Imo: Don’t allow Okorocha collect Paris Club refund from Buhari govt – Group tells Ihedioha

NEWS

Imo: Don’t allow Okorocha collect Paris Club refund from Buhari govt – Group tells Ihedioha

The Imo Charter Forum, ICF, has urged the state’s incoming governor, Emeka Ihedioha to ensure that the balance of Paris Club refund due for the state is not released to the outgoing governor, Rochas Okorocha, whose tenure comes to an end in less than two weeks.

The supervising Finance Minister, Zainab Ahmed had last week, on Thursday in Abuja, stated that states yet to collect their balance of the Paris Club debts refunds would soon be paid.

She had said about N649.434 billion has been released for the final phase of the Paris Club debts refunds, adding that the total sum was verified by the Ministry as the outstanding balance to be paid to the state governments.

The Minister assured that states with outstanding balances of the refund would be paid in due course.

Reacting to the development, ICF in a statement signed by its National Secretary, Hon. Zebulon Nwariri, said while it welcomed the “announcement of the refunds with open arms, if the fund is released to the outgoing governors, they would find excuses to spend it on frivolities or even divert it to private coffers.”

ICF an umbrella body of different associations and stakeholders on governance and welfare of Imo State, stated that the previous releases of such funds have not been duly accounted for by some of the governors.

The Forum stated that the “case of Okorocha was peculiar, as the state under his rule presently owes workers and pensioners, several month salaries and pensions, the same with local contractors who executed jobs but have not been paid despite many of such Paris Club refunds and huge internally generated revenue.”

ICF urged the Federal Government to “wait for the incoming governors to be inaugurated so that the money would serve as their take-off grant, in view of the fact that many of them would be inheriting empty treasuries from the out-going ones.”

The statement reads: “We welcome the news by the Federal Government that the last tranche of Paris Club refund has been released. For us, this would serve as take-off grant for some of the incoming governors, most of who would be inheriting empty treasuries from the out-going governors.

“The case of Imo state is peculiar because Governor Rochas Okorocha has no respect for accountability and due process with finances and has always seen the money belonging to Imo State as his personal resource.

“The Federal Government may need to be reminded that Rochas is owing workers over six months of unpaid salaries, the same with pensioners and contractors. This is in spite of the fact the state rakes in much revenue from internal revenue streams, in addition to the huge releases in the past from the same Paris Club refunds.

“We, therefore, urge the incoming governor, Rt. Hon. Emeka Ihedioha to do whatever is legally possible to safeguard Imo State’s share of the latest refunds by making sure that the money is not released to Rochas before he lives office in a few days from now. He must ensure that the money does not go into the hands of out-going governor Rochas Okorocha as they say that prevention is better than cure.”

SHARE THIS STORY

BREAKING NEWS Nigerian Federal Government Set To Resell Yola Electricity, Afam Power Plc

BREAKING NEWS

Nigerian Federal Government  Set To Resell Yola Electricity, Afam Power Plc

The Federal Government is set to put up two key power firms, Yola Electricity Distribution Company and Afam Power Plc, for sale to new core investors.

This would be the second time the government would be selling the Yola Disco, which covers Borno, Adamawa, Yobe and Taraba States.

It was also learnt that the first core investor in the Yola Disco, Integrated Energy Distribution and Marketing Company, had yet to be paid back the $146.8m it invested for 51 per cent stake in the firm, three years after it exited through the declaration of force majeure.

The Head of Public Communications, BPE, Amina Othman, told Punch that both the Yola Disco and Afam Power Plc were up for sale to new core investors.

According to her, the privatisation agency is in the process of obtaining approval from the National Council on Privatisation for the appointment of transaction advisers who will be responsible for offering advisory services towards the sale of the electricity companies.

She said, “We are at the stage of obtaining approval for the engagement of advisers for both transactions (Yola Disco and Afam Power Plc).

“On the payment to the former investor in the Yola Disco, Integrated Energy and Distribution Marketing Company, the former investor is yet to be paid.”

Following difficulty in running the Yola Disco due to activities of the terrorist group, Boko Haram, Integrated Energy and Distribution Marketing Company had asked the government to buy back its 51 per cent stake in the firm.

Please Share This Post

BREAKING NEWS Boko Haram: Bama Women Writes Buhari, Request The Release Of Detained Suspects

BREAKING NEWS

Boko Haram: Bama Women Writes Buhari, Request The Release Of Detained Suspects

A group of women from Bama Local Government Area of Borno State has appealed to President Muhammadu Buhari to direct the Nigerian military to free their relatives who had been detained since 2015 on the suspicion of being members of Boko Haram.

In an open letter addressed to the President, the women, under the aegis of Knifar Movement, said they had done everything to convince the military that their husbands were not insurgents.

The group, which said it had over 1,300 members currently living in IDP camps in Borno State, begged the President to help them reunite with “our 1,269 relatives who are detained by the military.”

“Our relatives – more than 1,269 men, women and children – were arrested between July and December 2015 and are still wrongly detained in Giwa military barracks and the Maiduguri Maximum Security Prison.

“Most of us are from Bama LGA; we were forced to leave our houses because of insurgency. Last year, we formed the Knifar Movement to ask for justice and the release of our relatives,” the group said in the open letter signed by Kellu Haruna and Fatima Babu.

“Your Excellency, we know that you are very busy and have serious issues to deal with, but we don’t know who to turn to anymore. That is why we respectfully ask for your assistance to intervene, so that our relatives could be released, considering the fact that they are not Boko Haram. They are innocent and were only caught up in the process.

“If the military has evidence that our relatives are Boko Haram members, they should present it to a court of law and charge them,” the letter further read.

Please Share This Post

BREAKING NEWS Herdsmen Killings: Buhari Promise To Restore Lasting Peace In Plateau

BREAKING NEWS

Herdsmen Killings: Buhari Promise To Restore Lasting Peace In Plateau

President Muhammadu Buhari has assured Plateau citizens of his administration’s commitment to support and assist the Peace-building Agency of the state government to end the cycle of violence that had bedeviled the state.

He said the state had taken steps leading to a foundation for sustainable peace, while enjoining other states of the Federation to emulate Plateau by setting up similar institutions.

Buhari, who is currently in Jos on a two-day working visit, where he commissioned some projects executed by the Governor of the state, Mr. Simon Bako Lalong and launched Plateau Peace Roadmap, also held a town hall meeting with stakeholders in the state.

“I have been monitoring the activities of the Plateau state Peace-Building Agency; I am indeed quite impressed with gains and successes recorded in the area of conflict management and peace-building , which has returned this state on the path of relative peace.

“As I formally endorse and launch the Plateau State Roadmap to Peace, let me express the Federal Government commitment to support and assist the Peace Building Agency in its effort to arrest the vicious cycle of violence and lay the foundation for sustainable peace,” he said.

Buhari also promised to look into the genuine request for the dualization and construction of the road from Abuja to Jos and the gateway extending to the North East, given the economic viability and conveniences.

He assured Lalong that he will look into his request for more slots for the state in Federal appointments so as to reflect federal character in line with his government’s determination to address the issues of marginalization in the spread of appointments and other privileges.

“The desire of the state to turn Riyom General Hospital to Trauma/Disaster Hospital is a genuine one in view of the location of Riyom as the gateway into the state capital from Abuja. I will direct the Federal Ministry of Health and Federal Road Safety Corps to working close collaboration with the Plateau State Government towards the actualization of this project”, Buhari assured.

In his earlier address, Lalong narrated to the President that he met a dislocated state.

“When this administration came on board on 29th May 2015, the scenario in the state was that of despondency, despair and discomfort, as the citizens were groaning under varying degrees of adverse socio-political and economic conditions.

“The citizenry was even further plunged into life-threatening insecurity challenges with many lives lost and properties wantonly destroyed in the wake of crises and sporadic attacks.

“On the economic front this spectacle of instability had drastically affected the economic well-being of our enterprising women and youth group.

“For the common man, life was very challenging as the government then became helpless”, he lamented.

“Even more pathetic was the backlog of workers’ salaries as Civil Servants were owed arrears of eight (8) months salary, Teachers were owed seven (7) months and most pathetic too was unpaid Pensions of over twelve (12) months and thirteen (13) in some Local Governments.

“We also met a seriously demoralized Civil Service characterized by low performance and productivity due to neglect of staff welfare and training. This gloomy scenario was in the face of a staggering debt profile of over two hundred and twenty two billion Naira (N222,000,000,000), which we inherited. The prospects of getting out of these tragic spectacles at first looked almost impossible, were it not for our resilience and Mr. President’s timely interventions in critical areas of need”, he added.

According to the governor, the secret behind the success story of his administration, “lies in our vision, commitment, trust, painful sacrifice and judicious use of limited resources. It may also interest Mr. President to know that the 5-Pillar Policy Thrust of my administration has remained the Trojan horse on which we rode towards tackling the enormous developmental challenges confronting us in this state.

“These Policy Thrusts include Peace, Security and Good Governance; Human Capital Development and Social Welfare; Agriculture and Rural Development; Entrepreneurship and Industrialization, and Physical Infrastructure and Environment. These policy thrusts are targeted at meeting the peculiar developmental aspirations of the Plateau citizens, while taking into consideration contemporary economic challenges and our new normal in the areas of Agriculture, Mining and Tourism”.

However, a Christian group under the aegis of Arewa Christians and Indigenous Pastors Association (ACIPA) has condemned the re-naming of Mararaban Jama’a – Bukuru road after President Muhammadu Buhari by Lalong.

Lalong had on Thursday re-named the newly constructed road after the President, who commissioned it and other projects.

The group in a press statement signed by Reverend Luke Shehu, rejected the re-naming, describing it as “obvious blunder of Governor Lalong in a desperate effort to please the Grand patron of Fulani, flag bearer of Danfodio Jihad and the recently coronated Bayajidda. Not only did Lalong mischievously claim credit for Jang’s PDP projects, Lalong has just re-named the Mararaban Jama’a to Bukuru express way after Muhammadu Buhari.

“Lalong does not know the relevance of Mararaban Jama’a road as a gateway to Jos.”

“The entire Plateau people must arise and protect our collective heritage and value before the hangman’s noose is pulled under our very eyes”, he stressed.

Aside from the Mararaban Jama’a road, the President also commissioned Secretariat Junction Flyover and Miango Road before proceeding to the Gbong Gwom palace where he met with the state traditional council.

It was, however, gathered that most of the projects were commenced by the past Governor of the state, Jonah David Jang, but completed by Lalong.

Please Share This Post

BREAKING NEWS 2019 Election: Imo APC Unhappy With Okorocha's Family Politics, Petitions Buhari, Oyegun

BREAKING NEWS

2019 Election: Imo APC Unhappy With Okorocha's Family Politics, Petitions Buhari, Oyegun

 

An All Progressives Congress, APC, group in Imo State under the aegis of the Imo APC Restoration Coalition, has reported Governor Rochas Okorocha to President Muhammadu Buhari and the National Chairman of the party, John Odigie-Oyegun.

It called on Buhari and Oyegun to call Okorocha to order.

The coalition warned that with the way Okorocha was handling his succession plan, the APC may be heading for a shameful and colossal failure in the state in the 2019 elections.

It alleged that the endorsement of the son-in-law of the governor was being obtained through blackmail and coercion.

In a communique issued yesterday at the end of its meeting held at the country home of Dr. T.O.E Ekechi, former presidential campaign director on Planning and Strategy, in Imerienwe, and read by Dr. Ekechi on behalf of the coalition, the stakeholders said, “Having seen and witnessed contemptible, despicable and condemnable happenings in our great party in the state in recent times, we are convinced that unless urgent steps are taken to call certain people to order, the APC is headed for a shameful, abysmal and colossal failure in the 2019 elections.

“This will tragically cut across and, regrettably, affect the presidential, governorship, National Assembly and Houses of Assembly chances.

The coalition members expressed concern that “these endorsements are taking place in the hallowed orbit of the Imo State Government House under the watch of the governor.

“We are embarrassed because this theatre of the absurdity, as we have confirmed, has the full backing of Imo State Government as the person being endorsed, one Chief Uche Nwosu, his son-in-law, is also his serving Chief of Staff. As a matter of fact, this is an anomaly and points to a dangerous and destructive party politics of APC in Imo State.

“We, therefore, call our members to caution, as endorsements do not frankly reflect the true picture of Imo APC. We call on Governor Okorocha to act as a true unifier, a leader to ensure a level playing field for all APC aspirants in all positions.

“To that effect, we reject in its entirety, the endorsements of Nwosu as being currently carried out in our party. This is so, because, these leprous endorsements have the capacity and capability of truncating and dismantling the very cord that binds us together as family.”

Please Share This Post

Lagos APC Against Oyegun Tenure Elongation, Petitions Buhari

BREAKING NEWS

Lagos APC Against Oyegun Tenure Elongation, Petitions Buhari 

Sequel to its rejection of the tenure elongation approved for National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), John Odigie-Oyegun, the Lagos chapter of the party has resolved to petition President Muhammadu Buhari on the matter.

The leader of the APC in Lagos Central senatorial district, Chief Tajudeen Olusi, confirmed this yesterday.

Olusi said the Lagos chapter was prepared to register its displeasure with President Buhari and other appropriate organs of the party.

“The option available to us is that we are going to make representations to all organs of the party.

“We are going to talk with the national leadership, the national executive and President Buhari”, he told Thisday.

Olusi, who earlier faulted the tenure elongation,quoting Section 223 of the 1999 Constitution as amended which stipulates elections at interval and Article 17 of the APC constitution, which stipulates a four-year tenure for its national and state executives, said it amounts to depriving other aspirants to the post.

“The tenure elongation is against the constitution of Nigeria and the party. It is a means of depriving aspirants who want to aspire.

“We think we should allow democracy to thrive in the party,” he added.

Noting that APC leaders in Lagos unanimously rejected the elongation after receiving reports from the Chairman, Chief Henry Ajomale, Olusi however declares that the state was in support of the reconciliatory responsibility assigned to former Governor, Bola Tinubu.

Please Share This Post

Benue Killings: Former Senate President, Mark, Speaks On The Killings In Benue State, Says Its Frustrating

BREAKING NEWS

Benue Killings: Former Senate President, Mark, Speaks On The Killings In Benue State, Says Its Frustrating

 

Former Senate President, Senator David Mark, has reacted to the killing of about 26 natives of Omusu community in Okpokwu Local Government Area of Benue State by assailants believed to be herdsmen.

In a statement, yesterday, by his Media Assistant, Paul Mumeh, Mark described as sad and frustrating, the killings in parts of Benue State despite repeated peace moves between the residents and the herdsmen in the state.

He condemned the unwarranted killings of innocent citizens, pointing out that the crisis was degenerating to something akin to “war without end,” defying all peaceful approaches.

He said: “I’m aware of various peace initiatives over the incessant clashes resulting to loss of lives and property. That the killings continue unabated is something beyond the ordinary.

“Let me once again appealed to the assailants to sheathe their swords and allow peace to reign. Whichever side of the divide and whatever vocation you are engaged in, no progress can be made in a crisis-ridden environment.”

Mark, who bemoaned the degenerating cases of insecurity in the land, said, “From abduction of innocent school girls in Dapchi, numerous cases of kidnapping to outright terrorism against unsuspecting citizens, the situation is frustrating.

“We must all make concerted efforts to achieve peace in our communities. Our security agencies should rise up to the challenges and protect lives and property. Life is sacred and we must not take it for granted.”

Please Share This Post

Benue Killings: Group Accuse Military Of Aiding Fulani Herdsmen

BREAKING NEWS

Benue Killings: Group Accuse Military Of Aiding Fulani Herdsmen

The Independent Human Rights and Crime Monitoring Group, IHRCMG, has accused the military of encouraging the influx of cattle into Benue State.

The group said the military was aiding the herders to take over Benue communities by violating the Open Grazing Prohibition Law of the state.

Reeling out preliminary report on execution of Exercise Ayem A’ Kpatuma to end herdsmen incursions in Benue State, yesterday, in Makurdi, team leader of IHRCMG, Mr Solomon Adodo, regretted that the state had witnessed more killings, destruction of farmlands and houses despite the coming of the military.

According to the group, “Exercise Ayem A’ Kpatum is causing more harm than good to Benue communities. Rather than bringing peace and move people back to their ancestral homes, the military has been encouraging more herdsmen to move into Benue communities.

“The military encouraged herdsmen with a handbill, which they used at the launch of the exercise. They circulated the handbill misinforming the general public and giving a perspective that was not true.

“And Federal Government appears to be complicit in the Benue killings in all ramifications, the actions taken so far by the government does not show any political will to end the killings.

“We, therefore, recommend that the military should reassess its operations and sincerely help Benue to enforce the Open Grazing Prohibition Law of 2017.”

Please Share This Post

2019 Election: Nigeria Will Be Better If PDP Returns To Power - Adebutu

BREAKING NEWS

2019 Election: Nigeria Will Be Better If PDP Returns To Power - Adebutu

 

The Chairman, House of Representatives Committee on Rural Development, Oladipupo Adebutu has revealed what will happen to Nigeria if the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, takes over the presidency in 2019.

According to him, the issue of herdsmen, the polarization of the citizens along ethnic lines and the calls for the disintegration of Nigeria would be history.

He said this during his tour of Odeda Local Government Area of Ogun State, where he held meeting with the PDP party faithful and stakeholders in the area.

Adebutu, who said that Nigerians had never had it so bad in terms of economic hardship, claimed that they were yearning for the return of the PDP in 2019.

He said Nigerians had experienced both the governance by the PDP and the All Progressives Congress and now knew the better party between them, adding that the party had learnt from its past mistakes.

He said the party, both at the national and state levels, had began a concerted effort to reconcile all party chieftains and stakeholders who had one grouse or the other against the party.

He said, “The leaders are already looking into the issues of the aggrieved people. Once our leaders take care of that aspect of it, you will see everything sorted out.

“So, that’s basically the situation now. And even the people are crying out for us to come back and to reorganise, to restrategise and to deliver a better government.

“You will note that over time, we had the situation where various agitations were diminished but as we left power, these agitations have increased and we have seen various tension arise all

“We have seen the polarisation, the issue of herdsmen, agitation for all manner of partitioning of Nigeria. By the grace of God, I am certain that when we come back to the helm of affairs of Nigeria, these agitations will diminish again and we shall have a very peaceful, prosperous nation again”.

Please Share This Post

APC Calls For The Arrest Of P-Square For Allegedly Insulting Government

BREAKING NEWS

APC Calls For The Arrest Of P-Square For Allegedly Insulting Government

The All Progressives Congress, APC, youth renaissance group has reacted to Peter Okoye of P-square’s perceived ‘insult’ on the Federal government of Nigeria.

The brothers via their Instagram pages had questioned the federal government’s purported move to ban production of music videos abroad.

They said the federal government was trying to control what it never supported, adding that one day, a law would surface that will monitor how they sleep with their wives.

Reacting in a statement signed by the APC youths national secretary, Collins Edwin, the group described Peter Okoye as a “son of darkness.”

According to APC, “We read the scurrilous remarks credited to Mr. Peter Okoye of the P-square group against the Federal Government’s job-saving policy in the entertainment industry with great anger and vexation.

“Least of all persons to make scathing remark against the government is the Psquare group which the local content policy of the Federal Government dusted-up from the valley of obscurity.

“Where was Peter Okoye or Psquare brand in 1999 when foreign music dominated our airwaves? If not for the government policy which mandated all broadcast stations in Nigeria to pay attention to Nigerian music by playing 95 percent of Nigerian songs every day, would Peter Okoye or Psquare be known to anybody in Nigeria today?

“Or would they have competed with better American music which dominated our airwaves then?

“After the government have used its policy to brush them up from nothing to something; instead of giving opportunity to other people, they are taking Nigerian jobs to foreign countries through the shooting of music videos abroad.

“Now that government have intervened to raise great and better entertainers again, Peter Okoye has the gut to insult the entire Federal Government by calling our great leaders ‘Ndi Ala’ which means mad and stupid people. How dare you say that Psquare?

“We, therefore, urge the security agencies in the country to arrest Mr. Peter Okoye for disrespecting our government and bringing it to a disrepute.

“If you cannot produce in Nigeria and hire Nigerians, then leave the industry. We must export Nigerian culture to the outside world through our music and videos.”

Please Share This Post

Edo State Doctors On A Five-Day Warning Strike

SHARE THIS POST

BREAKING NEWS

Edo State Doctors On A Five-Day Warning Strike

Medical doctors in Edo State have declared a five-day warning strike to press home their demands for better working conditions and human capacity development, among others.

State Chairman of the Nigerian Medical Association (NMA), Dr Emmanuel Osaigbovo, told newsmen after an emergency meeting in Benin that doctors in federal and local government institutions in the state would be part of the strike.

Osaigbovo said that the action indicated that health services would be paralysed in the state from Wednesday.

He explained that for more than a year, the association had been talking with the Edo Government without positive outcomes.

“The Edo doctors have been highly marginalised, their welfare has been relegated to the background.

“We have given ultimatums and then later shelved them due to intervention by well meaning Edo people.

“We are forced today to take a decision we did not want to take.

“We are telling Edo people that we are taking this decision, a hard one because the state government has refused to listen to anybody.

“We are truly sorry for the pains Edo people will pass through,’’ he said.

He noted that state-owned health institutions were in decay and that the state had only 200 doctors on its pay roll.

“We want government to look into all these and others,” he said.

Reacting, the state Commissioner for Health, Dr David Osifo, expressed shock over the planned strike.

“I am surprised about this; they have been part of the committees to get solutions for the health sector.

“The governor even set up a committee to look into their demands and we have been working together.

“The committee on their salaries, which they are part of, has also looked into the salary review and we came up with an additional N30 million for the wage bill for doctors only.

“The governor said we should look into graduating the increment, because incurring additional N30 million monthly would make other sectors to suffer,’’ he said.

Please Share This Post

Buahri Appoints A New Rector For Auchi Polytechnics

SHARE THIS POST

BREAKING NEWS

Buahri Appoints A New Rector For Auchi Polytechnics 

President Muhammadu Buhari has approved the appointment of Dr Momodu Sanusi Jimah, as the substantive Rector of Auchi Polytechnic, in Edo state.

A statement by Mustapha Oshoibugie, the Chief Public Relations Officer of the institution in Benin on Tuesday said that the appointment takes effect from February 23 and for a period of four years.

Jimah, until his appointment, was the acting Rector of the Polytechnic.

He is also an Alumnus of the Polytechnic where he obtained the Higher National Diploma (HND) in Urban and Regional Planning in 1982.

He obtained the Post Graduate Diploma in Urban and Regional Planning in 1997 and Masters in Business Administration in 2003.

Jimah is a member of several professional bodies including Membership of the Nigeria Institute of Town Planners, Fellow of the Institute of Chartered Economists of Nigeria and Fellow, Institute of Entrepreneurship of Nigeria.

Other positions including; Dean, School of Environmental Studies; Director, Centre for Entrepreneurial Development; Director, Auchi Polytechnic Consultancy Services and Assistant Dean, School of Part-Time Studies.

Please Share This Post

Nigeria Fuel Scarcity: NNPC MD, Baru And Custom Boss, Ali Meet

SHARE THIS POST


Nigeria Fuel Scarcity: NNPC MD, Baru And Custom Boss, Ali Meet 

Managing Director of the Nigeria National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) Dr. Maikanti Baru on Friday visited Comptroller General of the Nigeria Customs, Col. Hameed Ali (retd) to end smuggling of petroleum products.

The meeting was held to discuss increasing rate of smuggling of petrol from Nigeria to neighbouring countries.

Maikanti Baru in a statement said they discussed ways to fight petroleum products diversion and cross-border smuggling to neighbouring countries.

The statement read “Petroleum products diversion and cross-border smuggling to neighbouring countries has been inimical to the efficient supply and distribution of petroleum products nationwide

“The existence of arbitrage opportunities in neighbouring countries has pushed daily National consumption from less than 35million litres per day to over 55million litres per day.

“During the recent PMS supply challenge, we observed that unpatriotic marketers are exploiting both land & coastal borders to smuggle out petr. products meant for the Nign mkt to other W/African countries due to sheer greed & lack of patriotism

“Inter-Agency collaboration against hoarding, diversion, smuggling and illegal price hike in ex-depot or retail pump price has become increasingly necessary in order to safeguard Nigeria’s Energy Security

“NNPC is concerned that continued cross-border smuggling of petroleum products will deny Nigerians the benefit of the FG’s benevolence of keeping a fixed retail price of N145/litre despite the increase in PMS open market price above N171/ltr

“Petroleum products diversion and cross-border smuggling to neighbouring countries constitutes serious threat to our economic stability and National Energy Security.

“Inter-Agency collaboration against hoarding, diversion, smuggling and illegal price hike in ex-depot or retail pump price has become increasingly necessary in order to safeguard Nigeria’s Energy Security.”

Please Share This Post

Dapchi Abduction: Service Chiefs Meet In Maiduguri

SHARE THIS POST

Dapchi Abduction: Service Chiefs Meet In Maiduguri 

The Chief of Defence Staff, Gabriel Olonisakin, on Thursday, alongside other service chiefs, held a three-hour meeting with troops’ commanders over the search for the abducted Dapchi schoolgirls.

The meeting took place at the military Command and Control Centre at the MaiMalari Cantonment.

Defence Spokesperson, John Again, a Brigadier-General, speaking to journalists after the meeting said operational strategy for the search for the girls would no longer be discussed in the public, rather the military will only communicate successes recorded

Mr. Again said the service chiefs held meeting to review the entire counter-insurgency operations, including the search for the Dapchi schoolgirls.

“The Chief of Defence Staff and other service chiefs came into the Theatre Command to review the main operations, particularly the Operation to get back the Dapchi schoolgirls”, he said.

“The CDS is soliciting for the cooperation of the media and all stakeholders in this ongoing operations.

“To this end, he is asking for maturity in handling the media so that we don’t speculate. For instance there are some ongoing speculation that the military has employed the services of some fishermen and farmers.

“This speculation in the view of the Chief of Defence Staff, can jeopardise the operation and also endanger the lives of the girls as well as all those who are involved in the operations.

“While the military is soliciting for useful information from the well-meaning general public, the military has not singled out fishermen and farmers for this assailants; rather the military is asking for anybody that has useful information.

“What we will be doing henceforth is to limit the way we publicise the strategy used in the operations. Rather, we will communicate the successes of the operations,” he stated.

Please Share This Post

Popular Nigerian OAP, Sensei Uche Writes Yusuf Buhari – “You re lucky, many Nigerians re not”

SHARE THIS POST

Popular Nigerian OAP, Sensei Uche Writes Yusuf Buhari – “You re lucky, many Nigerians re not”

Popular Online media personality, Sensei Uche has written an open letter to Yusuf Buhari, over his return from Germany for medical treatment.

Sensei in his letter appealed to Yusus to help Nigerians who also deserve the best medical care.

He urged Yusuf to inform his father that Nigeria needs a competent leader that would create the opportunities needed to make their lives better.

Recall that Yusuf, who is said to be Buhari’s only son, was last year flown to Germany, following a powerbike accident in Abuja.

There was jubilation on Thursday at the presidential Villa as Photographs, emerged of Yusuf’s return. 

Sensei Uche, who is currently receiving radiotherapy treatment for a malignant tumour, wrote on his Instagram.

Read the open letter below:

Hello Yusuf,

“I write this letter as a brother and Nigerian, hoping that your recent experience has given you more insight, empathy and strength to look beyond yourself and live for the greater good of humanity.

“Welcome back home brother. Thank God for granting you good health and more years on earth.

“As I think about what led to your accident, I realise that the desire to live to the fullest, is something we both share. Power bike riding is an exciting pass time. And racing on a power bike, (laughs) you’re either an adrenaline junky or just down right crazy to do such.

“I too look forward to a day I ride my bike across cities and towns in Nigeria.

“I’m currently in Istanbul receiving radiotherapy treatment for a malignant tumour discovered in my nasal region last year. And it’s going well thank God. Now here’s why I’m writing you this letter. Note, what I’m about to point out is not your doing, just the way life designed our paths. So take no offence or feel guilt from it. Just know that there comes a time life teaches us lessons that will benefit the world we live in.

“You had the best medical care available to you in Nigeria when you had your accident. A team of some the best medical practitioners and minds in the country at your bedside.

“I am lucky to have had the tumour identified after months of test in clinics and hospitals. Of which I was told I had nothing more than an infection.

“You were flown out of the country as soon as you were stabilised, because the doctors I assume didn’t have the equiments and technology to continue with treatment. And note that the logistics of visa, funds and family support were all taken care off the table because of your status as the ‘First Son’ of Nigeria. I assume again that you had aides travel with you. All to make certain that your stay outside the country be comfortable and stress free.

“After my tumour was diagnosed malignant thank God, I spent four months of more test and scans to come up with the best form of treatment. Receiving two sessions of chemotherapy which turned out to be ineffective. And later resorted to crowd funding from Nigerians, which helped me get out of the country for better care. But like everyone going out of the country I had to go through the process of visa application in my critical state.

“I could only afford to have a friend travel with me. He put his life on pause for a month to help me settle into the system.

“We are lucky Yusuf. There are hundreds of thousands, if not millions of Nigerians, who are not as fortunate as us. They have died from ailments far less life threatening. All because they can’t afford the care and the lack of available medical facilities for treatment. They deserve the best medical care as Nigerians. Because they live in a land blessed with wealth and resources beyond imagination. Something I’m sure you’re benefiting from.

“I believe we should all benefit from the resources our country is blessed with. And tribe, language, religion and social standing mean nothing to me when it comes to this notion. I strongly hope you share my sentiments as the first son of Nigeria.

“It’s said that a father’s love knows no bounds. And I strongly believe that when your father heard you had been in a horrific accident, there was nothing he wouldn’t do to keep you alive. No amount would be spared for you to have the best care medicine could give.

“Your father, is my president and the elected father of my nation Nigeria. I expect him to spare nothing when it comes to the welfare of it’s citizens. Because as citizens, we trust him to lead us with the best care and protection imaginable in the time he has been allocated.

“I’m not writing this to lay blames on anyone, it’s a colossal waste of time. But instead I pray my words ignite a passion in you to help your father, with the time left of his term, put in place the foundations for real change that will benefit the people of Nigeria in all real change that will benefit the people of Nigeria in all aspects of life.

“There is so much I want to say, but I’m afraid of writing too much.

“I belong to everybody and I belong to nobody.

The words of your father, my president. Words that meant so much to me as I watched your father being sworn in as the fourth democratically elected president of Nigeria.

“The people of Nigeria are in need of a leader that will create the opportunities needed to make their lives better.

“You know this Yusuf. If you don’t, put on a disguise and go on a nationwide tour to see for yourself. And maybe, just maybe, we can start to make the pledge a reality.

“I look forward to meeting you, so we can sit down and plot a path to greatness for Nigeria by sharing ideas.

God bless you, and may God bless Nigeria.

Source DailyPost

Please Share This Post