…APC El-Rufai Report In Constitution Amendment

The Senate on Thursday hinted that it would use the 2014 Confab and the recommendations of the All-Progressives Congress Committee on True Federalism to review the 1999 Constitution.

While also stating that it will revisit and import into the amendment process, some bills in past constitution amendment that were not ratified by the House of Representative, State Houses of Assembly or assented to by the President.

The Deputy President of the Senate, Ovie Omo-Agege said this while delivering the welcome address during a two-day national public hearing on review of the 1999 Constitution.

The exercise is aimed at further alteration to the provisions of the Constitution with a view to ensuring gender equity/increased women and vulnerable groups participation in governance, devolution of power, local government autonomy, and other 10 thematic concerns.

Senator Omo-Agege said that the Upper Chamber of the National Assembly “places high value on public participation in the law-making process.

And I assure you, this committee is strongly committed to its obligations to facilitate public involvement in the Constitution review process.”

He disclosed that the committee had received broad range of issues which it had at hand.

The Deputy President of the Senate, Ovie Omo-Agege have clamped down on the call for a new constitution, saying, granting such request would be impossible.

Omo-Agege noted that the Senate Committee on the review of the constitution is working “in accordance with the extant legal order which is the 1999 constitution.

The deputy Senate President made this known at the 2-day national public hearing on the review of the 1999 constitution, in Abuja.

He said, “specifically, section 9 of the constitution empowers the National Assembly to alter the provisions of the constitution and prescribes the manner in which it is to be done.” Unfortunately, it does not make similar provision to provide mechanism for replacing or re-writing an entirely new constitution.”

He also asserted that attempting to create a new constitution “without altering the provisions of section 9 of the constitution would amount to gross violation of our oath of allegiance to the constitution.”

…Says Most Senior Officers Free To Stay Or Retire

The Defence Headquarters, (DHQ), on Thursday, has stated that the military high command was not contemplating mass retirement of senior officers, following the appointment of Major General Farouk Yahaya, as Chief of Army Staff, (COAS).

The high command however said that senior officers were free to stay in service or retire voluntarily, if they so desire.

Brigadier General Bernard Onyeuko, Director Defence Media Operations, (DDMO), who conveyed this position to newsmen in Abuja, while briefing on the successes of military operations across the country, said the clarification became necessary following the rumour of planned mass retirement.

According to him; “The rumour is not unconnectrd with the fact that the new CIAS was appointed well ahead of his seniors in the military.

General Onyeuko in his brief said, “At this point you are all aware of the appointment of the new Chief of Army Staff, Major General Farouk Yahaya. This has stirred up lot of rumours in the media about mass retirements in the military. I wish to use this medium to dispel such unfounded rumours.

“Retirement is only on voluntary basis for senior officers who desire to do so. At this point, no retirements has been authorized by the Military High Command”,: he said.

The DDMO said there was no reason to contemplate such rumoured mass retirement, as the services of these senior officers were very much needed at this critical time in the security of the country.

While speaking on the successes of operational activities across the Country between 20 May and 2 June 2021, “It is worthy to note that these operations are conducted simultaneously in the various theatres of operation on daily basis across the Country.

He said; “The un-relenting and committed efforts of the gallant troops as well as the cumulative results of our operational activities in the various operations and specific events will be highlighted under the different operations.

“Within the period in focus, troops of the Armed Forces of Nigeria intensified their operational efforts in the fight against terrorism, banditry, hoodlums and militancy as well as other criminalities across all the geo-political zones of the Country.

“Troops conducted series of clearance patrols, ambush, raid, picketing, cordon and search operations as well as artillery bombardments. Others are anti-piracy, anti-illegal oil bunkering, anti-crude oil theft, anti-pipeline vandalism and anti-smuggling operations were also conducted within the period.

“There were also extensive air operations, which included air patrols, Intelligence Surveillance and Reconnaissance missions, offensive air strikes, air interdictions, search and rescue operations as well as close air support for ground troops. These operations within the period yielded appreciable results”, General Onyeuko said.

He said troops of Operation HADIN KAI between 20 May and 2 June 2021 carried out series of operational activities, where they rescued kidnapped victims, neutralized scores of terrorists, destroyed terrorists’ enclaves, arrested terrorists and intercepted terrorists’ logistics items including vehicles.

“On 20 May 2021, troops had contact and engaged BHT criminal elements in Gwoza LGA of Borno State. This occurred as troops swiftly responded to a distress call by farmers on attack on their location. Troops gallantly rescued the farmers.

“During the encounter, several terrorists were neutralized, while some others escaped with varying degrees of gunshot wounds. Also on same day, troops while conducting aggressive clearance operation on BHT’s hideouts at Ngaiwa, Tongunle, Washelle, Mo’o, Mudollo, Mugdalla and Amtul villages, all in Dikwa LGA of Borno State, killed scores of the terrorists and recovered large caches of arms and ammunition. 

“In related developments between 21 and 25 May, troops conducted cordon and search, raid operations and arrested BHT logistics suppliers at Ngamdu Town in Kaga LGA of Borno State, New Barracks Location along Damaturu – Potiskum road as well as Kukareta Town in Damaturu LGA of Yobe State. Items recovered during the operation include; large numbers of jerry can and drums of PMS, assorted arms and ammunition and assorted logistics items. This large consignment of logistics has drastically dislocated the terrorists’ logistics network in the region.

“Meanwhile on 23 May 2021, the Air Task Force of Operation HADIN KAI conducted an extensive air interdiction missions near Gudumbali in Guzamal LGA and the Toumbuns of Lake Chad of Borno State.

“The air interdiction missions executed with various NAF platforms resulted in the neutralization of scores of BHT criminal elements and destruction of their camps and logistics facilities”, he stated.

Furthermore, he said between 20 May and 2 June 2021, troops of Operation HADARIN DAJI conducted and executed series of concurrent operations.

“These operations led to the arrest of kidnappers/bandits and gun runners, rescue of kidnapped victims, repelling of armed bandits’ attack and neutralization of scores of armed bandits as well as recovery of caches of arms and ammunition.

“These operational achievements were recorded during troops’ aggressive patrols’; response to distress calls as well raid and ambush operations.

“The operations were executed at Jalawa Village in Kibiya LGA of Kano State; Shombo Warari Market Road in Rijau LGA of Niger State; Lugu Village in Wurno LGA of Sokoto State; Hayin Daudu Village under Mada District in Gusau LGA of Zamfara State; Dangeza Road in Batsari LGA of Katsina State.”

He added that the troops of Operation HADARIN DAJI have remained vigilant and dominated the operational areas with constant aggressive patrols.

The DDMO further said that troops of Operation SAFE HAVEN and other security agencies in the North Central Zone of the Country conducted several kinetic operations, which resulted in the rescue of kidnapped victims, neutralization of scores of bandits, destruction of bandits’ hideouts and arrest of bandits.

“On 20 May 2021, own troops conducted a raid operation at Gana Ropp Village in Barkin Ladi LGA of Plateau State. The operation which took out some illicit drug peddlers’ hideouts, led to the arrest of some of the peddlers and impoundment of large quantities of cannabis sativa.

“All arrested persons and recovered exhibits have been handed over to relevant agency for prosecution. In another development, on 24 May 2021, troops intervened in a clash between farmer/herder at Fubur in Jos East LGA of Plateau State.

“The clash which was provoked by the destruction of farmlands by herders’ cattle was amicably resolved by troops, who invited both parties to peaceful dialogue.

“In a similar development, troops were able to restore normalcy by ensuring the release of a herder who was abducted by Berom youths at Byei Village in Riyom LGA of Plateau State. The swift intervention of troops in both incidents averted imminent reprisal and retaliatory actions that would have resulted in bloodsheds in the Region.

He said troops of Operation WHIRL STROKE, OPERATION THUNDER STRIKE/WHIRL PUNCH, in the North central zone, also recorded huge successes in their activities within the period under review.

Speakung further, General Onyeuko said ttroops of Operation DELTA SAFE conducted series of kinetic operations against economic saboteurs and other socio-economic vices within the period.

“In Rivers State, troops immobilized several illegal refining sites along with numerous reservoirs and polythene bags of illegally refined oil products at different sites.

“Troops also intercepted and deactivated boats and vehicles used for illegal bunkering and illegal economic activities as well as recovered large quantities of oil products and other items of economic value.

“The operations were conducted at Ibaa and Elele-Alimini general areas of Emohua LGA; Komkom Community in Oyigbo LGA; Isaka axis in Degema LGA and Okpoworo area in Ahoada LGA. Other locations were, Bonny Town, Tamgbolo – Susu Community and Samkiri Community general areas as well as Coconut Estate Waterways, all in Bonny LGA.

“In Delta State, within the period in focus at different locations, troops arrested wooden boats and immobilized speed boats laden with contraband items and illegally refined oil products and crude oil in jerry cans.

“These operations took place at Abiteye area in Warri South and Opuama Creek in Warri North as well as Warri South LGAs of Delta State. Troops also arrested cultists on Oshoni Street at Ozoro in Isoko North LGA of the State. The arrested cultists have terrorized innocent people in the area.

“In other encounters, own troops in Ikot Ekpene area arrested some IPOB/ESN members at Essien Udim LGA of Akwa-Ibom State following credible intelligence on the hoodlums’ activities in the area.

“The suspects were identified to be part of the IPOB/ESN members involved in killing and burning of policemen and stations in the area.

“Also, troops arrested some members of the Scorpion Confraternity, who have been terrorizing and robbing people at Ikong-Offiong in Akpabayo LGA of Cross River State.

“Relatedly, troops on 23 May 2021 repelled members of IPOB/ESN attack on troops at Amoka Village in Udi LGA of Enugu State. During the encounter, a member of the IPOB/ESN was neutralized in contact and some arms and ammunition were recovered.

“Furthermore, troops arrested some members of IPOB/ESN, including one Mr Black who has been on security operatives wanted list, at Ikot Akpan Town in Essien Udim LGA of Akwa-Ibom State.

“The criminals are reportedly among those responsible for the current wave of attacks, killings and burning of police operatives and stations in the Southern part of the Country. The hoodlums have been handed over to appropriate prosecuting agencies for necessary action.

The DDMO also said that troops of Operation AWATSE maintained constant vigilance and operational tempo as well as patrolled the nation’s waterways within the period and recorded successes.

“On 20 May 2021, troops of Operation AWATSE arrested some members of the Aiye Confraternity at Omiyale Junction in Owode Egbado Village, Yewa South LGA of Ogun State.

“The cultists are said to be a group of notorious criminals who have been terrorizing innocent people in the area. The arrested cultists and weapons recovered have been handed over to appropriate prosecuting agency for necessary action”, he stated.

Prof. Hassan Abdulhamid Bukhari, a Saudi academic and one of the Imams leading congregational prayers at the Holy Ka’ba (masjid Al-Haram) in Makkah, has paid a courtesy visit on Borno Governor, Professor Babagana Umara Zulum.

The visit held on Wednesday evening at the Government House, Maiduguri.

Imam Bukhari, who is the Dean, faculty of Arabic Studies for non natives at Ummul Qura University in Makkah, was in Maiduguri on the invitation of Dr. Mohammed Kyari Dikwa, President of Al-ansar Foundation that is currently building Borno’s first private university, at a site in Maiduguri.

The holy Ka’aba Imam, while meeting Zulum, said he was highly impressed with Borno’s hospitality and age long history of Quranic knowledge. He noted that the state is known for it’s numerous Quran reciters all over the world.

Professor Bukhari, whose message was translated into English by his host, Dr Dikwa, noted that he was happy to associate with Zulum’s administration having monitored all his achievements in far away Saudi Arabia.

“Professor Bukhari has particularly shown interest in you, having monitored your activities over the last few years and indeed happy to associate with you and your government over the development that has carried out under your stewardship” Dr. Dikwa noted.

In his response, Governor Zulum noted that Borno has a long standing relationship with the government and people of Saudi Arabia, particularly the custodian of the two holy mosques. He expressed appreciation for their visit.

He said, “Indeed, one of the Imams of the holy Mosque, Masjid Alharam visiting Maiduguri is pleasing to the entire Muslim community in the state” Zulum said.

He also sought for the support from Saudi Arabia’s Government in areas of Teaching Arabic and Islamic Education.

Zulum also sought support in combating violent extremist ideologies in attempt to restore peace in Borno state.

The Governor explained that Kanuris were originally from the Arab nations before migrating to Borno.