent attack on this key humanitarian facility where five United Nations staff were staying at the of the incident.”
It stated that: “On the evening of Saturday 18 January, the humanitarian hub in Ngala was the direct target of a complex assault by heavily armed non-state armed groups operatives. An entire section of the facility was burned down as well as one of the few vehicles UN agencies rely on for movement and aid delivery. Protective security measures deployed at the humanitarian hub prevented any harm to the staff who was in the facility.
“I am shocked by the violence and intensity of this attack, which is the latest of too many incidents directly targeting humanitarian actors and the assistance we provide.”
Kallon however said: “I am relieved all staff is now safe and secure. Aid workers, humanitarian facilities and assets cannot be a target and must be protected and respected at all times.”
He said: “Such incidents have a disastrous effect on the lives of the most vulnerable people who depend on our assistance to survive. Many of them had already fled violence in their area of origin and were hoping to find safety and assistance in Ngala. This also jeopardizes the ability for aid workers to stay and deliver assistance to the people most in need in remote areas in Borno State.”
He called on “all parties to the conflict to respect the principles of humanity, neutrality, independence and impartiality which guide the assistance the humanitarian community delivers in the states of Borno, Adamawa and Yobe.”
The statement said: “The United Nations and NGO partners in Nigeria are working to bring vital assistance to over seven million people in the crisis-affected states of Borno, Adamawa and Yobe. They are increasingly the target of attacks. Twelve aid workers lost their lives in 2019, which is twice the number in the previous year.
“Two aid workers remain in the captivity of non-state armed groups – ACF staff member Grace Taku abducted near Damasak in July 2019, and Alice Loksha, a nurse and a mother, kidnapped during an attack in Rann in March 2018. The United Nations and its humanitarian partners call for their immediate and safe release.
It also noted that: “Aid workers are providing assistance to more than 55,000 people in the town of Ngala, near the border with Cameroon. In 2019, over 10,000 people arrived in Ngala, searching for security and basic services. Humanitarian hubs in Borno State are critical to the humanitarian response. They provide operating environments for aid workers in remote locations where some of the most vulnerable people live or have sought refuge.”
“Such incidents have a disastrous effect on the lives of the most vulnerable people who depend on our assistance to survive. Many of them had already fled violence in their area of origin and were hoping to find safety and assistance in Ngala. This also jeopardizes the ability for aid workers to stay and deliver assistance to the people most in need in remote areas in Borno State.”
“I call on all parties to the conflict to respect the principles of humanity, neutrality, independence and impartiality which guide the assistance the humanitarian community delivers in the states of Borno, Adamawa and Yobe.”
The United Nations and NGO partners in Nigeria are working to bring vital assistance to over seven million people in the crisis-affected states of Borno, Adamawa and Yobe. They are increasingly the target of attacks. Twelve aid workers lost their lives in 2019, which is twice the number in the previous year. Two aid workers remain in the captivity of non-state armed groups – ACF staff member Grace Taku abducted near Damasak in July 2019, and Alice Loksha, a nurse and a mother, kidnapped during an attack in Rann in March 2018. The United Nations and its humanitarian partners call for their immediate and safe release.
Boko Haram on Sunday attacked Geidam, one of the major town in Yobe state, forcing the residents into flight.
Many of the fleeing residents had to send the night in nearby bushes as the streets and homes were deserted.
A fleeing resident of the town, Ibrahim Mohammed said the insurgents attacked the town at about 6pm, with the sound of the gunshots making many to flee.
He said thousands of residents of the town fled into bushes with some others fleeing into neighbouring villages.
Ibrahim said sporadic gunshots were heard near the military base along Geidam-Bayamari road.
Another residents of the town Faltima Suleiman told our correspondent on phone that the gunshots subsided at about 8.30 pm.
Suleiman who spoke to our correspondent at about 10pm, said everywhere is quiet now, “and we believe that the insurgents have taken their leave.”
When he was contacted, Lieutenant Chinonso Oteh, Spokesperson of Sector 2, Operation Lafiya Dole, Damaturu, said he has no information about the attack just yet but he would get back as soon as he can get any information from Geidam.
Security is the principal obligation of government, because it is the most important need of man. Life is universally considered sacred, but only the lives of the ruling oligarchy is sacred in Nigeria. Being alive is a privilege as Boko Haram, killer herdsmen, kidnappers, armed robbers, ritualists, trigger-happy officers, and other messengers of death are around you, ready to send you home. Governors of the six Southwest states moved to combat the insecureness by establishing the Western Nigeria Security Network, codenamed Operation Amotekun.
The initiative has been sternly criticized in the North and declared “illegal” by the Northern dominated federal government. The declaration which was made by the Attorney General of the Federation, Abubakar Malami has deepened the cold war between the North and South (six) geopolitical zones. The Southwest, supported by the Southeast and Southsouth, has vowed to carry on while the Northwest, Northeast, and parts of the Northcentral are insisting that would not be.
Operation Amotekun wouldn’t have evolved if the Southwest is secured. The saying ‘all politics are local’ made the governors act to save their jobs. Buhari can no longer contest, but five of the six governors are in their first term. Apart from Governor Kayode Fayemi, who is in his second term, the fear of losing reelection pushed the other five governors to act, despite the fact that four out of them are members of President Muhammadu Buhari’s party, the All Progressives Congress (APC).
Buhari’s sectionalism gave birth to Operation Amotekun. Aside appointing the security chiefs from his tribe, his refusal to sack them in the face of underperformance, unprofessionalism and partisanship made him lose the confidence of the Southwest. Another remarkable flaw is Buhari’s failure to deal decisively with the killer herdsmen of his ethnic extraction, as he did to the less violent Shia movement, and Biafra secessionist group.
Buhari seems unaware that people always look out for how the community disciplinarian would discipline his own children when they go wrong. While Buhari swiftly repress dissenting voices, the killer herdsmen that allegedly perpetrated genocide in Benue and Taraba states are yet to face justice. In Yoruba land, the killer herdsmen that allegedly kidnapped Chief Olu Falae; destroyed several farmlands; sacked Orin Ekiti residents and hoisted flag; killed several persons, including the daughter of the leader of Afenifere, Pa Reuben Fasoronti, are all yet to be brought to book.
Buhari would have saved his government backlash, if he had scared the killer herdsmen as ex-president Olusegun Obasanjo did to the Oodua People’s Congress (OPC) in 1999. His shoot-at-sight order buried the OPC’s prospect of violence. The group may have grown monstrous and untamable if Obasanjo pampered them the way Buhari is handling the killer herdsmen. While one may argue that Buhari soft pedaled to win a second term, nothing has changed since he got reelected.
Buhari may mean well for Nigeria, but nepotism and sectionalism are hindering him from making significant impact. Call it politics, but he has an unstable character. He indicatively preaches national unity, but remains grossly partisan. He habitually says one thing and does the other, thinking everyone is blind, without realizing all eyes are on him. We are really not in the mood to talk about his several failed manifestos, including the forsaken subsidy, electoral reforms and restructuring promises.
Greed for power has kept the Southern politicians nursing presidential ambition silent; they would never speak out even if their hometown is razed. Many are criticizing Tinubu, but in fairness to him, anyone that would speak on the Amotekun issue would have no ambition to occupy Aso Rock. Even the Twitter vocal ex-vice president Atiku Abubakar has been silent because he doesn’t want to bag criticisms in the North. In the same vein, Tinubu is keeping mute in order not to offend the North and to keep his Southwest support intact. His calculative politics of silence may either work for him or ruin him, depending on what the cabal thinks.
Tinubu is the Southwest political godfather and Amotekun couldn’t have been created without him being in the know. If tackled on this, Tinubu could argue that his absence and that of his three most loyal governors of Lagos, Osun and Ogun states at the launching of Amotekun is an indication of his disinterest in the project. If queried in the Southwest, he would argue that the states he holds sway wouldn’t have donated funds and vehicles to the Amotekun project if he’s against it. Tinubu is being calculative and tactical; hoping to eat his cake and have it, but time will tell.
One must be suspicious of the neighbor that criticizes someone for improving on security after being robbed. Such neighbor is either the robber or planning its own operation. The northern opposition of Amotekun lends credence to the alleged Fulanization agenda. It is discomforting that majority of the Northerners are criticizing the Southwest over Amotekun, when they have similar paramilitary and community policing corps such as the Hisbah Sharia police, and the civilian Joint Task Force (JTF).
Amotekun is even more important than Hisbah. The former is a security outfit, while the latter is a religious doctrine enforcement body. Those condemning Amotekun but seeing nothing wrong in Hisbah failed to realize that you can live without practicing any religion, but can’t practice religion without life. By the notion of Maslow’s hierarchy of needs, you will only remember religion when you’re safe. The most devoted Muslims would be the first to seek protection in the Church (and vice versa) during war.
The only outfit that could be compared with Amotekun is the civilian JTF assisting the military to combat Boko Haram. It is dishonorable that the same government that has allowed Hisbah operate unchecked – despite Nigeria’s secularity – is kicking against Amotekun. The argument that Amotekun would be used for political purposes is clearly untenable as they don’t bear arms; one of the major instruments that makes rigging possible. Insecurity in the Southwest is alarming and any viable means of ending it – including Amotekun – must be embraced by every Nigerian that cherishes life.
Unlike parts of the Southeast, the Southwest has no secession plan, but has vehemently clamored for restructuring – which is one of Buhari’s campaign promise. Those claiming that Amotekun is the manifestation of a secession plan don’t value cooperation. The Southwest governors should be applauded for collaborating to resolve the region’s challenges. It is no fault of theirs that the governors of other troubled regions can’t unite to tackle their problems.
Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association’s statement that Amotekun may cost the Southwest 2023 presidency is a show of ignorance. Emeka Ihedioha woke up as the Governor of Imo State on January 14, but slept as an ordinary citizen after the Supreme Court unexpectedly sacked him from office. Can Miyetti Allah stop the Southwest from taking over power today if (God forbid) the president pass away? Moreover, who gave Miyetti Allah the power to decide who will rule and when to rule?
The word on the street is that the federal government is kicking against Amotekun because members of Miyetti Allah are not enlisted in the outfit. It is practically impossible for the Southwest to enlist the same herders suspected of killing the daughter of the leader of Afenifere. If absorbed into Amotekun, would Miyetti Allah absorb and agree to a rotational leadership of their organization with the Yoruba tribe?
As laudable as the Amotekun initiative is, one must be cautious of the dangers of operating with a programmed mindset. Amotekun may bring about ethnic persecution that would transmute into a civil war, if its handlers should conclude that the crimes in the Southwest is being committed by the herdsmen and the Hausa-Fulani ethnic group. It is dangerous and unfair to create an orientalist view of a tribe with several intellectual and successful people as criminals and terrorists.
Amotekun was created to assist the already overwhelmed Nigerian security agencies. For one thing, Amotekun would drastically reduce the death of security officials who lose their lives while hunting for criminals in unfamiliar terrains. Amotekun is an integration of all the vigilante and local security outfits in the Southwest under one umbrella. Nigerian security agencies have always engaged the services of these outfits during difficult operations. For instance, the military once engaged the OPC to help them drive out notorious criminals from their hideouts in the Mile 2 and Ojo area of Lagos state. The police also contracted the OPC to help them decimate the infamous Badoo cult in Ikorodu, Lagos.
Amotekun is a way forward; a step towards getting lasting solutions to Nigeria’s insecurity. It is a timely, commendable and laudable initiative that evolved from Buhari’s inability to provide adequate security, despite being a retired Major General. Any further move to outlaw Amotekun may lead to crisis as the outfit has gained tremendous public support. Beyond citizens’ protection, Amotekun must survive out of love for the country. Additional security measures are needed at this trying time. We cannot keep overworking and risking the lives of our security agencies in unfamiliar terrains. The officers are someone’s brother, sister, father, mother, husband and wife. Those opposing Amotekun certainly won’t be happy to lose any of the listed persons on their own end.
*Omoshola Deji is a political and public affairs analyst. He wrote in via moshdeji@yahoo.com
The Nigerian Air Force (NAF) is set to induct the second batch of 2 new AgustaWestland 109 Power Attack Helicopters procured by the Federal Government as part of the fleet enhancement efforts to enable more effective and efficient employment of air power to tackle the security challenges facing the Nation.
This is contained in a statement made available to Blank NEWS Online and signed by the Nigerian Air Force Director of Public Relations and Information, Air Commodore IBIKUNLE DARAMOLA.
“The 2 helicopters, along with associated equipment and spares, arrived Nnamdi Azikwe International Airport Abuja on board a Boeing 737-400 Cargolux Airline aircraft from Malpensa International Airport in Italy on 15 January 2020.
“They were received by a NAF Team, led by Air Commodore Halim Adebowale, as well as the Country Representative of Leonardo Helicopters, manufacturers of the aircraft. NAF engineers and technicians, in collaboration with a Team from Leonardo, have commenced assembly of the helicopters preparatory to their induction into service.
It would be recalled that the NAF had earlier received the first batch of 2 new Agusta 109 Power Helicopters that were inducted into the Service on 29 April 2019 during the 55th NAF Day Celebration in Abuja.
The Service, within the last 5 years, has taken delivery of 21 brand new aircraft, including 10 Super Mushshak, 5 Mi-35M Helicopter Gunships, 2 Bell 412 Helicopters and 4 Agusta 109 Power Helicopters.
Beside these, 15 additional aircraft have been ordered by the Federal Government, which include 12 Super Tucano attack aircraft and 3 JF-17 Thunder multi-role fighter aircraft.
In addition, the Service also took over 11 aircraft from other MDAs. These include 3 EC-135 helicopters and 3 Dauphin helicopters from NNPC, 3 Donier 228 aircraft and 2 Agusta 101 from the Presidential Air Fleet (PAF); making an unprecedented total of 47 aircraft that have either been inducted into the NAF or ordered for the Service since 2015. In the same vein, over 20 previously grounded aircraft have been reactivated within the past 5 years.
After induction, the 2 new helicopters will be deployed to theatres of operation across the country to reinforce NAF capability in the fight against insurgency and other forms of criminality.
The Boko Haram crisis that have engulfed part of Nigeria’s Northeast would be explained through art, poetry, drama and music.The Borno Literary Society will on Saturday (18th January, 2020) host the first-ever performance of local Borno artists to launch a new approach to advocacy through art, music, dance and drama.The performance exhibition titled “PEACE-UNBROKEN: 50 SHADES OF BORNO” will depict the struggles of the common man over the last decade of ongoing insurgency in the Borno State.
The performance exhibition which holds at 2pm at the El-Kanemi Hall of the University of Maiduguri, with over 15 performers taking the stage to depict the everyday struggles that crisis-affected people face. A statement by the organizer on Friday said: “These unique artistic performances – ranging from drama to music to poetry and beyond – will raise awareness on issues of sustainable peace, child protection, gender-based violence, and countering violent extremism from the artists’ personal experience of the decade-long conflict. “The event will bring together representatives of Government and academic institutions, humanitarian and development agencies, clubs, associations and unions.” According to Hassan Abdullahi, President, Borno Literary Society: “Art can be an incredibly powerful force that binds people together and gives a voice to the voiceless and less fortunate in our society, especially on their experiences over the last decade. “Through this first-of-a-kind artistic exhibition in Maiduguri, the Borno Literary Society aims to create another viable process for healing at the grassroots level and establish creative expression as an avenue for genuine understanding between all stakeholders.” The statement said: “The Borno Literary Society (BLS) is an organization primarily concerned with leveraging the platform of art for positive change to the social, economic and human rights issues of our times. “BLS strongly believes in building bridges between communities and that there is a place for art in the behavioral, cultural, national and international reorientation of these turbulent times and in face of the daunting challenges in northeast Nigeria.” Founded in 2017, BLS is driven by its vision to break down barriers that hinder collective health and progress as one society. BLS is resolved to engage in artistic expression that furthers the Sustainable Development Goals and contributes to the inclusive development of communities, at the regional, national and global level.
–Blank NEWS Online (NIGERIA) –By Michael EKOKORUWE:
The Divisional Police Officer (DPO) in charge of Isoko South local government area, CSP Mohammed Nahala, has averted impending crisis between farmers and Fulani herdsmen at Emedel farmland Okpe – Olomoro over malicious destruction of crops and farmland in the area.
Farmers at Okpe – Olomoro had overtime decried incessant destruction of their crops and farmland by herdsmen who converted farmland to grazing field for their cattle that has deprived them of peaceful co–existence leading to buildup to strife that is capable of creating anarchy, break down of law and order.
CSP Nahala got the information and waded into the impending crisis as farmers of the area reported the malicious destruction of their crops by the Fulani herdsmen cattle’s grazing on their crops in spite of several warning turned down by the herders.
While calling on the Divisional Police Officer to prevail on the recalcitrant herdsmen who despite several peaceful approach by the farmers, have continued grazing on crops and farmland, claiming that they have bought the area for grazing purposes and that farmers should fence their crops to avoid cattle grazing on their farm.
CSP Nahala being proactive, sent policemen and vigilante from Olomoro community to access the extent of crops and farmland destroyed by the cattle at Emedel farmland Okpe – Olomoro, and visited the reported self acclaimed RUGA created by the herdsmen at Olomoro farmland.
The policemen and vigilante confirmed the malicious destruction of crops and farmland at Emedel farmland Okpe – Olomoro and the purported RUGA at Otoeteru land close to Okpe – Olomoro.
The herdsmen took to their heels as the policemen and vigilante approached the area, leaving their cattle. The police contacted the herdsmen leader Alhaji Audu Kadir for interrogation.
When interrogated at Oleh, headquarter of the divisional police office, Isoko South local government area,
Alhaji Kadir confirmed the destruction of crops at Emedel farmland Okpe – Olomoro by his cattle and accepted to pay damages.
He however denied buying any farmland for grazing at Olomoro community, noting that his boys lied and promised to relocate from the area.
The police boss in his wisdom urged Alhaji Kadir to sign undertaken with the police in presence of the farmers and cautioned his boys to steer clear of Okpe – Olomoro farmland area.
He reiterated the importance of cordial relationship between farmers and herders in Olomoro community, adding that crops and farmland area must be avoided during herdsmen grazing rout.
It could be recalled that, Chief Gabriel Erueme from Olomoro, shot one of the cows owned by Alhaji Kadir at Okpe – Olomoro farmland recently, over same malicious destruction of crops in his farm. The incident which involved the Nigeria Army with Heritage Energy Oil Services Limited attached to Olomoro / Oleh flow station, caused panic in the area before it was resolved.
Yobe State Governor, Alhaji Mai-Mala Buni has called on security agencies to step up their game and put a stop to growing insecurity in the nation.
Reacting to the attack on the convoy of Emir of Potiskum, Umara Bauya, on Tuesday along the Kaduna-Zaria road, Buni sad it was sad and a wake up call for security agencies to step up the game It was reported that 30 people were killed and about 100 kidnapped when armed men in military uniform attacked the convoy, though the police had initially claimed six persons including four aides of the Yobe emir were killed. In a statement signed by the Yobe State Commissioner for Information, Home Affairs and Culture, Abdullahi Bego, the governor prayed for the deceased and their families. He said security operatives should step up their game and route out criminality, banditry and robbery in the country. He said: “The attack has caused the death of four of the emir’s staff, including a driver and three courtiers. Many other innocent motorists were also fatally and severely affected. “His Excellency Governor Buni’s thoughts and prayers are with His Highness the Mai Pataskum, the families of his deceased staff and those who sustained injuries as a result of the callous and criminal attack. “The governor prays Almighty Allah (SWT) to grant eternal repose to the souls of the departed and give their families the fortitude to bear the loss. He also wishes for those who were injured fast recovery. “His Excellency Governor Buni calls on security agencies to continue to step up effort to tackle banditry, robbery and other criminal activities and assures them of the continuous support and partnership of the government and people of Yobe State.” The Emir of Fika and Chairman Yobe State Council of Chiefs, Muhammadu Idrissa, in a statement through his media consultant, Mohammed Abubakar, also condemned the attack on the convoy of the Emir of Potiskum. He said: “We are deeply saddened by the news of the gun attack, which was carried out against the convoy of His Royal Highness Alhaji Umaru Bubaram Ibn Wuriwa Bauya. “We once again condemn this heinous gunmen attack and wish Allah’s mercy upon those who lost their lives, speedy recovery to the injured and convey our condolences to the Pataskum Emirate Council and entire people,” the monarch said. In a related development, hundreds of thousands of residents, friends, and family members attended the funeral of the slain aides at Potiskum. The funeral which was held at the open air arena at the emir’s palace was attended by the emirs of Tikau and Damagum. An official of the Potiskum emirate confirmed to journalists that the emir is undergoing treatment, for injuries sustained during the attack, at an undisclosed hospital in Kaduna.
The United Nations has said that the degenerating security situation in the Northeast of Nigeria has become worrisome.
Commenting on the release of three aid workers and some civilians abducted by insurgents, UN said that the fate of others still in captivity is of great concern.
A statement by the Humanitarian Coordinator in Nigeria, Mr. Edward Kallon on Thursday read: “I am deeply relieved that some civilians, including three aid workers, who were abducted by non- state armed groups along the Monguno – Maiduguri road on 22 December 2019 have been released yesterday (Wednesday) and are now safe.
“The whole humanitarian community in Nigeria shares the joy of the families, friends and colleagues of these aid workers, who can now put to rest the unimaginable anxiety of missing their loved ones.”
Kallon said:?”These dedicated humanitarians were working to provide life-saving support to millions of Nigeria’s most vulnerable in north-eastern Borno State. They should never have been a target or have to endure the trauma of being held captive.”
He added that: “Despite this encouraging news, I am concerned about the fate of the other civilians abducted in this incident. I also remain gravely concerned for the lives of our ACF colleague Grace Taku, abducted near Damasak in July 2019, and Alice Loksha, a nurse and a mother, abducted during an attack in Rann in March 2018. Both are still held captive by non-state armed groups. The United Nations and its humanitarian partners call for their immediate and safe release.”
He lamented: “I am extremely worried by the increasingly insecure environment that humanitarians are working in to provide urgent and vital assistance to civilians affected by the crisis. The humanitarian community is troubled by the increased trend in vehicular checkpoints set up by non-state armed groups along main supply routes in the states of Borno and Yobe.
“These checkpoints expose civilians and humanitarians to heightened risks of being killed or abducted. I urge all parties to the conflict to protect the civilian population, including aid workers, from such grave violations of international laws, especially women and children who are among the most vulnerable and are caught up in the violence.”
He said: “A total of twelve aid workers have lost their lives in 2019. This is twice more than in 2018, which we thought was amongst the most dangerous years for humanitarian actors in Nigeria.”
He noted that: “Aid workers and the assistance they provide to the most vulnerable populations make the difference between life and death for entire communities in crisis-affected Borno, Adamawa and Yobe states, while insisted that: “Their security is paramount and I call on all parties to assure the safety of aid workers and the unimpeded delivery of humanitarian aid.”
–Blank NEWS Online (NIGERIA): By Our Political Correspondent:
Senator Ifeanyi Uba representing Anambra south and candidate of Young Peoples Party (YPP) has been shamefully kicked out of the revered Red Chambers of the Nigerian Senate.
Uba lost the appeal to rescind the court judgement that nullified his election into the National Assembly for allegedly using a forged National Examination Council (NECO) certificate to contest the senatorial election that held in the state on February 23, 2019.
The court, in a ruling by Justice Bello Kawu, re-affirmed the order it made on April 11, 2019, which directed the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), to withdraw the Certificate of Return it issued to Ubah and issue a fresh one to Obinna Uzoh of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), who came second in the poll.
Justice Kawu, held that Senator Ubah’s application to vacate its judgement lacked merit and accordingly dismissed it.
It would be recalled that Ubah had approached the court to set aside the judgement which he insisted occasioned a grave miscarriage of justice against him.
He decried that he was neither served with the court processes nor hearing notice with respect to the suit before the court proceeded to deliver the judgement against him.
Following his application for stay of execution, Justice Kawu, on December 4, restrained the Senate president from swearing-in Uzoh, pending the hearing and determination of the motion challenging the verdict.
The court equally ordered all the parties, including the INEC to maintain status quo till it decides the merit in Ubah’s contention.
In a ruling on Friday, January 17, Justice Kawu, however, held that Senator Ubah’s application to vacate its judgement lacked merit and accordingly dismissed it.
One of the many things that makes Nigeria an amazingly impossible knot in the eye of some people, and public policy a nightmare, is the multiplicity of contrasting opinion and the plurality of emotion displayed to the chagrin of other Nations and more reasonable people across the globe.
The opacity of the genuine desires of those who governs us is always further intensified by their often primordial disposition laced with selfishness, religious bigotry and political affiliations. This describes aptly, the shenanigans, distrust, disbelief, fear and perplexity, on the part of the federal government, associated with the emergence of the supposedly innocuous vigilante group, code named AMOTEKUN, in Western Nigeria.
In a Nation where policing has become an herculean task, coupled with the emergence of new levels of crime and criminality (terrorism, banditry, kidnapping, robbery, human trafficking, ritual killings etc), why would anybody, ordinarily, raise eyebrow against a local unarmed security outfit aimed at complimenting the efforts of the already overwhelmed Nigerian Police at combating crime in its region? But for some altruistic reason that bothers on politics piloted by ethnic jingoists, such dissenting positions can be understood.
In all of these, the Yoruba Elders and Governors are talking tough, determined to forge ahead with AMOTEKUN. Nothing has brought more unity to the yoruba nation in recent times than this collective decision. Their memory is still fresh and replete first, with the kidnap of Chief Olu Falae in his farm and the targeted assassination of the daughter of Chief Fasoranti, a yoruba chieftain, amongst several other high profile kidnaps in the region.
Gov Akeredolu of Ondo state, a Senior Advocate and Former president of the Nigerian Bar Association is going hoarse with a loud voice shouting at whoever that cares to listen that the Attorney General’s pronouncement is wrong and beyond his powers.
The most sinister and diversionary angle to this conversation is the recent outburst of the ignoble Miyetti Allah, the Fulani Cattle rearers association: that insisting on AMOTEKUN, by the yoruba elders, tantamount to jettisoning the idea of their desired Presidential ticket for 2023.
I personally find this very disconcerting. This is one politically volatile and audacious statement made in recent times by this group of Fulani dominated association that must not be waved away. This is against the background of the fact that they went on national Television to instruct their members in Western Nigeria to stop night grazing, the very day AMOTEKUN was inaugurated. This proved positive that to them and their co-travellers, the fear of AMOTEKUN has become the beginning of wisdom.
Come to think of it, when has Miyetti Allah become a political bloc that determines which section of the country gets the Presidency? Where’s this audacity emanating from?
AMOTEKUN, no doubt, has become the proverbial mosquito that perches on the scrotum. It requires tact, guts, patience to painstakingly extricate. Nigeria is a federation and regional decisions and initiatives that bothers on the well-being of the people within the law and moral Justice must not be slaughtered on the alter of mutual distrust, fears and political correctness on the part of the Centre. Let HISBAH stay. Let the Civilian JTF stay. Amotekun shouldn’t be an exemption.
Austen AKHAGBEME is a Columnist with Blank NEWS Online
Director General of the Delta State Orientation Bureau, Eugene Azuka Uzum Esq, has advised parents in the state and beyond to encourage their children and ward to embrace vocational education towards the acquisition of useful skills.
Uzum gave the advice during the weekly Orientation Half Hour programme of the bureau with the Delta State Broadcasting Service television in Asaba.
The orientation boss who spoke through the Public Relations Officer of the bureau, Mr Johnson Ebigide, maintained that the era of paper qualification was fast fading away, saying that the ability of one to practically impact positively towards the development of the society is gradually becoming the yardstick to measure ones productivity and competence.
He opined that white-collar jobs were becoming scarce, adding that the greatness of the Asian tigers could be traceable to their taking skill acquisition so seriously that nearly every citizen from the zone was equipped with exportable human capacity that enhances high productivity.
He disclosed that apart from the various technical colleges, there were ,at least, ten vocational education centres across the three senatorial districts of the state, offering various vocational trainings that would equip products of the centres with the requisite skills necessary for not only their employability, but being self reliant in their chosen areas of training.
The DG emphasized that the best education is no longer in mere paper qualification that may not guarantee ones future but that which one is sure to contribute ones quotas meaningfully towards not only ones survival, but the uplifting of humanity in general.
The Chairman, Delta State Board of Internal Revenue, Sir Monday Onyeme has read the riot act to tax officers operating as Assistant Tax Controllers, Resident Coordinators and Motor Licensing Officers across the State, to be more creative and result oriented in the discharge of their assigned duties or face being shown the way out for lack of performance.
Sir Onyeme handed down this warning today in Warri while addressing the tax officers at a meeting with the theme:”Pathways for an increased revenue generation through a rigorous drive in the informal sector”. The Board Chairman, represented by the Secretary to the Board, Barrister Mike Edegware, frowned at the lack of commitment to duties on the part of some tax officers, stressing that henceforth targets would be set for the different tax jurisdictions and officers in charge of those jurisdictions would be sanctioned for their inability to meet the set targets.
Sir Onyeme further stated that seniority in the public service would no longer guarantee any officer’s continued occupation of a position, insisting that performance and ability to deliver on the job are the key criteria for being head of station,going forward.
The Chairman reminded staff of the marching order given to the Board by the Governor, stating that he and his team would leave no stone unturned in ensuring a steady and sustainable increase in the State’s Internally Generated Revenue to enable the State government fulfil its stronger Delta agenda of providing critical infrastructure and service for the benefit of all Deltans.
