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Army Tackles Gumi Over Banditry, Says Cleric Denigrating Military

Ola Akinola
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Army Tackles Gumi Over Banditry, Says Cleric Denigrating Military

The allegations made by a renowned Islamic cleric, Sheikh Ahmad Gumi, alleging security officers are cooperating with criminals to spread havoc across the country have been termed as “sad and unfortunate” by the Nigerian Army.

Gumi had accused some security employees of providing the armed gangs a “easy landing” on Wednesday when he appeared on Arise TV, emphasising that gunmen would not have had access to firearms without the help of some security personnel.

However, the Nigerian Army spokesman, Brig.-Gen. Onyema Nwachukwu, responded to the allegations in a statement released on Wednesday, saying the remark was a calculated attempt to destabilize the country.

Nwachukwu called on the opinion leaders to demonstrate patriotism in building the peace across the country, ”rather than being agents of distabilisation, thereby aggravating the current security challenges facing the nation.”

The statement reads in parts; ”The Nigerian Army has just been alerted to a submission by Sheikh Ahmad Abubakar Gumi when he featured on ARISE TV Morning Show on Wednesday, 23 June 2021 alleging that the Nigerian Military is colluding with marauding bandits who have been responsible for various crimes and atrocities against Nigerians and the Nigerian state.

”The Nigerian Army (NA) wishes to state that contrary to Sheik Gumi’s claims, the NA remains a bonafide symbol of national unity that has conducted its constitutional responsibilities in the most professional manner in line with global best practices of adherence to the rules of engagement and protection of the fundamental human rights of the citizenry.

”The sweeping allegation peddled by the scholar is not only sad and unfortunate, but a calculated attempt to denigrate the Nigerian military and undermine the sacrifices of our patriotic troops, who are working tirelessly to restore peace and stability across the country.

”It is essential to remind ourselves that these same military, being accused of connivance, are the ones who recently put their lives on the line to rescue abductees of the Government Secondary School, Birnin Yawuri from kidnappers.

”While the NA will not attempt to excuse the possibility of black sheep amongst its fold, it must be stated unambiguously that it will not condone any form of sabotage or aiding and assisting the enemy by any personnel, as provisions for dealing decisively with such acts are crystallised in Section 45 (1) of the Armed Forces Act CAP A 20 Laws of the Federation of Nigeria 2004.

”It must also be pointed out, that while the military is very much receptive to constructive criticism, it should not be perceived as a gateway for derogatory comments that have the potential to embolden criminals. It is also necessary to reiterate that patriotism must be taken to a trajectory where subversive conversations on the state are brought to the barest minimum.”

The statement continued; ”Opinion leaders are enjoined to demonstrate patriotism in building the peace, rather than being agents of distabilization, thereby aggravating the current security challenges facing the nation.

”The NA wishes to reassure law abiding citizens, that troops will continue to conduct themselves professionally in consonance with the code of conduct guiding our operations in all combat engagements, in line with the provisions of the Nigerian Constitution and global best practice.

”Citizens are enjoined to continue to support military operations by providing useful information to defence and security agencies and together we shall rid our society of these criminal elements.”

I’m Consulting On 2023 Presidency, Gov. Bala Mohammed

Mosali Edunosa
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I’m Consulting On 2023 Presidency, Gov. Bala Mohammed

Bauchi State Governor Bala Mohammed has asked the Northern Youth Leaders Forum (NYLF) to grant him three weeks to consult on the presidency in 2023.

When he received the letter of demand to declare interest in the president on Wednesday, the governor declared thus.

At the Banquet Hall of the Government House in Bauchi, the executive members of NYLF, led by its National Chairman, Elliot Afiyo, greeted him.

According to him; “I will not categorically give you an answer. I will have to make consultations across all political divides after which I will come out with my position.”

“I rely on the leading of Allah and my political Constituency. Just give me between 2 and 3 weeks and I will get back to you with a definite answer.

“I am a fulfilled politician who rose from a humble background both in public service and political scene. God has been very faithful to me and my family and does not need to struggle for anything again in life, therefore, I will not categorically say yes to your proposal for now.

“I am the most hunted and humiliated politician in the country, since 2007 when I defeated an outgoing Governor to emerge the Senator to represent Bauchi South to the time I raised the motion on necessity and eventually appointed as Minister of the FCT, I have continued to face stiff opposition and political intimidation.

“I have refused to be intimidated, I have refused to bulge and I have moved on to pursue the cause I believe in. To the glory of God, here I am today, the elected Governor of Bauchi State against all odds and political character assassination. Allah has indeed been gracious to me and family,” Mohammed said.

Earlier in his remarks, Afiyo said based on their findings, the governor remains the best presidential material for 2023.

Security Forces Working With Bandits-Gumi

Grace Itodu
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Security Forces Working With Bandits-Gumi

Security officials are allegedly colluding with the criminals who are spreading devastation across the country, Sheik Ahmad Gumi, a renowned Islamic preacher has said.

Gumi accused some security personnel of providing the armed gangs a “easy landing” when he appeared on Arise TV on Wednesday which our correspondent monitored.

Gunmen would not have had access to firearms without the help of some security employees, according to Gumi, who described banditry as a business.

According to him; “These bandits, if you don’t know, are cooperating with a lot of bad elements in our security system. This is a business. So many people are involved, you’ll be so surprised.”

“They were caught in Zamfara; they were caught everywhere, how do these big weapons cross our borders? How can these big weapons cross our borders and get into the forest without the cooperation of some bad element of the security operatives assisting them? It’s not possible. If I give you the same amount of guns can you take it to the UK? You can’t, because the security is alert.

”Part of fighting this banditry is to overhaul our security system.”

Gumi also said it is unfair to compare bandits and the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB).

He said while bandits abduct people for money, IPOB militants attack security operatives and destroy government facilities.

“IPOB is attacking the police, the army, Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and other government institutions; killing our men in service.”

“And the herdsmen are kidnapping children not to kill them but to get money; so how can you compare somebody who is killing our gallant men directly to somebody who is kidnapping children to make money and not to kill them. Look, we need some fairness in what we are doing,” he said.

FCTA Assisting Security Agencies in Combating Kidnappings and Banditry , Perm Sec

Toyin Adebayo
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FCTA Assisting Security Agencies in Combating Kidnappings and Banditry , Perm Sec

The Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) says it is aiding law enforcement and other security agencies in dealing with climate-related concerns such as kidnappings, banditry, community clashes, and other issues.

Mr Olusade Adesola, FCTA’s Permanent Secretary, stated this at the FCT Emergency Management Agency’s (FMA) 2021 Flood Outlook and Review of FCT Emergency Preparedness and Response Plan (EPRP) on Wednesday in Abuja.

A number of events have transpired since the last appraisal of the FCT flotilla, including the advent of the COVID-19 virus, kidnappings, and other security concerns, Adesola stated.

According to him ; ” As an administration, we have taken steps to address these challenges such as supporting the police and other security agencies to be able to provide robust security for the territory and furthering the safer schools initiative.”

He also hinted that the FCT administration had continued to provide resources to maintain critical city infrastructure such as drainages and lighting up dark alleys.

Adesola, however, implored the Area Councils that are yet to constitute their emergency management committees to do so with utmost urgency.

” This is important and neccessary because gaps on the part of Area Councils can undermine the strength of the FCT Emergency Response Plan,” Adesola said.

FEMA’s Director General, Alhaji Abbas Idriss, previously stated that the organization had reacted to 82 flood cases in 2020, saving 421 lives and homes valued at about N102,851,000.

He added that; FEMA’s Search and Rescue Teams responded to 53 road crash incidents in the FCT in 2020, saving 89 lives and assets valued over N36 million.

FEMA reacted to 584 emergency calls related to fire outbreaks, saving 2029 lives while losing 15 lives and salvaging properties worth over N1 billion, according to the DG.

Similarly, he claimed the organization received 40 calls from the Internally Displaced Persons settlements about psychosocial difficulties, all of which were resolved attended to without loss of life.

He said; ” In summary, the Search and Rescue Team received and responded to a total of 768 distressed calls, out of which 27 were false alarm.

” On the same course, the FCT experience two building collapse in which three lives were lost, 34 lives rescued, while properties worth over N84 million was salvaged.

” Also in 2020, the agency responded to two cases of electrocution. This was as a result of tree branches coming in contact with power lines,” he said.

The DG, however , appealed to the Department of Parks and Recreation to intensify its monitoring activities to ensure that trees close to power lines are pruned to avoid loss of lives.

He said the event was a proactive step aimed at strategizing in terms of prevention, mitigation and response to flood prediction released by the Nigerian Hydrological Services Agency.

Also, Mr Clement Nze, the Director General, National Hydrological Services Agency, who commended FEMA for taken proactive measures to mitigate disaster in FCT, said the agency was the most active and proactive emergency management organisation in the country.

IWD: A group advocates for the acquisition of skills in order to combat widow’s invisibility

Toyin Adebayo
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IWD: A group advocates for the acquisition of skills in order to combat widow’s invisibility

…400 Widows are trained in several skill acquisition programs.

As the world commemorates International Widow’s Day, the Helpline Foundation for the Needy, an Abuja-based non-governmental organization, identify skill acquisition and financial empowerment as critical in addressing widows’ invisibility in the country on Wednesday.

Over 400 widows from the six Area Councils in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) and bordering states of Nasarawa and Niger have received skill acquisition training from the group.

The group also expressed displeasure with government policies at all levels that fail to address the complex concerns that widows face around the world, stating that such indifference implies that widowhood would continue to be a problem unaddressed.  

President and Founder of Helpline Foundation for the Needy Abuja, Dr. Jumai Ahmadu, who spoke at the 2021 International Widow’s Day organized by the foundation in collaboration with Nigeria Association of Women Journalists (NAWOJ) and Make A Difference for the Needy Foundation, however, affirmed that the foundation is poised in making widows in the nation’s capital to be more productive in the society.  

While commenting on this year’s theme: ““Invisible Women, Invisible Problems”, Ahmadu noted that the theme urges all and sundry to identify widows and make their problems visible to society.  

Her words; “Among various ethnic groups, the widows are even deprived of their privileges. This theme of Widows’ Day 2021 therefore, urges us to identify those women and make their problems visible to society. Specifically, we are here today in ensuring that widows are not only empowered, but are made visible to policy makers.  

“Helpline Foundation and other critical stakeholders have come to the sudden realization that policies focus upon common citizens, labourers, jobless youth, and other suffering segments of the society but nothing is specifically discussed about widows in policy-making meetings. Therefore, we will continue to highlight the issues of this ignored group to make our society more sustainable”.  

It would be recalled that the International Widows’ Day is an awareness day of the United Nation set aside to discuss the hardships that widows face. It is a day designated to highlight the problems of widows and encourage people to help widows in struggling against the challenges of life.

FCTA Vows to Arrest, Prosecute Owners and Drivers of Heavy-Duty Vehicles Involved In Accidents

Toyin Adebayo
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FCTA Vows to Arrest, Prosecute Owners and Drivers of Heavy-Duty Vehicles Involved In Accidents

…Cautions Against Looting

The Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) has stated that owners and drivers of heavy-duty vehicles involved in fatal and serious accidents will be arrested and prosecuted.

While adding that, any heavy duty vehicle or truck involved in an accident on these routes will be properly investigated, and the owners and drivers of those vehicles will face criminal prosecution for lives lost and property destroyed.

Comrade Ikharo Attah, Chairman of the FCT Ministerial Traffic Management Team, on Wednesday in Nyanya during a rescue operation at two incidences of road wrecks involving large trucks and autos.

According to him , “A late Tuesday night accident involving two trucks carrying food,  Malt drinks and alcoholic beverages caused severe traffic gridlock during the morning hours on Wednesday when workers were heading to work. 

“An early morning accident less than two hundred meters from the night crash, involving a Dangote truck, a costal Bus and tree other vehicles worsen the already chaotic traffic situation.

” From investigations of previous road crashes particularly on the Zuba- Gwagwalada and the AYA-Nyanya Road, we discovered that some of this trucks and  articulated duty vehicles are not properly maintained by their corporate and private owners.

He continued; ” If not for the combined efforts of the DPO Nyanya, CSP Majia, FRSC Nyanya unit Commander,  Mrs Sabena and a strong support of the Karu police Division the road would have not been passable at all. They deployed their men from 11. 40pm Tuesday night and worked till 10am Wednesday morning to bring the situation fully under control”.

“Despite series of efforts and enlightenment, it seems as some persons are yet to come to terms with the vision to make Abuja a safe city for motorists and commuters” , he explained.

Attah, also condemned attempts by some youths  and refuse vendors to loot the food and other items from the scene of the crashes,  saying, ” one wonder why some people will see rice, drinks at accident scene and be calling them palliatives. The Nyanya police team did a brilliant job by preventing the youths who came out in their hundreds to loot he items”. 

Meanwhile, an eye witness briefed newsmen that policemen fire teargas several during the night to disperse the youths who were desperate to cart away the items, particularly the bags of rice. 

NLC To Resume Kaduna Strike Over Sacked Workers

Ekaette Ibuot
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NLC To Resume Kaduna Strike Over Sacked Workers

The Nigeria Labour Congress says, it has resolved to resume its suspended strike in Kaduna State without further notice over the unjust sack of over 35,000 workers in the state.
The President of NLC Comrade Ayuba Wabba made this known in Abuja at the end of an emergency National Executive Council meeting.
Ayuba said the decision is a last resort following the Kaduna State Government’s refusal to comply with the MoU entered with labour during the intervention by the Federal Government.
It could be recalled that NLC had embarked on a five day industrial action in Kaduna State following the sack of thousands of workers, but the strike action was suspended on May 19th 2021, following the intervention of the Federal Government, through the Ministry of Labour And Employment, during which MoU was signed.

The NLC President lamented that the Kaduna State government has continued to treat the signed MoU with levity ever since it was entered.
He further lamented that Kaduna state has also refused to set up a committee to look into the issue as ordered by the Federal government.

Wabba insisted that strike is a legal means used globally by workers to press home their demands.

“Resolve calls as follows: that the decision of the National Executive Council to withdraw all services and protest of this neo-liberal and extreme right wing policy should take effect without further delay. Mobilisation of all our state councils and all affiliates should take place immediately, and that all employers of labour should be put on notice, as required by our extant laws”.

“Secondly, we make bold to say that all those falsehood, and propaganda would be responded to appropriately, because we thought that in a modern day democracy, our politician should always speak the truth and they should not be used to falsify information, and even advanced issues of propaganda which has been the issue”.

“Particularly, the issue of citing degree 2, which has been abolished by the current democratic dispensation. Degree 2 is only known to the military era, and therefore, if El-Rufai wants to return to the era of militarization of our democracy. I think is something that should be condemned and to say that the actions of workers and trade unions are regulated by laws. It is the Kaduna state government that has violated the provision and sanctity of our laws. The MoU has stated this clearly, that all that has happened, have conformed to the provision of our laws”.

“That is why, as a matter of last resort, the National Executive Council, the central Working Committee, and the National Registration Council of Congress have to take those decisions because we thought, we have exhausted all legitimate processes of making sure that we are heard”.

“Even in the best economies, workers are allowed to withdraw their services and even in the event of strike in essential service, what is required by law is for the employer to negotiate with unions on how social services can be allowed to flow”.

My Policies, Projects, Appointments Guided By Equity, Inclusiveness, Buhari

Shehu Danladi
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My Policies, Projects, Appointments Guided By Equity, Inclusiveness, Buhari

President Muhammadu Buhari said on Monday that equity and inclusiveness dictated all of his administration’s policy efforts, programs, and even appointments.

He went on to say that no corner of the country had been left out of the benefits of infrastructure, agriculture, and economic support initiatives based on regional differences.

Buhari made the remarks in Abuja when declaring open the first edition of the Progressives Youth Conference, which was hosted by the All Progressives Congress (APC) youth wing and had the subject “The Future Is A Decision.”

The President, who was represented by the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Mr. Boss Mustapha reiterated that every criminal element that had taken up arms against the peace of the country and its citizens would be brought to book accordingly.

According to him; “So far, all the policies initiatives, projects and even appointments by this administration have been guided by equity and inclusiveness. There is actually no part of the country that has not been impacted positively in the areas of infrastructure, agriculture and economic support initiative based on peculiarities of the regions. What an area lacks in one aspect is compensated for in another.

“As you are all aware, we are currently dealing with some internal security challenges and I will like to reassure you that as the Commander in chief of the armed forces, no effort will be spared in tackling them.

“As I have repeatedly said in recent weeks, every criminal element that has taken up arms against the peace of the country and its citizens will be brought to book accordingly. I am happy to see that we are beginning to see the results and we keep improving until the country is rid of such divisive elements. “

The President noted that he was pleased to know that the theme of the conference provides an opportunity for creating a movement, while the future is a decision that should be made today.

Buhari noted that the conference was therefore very timely coming up not too long after the membership registration exercise of the party and just before the commencement of congresses starting from the Wards.

He said he was confident that deliberations at the conference would impact on the party’s activities and even trickles down to his administration.

Buhari added that he was mindful of the fact that his administration came into leadership on the back of the victory achieved at the polls by the party on two consecutive occasions.

He stressed that it was therefore pertinent that party members remain bound by the tenets of the APC manifesto and constitution.

The President pointed out that while those documents might not be perfect, they were put together so that elected and appointed members of the party conduct themselves in most responsible manner possible, while implementing and executing policies that are not only beneficial, but fair to all Nigerians

Buhari urged the youths not to despair, nor relent in their joint task of nation building, saying they have no other country but Nigeria.

He said, “It is the responsibility of every one of us to work towards the development and advancement of this country. Let us seize the opportunity to put unpleasant experiences and controversies of the past behind us as we forge a better future for the APC and for our dear country, Nigeria.”

NEF Tells Buhari Detractors To Produce Evidence Of Nepotism In Presidential Appointments

Roland Edet
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NEF Tells Buhari Detractors To Produce Evidence Of Nepotism In Presidential Appointments

On Monday, the Northern Elders Forum, or NEF, challenged critics of President Muhammadu Buhari to back up their charges of nepotism in his appointments with facts.

In response to President Buhari’s assertion that his selections and policies are based on fairness and inclusion, the Forum stated this.

NEF also requested the President to submit the documentation needed to show that his appointments and policies were consistent with the Federal Character Principles.

Dr. Hakeem Baba-Ahmed, NEF’s Director of Publicity and Advocacy, said in Abuja: “The allegations regarding nepotism and marginalisation of groups need to be supported by evidence. When they persist, they should be vigorously challenged with evidence as well.

Saying; “This is one issue where both sides of the argument have failed to be thorough in defence of their cases. Names, positions and appointments, and statistics alone do not suffice, although they are still important.

“Critics of the President tend to point at specific offices and argue that they are limited to particular ethnic groups. They make these cases in contexts of wider arguments over marginalization and entrenched nepotism. However, the Presidency insists that merit takes priority position when the powers of the President are being exercised.”

According to him, these arguments suggest a deep gulf between the President and some communities and in the country.

“The reluctance of the President to improve his relationship with elites from all parts of the country and seek their input into the management of the political process and governance makes this worse.

“It is unlikely that these arguments will die off with a President who will not accept criticism or work to address them, and a nation which is elevating ethnic identity as the prime factor in sharing of political spaces,” the Forum added.

After Buhari’s Exit, APC May Have Challenges, Lawan

Shehu Danladi
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After Buhari’s Exit, APC May Have Challenges, Lawan

The All Progressives Congress (APC) may face challenges once President Muhammadu Buhari leaves office in 2023, according to Senate President Ahmad Lawan.

In a speech presented to close the First Progressives Youth Conference 2021, held at the International Conference Centre in Abuja on Monday night, Lawan issued the warning.

He stated that the party must begin to plan ahead in order to maintain the current administration’s goodwill and legacies.

He noted that by doing so, the party would be able to retain its appeal and nationalistic outlook beyond the 2023 general elections.

According to him; “Whether we like it or not, the truth is, President Muhammadu Buhari remains the person with the bulk of the support we get across this country in APC.

“And] when he leaves, he would still have some roles, but I daresay that it is after he leaves office that APC will face its challenge.

“Yes, we have to know our value then, and the value of APC presently is APC minus President Muhammadu Buhari. Whatever it is, that is the value of APC.

“So, we need to do a lot to build this party, and we need our youths more than ever before for them to continue with this legacy that this administration has established all over the country.

“That means we have to see our selves as brothers and sisters regardless of where we come from.

“Our tribe or even ethnic group, our religious persuasion should not matter when it comes to uniting this country.

“And as APC, the onus is on us to provide security and an economy that will bring growth and development to give people the kind of life that is meaningful.

“We can ask others to join us, but we are the ones to do it, so we need all hands on deck.”

He lamented that the plan of the APC to deliver on most of its promises to Nigerians was stalled in the first tenure of the President Buhari administration as a result of the feud between the National Assembly and the Executive arm of government.

“When we were voted in 2019 as leaders of the National Assembly, we were conscious of one thing, that our mandate that was given to us by Nigerians in 2015 had suffered disruption and dislocation.”

“For four years (2015 to 2019), our government could not perform optimally because of the then crisis between the parliament – the National Assembly – and the Executive arm of government.

“So, APC had already lost four very important years. And, that was supposed to be the years that we should have convinced Nigerians that they took the right decision by voting out a PDP administration in 2015.

“What are our options? We are one party in different arms of government. Our policies are supposed to be the same. Our programmes and projects are supposed to be the same, whether you’re in the legislature or the executive.

“So long as you are APC, that is your programme and project, that is your government and you are bound to make it succeed.

“So, we took the conscious decision of working in harmony that our relationship must be characterized by consultation, coordination, partnership and mutual respect, that we must succeed in the second tenure (2019 – 2023).

“Otherwise, in 2023, many would like to see our backs if you can’t provide the services expected of you in your first four years.

“And you to change and do better, why would anybody give you eight years?

“So, we felt we have an obligation to Nigerians who voted for us, to our people in APC and to our country, that we must work in such a fashion and manner that government is able to deliver services to Nigerians.”

The Senate President further disclosed that the ongoing amendment to the 1999 constitution will accord priority to inclusion of youths in governance.

He explained that the aim was to ensure that power is divested to younger generation in a way that allows them to participate in the process.

“Power is not given by opposition. When were out of power or when we came in, another party was in control of the country – the PDP.

“There was no way the PDP could have given us power a la carte, but the people of Nigeria mobilized and, of course, that government was voted out.

“But when it is a family affair, and this is my position, power is given not taken. Imagine yourself and your children, you want them to be better than you.

“But when you say power will not be given, that family is dysfunctional. So, power is given and can be given. How I wish it would be given.

“I am with you and I am on your side. I am still on the side that we can give power to our youths.

“We should enable them, prepare them and tell them this is the way to go. You have seen us do it, and you can do better because of the energy and capacity that you have.

“These days, our youths have more capacities, what they may lack is that clout.

“So, we also have to mentor our youths, but we have to give them the opportunity to participate in governance.

“I really feel we can do better to have more youths and more women in our government and party positions.”

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